do it, I shall certainly make it known that you were the one who invited me to this; and if I bear a child by your son, the distinction will be yours.’ So she acceded.

He then consummated the union with her. When they had finished she asked, ‘How do you like the stratagem of the caliphs’ daughters? I am your lady.’ His drunkenness instantly vanished; he stood up and said to his mother, ‘By Allah, you have sold me cheaply.’ She conceived by him.

When she gave birth, she entrusted the infant to a servant and a wet-nurse and sent them to Mecca. Later Zubaydah informed against her. The Caliph made the pilgrimage, confirmed the report, and inwardly resolved to destroy the Barmakids. Abū Nuwās hinted at this, saying:

Go, tell the Guardian of God,
scion of sagacious commanders:
Should a traitor vex you
so that you long to sever his head,
then do not strike him with the sword—
marry him to ʿAbbāsah instead. (1)

Saʿīd ibn Sālim was asked what offence the Barmakids had committed. He replied, ‘Nothing they did warranted what al-Rashid inflicted upon them; but their days were many, and anything that lasts too long becomes wearisome.’

It is also said that a petition reached al-Rashid containing these verses:

Say to God’s trustee upon His earth,
to the one whose word unbinds and binds:
This son of Yaḥyā has become a king like you;
between you two there is no boundary.
Your command now depends upon his leave,
while none can gainsay his command.
He has built a dwelling the like of which
neither Persians nor Indians ever raised:
pearls and rubies are its gravel,
its very soil is ambergris and aloes.
We fear he will inherit your realm
if the grave should hide you from sight.

He read it, and it left a deep impression on him. (2)