AL-FATH BIN KHAKAN AND THE CALIPH
AL-MUTAWAKKIL.
Al-Mutawakkil[FN#225] was once taking medicine, and folk sent him
by way of solace all sorts of presents and rarities and things
costly and precious. Amongst others, al-Fath bin Khákán[FN#226]
sent him a virgin slave, high breasted, of the fairest among
women of her time, and with her a vase of crystal, containing
ruddy wine, and a goblet of red gold, whereon were graven in
black these couplets,
"Since our Imam came forth from medicine, *
Which made him health and heartiness rewin,
There is no healing draught more sovereign *
Than well boiled wine this golden goblet in:
Then let him break the seal for him secured; *
'Tis best prescription after medicine[FN#227]
Now when the damsel entered, the physician Yohanná[FN#228] was
with the Caliph, and as he read the couplets, he smiled and said,
"By Allah, O Commander of the Faithful, Fath is better versed
than I in the art of healing: so let not the Prince of True
Believers gainsay his prescription." Accordingly, the Caliph
followed the recipe contained in the poetry and was made whole by
the blessing of Allah and won his every wish. And among tales
they tell is one of
