Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night - Volume 4.djvu/133



'Who made all graces all collected He * In Adam's loins, our Seventh Imam, for thee, Thou hast the hearts of men with reverence filled, * Enguarding all with heart-humility Rebelled I never by delusion whelmed * For object other than thy clemency ; And thou hast pardoned me whose like was ne'er * Pardoned before, though no man pled my plea: Hast pitied little ones like Katá's young, * And mother's     yearning heart a son to see.'

Quoth Maamun, 'I say, following our lord Joseph (on whom and on our Prophet be blessing and peace!) let there be no reproach cast on you this day. Allah forgiveth you; for He is the most merciful of those who show mercy. Indeed I pardon thee, and restore to thee thy goods and lands, O uncle, and no harm shall befall thee.' So I offered up devout prayers for him and repeated these couplets,

'Thou hast restored my wealth sans greed, and ere * So didst, thou deignèdest my blood to spare: Then if I shed my blood and wealth, to gain * Thy grace, till even shoon from foot I tear, Twere but repaying what thou lentest me, * And what unloaned no     man to blame would care: Were I ungrateful for thy lavish boons, * Baser than thou'rt     beneficent I were!'

Then Al-Maamun showed me honour and favour and said to me, '