Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/134

Rh “Verily I have granted it," he said. "And now what is it thou dost want?"

"O Muʾâwiyah!" she cried, "surely thou hast risen as a ruler over men, and as a governor to give them laws. And thou must answer to God concerning our affairs, and what He has imposed upon you with regard to our rights. Yet thou dost continually appoint over us one who deceives thee, and who commits violence in the name of the Sultân. And he mows us down like as the harvest is mown, and causes his roller to pass over us even as cardamums are rolled, and he subjects us to degradation, and lays violent hands upon our cattle. This is the son of ʾUrtah! He came down upon us, slew my men and seized my goods; and, but for Obedience' sake, in good truth there is amongst us both strength and power. Now, if thou wilt depose him, we will show thee our gratitude; but if thou maintainest him in his post, verily thou shalt know what we are."

"Dost thou mean to threaten me by these words?" asked Muʾâwiyah. "I am minded to bind thee upon the pack of a vicious camel, and send thee to him that he may do what he pleases with thee!"