Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/143

114 High. And He has appointed for Himself a deputy, who is—the King.

"Then said the King, "Certainly what thou hast described is true. But explain to me what thou dost mean by it, and enlighten me fully."

He replied, "Willingly, O King! Verily thou hast caused suffering to the villages by bestowing them upon retainers and idle persons, who took for themselves the first-fruits of the crops, and forestalled the harvest, and neglected cultivation, and the consideration of consequences, and of what would profit the villages. And they themselves being exempt from taxation on account of their relationship to the King, the burden fell upon the subjects and the tillers of the village lands. Then these deserted their homes, and wealth decreased, and both soldiers and labourers dwindled. And the country of Persia was coveted greedily by the neighbouring kings and peoples, for in their opinion the means whereby the pillars of the State were supported had been destroyed."

Then when the King heard this he remained where he was for three days. And he sent for the wazîrs, and secretaries, and members of the dîwâns. And he wrested the villages from the hands of his minions