The Secret of Divine Civilization
custom set out with pomp and pageantry and made for the two mausoleums called the Smeared-With-Blood. He brought Qarád along, to wreak his kingly wrath upon him. The pillars of the state then loosed their tongues and begged for mercy, imploring the king to respite Qarád until sundown, for they hoped that Ḥanzalá might yet return; but the king’s purpose was to spare the life of Ḥanzalá, and to requite his hospitality by putting Qarád to death in his place. As the sun began to set, they stripped off the garments of Qarád, and made ready to sever his head. At that moment a rider appeared in the distance, galloping at top speed. Nu’mán said to the swordsman, “Why delayest thou?” The ministers said, “Perchance it is Ḥanzalá who comes.” And when the rider drew near, they saw it was none other.
Nu’mán was sorely displeased. He said, “Thou fool! Thou didst slip away once from the clutching fingers of death; must thou provoke him now a second time?”
And Ḥanzalá answered, “Sweet in my mouth and pleasant on my tongue is the poison of death, at the thought of redeeming my pledge.”
Nu’mán asked, “What could be the reason for this trustworthiness, this regard for thine obligation and this concern for thine oath?” And Ḥanzalá answered, “It is my faith in the one God and in the Books that have come down from heaven.” Nu’mán asked, “What
Faith dost thou profess?” And Ḥanzalá said, “It was the holy breaths of Jesus that brought me to life. I follow the
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