The following story is related by Arabian authors of Ma'an Ibn-Zaidah,
who, from a humble origin, rose to be Governor of Irak. The story is
probably not altogether historical, but it shows the high ideal of Arab
moralists as regards forbearance and gentleness.
An Arab of the desert, who had heard much of the great gentleness of
Ibn-Zaidah, came one day to try him. Entering abruptly into his
presence he addressed him thus (in verse):
"Rememberest thou when thy bed-covering was a sheepskin and thy sandals
made of camel-skin?"
_Ma'an_ answers (in prose): Yes, I remember, and I have not forgotten
it.
_The Arab_. Praise be to God, who hath given thee a great rule, and
taught thee how to sit on a throne!
_Ma'an_. Yes, praise to Him in every condition of life!
_Arab_. Never shall I greet Ma'an as an emir should be greeted!
_Ma'an_. Greeting is an ordinance among Arabs in which you are free to
take what form you like.
_Arab_. An Emir who eats sweet pastry in secret, and entertains his
guest with barley bread!
_Ma'an_. The food is our own: we eat what we like and give others what
we like.
_Arab_. I shall leave a land in which thou dwellest, and depart,
though the hand of Fortune is hard upon me.
_Ma'an_. Brother Arab, if thou stay, thou art welcome; and if thou
depart, peace go with thee.
_Arab_. Son of shame, give me something for my journey, for I have
decided to go.
_Ma'an_ (_to his treasurer_): Give him a thousand pieces of money.
_Arab_. Noble prince, I have heard much of thy great forbearance, and
came only to try thee. Thy gentleness is indeed very great, and has no
like among men. I pray God that thy life may be long, and thy
forbearance be ever a noble example to which men may look up!