University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER XI.

The next day King Zoheir, accompanied by his
sons and his horsemen, rode out to the chase, as
was customary among the Arabs of those days.
They first made inquiries for Antar; but, hearing
nothing of him, they remained abroad till near the
third hour, when they returned home to their respective
tents. But Shas, and his brother, Malik,
sent a slave to the habitations of the Carad family;
and he returned in an hour, his heart filled with
grief. My lord, said he to Prince Shas, no one
has heard any thing of Antar this day: his uncle,
Malik, assured me so; adding, that, when they
retired from your feast, he stayed drinking with
him an hour, and afterwards repaired to the tents
of his mother, Zebeeba. Early this morning they
searched for him, to accompany them to the chase
with your father, King Zoheir, but they could not
find him; so, on that account, they put off their
hunt for the day: and, when Shedad asked his
mother about him, she told him, that, when he
came home, he did not go to sleep; but, as soon as
the fires of the tribe were extinguished, and the
obscurity of night came on, he mounted his horse,
and, taking his brother, Shiboob, with him, he

departed over the wilds and the plains. On hearing
this account of Antar, Shas was exceedingly
grieved. May God curse thee, O Malik! he cried:
how infamous are thy deeds! how black are thy
actions! What is the matter? asked Prince Malik.
Know, my brother, replied Shas, that Malik secretly
plots against Antar the very reverse of what
he promised us: he deceives both us and Antar.
And he only received him thus craftily and artfully,
just to quiet his apprehensions for the moment;
and now he has driven him away out of the
country, and has sent him on some perilous expedition.
It may be, observed Prince Malik, that
he is gone, in order to bring back what may supply
his marriage-feast, and enable him to support his
wedding establishment. O my brother, continued
Shas, cast away all such ideas. Be assured that
Malik will ever practise on us his craft and wiles;
and it is my opinion we should inform our father of
his conduct. The news was soon spread abroad,
to the great joy of his enemies, and particularly of
the family of Zeead.

But the cause of Antar's disappearance was as
follows: When Rebia, and Malik, son of Carad,
saw Antar return safe with Shas, and that his glory
was greatly exalted, and that every family befriended
him, their galls burst, and their senses
were blinded, particularly Malik, a proficient in
arts and frauds; for he dared not to contradict
King Zoheir: and though in his presence he expressed

his satisfaction, in the violence of his iniquity
and accursed malignity he said to his daughter
Ibla, Take these robes that your cousin has brought
you, abandon your grief and sorrow, gird yourself
with these strings of pearls and jewels, and decorate
yourself with every sumptuous article of dress, and
be not shy of your cousin in any respect; for now
you will be married to him, and all your property
will be delivered over to him: the business is now
finally arranged, and his high honours render it
necessary to conclude it. Now Antar, on his return
from entertainments, always devoted himself
to a conversation with Ibla, enjoying the sweetness
of her smiles: and, on his return from Prince
Shas's feast, he accompanied his father and his
uncles to the tents of Ibla's father. Ibla received
him in the kindest manner; and her father had
instructed her, when Shedad and Zakhmet ool
Jewad should depart for the night, to detain Antar,
and push about the glasses. Being, therefore,
seated, and the conversation turning on his marriage,
said Malik to Antar, O Aboolfawaris, the
words of Prince Shas grieve my heart; I do not
approve of our providing the marriage feast out of
our own property. Well, said Antar, I will per
form in your presence deeds such as the bravest
heroes will fail in executing—such as no prince or
warrior will be able to accomplish. But what do
you intend to do, O Aboolfawaris? asked Ibla.
Tell me all, that I may comprehend it. Whatever
you please, cousin, said Antar. I demand of you,
then, added Ibla, that you will place me amongst
the most exalted, as Khalid, son of Moharib, did
on his marriage with his cousin Jaida, daughter
of Zahir. You little devil, exclaimed her father
designedly, where did you learn any stories of
knights and warriors? Oh, said Ibla, I heard
this from the women who came to congratulate me
on the return of my cousin. Antar smiled: And
pray what did you hear on that occasion? said he.
Know, answered Ibla, that, whilst they were talking
of marriages and feasts, one of them said, No
one has ever made a really magnificent wedding
but a knight of the tribe of Zebeed—and he was
Khalid, son of Moharib, when Jaida, daughter of
Zahir, was united to him: for he slaughtered at
his feast a thousand camels, male and female, and
twenty lions and lionesses; and he invited to his
entertainment the horsemen of the tribes of Zebeed,
of Khitaan, and of Morad. He staid with these
three tribes, and supplied them with provisions:
and the camels were the property of Gheshm, son
of Malik, surnamed the Brandisher of Spears, a
knight of the tribe of Aamir; and, when he married
Jaida, the bridle of her camel was held by
the daughter of Moawiyah, son of Nizal. Antar,
irritated at her words, quickly replied, And dost
thou think, then, O Ibla, that this was such a
great exploit? At thy marriage I will permit no
one to lead thy camel but this Jaida herself, with
all her perfections—and round her neck shall be
slung the head of Khalid; so that no one shall vie
with thee, or be exalted above thee. No, cried her
father, I will not allow of this: give up such a
proposal, my daughter. She is talking nonsense,
Antar: do not listen to her; stir not from home
till your projects are completed; for I cannot
possibly refuse King Zoheir and his sons. Antar
made no reply, but hastened back to his mother's
dwelling, and awakened Shiboob, and ordered him
to prepare his horse. Shiboob instantly complied;
and Antar sprung on his back, Shiboob running
by his side. And when they were beyond the tents,
and the fumes of the wine had fled from Antar's
brain, Well, thou black-born, said he to Shiboob,
away to the mountains of Toweilaa and the land
of the tribe of Zebeed by the shortest road. Well,
brother, replied Shiboob; but what is there so
urgent in this affair, that you have set out at this
unseasonable hour? Antar related what had passed.
There can be no doubt, added Shiboob, that it is
your uncle who has exposed you to this perilous
enterprise; for how should Ibla know any thing
about warriors, or hear such things from women?

