Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/269

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T is related that one day, when the poet Abu-Dulâmah was standing in the presence of es-Saffâh, the latter said to him, "Ask of me whatever thou desirest."

"I want a sporting dog," he replied.

"Give him one," said es-Saffâh.

"And a horse upon which to hunt," he added.

"Give him a horse," said es-Saffâh.

"And a slave to lead the dog and carry the game," proceeded Abu-Dulâmah.

"Give him a slave," said es-Saffâh.