 | Antar : |  |
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
ANTAR.
CHAPTER I.
Ishmael, son of Abraham, was the father of
Adnan, who had a son called Maad; and Maad was
the father of Nizar, whose four sons, Rebeeah, Medher,
Ayad, and Anmar, reigned over the Arabs in
great glory for many years, and their descendants
continued to flourish and multiply till they amounted
to twenty thousand horsemen, when disturbances
arising among them, they separated, and migrated
from the valley of Mecca and the holy sanctuary,
and many of them settled in a spot called Ibreem-oobmootemim,
which was the furthermost point of Hijaz,
and the first in the land of Yemen. And they
had a king called Rebeeah, a man much respected
and feared, and he was of the tribe of Medher, a fair-raced
people: and he had five sons; the eldest was
the fourth, Medher[1] ; and the fifth, Adee:
and their father was a stout and intrepid warrior; he
conquered the whole country by his bravery, and
ruled over the wilds and the deserts.
Again the Arabs disagreed amongst themselves
and dispersed, and every division had its chief and
its leader. They carried away their property and
their camels, and among them was Harith, son of
Obad the Yashkirite, with the tribe of Yashkir,
and the chief Dibyan with the tribe of Dibyan, and
the chief Abd Shems with his tribe, and Jazeemah
with the tribe of Abs[2]
and Adnan, and Bahiej
with the tribe of Ghiftan; and it was Jazeemah,
King of the tribe of Abs and Adnan, that attacked
Rebeeah, and having slain him, appointed Mohelhil
to succeed his father. But on the death of Mohelhil
all his cousins went away with their property and
camels, afraid of the surrounding Arabs, and settled
with the tribe of Abs and Adnan, and their chief
Jazeemah; and among all the Arabs there was no
government better regulated than his, for he was
experienced in all affairs, and had ten sons, who were
all hardy lions, bold, endued with great bodily
strength, and in war they were unrivalled; they
reputation was spread among the Arabs, and among
them were Amroo and Jancah, and Asyed and Zoheir,
and the rest of the ten brothers. But Amroo
was the eldest, and King Jazeemah hoped that
Amroo would reign at his death. But one day
Amroo went to the lake Zatool Irsad, early in the
morning, and with him was a slave called Nizah;
and Amroo had round his neck a chain of gold
studded with jewels and diamonds; and when he
came to the lake he stripped off his clothes, and took
off the string of jewels from his neck, and then going,
down into the lake left them all with his slave.
When he sprang into the water and plunged in, his
body disappeared, and was borne away.
The slave perceiving that his master remained too
long under water, felt assured that his breath was
extinct; so he ran away to Jazeemah, and told him
of this dreadful event. He was in the deepest grief,
and he dashed his fist against his face for the loss of
his son Amroo. Over the whole tribe the dismay was
general, the affliction was universal, and the lamentations
deep. Many days and nights they remained
in this state, when at last King Jazeemah, wishing
to relieve his mind from his anguish, went out to the
chase, and whilst he was thus occupied, lo! there
appeared a fawn, which he eagerly pursued; but as
it launched into the waste in full flight, he could not
catch it. Still he hoped to succeed; but at last it
thickets, and Jazeemah still pursued it. And whilst
he was struggling through the branches, behold, a
man quite naked stood before him! He fled away
in terror, fancying that it was a dæmon: O King!
exclaimed the man, be not afraid, for I am thy son
Amroo! If thou art my son, cried the King, follow
me, and quit this spot. Jazeemah issued from the
forest, and the man coming up with him, he gazed at
him, and lo! he was his son! He was greatly rejoiced,
and running up to him, O my son, said he,
what has happened to thee? who brought thee to
this place? and thou art naked! So he explained all
that had occurred to him, and the cause of his being
snatched away from the lake was a dæmon, who bore
him to this place. His father joyed in seeing him,
and clothed him in some of his own garments, and
returned with him to his tribe and companions, and
unbounded was the delight and satisfaction at the
return of Amroo. Acclamations were loud, and the
time passed happily away, and they forgot the evils
of fortune.
All the Arabs took refuge with King Jazeemah,
and paid him taxes and tribute, and there was not
one but obeyed him and submitted, save a single
Queen, who was called Robab. And this Queen
was very powerful, and had numerous armies and
slaves. She had subdued the heroes, and humbled
the bravest, and her tribe was the most intrepid
Reeyan. And when they heard that King Jazeemah
was become powerful and had extended his influence,
and that the Arabs gave him tribute in cattle
and camels; We, said they, will not give any one
even a rope's end; and whoever demand goods of us,
nothing will we give them but blows and battle.
Upon hearing this, Jazeemah assembled his
armies and warriors, and the Arabs came to him
from all the vallies and the waters, and he marched
away with them in quest of the tribe of Reeyan, and
their Queen Robab, that he might send down destruction
and torments upon them, and leave their
property to be pillaged by the Arabs. Now when
the tribe of Reeyan saw those armies that were advancing
upon them, they set up a loud shout, and
they thronged in haste from all quarters, and the
mountains trembled at the uproar. This tribe was
exceedingly numerous, and moreover they had been
joined by a great multitude who came to them and
settled round them, to be under the protection of
that tribe and their Queen Robab; so great was her
reputation, and so far famed her name.
And when the armies arrived and were all established
about her, they waited in anxious expectation
of the event. So the Queen summoned one of
her tribe, a man of great consequence, and said to
him—I wish thou wouldst go to these advancing
people, and see what they are resolved to do, what
place they come from, and what they want. The
troops, they stopped. Whither in such haste? they
cried: speak ere thou art a lost man! Arabs, said
he, I am come as a messenger to ye; I want to see
your chief. Tell me what is your object; who are
you? how are you called? We are the noble tribe
of Abs, said they; and we are come to devastate
your lands, and plunder your property, and capture
your wives and families. Arab Chiefs, he replied,
show me your King, lead me to him, that I may
speak with him about the object of this expedition.
They accordingly introduced him to the King, and
he kissed the ground before him. Jazeemah asked
what he wanted, and what brought him there. So
he told him that Robab had sent him. O King!
he continued, what has brought thee forth from thy
country? What is the cause of thy departure from
home? He then informed him that he was come to
slay the people, and to plunder their property.
Mighty King! said the other, may God for ever
confirm thee in thy possessions! Why wouldst thou
act thus towards us? On account of your refractory
conduct towards me, said Jazeemah, and the language
I have heard; for all the Arabs have submitted
to my rule, and obeyed my call, and give me
tribute and taxes, all but you, ye cowards! and I
have heard of your base designs. But I must assail
you without further preparation, and I shall command
these armies, numerous as the locusts, to
assault you, and to grind you like grain, and to
thee, and tell her what I have said to thee.
So the messenger returned with this answer; and
when he reached Robab, he communicated all he
had heard to her. Away back to him, said she,
and tell him to-morrow morning to sally forth into
the plain, and to meet me in the field of battle
before these horsemen. If he subdues me, I will
submit to him, and pay him tribute; but if I vanquish
him, I will grant him his life, and take his
ransom; and by this means we shall spare the lives
of the people, and be released from war and carnage,
and then return home to our country.
The messenger returned to King Jazeemah, and
informed him of the conditions Robab had proposed.
He agreed, and consented, and immediately he came
down to the field, and he was like a furious lion;
he galloped and charged before the warriors, and
rushed in to the scene of blows and thrusts. Queen
Robab dashed down on him, mounted on a raven-coloured
steed, strong-sinewed. She charged with
him over the plain till the horsemen were amazed.
Then they began the storm and bluster, the sport
and exertion, the give and take, the struggle and
the wrestle; and every eye gazed intently on them,
and every neck was stretched out at them. Just
then passed between them two matchless spear-thrusts.
King Jazeemah's was the first, so roused
was he by the terrors and calamities that threatened
coming upon her, and that death was in it, she bent
herself forward till her breast touched the horse,
and the well-aimed thrust passed without effect.
She then replaced herself on her saddle, and dashed
furiously at him, and attacked him: she struck him
with horror, and drove the spear through his chest,
and forced out the point sparkling at his back. He
tottered from his horse, and his senses were annihilated.
Then the Arabs assailed one another, and
the earth shook beneath them. Blows fell right
and wrong, necks were hewn off, and hoary beards
were stained with blood. The struggle was intense;
and all the Arabs in those valleys were in universal
commotion, like so many Genii.
Soon fled the tribe of Abs and Adnan and all
their allies, and sought their homes and abodes in
fear of death and annihilation; neither did they
halt in their flight and rout till they reached their
own camp; and when they learnt the extent of their
misfortune, and how many kings and chiefs had
been slain, the lamentations were general. Calamities
struck them all; they threw down their tents
and pavilions; and thus they continued seven days
and nights, when King Amroo seated himself on the
throne of his father, and the Arabs came to condole
with him, and congratulated him on his kingdom.
But he lived only a short time, and when he died
his brother Zoheir succeeded him, and reigned in
acknowledged, and the Arabian tribes, far and near,
obeyed and feared him. His subjects were happy
under his dominion, on account of his great influence,
and chiefs hastened to testify their allegiance. As
soon as he was established on his throne he resolved
on taking his revenge, and for this purpose he assembled
his armies and auxiliaries, and demanded
the presene of all the Arabian princes.
In a short time his troops were all prepared, and
immediately he set out on his expedition against the
hostile tribe of Reeyan and their Queen Robab. He
stopped not till he entered their country. As soon
as the Princess was informed of this invasion, she
called together her adherents, who came from all
parts and from the mountains; but they feared for
their families, and their wives, and their cattle and
camels. They marched eagerly to the conflict, and
delayed not a moment till they attacked the tribe
of Abs: they rushed forwards with the intention
to destroy them. The two tribes soon engaged.
Fierce was the combat and loud the clamour on all
sides. The battle raged; dreadful were the blows
of the sabre, and frequent the rush of darts and
javelins; numbers were wounded; every warrior
stood firm; but the cowards fled: patient were the
noble-hearted, but the weak sought safety in flight.
Many drank the bitter poison of death. King
field of battle, whilst she was encouraging her troops.
The King furiously assaulted her, and exclaimed,
"Revenge for King Jazeemah." He then hurled
his lance and struck her on the chest, and forced out
the weapon between her shoulders, and again cried
out—O by the noble Arabs! Their only reply was
a loud scream, and the battle still continued. But
when the tribe of Reeyan saw the Princess dead, and
perceived their attempts were frustrated, they were
alarmed. Then rushed forward the tribe of Abs, and
attacked them with renewed violence. The Reeyanians
were routed, and fled towards their habitations;—the
Absians pursued them, and spread desolation
among them; slew them with their swords,
and dispersed them amongst their wilds and deserts,
until they reached their country, where they took
possession of their tents and plundered their property.
Zoheir returned home, and rejoiced in the
execution of his vengeance. He divided the wealth
and lands of all that belonged to his enemies among
his own people, and all the spoil was given to the rich
and poor, to his slaves and his chiefs. Many of the
hostile leaders were put to death: all the Arabs far
and near were terrified at the extent of his dominion,
and the power of his arm.
At this period the Caaba and the holy Mecca
were visited, as at this day. Numerous were the
months of pilgrimage; and had a man even killed
his father at that period, his crime was never mentioned.
Zoheir, after he had accomplished these
glorious deeds, wished to make a pilgrimage;
which he executed, attended by all the chiefs of
his tribe. His admiration was great in performing
the ceremony of walking round the Caaba, and
in kissing the sacred stone. On his return home, he
was anxious to erect a building similar to the sacred
altar, whither pilgrims should resort, where travellers
might be entertained, and the hungry fed,
and the fearful be in security; in whose precincts
no beasts of prey should be chased; no blood
should be shed; and a transgressor of my law shall
be instantly put to death with this sword, he exclaimed.
These sentiments he expressed to his
tribe assembled in council. All were in dismay at
this resolution, but no one dared to disapprove or
make any answer. But an old Sheikh, who had
passed all his days in perusing ancient chronicles,
and was well acquainted with all the sayings of the
wise men, who acknowledged the unity of God, the
maker of the heavens and the earth, ventured forth,
and expostulated with Zoheir, telling him the Caaba
was the mansion of the blessed Abraham, and were
he to presume to imitate it, a cruel death would
avenge the insult; and thus he addressed him:—
"O great King, O Son of noble chiefs! hold and
the ignobly born. Mount not the horse of
Outrage, for it will not rescue thee from the
messengers of Death; and soon mayest thou expect
him, shouldst thou erect in the desert a
mansion like the sacred shrine of the Caaba;
shouldst thou establish similar rites and ceremonies
and resemblances to Menah and Zengein[3] and
the temple. Away, away, their land is the land of
a tribe superior to all mankind; and from them
shall appear a noted man, the prophet of God,
the torch of darkness, whose faith shall extend
east and west with the death-bearing sword of a
noble warrior. Away with what thou hast said,
for thy God is swift of vengeance."
The King was not easily dissuaded, but at last
gave way to the argument of the Chief, and no
longer persisted in his resolution: he was moreover
induced to resign his plan in compliance with all his
Chiefs, who seconded the word of the Sheikh. In
this situation remained King Zoheir for some years;
when he became anxious to marry, and to take a
wife eminent for her beauty and elegance of form,
and of a noble family. He made all inquiries on
the subject, and at last heard there was an Arab,
strong and mighty in arms, and a famous horseman,
called Amroo, son of Shedeed, and he had a daughter
whose name was Temadhur, whose equal was to
father was a severe man, and would let no one
address her, saying his daughter would not marry.
When Zoheir heard this, he longed for her as a
thirsty man wishes to have water. He pictured to
himself her perfections, before he had ascertained
her worth by inquiries. However, he did not send
to demand her in marriage, but made her father
some handsome presents, and evinced the greatest
fondness for him, making him one of his particular
companions, and thus gained his affections. He then
persuaded him to come and settle in his country,
expressing his great love for him; and thus he
never ate or drank but in his society.
The excess of his passion increased daily, to such
a degree, that he resolved to assemble a party of his
followers called the tribe of Ghorab, and instruct
them to attack the family of Amroo, and plunder
his property, but not to kill any one, or do any
personal injury. So by this stratagem he expected
to discover Temadhur among his prisoners, and then
have an opportunity of speaking to her. The tribe of
Ghorab were accordingly ordered on this expedition,
and instantly they set out, in number five hundred.
Without difficulty they seized the property, took
Amroo prisoner with his wife and family, and
plundered his camels and cattle, but refrained from
slaying any one. When the King heard what had
happened, he mounted his horse in order to behold
expecting assistance from the tribe of Abs. The
family were looking at their flocks dispersed about,
but Temadhur was standing at the door of the tent,
blooming as the dawning sun, and her forehead bright
as its rays, and her cheeks were red as the piony,
her hair dishevelled, black as night. When Zoheir
saw this, his passion greatly increased; he cried out,
and instantly his people rushed forward and furiously
attacked the tribe of Ghorab: the women fled, but
Zoheir ordered Rebia, son of Zeead, to hide Temadhur
under her veil, which was accordingly done.
Thirty prisoners were secured belonging to the
tribe of Ghorab; they and their property were delivered
up; and when quiet was restored, the King
ordered a magnificent feast to be prepared, that he
might make merry with his tribe and followers. They
and the father of Temadhur soon assembled together,
and in less than an hour grief was converted into
joy; the wine was plentifully distributed, and the
uproar was great. The King soon became intoxicated,
and launched out into violent praise of Amroo
the son of Shedeed; and he ceased not to extol and
laud his deeds till the tears came into his eyes, and
the wine disordered his senses. Then Amroo got
on his legs and addressed Zoheir:—O mighty and
magnanimous King, I am your slave. My tongue
fails in description of your virtues. God has given
me nothing that I prize but my daughter Temadhur,
assembled Chiefs, that he may accept her as his
handmaiden.
As soon as Zoheir heard this, he rejoiced and was
glad; and the Absians answered, And we too will
beg King Zoheir to accept her, and to cause the
daughters of noble chiefs to wait on her. As soon
as Zoheir heard these words, he leaped up, and
taking the old man by the hand, most earnestly
entreated him to consent. He richly clothed him,
and made him handsome presents, and then said,
She shall be, O Chief, equal to the most elevated
in rank, and highest in dignity. The marriage
canopy was instantly pitched, and there was no
further demur. The damsels advanced, conducting
the concealed treasure. Her approach was at that
moment sweeter to him than sleep to the wearied
eyelids, and he beheld in her the stem of a tall reed,
and the rose of the soul. They were immediately
united: on the second day Zoheir arose and thanked
his fortune, for his anxieties were past. He made
presents, and distributed the gold and silver, and he
made Amroo's people remain with him, that he
might treat them for seven days, when he made the
marriage-feast, slaughtering camels and sheep.
The King's surprise and delight made him so
vain and conceited, that at last he imparted to his
wife the stratagem by which he had obtained her
without a dower or settlement. When she heard
sensible woman, but she said nothing to him about it
all the next day; when intoxicated he wished to caress
her; she repulsed him, and turning away from him,
said—Are you not ashamed of what you have
done? Do you pretend to liberality and generosity,
and thus seize the daughters of brave men by force,
and refuse them a dower?
