Authors: Homayun Shahpesandy.
A good-natured prince was affected by melancholy; he was shouting “there are few cows fatter than me in town. If the chef cooked “harissa” (goulash) of my meat, his pocket would turn into a silver treasure. Hurry, cut my throat, take me to the butchery”. From morning to evening this was his state; with his friends this was the only topic of debate. No passage of day and night passed without him mooing like a cow; “With a knife or machete kill me as I am losing weight”. This progressed to the degree he would not take food or remedies from any one. No healers could cure him, hence they sought help of Avicenna who instructed, “go and tell him that tomorrow morning, the chief butcher will come to slaughter you knife in hand”. On the hearing the good news, the patient rejoiced and became excited. In the morning Avicenna went to the patient’s house shouting, “Where is the cow?”. The patient came out, laid down in the middle of the yard, saying “I am the cow, such and such come forward”. Abu Ali bound his hands and feet firmly, sharpened his knives and sat down. As a butcher would measure an animal, Avicenna inspected him and stroked his sides and back. Afterwards, Avicenna said, this “cow is still undernourished; it is not wise to kill him today. Feed it for some time, never let it go hungry. When it is fat enough, I shall draw the blade, so its slaughter is not a waste”. They untied his hands and feet and put food in front of him. Everything they gave to him of food and medicine he took and ate without resistance, so, as cows he will gain weight. Eventually, the delusion of being a cow faded away
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