It is related that Ibn al-Sammák[FN#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.