Now all this was Rebia's contrivance: he it was
who suggested this wicked and malicious plan to
Malik, in order to sacrifice Antar. Malik desired
his daughter to mention it to Antar, and make the
demand of her cousin, but not to explain at whose
instigation. Thus Antar set out by night, traversing

wilds and wastes, disregarding Shiboob's hints; on
the contrary, he was full of joy at an adventure
his beloved had required of him. And, as the journey
lengthened, he thought of Ibla, and thus exclaimed:

"I traverse the wastes, and the night is gloomy:
I stray over the wilds, and the sands are parching:
I desire no other companion but the sword,
whether, on the day of horrors, the foe be few or
numerous. Ye beasts of the desert, beware of
the warrior; for, when he brandishes his scimitar,
caution avails not. Accompany me; ye will behold
prostrate carcases, and the birds darting at
them as they hover and look on. Now, that I
am going in quest of him, no eternity is there
for Khalid[2] . No, no: let Jaida no longer boast.
Short will be the happiness of their country:
soon will the tiger come. O Ibla, may the riches,
that come for thee, rejoice thee, when Fortune
casts me among thy enemies! O thou, who,
with one glance of the eye, hast exposed my life
to deadly arrows, whose wounds are frightful!
it is well; for thy embrace is an unadulterated
paradise, and the flames of separation from thee
cannot be endured. O Mount Saadi, may showers
from the rain-cloud ever moisten thee, and may
the dew ever refresh thy lands! How many
nights have I travelled in thy society, and lived

in happiness, unalloyed by pain, with the damsel
who circles the goblets, and whose form shines
among them like the flame of wine: the maiden
who passes them round is of the daughters of
Arabia, elegantly formed, and Paradise is in her
eye. If I live, it is she whom I will ever remember;
if I die, a night in death with her will be
existence."

Now Khalid, whom Antar went to seek, was a
horseman of the tribe of Zebeed; and the Arabs of
those deserts, and the Kings of those countries and
cities, stood in awe of him. He was a hero of the
dust and confusion; and Maadi Kereb, the father
of Amroo, the Zebeedian, was allied to him in feats
of arms, and in rank, among the Arabs of the desert:
and he used to confess among the horsemen,
that he had learnt all his courage and intrepidity
from this undaunted lion, and this all-conquering
warrior, Khalid, son of Moharib; and he was also
the cause of his marriage with Jaida, the daughter
of Zahir: and their history was marvellous to
relate.

Moharib and Zahir were two brothers, by the
same father and mother; and the Arabs called
them uterine brothers. Both were eminent for
their bravery and courage; but Moharib was the
chief of the clan, and Zahir was his minister under
him: he was his counsellor and adviser. At last
it happened, that a violent dispute and quarrel
arose between them. Zahir retired to his tents,

greatly afflicted, and he knew not what to do.
What is the matter with you? said his wife. Why
do I see you so bewildered? Tell me what has
occurred, and what you are thinking of. Who can
have displeased or insulted you, you the greatest of
the Arab Chiefs? What can I do? he replied; he
who has injured me is one against whom I cannot
raise my hand—one I cannot harm; my companion
in the womb—my brother in the world; and had
it not been he himself, I would have shown him
the power of a formidable antagonist, and made an
example of him among the tribes and Chiefs. Abandon
him, leave him in his own land, exclaimed his
wife; at the same time reciting these verses, from
some poet of the time:

"As to thy soul, away with it, if it cry out in
pain, and abandon thy home, to mourn over him
that built it. Bear not insult from thy relations;
quit thy relations, and seek what will stand thee
in lieu of them. As to thy person, thou mayst
wander from country to country; but as to thyself,
thou canst find no other self but it. The
warrior's might is not proved till with his life he
remove all that pains him. Send not thy messenger
on an important affair; for, with regard
to thyself, there is no adviser but thine own self.
He whose death must be in a certain spot, cannot
die elsewhere. This is the opinion of a wise
and sensible man; so listen to it, and doubt not."

