The first of the three who attempted the undertaking was the King of Roum. This
King said to one of his ministers: "O minister, I hear tell that there is among the
Arabs a man named Hatim-Thai, and that he is reputed the most generous man in
the world. I am displeased that my name is not as noted for generosity as his. I
want to make a proof and see if his fame is true or false. I have heard that Hatim-
Thai possesses a horse which he loves as he does his own soul. Well, we will ask
him to give us this beloved horse."
The minister sent an envoy, with suitable presents and a letter to give to Hatim-
Thai. He arrived in a great storm of wind and rain which permitted no one to
attend to his affairs abroad. It was already night, and Hatim-Thai had made no
preparations to receive a guest, but he received the stranger with the marks of the
highest respect and greatest cordiality.
"What need brings you here to-night?" he asked.