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OF THE EOMAN EMPIRE 357 they would for ever profess the creed, and observe the precepts, of the Koran. The second was a political association, the first [a d. 622] vital spark of the empire of the Saracens. ^^^ Seventy-three men and two women of Medina held a solemn conference with Mahomet, his kinsmen, and his disciples ; and pledged them- selves to each other by a mutual oath of fidelity. They promised in the name of the city that, if he should be banished, they would receive him as a confederate, obey him as a leader, and defend him to the last extremity, like their wives and children. " But, if you are recalled by your country," they asked with a flattering anxiety, "will you not abandon your new allies." "All things," replied Mahomet with a smile, "are now common between us ; your blood is as my blood, your ruin as my ruin. We are bound to each other by the ties of honour and interest. I am your friend, and the enemy of your foes." " But, if we are killed in your service, what," exclaimed the deputies of Medina, "will be our reward.^" "Paradise," replied the prophet. " Stretch forth thy hand." He stretched it forth, and they reiterated the oath of allegiance and fidelity. Their treaty was ratified by the people, who unanimously embraced the profession of Islam ; they rejoiced in the exile of the apostle, but they trembled for his safety, and impatiently expected his arrival. After a perilous and rapid journey along the sea-coast, he halted at Koba, two miles from the city, and made his public entry into Medina, sixteen days after his flight from Mecca. Five hundred of the citizens advanced to meet him ; he was hailed with acclamations of loyalty and devotion ; Mahomet was mounted on a she-camel, an umbrella shaded his head, and a turban was unfurled before him to supply the deficiency of a standard. His bravest disciples, who had been scattered by the storm, assembled round his person ; and the equal, though various, merit of the Moslems was distinguished by the names of Mohngerlcuis and [amuhajinm Ansars, the fugitives of Mecca, and the auxiliaries of Medina. To eradicate the seeds of jealousy, Mahomet judiciously coupled his principal followers with the rights and obligations of brethren ; and, when Ali found himself without a peer, the prophet ten- derly declared that he would be the companion and brother of the noble youth. The expedient was crowned with success ; the holy fraternity was respected in peace and war, and the two parties vied with each other in a generous emulation of courage 1* The triple inauguration of Mahomet is described by Abulfeda (p. 30, 33, 40, 86), and Gagnier (torn. i. p. 342, &c. , 349, &c., torn. ii. p. 223, &c.).