He was sent into honorable exile, to command on the banks of the Oxus; and the independence of his successors, who reigned in Chorasan till the fourth generation, was palliated by their modest and respectful demeanor, the happiness of their subjects and the security of their frontier.

They were supplanted by one of those adventures so frequent in the annals of the East, who left his trade of a brazier (from whence the name of _Soffarides_) for the profession of a robber.

In a nocturnal visit to the treasure of the prince of Sistan, Jacob, the son of Leith, stumbled over a lump of salt, which he unwarily tasted with his tongue.

Salt, among the Orientals, is the symbol of hospitality, and the pious robber immediately retired without spoil or damage.

The discovery of this honorable behavior recommended Jacob to pardon and trust; he led an army at first for his benefactor, at last for himself, subdued Persia, and threatened the residence of the Abbassides.