Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/309

280 from you your wealth, and clothed you in misery, and has aided your enemies against you. And His vengeance has fallen upon you, and is not yet accomplished. And I fear lest punishment descend upon thee if thou wert one of the oppressors, and that with thee it also embrace me, for of a truth when vengeance comes it comprehends all. Depart therefore after three days; for of a truth if I find thee after that time, I will seize what thou hast with thee, and will slay thee and thine.' Then he rose and left me. And I remained for three days, and then returned to Egypt, where thy vicegerent laid hands on me and sent me to thee. And here I am, and death were dearer unto me than life."

Then el-Mansûr was softened towards him, and thought to release him. But Ismaîl said to him, "Upon my neck be the consequences of this."

"What dost thou advise?" asked el-Mansûr.

He replied, "That he should be sent down to one of our fortified houses, and that what is executed upon those who resemble him, should be executed upon him."

And this was done to him.