The Tale of the Bull and the Ass

...there was once a merchant who owned much money and many men, and who was rich in cattle and camels; he had also a wife and family and dwelt in the country, being experienced in husbandry and devoted to agriculture. Now Allah most high had endowed him with understanding the tongues of the beasts and the birds of every kind, but under pain of death if he divulged the gift to any.