Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/50

Rh secret of his condition, and discovered to them the place of his property. Then I hastened here, in the heat of the sun, to fulfil the obligation of a true-born man."

And the people marvelled at his honesty and fidelity, and at his intrepidity in meeting death. But he said, "He who acted perfidiously was not pardoned by the man who had him in his power. But upon the one who was faithful the avenger had pity, and pardoned him. And I was also certain that when death presented itself, there was no guarding against it by flight. And let it not be said, Fidelity has gone from among men."

Then said Abu-Zarr, "By Allâh! O Amîr-el-Muʾmanîn! of a truth I stood surety for this young man, though I neither knew to what people he belonged, nor had seen him before that day. But he looked towards me only amongst those who were present, and turned towards me, and said, 'This one will be surety for me.' And it did not seem right to refuse him; and humanity forbad that his hopes should be frustrated when there was no harm in consenting to his wish, lest it should be said, Goodness has gone from among men."