Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/45

16 Faithful! by Allâh! they have well recollected in making their plaint; and have spoken truly in what they have said; and have made known that which took place; and have described that which occurred. And I will now recount my story before you, and judgment thereupon rests with you.

"Know, O Commander of the Faithful! that I am an Arab of the Arabs. I was reared in the dwellings of the desert, and years of misfortune darkened my life. So I came to the outskirts of this city with my household, and my goods, and my children. I followed one of its roads which led me between gardens, having with me she-camels, beloved by me, dear to me; and amongst them a he-camel of noble race, the sire of a large progeny, of beautiful form, an excellent breeder, who walked in their midst like a