In Edward Gibbons Book, The Decline And Fall Of ...

In Edward Gibbons book, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, he mentions a statement from one of the most powerful, prosperous, and prestigious Muslim rulers of the Roman era. Gibbons wrote,

“It may therefore be of some use to borrow the experience of the same Abdalrahman, whose magnificence has perhaps excited our admiration and envy, and to transcribe an authentic memorial which was found in the closet of the deceased caliph. ‘I have now reigned above fifty years in victory or peace; beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honours, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot: they amount to FOURTEEN: — O man! Place not thy confidence in this present world!’” (Chapter 52)