that I did enter the house of these people, and stole therefrom of their property; and they followed me, took it from me, and brought me before thee."
So Khâlid ordered him to prison, and commanded the herald to proclaim in el-Básrah:—Let all who desire to witness the punishment of So-and-so the robber, and the cutting off of his hand,[1] be present to-morrow.
And when the young man had been cast into prison with fetters fastened to his feet, he sighed deeply, and recited, saying:
Khâlid threatens the loss of my hand
If I reveal not to him her story;
But I said, "Far be it from me to disclose
What the heart has received from its mistress!
To lose my hand for what I have confessed
Is less grievous to the heart than her shame.
And the gaolers happening to overhear him, came and reported the same to Khâlid. And when night fell, the latter ordered him into his presence, and when he was brought in, entered into conversation
- ↑ "If a man or a woman steal, cut off their hands, in retribution for that which they have committed; this is an exemplary punishment appointed by God; and God is mighty and wise."—El Kurân, Sur. v., V. 42.
