University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER IV.

The suppliant had not finished his intreaties, ere
Prince Malik sprang towards him, and throwing his
arms round his neck, O my brother, said he, may
God never permit thy eyes to weep! What is it
that has called forth thy grief? Now this suppliant
was Prince Malik's foster-brother, and his name was
Hassan the Mazinite. The King had taken the
mother of this youth a prisoner from the tribe of
Mazin; he was an infant at her breast, and as his
father was slain in the affair, King Zoheir carried
her away, and as Temadhur had just then brought
forth Prince Malik, she consigned her child to her,
desiring her to suckle the infant with her own
child. So she remained with her a long time, and
suckled and weaned her son and Prince Malik together,
till her sister, who had heard of her, came
to her, and pressed her exceedingly to return home.
She asked permission of Temadhur, who granted
it, and gave her and her sister many very valuable
presents. She then departed with her sister for
her native land, and employed herself in educating
her son Hassan, until he grew up and his limbs
strengthened, for in him was the essence of the noble

tribe of Mazin. And he became a blazing flame,
and a fiery thunderbolt, and the tribe of Mazin
loved him for his courage, and they made him the
protector of their land.

And Hassan's sudden arrival at King Zoheir's
tent was occasioned by the following circumstance.
Hassan had a maternal uncle, whose name was Nedjim
the Mazinite, and he had a daughter perfectly
beautiful and lovely, and her form was symmetry
itself. Hassan was in love with her, but he never
ventured to demand her in marriage, till a man of
the name of Awef, the son of Alkem, of the tribe of
Terjem, presented himself one day to his uncle. He
was also a renowned horseman, and a valiant hero,
rich in property and cattle. And when he came, his
uncle invited him to a feast, and slew camels and
sheep, and poured out wine for him; and when the
liquor began to play about the head of Awef, he
threw himself at his feet, and demanded his daughter,
and won him by his wealth and riches. Hassan was
present, and when he perceived that if he remained
silent, his cousin would be betrothed to another, he
started up and eagerly exclaimed: O my uncle, do
not marry thy daughter to this man, for I am to be
preferred to him on account of my rank and consideration:
never will I permit the daughter of my
uncle to quit her tent for a stranger's, were my limbs
to be torn asunder! Ignoble wretch, cried Awef,
canst thou presume to address, where I have already

put in a claim? for thou art numbered amongst the
herd of orphans[11] .

Wert thou not in mine uncle's tent, replied Hassan,
I would soon tear off thy head, and silence thy
existence. And if thou wouldst boast of thy wealth,
know, that all the property of the Arabs is mine,
and in the grasp of my hand; and if thou wouldst
domineer over me with thy courage, come, let us
to the field! that I may make an example of thee
amongst the horsemen.

At these words the light became dark in the eyes
of Awef: he instantly sprang on his horse's back,
and Hassan did the same; and they both rushed
to the plain, and dashed at each other, and the
earth quivered under the feet of their horses, and
all the tribe of Mazin sallied out to see the result
of the battle and contention. Naeema, the daughter
of Nedjim, was there, with many other women.
And when Hassan observed his cousin, and that
she was viewing the engagement, he instantly
seized his antagonist and grappled him, and pressing
him hard, stopped all means of escape; then
catching hold of the rings of his coat of mail, he
made him his prisoner, dashed him on the ground,
and almost smashed him to atoms. He instantly
dismounted to cut off his head; but his uncle

sprang towards him, saying, O my son, let him go,
accept of my intercession, for he has eaten of my
meat and been under my protection. So Hassan
admitted his uncle's interference, and pardoned
him. Awef quitted the tribe of Mazin, for shame
and mortification overwhelmed him; and the event
was spread among the Arab tribes, and every one
stood in awe of Hassan.

About that time a female slave came to Hassan.
Your uncle, said she, has been just saying to his
wife, Verily Hassan is a valiant and a brave fellow,
but he has not wherewithal to keep up an establishment,
and I fear, should I give him my daughter,
she will be reduced to penury and difficulties with
him. As soon as Hassan heard this, he assembled
all the men in whom he could confide, and took
them away, and he went in search of plunder from
some of the Arab hordes.

Now, among the Arab tribes of Cahtan, there
was a King whose name was Oosak, and he was one
of the thousand warriors of that period of ignorance,
who could engage a thousand heroes at once. He
had at his command an intrepid army; but a famine
having wasted his lands, he departed with his troops
and his armies, and attacked the land of the tribe of
Mazin, amongst whom he settled. And it happened
that as he rode out one day, and was amusing himself
by the streams and the fountains, he rode on till he
came to a pool of water, when it happened by fate

and destiny, from which there is for man no retreat
or escape, that on that day Naeema, the daughter
of the uncle of Hassan (who with his friends was
gone to procure a dower for her) came also to the
lake. Oosak, as he looked at her and the young
girls employed in their games and amusements,
distinguished Naeema, for her face was brillant like
the moon when it is full; and as she was smiling,
with her teeth like rows of pearls, and as the weight
of her haunches prevented her from standing up,
Oosak was quite surprised, and his senses failed
him. But the women turning towards him perceived
Oosak looking at them, so they all surrounded
Naeema. O brother Arab, they exclaimed,
are you not ashamed of this action, thus to come
and stare at the daughters of warriors?

Oosak smiled and laughed at what they said, and
called out to an old woman who was with them, and
asked her about the damsel. Whose daughter is
she? Whether she was a virgin or a married woman?
This is Naeema, the daughter of Nedjim,
said she, and unmarried. When Oosak heard this,
his love and passion increased. He staid quiet that
night, but as soon as the day dawned, he sent to
Nedjim to demand his daughter in marriage. But
Nedjim refused him, saying—Verily, I have but
one daughter, and have affianced her to my nephew
Hassan, who is now on an expedition, seeking a
dower for her. I cannot therefore dispose of her,

for he is a horseman that would not put up with such
an affront, and also a man of a harsh disposition.
The messenger reported this to Oosak, who swore
in his wrath that he would not take her but as a
captive, and that he would pour down death and
destruction on the whole tribe of Mazin.

About that time arrived Hassan, bringing with
him immense wealth; and as soon as he approached
the dwelling, he gave to his uncle the marriage present
for his daughter. He also made a partition
amongst the warriors of the tribe, and put aside five
hundred camels for the marriage feast, and besought
his uncle to have the ceremony performed.
His uncle then informed him what Oosak had done,
how he had demanded his daughter, and how he
had refused him. On hearing this the light became
dark in the eyes of Hassan. If Oosak dares
to molest me, said he, I will tear out his lips and
crush him to pieces, and I will drive him out of our
land, even against his will. I will repair to King
Zoheir, and will relate the affair to him; then will
I come upon him with the warriors of the tribes
of Abs and Adnan, who heed not even Chosroe
Nuhirvan.

Thus Hassan calmed the mind of his uncle, and
they made ready the marriage ceremony, and sacrificed
the camels and the sheep, and poured out the
wine; and seven days they continued in mirth and
jollity; but on the eighth day, as they were adorning

the bride with jewels and robes, and were about to
wed her to Hassan, intelligence reaehed them that
Oosak had resolved to make all the women his slaves,
plunder their property, and slay the men.

On hearing this, Hassan stood in front of his
party, as they were consulting what was to be done.
Hassan, said they, we are not able to contend with
Oosak, for he has assembled all the tribe of Cahtan,
and there come with him the tribe of Zerker, and
the tribe of Anka; and he has sent to Masood, the
son of Moosad the Kelbian, and with him also is
Awef, whom you made prisoner, and whose hair
you cut off; and we have not that confidence in
ourselves to suppose that our means can resist such
accumulated forces. Upon this Hassan went to his
uncle. Uncle, said he, have patience with me for
ten days, and I will show you what I will do with
those haughty boasters.

