ABSTRACT
It is related, among many other matters, that one day, while Hārūn al-Rashīd sat upon his throne, a young eunuch entered, holding in his hands a red gold crown, encrusted with pearls, rubies, and inestimable jewels. The child kissed the earth between the hands of the Khalīfah, saying: ‘O Commander of the Faithful, our mistress Zubaidah sends me with greetings to tell you that this marvellous crown, which is well-known to you, still lacks a large gem for its top, and that no one has been able to find a jewel sufficiently beautiful to fill the empty place. She has had search made among the merchants and has gone through her own treasures, but the crown still lacks its chief ornament. She therefore begs you to institute an enquiry yourself, that her desire may be satisfied.’