Zahir assented to his wife's counsel; and he prepared

for his departure, struck his tents, loaded
his camels, and departed, seeking the tribe of Saad,
who were also his cousins. Still he was greatly
afflicted at this separation from his brother, and
thus spoke:

"I will wander from thy home a thousand years,
and the journey of every year shall be a thousand
miles. Were my favours from thee a thousand
Ægypts, and in each Ægypt were there a thousand
Niles, still thy favours would be but trifling;
and I shall be content far from thee with a little.
I will recite in thy absence this distich, which a
string of pearls cannot equal in value: `When a
man is vexed in the land of his tribe, there is
nothing left for him but to depart.' O thou who
hast maliciously offended me, soon wilt thou feel
what the beneficent Deity will effect; for he is
the judge between thee and me—he, the unchangeable
and imperishable."

Zahir continued his journey till he reached the
tribe of Saad, where he alighted. They received
him kindly, and welcomed him, and begged him to
settle among them. It happened that his wife was
with child; and he said to her, If a son be born,
most welcome will he be; but if it is a girl, conceal
it, and let it appear to the world at large that we
have a male child, that my brother may not exult
over us. When her time was completed, she brought
forth a daughter; so in private they called her Jaida,
but in public Jooder, making it appear that she was
a boy: and accordingly they made a great entertainment

and rejoicings, evening and morning. His
brother Moharib, about the same time, had also a
son, whom he called Khalid (eternal); giving him
this name because he had continued to prosper in
his affairs after his brother's absence. Now as the
two children grew up, and their fame was spread
among the Arabs, Zahir taught his daughter to
ride on horseback; he instructed her in all the
martial exercises of a warrior, and in all that constitutes
bravery and courage, and in the arts of
war and battle: he hardened her, also, to toils and
dangers; and whenever he went forth to battle, he
took her with him, mingling among the other Arab
clans in her company; and when the horsemen
joined her, she ever commanded in the front of the
boldest. Thus she continued to overthrow her
contemporaries, and attacked lions in their dens,
till she became a common proverb: and when she
vanquished a hero, she cried out, I am Jooder, son
of Zahir, the horseman of the clans and the tribes.
In the like manner flourished her cousin Khalid,
son of Moharib, who was the Chief of his people;
and he had established dwellings where guests were
entertained, and where horsemen took up their
abode. Khalid was educated among them, and
acquired fortitude of heart: he perfected himself in
horsemanship among them, until he came forth an
intrepid warrior, and a valiant hero; every horseman
and every knight acknowledged his courage
and undaunted soul. At last he heard of his cousin
Jooder; and his anxiety to mark him, and engage
him, and be an eye-witness of his skill in arms,
became very great: but he was unable to gratify
his wish, on account of his father's indignation:
and thus he continued, till, his father dying, he
obtained possession of his seat, and inherited his
property and lands. He acted as his father had
done, in keeping up the establishments for guests,
in protecting the timid and the helpless, and in
clothing the widowed and the naked. He used also
to ride out in the plains with his warriors, and
exercised himself with the horsemen; so that his
bodily powers and vigour were strengthened. And
after a short time, he collected some rich presents,
and taking his mother with him, he went to visit
his uncle: neither did he halt till he came unto
Zahir, who was delighted to see him, and set apart
for him a magnificent dwelling; for he had heard
accounts of his accomplishments from various travellers.
Khalid also visited his cousin: he saluted
her, and pressed her to his bosom, and kissed her
between the eyes, thinking she was a young man.
He was much pleased with her, and stayed ten
days with his uncle, every day engaging with his
horsemen, and lancing with his warriors. But his
cousin, when she beheld how beautiful and valiant
he was, was deeply enamoured of him. She renounced
sleep; she ate nothing, and her love and
passion increased: and now when the flame of love
had gained complete possession of her heart, she
complained of her situation to her mother, saying,
O my mother, if my cousin departs, and I do not
accompany him, I shall die of grief in his absence.
Her mother pitied her, and could not reproach her,
being fully convinced how unavailing would be all
reproof. Jaida, said she, conceal your feelings,
and be not so distressed: you have not acted improperly;
you have, on the contrary, done nothing
but what is correct; for he is your cousin, of your
flesh, and of your blood. You resemble him in
beauty and loveliness, in form and figure, and also
in bravery and horsemanship. To-morrow, when
his mother comes to us, I will explain the matter
to her: we will marry you to him without delay;
and we will, moreover, return to our native land.
She waited patiently till the following day, when
Khalid's mother came: her mother then conducted
her into the apartment, and uncovering her head,
her hair fell over her shoulders. Khalid's mother
perceiving her excessive beauty and charms, was
quite bewildered, and exclaimed, Cousin, is this not
your son Jooder? No, she replied, this is Jaida;
the moon is risen. And she related the circumstance,
and all that had passed with her husband,
and how she had concealed her sex, fearful of the
consequences. Cousin, continued Khalid's mother,
in astonishment, amongst all the daughters of Arabia,
most celebrated for their beauty, I have never
seen one more lovely than this girl. What is her
name? Jaida, she replied; and my only object in
disclosing this circumstance, is to offer you all these
charms: and it is my wish to marry her to your
son, and to return to our native land. To this
Khalid's mother immediately assented: And most
fortunate, said she, will be my son with such a
possession. She instantly started up, and repaired
to her son, to whom she imparted all she had seen,
expatiating on the charms of Jaida's form. By the
faith of an Arab, said she, I have never, my son,
beheld in any desert or city, amongst the most
perfect of the daughters of Arabia, any one that
resembles your cousin: nothing can be more beautiful
than her form—more exquisite than her loveliness
and shape. Haste then, my son, to your
uncle Zahir, and demand her of him. Lucky, indeed,
if he grants her to your wishes: let her not,
my son, escape you. As Khalid listened to these
words, he hung his head towards the ground, and
remaining thoughtful awhile, Mother, said he, I can
stay here no longer; I must return home to my
horsemen and my troops. I do not wish to have
any thing more to say to my cousin, now that it is
ascertained that she is a person of a waving bosom,
awkward in speech, and of a trivial, light disposition;
for I have always been accustomed to the
society of warriors, where I throw away money, and
acquire martial renown. As to her love for me,
it is only a maiden, feminine weakness. And he
mounted his horse, and accoutred himself in his
armour and warlike weapons; he bade adieu to his
uncle, and resolved on instant departure. What
means this haste? exclaimed his uncle. I cannot
possibly remain here any longer, answered Khalid;
and he rode off, traversing the wilds and the wastes.
His mother took leave of Jaida, and having communicated
to her all that had passed with her son,
she mounted her she-camel, and set out on her way
home. Jaida's soul felt the indignity. She was
deprived of all repose, and scarcely ate any thing;
and when her father, a few days after, was going
forth with a party of brave horsemen in quest of
gain, and to plunder warriors, he looked at her,
and observing she was much altered, out of spirits,
and dejected, he made no remark, hoping that she
would soon recover.