So he took with him a hundred horsemen, and
went his way till he reached the lake of Zatool Irsad,
and on seeing King Zoheir, he told him what we
have now related as the cause of his coming. Antar
was present, and heard all that had happened to
Hassan; and being much interested about him, he
instantly arose, and kissing the King's hand—O my
lord, he cried, let me be deputed by you for this
service; let me go with Hassan, and I will destroy
his enemy. Go, my son, cried Zoheir to Malik,—
go to the assistance of your brother, and take with

you whomever you please of our warriors, and Antar
among the rest, and return not till you have blotted
out every vestige of Oosak.

The King then ordered the dinner to be prepared
for Hassan and his companions, whilst Malik was
employed in getting ready for the expedition, and
chose from the tribe a thousand experienced warriors;
and in three days Hassan and his associates
all mounted their horses with Prince Malik, and
Antar the impetuous horseman, and Shiboob as
his attendant; and Hassan was the happiest of men
in the assistance of the tribe of Abs. Thus they
marched on, clad in steel, and their bright cuirasses
sparkled on their bodies. And as they rode, said
Malik to Antar—O Aboolfawaris, recite to us some
of thy verses. Willingly, my Lord, he replied; and
thus spoke:—

"I lust after the blows of the cleaving scimitars,
and I idolize the thrusts of the well made spears.
I long for the cups of death, when they are pure,
and they circle round the heads of the illustrious
brave. It is the blow and the thrust when the
horses stumble among the death-bearing lances,
and the armies are in confusion, that please me
under the shades of the dust, like the wings of
darkness, as the coursers storm over the earth,
the barbs of the lances plunge into obscurity, and
start from it like the sparkling stars. Falchions
gleam in it in every direction, like the flashes of

lightning in the darkness of night. O by thy life,
honour and glory, and eminence, and the accomplishment
of hopes, and exaltation of fame are for
him who rushes into the combat magnanimously,
where alone in the height of glory are the highest
honours. Let him thrust among the warriors and
the chiefs with a heart unmoved in the fall of sword
blows. Let him brandish furiously his sabre and
spear in the boldness of his spirit, undaunted
at calamities. Let him do justice to the lance of
Cahtan in the contest, and let him stretch forth
proudly his shoulders with the edge of the scimitar.
Otherwise, let him lead a contemptible
life in ignominy, and when he dies, his friends
will not mourn over him. The beauteous virgins
will not weep in anguish for any but the horsemen
noble in the hour of trial. I am the hero well
known in the field of battle, and I am the eager
knight amongst my relations. I am the assaulting
lion, and the hero who defends their dwellings
and habitations."

O Aboolfawaris, said Hassan, verily you surpass
all the horsemen of the age in eloquence and courage,
and generosity and nobleness of mind. You are in
truth the jewel of the times. Antar thanked him,
and they travelled on for three days, and on the
fourth day (for the Lord of Heaven had decreed the
glory of Antar, and that no one should exceed him
in prosperity) Antar happening to stray a little out

of the way, descended into a deep valley: and lo!
there were two horsemen engaged in desperate
combat. Antar urged on his steed, and coming
up to them, Stop, ye Arabs, he cried, and tell me
the cause of your quarrel. At the instant one of
them stepped aside, and came up to Antar. Noble
horseman of the desert and the town, said he, I
refer myself to you, for you are able to protect me.
I will take your part, said Antar, I will protect you,
I pledge myself to you; but acquaint me with your
story, and what has rendered necessary this combat
between you.

Know then, noblest knight of the age, said the
youth, that I and this horseman are brothers, of the
same father and the same mother; he is the eldest,
and I am the youngest; and our father was one of
the Arab chieftains, and he was called Amroo, the
son of Harith, the son of Teba, and Teba was our
ancestor; and one day as he was sitting down, his
flocks strayed away, and one of his camels was lost,
and as he was very partial to it, he questioned some
of the herdsmen about it. One of them said,
Know, my lord, yesterday this camel strayed away
from the pasture; I followed behind it, and it still
continued to run away, and I after it, till I became
tired; and perceiving that it lagged behind, I
stretched out my hand and took up a stone, black
in appearance, like a hard rock, brilliant and sparkling.
I struck the camel with it, and it hit the

camel on the right side and issued out on the left,
and the camel fell to the ground dead. On coming
up to it I found the stone by its side, and the camel
was weltering in its blood.

On hearing this, my ancestor mounted his horse,
and taking the peasant with him, went to find out
the pasture. They passed on till they came to the
camel, which they found dead, and the stone lying
near it. My ancestor took it in his hand, and considered
it very attentively, and he knew it was a
thunderbolt; so he carried it away, and returned
home. He gave it to a blacksmith, and ordered
him to make a sword of it. He obeyed, and took
it and went his way; and in three days he returned
to my ancestor with a sword two cubits long
and two spans wide. My ancestor received it, and
was greatly pleased when he saw it, and turned towards
the blacksmith and said, What name have you
given it? So the blacksmith repeated this distich:
"The sword is sharp, O son of the tribe of Ghalib,
sharp indeed, but where is the striker for the
sword?" And my ancestor waved the sword with
his hand, and said, As to the smiter, I am the smiter;
and struck off the head of the blacksmith; and separated
it from his body. He then cased it with
gold, and called it Dhami, on account of its sharpness.
He laid it by amongst his treasures, and when he died
it came in succession to my father, with the rest of
the arms, and when my father perceived his death

was at hand, he called me to him privately. O my
son, said he, I know your brother is of a tyrannical
obstinate disposition, one that likes violence and
hates justice, and I am aware that at my death he
will usurp my property. What measures shall I
take? said I. He answered, Take this sword and
conceal it, and let no one know any thing about it;
and when you see that he takes forcible possession
of all my property, cattle and wealth, do you be
content, my son, with this sword, and it will be of
great benefit to you; for if you present it to Nushirvan,
King of Persia, he will exalt you with his
liberality and favours, and if you present it to the
Emperor of Europe, he will enrich you with gold
and silver.

When I heard these words, I consented to what he
demanded, and took it out, in the darkness of the
night, and having buried it in this place, I returned
to my father, and stayed with him till he died. We
buried him, and returned home; but my brother
took possession of all my father had, and gave me
nothing, not a rope's end; and when he searched for
the arms, and saw not the Dhami, he asked me for it.
I denied knowing any thing about it; he gave me
the lie, and abused me most violently: at last I
confessed, and told him I had buried it in such
a spot; so he came with me hither, and searched for
it, but could not find it. Again he asked me where
I had buried it; and when he saw me roaming about

from place to place, he rushed upon me, and cried
out, saying—Vile wretch! you know where the
sword is, and act thus to deceive me. He attacked
me, and sought to slay me. I defended myself until
you arrived, and now I demand your protection.

When Antar heard this, his heart pitied him;
he left the youth, and turning to his brother,
said, Why do you tyrannize over your brother?
and do not divide with him the property your
father left? Base slave, cried he, highly incensed,
look to yourself, and interfere not so arrogantly;
and he turned upon Antar, thinking him a common
man; but Antar gave him no time to wheel, or
direct his reins, ere he pierced him through the chest
with his spear, and thrust it ten spans through his
back, and threw him down dead. And now, young
man, said he to the other, return to your family,
and assume the rank of your father, and should any
one molest you, send and inform me; I will come
and tear his life out of his sides. The youth thanked
him, and expressed his gratitude. Now my brother
is no more, said he, I have no other enemy: and he
departed home. But Antar fixed his spear in the
ground, and dismounted from Abjer, and sat down
to rest himself; and as he was moving the sand with
his fingers, he touched a stone: on removing what
was about it, behold! the sword the youth had been
seeking. He still cleared away, and drew it forth,
and seized hold of it; and it was a sword two cubits

in length, and two spans wide, of the metal of Amalec,
like a thunderbolt. And Antar was convinced
of his good fortune, and that every thing began and
ended in the most high God.

Antar mounted and pursued his comrades and
Prince Malik, bearing the sword in his hand. He
showed it to Malik, and told him all about the youth
and his brother, and the sword; of his having buried
it, and all that passed between them; and Malik
was greatly astonished, saying, This is a gift sent
you by the Lord of Heaven.

