A Certain Prophet made his home for worship on a lofty mountain, at whose foot was a spring of running water, and he was wont to sit by day on the summit, that no man might see him, calling upon the name of Allah the Most Highest and watching those who frequented the spring. One day, as he sat looking upon the fountain, behold, he espied a horseman who came up and dismounted by that and taking a bag from his neck, set it down beside him after which he drank of the water and rested awhile, then he rode away, leaving behind him the bag which contained gold pieces. Presently, up came another man to drink of the spring, who saw the bag and finding it

Prophet And The Justice Of Providence. 287 full of money took it up; then, after satisfying his thirst, he made off with it in safety. A little after came a woodcutter people with a heavy load of fuel on his back, and sat down by the spring to drink, when lo! back came the first horse man in great trouble and asked him, "Where is the bag which was here?" and when he answered, " I know nothing of it," the rider drew his sword and smote him and slew him. Then he searched his clothes, but found nothing; so he left him and go on their way. Now when the Prophet saw this, he said, "O Lord, one man has taken a thousand dinars and another man has been slain unjustly." But Allah answered him, saying, "Busy yourself with your devotions, for the ordinance of the universe is none of yours affair. The father of this horseman had violently despoiled of a thousand dinars the father of the second horseman; so I gave the son possession of his sire's money. As for the woodcutter, he had slain the horseman's father, Why I enabled the son to obtain retribution for himself." Then cried the Prophet, "There is none other god than You! Glory be to You only! Truly, You are the Knower of Secrets."—

When it was the Four Hundred and Seventy ninth night

Furthermore, one of the poets has made these verses on the matter,

The Prophet saw whatever eyes could see, And glad of other things enquired he; And when his eyes saw things misunderstood, He said, 'O Lord, this slain from sin was free. This one has won him wealth withouten work; Albe appeared he garbed in penury. And that in joy of life was slain, although O man's Creator free of sin was he. God answered "Twas his father's good you saw'st Him take; by heir not by roguery;

that woodman too that horseman's sire had slain; Whose son avenged him with just victory: Put off, O slave of Me, this thought for I In men have set mysterious secrecy! Bow to Our Law and humble you, and learn For good and evil issues Our decree.'"

And a certain pious man has told us the tale of