Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/110

Rh who received and succoured, they, they are the true believers. And the Prophet was merciful to us in consequence, and overlooked our evil deeds. And why did you not the same, but did, on the contrary, oppose the Apostle of God?"

And Muʾâwiyah reflected upon this question; but after a time, raising his head, he asked, "O ye men! who among the Arabs has the most eloquent tongue, and who has borne witness thereof?"

Et-Tarammâh answered, "We, O Muʾâwiyah!"

"How is that?" asked the latter.

"Because," replied et-Tarammâh, "Imruʾl-Kîs, son of Hájar-el-Kándy, was of us. He says in one of his poems:

And verily he quoted from the Kurân before it was