They marched forward, passing over the wilds
and the deserts that day and night; and the next
day at dawn, behold a great dust arose before them,
and when dispersed, five hundred horsemen appeared,
all clothed in steel. Go and learn for us,
said Antar to Shiboob, what means this dust, and
what news there is beneath it. Shiboob quitted
them, and returned quick as a bird on the wing. Son
of my mother, cried he, these are your enemies, the
army of Gheidac. But the circumstance that occasioned
the approach of this horseman was this:
it happened that Oosak had demanded assistance
of Gheidac, in his meditated attack on the tribe of
Mazin.

Now there was blood revenge between Gheidac
and Antar, because Antar had killed his father,
and he had been brought up an orphan; but when
he grew up he became a valiant horseman, and

destroyed his opponents; and he was a blazing
thunderbolt, and overthrew knights and slew warriors.
And when his name was spread abroad
among the tribes, they gave him supreme command,
and he sat in the place of his father. He became
proud, and behaved haughtily to his people.

Now there was a man in the tribe called Codhàah,
and he hated Gheidac. O Gheidac, said he one
day, thou art a marked man; it does not become
thee to behave so haughtily towards the horsemen,
when thou hast not yet revenged the murder of thy
father: how canst thou presume to boast over the
brave and the valiant? And Gheidac said, Who is
the stout king on whom I am to be avenged? Thy
revenge is on Antar, son of Shedad, said he. Then
the light became darkness in his eyes, and he cried
out to the horsemen of his tribe, and he ordered
them to prepare for an expedition to attack the
tribe of Abs, and he swore he would slay Antar,
and make him drink the cup of perdition, and
destroy the whole tribe of Abs and Adnan. The
tribe assented to his directions, and took with them
all their warlike instruments for the expedition.

Just at that time arrived Oosak's messenger to
request Gheidac's assistance against the tribe of
Mazin. So Gheidac gave up his former intention,
and went with the messenger of Oosak to perform
what he required of him, and he was marching on
this object when he met Antar and the Absians, and

Antar despatched Shiboob, as we before stated.
This day, said Antar, I will unite Gheidac to his
father; I will curse his family and his relations.
As soon as Gheidac saw the tribe of Abs, and Antar
the destroyer of horsemen, his heart was overjoyed,
and he cried out to his party—This is a glorious
morning; to-day will I take my revenge, and wipe
out my disgrace. So he assailed the tribe of Abs
and Adnan, and his people attacked in his rear like
a cloud when it pours forth water and rains. And
the Knight of Abs, Antar, assaulted them likewise,
anxious to try his sword, the famous Dhami. They
all rushed forward, and horsemen encountered
horsemen. Cowards fled, and the weak-hearted
were disgraced; but the bold were firm in the
assault, and the equals in courage met each other
in the field. The earth trembled under trampling
of the horses,—the heavens were obscured with the
clouds of dust,—the warriors were covered with
wounds, and the swords laboured in the cause of
death; exertion was alive, and all jest was at an
end. Thus they continued fighting till mid-day;
and the impetuosity of Antar was the impetuosity
of a resolute hero. When Gheidac observed the
deeds of Antar, the bold warrior, he roared like a
lion in his den, and he rushed down upon the lion
Antar, who met him, his heart undaunted in the
midst of terrors, and occupied him in the contest,
and continually drew him on, as a lion draws on
weaker animals, until having wearied him, he shouted
at him and struck him with horror; then assailed
him so that stirrup grated stirrup; and he struck
him on the head with Dhami. He cleft his vizor
and wadding, and his sword played away between
the eyes, passing through his shoulders down to the
back of the horse, even to the ground: and he and
his horse made four pieces; and to the strictest
observer, it would appear that he had divided them
with scales.

Gheidac's companions beheld their chief, and
that he was dead; and they said one to another—
Never did we see such a blow; were not this slave
endued with the whole power of courage, he could
not at one blow have thus destroyed our chief. So
they took to flight and ran away, exclaiming—May
God curse thy harlot mother! how fierce is thy
blow! how piercing is thy thrust!

Antar and the horsemen soon returned from the
pursuit, having filled the earth with the dead, and
having collected the scattered horses, and all the
booty and plunder from the plains and deserts; as
they prosecuted their journey towards the tribe of
Mazin, Antar preceded the troops of warriors like
a noble lion, and thus addressed them:

"I am he that makes the warriors drink of the
cups of death with the sharp-bladed glittering
Indian scimitar. I am the raiser of their dust,
and the atmosphere is thick and darkly turbid

with blows at which cowards are humbled and
terrified. I am the death that never rushes into
the fiery day of battle without a tongue to speak.
I have slain Gheidac, because he was oppressive
and insulted me, and soon will I send Oosak after
him. I charge right and left through their horsemen,
and dash through the midst of them. I
cut down to the ground the warriors in the fight,
whilst the horses stumble and slip over their
heads. O Ibla, though they abuse me for my
blackness, yet the fairness of my exploits shines
and flashes. O Ibla, the men of my tribe have
witnessed my spear-thrust and sword-blow raging
among the skulls. I destroy the heroes of war
with my scimitar, and whole armies are extirpated
at the edge of my sword. How many
horsemen throw away their arms in terror of me,
when they behold me robed in black gore. My
ambition is raised above the Pleiades, and the
fortune of my star is suspended from heaven."

They marched forward without delay, until they
reached the tribe of Mazin, where they perceived
the glittering of spears, the glare of armour, the
flash of swords, and warriors engaged round the
tents, whilst the women were earnestly encouraging
them to the contest and battle. Who is it that
fights with children and women? and who is it that
shrinks from his enemy and foes? cried the heroes.
When Antar saw and heard the cries of the women,

and the screams of the children from the crowd (for
he was particularly solicitous in the cause of women),
the light was darkened in his eyes, and he knew
not the right from the left. Do you take your
warriors towards the quarter of the women, cried he
to Malik, and I will attack these horsemen who have
taken their property, and have dispersed them in
the plains and wilds. And he shouted forth in his
well known voice when incensed—Ignoble dastards,
he roared, I am Antar, the son of Shedad! He
attacked, and at his assault the mountains tottered.
He rushed down upon the enemy, and at once
overpowered the warriors and destroyed the heroes,
driving away the enemy out of their tents; and at
his second attack all the scene of action was expanded;
he shouted in front of the horses, and forced
them back upon their haunches; and when the
horsemen crowded about him, he snatched hold of
one from the back of his horse, and grasping him
by his feet, and whirling him round as a sling, with
him he struck down a second, and the two instantly
fell dead. Thus the battle was raging among them,
when Antar heard the voice of Prince Malik, crying
out, Son of Shedad, haste to my assistance!

Now the Prince was engaged with the party of
Moosad, the lord of the waters of Araeer; he had
dispersed them, and was about to repeat his attack,
when Moosad came upon him roaring like a lion.
He was an experienced horseman: he attacked Prince

Malik, and pressed him hard; and when Malik
saw that his life was in danger, he cried for Antar's
aid; who no sooner heard him than he turned
Abjer round, and like a ferocious lion rushed down
upon Moosad, who was about to gallop round and
charge at him; but Antar gave him no time. Come
on! he cried: and he terrified him, and struck him
with Dhami on the chest, and he divided him down
to the girdle of his back, and hurled him down,
hewn in two. He then assailed the army of Oosak,
his heart undaunted at death.

And when the tribe of Mazin saw Antar's
prowess, the hearts of the heroes were encouraged,
and they hastened to the combat; men met men,
and heroes heroes; blood flowed and streamed,
scimitars glittered, and spears goaded; armour
was riven; lives were plundered; the ground was
discoloured with blood; the warriors were covered
with glory; the flames of war greatly raged; innumerable
were the blows and the thrusts, and
the easy became difficult: the battle field boiled like
the boiling of caldrons; mighty was every act,
and fate descended amongst them. The eagles
and vultures hovered round; cowards were overthrown,
and the brave were overwhelmed: heroes
were slain on both sides. The horror of the scene
was tremendous, the universal cry among them
was Death! Hands and arms were torn asunder.
Antar cut through the troops, and made heads fly

off like balls, and hands like leaves of trees. The
van cried out to the rear; they roared against Antar
from afar; but no one dared to approach the spot
where he fought.

