Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 2: Him~
Abu 'Ubaydah ss : Very well, and after the treaty we will also fight your enemies
because we will have become responsible for you. The representative whom we will
leave behind will be like a go-between and ambassador between us.
Governor: But he must remain outside the city where he can do what he wants to.
Abii 'Ubaydah as : It is agreed because we have no need to enter your city.
Governor: Then agreement has been reached upon these terms.
The governor and AbU 'Ubaydah es headed for the city. When they reached the gate,
the governor uncovered his head and spoke to them in Greek. They recognised him
and asked, "Where are your men?"
He narrated to them what had happened to his men and told them of the treaty. They
wept and said, "Lives have been lost and wealth destroyed."
The governor called out, "0 people, by Christ! I have not really made peace. I have
other intentions."
They retorted, "You go and make peace for yourself. As for us we will not spare a
single 'Arab to live and rule over us. None will enter our lands nor will they enter
our city which is the most heavily fortified in all of Syria."
In the meantime AbU 'Ubaydah • informed the Muslims of the treaty and ordered
them to cease all attacks against the city. The translator heard what the Ba'labakkis
said and went to inform AbU 'Ubaydah •. The governor turned to AbU 'Ubaydah •
and said to him, "Now what do you intend. Speak up or we will return to fighting as
before."
Governor: By the True Bible and Jesus Christ! If they do not surrender then I will
enter the city with a large force and place the sword upon them. I will slay their men,
imprison their women and loot their wealth. I can do this for I know all the weak
points and secret roads of the city.
AbU 'Ubaydah ~ : What Allah wills will be done.
42) The Romans pay war indemnity
The Romans who were listening from the wall to what the governor was saying to
AbU 'Ubaydah • were afraid. The governor turned again to the Romans and said,
"What do you say about surrendering to the 'Arabs? I am a prisoner in their hands
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