These words irritated the Chief greatly, and he
answered, I have not been so avaricious; I had
recourse to this violent act, because your father
yielded not to my proposals, and repulsed all
suitors from you. I had therefore no other means
of dealing with him but by this outrage; and you
know, that had your father accepted my proposals
for marriage at first, then you would have seen what
I would have given you, and the dower I would
have presented. You have confessed the deed, she
replied, and you have won me by force; this is the
work of violence; but we are indeed more cunning
than you.
As soon as Zoheir heard these words he was
greatly enraged, and his anger exceeded all bounds:
he rose from his bed and exclaimed, Where have
you seen any folly in me? and where, as you say,
are you more sagacious than I am? Be not angry,
O King, said she; know that he who speaks too
freely will often have a bitter reply, and he who
contemptuously treats women will fall into difficulties.
you beheld, so beautiful and fair; you have not
succeeded with her, and have not obtained possession
of her charms. She is more beautiful than the
sun and moon. I am not worthy to be her hand-maid.
I do not possess a particle of her charms.
On the face of the earth there is not her equal:
amongst the daughters of Arabia there is not her
like. By your show of liberality you deceived my
father; he gave me to you; but my sister's name is
Temadhur, at the sight of whom every beholder is
amazed, and every heart is in raptures. But I am
called Khidaa; and between her and me there is a
vast distance, both in beauty and disposition; but
it is now too late: had you not done this, I would
not have informed you of what has passed.
The pleasing dream fled. How can I believe you?
said the King. If, said she, you wish to prove my
words, you have only to order some old woman to
go and look at my sister behind her veil, and then
the truth and mistake will be evident. No human
being can behold your sister, added he, but a merchant,
or a blacksmith, or an astrologer, or a
perfumer. You are right, she replied, for the
daughters of Arabia value the goods of a merchant,
a blacksmith, an astrologer, and a perfumer.
Then, said the King, there is no intelligence like
the eyes, and no sight like the hearing of the
ears. I am myself an Arab, and I must undertake
is necessary, and will go to your house in the disguise
of a perfumer.
He slept till the day dawned, when he said to his
attendants, If any one should demand admittance
to me to-morrow, say, You cannot enter to-day. He
undressed himself and took off his royal robes, and
habited himself as a poor man, and took with him
some perfumes and drugs; for he was greatly vexed
at what had passed. He departed from his tent, his
loins girt round, and his feet naked, and when he
was at some distance he quickened his pace.
But his wife Temadhur, as soon as the King was
gone, also rose, and threw off her veil, and putting
on the cloak of her husband, dressed herself as a
man, and leaving the tent, sought the tent of her
family. When she reached it, she sent for her
mother, and her father, and her brothers, and told
them all she had heard from the King her husband.
When her father and brothers heard this, they were
greatly surprised at her cunning and her disguise.
She kissed her father, and said to him, Do you and
my brothers withdraw instantly, and conceal yourselves
close at hand; and when King Zoheir
arrives and comes towards us, with his cloak-bag
over his shoulders, we will let him in and detain
him; do you also rush in, and instantly lay hold of
him, keep him fast, and do not let him go until
he makes good the marriage dower; or we shall
you for this, tell him it is a return for his acts
towards us, and the disgraces his stratagem has
brought on your daughter. On this, they retired,
armed themselves with swords, and lay concealed.
Temadhur took off her man's attire, and put on the
robes of a secluded female, and drew her veil over
her eyes, and blackened her eyelids with antimony,
and sat down, expecting Zoheir would arrive, conversing
in the mean time with her mother.
Zoheir soon appeared from amongst the tents,
and his eyes were like the eyes of a fox. Temadhur's
mother cried out, Enter, merchant; have you
any perfumes that will suit my daughter? He
entered, and throwing down his cloak-bag off his
shoulders, and looking towards his wife, said, Are
the perfumes for this damsel? Yes, said she. He was
much confounded, but asked her name. She said,
Temadhur. He then asked, Have you any other
daughter? Yes, said she, her sister, whose name is
Khidaa; but when King Zoheir demanded her in
marriage, we did not consent to it, and so gave him
her sister. He knows nothing about it, but we
hope to marry her to one of the noblest chiefs.
The light became darkness in his eyes. He
thought within himself, verily I will carry off this
damsel, and her father and brothers shall die with
rage. And when he wished that they would choose
some of his drugs, that he might return, the father
him, and bound him hand and foot. His wife stood
before him, and threw off her veil, and rejoicing in
her heart, O King, said she, what think you of your
situation and your artifices? Which of us is the most
cunning?
The King was in despair, and considered himself
as dead; but when he saw his wife, his life and
spirits revived. Well, said he, what do you intend
by this? Your disgrace for your acts towards us,
replied she, and for your boast in having got possession
of me by fraud and deceit; and we swear by God
and Abraham, we will not let you go, neither shall
you see me yield to you, or listen to you, or obey
you, until you grant me a favour, and swear by the
Holy Zemzem that you will give to my father and
brethren your protection, and confirm my marriage
with a grant of camels and other beasts. Do this
immediately, or you shall for ever remain in durance.
When Zoheir heard what she said, he smiled at
what she had done, and was ashamed of his own
deeds. I will give you, said he, five hundred camels;
so now let me go. It is not enough for one hour
that I have been your wife, said she. I will moreover,
continued he, add five hundred high-priced
camels. That, said she, will be even little for a
single day. If, O Temadhur, cried Zoheir, you
must reckon up every hour of each night, and each
day, and buy them as at a market, you will take
she-camels. Upon that she smiled, and let him loose,
and they settled the business between them, viz.
that he should give them a thousand he and she-camels,
twenty horses, fifty male slaves, and fifty
female. To this he swore by the God of the holy
shrine of Zemzem and Mekam. They then went
to dinner, and he remained with them until dark,
when he returned with his wife, her father and
brothers in company until they came to his tent;
there they separated, King Zoheir retiring to his
wife; and as his love for her greatly increased by
reason of her conduct, he gave her vast possessions;
but no one knew what had happened to him, and
things remained in this state until she brought forth
ten sons, all like lions; the names of whom were
Shas, Keseer, Cais, Nakshel, Malik, Nooful, Harith,
Khidash, Warcah, Jandil, and afterwards one
daughter, who was called Mootejeredah.
And it was a custom among the Arabs, that when
a woman brought forth ten male children, she should
be called Moonejeba, i. e. ennobled, and her name
be published amongst the Arabs; and they used
to say that the wife of such a one is ennobled. Now
Mootejeredah, the daughter of King Zoheir, was
the beauty of the age, and in wit and sense surpassed
all the daughters of Arabia. And Fatima, the
daughter of Hewseb, was also a Moonejeba, the
wife of Zeead, the son of Abdallah, and she also
Amarah, Ans, Hafiz, Talib, Ghalib, Dinrak,
Amroo, and Zitak. Thus the children of Zoheir,
and Carad, and Zeead, became the chiefs of the
tribe of Abs, and their noble leaders, particularly
the family of Carad, who consisted of Shedad,
Malek, and Zakhmet-ool Jewad, who were all illustrious
warriors. King Zoheir was established in his
dominions, and all the Arabs and Kings of the age
obeyed him, and sent him presents from every
quarter. And the tribe of Abs passed their time
in plundering and killing the chieftains, till all
Arabia was overawed by their power, and the
dwellers of the deserts feared them.
Now the narrators of this History, Asmaee, and
Joheinah, and Aboo Obeidah state, that ten horsemen
of the family of Carad quitted the country to
seek their fortunes, and among them was Shedad,
the son of Carad, and he was called the Knight of
Jirwet, for his mare was called Jirwet, whose like
was unknown. Kings negotiated with him for her,
but he would not part with her, and would accept
of no offer or bribe for her; and thus he used to
talk of her in his verses:
"Seek not to purchase my horse, for Jirwet is not
to be bought or borrowed. I am a strong castle
on her back, and in her bound are glory and greatness.
I would not part with her were strings of
camels to come to me with their drivers following
tears up the waste and the desert. I will keep
her for the day of calamities, and she will rescue
me when the battle-dust rises."
The party set out from the land of Shoorebah;
the ten were all well reputed warriors and famed
horsemen; they were clothed in iron armour and
brilliant cuirasses; their object was to obtain horses
and camels. They continued their journey till
they entered the country of Cahtan: they lay concealed
all day, and only travelled by night. At
length they reached the mountains of Aja and
Selma; and there, between two hills, they discovered
a wealthy tribe, possessed of considerable property
and great riches; they were called the tribe of
Jezeela. Numerous were their tents, and their
dwellings, and their warlike weapons, &c., and the
camp was like the boisterous sea dashing its waves,
so numerous were their slaves, and attendants, and
their horses of various colours. It was a tribe under
no apprehension of a change of fortune.
And when the Absians perceived their vast wealth
and prosperous situation, they feared to attack them,
so they quitted them and made for their pasture
ground, where they perceived a thousand camels
grazing, there being much grass in that spot, and
with them was a black woman who was watching
them. She was of extraordinary beauty and well-shaped;
her appearance was elegant and striking;
camels and running about. As soon as the Absians
saw the camels, they attacked them, and hunted
them like hares with their spears, then drove them
away, together with the woman and children; yet
keeping in the rear, ready to attack whoever might
overtake them; and they had not gone far ere the
people came after them, crying out, Whither would
flight secure you, you wretches? here are we in
pursuit of you. Verily your feet have borne you to
your ruin and destruction. Upon this the Absians
fixed their spears, and gave the reins to their horses,
and met their assailants, pouncing down on them
like falcons. They stood firm of soul, and plied
their lances among them: blood flowed, and the
horsemen were stretched on the earth, where they
left them as carrion for the wild beasts of the desert.
The tribe of Jezeelah fled, unable to resist the foe,
and retreated to their own country, their heroes
being slain and their property captured.
The Absians drove away the camels and cattle,
and returning home, they halted by the side of a
stream, in order to divide the property. But the
woman who was carried off with the camels had
made a great impression on the heart of Shedad,
and he longed for her in his soul: her form was
delicate, her eye inspired love, her smile was
enchanting, and her gestures graceful. As the poet
has said, "In blackness there is some virtue, if you
white or red. Were it not for the black of the mole
on a fair cheek, how would lovers feel the value
of its brilliancy? Were not musk black, it would
not be precious. Were it not for the black of
night, the dawn would not rise. Were it not for
the black of the eye, where would be its beauty?
and thus it is, that the black ambergris has the
purest fragrance." He therefore took the woman,
and gave them the booty, that they might renounce
her. So he kept her to himself.
This woman's name was Zebeeba, and the two
children were hers; the eldest was called Jareer,
and the youngest Shiboob. He remained with the
woman in the field, and the children tended the
flocks. Shedad visited her morning and evening;
and thus matters continued till she became pregnant;
and when her time came, she brought forth a boy,
black and swarthy like an elephant, flat-nosed, blear-eyed,
harsh-featured, shaggy-haired; the corners of
his lips hanging down, and the inner angles of his
eyes bloated; strong-boned, long-footed; he was like
a fragment of a cloud, his ears immensely long, and
with eyes whence flashed sparks of fire. His shape,
limbs, form, and make resembled Shedad; and Shedad
was overjoyed at seeing him, and called him
Antar, and for many days he continued to gaze on
him with delight. But when Zebeeba wished to
wean him, he grumbled and growled exceedingly,
he appeared like a mass of crimson blood; and this
was his condition till he was weaned. And he grew
up, and his name became known; but those who
had accompanied Shedad in the expedition, having
heard of him, all wanted to claim him as theirs.
So they all assembled and hastened to him, each
imagining he belonged to him, and gave him his
name; till at last they disputed about him, and
almost drew their swords, and would have fought,
had not respect for King Zoheir prevented them.
The circumstance soon reached the King, who
ordered them to his presence; and it happened on
that day that he had many guests with him at
dinner; and whilst they were sitting down, Shedad
and his companions came and kissed the ground
in the presence of the King. He asked them what
had happened, and what was the cause of the
quarrel. They then informed him, and related all
that had passed between Shedad and the woman in
their excursion; how he had taken her to himself,
and had given them the plunder; how she bare him
a son, whose shape and appearance resembled a
negro; and how they now all claimed the child as
their slave, because he was very stout and strong.
When Zoheir heard this adventure he was greatly
surprised, and he said to Shedad, I wish you would
produce the young slave that is the object of contention,
that I may see him. Upon that, Shedad
King beheld him, and lo! he was like a lion when
he roars. As soon as he saw him he gave a loud
scream, and threw a piece of meat at him; but a dog
that was there got before him, and snatched up the
meat like a hawk, and ran away. But Antar followed
him till he came up with him; he was greatly
enraged, and seized hold of him with all his strength.
He wrenched open his jaws, and tore them in
twain even to the shoulders, and snatched the
meat out of his mouth. When the King saw
this, he was astonished, and the Arab chiefs that
were present were amazed; and exclaimed, what ingenuity,
what power, strength, and ability! O my
friends, said King Zoheir, contend no more about
such a wretch as this! but if it is absolutely necessary
that this business should be decided, I must
refer you to the Cadi Bashar, son of Codha'ah the
Fazarean; let him give sentence on this point, and
settle to whom this slave belongs. Tell him the
story, for he is the Cadi of the Arabs.
When they heard King Zoheir's remarks, they
instantly withdrew their hands from their swords,
and mounting their horses, went before the Cadi,
to whom they explained what had happened. In
fine, the Cadi decided that the child should be the
property of Shedad; for he was their leader, and
no one but him had any knowledge of the woman.
You agreed to the partition, said he, and he affixed
the woman, and you took your share of the spoil
and plunder; besides, the child resembles Shedad.
Contend and be at variance no more, but return in
peace and quietness. Thus, as soon as the Arab
chiefs heard the Cadi's sentence, they yielded; and
when they reached their homes, they passed their time
in friendship and comfort. Soon after, Shedad made a
separate house for Zebeeba and her children, and he
gave her whatever she wanted, and consigned over to
her charge her two children, and also gave her particular
injunction about her youngest son called Antar.
Now Antar was becoming a big boy, and grew
up, and used to accompany his mother to the pastures,
and he watched the cattle; and this he continued
to do till he increased in stature. He used to
walk and run about to harden himself, till at length
his muscles were strengthened, his frame altogether
more robust, and his bones more firm and solid, and
his speech correct. He then began to tyrannize
over boys of the same age, and beat his brothers;
and when he returned from the pastures, he amused
himself with the servants and women; and he would
eat nothing but what he liked; and whoever
offended him he would thrash with a stick, till he
tortured him; and all the tribe were his enemies.
He used to employ himself in tending the flocks,
and as he conducted them, he wandered about the
deserts and plains, and loved solitude and retirement.
sides, sometimes riding upon the dogs, by which
he acquired courage and intrepidity; and thus he
went on till he attained his tenth year. One day he
was wandering over the deserts with the flocks, and
when the sun was burning hot, he left his people,
and climbed up a tree and took shelter from the
heat, whilst the flocks grazed, and he watched them;
when, lo! a wolf started from behind the trees, and
dispersed them. But Antar seeing how the animal
had dispersed the herds, he descended and ran after
him till he overtook him, and struck him with his
staff between the eyes; he made the oil of his brains
fly out from between his ears, and slew him; he then
cut off his head and his legs, and returned growling
like an angry lion. And so thou wouldst devour
Antar's flocks? cried he, addressing himself to the
dead wolf; but thou dost not know that he is a
savage lion. He put the head and legs into the scrip
he had with him; leaving the carcass, he returned
to the flocks, and thus spoke:—
"O thou wolf, eager for death, I have left thee
wallowing in dust, and spoiled of life—thou wouldst
have the run of my flocks, but I have left thee
dyed with blood—thou wouldst disperse my sheep,
and thou knowest I am a lion that never fears.
This is the way I treat thee, thou dog of the desert.
Hast ever before seen battle and wars?"
About evening Antar reached his dwelling; his
saw the wolf's head and legs. She was quite confounded,
but said nothing. She presented them to
Shedad, who only desired her not to let him stray
about. Do thou and he mind the cattle, and go not
far into the wilds, lest some foe meet thee. Zebeeba
promised obedience to the words of her lord, and
the next day she departed with her three children
to the pastures, whither they drove the herds to
graze among the plains and the hills. But Antar
rode about the country on the horses, and obtained
strength and agility by the exercise; he drove them
over the steeps, hurling his reed spear at the trunks
of the trees; and his mother concealed these circumstances
from his father, fearing he would beat him
or kill him. It was thus he became bold and hardy;
his limbs were robust, his bodily powers increased,
and his mind was improved by courage and intrepidity.
And when a camel would stray away, he
would cry out and make it stop, and he would
struggle with and subdue the mightiest of the herds;
and when he seized one by the tail, he tore it off;
and when they resisted him, he would strike them
on the back of the head, or tear open their mouths;
and thus he continued his feats till all the servants
were afraid of him, and every one far and near
dreaded him.
Now King Zoheir had two hundred slaves that
tended his herds of he and she-camels, and all his
and heir to his possessions, and Shas had a slave
whose name was Daji, and he was a great bully.