Antar eagerly sought after the plume that floated
above the head of Oosak, and he stopped not in his
attack until he was beneath the standard where Oosak
was waiting for his people to bring him his beloved
Naeema: neither could he be roused till Antar came
before him and encountered him. Then ensued a
dreadful engagement. The combat lasted an hour;
when nerveless sunk the arm of Oosak. Antar,
seeing the state he was in, clung to him and grappled
him; and drawing his sword from his scabbard,
he aimed a blow at his head, but Oosak
received it on his shield. The sword of Antar came
down upon it and shivered it in two, and split his
vizor in twain, and it penetrated even to his thighs,
down to the back of the horse; and the rider and
the horse fell in four parts; and he cried out—O
by Abs! I am the lover of Ibla; never will I be
controlled! I will not be restrained!

When the troops of Oosak saw this deed, they
were bewildered; they became confounded; and
they said to one another, This is no human being,
—every one that comes before him drinks of the
cup of death. So they wheeled about their horses
and retreated into the rocky deserts, whilst Antar
and the tribe of Abs and Mazin pursued them, and

having driven them away out of that land, they returned
to the scattered cattle and dispersed horses;
and as they all came back to the tents, the tribe of
Mazin dismounted, and met Antar, and marched
by the side of his stirrup, celebrating his victory
and triumph till they reached their camp, where the
women and the men came out, and the tribe of Abs
were invited to the best spots. Hassan was the
happiest of them all with Antar and the Absians.
He prepared feasts and festivals and entertainments,
which lasted for seven days; and on the eighth
night Naeema was married to Hassan.

Early the next morning all the Arabs went to
their respective countries and homes, and the tribe
of Abs also departed; but all the tribe of Mazin,
in order to take leave of them, accompanied them a
whole day's journey, when Antar besought them
to return home, and he and Malik pursued their
journey towards their own country, over wilds and
plains. And when they were nigh, Prince Malik
sent on a messenger to announce their approach.
All the tribe of Abs were extremely anxious about
that expedition, particularly King Zoheir, with
respect to Antar; because his enemies, and those
that envied him, exceeded his friends and well-wishers.

Now Rebia the son of Zeead had a brother,
whose name was Amarah: he was one of the nobles,
but a great coxcomb, was very particular in his

dress, fond of perfumes, and always keeping company
with the women and young girls. About
that period, happening to hear much said about
Ibla, and what Antar had reported of her, and
repeated of her in his verses, a passion was kindled
in his heart, and from hearsay he conceived
a violent love for her; and as poets term it, his
ears fell in love before his eyes. Amarah sent for
one of his female slaves, and said to her, Go to the
habitations of the tribe of Carad, and obtain some
account of Ibla for me, and learn if what Antar
says of her be true, or disbelieved amongst the people;
for if she has all the beauty and charms that
are attributed to her, I shall demand her in marriage,
and will be lawfully wedded to her. She
promised to obey him, and departed. She came to
the habitations of the tribe of Carad, and presented
herself to Ibla, pretending to come on a visit; so
Ibla gave her a kind reception. Thus the slave girl
ascertained the point about Ibla, and found her a
perfect miracle of beauty and loveliness. She remained
about an hour, and returned to Amarah.
Blessed be God, how great is his power, and how
fair are his works! cried she, as she entered the
tents, and in Amarah's hearing; and he asked her
what had occasioned her so much astonishment. O,
said she, it is that damsel, whose equal exists not; for
the most high God has granted to her such beauty,
and such charms, as he has never yet bestowed on
any one of the daughters of the greatest Kings.

At this his heart fluttered, he was agitated, he
instantly arose, and put on his best clothes, and
perfumed himself all over, and let his hair float
down his shoulders, and mounted a white-faced
horse, and set out for the habitations of the tribe of
Carad. He happened to meet Malik, Ibla's father,
and his son Amroo, on the road. Amarah saluted
them, and said to Malik—Come along with me,
my uncle, for I have something particular to say
to you. If you have any business with me, replied
Malik, you might have sent a servant to me,
and I would have visited you. What I want of
you, said Amarah, must be done personally between
us. I wish to be nearly related to you, and am
most anxious to be connected with you. I am
a suitor with you, and am desirous of wedding
your daughter; and I have only done this out of
my anxiety for her on account of her shepherd,
who has disgraced her among the Arabs of the
desert.

Thus Amarah contiuued his talk, till Malik's
eyes wept tears of joy: his bosom was elated and
transported with delight. O chief, said he, my
daughter is your slave, and I and my son Amroo are
the most obedient of your servants—and he stretched
out his hand to Amarah, and promised his daughter

to him; and when they returned home, Amarah
told his brother Rebia what had passed between
him and Malik, son of Carad. I shall not permit
thee thus to connect thyself, said Rebia; have
nothing to do with such fellows; for if Antar hears
it, he will not leave a single man alive of all the
tribe of Zeead. And pray who's Antar? asked
Amarah—have I not a thousand slaves like him?
and if the foul wretch presume to interfere with me,
I will show him the valour of Amarah the munificent;
I'll show him what I'll do with him. If you
can effect the marriage to-morrow morning early,
said Rebia, give her father the dower and marriage
presents without delay, and introduce yourself to
her in the absence of Antar; for he is an uncontrollable
horseman, and a man rough and harsh in
his manners; but if you can gain her whilst he's
away, there will be an end of it. Amarah assented
to the proposal of Rebia, and thought his advice
prudent; for he feared Antar would kill him, and
make him drink of the cup of death and dissolution.

So the next day Amarah mounted his horse and
went to Malik to give him the dower and marriage
presents; and just at that moment arrived a messenger
at the tents of the tribe of Abs, announcing
the approach of Prince Malik, son of Zoheir, and
Antar, son of Shedad, and all the noble warriors
with them. Every one mounted his horse to
go and meet them; and friends saluted friends.

Antar went home, and entered his aunt's apartments,
and staid till morning with his mother,
whom he questioned about Ibla, inquiring whether
she had talked of him during his absence?
God be with thee, my son, said his mother, say
no more about Ibla, and that lovely form—if thou
art asleep, awake! Antar upon this instantly
jumped up—What king or prince, exclaimed he,
has taken her away? The Chief Amarah, said his
mother, has taken her. Every thing is completed
but the giving of the dower and marriage presents.
By the faith of a noble and faithful Arab,
cried Antar, to-morrow will I slay that Amarah,
were he even concealed within the chambers of
Nushirvan, King of Persia; to-morrow will I tell
the whole affair to my friend Prince Malik, and ask
his counsel.

He remained at home that night, but early in
the morning he repaired to the habitations of the
Prince: he entered his tent, and kissed his hand.
Malik received him kindly, seated him by his
side, saying—How hast thou passed the night,
Aboolfawaris? My night was the night of thy
most accursed foe, replied Antar. What means
this? said Malik; inform me what's the matter,
and be sure of thy success and triumph. Antar
told him what Malik had done, and how he had
betrothed his daughter to Amarah; But, my lord,
I must indeed slay that Amarah, and the whole

race of Zeead, and I will depart from this land and
country. But why quit this land? said Malik,
greatly disturbed; I am a foe to those who are thy
foes, and a friend to those who are thy friends:
have patience until we go out to the chase, and then
will I speak to thy father Shedad, and will urge him
to acknowledge thee as his son, and that thou art a
part of his heart. Then take Ibla from her father;
and if he does not assent, I will put my name[12] on
her, and will keep off any suitor or wooer till the
ceremony be performed, and thou art in possession
of thy wife.

