“Write this; it is agreed upon.”
The scribe looked at Mohammed, waiting for his orders. At this moment the fiery Omar, who had hitherto been a dumb witness of this scene, rose, and drawing his sword, cried out:
“Thou hast defiled the heart of the prophet, and may God fill yours with fire.”
“We speak not to thee, but to Mohammed,” answered the ambassador with composure.
“Good,” said the prophet at this; “I will not hear of such a treaty. Ye have your choice between an unconditional acceptance of Islam and war.”
“At least grant us,” said the thunderstruck Takifites, “the worship of Lat for six months longer!”
“No!”
“Then for but one month!”
“Not for an hour!”