Shas was very fond of him, on account of his
vast bodily strength; and there was not a slave
but feared him and trembled before him: Antar,
however, made no account of him, and did not care
for him. One day the poor men, and widows, and
orphans met together, and were driving their camels
and their flocks to drink, and were all standing
by the water side. Daji came up and stopped them
all, and took possession of the water for his master's
cattle. Just then an old woman belonging to
the tribe of Abs came up to him, and accosted
him in a suppliant manner, saying, Be so good,
master Daji, as to let my cattle drink: they are all
the property I possess, and I live by their milk.
Pity my flock; have compassion upon me, grant my
request, and let them drink. But he paid no attention
to her demand, and abused her. She was
greatly distressed, and shrunk back. Then came
another old woman and addressed him, O master
Daji, I am a poor weak old woman, as you see;
time has dealt hardly with me, it has aimed its
arrows at me; and its daily and nightly calamities
have destroyed all my men. I have lost my children
and my husband, and since then I have been in
great distress: these sheep are all I possess; let
them drink, for I live on the milk they produce.
Pity my forlorn state; I have no one to tend them,
them drink.
As soon as Daji heard these words, and perceived
the crowd of women and men, his pride increased,
and his obstinacy was not to be moved, but he
struck the woman on the stomach, and threw her
down on her back, and uncovered her, whilst all the
slaves laughed. When Antar perceived what had
occurred, his pagan pride played throughout all his
limbs, and he could not endure the sight. He ran
up to the slave, and calling out to him, You bastard,
said he, what mean you by this disgusting action?
Do you dare to violate an Arab woman? May
God destroy your limbs, and all that consented to
this act.
When the slave heard what Antar said, he
almost fainted from indignation; he met him, and
struck him a blow over the face that nearly knocked
out his eyes. Antar waited till he had recovered from
the blow, and his senses returned; he then ran at
the slave, and seizing him by one of the legs, threw
him on his back. He thrust one hand under his
thighs, and with the other he grasped his neck, and
raising him by the force of his arm, he dashed him
against the ground. And his length and breadth
were all one mass. When the deed was done his
fury was unbounded, and he roared aloud even as
a lion. And when the slaves perceived the fate of
Daji, they shrieked out to Antar, saying, You have
slain the slave of Prince Shas! What man on earth
staves and stones, but he resisted them all; he
rushed with a loud yell upon them, and proved himself
a hardy warrior, and dealt among them with
his stick as a hero with his sword.
Now among the sons of Zoheir there was one
whose name was Malik, and because he was of a
mild and gentle disposition, he was beloved of men
and women; and his father Zoheir adored him for
the sweetness of his temper, and gentleness of
his conduct. It so happened that on this day he
went out with a numerous train to hunt, and passing
that way he heard some confused cries, and
perceived a great dust. On approaching the place,
he observed a number of slaves surrounding one
man, whom he discovered to be Antar: the blood
streamed from all parts of his body from the blows
they struck him with sticks and stones; yet he was
determined to die sooner than give way. When the
Prince saw this, his eyes filled with tears, and in pity
he cried out, God prosper thee for a noble slave;
how hard are thy blows, how vast thy power! and
then, addressing the slaves, he said, Accursed be
your fathers, and your abandoned mothers! Do you
not fear the punishment and condemnation of every
one far and near? Why have you collected in such
numbers, and all conspired against one poor fellow,
and thus to vent your fury on one much younger
than yourselves? Away, or I will destroy you
all, both high and low, with this sword. He then
heard him growling like a furious lion, and repeating
these verses.
"O my soul! strive not to fly; thou canst not
escape when death seeks thee: death is predestined;
it will come in some shape or other. Endure
then with the patience of one nobly born. Fly
not from the fears of death, or thou wilt remain
scorned among the Arab chiefs."
The Prince desired Antar to explain the business,
which he did, and told him all that had happened
between Daji and the old woman; how he had struck
her, and thrown her on her back; how he had
exposed her person, and made the people laugh at
her. I then came up to prevent him; he struck me
in the eye, and nearly killed me; but I seized him
with my hand, and dashed him against the ground. I
broke his bones, and then his slaves attacked me,
and wanted to seize me in revenge; but I thought
proper to defend myself: had you not arrived I
should have been killed.
When Prince Malik heard this, his admiration of
Antar increased, and he was convinced he was a
hero, and that there was not such another alive.
Walk by my side, said he; I will protect you against
every one that exists under the heavens, against all
who eat bread and drink water. Antar bowed down
before him, and kissed his feet in his stirrup, and
walked on with the slaves. But when they came
nigh the tents, there appeared his brother Shas: in
a steed swifter than a cloud when it rains, and his
bosom was charged with fury and indignation, and
he was about to slay Antar. When his brother
Malik saw him, he was aware if he did not keep him
away from Antar, he would destroy him. How is it
I see thee so disturbed? said he. Know, said Shas,
this accursed Antar has killed my servant, and I
am come to cut his body in pieces with this sword.
You must not touch him, said Malik; he who dares
to injure him is a dead man. I have given him my
protection; I will not be separated from him; sooner
will I forfeit my head.
Shas took no notice; but fixed his eyes on Antar,
who was walking by the side of his brother. He
no longer heeded his brother; but ran at Antar,
that he might put him to death with tortures.
Then, too, Prince Malik was enraged; he drew
his sword from the scabbard; the two brothers
soon became so violent that their disputes would
have ended in a battle, had not King Zoheir, who
had been informed of what was passing, instantly
joined them. Malik was abashed in the presence
of his father, and Shas also quitted his brother.
O my son, said Zoheir, give this slave to me and
to your brother Malik, and I will in lieu of him
give you ten of mine. Upon that, Shas retreated
in shame from the presence of his father. Why did
you kill my son's servant, said Zoheir to Antar, and
he related what had occurred, how the servant had
thrown the woman on her back, and rendered her
an object of derision among the servants. The King
assured him he approved of his conduct, and turning
towards the Chiefs about him, This valiant fellow,
said he, has defended the honour of women; he will
shine a noble warrior, and destroy his opponents: and
then looking at Shedad, Your son's conduct reflects
credit on you, he added; his behaviour will remain
as a memorial to all generations; he has loathed
oppression and violence, and has followed the path
of propriety and virtue.
Shedad on that day, when in the presence of the
King, was much alarmed about his slave Antar,
because he was considered as compromising all
about him. Take away your son, said Zoheir to
him, I give him to you; take care of him until I
demand him of you again, and be not uneasy on
this account. From that day both King Zoheir
and his son Malik conceived a great affection for
Antar, and as Antar returned home, the women
and their daughters all collected round him to ask
him what had happened; amongst them were his
aunts, and his cousin, whose name was Ibla.
Now Ibla was younger than Antar, and a merry
lass; she was lovely as the full moon, and perfectly
beautiful and elegant. She frequently joked with
Antar, and was very familiar with him, as he was
day, O you base-born, she cried, why didst thou kill
the slave of Prince Shas? who can now protect thee
from him? Indeed, my mistress, he replied, I did no
more than he deserved, for he had insulted a poor
woman; he threw her down, and made the servants
laugh at her. Thou hast acted most properly, said
Ibla, smiling, and we are rejoiced that thou art safe,
for thou knowest our mothers consider thee as their
son, and we look on thee as a brother, on account
of thy services. On this the women and girls left
him.
Now it was always Antar's business to wait upon
the women of the family of Carad, after he had
finished his duty towards Semeeah, his father Shedad's
wife, whose attendant he was. It was a custom
among the Arab women at that period, to drink
camel's milk both morning and evening; it was the
servant's office to milk it, and cool it in the wind.
Now Antar always performed this office for Semeeah,
Shedad's wife, first, and then for his aunts,
the wives of his uncles Zakmet-ool Jewad and Malik,
and for Ibla, the daughter of the latter. He continued
to perform this service for a long time; but
one day he entered the house of his uncle Malik,
and found his aunt combing his cousin Ibla's hair,
which flowed down her back, dark as the shades of
night. Antar was quite surprised, but Ibla ran
away as soon as Antar had entered and seen her, as
This increased Antar's astonishment; he was greatly
agitated, and could pay no attention to any thing;
he was anxious and thoughtful, and when by himself
burst forth into the following strains:
"That fair maid lets down her ringlets, and she is
completely hid in her hair, which appears like the
dark shades of night. It is as if she were the
brilliant day, and as if the night had enveloped her
in obscurity. It is as if the full moon was shining
in its splendor, and all the stars were concealed
by its lustre. Her charms bewitch all around her,
and all are anxious to offer their services; they
live in her beauties and loveliness, and they are
imbued with sweetness from her perfections, and
receive new spirit from her graces. Revile me not
for my love of her, for I am distracted for her,
and live but as the victim of my love. I will
conceal my affection in my soul till I can see
that I am sufficiently fortunate one day to serve
her."
Antar's anguish daily became more oppressive.
It now happened to be the time of the pilgrimage to
the holy shrine, and the worship of their idols; and
the women and children being left behind in the
camp, the warriors and chiefs came out for the feast
at a spot called Zatool Irsad, whence they departed
for the sacred place. Accordingly they all met, and
richly dressed, playing and singing amongst her
companions. She was decorated with necklaces and
jewels, and her countenance was brilliant and blooming—more
dazzling than the rays of the sun. When
Antar saw her in all her beauty and loveliness, he
was overwhelmed with surprise, his tears flowed,
and he thus addressed her in verse:
"The lovely virgin has struck my heart with the
arrow of a glance, for which there is no cure.
Sometimes she wishes for a feast in the sand-hills,
like a fawn whose eyes are full of magic. My
disease preys on me, it is in my entrails. I conceal
it; but its very concealment discloses it. She
moves; I should say it was the branch of the
tamarisk that waves its branches to the southern
breeze. She approaches; I should say it was the
frightened fawn, when a calamity alarms it in the
waste. She walks away: I should say her face
was truly the sun when its lustre dazzles the beholders.
She gazes; I should say it was the full
moon of the night when Orion girds it with its
stars. She smiles, and the pearls of her teeth sparkle,
in which there is the cure for the sickness of lovers.
She prostrates herself in reverence towards her
God; and the greatest of men bow down to her
beauties. O Ibla! when I most despair, love for
thee and all its weaknesses are my only hope.
Should fortune or my father assist me, I will
spirit."
When Ibla heard from Antar this description of
her charms, she was in astonishment; yet she still
continued to amuse herself and converse with her
companions. Before the feast was over he was violently
in love with her, and his affection completely
overpowered him. On the next day he came as
usual with the milk; but his heart and soul were so
pre-occupied and troubled, that he offered it to
Ibla before Semeeah, his father's wife; for his feet
went where his heart was interested. Ibla took the
cup from him, and fascinated him by her charms.
Semeeah was angry, and determined to complain of
him to his father; but Antar continued in this state
for days and nights, his love and anguish ever increasing.
A short time after, a slave called Zajir, who belonged
to Rebia, the son of Zeead, came to Shedad;
O master, said he, your slave Antar does nothing
but injure your property: he ranges about the
country, and all day long he keeps the cattle away
from the water and the pastures, riding and driving
them about, and reducing their flesh by incessant
exercise, and injuring the trees by spearing them;
and when I order him not to do so, he abuses me
and beats me, and were I to go near him he would
kill me. This made Shedad very angry. You tell
me the truth, my boy, he replied, for from the
not get fat, but have ulcers in their feet; and this is
a proof that he rides them and drives them about
the rocky places, and thus they lose their flesh.
As soon as Semeeah heard this, she sought to
punish Antar, and told Shedad what had occurred;
and complained that Antar had offered the milk to
Ibla before her. This added to the anger which Shedad
already felt in his heart, but he waited patiently
till Antar returned from the pasture; he then seized
fast hold of him, tied him up, and beat him with a
stick till he took the skin off. His mother saw all
this, but did not dare to speak to her master, not
knowing the cause of this cruel treatment; but she
afterwards inquired of other women, who told her
that Zajir had complained of him, and that Semeeah
also had complained of his having served the milk
to Ibla before her. Zebeeba treasured up all this
in her mind till the morning, when she went to
Antar, and told him the whole matter, how Zajir
had complained of him, and that Semeeah had stated
that she had been served with milk after Ibla. O
my son, said she, henceforward take care not to
offend her, but execute the office properly; and
moreover, do not cast thine eyes on Ibla, for she
will be thy ruin. No sooner had Antar heard this
than he struggled with the cords that bound him,
and bursting them, started forward like a lion, and
in wrath exclaimed in verse:
"This day will I slay Zajir, the accursed infamous
slave. I will leave him in the middle of the
waste, a prey for the devouring beasts. When he
is gone, my heart will be at rest, and my soul will
be appeased. Who told him to trouble himself
about this business, and to endanger me? If I do
not haste to the desert to slay him, my heart will
never be at rest, nor my eyes ever sleep."
Then went he forth in search of Zajir; he found
him in the pastures. Thou base-born, he cried,
thou son of a foul mother, thou didst instigate
my master to beat me. He said no more, but
seizing him by the small part of his belly, raised
him up, and dashing him on the ground, smashed
his bones to pieces. When he beheld him dead, he
recovered himself, and began to be alarmed; so he
went to the house of his friend Malik, the Prince
who relieved him when he slew the slave of his
brother Shas, and informed him of what had passed.
The prince was astonished, but quieted his fears,
promising to get him out of the scrape. He left
him sitting in the tent, and went to the habitation
of Rebia. On his arrival he only found the women
of the family: he inquired for Rebia; they answered
—He is gone by invitation to your father's. Immediately
he repaired to his father's house, and
the matter was just as he wished; for on his entering
he observed the Chiefs of the Absian tribe, all
seated, and the family of Zeead and Rebia standing
Zoheir. He entered, and made his salutation; and
as no one was seated, but all standing, Rebia said
to him, Sit down in your place, for we are all standing
up because you continue so. Do you wish I
should sit down? said Malik; and do you love me?
Yes, said Rebia, by the lives of all that are present.
Then, replied Malik, I will not sit down till you
have given me your slave Zajir. What makes you
so anxious, said Rebia, to have him? Because, said
Malik, I have observed him to be a good hard-work-ing
slave, and very laborious in doing his duty. Sit
down, then, said Rebia; I will give him to you, and
if you wish, two more with him. Let all these assembled
Chiefs be witnesses to what you say, said
Malik. Yes, said Rebia, let the God who raised
the vaulted heavens, and levelled the expanded
earth, witness my grant to you, and that I will
never tell you of the favour rendered. Be witness
to it, O ye that are present, said Malik. Know,
then, O Rebia, that Antar has killed your slave,
and has sought my protection; do not therefore
seek his life.
When Rebia heard this, his affection was cooled,
and he was greatly indignant; he hid his head, and
felt ashamed before his assembled associates: great
was his wrath; and from that moment he cherished
in his heart a violent hatred against Antar. King
Zoheir then asked his son what had induced Antar
object? Malik related all that had passed. The King
smiled, and soothing the heart of Rebia, gave him
two strong healthy slaves, and he was pacified.
When the slaves heard what Antar had done,
there was not one but feared him; and as soon as
the assembly had eaten and drank, they departed,
and in the evening Malik returned home, rejoicing
in the good tidings that he brought. He filled the
heart of Antar with gladness, and placed victuals
before him; they slept the whole night together,
and Antar repeated the following lines in praise of
the Prince:
"O thou, on whose lofty spirit, my hope, to the
exclusion of all the universe, depends! My anxieties
have weighed on thee, and my troubles have
been a burthen to thy noble mind! Thou hast
granted me favours—thou art my only refuge. O
thou, who hast rescued me from death and perdition,
all my life will I thank thee, till my bones
disappear in the earth."
The founder of the tribe, and also descended from Medher. The
descendants of Ishmael are called the tribe of Adnan, because the geealogy
between Ishmael to Adnan is defective.
CHAPTER II.
Thus matters proceeded with Antar and Prince
Malik; but the anger of Shedad was only augmented:
at last he complained to his brothers
Malik and Zakmet-ool Jewad, saying, O sons of my
father and mother, my soul is greatly vexed, and
my anxiety is redoubled, and I know not what to
do, or what will be the consequence of the actions
of this black slave. I fear that to-morrow he will
destroy some one of rank and power, and some disturbance
will arise throughout the whole tribe, and
our blood will be demanded, and our persons pay
the forfeit. O my brother, said his brother Zakmetool
Jewad, thou hast hit the mark, and if thou dost
not take measures to put this slave to death,
he will certainly endanger our lives. However wise
a man may be, he is no match for him; but after
what has happened, we can never let him take our
camels and cattle to the pasture; we must waylay
him and kill him, and thus relieve ourselves from
this plague. Let us wait till he goes to the meadows,
and there let us destroy him in some secret
spot; and when we have effected our purpose, we
will return. Shedad approved his brother's advice,
Malik came to the tent of Shedad, and interceded
for Antar: Shedad acquiesced, and let him tend the
cattle in the meadows; and forgot him for a time.
But one morning Antar went as usual with the
cattle to the pastures, and they followed his steps,
seeking to kill and destroy him. On that day,
Antar was riding about in the wide plains and
deserts, and finding himself alone, he recited some
verses in praise of Ibla; he wandered far from the
habitations, and thought of his misfortunes; fast
flowed his tears, for the night before he had dreamt
of Ibla, and that he had kissed her within her veil.
