There will I stand
behind them that no harm shall reach them, and my followers shall
keep them from evil. This is my covenant with them. I will exempt
them in all matters wherein the Moslems are exempt. I command also
that no one of their bishops be expelled from his see, nor shall
any Christian be forced from his religion, nor shall a monk be
forced from his convent, nor a hermit from his cell. It is my will
that none of their holy buildings be destroyed or taken from them
for Mosques by my people or for their dwellings. Whosoever
despiseth this command is guilty before God and despiseth the
pledge of His Apostle. All monks and bishops, and the dependents of
these, I declare exempt from tribute, except such as they shall of
their free will bring. Nor shall Christian merchants, doing
business by sea, or diving for pearls, or working in the mines for
gold, or silver, or jewels, even the wealthy and the mighty, pay
more than twelve drachmas of yearly tribute. This, for such
Christian merchants as shall live in Arabia; but for travellers and
strangers in the land, they are exempt. Likewise such as have lands
and gardens bearing fruit, and fields for corn, shall pay no more
than it is in their power to bring.
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