And they possess complete knowledge of the machines of crafts and stratagems for carrying heavy objects with ease, and knowledge of traveling on seas, and so forth. This third rank varied in its sciences and arts, its good condition, its adherence to a certain Sharia, and its advancement. For example, the Frankish lands have reached the highest levels of excellence in mathematical, natural, and metaphysical sciences, their principles and branches. Some of them have a degree of participation in some Arabic sciences and have reached their subtleties and secrets, like their teachers. However, they have not found the straight path nor followed the path of salvation. I begin, as if the Islamic lands excelled in the Sharia sciences and their practice, and in the corresponding sciences, and neglected the philosophical sciences and their diligent scholars. Therefore, they needed the Western lands to acquire what they did not know. For this reason, the Franks ruled that the scholars of Islam only know their Sharia and their language, meaning what relates to the Arabic language. But they admit to us that we were their masters in all other sciences, and we have bestowed upon them. It is established in minds and outside of eyes that the merit belongs to the one who preceded. Or is it not that the one who comes later admits his qualities and is guided by his indication? And how beautiful is the saying of the poet: And my courage did not encourage me, for I was sleeping, I console myself from excessive slumber with the breeze. Until a dove cried on a branch of a thicket, Responding to its cry with beautiful melody. If I had cried with passion before its cry, With my beloved, I would have satisfied my soul before regret. But it cried before me, so its crying stirred my crying, and I said, "The merit belongs to the one who preceded." And I also like their saying in this regard when revealing: I am the brave one who was in darkness, In the middle of the ocean on the hot sand in the valley. So that with water, a favor from you, you begin, Without quenching the thirst of the thirsty. This is your reward from us, do not boast of it, Favor upon favor, and the favor belonged to the servants.