Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/41

12 water, and behind him a wooden platter, out of which every one of his fellow-travellers, without distinction, ate with him. His clothes, according to Theophanes, were made of camel's hair, and were in a very ragged and tattered condition. The same author relates that when ʾOmar entered the Church of the Resurrection at Jerusalem, he appeared in such sordid and filthy attire as gave great offence to the patriarch Sophronius, who with much difficulty prevailed upon him to put on some clean clothes till his own foul rags were washed. After the reduction of Jerusalem, and whilst the Muslim general was besieging Antioch, one ʾOmar-ibn-Rafaʾa, who had been taken captive by the Greeks, embraced Christianity, and was after his baptism received with great kindness both by the bishops and the Emperor Heraclius himself. The latter questioned him concerning the Khalîfah, and desired to know what could induce him to appear in such mean attire, so different from that of other princes, when he had taken so much wealth from the Christians. "The consideration of the other world, and the fear of God," replied ʾOmar. When further asked what sort of a palace the Khalîfah had, "One of mud," he answered. "Who are his attendants?" asked the Emperor. "Beggars and poor people." "What tapestry does he sit upn?" "Justice and equity." "What is his throne?" "Abstinence and certain knowledge." "What is his treasure?" "Trust in God." "Who are his guards?" "The stoutest of the Unitarians. And knowest thou not, O king!" continued ʾOmar, "that some have said to him, O ʾOmar! thou possessest the treasures of the Cæsars; kings and great men are also subdued unto thee; why, therefore puttest thou not on rich garments? To whom he made answer, Ye seek the outward world, but I the favour of Him who is Lord both of that and the other."