And vinegar was added. Hope was thus beguiled.
The fire grew fiercer under stimulus of strife;
Extension gave it wings, success infused new life.
The people now came flocking to the Caliph’s gate,
In marvel, that, through water, fire would not abate.215
He told them that the fire burnt by divine command;
That all those flames arose from their too frugal hand:
“What use are water, vinegar? Distribute bread;
Eschew cold avarice, if by me you’ll be led.”
They answered: “Wide our doors stand open every day,