Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/142

Rh of the laws of religion, and wise counsellor of the King, and his admonisher of neglect of the duties of his government and the misery of his country and his subjects! what are these words in which thou hast spoken to me? For verily thou hast troubled in me that which was at rest."

So the Maubadz made answer, "I found that this was the time to obtain help from the fortunate prince for the wretched people and the towns. Therefore made I a fable of my words, and an admonition in the language of birds, in order that the King might ask me that which he did ask me."

"O wise counsellor!" said the King; "recount to me the aim thou hadst in view."

The Maubadz replied, "O King! surely the empire is not secure except by obedience to the Divine law and unswerving obedience to God. And the Divine law cannot be maintained except by the King. And the King has no strength except by men. And there is no supporting men except by wealth. And there is no road to wealth except by the cultivation of the soil. And there is no road to cultivation except by justice. And justice is—upright dealing betwixt the creatures created by God, the Glorious, the Most