Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/216

Rh Hajjâj, and saluted him, and announced to him the arrival of Saʾîd-ibn-Jubair. And when Saʾîd stood before him, el-Hajjâj asked, "What is thy name?"

He replied, "Saʾîd-ibn-Jubair."

"Thou art Sháky-ibn-Kasîr," said el-Hajjâj.

"No," said Saʾîd, "my mother knew my name better than thou dost."

"Thou art vile, and so was thy mother!" cried el-Hajjâj.

"That which is hidden is known to Another beside thee," answered Saʾîd.

"Of a surety I will soon change this world into hellfire for thee," said el-Hajjâj.

"Had I known that that had been in thy power," responded Saʾîd, "verily I had abased myself before thee as before a god."

Then el-Hajjâj asked, "What sayest thou of Muhammad?"

"He is the Prophet of the Merciful," replied Saʾîd.