“Master ʿAbd Allāh, I trust relief has arrived—rise and see what has happened!”
I stood up at once and hurried out. At the door I found a man carrying a note, which read:
“After you left us, you went straight to the Commander of the Faithful and informed him of the straits to which your circumstances have reduced you and of the creditors pressing you, and you asked how he might meet their claims while still covering the expenses of his own household. He therefore ordered that a further 800,000 dirhams be paid on your behalf to your creditors. From my personal funds I have added one million dirhams, bringing the total to two million eight hundred thousand dirhams. Put them to good use and set your affairs in order.”
Story. It is related that Anūshirwān had a boon companion. In the drinking assembly there was a goblet of gold inlaid with pearls and precious gems; the companion stole it, and Anūshirwān saw him hide it. Presently the cup-bearer came looking for the vessel and could not find it. He cried out, “People of the gathering, a jewel-studded goblet is missing—no one may leave until it is returned!” Anūshirwān said, “Let them go. The one who stole the goblet will not give it back, and the one who saw him will not denounce him.” Wherever generosity and lofty aspiration exist, comfort and goodness abide as well; but whoever denies beneficence and repudiates gratitude has no noble root, and one who lacks noble root cannot conceal the baseness of his thoughts.
Story. It is said that Hārūn al-Rashīd summoned Ṣāliḥ on the very day his attitude toward the Barāmikah changed. He told him, “Go to Manṣūr ibn Ziyād and say, ‘You owe us ten thousand thousand dirhams; we want them produced this very hour. If they are not forthcoming by sunset, sever his head from his body and bring it to me. Do not consult me about any part of this matter.’” Ṣāliḥ continues: “So I went to Manṣūr and informed him of the punishment the Caliph had specified. He cried out, ‘I am ruined! I swear that all my assets and estates together are not worth one hundred thousand dirhams—how, then, can I raise ten million?’ I said to him, ‘Devise some stratagem for your predicament…’”