Once on a time a slave girl called Muunis was displayed for sale to Ali bin Mohammed bin Abdallah bin Tahir. She was superior to her fellows in beauty and breeding, and moreover an accomplished poetess. He asked name. She replied, "Allah advance the Emir, my name is Muunis." He already knew this, so he bowed his head awhile, then, raising his eyes to her, recited this verse:

"What say of one by a sickness caught For the love of your love till he grew 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 Obaid Allah bin Mohammed, who afterwards became minister of Police. And we are told by Abu al-Ayna a tale of

The Woman who Had a Boy Lover. 165