69 “May thy arms wield such strength as to ignite fire when striking. May your power ascend to supreme heights, and your authority command awe and reverence far and wide. The Arabs, a nation of formidable resolve, possess hearts undaunted, capable of self-protection and devoid of fear. We stand before you as their emissaries, their voices in your presence. Anything under our protection is respected, our noble lineage fiercely guarded; our clans heed our counsel and follow our lead. Should we return to them with words of your praise, it shall echo as a chorus of acclaim from us all. Yet, should criticism be our burden, know it falls not solely upon us, but upon the entirety of our people.” When I finished, Al-Ḥārith ibn ʿAbbād al-Bakrī stood up to speak.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTg0NzAy