He then addressed her in these verses:
"Ibla's spirit appeared to me in my sleep, and
thrice I kissed her within her veil. It bade me
adieu, but it deposited in me a flame that I feel
burning through my bones. Were I not left in
solitude alone, and could I not quench the fire
of my passion with tears, my heart would melt.
But I do not complain, though all my fears are
on thy account, O thou perfect full moon! O
daughter of Malik, how can I be consoled, since
my love for thee originated from the time I was
weaned? but how can I ever hope to approach
thee, whilst the lions of the forest guard thy tent!
By the truth of my ove for thee, my heart can
never be cured but by patience. O thou noble
maid! till I exalt myself to the heights of glory
my sword, I will expose myself to every peril
wherever the spears clash in the battle dust—then
I shall be either tossed upon the spear heads, or
be numbered among the noble."
He went galloping in different directions till he
came to a plain called the plain of lions, and here were
many ferocious animals and wild beasts; here he let
the cattle graze. And Antar only came to this valley,
because he knew there was in it abundance of
grass of the height of a man. Now not a servant of
the whole tribe of Abs would ever enter or approach
this valley, because it was very extensive, and filled
with lions and tigers. As soon as Antar found himself
in it, he said to himself, perhaps I shall now find
a lion, and I will slay him. And whilst the cattle were
feeding, and he from a mound was looking round on
all sides, behold, a lion appeared in the middle of the
valley: he stalked about, and roared aloud: wide
were his nostrils, and fire flashed from his eyes: the
whole valley trembled at every gnash of his fangs—he
was a calamity, and his claws more terrific than the
deadliest catastrophe—thunder pealed as he roared
—vast was his strength, and his force dreadful—
broad were his paws, and his head immense. As
soon as he appeared in the valley, the cattle scented
him and fled away in terror, and the camels were
dispersed to the right and the left. No sooner did
Antar perceive this extraordinary commotion than
what was the cause, brandishing his sword. He
there saw the lion, terrible in his strength, and
lashing his sides with his tail. Antar cried out to
him, and the mountains re-echoed to the cry.
Welcome, thou father of lions—thou dog of the
plains—thou foulest of the wild beasts of the deserts.
Now, then, thou wilt exert thy power and thy might,
and thou wilt pride thyself in thy roar; for no
doubt thou art the monarch and ruler of the brute
creation, and all obey thy commands—but return
to filth and contempt; thou meetest now no ordinary
man. I deal death to the bravest, and render
children orphans. Dost thou think, foul-mouthed
beast, now about to die, that thou canst frighten
me with thy roar, or alarm me with thy bellow?
I will not condescend to slay thee with an arrow or
a sword, but I will make thee drink of the cup
of death from my single arm; and as he rushed
towards him, he addressed him in verse.
"I am the far-famed lion, the warrior whose exploits
every one fears on the day of wars. I save, I
protect the property of my father Shedad, and I
punish the foe with the edge of my sword. When
my hand wields the scimitar on the day of battle,
every heart of the horsemen throbs with fear.
Now will I meet thee in the waste, and make thee
drink a cup of the vicissitudes of fortune. I heed
not death when I meet him, and I comprehend
throw my sword out of my hand—away then with
thee—and I will destroy thee, thou dog of the
desert, with these hands alone."
Just at that moment Shedad and his brothers
came up to kill Antar. They saw him address the
lion, and heard what he threatened: he sprang forward,
and fell on him like a hail-storm, and hissed
at him like a black serpent—he met the lion as he
sprang, and outroared his bellow; then, giving a
dreadful shriek, he seized hold of the beast's mouth
with his hand, and wrenched it open to his shoulders,
and he shouted aloud—the valley and the country
round echoed back the roar: he stuck to him until
he was dead, and then dragged him by the legs out
of the valley; and having cut some wood, he took
out his Zanad[4]
, struck a light, and made a fire. He
waited until it blazed; then ripped up the lion,
took out the entrails, and cut off his four legs, and
threw them into the flames; and when he perceived
they were roasted, he took them out, and ate thereof
till he finished his meal: he then ran to a fountain,
and drank till he was satisfied; and having washed
his mouth and hands, he went to a shadowy tree,
where he put the lion's head under his own as a pillow,
and wrapping up his head in a part of his sleeve,
he fell asleep. His father and uncles were observing
they were quite terrified and scared. Verily this
slave, said Zakmet-ool Jewad, has not his equal; no
one in his senses would engage him. Malik also
trembled. What shall we do with this wretch? said
he. Great indeed has been the deed he has done;
none of us can harm him; he would soon destroy
us, and tear out our entrails, or do as he has done
with the lion. Let us return home, said Shedad,
our honour is still safe; we must find some other
means to kill him and accomplish our wishes.
Thus Shedad and his brothers returned home, all
in astonishment at Antar, and the wonders he had
performed. In the evening, when Antar came with
the flocks and the camels, Shedad smiled upon him,
and gave him a cordial welcome, and made him sit
down with him at dinner, whilst the other slaves
stood up. And whilst they were all talking, there
came a messenger from King Zoheir to Shedad.
King Zoheir demands your presence, O Chief, he
cried; he has sent me to require you to take with
you your warlike weapons, and your brothers, for
he is engaged in a business of importance, and wishes
to attack the tribe of Temeem, and has resolved on
invading their country, and destroying their territory.
Shedad, on hearing this, immediately complied,
and having assembled his brothers and all
their dependents, he turned towards Antar. Tomorrow,
said he, the warriors and horsemen are
habitations, therefore I consign over to you our
houses and our women; but take care when you go
to the pastures not to wander far in the mountains.
Be perfectly easy, my master, replied Antar, about
whatever you leave in my charge; should the smallest
thing be missing, let me, for the remainder of my
life, be kept in chains and bondage! Shedad thanked
him, and promised, when he returned from the expedition,
to give him a fine horse to ride. In the
morning the warriors mounted and prepared for the
engagement, and slung on their swords and their
javelins; they departed from their habitations, and
among the first shone King Zoheir, like a noble lion.
The horsemen being now absent, the children,
and women, and slaves, male and female, were left
behind. Semeeah, the wife of Shedad, gave a magnificent
entertainment at the lake of Zatool Irsad.
Sheep were slaughtered, and wine flowed, and the
girls carried their instruments. Antar stood amongst
the attendants, and was in transports on seeing Ibla
appear with the other women. She was indeed like
an amorous fawn; she was decorated with parti-coloured
necklaces; and when Antar was attending
her, he was overwhelmed in the ocean of his love,
and became the slave of her sable tresses. They sat
down to eat, and the wine cups went merrily round.
It was the spring of the year, when the whole land
shone in all its glory; the vines hung luxuriantly in
grance; every hillock sparkled in the beauty of it
colours; the birds in responsive melody sang sweetly
from each bush, and harmony issued from their
throats; every ear was enchanted; the ground was
covered with flowers and herbs; whilst the nightingales
filled the air with their softest notes. Then the
damsels beat the cymbal, and recited the following
verses:
"The shades have spread their canopy, and the
flowers spread their pillows; the streams roll along
their shores of flowers, some white, some red, some
yellow, some sweet-scented. See the waters gliding
through the gardens, and the trees and their fruits
resemble bracelets and chaplets: the birds sing
melodiously upon them, in every variety of note;
the nightingale and the dove pour their plaintive
strain, and make every lover weep; the gentle
zephyrs whisper along, and the branches move
in softest measure. The boughs dance in the
groves, among the trees, in the graceful movement;
the dew-drops fall, and the flowers and the
trees are studded with its pearls. The season is
delightful; let it pass in enjoyment, and misfortunes
begone! the opportunity is delicious, let us
grasp in haste its sweets. Be merry, and wild
with joy, and let not a day pass without amusement."
Then another set took the musical instruments,
sang:
"The gardens sparkle with all they boast of
lovely damsels; every sportive virgin is possessed
of languishing glances, and enchanting movements;
their beauty is perfection, they are loveliness
itself; their elegant shapes glance like the
well-proportioned spears; their tresses float down
their backs, like branches of the grape-vine; they
are slayers and piercers with their arrows and their
darts; archers and strikers, the enchantresses of
men."
They now formed a dance, and took off their robes:
the damsels danced whilst the servants sang, and
carried round the goblets of wine. Roses were
spread over their cheeks, and their bosoms heaved.
And Ibla joined her associates in the dance, and exhibited
her charms, and laughed. Fire shot from
their eyes, and the cups of wine were united to the
honey of their mouths. The imagination of Antar
was inflamed and overpowered in the sea of anxiety;
he hesitated whether he should violate the modesty
of love by the fingers of passion, when lo! on a
sudden there appeared a cloud of dust; and a vast
clamour arose, and in a moment there came forth a
troop of horses and their riders, about seventy in
number, armed with cuirasses and coats of mail,
and Aadite helmets, crying out, O by Cahtan! and
they rushed towards the women. At the instant joy
moment they seized the women and the virgins,
made them prisoners, and placed them on their horses
behind them.
But when Antar saw this disaster, and perceived
that a horseman had carried off Ibla, and observed
her weep, and her cheeks turn from red to a deadly
pale, the world seemed contracted about him, and
as he reflected that he had no arms with which to
fight, he was greatly alarmed, but trusted to his feet.
In a moment he overtook the horseman who had
seized Ibla, for he happened to be in the rear; he
sprang upon him like a wild beast in its utmost fury,
and clung to him, and overpowering him, threw him
upon his head, and broke his neck. Silent was the
warrior's heart, for Antar had annihilated him, and
he took possession of his armour and his steed. He
mounted, and pursued the horsemen, rushing down
upon them like a torrent, and assailing them with
the most abusive and contemptuous language. Hear,
ye dastards! I am Antar, the son of Shedad—
abandon your prisoners and the children, or I will
attack and destroy you. Return to your tribe of
Cahtan in disgrace and despair, or by the Father
of mankind, by him who made man to speak with
lips and tongue, I will make your heads trunkless.
He soon came up with those in the rear, and slew
twenty of them; and when the remaining horsemen
perceived what had happened, fifty more returned
they saw their companions stretched upon the sand,
and immediately attacked him, but he met them, fierce
as a devouring lion.
"Here am I in the boisterous battle, and my
power is well known; my sword and my deeds
testify to those that see me, that I pierce my antagonist,
watchful as he may be. My shield, and
then my spear, and my sword of Indian temper,
were with me in my cradle, my two bosom
friends; and the earth where I stand reddens like
crimson leather, and blood flows thereon, its colour
a deep scarlet.—Give me pure wine to drink, or
let it be mixed; give it me old, that I may imagine
it was made before the world. She comes and
offers me to drink in cups mantling like the Judas
flower. Give me to drink, and let me hear the
song that delights me:—The sweetest of sounds
to me is the rattle of the Indian blades, and the
clash of lances in the battle, on the day of spear-thrusts,
when the parties shout, and warriors are
adjudged to death: but the dearest of all my
projects, the darling object of all my desires of
fortune, is, that I may behold Ibla at my disposal
in happiness and security."
He rushed forwards to meet them, and harder
than flint was his heart, and in his attack was their
fate and destiny; he assailed the boldest of his
opponents, and his assault was the assault of the most
obstinate warrior. As soon as he distinguished the
at him—he grappled with him—his shout struck
him with horror. He pierced his bosom with his
spear, and forced it out through his back. When
his companions saw the effect produced, every heart
quaked with fear, and felt convinced that death and
destruction were at hand; and they said one to
another, It is a mere slave that has brought this
confusion upon us, a wretch, mean and worthless;
what will be our condition if the warriors come to
his assistance? Let us fly, or our ruin and annihilation
are certain. So they joined the others, and fled
away in disorder, abandoning the women, and retreating
in disgrace and despair. Antar, as soon as
they were dispersed, collected the scattered horses,
and a vast quantity of arms. He then returned
home, and the women and families being all safe,
thus he exclaimed:
"These are my exploits when I stalk against the
foe, and they abuse me for my black complexion,
which is my glory. I drive away the troops and
the noble warriors, and my colt as he rushes on
plunges into the battle. As to those who envy
me like fools, every one knows that virtue is ever
the object of jealousy. I am the offspring of my
day: the sword is my father; in it is my glory: the
one may be denied, the other is a fact. Never
will I cease to hew down the troops in bodies, till
every opponent be annihilated."
He returned home, taking with him twenty-five
hatred of Semeeah was converted into love and
tenderness, and he became dearer to her than sleep.
They all came home, but Semeeah enjoined the
women not to disclose this event to any one, lest
their husbands should blame them. Antar also
kept it a profound secret. In a short time King
Zoheir returned from his victory over the tribe of
Temeem, and brought with him an immense booty;
and both those that went and those that staid were
greatly rejoiced.
The next day in the morning, Shedad went out
on horseback, and sought his herds and flocks: he
perceived amongst his horses some strange ones,
and also saw Antar riding upon a black mare.
Whence, cried he, came these animals? and whence
got you this mare, that excites my wonder? Now
the mare Antar was riding belonged to the chief of
the Cahtanians, and the other horses were those the
horsemen rode whom he had slain; the spoil and all
he had collected were concealed at his mother's. O
master, he replied, as I was tending the flocks
yesterday, there came some Cahtanians, and with
them an immense quantity of cattle: they were much
fatigued, and moreover frightened at the Arab
horsemen. I followed them, and finding these
horses separated from the rest, I took them and
brought them back. Thou wicked slave, said Shedad,
these are no horses strayed from their owners;
thou hast carried them off from beneath their riders:
wilds and rocks, and every Arab thou canst meet
thou killest him, and thou carest not whether he be
of the tribe of Cahtan or Adnan. Never wilt thou
leave off this conduct till thou hast excited feuds
among the Arabs, and slain heroes and horsemen!
Now in that age the Arabs were of two classes;
from Yemen to India they were called the tribe of
Cahtan[5]
; and in Mecca and Hijaz they were called
the tribe of Adnan. Shedad laid hold of Antar, and
bound him with a rope. Here, said Shedad, thou
shalt remain tied up. Never again will I let thee
take my cattle to the pasture. And he beat him with
the whip he had in his hand; and as he continued
to lash and thrash him, No good will come of thee,
said he; evil and abominations are rooted in thee;
thou wilt breed dissensions among the Arab tribes,
and thou wilt make us a common tale among nations.
His father still beat him and abused him, and he
bore it all.
At last Semeeah came out, and seeing what was
going on, she wept bitterly. She sprang forwards
and threw herself on his breast, exclaiming, Sooner
shalt thou beat me than him; he does not deserve
such ill treatment, O Shedad. But Shedad became
very angry with her, and shoving her away, threw
into Antar's arms, uncovering her head, and
letting her hair flow down her shoulders. This
excited Shedad's surprise. What has happened to
this wretch, he exclaimed, that you feel so much
affection and tenderness, after having expressed so
much anger and indignation? Loose his bands, said
Semeeah, and I will relate the whole story to you.
Tell me, said he, and I will release him. Then she
told Shedad all that Antar had done; how he alone
had attacked seventy horsemen, and had driven them
back in confusion and despair, and had secured in
safety all their families and children. Then Semeeah
repeated these verses:
"O Shedad, hadst thou seen me, my face uncovered,
and my person carried off behind the
warriors, and the women of Prince Cais in dismay,
no resource at hand, and their veils trailing on the
surface of the earth! Ibla too! they mounted her
behind a warrior, whilst her tears streamed down
her cheeks. The slaves whom I encouraged, fled;
every one fled, all trembling in affright. Our
families surrounded us weeping in anguish and in
misery. Our camels were driven away, and every
heart was distracted. Then Antar plunged into
the midst of them; into the black rolling dust;
the atmosphere was involved in darkness, and the
birds sunk motionless; their horsemen fled through
fear: this one was slain, that made captive; he
protected us. After he had comforted us all, he
destroyed. O it is right I should respect him;
protect him; my honour he protected, and he
preserved the honour of us all."
Semeeah's account of Antar's actions astonished
Shedad, and he rejoiced and was glad. It is surprising,
said he to himself, he kept all this secret;
and his submission to be bound by me! 'tis most
wonderful! Antar stood unconcerned, and listened
to Semeeah's acknowledgments; he bore no resentment,
and praised her in these verses:
"Oh! is it from Semeeah that these tears flow in
anguish, and from a heart in flames? Shall her
form shadow me? can blows harm me, and shall
tears burst in torrents from her eyelids? When
her tresses hang dishevelled, she is like the rising
full moon, veiled in the darkness of night. The
property is thy property, the slave thy slave:
and life and every sense shall be exerted to save
thee. Oh! when the troopers start forth, harsh-countenanced,
and the black dust rolls over them;
then make use of me. If I do not disperse them
in the clash of contending spears, may I never be
permitted to drink! may the rain-drop never
moisten me! The sword is in my hand, whose
blows fetch blood; but the swords of others have
no power in their edge. Men are of two kinds;
one whose heart is of brittle glass—the other whose
heart is of rock."
When Antar had finished his verses, Shedad came
for he was convinced that such wit, expressed in
verse and prose, could not proceed but from an exalted
warrior. At that moment came a servant from
King Zoheir, who saluted Shedad. The King, O
Chief, said he, sends his salutation to you, and
requests you will attend a feast he has prepared.