Her father had no sooner quitted the tents, than
Jaida, who perceived that her life was in danger,
and that her situation was critical, said to her mother,
Mother, I am dying, and that wretch Khalid
still lives. I must make him drink of the distractions
of death, and make him taste of the bitterness
of punishment and torture, if God but
grant me the power. She rushed forth like a
lioness, and, clothed in armour, she mounted her
horse, telling her mother she was going to the
chase. She traversed rocks and mountains, her
anxiety ever increasing, and her distress augmenting,
till she approached the dwellings of her cousin.
Having disguised herself, she entered the tents of
public entertainment, close-vizored, like a horseman
of Hijaz. The slaves and attendants met her, and

gave her a most hospitable reception, behaving
towards her as they always did to their guests, or
any noble personage. That night she reposed;
but the next day she came forth into the course,
where she engaged the horsemen, and proved her
superiority over the bravest, to the great astonishment
of all the spectators. It was not yet mid-day
when all her cousin's horsemen acknowledged her
superiority. Khalid marked her prowess, and was
surprised at such uncommon skill, and went forth
to meet her. Jaida encountered him, and they both
commenced the attack, exhibiting every stratagem
in the assault and defence, until the darkness of the
night came on; when they separated, unhurt, and
neither of them knew which was the conqueror.
Thus was Jaida exalted in the eyes of every spectator,
and the distress of their hearts was assuaged
when they saw her wonderful intrepidity and skill.
Khalid ordered all his slaves to attend on her, saying,
Treat this great Knight most hospitably; and
he retired to his own tents, his heart entirely engrossed
with the combat. She remained three days
with him, and every day she appeared on the
course, and engaged her cousin till the close of the
day; and though she was exceedingly rejoiced, yet
she never discovered herself: and it never occurred
to him to make any inquiries of her, or ask her to
what tribe she belonged. On the fourth morning,
Khalid mounted as usual, and sought the plain;
and as he passed by the tents of entertainment, he
saw her mounting her horse. He saluted her, and
she returned the compliment. Noble Arab, said
Khalid, I wish to put one question to you. I have
hitherto been deficient in decorum, but I now beseech
you, by the God who has clothed you in
robes of beauty, and has endowed you with such
dexterity in feats of arms, tell me who you are,
and to what noble Princes are you allied? for your
equal in bravery and horsemanship I have never
beheld. My heart is all anxiety—my soul is all
doubt and eagerness. Jaida smiled, and replied,
as she opened her vizor, Khalid, I am a woman,
and no warrior; I am your cousin, Jaida, who
offered her person to you, and resigned herself to
you; but you accepted her not, priding yourself on
your love of arms. And she instantly turned away,
and giving the reins to her charger, she sought
her native land. Her cousin retired, abashed: he
knew not what to do with the love and passion that
now beset him. He abhorred all his warlike pursuits,
on account of the troubles with which they
had encircled him; and his hatred for women was
converted into love. He sent for his mother, and
related the adventure. My son, said she, this circumstance
only renders you still more deserving of
her: wait patiently, that I may go and demand
her of her mother. She accordingly mounted her
she-camel, and departed over the deserts, following
the traces of Jaida; who having reached home, informed
her mother of all that had occurred; and
greatly was she alarmed at what she had done.
Khalid's mother soon arrived, and throwing herself
into her cousin's arms, begged her to marry Jaida
to her son. Zahir was still absent on his excursion.
But when she imparted to her daughter Khalid's
request, That can never be, said Jaida, were I even
to drink of the cup of death. I only performed
this deed in the presence of heroes, in order to
extinguish the flame of my agony and distress, and
to soothe the anguish of my heart. Upon this,
Khalid's mother returned home, disappointed, and
found her son in the cruellest state of misery and
anxiety. He started up in haste (for his love and
passion had greatly augmented), and eagerly inquired
what had passed with his cousin: and when
he learnt what Jaida had said on the subject, his
grief became still more violent; for this rejection of
his love shot a flame into his heart, as he had only
known it by experiencing the miseries of desire and
torture. What is to be done now, O mother? he
exclaimed. There is no way of eluding this calamity,
she replied, but for you to assemble your
horsemen from the Arab Sheikhs, and all between
whom and you there exists any connexion or
acquaintance. Wait till your uncle returns from
his expedition, then go with your comrades, and
demand her in the assembly of warriors: if he
denies the fact[3] , explain to him all that has passed,
and importune him with assurances till he grants
your request. His mother's advice soothed his
pains: and when he heard of his uncle's return,
he assembled the Chiefs of his family, to whom he
related his adventure. Greatly were they amazed;
and Maadi Kereb (for he was one of Khalid's
bravest comrades) observed, This is, indeed, a most
singular occurrence: we have always understood
that your uncle Zahir had a son called Jooder: but
now the whole affair is discovered, and made manifest.
You are, therefore, the person who has the
best right to the daughter of your uncle. It will
be well for us all to go to him, and throw ourselves
down before him, begging him to return to his
family, and not marry his daughter to a stranger.
Khalid, without any further delay, took with him
one hundred of his chosen horsemen, who had been
brought up with Moharib and Zahir from their
youth; and collecting some magnificent presents,
more valuable than his former offerings, he set out,
and did not halt till he reached the tribe of Saad.
Khalid congratulated his uncle on his safe return;
but Zahir was amazed at this second visit, after so
short an interval, particularly when he perceived
the Chiefs of the family with him. He never
thought of his daughter Jaida, and only supposed
that they were come to induce him to return to his
native land. He received them hospitably, and
accommodated them with tents, and lodged them
in his most magnificent dwellings. He slaughtered
camels and sheep, and prepared a feast, supplying
them with every requisite for three days. On the
fourth day, Khalid arose, and having first thanked
and commended his uncle, he demanded his daughter
in marriage, and begged him to return home with
