Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/169

140 and more than thy desire. Let us come to the mosque of the el-Ansâry."

So we went on until we were close to the people belonging to it, whom I saluted; and when they had answered courteously, I said, "O ye people! what have ye to say concerning ʾUtbah and his father?"

They replied, "They are among the chief of the Arabs."

I said, "He has been wondrously smitten of love, and I seek help from you to reach es-Samâwah."

They replied, " We hear and obey."

So we mounted, and the people rode with us until we looked down upon the abode of the Benu-Salîm. And the chief was made aware of our presence, and he came out in haste, and met us, and cried, "Long life to ye! ye great ones!" We replied, "And to thee long life! Verily we have come as thy guests."