ACCORDING to the promise given at the commencement of this work, it is now time for the musky reed to engage in recording some accounts of the events and times of the Khalifates and governments of the companions [of the prophet], craving that He who bestows unstinted benefits may vouchsafe me the favour of His grace with the strength of collecting and composing, so that this second part may be terminated by Divine favour after bringing to an end these accounts without exaggeration or diminution.