At once, there was a great flapping of wings, and darkness spread all over. The crowd gathered was astonished and alleged that a huge bird, the roc, obscured the light of the sun. The bird swooped down with the speed of wind or falling rain, and, striking the serpent with its talons, tore his head off at a blow. But at the same time, several feet of the stone-work of the temple also broke down.
The roc then flew away. Many herons also accompanied it as it flew away, as though escorting a guest. The nest also broke and fell down. One of the young birds died due to the fall. The other was taken by the priests and put in the bell tower. There, the old birds returned to feed it until thoroughly fledged. Then, it spread its wings and flew away.
