Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/317

288 out the remains of some milk, and gave him to drink; after which he brought some wine in a bottle, and poured him out a glass. And when el-Máhdy had drank it, he said, "O brother of the Arabs! dost thou know who I am?"

"No, by Allâh!" he replied.

"I am one of the personal attendants of the Commander of the Faithful," said el-Máhdy.

"May Allâh prosper thee in thy situation!" returned the Arab. Then he poured out a second glass; and when el-Máhdy had drank it, he cried, "O Arab! dost thou know who I am ?"

He answered, "Thou hast stated that thou art one of the personal attendants of the Commander of the Faithful."

"No," said el-Máhdy; "but I am one of the chief officers of the Commander of the Faithful."

"May thy country be enlarged, and thy wishes fulfilled!" exclaimed the Arab. Then he poured out a third glass for him; and when el-Máhdy had drained it, he said, "O Arab! dost thou know who I am?"

The man replied, "Thou hast made me believe thou art one of the chief officers of the Commander of the Faithful."