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! TRUTHFULNESS TO TRUST The following historical incident is related by Arab authors as the highest example of faithfulness to trust. Al-Samau'al (Samuel) was the emir of a Jewish tribe in Southern Arabia, shortly before the time of Mohammed. A friend of his, before setting out on a journey, left with him some very fine mailed armour. This friend was killed in a battle, and one of the kings of Syria demanded the arms. Al-Samau'al refused to give them up except to the rightful heir, and the king laid siege to him in one of his fortresses. One day his son fell into the hands of the enemy, and the king threatened to kill him if the arms were not given up. Again he refused, and from the turrets of the castle saw his son put to death. The siege was soon after raised, and the arms were delivered to the heirs of his friend. TRUTHFULNESS TO PLEDGE