The Conference of the Birds, pgs. 75-120 Summary

Convinced not to be held back by Self, thousands of birds set out, elect themselves a leader, guide, judge, and commander, and immediately panic, seeing the trackless desert. The hoopoe tells about Sheikh Bayazid, whom God tells not all are worthy to glimpse His radiant light and most turn back. The Hoopoe knows no fear for Solomon by a glance has given him certainty; ceaseless prayer will serve them once Solomon accepts them. King Mas'oud, finds a poor fisher boy, helps him draw in a great catch, refuses a share, and seats him beside him on his throne. An executed murderer attains paradise because a "friend to God" glances searingly at him. Locked in vanity and without a proven guide, no one can reach heaven, blind. King Mahmoud meets a woodcutter...