To his messenger to Muawiya when his return was delayed

To Jarīr ibn ‘Abdillāh al-Bajalī when Amīr al-mu’minīn sent him to Mu‘āwiyah (and there was delay in his return)

Now then, when you receive this letter of mine ask Mu‘āwiyah to take a final decision and to follow a determined course.Then ask him to choose either war that exiles him from home or ignoble peace. If he chooses war leave him alone, but if he chooses peace secure his allegiance; and that is an end to the matter.