gather together a large army. Then a certain woman of Sefurieh sought Ibrahîm Pasha at 'Akka, and came into his presence, bowing herself before him, and said, "O my lord, look with pity on thy servant, and hear my prayer. A little while ago there were three men in my house—my husband, my brother, and my eldest son. But now, behold, they all have been carried away to serve in your army, and I am left with my little ones without a protector; I pray you grant liberty to one of these men, that he may remain at home.'
"And Ibrahîm had pity on her, and said, "O woman! do you ask for your husband, for your son, or for your brother?'
"She said, 'O my lord, give me my brother!' and he answered, 'How is this, O woman—do you prefer a brother to a husband or a son?'
"The woman, who was renowned for her wit and readiness of speech, replied in an impromptu rhyme:
- "'If it be God's will that my husband perish in your service,
- I am still a woman, and God may lead me to another husband.
- If on the battle-field my first-born son should fall,
- I have still my younger ones who will in God's time be like unto him.
- But, O my lord, if my only brother should be slain,
- I am without remedy—for my father is dead and my mother is old,
- And where should I look for another brother?'
"And Ibrahîm was much pleased with the words of the woman, and said, 'O woman! happy above many is thy brother; he shall be free for thy word's sake, and thy husband and son shall be free also.' Then the woman could not speak for joy and gladness. And Ibrahîm said, 'Go in peace—but let it not be known that I have spoken with you this day.'
"Then she arose and went her way to her village, trusting in the promise of the Pasha. After three days, her husband, and son, and brother returned to her, saying, "We are free from service, by order of the Pasha, but this matter is a mystery to us.' And all the neighbors marveled greatly. But the woman held her peace, and this story
