It is related that Ibn al-Sammák[281] went in one day to Al-Rashid, and
the Caliph, being athirst, called for drink. So his cup was brought him,
and when he took it, Ibn al-Sammak said to him, “Softly, O Prince of
True Believers! An thou wert denied this draught, with how much wouldst
thou buy it?” He replied, “With the half of my reign;” and Ibn al-Sammak
said, “Drink and Allah make it grateful to thee!” Then, when he had
drunken; he asked him, “An thou wert denied the issuing forth of the
draught from thy body, with what wouldst thou buy its issue?” Answered
Al-Rashid, “With the whole of my reign;” and Ibn al-Sammak said, “O
Commander of the Faithful, verily, a realm that weigheth not in the
balance against a draught of water or a voiding of urine is not worth
the striving for.” And Harun wept.