Shedad took Antar with him and went to the feast,
and the slave followed him till he reached Zoheir's
tents, which he found resounding with cymbals, and
other musical instruments, and the victims were
slaughtered: and there were assembled the race of
Abs and Adnan, and all the valiant heroes attached
to them. Shedad seated himself amidst the noblest
chieftains, but Antar sat down among the slaves;
and when they had eaten meat, and drank wine,
they conversed, and related all the circumstances of
the late affair. Antar heard all they said, and Shedad
praised his son Antar, informing the king of all
he had done, and all he had composed in prose and
verse, and related the whole story. All this, cried
the King, greatly rejoiced at the courage and eloquence
of Antar, I anticipated at the time he slew
the slave of my son Shas; I knew he would be the
refuge of every petitioner. Who can execute such
deeds or perform such acts! doubtless he will rise
superior to all his contemporaries. And he called
out to him, and ordered him into his presence.
Antar kissed his hands, and presented him the cup,
Antar, exclaimed his friend Malik, the King's
son—At your commands, said Antar, thou moon of
this assembly. I wish, said Malik, thou wouldst
recite to us some of thy verses. Willingly, my lord,
said Antar; and he thus continued:
"Glory is bound to the back of the steeds; victory
on the day of horrors lives in the sword; never
rises the battle dust on the day of fight, but my
pliant spear assists me. How many sand-clouds
have I penetrated, fearless of calamities, when the
faces of black and white swoon in terror! How
many horsemen fly from the encounter of arms
when the war-dust rises; they fly and are repulsed:
then rush I into the clanging war: my heart
and my chest are hewn out of the solid rock. O
thou lion-king, have thine eyes beheld the exploits
of the horsemen of the desert, when the foe
attacked us to spoil us of our cattle? then I cut
down their chief on the desert: I raised him
up on my nobly-serving sword: he was dashed
from his saddle, and his cheeks crushed on the
earth. I am thine, O thou King of the earth, and
thy fame shall be spread over every land. Ye are
the princely sons of Jazeemah, and whoever presumes
to resist ye shall quickly be destroyed and
be dismissed from this world. Come on then—it
is the lion who never drew his sword, but every
hero dreaded its encounter. The lions fear, and
him, and the dæmons of the waste. He shrinks
not from the warriors, numerous as they are. I
plunge into the war-dust, and the warriors charge
against the combatants with swords that pierce
through the throats. I swerve not from my purpose
when I am resolved on it, till I accomplish
every wish of my heart. I am indeed your slave,
named Antar; to him the horrors of battle are
welcome; he never falters. Mayest thou, O
King, live for ever! His like is not among the
kings of the earth or the desert. May God ever
preserve for me my father Shedad, for he is a support
for me—nothing existing could recompense
me for his loss, for he is my lord and chief. His
glory is from the race of Abs, the seat of all
honour and liberality."
When Antar had finished his verses, King Zoheir
and all present expressed the greatest pleasure.
The King called him to him, and giving him a robe,
thanked him. In the evening he returned with his
father Shedad, and his heart bounded with exultation
at the honours with which he had been favoured.
And his passion for Ibla increased.
One day Antar rode out on one of the horses, in
company with his brothers; they drove the herds till
they came to the pastures, and there Antar remained
to protect and tend them. Now Shiboob was an active
sagacious fellow, and had a persuasive tongue, but
he would outstrip a deer, and when he ran after a
horse, he soon left it behind among the rocks.
Antar had great confidence in him at all times,
and feared him more than any human being. Now
it happened that the sons of Zoheir were assembled
together at the invitation of their uncle Asyed the
son of Jazeemah, for in those days, people that loved
each other frequently met, and shunned those they
disliked. The princes were riding out, and made
choice of an eminence, where they halted and pitched
their tents, and conversed till dinner was ready.
They ate, drank, and laughed and sung, and joked
away the time, whilst some of the damsels sang the
following strain:
"Mix thy water in the cup of thy wine, and give
me to drink, for truly I have mixed my tears
with my blood. Let me drink of wine in the
flower-gardens to drive away sorrow, and quicken
my joys. Every charm is combined in her form
that lives like the soul that flows through my limbs;
and whilst she bears the cup in her hand, she appears
kindling the flame of my love. In the
noon-tide sun she dances, and her face is spotted
like the full moon of night with the star of the
Gemini."
They were seated and drinking, and all were
much amused and pleased, and the old wine had its
sway. Just then, Malik turned round his head and
camels on a rising ground. Behold my friend Antar,
honoured amongst the inhabitants of deserts and
cities, said he to his brother: and he called to one
of his slaves; Go to Antar, said he, and invite him
to our party, that we may hear his discourse, and
our enjoyment be complete. How can you look
upon this savage? exclaimed Shas, and think of
such an ungracious wretch, and thus raise him
amongst the chieftains of the tribe? On account of
his verses, his consequence and power are extolled,
and you bestow on him the highest dignity. But
indeed, I feel inclined to rush at him, and tear his
life out of his body, were I not afraid of the reproaches
and anger of my tribe; and moreover, I
should be sorry to interrupt the amusement of my
brothers and companions: but indeed, my brother,
your repeated admiration of him augments my
aversion to him.
Thus were they talking together, when on a sudden,
a dust like a cloud arose among them, and
there appeared three hundred valiant horsemen, like
lions of the forest; and under them were steeds
swifter than death. They were of the tribe of
Cahtan, on a marauding party, to plunder the tribe
of Adnan. And when they found these princes
seated and drinking among the hills, they said one
to another, Let us attack this party, that we may
capture them in an instant, and convey them away
bending their heads over their saddle-bows, they
galloped among them, shouting and hallooing—
O by Cahtan!
When the sons of Zoheir saw this, they were surprised;
they hastened to mount their horses and to
gird on their swords. The foe poured down from
the summit of the hill; they all at once shouted
aloud—they rushed forward and plunged through
the dust, assailing the horsemen of Yemen, like the
ocean when it bursts and retreats. And when
Antar heard their yells and screams, he feared lest
the enemy would destroy them with their spears;
and greatly was he alarmed for Malik and his
brothers. He called out towards his own brothers,
and went towards the party, among whom was a
horseman whose name was Zatik, son of Maboob.
Antar pounced down upon him, and piercing him,
left him weltering in his gore. He then assailed his
companions, and gave a shout like thunder when it
roars. And there was not one that could see or
hear; fear and trembling seized them; they beheld
only Antar the lion! They fled, and the whole
troop was dispersed and routed, till they all disappeared
over the extended plains.
Antar returned to the princes, and shouted out
to the horsemen that still remained assailing them;
and as soon as they looked on Antar, an universal
terror shook their frames, and their colour instantly
seeds of rue, and trample carcasses under his feet,
leaving numbers dashed to the earth; and none
could oppose but those accustomed to plunge into
the battle dust. And as he engaged them he roared
out these verses:
"The heights of glory are not attained but at
the point of the spear, and patience in the day of
battle through the heaviest difficulties, and the
challenge of every lion-hero, and long-bearded
warrior. Ask my horse of me, when flashes of
fire fly from his hoofs. I have a spear-thrust
that deals the most excruciating pain, and raises
me above all competitors; and my Indian blade
cuts through the nocturnal calamities whenever I
draw it. I am the son of the black-faced Zebeeba
that tends the camels. I am a slave, but my
fury o'erwhelms the lordly chiefs in the battle.
As to death, should I meet him, I will not shrink
from him when he appears to me—it is a draught
I must inevitably take when the day of my dissolution
arrives."
Then, diving through the dust, he overthrew
the horsemen singly, and in pairs, and infused the
most violent commotions into the hearts of the
combatants. Thus, having driven away by his
assaults the fury of war, the sons of Zoheir felt
relieved from their distresses. In the mean time a
slave had informed the King, who instantly mounted
news did not reach him till Antar had completed
the business, and had put his enemies to flight to
the right and left; and many were the brave that
remained on the field. The princes returned to their
tents, Antar preceding them like a lion, repeating
these verses:
"I will not cease to exalt myself by my deeds,
till I reach Orion in my ambitious projects. Here
I care not for those who abuse me, fearful of death
and separation from life. But I will reduce my
foes and my railers by force, and I will be patient
under sufferings and in praise. I will strive to
attain what I desire, till death snatch me away.
I will arm my mind against worldly lusts, that I
may be considered noble-minded and faithful.
Whoever would check me, let him look to himself,
where'er he may be concealed. My complexion
is no injury to me, nor the name of Zebeeba,
when I exercise my courage amongst the foe. I
will work wonders and marvels; and I will protect
myself from the tongues of the wicked."
When Zoheir heard Antar's verses, he thanked
him for his noble conduct, and joyed in the safety
of his sons and his people, expressing the warmest
attachment and affection for Antar. He then demanded
of the prisoners, of what country they were:
they replied that they belonged to the furthest lands
of Yemen.
King Zoheir soon after gave an entertainment in
his tents, rejoicing in the escape of his sons. He
sent for Antar, and set him down by his side, and
gave him to drink of his most delicious wines, and
placed him high amongst all his comrades, investing
him with a superb robe, worked in gold, girding
on him a trusty sword, and mounting him on one
of his finest Arab horses. He took pleasure in
seeing him, and called him the Champion of the
Absians. From this day forward, said he to Shedad,
I will not permit him to attend your flocks;
now that he has thus distinguished himself by such
glorious deeds; let him now run the career of victory
with the warriors of his country. And in this
manner was Antar separated from the servants,
and he attacked the tribes and made predatory
excursions against them. And his brother Shiboob
pointed out to him the hordes, and places of resort,
and the fountains; and he never went on any expedition
but he succeeded, and returned full of joy
and content; so that his father Shedad became enriched,
and all the noblest chieftains delighted in him.
He had now many friends, and many jealous
enemies; amongst the latter were Prince Shas, and
Rebia. And when they saw what great things
Antar had done, their indignation against him
increased, and they resolved on his destruction. In
every society, the people, assembled round their
wine, repeated Antar's verses, mentioned his actions,
This continued some time, till at length it reached
the ears of Ibla's father and mother, and when they
heard Antar's amorous poetry repeated, they ridiculed
it, and would not receive him on friendly
terms; but showed their aversion to him, in every
way, and made him perform every menial office;
for Antar, in their eyes, was only considered as a
slave. But when the talk about Ibla gained ground,
her mother ordered Ibla into the presence of her
father, and sent also for Antar. So, you love my
daughter Ibla, said she, and make verses upon her,
and cannot conceal your feelings. Ibla was standing
by her mother, and when she heard her speak
to Antar, she smiled. This increased Antar's confusion,
and he was much disordered, as it called
forth all his love.
O mistress, said he, did you ever see any one who
hated his mistress, particularly when his life and
death were in her hands! verily, I do love her, and
my only wish in this world is to be near her: her
form is ever before me, her name is ever in my
heart and soul; and I exalt in my verses, all that
God has granted her of beauty and loveliness.
When Ibla heard Antar speak in her praise,
her surprise increased, and Antar made great
progress in her heart. If, said her mother to
Antar, you are in earnest in what you say, let
us hear some of your verses in praise of her
and thus spoke:
"I love thee with the love of a noble-born hero;
and I am content with thy imaginary phantom.
Thou art my sovereign in my very blood, and my
mistress; and in thee is all my confidence. O Ibla,
my description cannot portray thee, for thou
comprehendest every perfection. Were I to say
thy face is like the full moon of heaven, where
in that full moon is the eye of the antelope? Were
I to say thy shape is like the branch of the Erak
tree; O thou shamest it in the grace of thy form.
In thy forehead is my guide to truth; and in thy
night of thy tresses I wander astray. Thy teeth
resemble stringed jewels; but how can I liken
them to lifeless pearls? Thy bosom is created
as an enchantment. O may God protect it ever in
that perfection! To be connected with thee is to
be connected with every joy, but separated from
all my world is the bond of thy connexion. Under
thy veil is the rosebud of my life, and thine eyes
are guarded with a multitude of arrows; round
thy tent is a lion warrior, the sword's edge, and
the spear's point. O thy face is like the full moon
of heaven, allied to light, but far from my hopes."
When Antar ceased, Ibla and her mother were
astonished, and their dislike towards him diminished;
and Ibla regarded him with affection. And Ibla's
mother said to Antar—I had no idea that you could
and propriety: by the faith of a noble Arab, you
are endowed with high and noble qualities. I intend
to-night to speak to my husband, that he may
marry you to Khemisa, Ibla's servant; who is the
prettiest of all the girls of the place. Never, said
Antar, will I be united to a woman who is a slave,
and not free born; and never but with her my soul
adores. May God, said Ibla, accomplish thy wishes;
and may he grant thee the woman thou lovest, and
mayest thou live in peace and happiness! Amen,
Amen, Amen, replied Antar.
These verses were soon made known amongst the
whole tribe, and men and women sang and repeated
them. It happened about this time that Rebia
gave an entertainment, to which he invited Shas, and
Malik, Ibla's father, and his son Amroo, to come
and eat, and drink wine; and when they became
merry, the girls began to sing these verses. Do you
not see how that slave is talked of? exclaimed Shas,
how his name is renowned, and his character and
fame are celebrated?
Thus they went on talking till Amroo became
exceedingly angry. Death, O Chief, said he to Rebia,
would be more tolerable to us than such proceedings.
I have frequently spoken to my father to
cast off this slave; but he says, the fellow is a slave,
and the son of a slave, he is of no consequence; and
were we to drive him out of our tents, King Zoheir
then his avidity would only increase, and we should
injure ourselves; for how can we presume to oppose
King Zoheir? And then again, he enrages us by
his verses. I have longed to kill him from the moment
I heard that he mentioned my sister in his
rhymes, let happen what may.
We have not invited you, said Rebia, to do any
thing of this kind: who is this slave, that you should
stain your sword with his blood? Let us consult on
other means of killing him. I will to-morrow conceal
twenty of the stoutest of my slaves, and will
order them to kill him in the rocky precipices. My
slave Basam is the brother of Zajir, and he has long
wished to kill him: but I would not let him do it,
for fear of the reproaches of King Zoheir; but now
that his son Shas is with us, and takes a part in the
affair, we shall be secure from blame. Then said
Shas, I will assist you in word or deed, were even
my father and brother and cousins to oppose me;
and I will persevere in this enterprise, even if I
were obliged to take a personal part in it; and I too
will engage twenty of my slaves in it, to kill him by
the cruellest death, and make an example of him.
They did not break up the entertainment till Shas,
Rebia, and Amroo had all three bound themselves
by oath; and they arranged the forty slaves, all
strong as lions, twenty from Shas, and twenty from
Rebia.
Now Shedad had a daughter, and her name was
Merweh, but not by Semeeah; and she was married
to a man called Jahjah, one of the tribe of Ghiftan,
and he was a celebrated warrior. It happened that
Jahjah had married his sister to one Magid, son of
Leith, also one of the Ghiftan tribe; and when
the bridal festival was preparing amongst the Ghiftanians,
Merweh came to the tribe of Abs and Adnan,
with a party of women, to invite the females
belonging to her father, and her uncles Malik and
Zakmet-ool Jewad, and their relations amongst the
tribe of Carad, to the feast. They accordingly obtained
their husbands' permission to make the visit,
and their husbands went with them. In front of
the howdahs they sounded the cymbals, and the
servants brandished their swords; and Antar was
among them, in attendance on Ibla and Semeeah,
and the wives of his uncles. And when he assisted
Ibla to alight and mount the howdah, he used to gratify
himself in talking to her, and was mad in gazing
on her charms; and he was in hopes the journey
would be long. Ibla's mother laughed at him, when
she saw him assiduously attending on her daughter.
Verily, said she, you love my daughter so much as
to compose verses on her, and in description of her
beauties. Yes, said Antar, by the God that has decorated
the heavens, and raised them on high, and
has adorned them with stars, were I able, I would
make my eye her resting-place. They journeyed
repeating these verses:
"March the way of security. O thou, all my
hope, proceed; for he who encompasses thee is an
intrepid warrior, that smites with his sword when
the battle clashes. O Ibla, one look from the veil
of thy eyelids is sufficient. Should I never attain
my object in this world, the extended plains and
mountains must press upon me."
Thus they proceeded on their journey; signing
and playing, till the day was spent and darkness
came on, when they dismounted in a spacious plain,
near a pool of water. They ate and drank, and remained
in that spot till it was day; and just as Antar
was ordering the slaves to raise the howdahs on the
camels' backs, lo! a great dust arose, spreading rapidly
over the valleys and the mountains. In an instant
there came forth a hundred slaves on horseback,
and Arabs; at their head was a horseman like an
eagle, crying out,
"This day will I be revenged; verily I am the conqueror,
and I will settle the business with my sword
and my spear, on a slave of a tribe whom the Absians
regard not, but who listens not to one that
chides him. How many men have I trampled down
in the dust! I am a valiant one, like whom there
is no hero."
