The King of Yemen Tests Hatim's Generosity

I don't recall who told me this tale, that there was once a ruler in Yemen. Among the famous, he carried off the prize of fortune, for in generous giving no one matched him. You could call him a cloud of kindness, for his hand scattered coins the way clouds scatter rain. No one could mention Hatim's name near him without a fit of jealous rage seizing his head. He would rage: how long these speeches praising that windbag, who owns no kingdom, no command, no treasure? I heard he threw a royal feast; like a harp at that banquet, he set a whole crowd humming with delight. Someone opened the subject of Hatim, and another began to sing his praises. Envy set the man's heart on revenge; he hired someone to spill Hatim's blood. He said: as long as Hatim lives in my time, my name will never be spoken well of. The killer took the road to the tribe of Tai, tracking down the noble man to murder him. On the way a young man came to greet him, and from him rose a warm scent of friendliness. Handsome, wise, and sweet of speech, that night he took him home as his guest. He showed kindness, took pains for him, and apologized; with goodness he won the schemer's heart. At dawn he kissed his hands and feet and said: stay with us a few more days. The man replied: I cannot settle here, for a great matter lies ahead of me. The young man said: if you share it with me, I'll strive for it with my life, like a loyal friend. The man said: listen, generous soul, for I know how to keep a noble man's secret. In this land you must surely know Hatim, the one of blessed judgment and good conduct. The king of Yemen wants his head; I don't know what grudge has arisen between them. If you'll guide me to where he is, that is all I ask of your kindness, my friend. The young man laughed: I am Hatim. Here, cut my head from my body with your sword. It must not happen that when the dawn turns white you come to harm or fall into despair. When Hatim laid down his life so freely, a cry burst from deep within the young man. He fell to the ground, then sprang up again, kissing now the earth, now Hatim's hands and feet. He threw down his sword, set aside his quiver, and folded his hands like the helpless. He said: if I so much as strike you with a rose, I am no man among men, but a coward. He kissed his eyes and held him in his arms, then set off from there on the road to Yemen. The king read it at once in the space between the man's brows, that he had done no deed. He said: come, what news do you bring? Why haven't you tied his head to your saddle? Did the famous one perhaps attack you, and out of weakness you couldn't stand the fight? The nimble young man kissed the ground, praised the king, and bowed with respect. He said: I found Hatim the renowned, gifted, of fine bearing and beautiful face. I found him noble and wise, and in manliness far above myself. The weight of his kindness bent my back double; he killed me with the sword of his grace and generosity. He told all he had seen of Hatim's kindness, and the great king praised the house of Tai. He gave the messenger a thousand silver coins, for generosity is stamped on Hatim's very name. He deserves it well if people bear witness, for his true worth and his reputation walk together.