es of all the provinces have come into the treasury,
save that of Bassorah, no part whereof hath arrived.” Ja’afar replied,
“O Commander of the Faithful, belike there hath befallen the governor of
Bassorah something that hath diverted him from sending the tribute.”
Quoth the Caliph, “The time of the coming of the tribute was twenty days
ago; what then, can be his excuse for that, in this time, he hath
neither sent it nor sent to show cause for not doing so?” And quoth the
Minister, “O Commander of the Faithful, if it please thee, we will send
him a messenger.” Rejoined the Caliph, “Send him Abu Ishak
al-Mausili,[477] the boon companion,” and Ja’afar, “Hearkening and
obedience to Allah and to thee, O Prince of True Believers!” Then he
returned to his house and summoning Abu Ishak, wrote him a royal writ
and said to him, “Go to Abdullah bin Fazil, Viceroy of Bassorah, and see
what hath diverted him from sending the tribute. If it be ready, do thou
receive it from him in full and bring it to me in haste, for the Caliph
hath examined the tributes of the provinces and findeth that they are
all come in, except that of Bassorah: but an thou see that it is not
ready and he make an excuse to thee, bring him back with thee, that he
may report his excuse to the Caliph with his own tongue.” Answered Abu
Ishak, “I hear and I obey;” and taking with him five thousand horse of
Ja’afar’s host set out for Bassorah. Now when Abdullah bin Fazil heard
of his approach, he went out to meet him with his troops, and led him
into the city and carried him to his palace, whilst the escort encamped
without the city walls, where he appointed to them all whereof they
stood in need. So Abu Ishak entered the audience-chamber and sitting
down on the throne, seated the governor beside himself, whilst the
notables sat round him, according to their several degrees. After
salutation with the salam Abdullah bin Fazil said to him, “O my lord, is
there for thy coming to us any cause?;” and said Abu Ishak, “Yes