THE EMIR ALI BIN TAHIR AND THE GIRL MUUNIS.
Once on a time was displayed for sale to Ali bin Mohammed bin Abdallah bin Táhir[[252]] a slave-girl called Muunis who was superior to her fellows in beauty and breeding, and to boot an accomplished poetess; and he asked her of her name. Replied she, “Allah advance the Emir, my name is Muunis.”[[253]] Now he knew this before; so he bowed his head awhile, then raising his eyes to her, recited this verse:—
What sayest of one by a sickness caught ✿ For the love of thy love till he waxed distraught?
Answered she, “Allah exalt the Emir!” and recited this verse in reply:—
If we saw a lover who pains as he ought, ✿ Wi’ love we would grant him all favours he sought.
She pleased him: so he bought her for seventy thousand dirhams and begat on her Obayd’ Allah bin Mohammed, afterwards minister of Police.[[254]] And we are told by Abu al-Ayná[[255]] a tale of
[252]. Governor of Egypt, Khorasan, etc. under Al-Maamun.
[253]. i.e. a companion, a solacer: it is also a man’s name (vol. i. xxiv.)
[254]. At Baghdad; evidently written by a Baghdad or Mosul man.
[255]. A blind traditionist of Bassorah (ninth century).