Ikhwan al-Safa (Brethren of Purity) - Dowson Translation

Appeal to the King

"...into my presence." Accordingly, seventy of them—inhabitants of various cities who were exceptionally eloquent and well-spoken—immediately answered the King’s summons. A very fine house was provided for their stay. After two or three days, once the exhaustion of their journey had faded, he summoned them to his presence. When they saw the King on his throne, they offered their blessings, bowed respectfully, and took their places in their assigned ranks.

This King was exceptionally just and righteous; in his liberality and generosity, he surpassed all his peers and equals. The poor and needy of that time who came to him received support. Nowhere in his territory could any bully or tyrant oppress a person of lower status. Acts forbidden by Law were entirely absent original: "rose up, went away" from his reign. Nothing was ever dearer to his heart than pleasing and satisfying God. He questioned the men with great politeness, saying, "Why have you come into my kingdom? There has never been any correspondence between us; what has caused you to travel so far?"

One among them, who was worldly and experienced original: "seen the world" and eloquent, bowed and began to speak, saying, "We have heard of the King’s justice and fairness, and so we have come into his presence. To this day, no seeker of justice has ever left this seat of prosperity disappointed. Our hope is that the King will grant us redress."

The King asked, "What is your desire?"

He replied humbly, "O just King! These animals are our slaves. Some of them are rebellious recalcitrant, and others, though they are forced to submit, still resent our authority."

The King inquired, "Is there any proof of this claim? For a claim without evidence is not heard in a court of justice."