As was before stated, Shas and Rebia had sworn
to destroy Antar, and having placed their spies and
scouts for that purpose, they stationed the forty
that Merweh, the daughter of Shedad, happened to
come by, and was returning home. The slave, with
his comrades of the tribe of Ham, followed the party
until they came to the valley of Ghifal, where they
resolved to lie in ambush for Antar: when lo! the
sound of horses' hoofs alarmed them, and heroes
rushed upon them, crying out—Stop where ye are,
or your skulls shall fly. Tell us who ye are, and of
what tribe of Arabs, before we pour down destruction
upon ye. On hearing this, Basam prepared
his people for the attack: O Arabs, he replied,
we are of the tribe of Abs, inhabitants of this
country; but who are you, and why are ye halting
in this place? Slaves of a coward race, cried
the chief, we are in search of you, for amongst you
is that accursed slave Antar, the son of Shedad.
Now these were Arabs and horsemen of the tribe
of Moostalik, and their chief was called Vethab: he
happened to be out of the way when Antar slew his
brother, some time before; but when he returned,
they informed him of it. He went forth to be revenged,
exclaiming, Verily, a slave of the tribe
of Abs has slain my brother, but I will destroy
none but their King, and not return but with
Antar's head. He thus met Basam, and all this
occurred. And after some explanation; Know, O
noble Sir, said Basam, our masters have sent us in
search of you, that we may together hasten to kill
this slave, and waylay him: here he has halted this
and we will give you his head; but if you prefer it,
do you kill him, and give us his head. But swear
you will not betray us.
Upon that, they promised and swore, and took
engagements from one another. But Basam turned
towards his comrades. Let us hide ourselves here,
said he; but if ye perceive that they commit any injury
to the property and families, we must then
assail them too, till some people come to our aid,
and thus we obtain our end in the death of Antar.
However, we must in the attack remain in the rear,
so that the women may not distinguish us, and know
that we are amongst the enemy. Do what you please,
said the slaves: and when the shades of night were
dissolving, the party under Vethab poured down
upon Antar like a cloud of waves, shouting out, To
arms! to arms!
Then began the women to scream and weep. Antar
cast his eyes towards Ibla, and she was bathed
in tears: he looked at her mother, and her grief was
great. Antar smiled, and presented himself before
Ibla's mother. O mistress, said he, what think you
of these our enemies? verily, they are eager for their
prey. O Antar, said she, my force and spirits are
exhausted; in a moment we shall be the prisoners
of our enemies, and they will scatter us over this
desert. O my mistress, said Antar, promise Ibla to
me in marriage, and I will disperse your enemies at
and I will give you their horses and their armour as
a dower. This is no time for merriment, said she.
No, cried Antar, by the God of day, and the animater
of souls: he that is God the merciful, and
the Lord of victory, if you promise to marry her to
me, I will make over to you these horses, and slay
their masters. Defend her, said she, and she is
yours. At the instant he turned round to Shiboob
—Protect my rear, he cried, this day. Be of good
cheer, thou black-born, exclaimed Shiboob, for I
will bear two-thirds of thy troubles. Antar rushed
forward, and assaulted them, roaring and shouting
aloud; and again he attacked them, and roared out.
He encountered the first ranks, and met them with
all-potent thrusts; he struck them in their chests,
and in their eyes. He slew the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth; and behold, a horseman came down
upon Antar from behind. As he was blustering over
the plain, and just as he was about to transfix Antar
with his spear, lo! an arrow pierced his heart, and
threw him from his horse. The terrible Shiboob
dealt the fatal blow. When the party saw the state
of the battle, they retreated from before him; but
he marking how the enemy were dispersed, came up
to the women, and said to Ibla, Check thy tears, thou
light of my eyes; the man lives not that has harmed
thee! and thus he continued:
"Check thy tears, for if thy heart is distressed,
the noble lion of the den will protect thee. O Ibla,
fear not, indulge no alarms, for my whole frame
is labouring under the burden of its love; and I
am a lion, to whom the warriors in the day of contention
bow in submission, and whom the cowards
dread. O Ibla, if persecution and absence must
kill me, O that the bonds of meeting were loosened
for ever. Verily, I will defend thee this day, O
thou my only hope, for I have a sword whose blade
cleaves the skulls. O Ibla, arise—behold my
actions, and my deeds under the battle dust, when
every warrior is hewn in pieces. Behold my exploits
when they attack and come on, and the supports
of their tribe are destroyed. The foe wishes
to take thee captive, O thou my only hope. O Ibla,
palsied is the hand that would take thee prisoner.
I will steep my sword in their blood, and I will
glut the birds, and the wolves, and the ghouls, with
their carcasses. Here let all the world know that
every foe of mine shall be overthrown under the
dust of the battle."
When Ibla heard Antar address her, she smiled
with teeth more brilliant, and whiter than pearls, for
she felt assured of his victory and conquest. Again
he returned towards the foe, like a lion, and attacked
them on the field of battle, scattering them to the
right and to the left. Shiboob assisted him in the
rear with his arrows, and the dust rose, and filled
for Antar, and invoking the God of heaven. He was
eagerly assailing the foe, like a lion, and slew thirty
of their horsemen. His horse being completely exhausted,
he dismounted, and vaulted on another
charger; and whilst all this was passing, the slaves
of the tribe of Abs looked on, and gazed in wild dismay
and astonishment; but the chief Vethab, when
he perceived his companions, and those that were
overthrown, cried out to the survivors, I alone am
his match; and he rode away to the field of battle,
clothed in brilliant armour, a splendid sword on his
loins, and a spear in his hand, and he thus exclaimed:
"The vicissitudes of fortune, from the height of
their mutability, are lanched against me, and every
companion has abandoned me. The death of my
tribe is at hand, from the arm of a slave who disregards
his fate. It is no wonder when fortune
raises up a poor wretch, that she should leave him
in his infirmities a prey to the lions. O thou vile
slave, that hast outstepped thy sphere, a warrior,
one whom no words can describe, is come against
thee. Away then with thy blind follies, thou son
of Zebeeba; for how many heroes have I destroyed
at the moment of their attack!"
He had scarcely finished his verses when Antar
answered him:
"Thou wouldst abuse me, vile wretch, for that
I am the colour of that night, whose dangers I
I have overwhelmed them with the vicissitudes of
fortune. I am the assaulting lion: in the field of
battle I rush impetuously when the coward turns
away in flight. The firm-rooted mountains are
uprooted at my vehemence, and let every one who
dares to resist me be assured of death. How many
heroes are punished as soon as the lustre of my
horse's front shines in the plain of war! their hands
instantly relinquish their arms, and they tumble
on the surface of the earth, struggling with their
limbs. How many warriors have I left stretched
dead, gored with the spear-thrusts! If thou art
desirous to fight me, come on boldly to the hero
who will make thee taste the food of death even
from the tip of his fingers."
He instantly assailed him, and struck him on the
breast, and driving out his spear between his shoulders,
he rushed among his comrades like a valiant
lion, and gored their sides and their bosoms: and
when they perceived that his assault was like a vivid
flame of fire, they fled over the plains and the rocks.
In the mean time, the slaves of Shas and Rebia
seeing what Antar had done to the tribe of Moostalik,
and how he was coming down upon them with
a loud shout, and also Shiboob, quick as the flash
of lightning, in his rear, they turned their backs
and fled. Antar returned, the blood streaming from
his spear. The women joined him, thanking and
smiled upon him. God protect thee, said she, thou
black in face, but fair in deeds—thou ornament of
men. He expressed his gratitude, and having replaced
her on the howdah, and ordered the slaves to
collect the scattered horses and dispersed cattle, and
the spoils of the slain, he travelled on with the women
till they reached the tribe of Ghiftan, and informed
Shedad of all that had occurred with the enemy.
Shedad gave him thanks, and kissed him between
the eyes; he took him by the hand, and his anger
was soothed. And when they were at the feast, Shedad
wished to place him among the chiefs, but Antar
would not consent; and he went away and joined
the slaves; and all the chiefs were astonished at his
modesty. They stood in awe of him, and raised his
dignity; however, the elders and the youths came
up to him, and made him sit down with them to
drink wine, and terated him with all manner of kindness;
and, in return, he recited various pieces of
poetry, and they were greatly delighted; and for
seven days they continued this civility and honour,
and not a day passed but the families made their
acknowledgments to Antar.
And the feast being concluded, the tribe of Abs
sought their homes and their own habitations, and
travelled till they reached the land of Shoorebah and
Mount Saadi. When lo! loud cries and increasing
shouts, and shrill screams, and clouds of dust, from
Shedad, what disasters have befallen us? They
hastened away on their Arab steeds, and found their
wives prisoners, and their daughters dishonoured.
Loud and confused were their shrieks, and through
the dust glared the dazzling brightness of swords:
and the uproar of men was like the crash of thunder:
and there was no one in the tents but a few men,
and the sons of King Zoheir, all covered with
wounds; and though they were still defending the
property, they felt certain of drinking the cup of
death.
Now the cause of this terrible event was, that
King Zoheir had gone forth, accompanied by his
warriors, against the land of Cahtan; for he was informed
that Mooteghetris was coming down upon
him with all his tribe; and it was Zoheir's intention
to meet him at some distance, out of his own territories,
and thus to prevent him from invading his
country, and laying waste his lands. So he left his
brother Zambaa with a small body of men, and departed;
but chancing to miss the enemy on the road,
Mooteghetris reached the country of Zoheir in safety,
where he found the tents unprotected by warriors.
He rushed against them, and the noble Absians rose
to arms; and violent was the contention between
them, and many brave men were left dead upon the
plain, and the brightness of the day became black.
Numbers thickened upon the Absians; loud and
seemed their undoubted fate. Temadhur was taken
prisoner, and also Modebilah, and Mekdada, and
Jemana, and they were overwhelmed in misery and
disgrace. At that hour arrived Antar and Shedad,
and the horsemen of Carad, and they amounted in
all to forty warriors.
Cousins, cried Shedad, come on to these dastards!
And they rushed forward, leaving the slaves with
the women and children. O son of Zebeeba, cried
Shedad to Antar, I wish to-day to see thee fight,
that I may express my gratitude for thy noble deeds.
O master, soon shalt thou observe what I do: he replied,
Doubtless the chief of the tribe is here. Thou
art right, said Shedad. They sought the enemy,
and the whole plain trembled at their shouts: they
shook their lances, and the women and servants
shouted aloud, when they knew they were Absians
coming to protect them. They attacked the right,
and drove their left, and Antar assaulted the centre,
plunging through confusion and horrors; and thus
he exclaimed:
"This day will I raise a battle that shall humble
the warriors of ages long past. I will make the
blood to stream from their joints, when the skulls
of the warriors leap from the blow of my sword.
How many chiefs, when they see me eager in
the fight, throw away their arms, and save themselves
by flight! I am the bold one. As to the
punishments and death. Death, in the direful
combat, fears me, when the battle-dust rises; and
the sand-cloud is like a blazing fire. My joy is in
the encounter of heroes, when spears and swords
clash in my grasp. How many battle-dusts have
I dived into, fearless of calamities! The joy of
contests is my object; it is all my desire. Verily,
deeds will I perform unrivalled; deeds that shall
be recorded on leaves and books. I will raise the
tumultuous din, and seas of blood: 'tis in their
crimson billows that my gladness abounds. I
will make the atmosphere like the sable night,
when the dust clouds roll over the regions like a
veil. No companion have I in battle but my horse
and my sword; and they complain of my fury;
they exalt me; they subject death to me; and I
am exalted above all mankind in my father. My
ambition soars above Pisces; and my determination
raises me above the Arab and the Persian."
When Antar had ended, he shouted aloud to the
combatants, and rushed madly into the midst of the
enemy, and overthrew them; he drove them before
him over the plain: and the same did Shedad and
his brothers on the left, and made them retreat in a
shameful manner. After the flight, the Absians
returned, and among the first was Zembaa, the son
of Jazeemah: they raised their terrible shout, and
they gladdened in the destruction of souls; they
steeds—spears clashed against spears. Antar alone
broke through the right, whilst Shedad and the
Absians destroyed the left; then the horsemen again
retired in disgrace, and the plain seemed too confined
for them. Mooteghetris beheld his horsemen in
confusion and discomfited, and the left wing intermixed
with the right; that they were driven by
Antar like a herd of grazing camels, and that he
was roaring in their ear like the crash of thunder.
Alarmed at the approach of danger, he rushed down
from an eminence with the people that remained
with him, assaulting Antar with his warriors; and
they all awaited patiently the attack.
Now Basam, the servant of Rebia, who had followed
Antar that he might destroy him on his way
to the tribe of Ghiftan, perceiving how he had slain
the tribe of Moostalik, and also their chief, returned
with his companions upon the day of this battle;
and as he marked Antar's prowess on that occasion,
he envied him in his heart, and, secretly designing
to murder him, he assailed him, together with the
party of Mooteghetris.
Antar encountered the enemy, and flinched not;
and soon the storm of dust thickened, so that a father
could not distinguish his son. Just then, Basam
aimed his spear, and violently attacked Antar; for
his accursed spirit was thinking of the renown he
should gain by slaying him. He approached him,
an arrow shot through the back of Basam, and passed
out by his chest; and he who slew Basam, and made
him drink the cup of death, was the dreadful Shiboob.
Now Antar had recommended Shiboob to
protect Ibla: nor did he ever quit her till he perceived
Basam issuing from the tents, followed by
some Absians, whilst his brother was labouring to
attain the standards. Shiboob was alarmed, and
quitted Ibla, and ran after him. But Antar knew
nothing of all this, and when he saw Basam, he was
just about to do the deed, at the moment the arrow
struck him dead.
Now Antar was occupied in destroying the enemy,
and he stopped not till he came up to Mooteghetris
in the fury of the fight; and he saw him driving
back the troops, and beckoning with his lance to
those who were flying from Antar like a flock of
sheep: for his soul would not submit to flight; and
he shouted, and rushed forward like the sea when it
roars. And Antar received him as the parched up
ground receives the first of the rain: he challenged
him in a tremendous voice, and addressed him in the
harshest terms; he pressed upon Mooteghetris, and
closed upon him, and blocking up all means of
escape, he thrust his spear through his bowels, and
tore out his entrails; and when the horsemen saw
that he was dead, they were disordered, and took to
flight; and the spears of the Absians played upon
and collected the spoil of the cattle. Every where
the victory was celebrated with triumph, and all
united in praising Antar, and describing his heroic
deeds; how he had slain Mooteghetris, and had
annihilated his troops.
Cahtan, i. e. Yoctan, a lineal descendant from Noah. The Cahtanians
were esteemed pure and original Arabs; whilst the descendants
of Ishmael, under the name Adnan, were called engrafted Arabs; his
progenitors being Jews.
CHAPTER III.
Now Shedad exceedingly gloried in Antar; aware
that he had acquired new lustre by his actions, and
not one remained to complain of him or abuse him.
He ran up to Antar, and kissed him between the
eyes. But Antar kissed his feet, and he appeared
like the flower of the Judas tree,[6]
so completely
was he smeared with the blood of the combatants.
Shedad's affection for him increased, and he said to
his brother Zakmet-ool Jewad, By the faith of an
Arab, our education has not been lost upon Antar.
How should he not be noble, he replied, you being
the cause of his existence? and the Cadi of the Arabs
decreed him to you, and told you he was of your
loins: do not reject him, for he truly belongs to you.
Antar, as well as Shedad, heard these words, and
he kept them secret in his heart; and he said not a
word to any one; but in a short time, when they all
repaired to their own tents, and separated each to
his own family, and each collected his own party,
Antar also retired to the house of his mother, and
Shiboob was driving before him what came to his
share of the plunder. And when the time of rest
house being entirely empty of people and neighbours,
O my mother, said he, I have heard words to-day,
the meaning of which I cannot comprehend; I wish
you would explain them to me, and tell me who is
my father, that I may know who brought me up. I
will inform you of all that, said she; so she then
told him how Shedad had met her in the desert,
and how all the ten had sought for her, and how he
had repulsed them, and made them agree to give her
to him, as his share: how they afterwards quarrelled
about him, and went before the Cadi of the Arabs,
who had decided that he belonged to Shedad. Well
then, said he to her, O mother, if the Cadi decided
that I was his son, and the ten have also agreed
that I was sprung from his loins, why does he not
call me his son, as every one else does? This would
cost him dear, said she, and he cannot resolve on
that, because he says you are a base-born; and he is
afraid of the disgrace he should incur by giving you
the rank and honours of a son; and the Arabs would
not consent to it.
I would not permit that to be the case, he replied,
for whoever would bring shame upon him, I
would soon reduce to annihilation. But if Shedad
still denies me my right and rank, I will use my
sword and spear upon him; and should I perceive
that the tribe dare despise me, I will level my scimitar
at the whole of them, and I will go to another tribe,
have I rescued them from their dangers, and
liberated them from perils! I will begin by striking
off the head of Shedad, if he does not acknowledge
my rank and condition; and so will I treat also
my uncle, if he does not give me Ibla in marriage;
him too will I make to drink the wine of disgrace.
For Heaven's sake, said his mother, do nothing of
the kind, for they will only hate you the more, and
you will gain nothing: but the men and women
love you, I perceive, on account of your noble
deeds, therefore proceed to no extremities, otherwise
you will increase their hatred and enmity against
you. But, my mother, added Antar, my aunt has
once promised to give Ibla to me in marriage,
and has engaged herself by contract to that purpose.
