coloured beard and with long moustaches, though my recollection of him was with a black beard and head. So I did not at once recognize him; but lo! he verily called for gold-dust, and sprinkled it upon his beard until it became red. And he was seated upon a chair of state of polished silver, on the legs of which were four lions of gold. And when he recognized me, he placed me with himself upon the seat. And he began asking me about the Muslims. So I gave him good news of them, and said: "Of a truth they have increased much beyond what you remember them." Then he said: "And how did you leave ʾOmar-ibn-el-Khattâb?" I replied, "In excellent case." And I saw anguish in his face when I spoke of ʾOmar's health.
Then I descended from the chair; whereupon he asked, "Why do you refuse the honour with which we would honour you?" I replied, "Because the Messenger of God (may God bless and grant salvation to him!) has prohibited us from this." And he said, "Yes. He has prohibited it. May God bless and grant salvation to him. But nevertheless your heart is pure, and do not think of what you have been sitting on." And when I heard him saying, "May God bless and grant salvation to him," I yearned
