Page:Folk-lore of the Holy Land.djvu/185

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IDEAS AND SUPERSTITIONS
161

IV

MORAL TALES

When out riding one day, the Caliph Harûn er Rashìd noticed a very venerable looking old fellâh planting a fig tree. Accosting him, the Commander of the Faithful asked why he was taking the trouble to plant a tree, of the fruit of which he could hardly hope to taste.

“O Emir el Mûmenìn,” replied the greybeard. “Inshallah, I may be spared to taste the fruit of this tree, but if not, my sons will do so, even as I have eaten the fruit of trees planted by my father and great-grandfather.” “How old are you?” asked the monarch. “One hundred and seven,” replied the husbandman. “A hundred and seven!” exclaimed the Caliph in astonishment, and added, “Well, in case you really do live to eat fruit from this tree, be sure and let me know.”

Several years passed, and Harûn had quite forgotten the incident when one day he was told that an aged peasant desired an audience, saying that by the Caliph’s own command he had brought him a basket of figs. Having ordered the man to be admitted, Harûn was surprised to find that it was the same fellâh he had once seen planting a fig tree, who now brought him some choice fruit from that very tree. The Commander of the Faithful received the gift most graciously, making the old man sit beside him on the diwân, and commanding

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