118 – ʿAbd Allah narrated to us; he said: Abu al-Hasan al-Shaybani related to me; he said: I heard Shuʿayb ibn Ṣafwān recount that Hamzah ibn Bayd went in to see Ibn Yazid ibn al-Muhallab—meaning ⦗98⦘ Makhlad ibn Yazid—while the latter was in prison, and he recited to him:

“We have come to you with a need, so fulfil it,
And say, ‘Welcome,’ for the welcomer’s word is answered.”

Ibn Yazid replied, “Welcome.” Hamzah continued:

“Do not leave us to a people who, whenever
They pledge a promise, prove false.

You are a branch of a house
Before whom East and West have bowed.

Within their refinement you were brought up—
By your life, how excellent was their schooling!

By the time ten years of your life had passed
You had reached what the grey-haired chieftain attains.

Your concerns were weighty affairs,
While your peers cared only for play.

You were generous and proclaimed, ‘Is there not a petitioner
To ask, or a seeker to desire?’

From you comes the gift to those who beg,
And from those who represent you when they are approached.”

He (Ibn Yazid) then said, “State your need,” and he granted it. Abu al-Hasan added, “I reckon he ordered a hundred thousand for him.”