The Emir Ali Bin Tahir and the Girl Muunis

Once on a time was displayed for sale to Ali bin Mohammed bin Abdallah bin Táhir a slave-girl called Muunis who was superior to her fellows in beauty and breeding, and to boot an accomplished poetess; and he asked her of her name. Replied she, “Allah advance the Emir, my name is Muunis.” Now he knew this before; so he bowed his head awhile, then raising his eyes to her, recited this verse:—

What sayest of one by a sickness caught ✿ For the love of thy love till he waxed distraught?

Answered she, “Allah exalt the Emir!” and recited this verse in reply:—

If we saw a lover who pains as he ought, ✿ Wi’ love we would grant him all favours he sought.

She pleased him: so he bought her for seventy thousand dirhams and begat on her Obayd’ Allah bin Mohammed, afterwards minister of Police. And we are told by Abu al-Ayná a tale of