They tell[125] that Harun Al-Rashid was sitting one day to abate
grievances, when there came up to him a woman and said, “O Commander of
the Faithful, may Allah perfect thy purpose and gladden thee in whatso
He hath given thee and increase thee in elevation! Indeed, thou hast
done justice and wrought equitably.”[126] Quoth the Caliph to those who
were present with him, “Know ye what this one meaneth by her saying?”
and quoth they, “Of a surety, she meaneth not otherwise than well, O
Prince of True Believers.” Al-Rashid rejoined; “Nay, in this she
purposeth only to curse me. As for her saying, ‘Allah perfect thy
purpose,’ she hath taken it from the saying of the poet:—
When thy purpose is effected beginneth its decay; ✿ when they say ‘Thy
wish is won’ feel thou sure ’twill pass away.
As for her saying ‘Allah gladden thee in whatso He hath given thee,’ she
took it from the saying of Almighty Allah,[127] ’Till, whenas they were
gladdened in that which they were given, We suddenly laid hold of them
and lo, they were in despair!’ As for her saying, ‘Allah increase thee
in elevation!’ she took it from the saying of the poet:—
‘No flier flieth however tall ✿ but as he flieth shall come to fall.’
And as for her saying, ‘Indeed, thou hast done justice and wrought
equitably,’ ’tis from the saying of the Almighty, ‘If ye swerve[128] or
lag behind or turn aside, verily, Allah of that which ye do is well
aware;’ and ‘As for the swervers[129] they are fuel for Hell.’” Then he
turned to the woman and asked her, “Is it not thus?” Answered she; “Yes,
O Commander of the Faithful,” and quoth he, “What prompted thee to
this?” Quoth she, “Thou slewest my parents and my kinsfolk and
despoiledst their good.” Enquired the Caliph, “Whom meanest thou?” and
she replied, “I am of the house of Barmak.” Then said he to her, “As for
the dead, they are of those who are past away, and it booteth not to
speak of them; but, as for that which I took of wealth, it shall
forthright be restored to thee, yea, and more than it.” And he was
bountiful to her to the uttermost of his bounties.