them. Zahir denied having any other child but
his son Jooder; but Khalid explained the whole
affair, and stated to him what had happened concerning
his daughter; at which Zahir hung down
his head to the ground, in excess of shame. For
some time he remained thoughtful; till feeling that
the business could only become worse, he turned
towards all present, and said, Cousins, I will no
longer hesitate to confess the secret: and now let
us terminate the business, and marry her to her
cousin as soon as possible; for he, of all men, merits
her the most. So he gave him his hand for the
marriage, and they immediately shook hands in
the presence of the Chiefs, who were witnesses to
the contract; and they settled her dower at five
hundred she-camels, red-haired and black-eyed, and
a thousand he-camels, laden with the rarities of
Yemen. The tribe of Saad, with whom Zahir had
been living, were amazed at this event. But when
Zahir demanded Jaida's consent to this arrangement,
she stood abashed at what her father had
done: however, he assured her so positively that
he could not leave her unmarried, that she at last
said, Father, if my cousin desires me in marriage,
I will not enter unto him until he can slaughter at
my wedding-feast a thousand camels belonging to
Gheshm, son of Malik, surnamed the Brandisher
of Spears. Khalid assented to this requisition;
but the Sheikhs and warriors would not quit Zahir
till he had collected all his property and wealth,
and departed home with them: and no sooner was he
settled, than Khalid conducted away one thousand
horsemen, with whom he vanquished the tribe of
Aamir. He plundered their property, and slew a
number of their heroes, after having wounded the
Brandisher of Spears in three places, and taken
away from his lands more than Jaida had demanded.
With this booty he returned, exulting
in his success: but when he now sought the consummation
of the marriage, Jaida again sent for
him, and said, If you wish me to be your wife,
first fulfil all my wishes, and execute the contract I
shall form with you. My demand of you is this:
on my marriage-day, let the daughter of a noble,
free-born woman hold the bridle of my camel. She
must be a Prince's daughter, and of high distinction;
so that I may be honoured above all the
virgins of Arabia. Khalid acquiesced, and obeyed.
On that very day he mounted, with his horsemen,
and traversed the plains and the valleys, seeking
the land of Yemen, till he reached the country of
Hijr, and those sand-hills. Here he attacked a
family-tribe of Moawiyeh, son of Nizal. He came
down upon him like a torrent of rain; and plying
his sword among his horsemen, he took prisoner
Amima, Moawiyeh's daughter, from her retirement;
and thus he returned, having performed deeds no
heroes of old ever executed, dispersing whole tribes
and clans, and plundering the property of all the
Arabs in those parts; and he did not re-enter his
own dwellings till he had collected wealth that covered
the country and the desert. The damsels met him,
playing on their cymbals and musical instruments,
and the whole tribe rejoiced; and when he came
nigh to his own home, he clothed the widows and
orphans, and invited to his feast all his friends and
companions. All the Arabs of that region flocked
to his marriage, and he supplied them with meat and
wine in abundance. But whilst the guests were
engaged in feasting and merriment, Khalid, accompanied
by ten slaves, rode away into the wilds and
the marshes, to attack lions in their dens singlehanded,
and to hunt lions and lionesses, with their
cubs, that he might carry them back to the tents,
where he wished to serve up their flesh as a meal,
and distribute it among all classes. Jaida knew what
he was doing; she also mounted her horse, completely
armed, and, disguising herself, quitted the
tents; and as there remained still three days of
carousing, she sought for Khalid in the desert, and
found him in a den. She rushed at him like a savage
lion, and assailed him with loud shouts, crying out,
Dismount, you Arab, from your horse—strip off
your coat of mail, and your armour. If you hesitate,
I will drive this spear through your chest, and
force it out quivering through your back. Khalid
determined to engage and attack her, and they commenced
a furious combat, and after an hour's conflict,
he perceived in her what affrighted his eyes.
Checking his horse, and refraining from the battle,
I demand of you, by the faith of an Arab, he cried,
to tell me what horseman of the desert you are, for
I observe that your thrust is irresistible, and your
blow inevitable; and verily you have disappointed
me in my wish, and in the accomplishment of my
hopes. At these words, Jaida raised the visor from
her face. Khalid, she cried, Who like you can attack
wild beasts in their dens? That this should be said
to the virgins of Arabia is not the attribute of a
lion-warrior! Khalid was abashed at her taunts. By
the faith of an Arab, he replied, No one but yourself
can resist me. But is there no one in all this
desert who challenged you, or did you only wish to
exhibit before me a specimen of your gallantry?
By the faith of an Arab, added Jaida, I only came
forth into this desert to assist you in chasing the
wild beasts, that you might not be reproached
among the warriors on my account. Khalid was
astonished at her expressions, and amazed at her
spirit and resolution. So they both dismounted,
and darted into a cavern. Khalid seized two ferocious
beasts, and Jaida seized a lion and two lionesses,
and they performed deeds to strike every eye with
horror. This being done, they congratulated each
other, and Jaida was rejoiced in the presence of
Khalid. Henceforth, said she, I will never permit
you to leave the tents till after our marriage; and
immediately she hastened back to her private apartments.
Khalid also returned with the wild beasts to
the horsemen, who shuddered at what he had done,
and exalted his dignity above all other heroes. They
thus continued the feast, and every one was satiated
with food. The maidens put the cymbals in movement,
and the slaves flourished their swords, whilst
the damsels and virgins sang till the evening, when
Jaida was married to Khalid, and he was blessed in
her possession. Amima, the daughter of Moawiyeh,
held the bridle of her camel, and the glory of Jaida
was exalted among women and men. The hour
was propitious; every foe grieved; every friend rejoiced.
But in the course of that year Zahir died,
and Jaida inherited all his property, his he and she
camels. The kings of Arabia feared her, and mighty
rulers were tributary to her; and every courteous
poet of the desert extolled her in his rhymes. Now
it happened that this story reached Rebia, and he
was delighted at it, for he felt certain of the destructtion
of Antar.

