THE STORY OF KHUZAIMAH AND
ʾIKRIMAH.
IT is said that in the days of Sulaimân there lived a man called Khuzaimah-ibn-Bishr, of the sons of Asaad. His means were ample, and he was famed for generosity and goodness and kindness towards his brethren; and this character he kept up until adversity befell him. Then he sought help from his brethren who had been enriched by him, and upon whom he had lavished favours, and for a while they helped him, but afterwards grew weary of him. And when he observed this change in their conduct, he went to his wife, who was his cousin, and said to her, "O daughter of my uncle! surely I have noted the alteration in my brethren, and am resolved to remain shut up in my house until death shall come unto me." So he locked his door and prepared to support himself upon what he had left, until all should be exhausted and he without resource.
