ABSTRACT
A.C. Caliph on the manner in which he allowed the govern-
ment to fall into the hands of his unworthy favourites. But Osman, under the influence of his evil genius, Merwan, paid no heed to these counsels. At last deputations from the provinces arrived at Medina, to demand redress. They were sent back with promises. On their way home they intercepted a letter of Merwan, purporting to bear the seal of the Caliph, containing directions to the local governors to behead the leaders of the deputations on their arrival at their destinations. Furious at this treachery, they returned to Medina, and demanded the surrender of Merwan. And this demand was enforced even by members of the house of Ommeya.1 The ill-fated Osman met this demand with a stern refusal. Enraged at what they believed the complicity of the Caliph, they beseiged him in his house. At this hour of peril, the Ommeyades deserted the old Chief, and fled towards Syria, where their kinsman Muawiyah was governor. But Osman was bravely defended by Ali and his sons and dependents, and the insurgents had great difficulty in making any impression on the de-
Osman's fenders. At last two of the besiegers scaled the wall, Death. entered the house, and there killed the aged Caliph.