Now Antar, with Shiboob running ahead, did
not halt till he reached the lands of Zebeed. He
concealed himself in the barren wastes, and despatched
Shiboob to gain intelligence. Shiboob
hastened onward till he came to the tents, which he
entered about the close of the day, and began a conversation
with the slaves and freemen, till, the morning

dawning, he returned to his brother, swift as a
blast of wind, and exclaimed, These lands are just
now unoccupied by their masters, for Khalid has
mounted his horse with some others, and has left
Jaida here with two thousand warriors. But what
is Jaida's employment? cried Antar in haste. Whither
is Khalid gone? I asked some slaves about him,
replied Shiboob, and they told me he was gone to
war with the tribes of Temeem and Aamir, with the
chiefs of his heroes. But Jaida rides out every night
with twenty horsemen, and wanders about the highways
far from the tents, fearful lest any Arab foe
should surprise them. By the faith of an Arab,
cried Antar, my wishes are accomplished: this very
night will I seize jaida, when she launches out into
the desert. But do you, O Ebe Reah, as soon as I
fall upon her and attack her, run on and cut off
the way home from her attendants, so that not one
may escape. Thus they remained concealed till the
darkness of night came on, when they quitted their
retreat, and, as they had arrived close to the tents
by a by-road, Jaida and her horsemen appeared
under the obscurity of the night, and Jaida headed
the warriors like a tower, or a fragment rent from a
mountain, and thus she exclaimed:

"The dust of horsemen in the desert is brilliant
to me: to pierce their bosoms in the fight is my
employment. To hunt lions in their dens is my
glory, and to boast over others who cannot equal
me: for daily I am in the wastes, making lions

tremble for their separation from their lionesses
with their cubs. And the tribes acknowledge that
my fame is raised above all that have preceded me.
I am Jaida, and him who dares to assault me I
will plunge into night, in the rocks or in the plains.
I alone may exult above all mankind, in my actions,
in my fortune, and in my husband."

Antar listened till Jaida had finished her verses,
when turning to Shiboob, Son of my mother, said
he, intercept these horsemen on the side of the tents,
whilst I attack Jaida, and I will show you what I will
do amongst these our foes. Shiboob obeyed, and
giving his feet to the winds, sought the extended
waste, till he was in their rear, and had cut off their
road home: here he crouched upon his knees, and
emptying his quiver before him, he remained in expectation
of their approach. But Antar's assault
on Jaida resembled the assault of a voracious lion;
he drove his spear at her horse and it entered his
chest, and she and the horse fell together to the
ground: at the instant he drew forth his noble
Dhami and rushed upon her comrades. In the
twinkling of an eye he slew twelve of them: the
remaining eight fled; but Shiboob received them
with his arrows of death. Antar also overtook them,
and destroyed some, quick as the eye-glance; so that
not one out of the twenty escaped. They now returned
to Jaida, who had fallen, and for a time she
was stunned; but soon recovering herself, she stared
to the right and to the left. Seeing no one, she

