Once upon a time three rival painters lived in a certain city of Persia. Their fame had spread far and wide. People from different places would rush to the city to see their pictures. They were so good at their work that it was very difficult to say who was the best artist. So as a trial of skill it was decided that each was to draw a picture and judges would decide who had done the best work.
The artists began their work in right earnest. One of the artists painted a bunch of flowers. It was so beautiful and natural that a swarm of bees came buzzing to settle on the picture. The judges were amazed at his skill. Another painted a heap of plums and peaches in a dish. It was so natural and life-like that an ox came and tried to seize it. The third artist painted a curtain on the wall. The judges thought that the picture was behind the screen. So they drew the curtain aside and found there was no curtain there, but only a painting. The picture of the curtain was adjudged the best, for it had deceived the judges, while the other pictures deceived an insect and an animal.
The artists began their work in right earnest. One of the artists painted a bunch of flowers. It was so beautiful and natural that a swarm of bees came buzzing to settle on the picture. The judges were amazed at his skill. Another painted a heap of plums and peaches in a dish. It was so natural and life-like that an ox came and tried to seize it. The third artist painted a curtain on the wall. The judges thought that the picture was behind the screen. So they drew the curtain aside and found there was no curtain there, but only a painting. The picture of the curtain was adjudged the best, for it had deceived the judges, while the other pictures deceived an insect and an animal.