At this, Antar's grief and anguish were appeased.
So they mounted their horses and sought the habitation
of King Zoheir, whence they all went out
on a hunting party. And Amarah rode by the
side of Ibla's father: he was dressed out in his
finest raiments, and his limbs were perfumed and
scented, and his hair flowed down his shoulders.
Go, Aboolfawaris, to my tent, said Malik to Antar,
that I may speak with thy father Shedad. Antar
departed, and Prince Malik, riding up to Shedad,
said—How long will you reject your son Antar?
does not your heart lean towards him? and do you
not yearn after him? all the horde envies you on
his account. Grant me this request, Shedad, and
let me make a noble entertainment, and let me raise
his head above a state of servitude, and you will see

what he will do in return for such a favour. Who,
answered Shedad, whilst his wrath was evident in
his features, who is the Arab that ever did such
a deed before me? Do you wish that it should
be said of me that Shedad was captivated with a
Negro woman, even to desire to marry her, and she
bore him a son, and he acknowledged him as such
because he became a great warrior, and a destroying
hero? And who is he, said Malik, that having a son
resembling your son Antar would deny him, even
were swords to cut his body in pieces?—According
to my opinion, you should glory in him. Let the
Arabs follow your example.—Good practices are
to be admired, even though they be new. My lord,
we'll consult about this, said Shedad; and he went
his way home. Prince Malik also, returning unsuccessful,
found Antar in the greatest anxiety—he
inquired what had passed with his father—Malik
told him.

Antar remained that night with Prince Malik,
but early next morning he mounted his horse and
went towards his mother's tent, and as he was passing
along the road, he met Amarah in the quarter
of the tribe of Carad. He had been that night
consulting with Malik, Ibla's father, about the marriage,
and in the morning he was returning home,
followed by his attendants. He was riding in a
most affected, coxcombical manner; and as soon as
he saw Antar he trembled, and was in great dismay;

however, he plucked up courage, and let his tongue
run glibly on. Son of Shedad, said he, where wert
thou last night? thy masters were seeking thee; for
I was there with them, and having heard of thy
talent for eloquence, it was my intention to give
thee a robe suitable to such as thou art.

On hearing this, the light became dark in Antar's
eyes: he came up to him—Amarah, he exclaimed,
I am not worthy of receiving a robe or present from
thee; but when thou enterest unto my mistress
Ibla, the daughter of Malik, verily, vile wretch, I
will wrench thy neck off thy shoulders; I will curse
thy family and thy parents, and I will make thine
the most fatal of marriages; and Antar ran close
up to Amarah, and seized him by the waist,
heaved him up in his hand till he had raised
him above his head, and then dashed him on the
ground, and almost smashed his bones. Amarah
fainted with fright, and gave most ludicrous signs
of cowardice and alarm.

Immediately there arose an uproar among the
tribes of Abs and Zeead, and soon appeared Prince
Malik at full speed; for as soon as he heard the
news, he was afraid some mischief would befall his
friend. He came up with his drawn sword and
joined Antar, who stood firm, with his trusty Dhami
in his hand. By the faith of an Arab of Medher,
said Malik, verily Antar, in the tribe of Carad, is

like a rare onyx amongst people who know not
its value or worth. Come on, Aboolfawaris, he continued,
now for the family of Zeead! and he plied
his sword among them. Were the tribe of Zeead
in any other place, cried Antar, hastening towards
him, and kissing his hand, I would show thee what
I would do with them in battle and war; but I am
afraid of blame and reproaches; and lest the noble
Arabs should say, that a slave of the tribe of Carad
put his cousins to the sword. Malik was amazed at
Antar, and his magnanimity; and just then Rebia
came up at full speed with the intention of killing
Antar the lion-hearted hero, for he too had heard
of the event: so he mounted his horse, and was
greatly alarmed lest his brother should be killed
and buried; for he had previously told his brother
that he did not wish him to interfere with Ibla, or
expose himself and his family to danger with the
slave Antar. He rushed upon Antar, eager to
destroy him. Stop, Rebia, cried Malik, or by the
faith of an Arab I will not spare one of your people
or warriors. Matters were in this state, when
lo! King Zoheir arrived, with all his heroes of the
tribe of Abs and Adnan. The attendants cried
out, Hold! stop! fight not! ye have put in motion
King Zoheir, the ruler of the age.

Now on that day King Zoheir had received intelligence
that the tribe of Tey were coming down

upon him on account of Amima, the daughter of
the Blood-drinker, and with them were twelve thousand
horsemen. King Zoheir was therefore troubled
in his heart, and he kept it secret, for he
feared that death and ruin were coming upon the
tribe of Abs. At that moment also reached him
the account of Amarah and Antar; and he was
greatly alarmed that dissensions should arise amongst
the tribes: so he mounted his horse and came
to them. As soon as King Zoheir arrived, they
held back from the fray, and they presented themselves,
both Amarah and his brother, whilst all the
people cried out unanimously—O great King, there
is no security for us in your country, unless you
permit us to slay this diabolical black slave, Antar;
for he rebels and revolts, and no one but you can
restrain him. O my cousins, said Zoheir, tell me
what is the matter, what has Antar done?

Rebia came forward and told him that Amarah
had demanded in marriage Ibla, the daughter of
Malik, and what Antar had done to him. So the
King knew that Antar had been ill-used, and that
what they had told him about the marriage of Ibla
was only to deceive him: but observing how many
complained of Antar, he said, Tell me what is your
intention, or what shall I do to him. O King, said
they, either kill him, or banish him from our country,
or send him back to tend the sheep and the
camels. As to killing him, replied the King, I cannot

submit to you, because he has eaten of our meat,
and our protection is on him; and as to banishing
him or sending him back to tend the camels and
the sheep, that does not depend upon me—it is
Shedad's affair.

So the King sent for Shedad; and when he
came—These people are much exasperated against
your son, said Zoheir, but you have the entire disposal
of him, therefore do with him what you please,
and I will be witness for you. I am quite bewildered
and distressed about this business, replied
Shedad, but my opinion is that he should return to
the care of the sheep and the camels, and repent of
his conduct. Call Antar here, cried Zoheir, and
make the compact with him in my presence. Shedad
called for Antar, and he came. Thou wicked slave,
said his master, it is my determination that thou return
to the care of the sheep and the camels, for
I will not irritate the whole tribe, and submit to
thee. I will not molest my brother Malik, and obey
thee.

When Antar heard his father's orders, the tears
rushed from his eyes, and he regretted greatly what
had passed. Do, said Antar, what you please, for
I am one of your servants, and a slave has only to
obey his master, though he torment and afflict him
every day of his life: and from this day will I never
mount a horse, and will never be present in battle,
nor go anywhere but by your permission. And

King Zoheir and others witnessed for Antar, and
for his promise; and the flame that had blazed was
extinguished; and they all returned to their tents;
and his enemies, and those that envied him, ex
ulted over Antar, particularly the family of Zeead.

And now, my cousins, cried Zoheir, prepare your
warlike instruments this instant, to fight the tribe
of Tey, for they are coming down upon us with
twelve thousand horsemen, on account of Amima
the daughter of the Blood-drinker, in order to
release her from slavery and indignity. They all
assented, and separated to prepare for the conflict.
But Antar was rejoiced and glad at hearing this
intelligence, for he knew the tribe of Abs would
be beaten and routed, and that they would be in
want of him. So he went home and entered his
mother's apartment, and asked about Ibla. Ibla
was with me just now, said she; and she said,
Sooth the heart of my cousin Antar, and tell him
from me that if my father even makes my grave my
resting-place, none but him do I desire, none but
him will I choose.

Antar's heart gladdened as he heard the words
of Ibla. He staid at home that night, and the
next day he took his brothers Jereer and Shiboob,
and went to the pasture, driving the cattle and the
camels before him.