started up, and grasped her scimitar, and speeded
homewards. She was, however, much weakened by
her fall, and could not conceive who could have done
such a deed. She had not gone far, when she met
the horses of her companions, without their riders.
She mounted one of them, and as through the darkness
of the night she was proceeding to the tents, lo!
Antar encountered her, looking out for her with
Shiboob. She no sooner heard Antar speak to Shiboob,
than being convinced that he must have been
the author of her own fall, and the death of her
attendants, Begone, she cried, ye who would realize
your hopes with Jaida; and though your attack
and your thrust have given you an opportunity of
seeing her stretched on the ground, yet is she returned
to make you drink of the cup of annihilation.
She thus became furious, and bellowed like a lion at
Antar: he met her, and they commenced the conflict,
which they kept up so violently and vehemently,
that their arms and shoulders were completely
benumbed, and they felt assured of death,
whilst Shiboob, to protect his brother, watched about
the desert in the dark. At last Jaida was fatigued
and exhausted, for she had encountered a warrior
unlike any warrior, and a hero without an equal:
still she would not retreat from the battle, and notwithstanding
all she had suffered, she evinced perseverance
and desperate resolution to the last, concealing
her pain and anguish, and fully determined
rather to perish than surrender herself to Antar.
When Antar was aware that she began to fail, he
darted at her as a lion on his prey, and seizing her
by the rings of her mail, he raised her up in his
hand like a sparrow in the claws of a devouring
hawk; and as he dashed her violently to the ground,
her length nearly entered into her breadth. Shiboob
fell upon her, and fastened down her shoulders,
and bound tight her arms and her ribs. And it
was about day-break, when said Shiboob, Now, my
brother, let us away before the day becomes clear,
and the news reach the dwellings, for horsemen will
come upon us from all sides. What means such a
proposal? exclaimed Antar. Shall I return home
without any he or she camels? Shall I leave the
property of these people untouched and at liberty?
and must a second expedition be undertaken for
Ibla's marriage? By the faith of honest Arabs, I
will not stir from this country till I drive away all
the he camels, and untouched she camels, and whatever
else I covet: then will I return home, and my
wishes be fulfilled. Shiboob approved; and they
concealed themselves till the sun had risen three
hours, and the cattle came forth in quest of the pastures:
and when they were at some distance from
the tents, Antar rushed among them, and separating
them from their shepherds, he drove away five thousand
he and she camels, with their herdsmen, having
first dealt some cleaving blows among the slaves,
who cried out, Quarter from thy sword and thy
spear! Some of them escaped home, and exclaimed
Alas! alas! we are undone. The horsemen instantly
mounted, and joining the slaves and the shepherds,
What is the matter? they cried; where is Jaida? What
has fortune done to her? The slaves only replied,
What of Jaida? we know nothing of her. We only
know that a black horseman, tawny and furious,
the image of a painted death, has driven away the
camels, and has slain many of us with his sword—
he is now waiting and looking out for any who may
assail him. We imagine he must have already killed
Jaida. But one of the horsemen, named Jabir, exclaimed,
What is this? Can any single warrior oppose
Jaida, the destroyer of heroes? Can any one
contend with her in battle? Had she even fallen in
with a numerous host, she would not have left one
alive. She must only be absent in the desert for the
chase. We must keep this business secret from her,
and parry this attack. Upon this, they slackened their
bridles, they fixed their spears, and rode off till they
overtook Antar, scattered about as they were in tens
and twenties. They beheld him motionless in the
waste. He had taken his feet out of his stirrups, and
