Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/306

Rh some provisions.' So he went off, but was absent so long that I began to grow suspicious of him. Presently, however, he returned, and a man with him, who came in and saluted, and said, 'The King sends thee greeting, and asks, Who art thou, and what has brought thee to my kingdom? Art thou come to make war, or dost thou desire to join my religion, or suest thou for my protection?'—So I answered him, 'Return to thy King and say unto him, I am not come to make war, and I do not desire thy religion, for I am not of those who seek to change their religion,—but I come imploring protection.' So the messenger went away, and afterwards returned and said to me, 'The King says, I am coming to thee tomorrow; and let no new anxieties come into thy mind, nor any care about provisions.'

"Then said I to my companions, 'Spread out the carpets.' So they spread them out, and I prepared to receive him the next day. And behold! he drew near, and verily he wore two striped robes; one of which was wrapped around him like an Izâr, and the