It is related that Ibn al-Sammák [FN#281] went in one day to Al-Rashid, and the Caliph, being athirst, called for drink. So his cup was brought him, and when he took it, Ibn al-Sammak said to him, Softly, O Prince of True Believers! An thou wert denied this draught, with how much wouldst thou buy it? He replied, With the half of my reign; and Ibn al-Sammak said, Drink and Allah make it grateful to thee! Then, when he had drunken; he asked him, An thou wert denied the issuing forth of the draught from thy body, with what wouldst thou buy its issue? Answered Al-Rashid, With the whole of my reign; and Ibn al-Sammak said, O Commander of the Faithful, verily, a realm that weighteth not in the balance against a draught of water or a voiding of urine is not worth the striving for. And Harun wept.