crossed them over Abjer's neck, leaning on his overwhelming
lance, nor was he moved by this sight.
As they approached, they cried out, Who art thou,
thus exerting thy feet towards death, and drawing the
bridle of perdition towards thyself? No answer deigned
he to give them; but, replacing his feet in the stirrups,
he lifted his spear from the ground, and assailed
them like a lion rushing out of his cave. He
pierced one, and overthrew him; a second he deprived
of life; of a third he tore out the entrails; a
fourth he dashed to the earth; a fifth he left despairing
of life. Now those that advanced against
Antar amounted to eight hundred, all valiant scowling-eyed
warriors. But where are the Pleiades,
and where the earth! Where are towns and where
are villages! Where are the seas, and where are
rivers even when they flood! And in less than an
hour he had destroyed numbers of them; the rest
escaped, and sought safety in flight, exclaiming,
May the curse of God light on your flat-nosed
father, and your harlot mother! How forcible are
your blows! how irresistible your attack! He pursued
them, till having driven them out of that land,
he returned for their scattered horses and dispersed
arms; and when he had collected the whole, Shiboob
followed him as he traversed the rocks and sandhills,
till the best part of the day was spent, when,
lo! a dust arose in front of them, and darkened the
land. Well, said Antar to Shiboob, All paltry shifts
and evasions will be useless this day. Do you take
care of our booty and Jaida, whilst I show you
what I will do with these foes. Thus saying, he
gave the reins to Abjer, and hastened onward. But
he had not gone far, when Shiboob appeared before
him. Where is Jaida and the plunder? he cried.
Alas! replied Shiboob, this dust and the slaves
under my charge took off my attention from her,
and as soon as they perceived the dust also, they
refused to drive on the camels; they screamed out
at me, and came down upon me; I turned aside
from them, and slew three of them; and greatly
afraid I was, that, were I to attend to them exclusively,
this army might overtake me whilst you were
engaged far away from me in the conflict, and that
I should be made to drink of the cup of death;
for, indeed, this dust announces an immense force,
and you are alone in the desert. O, you son of an
accursed mother! cried Antar, so you in your alarms
have quitted Jaida and the booty. By the faith of
an Arab, I will show you wonders this day. He
slackened his reins, and galloping on till he overtook
the cattle, he found that the slaves had already set
Jaida at liberty, and were shouting out, O for the
warriors of Zebeed! Jaida was also mounted; but
her distress and indignation were intense, for she
was bandaged up on account of her wounds, and
unarmed. Antar observing their situation, rushed
upon them like a ravenous lion, and roared out a
frightful roar at the slaves. Ye bastards, he cried,
presume not to move. He pierced the first, and
hurled him to a distance; a second he deprived of
existence; a third he emboweled; a fourth he
made a warning to all that beheld him. But the
slaves and the horsemen, seeing their own alarming
position, exclaimed, O warrior of the age, quarter,
quarter from your sword! quarter from your spear!
and they all assembled together, and drove the
cattle on before him. As to Jaida, when she
marked Antar's exploits, she shuddered, and her
eyes were bewildered. She gave the reins to her
horse, and galloped towards the dust, in hopes of
assistance from it. Antar pursued her like an eagle,
or a lion springing out of his den, and it gladdened
his soul that he should have to plunge into the midst
of that army in quest of Jaida, so that he might
fulfil his object, even were he to drink of the cup of
perdition. Jaida ardently gazed to ascertain what
horsemen were in front of her, and lo! they were of
a swarthy complexion, on steeds nimbler than antelopes,
and they all shouted out, O by Abs, O by
Adnam! Come on, O Aboolfawaris, on to your foe!
Fear not, for we are come solely on your account
into this land.