And King Zoheir mounted his horse with all
his warriors of the tribe of Abs, in number four

thousand, all armed and accoutred, and set out
to meet the tribe of Tey, leaving in the tents,
for the protection of the property, three hundred
horsemen, with the sons of Shas and Cais, and
Rebia the son of Zeead. He traversed the deserts:
and the tribe of Abs remained in safety one
night; the next day Antar conducted the cattle and
camels to the pasture, and Shiboob and Jereer went
out also with the cattle and the sheep, seeking the
pastures. No sooner had they quitted the tents,
but a dust arose that darkened the whole country.
It was a party of the tribe of Tey, who had passed
King Zoheir on the road, and reached the land of
Shoorebah like a blazing flame.

What is your counsel now, O Ebereah? said Antar
to Shiboob. If you listen to my advice, said his brother,
to-day you will obtain all you wish and desire,
and you will become the noblest of the tribe of Abs,
and be admitted to the rank and consideration of
an Arab, and be reckoned one of the horsemen of
Arabia. My opinion is, you should take the camels
and the cattle, and ascend this eminence towards
Mount Saadi: I will bring you your horse and your
armour: for I know that the tribe of Abs will be
routed, and will stand in need of you; and they will
come to you, and will intreat you: but do not mount
your horse, do not take part in the contest till your
father admits you to his own rank, and acknowledges
you as a son, and as a part of his heart, and

your uncle gives you his daughter in marriage, and
makes you a partner in his wealth—then descend
and destroy your enemies and those that envy you;
and thus, my brother, you will attain the object of
your wishes.

Antar heard this advice of Shiboob; and he drove
away the cattle and the camels, and ascended the hill
of Mount Saadi; while Shiboob went and brought
him his horse and his armour, and they all three
sat down to watch the result of the contest between
the tribes of Abs and Tey: but the Teyans attacked
the pastures of the Absians, and carried off
their camels and their cattle, with their shepherds;
and the whole country and vicinity were filled with
them. Many of the herdsmen returned in flight,
and spread alarm among the tents, informing the
Absians of the arrival of the Teyans, and of their
attack upon them, and that their army was like the
tempestuous sea. They were amazed, and put to
confusion; for they knew that King Zoheir must
have missed them on the road.

Shas called out to the warriors, and assembled the
men. Come on, my cousins, cried he, behold the
enemy; let us fight for our women and our tents, and
let us infuse fear and terror into their hearts, or they
will cut in among ye, and nothing will secure us
against the cup of death, but the blows with the
sword. They all mounted, the men were encouraged,
and rushed on to the combat; man opposed man, and

hero encountered heroes; blood flowed and streamed,
limbs were hewn off, and horrors were spread
among them for an hour; when at length the noble
Absians were so hard pressed, that the Teyans overwhelmed
them, for there were twelve thousand of
these, and the Absians only three hundred. Shas
and Rebia and Amarah were wounded and nearly
dead. The Absians abandoned their property and
families, and sought the wilds and the deserts, and
the enemy took possession of their country and lands.

Alas! said Ibla's father to Shedad, O my brother,
where is thy son? Let him come to us in such a
dreadful day as this, and liberate us from death and
misery. We cannot raise our heads towards Antar,
said Shedad; but were he present, our condition
would indeed be the reverse of this. Shedad raised
his eyes towards the hill, and he saw Shiboob and
Jereer and Antar seated on the ground, and contemplating
the tribe of Abs, and their defeat. So he ran
towards them, and his brother Malik followed him—
Canst thou, in an hour like this, said Shedad, employ
thyself in tending the cattle and the camels?
Behold! the enemy have succeeded in their attempts,
and have plundered our property and slain our horsemen,
and have threatened to capture our women
and our families.

What dost thou wish me to do? said Antar; I
am indeed grieved at thy distress. O that I could
rescue thee from destruction and defeat; but I am

a slave, and am not capable of doing any thing, and
am not worthy your consideration; I am indeed a
poor slave, and one who conducts cattle and camels
to the pastures, and one employed in milking, and
picking up wood, and tending cattle and sheep—am
I not for this contemptible and despised? And he
quitted his father and his uncle Malik where they
stood, and went away from them.

Shedad was vexed at his conduct. What means
this indifference about us? said he. What do you
want of me? said Antar—Hast ever heard of any
one asking protection and countenance from a slave,
and abandoning noble princes? Mount, descend,
and destroy the enemy, Antar! cried Shedad, and
I will grant thee all thy wishes and hopes, and I
will raise thee to the rank and honour of an Arab.
But what will be this rank and honour? said Antar.
I will, said Shedad, recognize thee as my son, and
as a part of my heart. O my nephew, descend and
drive away the enemy from us! exclaimed Malik,
and I will acknowledge thee of our family.

Whilst all this was going on between Antar,
Shedad, and Malik, the Teyans attacked the tents,
and plundered the property and goods, and captured
the women and families, even the females of King
Zoheir's family; and his daughter Mootejeredah
and his wife Temadhur were both taken prisoners;
and they seized Ibla, and Shereeah and Semeeah;
and dreadful was the wailing of Ibla when they
threw down their dwellings to the very foundations,

and they left nothing worth a halter; for
they were Arabs, and greedy of plunder, and only
conquered for spoil; and there were men among
them who loaded their horses, and loaded themselves
with a good horse-load besides; and in a
short time they made the whole country a barren
waste, driving away with them the females and
the families, as they departed over the hills and
the deserts.

Malik, Ibla's father, looked towards the women,
and seeing Ibla a captive among the warriors, O my
nephew, cried he to Antar, dost thou not see thy
beloved Ibla, and wilt thou not defend and protect
her? If I mount this instant, Malik, said Antar,
and destroy this party, and release Ibla from her
affliction, wilt thou give her to me in marriage?
Yes, said Malik, by the God that created her
and beautified her. And he extended his hand
towards Antar, and swore by the God of mankind,
and said, If thou dost liberate Ibla, she shall
be thy wife for ever: and Shedad admitted his
pretensions to honour and rank, and swore he
would not deny him again, were the foe to tear his
body to pieces.

Shedad and Malik having finished speaking, and
Antar having made them confirm their oaths,
Shiboob brought him his horse Abjer. Now mount,
my brother, said he, for thou hast no more to say
to thy father and thy uncle—Put to the rout these
hateful foes. Antar clad himself in armour, and

encased himself in arms till he was like a tower, or
a mass rent from the mountain's side. He rushed
impetuously down from the height, his heart harder
than stone, and his soul more buoyant than the
waves of the sea when it roars. He shouted with
a voice so loud that the whole country and valleys
trembled at the shock—Ye ignoble dastards,
I am Antar the son of Shedad! and he thus
spoke:

"Soon shall ye behold my deeds this day with
the foe in the field of spear-thrusts, and the battle
fire; and my furious courage amongst the tribes;
so that in my sublimity I will mount above the
Pisces. I plunge into the flames of war with the
cleaving scimitar, and I extirpate them with the
goring lance. I drive back the horses on their
haunches from the lofty seat of my thin-flanked
Abjer, and with the blade of my sword Dhami,
at whose edge flow the waves of death over the
enemy. This day will I exhibit my ardent soul
with my Indian sword, and I will meet the chests
of the horse with my thrusts. I will establish the
market of war in its field on the top of my steed,
in the protection of my country. My sword is
my father, and the spear in my hand is my father's
brother; and I am the son of my day in the
heights of the deserts."

He bent his head over the saddle-bow, and made
his attack. First he sought the horseman who had
captured Ibla; he was in the rear, and his assault

was the assault of fate and destiny. He wished to
pierce him through the chest, but he feared the
point might touch Ibla, and she be slain with him:
so he wheeled his horse on one side, and came upon
his right like a ferocious lion, and shouted out in
a voice like thunder when it bellows, and piereed
with his spear his right side; the point issued out
on his left, and he hurled him down dead, weltering
in his blood. Ibla was terrified at the
thrust of the spear, but she was unhurt. Antar
dismounted, and came to Ibla. Fear not, thou
light of mine eyes, said he, thou shalt behold thy
Antar perform to-day deeds that shall be narrated
and recorded.