Hush! said Zebeeba, talk not of impossibilities;
this will never happen: how can a slave, without
connexion or rank, aspire to marriage with an Arab
woman; particularly as you were brought up tending
the sheep and the camels? O mother, said Antar,
I will show thee wonders: my soul pants for honour
and dignity, and with my sword will I dishonour
the necks of the Arab chieftains.
Thus they continued to talk till morning dawned,
when King Zoheir returned. He could scarcely
believe that his family were preserved safe from
ignominy, for he had heard that Mooteghetris had
passed him on the road; and severe indeed was his
He marched, therefore, day and night, till he reached
his own country, and found all his people happy
and secure.
But when the tribe of Abs saw their king returning
with all his army and troops, the chiefs and
nobles went out to meet him, and having congratulated
him and prayed for his long life, they explained
to him the destruction of his enemies, and all the
heroic acts of Antar; how he had slain Mooteghetris,
and what noble feats he had performed. Verily,
said King Zoheir, we are ennobled in him above
all Arabs: we have not appreciated his worth, and
have not properly understood his greatness. Truly,
he will become the champion of this whole nation, if
he live long, and all the horsemen will be under his
authority and command.
King Zoheir proceeded to his own tents, and
found his women exulting in the deeds of Antar:
he afterwards entered his wife Temadhur's apartments,
and found her also praising Antar in heart
and speech, as she exclaimed, O King, it is not
Antar, but a noble warrior; for he has done the
deeds of a hero. Thus was Antar's dignity raised
in the eyes of King Zoheir. Were we to decree to
him our lives and our property, said he, it would
still be a small return for such exalted acts. He
soon after ordered some sheep and fat cattle to be
killed, and having directed the meat to be served
middle of the camp, and there erected a large tent of
velvet and silk, and placed in the centre a throne of
ivory, inlaid with burnished gold. The horsemen
then presented themselves: Rebia and his brother
attended, and each seated himself according to his
rank; Shedad also came, and all his valiant dependants;
Antar too entered, and kissed the ground, and
made obeisance, and prayed for a continuance of
Zoheir's glory. He was going to sit down amongst
the slaves, but King Zoheir said to him, By the
Mover of the heavens, no one shall be my companion
to-day but you, and no one shall eat and drink but
I and you. And he made Antar come towards
him. O King, said Antar, as he kissed his hand,
I am but your slave. Then King Zoheir got up
from his throne, and seated him by his side, and
talked to him: and all present had their eyes upon
him, and all his friends rejoiced; but Rebia and
Shas, and his uncle Malik, were bursting with rage,
when they saw Antar raised to such honour, never
conferred on any one before.
Now the cups of wine were handed round, and
the delicacies were eaten with joy and pleasure;
and they appeared secure from the vicissitudes of
fortune, whilst King Zoheir conversed familiarly
with Antar, and joked with him: he placed him by
his side, and made him drink. And they continued
in this manner till the wine sported with the senses
up, but the King prevented him; and when they
wished to depart, the King gave Antar a beautiful
robe, and mounted him on an Arab horse, and a
necklace of burnished gold, studded with pearls and
jewels; he presented him also with an excellent
sword; and Antar quitted the tents of King Zoheir
clothed in that superb robe and cloak, and mounted
on the Arab horse. But he soon dismounted, and
walked by the side of his father; and when they
entered the tent, Antar kissed his father's feet: O
master, said he, why do you not grant me my due,
as others far and near have done? or bestow on me
what I so much desire? Tell me, said Shedad, what
you want, make known what you wish, that I may
be kind to you; I will not avariciously refuse you.
Now Shedad thought he wanted a camel to ride, or
a tent to live in, or a female slave to attend him.
But Antar replied, I request of you, O master, that
the rank and dignity of an Arab be appropriated to
me; and that you would acknowledge me as your
son, and yourself as my father, so that my rank may
be made known, and I become a chief; and in truth,
I will reward you as no one else can. I will reduce
the Arab princes themselves to your obedience,
through fear of my sword and my spear.
When Antar had finished speaking, Shedad's
eyes started into the crown of his head, his affections
cooled, and his disorder of mind increased. Thou
hast tended the camels and the sheep, and collected
the ordure of beasts amongst the mountains? Thou
son of a slave, verily, the robe of King Zoheir plays
about thy loins, and his words float upon thine ears;
thou hast indeed made a demand, and hast raised
thyself on high; and thou wouldst make me a byword
with every one that should hear thee: nothing
have I for thee but a sword, and I will cut off thy
head. Upon this, Shedad drew his sword, as soon
as he had finished, and rushed at him, and all the
slaves ran away from him.
Now Semeeah, Shedad's wife, overheard the dispute,
and came out of her tent, crying and lamenting.
She rushed instantly towards her husband, and
kissed his bosom, and took his sword out of his hand,
as she exclaimed—Never shall you slay him; me
shall you destroy before him. I have not forgotten
his virtues and noble deeds. Excess of wine must
have urged him to this fancy: therefore do not
punish him for what he has said. Semeeah did not
desist till she had soothed his anger, and he retired
to his tent.
But Antar was in the greatest agony; he was
ashamed that the day should dawn upon him, or
that he should remain any longer in the country;
or that he should again look his father in the face.
He accordingly went out, and sought the residence
of Malik, the King's son: his clothes trailed upon
the ground through shame, and his tears flowed
had overpowered his judgment. So he sought Prince
Malik, who was just then returned from his father's,
and quite rejoiced at what had passed with respect to
Antar, and the robes and presents he had received.
At this moment a slave came in, and said, Antar
wishes to be admitted into your presence. Let him
in, said Malik; and when he was introduced, Prince
Malik looked at him, and saw his tears flowing from
his tortured heart. He seated him by him, and
talked familiarly with him, and asked him what was
the matter, and what had happened to him. O my
lord, he replied, I demanded of my father the rank
and honour of an Arab; but he has abused me, and
beaten me, and wished to kill me, and has made
me a laughing-stock among the Arab chiefs.
You have been wrong, said Malik to Antar, in
this sad affair; you have done that which would not,
at any rate, have induced him to acknowledge you.
Do not, my lord, continued Antar, reprove my
ambition, which often robs me of my wits and discretion;
but had I not been blinded with wine, this
would not have happened, and I should have concealed
my wishes, and submitted patiently to my
misfortunes, till death had overtaken me. But in
all circumstances thou art ever my master. Ah!
my lord, continued he, how often have I relieved
them from their foes, and no one ever assisted me!
Know too, that I love Ibla, the daughter of my uncle
Malik; and she drives away the sleep from my eye
but my father Shedad has cut off all my hope, and
misfortunes upon misfortunes overpower me. I only
demanded to be recognized as his son, that I might be
united to her; but truly all hopes of her are completely
destroyed. No joy now remains for me, and
the light of the day is the darkness of night in my
eyes. I have no home but among the wild beasts and
the reptiles. His agony increased, and he wept, and
complained bitterly. Sorrows and afflictions were
multiplied upon him, and the tears rushed into his
eyes, as he expressed his anguish and passion.
Had you informed me of your situation before,
said Malik, greatly distressed, and pitying him, I
would have sacrificed my person and property to
remedy it. But what was easy has now become
difficult; Ibla will be concealed from you from this
day forward. I fear also that your father will contrive
to kill you, and that no one will be able to
relieve you. But stay here whilst I tell all this to
my father. O my lord, said Antar, the only place
of rest for me is on the highways; and I must roam
about the whole day and the live-long night; for
men have conspired to destroy me, such as Rebia
and your brother Shas. He passed the whole night
with Malik, and at the dawn of day Antar mounted
his horse, and put on his armour and his cuirass.
He travelled on till he was far from the tents, and
he knew not whither he was going: sometimes he
struck into the wilds and deserts, till it became
broad day. There he wandered about the rocks
and mountains, and accusing fate, he thus expressed
himself:
"I rail against fortune, that relents to no upbraider,
and I demand security from the cruelties
of fortune. She one day promises fair, and excites
my pride; but truly I know all her promises are
false. I have served man, and I have taken my
relations as protectors against fortune; but they
have acted like scorpions. Amongst themselves
they call me the son of Zebeeba, but in the
tumultuous rush of horsemen, I am the son of
nobles. Were it not for my love, one like me
would not humble himself to such as they; and
the lion of the waste would not fear the foxes.
Quickly my tribe will remember me, when the
horsemen come charging amongst the warriors
with their sword-blows. O that thy phantom
would visit me, O Ibla; it would see the torrents
of tears that stream from my eyelids. But I will
forbear, that my railers may have pity on me, and
that my patience may soften their hearts. Thy
station is a post in the centre of heaven, but my
hand fails in attaining the stars."
Thus he roamed from the high road without
friend or companion. The next day the tribe heard
all that had passed between Antar and his father:
Antar; but he was not to be found: he supposed
he would return by the evening: still he came not.
Now Prince Malik was sincerely attached to Antar;
he was sorely grieved, and he did all he could to
find him. He then acquainted his father with what
had passed. As soon as the King heard the account
from his son, he was much vexed, and reproached
him. O my son, said he, why did you not immediately
tell me of this, that I might have arranged
the business? I concealed it, said he, in order not
to occasion any disturbance, and for fear of exciting
your indignation, for I have long seen my brother
Shas hates him as the vilest of men; and Rebia
will not raise his head towards him; and I see also
that many of their friends detest him. But you
love him, and are interested about him; and I could
not possibly tell you what you would not have
approved. In the meantime Antar continued to
wander over the plains of the desert, until the day
shone, when, behold! there arose a great cloud of
dust, that darkened the country. Antar contemplated
it for some time, and then perceived forty
horsemen, each bearing a quivering spear, and a
dazzling scimitar. He directed his horse towards
them, and they proved to be of the noble tribe of
Abs, and Gheyadh, the son of Nasshib, was their
leader. When Antar saw them, he saluted them,
and they returned the salutation: O thou son of
I was hunting game, he replied, and when I saw
you, I made towards you, in order to bear you company.
And we, said Gheyadh, have always distinguished
you from the other slaves, and have
always considered you in the light of a valiant
knight; and if you will join us, we will agree to
your sharing with us as a noble warrior. But how
can that be? said Antar. Know that a slave, said
Gheyadh, enjoys a half share with his masters. But,
said one of them, Antar truly deserves more than
two-thirds, and happen what will, he is a knight;
and indeed not every one that is called a knight is a
knight. They at length agreed that they would
surrender to the slave a fourth of whatever plunder
they might take.
In this manner they proceeded till they approached
the land of the tribe of Cahtan, where they saw
a great quantity of cattle, with some high-raised tents
and lofty pavilions; many horses running about,
and camels grazing, and the people unsuspicious
of a reverse of fortune. Here, my cousins, said
Gheyadh, is a rich tribe, and the people few in
number: let us attack and despoil them whilst it is
dark, and we will quit their country in safety; before
morning we shall be far away among the
wastes. They instantly shook their lances in their
hands, and drew their brilliant falchions; and as
they drove the camels and the horses from the tents
off from the women and families. But the sons of
Abs forced them back towards the tents, and trampled
them down upon the ground, seizing their property
and spoil. Antar rushed down upon them, and
obliged them to fly. Do you, said Gheyadh to
Antar, drive away the cattle, and we will repulse
all that dare pursue them.
Antar drove away the cattle, and had proceeded
some way, when lo! a knight rushed out from the
ravines in the rocks, mounted on a dark-coloured
colt, beautiful and compact, and it was of a race
much prized among the Arabs: his hoofs were as
flat as the beaten coin; when he neighed, he seemed
as if about to speak, and his ears like quills; his sire
was Wasil, and his dam Hemama. When Antar
cast his eyes upon the horse, and observed his speed
and his paces, and his uncommon beauty, he felt
that no horse could surpass them, so his whole
heart and soul longed for it. The Absians, indeed,
had plundered the horde and the country, but Antar's
mind was occupied with the horse, so he galloped on
till he approached the horseman; and when the
knight perceived that Antar was making towards
him, he spurred his horse, and it fled beneath
him; for this was a renowned horseman, called
Harith, the son of Obad, and he was a valiant hero.
Antar galloped after him till sunset, and he found
himself far separated from his party. Harith then
said Antar to him, O young man, by the faith you
profess and believe, will you not wait for me a while,
and grant me a favour? for I see you are a noble
horseman. Hear what I have to say, and give me
an answer: I will be answerable for thy security.
O young man, said Harith, trusting to his promise,
what do you want? I see you also are a valiant
knight. Will you sell me this horse you are
riding, asked Antar, or will you give it me, if you
are the owner of it? By heavens, young man, said
Harith smiling, had you so accosted me at first, I
would have given him to you, with some camels
also, and you need not have acted thus; but, Arab,
did you ever see any one surrender his horse and
his armour in a plain like this, alone and a stranger?
and particularly a horse like mine, whose lineage is
as well known as that of the noblest warriors; for
should his master be in difficulties, he will liberate
him; he moves and flies without wings; and if you
have not heard of his fame, I will tell you—he is
called Abjer, whom Chosroe and the Grecian emperors
and the princes of the tribe of Asfar[7]
have anxiously wished to possess. I was angry with my
own people, and repaired to this noble tribe. I ate
with them, and remained with them a long time. It
costs me much to part with this horse, but my heart
about them. I am no coward in the assault of
heroes; but I was afraid lest this horse might receive
a blow that should injure him, and I therefore
only followed you, in order to draw off your
attention till the men of the tribe might overtake
you, and pursue you over the hills and the wilds,
and that I might point out to them your course;
for you have invaded a tribe where there are only
women, and but a few men, unable to encounter so
fierce a foe; and I do not perceive there is a single
feeling heart among you all.
Harith having ceased speaking, I much wish you
would sell me this horse, said Antar; demand what
you please from me, for I must be the purchaser of
it. O young man, said Harith, if you are indeed
desirous of a horse, that is in this age beyond all
value, I will not sell it but for all your booty; and
then be assured you will not lose by the bargain.
I swear by the God who knows all secrets, I do
not avoid fighting you from the fear of death, for
I am a warrior, and can defend myself; but I
feared this horse would be injured. If you, young
man, wish to strike a bargain, and act like a man of
honour, as I am a guest of this tribe, and have eaten
with them, my wish is to ransom their property with
my horse; and had it not been for this misfortune,
I never would have parted with such an animal.
When Antar heard these words, he felt certain
wishing to be on a par with him in respect to
his honourable and generous conduct: Well, said
he, I will purchase of you this horse for this booty;
and I shall be moreover exceedingly obliged: here
is my hand in faith and sincerity.
Harith dismounted from the back of his noble
steed, and gave him to Antar, who mounted him
like a king of the land far and wide; and he told
the slaves to conduct the cattle and women and
servants to their own country. Harith took them,
and went his way.
Now Antar upon Abjer watched them till they
had disappeared among the deserts; and just then
came up the Absian horsemen, and Gheyadh at
their head, who, seeing Antar standing alone in the
plain, without any of the booty, cried out, Thou son
of a base slave woman, where is the plunder? I
bought with it this horse, he replied, and I have
established your honour and credit in the land of
the tribe; because I saw the owner was a man
of worth, and jealous of the honour of women,
gracious and liberal minded: I was therefore
anxious to equal him in propriety of conduct, and
would not leave behind us in this land the remembrance
of a foul action, and be a scandal
amongst Arabs. It is the most ignominious of deeds
to take prisoners free born women; and besides
this, the spacious plain is open before us, and the
taker away; he is the distributer of every thing;
and God forbid he should send us back without a
reward.
Thou base born, cried Gheyadh, in reply to
Antar the lion-hero, we consigned them over to
your care, but you have been buying, bartering,
and selling, without asking our leave. What is
done is done, said Antar; I will make it good to
you elsewhere, if the Creator of all things pleases,
and you agree to the protection I have granted: but
if you wish to quarrel with me, I will protect my life
with the force of this sword, and this well proportioned
spear, and I will not live to forfeit my word.
Come on to this wretch, said Gheyadh, inflamed
with rage, to his companions; cut him in pieces
with your cleaving scimitars, and make him drink
of the cup of death and annihilation.
Upon that, Antar went to a little distance from
them, and dismounting from Abjer, tightened his
girths, and then mounting again, galloped and
charged about, crying out to them, You base born
wretches, to-day will I show you how I fight and
thrust. Away, away, to shame and disgrace—this
day you shall behold the furious lion. He thought
of his beloved, and thus exclaimed:
"I abuse fortune, that never softens at the voice
of the counsellor. I conceal my passion in my
heart, but my tears disclose it. My tribe is leagued
me with sword and spear. They have driven me
from the mistress I love, and I am plunged into
the well of the water of banishment. To expose my
cherished life is indifferent to me; and though I am
separated from her, my heart clings to her. O my
God, let not my life be a life of ignominy! let not
my death, O God, be among the weeping crowd!
but my corpse! let the birds hover over it, and
let the crows of the desert drink of my wounds.
