Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/90

Rh messengers. And they journeyed until they came to Muʾâwiyah, to whom they presented the letter. And he read it, and said: "Verily he has obeyed well, and has been particular in his mention of the woman." Then he commanded that she should be brought before him. And when he saw her, he found her appearance admirable. He had never seen one more lovely than she, nor equalling her in beauty, and grace, and stature, and symmetry. Then he addressed her, and found her eloquent of speech, happy in expression. And he said, "Bring the Arab to me." So they brought him; and he was in extremity through the change in his condition. Then cried Muʾâwiyah, "O Arab! art thou to be consoled for her? And wilt thou take in exchange for her three full-grown virgin slaves like moons, and with each slave a thousand dinârs, besides what will suffice thee and will enrich thee, which I shall apportion to thee every year from the Treasury?"

And when the Arab heard Muʾâwiyah's words, he sobbed chokingly—Muʾâwiyah thought he had died. So he asked him, "What evil has come over thee that thou art in this sad plight?" The Arab replied, "I sought protection through thy justice against the