Again he rushed upon the enemy like an outgeous
lion; and Shiboob attended him shooting his
arrows, with which he transfixed the hearts of the
warriors. At the first attack he dispersed the
troops from the tents, and in the second he laid bare
the whole plain. He poured down upon them and
he destroyed them, and overwhelmed them with
shouts, and horror and death. He hewed off their
arms and their limbs, and put to flight both the
right and the left. And God prospered him in all
he did, so that he slew all he aimed at, and overthrew
all he touched. How numerous were the
heroes he terrified! and at his shouts all the land
trembled.

Now the tribe of Abs distinguished his voice
through the confusion and thick dust, and they said

to one another, He has indeed routed them. They
returned from the mountains and ravines, and joined
the battle, and their hearts gained courage at the
sight of Antar, the lord of war. But when Shas
saw how Antar moved amongst the enemy, and
how he overwhelmed them in slaughter and destruction,
his gall burst, and his hatred increased. He
turned towards his brother Cais, and said—Dost not
behold the deeds of that foul Black, how he cuts
down the enemy with his sword? Verily, he has
discomfited them, and dispersed them among the
wilds and the plains, and his greatness will raise him
above us all. But I wish, my brother, to take him
unawares and kill him whilst he is engaged in the
conflict, and make him drink of the cup of perdition,
that we may be relieved from his foul influence; and
it will be said that the Teyans have slain him.

What mean'st thou, O Shas! replied Cais; does
Antar deserve this of us, after having defended our
wives and our families? How can we be guilty of
such an act? Had it not been for Antar's sword,
the enemy would not have left one of us alive—not
one to tell the tale. My advice is that we should aid
him in the conflict, and drive away from us these
warriors, or we shall become a common proverb.
Cais continued to make such representations to Shas,
that at length he dissuaded him from his project.
The whole tribe of Abs then collected together, and
made one united effort against the enemy; and
men encountered men, and heroes heroes, blood

flowed, limbs were hewn off, and the Absians
exerted all their powers to join the lion warrior;
but it was impossible at that time, for Antar had
plunged into the midst of the Teyans, on account
of their horseman, whose name was Rebeeah,
who was the leader of the troops. He was eminent
for his bravery, and it was he who had wounded
Shas, and had destroyed many Absians, and had
dispersed them among the mountain sides. And
Antar continued slaughtering, and searching him
until he overtook him, and did not give him time to
turn or move his bridle ere he struck him with
Dhami upon his breast, dividing him down to the
thong that encircled his back, and he tumbled over,
cut in twain.

When the Blood-drinker saw Antar smite the
warrior, he was terrified and confounded, and said
to his troops about him, This is no mortal man; all
that have dared him have drank of the cup of perdition.
And as soon as he had released his daughter,
he placed her behind him, and sought the wilds and
the deserts, followed by the tribe of Tey and all the
troops that had survived. And they fled to the
mountains and the rocks, their standards reversed.
But the tribe of Abs pursued and drove them
before them full three parasangs from their country,
and then returned for the dispersed horses and the
scattered property. And they went back to their
own tents, Antar at their head, like the flower of
the Judas tree, thus exclaiming:

"I have abused fortune, but how can she humiliate
such as me! I, too, that have a spirit would
cut down mountains. I am the warrior of whom
it is said, he tended the he and she camels of his
tribe. When I assaulted Kendeh and Tey, their
hands brandishing the long spears, with armies,
that when I thought of them I imagined the
whole earth filled with men; and as their hardy
steeds trampled our lands, whilst you might
see them talking and exulting, 'twas then their
steeds fled away horrified at me, and the redoubled
thrusts that gored them as they sought the fight.
The noble hero feels no fatigue; him no challenger
need call to the combat. It was the slave
alone that drove back the horsemen whilst the
flame of battle was blazing,—then speeded away
their troops in terror of his arm,—light they
fled, burthened though they had been. Crushing
were the stamps and tramplings on their necks,
and the horse-shoes dashed and pounded their
skulls. How many warriors were laid low by my
sword, whilst they tore, in very rage, their hands
with their teeth. I rescued the maidens and
virgins, and not one did I leave but bereft of
sense. Mine is a spirit for every enterprise, high
is my fame, exalted is my glory."

These verses excited surprise and admiration
among the chiefs, and they thanked him. But
Malik, Ibla's father, and Shas and Rebia, and the
tribe of Zeead, cherished a flame in their hearts;

they thanked him in appearance, but in their soul
their gall was burst. When they approached the
tents, the women came out to meet them, beating
the cymbals, and the slaves brandishing their
swords; and Ibla stood in front of them like a full
moon when it shines, as she cried out—May I never
lose thee, O thou defender of women, and destroyer
of every foe and enemy! At these words, Antar's
grief and anguish vanished, and he thought that
in her presence he could slay a host of enemies.
The warriors then went down to their tents, and
no one but talked of Antar, how he slew, and
fought with the invaders; and they passed a night
of joy, glorying in the deeds of Antar, the invincible
hero.

The next day arrived in haste King Zoheir with
his companions, for he had heard that his foe had
passed him on the road: he feared his family might
be destroyed and cut off; and he could scarcely
believe he should find his family safe from the
treacheries of the times; and as he approached the
tents he saw dead bodies scattered about, broken
scimitars and shattered spears, and his heart misgave
him. But when he reached the tents, the
chiefs came out to meet him: they saluted him,
and related what Antar had done. And when
King Zoheir heard this of the great Antar, he
said to his surrounding heroes—Verily by the
faith of an Arab, we are glorified in Antar above
all that inhabit the wilds. And Antar came out

to meet him; the King approached him, and
kissed him between the eyes—O Aboolfawaris, said
he, we are unable to reward thee for this act, even
were we to give thee all we possess in dominions and
property.

Then the warriors went to their tents, and the
King to his own pavilion. And his wife, Temadhur,
came up to him, and kissing his hands—O King,
said she, if you are wise and good, be kind to
Antar; for it is he that has protected your wife and
children. Thus was his joy in the deeds of Antar
augmented, and he slept at ease until the morning
dawned, when he ordered the sheep and camels to
be slain, and a feast to be prepared, and a magnificent
entertainment to be made ready for all the
tribe of Abs and Adnan. The most highly honoured
were Antar and the horsemen of the tribe of
Carad. After dinner they began conversing, and
Shedad related to the King all his son Antar had
done: how he himself having acknowledged his
relationship and connexion, and his brother Malik
having promised him to Ibla, he mounted his horse
and routed the enemy, and dispersed them amongst
the wilds and the deserts.

This struck to the heart of Shas, and his soul
was filled with indignation and rage, and his whole
frame was ready to burst. Shedad, said he, how
could you take upon yourself to introduce Antar,
the son of a slave, to our tribe, and admit him to
our rank and our consequence? Now we shall

become a shame amongst the Arabs to the end of
time, and they will say the tribe of Abs has associated
itself with black slaves.

O Shas, said Cais, give up this envious disposition,
in which no one partakes with you. And King
Zoheir turned also towards his son Shas, and rebuked
him. O my lord, exclaimed Antar, standing
up, the heart of Prince Shas is not inclined
towards me; I will therefore retire from you to
another tribe. Tears flowed from the eyes of Antar,
and King Zoheir and the tribe of Carad gazed at
him in astonishment; when at length the King
arose, and having kissed Antar between the eyes,
he thanked and praised him. Then turning towards
the warriors of Abs, he cried out—O ye
tribes of Abs and Adnan, and all ye that are here
assembled, ye all know the purity of my connexion
and rank, and my father and my mother; yet let
Antar be called as I am called, for he is, by the
faith of an Arab, my cousin, the antidote to all my
sorrow and my grief, and he who honours him,
honours me; and he who despises him, despises
me,—and he cried out—Welcome, welcome to my
cousin, thou reliever of sorrow!

