Everyone in Shiraz knew that Dash Akol and Kaka Rostam were such bitter enemies that each would shoot at the other's shadow if he could. One day Dash Akol had crouched contentedly on the dais of the Domil teahouse, his usual haunt. A delicately-wrought bird cage, covered with a fine red cloth, stood next to him. As he sat, he stirred the ice floating in a bowl with his fingertip. Suddenly, Kaka Rostam stepped through the door. With one hand on the sash at his waist, he tossed Dash Akol a contemptuous sneer and stalked to a seat on the opposite dais. He then turned towards the tea-boy and stammered, "Bo..bo..boy, bring me a cu..cu..cup of tea!"