William Muir

“ From a Court weakened thus by continual change and treachery, there was little, one might think, to fear, but Al-Muthanna had to guard a frontier of great extent, and for the task his army was inadequate. The inhabitants were, at the best, indifferent; the Syrian Bedawin distinctly hostile. Victories might be won but could not be followed up. The position, with so small a force, was full of risk. Accordingly, Al-Muthanna urged upon the Caliph the pressing need of reinforcements. ”

“ Remove the embargo from the apostate but now repentant tribes," he wrote; "they will flock to the war, and none more brave or eager." Answer being long delayed, Al-Muthanna ventured to Medina, there to urge his suit in Abu Bekr in person. ”

“ The King did not long survive his defeat. His son succeeding him was killed in a rebellion caused by the attempt to give a Princess of the royal blood in marriage to a favourite Minister. The Princess, saved from dishonour succeeded to the throne. ”