Among the first who succeeded Zoheir was
Prince Malik; he sprang towards Antar, and embraced
him and kissed him between the eyes;
and he likewise cried out—Welcome, welcome to
my cousin, the reliever of sorrow! When the
horsemen saw what King Zoheir and his son had

done, they could not avoid following the example;
so they sprang towards Antar and embraced him,
and kissed him between the eyes, and admitted him
to the honour and rank of an Arab, and all cried
out—Welcome, welcome to my cousin! But Shas
was violently enraged; he was nearly bursting with
passion; he arose hastily, and went to his tent. But
the warriors sat down and began talking and jesting,
anxiety and sorrow left them, and they were all joy
and merriment; they eat meat and drank wine till
night brought on the darkness; and at the termination
of the feast the King clothed Antar in a robe
worked with red gold, and girded on a trusty sword,
and gave him a pike of Khata[13] , and mounted him
on an Arab horse, and called him the Champion of
the tribes of Abs and Adnan. And Antar returned
with his father and his uncles towards the tents,
and his glory and honour were exalted among all
the horsemen; the warriors of the tribe of Carad
rejoiced, but his enemies and the envious were
grieved, particularly the family of Zeead.

Amarah went home, and his regret and affliction
increased; he laid himself down at full length, and
a fever and trembling attacked him, and his knees
and legs pained him, and he was fearfully indisposed.
He sent for his brother Rebia, and wept
before him: O brother, said he, if Ibla escape
me, I shall die of grief, and no one will know of
my death. Amarah, said Rebia, verily you have

done a deed you ought not to have done. We
must now consider this slave as our equal. From
the first, I never wished you to interfere with
Ibla, or connect yourself with the tribe of Carad;
and now that this vile slave has liberated her from
slavery we can do nothing with her, and cannot
succeed, unless her father indeed be inclined
towards you. To-morrow I will go and see about
your business, and if I find that he still wishes for
you, it may be accomplished: otherwise make your
heart easy, Amarah; for if he inclines towards
Antar on account of his courage, we will consult
how to destroy him, and we will deprive him of life
ere he actually obtain her.

Thus were his alarms and jealousies in part relieved.
He waited patiently till the next day, when
he dressed himself in fine clothes, and perfumed
himself, and sent for Malik and his son Amroo, who
attended him and complimented him; and instantly
Amarah arose and received them with all due
courtesy. And Malik said to Amarah, What do
you wish of us? Most noble and excellent sir, I
only invited you to-day, he replied, that I might
see whether your heart was pleased in marrying
that guarded pearl and concealed jewel to that
black slave, that feeder of camels and sheep, whom
the horsemen have preferred to their own rank and
condition. Thus will your daughter be disgraced
amongst the noble Arabs. If indeed you do such
a deed, it will be impossible for us to remain in

this land. We only promised so to Antar, and
only admitted him to our relationship and rank,
said Malik, when he assisted us in the battle and
conflict; but we never thought he could escape safe
out of those perils, and rout such armies.

Well, said Amarah, to-morrow when we repair
to King Zoheir, and when we are in full assembly,
I will demand your daughter; do you assent and
settle the amount of the dower, and when once the
dower is decided on, neither King Zoheir nor any one
else can say any thing to the contrary: and I promise
you that the dower shall be a thousand he and she
camels, and a thousand head of sheep, and twenty
[14] Ooshareeyi camels, and twenty horses of the noblest
breed, and a hundred silk robes, and fifty satin
garments spangled rich in gold, and twenty strings
of the finest jewels, and a hundred skins of wine for
the marriage feast, and a hundred male, and as
many female slaves.

Malik, overjoyed, agreed to this proposal;
Amarah, too, flattered himself he should succeed
in his expectations; and soon after Malik and his
son went home, and tarried there till the morning.
The next day King Zoheir was sitting in his tent,
surrounded by the nobles of the tribe of Abs, when
Amarah and the family of Zeead presented themselves
before him: they had greatly enlarged their
turbans, and seated themselves according to their
rank on the left of the King, and Antar and the

Carad tribe were on the right, and the horsemen
took their places. O Chief, said Amarah, turning
towards Malik, do you think my rank mean, or my
connexion low? Are you not, said Malik, one of
our illustrious horsemen? We are now in the presence
of King Zoheir, continued Amarah, and I
come to you as a suitor to your daughter, and I am
solicitous for your favour; therefore decide on the
marriage dower and donation, and demand even
what the princes of the universe would fail in giving.

All this passed, and Antar sat still and heard
it and observed; and he was convinced his uncle
Malik favoured the Zeead family, and he feared that
if his uncle should decide on fixing the marriage
donation with Amarah, and should confirm it, Ibla
would pass out of his hands, and he would have no
more to say—in vain he would reproach and revile.
Thus roused by the urgency of the moment, he
started up, and turning towards Amarah, exclaimed,
Thou he-goat of a man—thou refuse!—thou
villain! Dost thou at such a time as this demand
Ibla in marriage?—thou coward, did not I demand
her when she was in the midst of twelve thousand
warriors, waving their bone-cleaving swords, and
thou and thy brother were flying among the rocks
and the wilds? I then descended—I exposed my life
in her dangers, and liberated her from the man that
had captured her; but, now that she is in the tent
of her father and mother, thou wouldst demand
her! By the faith of an illustrious Arab, thou

dastard, if thou dost not give up thy pretensions to
Ibla, I will bring down perdition upon thee, and I
will curse thy relations and thy parents, and I will
make the hour of thy wedding an hour of evil tiding
to thyself and thy posterity!"

O Antar, said Amroo, Ibla is our daughter, and
it is for us to command; no prince or chief is empowered
to oblige us to marry her to any one but
whom we choose and approve.

At these words the light became dark in his eyes
—his hand hurried to his irresistible Dhami—
he sprang from the ground on the back of his
Abjer, resolved to put Malik and his son Amroo to
death, and Rebia and Amarah too, and the whole
family of Zeead; and to carry off Ibla, and live
with her in the mountains: but he thought of King
Zoheir's kindness, and how he had transferred him
from servitude to honour and freedom; so he immediately
changed his mind, and thus addressed
the Absians.

"When the family of Carad are ungrateful, and
the family of Zeead are violent in their acts, then
there is no blame or reproach to me, if I protect
mine own honour and rights by arms or by stratagem.
Is not fire kindled from a Zanad when
the stone is rubbed against it? Enjoyment is
ever desired after absence, and approximation is
wished for after separation. I have been merciful
to those who are not aware of the value of
my mercy, and my friendship has not been properly

appreciated. But after this forbearance I
shall act in another manner, till the towns and
deserts shall flow with my blood, and my sword
shall complain of fatigue in my hand, and my
joints shall murmur at the burthen of my belt.
Ye observed me well the day of Tey, and my
deeds with my Indian spear; and had my lance
a tongue, it would tell ye of the splitting of ribs
in the battle. How many challengers called to
me on the day of conflict, and hailed me, and I
answered each antagonist. O family of Zeead,
ye have opposed a noble lion that never flinches
from the fight—artless in speech and deeds—with
a sword that cleaves heads and arms. Be on thy
guard then, O Amroo, on thy guard against him.
Let not thine eyelids be weighed down with sleep.
But had I not a chief who commands me, liberal
in speech, and exalted in power, I would do
myself justice with my sword, and soon would I
show the difference between virtue and outrage."

When Antar had finished, the chiefs admired
his eloquence: King Zoheir went up to him, and
made him dismount. May God never renounce
thy mouth! said he: may no one ever harm thee,
O thou protector of the tribes! And then turning
towards Malik, Ibla's father, he said—How is it that
you will not marry your daughter to a hero? You
engaged her to him when he liberated her from her
perilous situation! My lord, my daughter is in
my tent, said Malik; you may command her, and

marry her to whom you please: I will not oppose
your directions, and I will not swerve from your
orders. Then, said King Zoheir, Ibla can belong
to no one but our defender, the brave Antar. So
they sat down and ate, and thus they remained till
dark, when they went home, each to his tent.