God regards the man who is hospitable to his
tribe, and who becomes among them a chief in
authority. But when they see us invade their
dwellings, every warrior on a swift-paced steed,
they promise us riches, and high-bosomed damsels
with well formed hips, and beautifully-shaped
haunches. I will seize them on my horse, whose
like exists not; ay, and the youth sold it like a
man of honour. Whoever of ye, oh tribe of Abs,
wishes my death, I will appear before him in the
plain of battle, and I will charge among ye on my
stern-faced steed, and I will rush at ye as the
lion of the wilds."
When the Absians heard Antar's discourse, they
all shrunk from the conflict, and consulting with
each other, said, Gheyadh, What stops you? and
what occasions this fear and consternation at this
black slave? O Gheyadh, said they, you have
advised us to make the attack, and still you hold
superior and our adviser, so come on. O my cousins,
said Gheyadh, much troubled, wise is the man between
whom and Antar there is no contention. Explain
this, said they, ere we endanger our lives in
a contest with him. I observed, said he, when he
dismounted to tighten his girths, his gigantic mien,
his brawny arms, his full-formed legs, and his cool
undaunted eye. And I, said another, saw something
more extraordinary than that. What's that?
said they. One day King Zoheir gave him one of his
finest horses; he went up to it to put on the bridle;
the horse would not take it, but was riotous, and
reared at him. At the instant Antar lifted him off
the ground up to the top of his head, and dashed
him on the earth, and smashed his bones. When
they heard this account of Antar, they trembled, and
were afraid. Do you go up to him, said they,
addressing Gheyadh, give him the plunder, and do
not make it appear that we are afraid of him, that
his avidity may not increase to our detriment, and
he say, I will not quit one of ye till I have slain
him and taken his spoil.
So Gheyadh went up to him; O my cousin, said
he, are you not ashamed to engage in battle against
your cousins, when they were only joking and
making merry? My cousins, said Antar, convinced
they were afraid of him, I would not do any thing
that could be thought wrong, but I have purchased
and you know that when a person seeks to destroy
another, it is necessary to defend one's self. Gheyadh
continued to speak flatteringly to Antar, till he
softened him and cajoled him. O Arab Chieftains,
said Antar, I have not forgotten your kindness, and
I am but your slave. I am grateful for all you
have done for me, and had it not been for you, I
should not be known among the Arabs.
It was not fear that dictated these words, but in
order to observe their sentiments towards him.
He has indeed purchased this horse, said Gheyadh
to his comrades, in order to destroy our enemies;
let us therefore grant it him. Be it so, said they
all. Thus Antar became possessed of Abjer, whose
equal no prince or emperor possessed. By way of
precaution, Antar kept aloof from Gheyadh and his
companions, who went on talking to each other.
How that base-born has succeeded to his wish, said
they, for verily that horse is worth his weight in
gold; we shall indeed be disgraced among the
Arabs! Antar proceeded on before them, and heard
all they said.
Now they continued their march till evening,
when they reached a spot abounding in trees and
streams; wide and extensive were the surrounding
plains. They dismounted and let their horses graze,
and seated themselves, whilst Antar stood watch over
them, for their and his own safety. They did not
mounted their horses and marched till evening;
when suddenly from the upper part of the desert
a great dust appeared, and through it they distinguished
a lofty howdah, and on its top there
was a crescent of gold. The howdah was richly
ornamented with velvet; in front were damsels and
slaves, and they wore robes of divers colours, and
behind were horsemen mounted on steeds all of
different colours. No sooner saw they this procession
and these fine garments, than they were
sure it was a bride in the howdah; but they knew
not her husband, nor any one connected with her.
This is our plunder, said they; God has sent it to
us in recompense for what has befallen us. They
instantly bent their heads over their saddle-bows,
and violently assaulted the party, and got possession
of the howdah and all its accompaniments. But
when the horsemen that attended the howdah beheld
them, they attacked them, and man met man,
and hero assaulted hero; blood was shed and spilt,
and the horror was great: and in a moment the
Absians were assisted by the deeds of Antar, the
devouring lion, for his attack was the attack of an
overpowering warrior. And three score and ten
were the horsemen that accompanied the bride: he
destroyed sixty of them; and the rest fled, five to
the right and five to the left.
The Absians having taken possession of the howdah
a vast quantity of articles besides, asked the slaves
about the bride, who was her husband, and who
her father? Arabs, said they, she is called Amima,
the daughter of Yezid, the son of Handhalah, surnamed
the Blood-drinker, the chief of all the princes
of Tey; and her husband, to whom she is going,
is called Nakid, the son of Jellah, a warlike and
bold horseman, the protector of the race of Marah;
and you have executed this villanous act of violence
upon us, and have ventured on this hazardous
enterprise!
They proceeded, and passed over the deserts and
the wilds, the lady weeping and lamenting at the
misfortune that had overwhelmed her. But when
Antar heard from the slave this account of her
father and her husband, he was convinced he would
come down on her account, and that a great battle
and slaughter would ensue between them, and he
wished the Absians should feel his power and weight,
for what he had heard them say about himself. So
he came toward them. God has granted you victory
and safety, said he: And thou too, they answered;
he has also given thee cause to rejoice. You
are aware, said Antar, that this plunder is much
more valuable and precious than the former; let us
put it out in lots and divide it, and let us give to
each his portion, that he may defend it with his
soul and body.
You, Antar, took the first plunder for yourself
alone, said one, and do you demand your share of
the second? With respect to the first plunder, O
my cousins, said Antar, did you not give it me?
and it is not customary with chiefs to take back
their donations. The fellow, said Gheyadh, is right
in what he says; divide the spoil, and give him half
of one of your shares. Arabs, treat me fairly, cried
Antar, and speak the truth. Gheyadh got into a
passion; What do you mean? said he. According
to our agreement, said Antar, which was settled between
you and me, of all the plunder we should
take, I was to have one half of the whole; and all
of you the other half.
Rage filled the heart of Gheyadh. Thou son of
Zebeeba, thy avarice demands impossibilities; thou
art indeed mad, and a villain. Verily thou hast
not kept thy word; and O, had the day never
come that we met thee in this road! No one, said
Antar, is mad, but he who keeps company with
you, and agrees to your demands; for ye are a set
of fellows of little justice, and great oppression and
violence: the fact is, I will not take a jot less than
one half of the plunder, even were my soul to drink
of the cup of death. Come on, on to this black
slave, cried Gheyadh to his friends, who rebels,
and outrages us. Upon this they all jumped up,
and cried out against Antar, resolved to kill him,
and make him drink of the cup of perdition. Antar
plain, then galloped, and challenged them to the
contest, thus addressing them:—
"When my foe sues me for a debt, I settle the
debt with the Redeinian spear[8]
: my scimitar's
edge shall extirpate ye all, and shall justly decide
between you and me. I am exalted by my
sword and spear far above the minutest stars and
the two bears. Foul wretches! ye know not my
power, but the inhabitants of the two hemispheres
shall feel it. The grasp of fortune has not destroyed
my strength, and the fingers of time have
not been stretched out against me. Many a
horseman have I left sprawling, his cheeks groveling,
his hands dyed in blood, whilst the birds
of death hover round him, and the magpies
assemble over his corpse."
His verses finished, he was about to attack them,
when, lo! a dust arose and covered the whole
country. In a short time the cloud opened and
discovered three hundred horsemen, all clad in steel,
and the father of the damsel, the Blood-drinker,
appeared in front of them. He roared like a lion;
his sword was an Indian blade. Whither would
ye flee, O ye base-born? he cried out—I am he, surnamed
the Blood-drinker, the Cahtanian.
Now the cause of the arrival of these men was
combat, five went to the father of the damsel, the
lion of the land, and five went to Nakid, the son of
Jellah; but the residence of her father happened to
be the nearest. So he set off with three hundred
men, all stern lions, and he galloped on till he overtook
the Absians, as we have mentioned; and it was
he who prevented the combat between the Absians
and Antar.
When Antar saw the father of the damsel coming
on—See where the heroes advance, he cried: now
protect your plunder, if ye are men of valour: no
portion is mine, neither great nor small, not a camel
or a sheep. I will quit you, and will neither be with
you nor against you. He spurred away his Abjer
from them, and mounted to the top of a high hill;
he took his feet out of the stirrups, and sat cross-legged
upon the neck of his horse, resting on his
dreadful spear, and there he remained contemplating
the terrors of the approaching conflict.
The Blood-drinker cried aloud to his warriors;
and they rushed down upon the Absians, and men
encountered men, heroes heroes; and blood was
spilt and shed. In a moment swords clashed, every
heart and feeling were roused; heads flew off like
balls, and hands like leaves of trees. The Teyans
rushed upon the race of Abs; also the Blood-drinker
assailed them in his courage, and released his
daughter. The Absians quitted their plunder, for
the wilds.
Now when Antar perceived this defeat, he replaced
his feet in the stirrups, and raising his spear
from the ground, pounced down from the height
like an eagle, or a wild beast when it rushes from
its den; and he roared out to them in a loud voice
that made the mountains rebellow—O ye ignoble
dastards, I am Antar, the son of Shedad! And
he urged on Abjer, who started under him like
a flash of lightning, or a tearing arrow: his eyeballs
turned red, and foam issued from his lips: he
shrieked aloud in front of the horses, and immediately
they shrunk back on their haunches, and
hurled their riders from their backs: and the heroes
were scattered over the desert and the wilderness.
In less than an hour he drove them from the plunder.
As soon as the Absians heard the sound of
Antar from under the cloud of dust,—Verily, Antar,
the magnanimous warrior, will overcome them, said
they; may God assist him! This is indeed true
intrepidity, and he deserves half the spoil; for if
the heroes drink the cup of death, the greatest
share will fall to him, for verily the eye of the sun
cannot be concealed. Thus their hearts were purified
towards Antar, and they all returned to fight by
his side.
When the Blood-drinker saw the Absians resume
the contest, he said to the people about him, The
this day will they bring death and destruction upon
us; and he let the reins hang loose, and fled. The
Teyans spread themselves over the plains and the
desert, following him in every direction, whilst Antar,
having already slain about eighty men, approached
the plunder; and when all were fled, the
Absian horsemen came up, and there was not one
but praised and thanked him. So they took up the
spoil, and the property, and the prisoners, and the
bride, and departed, seeking the land of the tribe
of Abs, and rejoicing in their victory and triumph;
every one in astonishment at Antar's intrepidity.
But as soon as the other five that fled informed
Nakid, the husband of the bride, the light became
dark in his eyes, and he shouted out to the tribe of
Maan—To horse! to horse! and ere an hour had
passed, five thousand valiant horsemen were mounted;
and he marched at the head of them, in hopes of
overtaking the race of Abs, and of overwhelming
them in perdition and death, and of rooting out
every vestige of them, so that not a record of them
should exist. For indeed he was a warrior ferocious
as a lion, one of the thousand heroes in those days
of darkness. He travelled on night and day, that
he might overtake the tribe of Abs before they could
reach their own country. Meanwhile they pursued
their journey, seeking their own lands, when a dust
it opened, and discovered the Maanites headed by
Nakid. At this sight they were convinced of their
destruction and death, as they said one to another,
Verily the tribe of Maan have overtaken us! They
looked towards Antar, and they perceived him
smiling and rejoicing at the arrival of the warriors.
Verily, said they, O my cousin, the foe is come up
with us, and to-day will our booty be torn away,
and our skulls will fly off. Know, my cousins, said
Antar, that death will not be wanting, neither will
it increase; but I have long wished for such a day
as this, for I have not given up the tribe of Abs:
my heart is fixed on returning home; and this fortunate
circumstance has happened to us by the
will of Him who disposes life and death. Now is
the flame of war at hand, and sorrow and anguish
are approaching. Whoever amongst you is ready
to fight, let him fight; whoever wishes to fly, let
him fly; but for me, I will drink of their cups; I
will contend with their heroes: and thus he continued
in verse:
"This day the race of Abs shall behold my combat,
and my actions in the contest when I charge.
I will seize their property: ay, and the double of
it with my supple, quick-moving, death-bearing
spear. I will destroy the brave in war with my Indian
blade, and I will drive down among them like
a devouring lion. I will rave among their horsemen
charge, and I will rush over them in the battle.
I am the Knight of Knights, the lion whom none
can withstand. The lions in their dens tremble
at me, and in the day of battle the ghouls fly
from me."
When Antar had finished, he encountered the warriors
with penetrating thrusts and rending blows.
The Absians were obliged to endure it with him,
and to assist him in the horrors. The messengers
of death were distributed amongst the conquerors
and the conquered; the sharp-edged swords came in
contact with them, and the straight lances glided
through them. The Absians repented of their firmness,
and fled over the plains, whilst alone Antar
encountered the whole calamity; and he stood firm,
like one resolved to avert shame and disgrace. He
aimed at the breasts of the heroes with overpowering
assaults and thrusts, that would have made the
deep-rooted mountains totter.
When Nakid saw the battle of Antar, and how
alone he stood against five thousand, and was making
them drink of the cup of death and perdition, be
was overwhelmed with astonishment at his deeds.
Thou valiant slave, he cried, how potent is thine
arm—how strong is thy wrist! And he rushed down
upon Antar, that his bride might behold a proof of
his courage: and Antar, seeing that he was making
at him, presented himself before him, for he was all
anxiety to meet him. O thou base-born, cried Nakid,
permitted him not to finish his speech, before he assaulted
him with the assault of a lion, and roared at
him: he was horrified and paralysed at the sight of
Antar. Antar attacked him, scared and petrified,
and struck him with his sword on the head, and
cleft him down to the back, and he fell, cut in twain,
from the horse, and he was split in two as if by
a scale; and as Antar dealt the blow, he cried
out, O by Abs! O by Adnan! I am the lover of
Ibla.
No sooner did the tribe of Maan behold Antar's
blow, than every one was seized with fear and dismay.
The whole five thousand made an attack like
the attack of a single man; but Antar received them
as the parched ground receives the first of the rain,
exhibiting to them his power and his courage. His
eyeballs were fiery red, and foam issued from the
corners of his lips; wherever he smote, he cleft the
head; every warrior he assailed he annihilated; and
as the warriors still pressed on him, he tore a rider
from the back of his horse, he heaved him on high,
and whirling him in the air, struck down a second
with him, and the two instantly expired. By thine
eyes, O Ibla, he cried, to-day will I destroy this
whole race. Thus he proceeded until he terrified
the warriors, and hurled them into woe and disgrace,
hewing off their arms and their joints. At length
the five thousand retreated from the combat, for fear
and terror had completely shaken them, and more
gained an entire victory over them.
Just as Antar had nearly annihilated them, there
appeared a dust that darkened the whole land. In
an hour it was cleared, and there came forth a troop
of heroes; at their head was a horseman like an
eagle, mounted on a horse that moved like a cloud.
The rider was handsome, in the bloom of youth,
and every tongue cried out, O by Abs! O by Adnan!
Now this knight was Malik, King Zoheir's
son. And he was coming in search of Antar, in consequence
of the affair that took place between Antar
and his father, who, when he demanded the rank
and consideration of a son, wished to put him to
death. Now Malik was expecting Antar the next
day, but as he came not, he went and acquainted
his father the King with all that had happened.
Zoheir instantly sent for Shedad, who kissed the
ground. Why do you not grant Antar's request,
and call him your son, as every one else does? asked
King Zoheir: Think you, Shedad, that amongst the
tribes of Cahtan and Adnan there is a more intrepid
warrior than your son Antar, or a bolder heart than
his? O my Lord, answered Shedad, he is indeed
my son, and a part of my heart; but my brother
Malik said to me, If you acknowledge Antar as your
son, I will abandon myself to the Arab tribes; therefore,
on account of my brother Malik, I have renounced
him. Well, then, said Zoheir, I will have
him return to his country in spite of his foes. And
follow him. He waited until the slave returned,
and told him that Antar had associated himself with
Gheyadh, the son of Nashid, and at that moment
he was, single-handed, engaged with five thousand
horsemen, and Nakid, the son of Jellah. Malik
wept. May God, said he, prosper him, for he has
devoted himself to death and destruction; never will
he fly or retreat: but by the life of my father, King
Zoheir, I must aid him; and if he is dead, never will
I return till I have taken vengeance on his foes, and
made his murderers drink of the loathsome cup. He
set out, and appeared as we have just mentioned, and
rushed forward with his troops as we have described.
But as soon as Malik and his people came forward,
and the men had recognised each other, Antar felt
his power expanded, for at that moment the enemy
had resolved to slay his heroes. But at the sight of
his friend Malik and his warriors, his heart revived,
and he exhibited the whole courage of his soul; he
again made a most desperate attack upon his antagonists,
and overwhelmed them in total ruin.
When the tribe of Maan saw Antar's destructive
force, and his sweeping blows, and that the Absians
were come to his assistance, their only resource was
flight, and retreat over the plains and wilds; for
they said to each other, When Antar was alone, we
could not resist him; what shall we do now, that the
tribe of Abs and Adnan are come to his aid? So
they took to flight, and ran away in confusion; whilst
for three parasangs, returned for the scattered cattle
and dispersed horses. Antar dismounted from Abjer,
and running up to his friend Malik, wished to
kiss his feet in the stirrup, but Malik would not
permit him, and kissed him between the eyes, and
rejoiced in his safety. And there was not one of the
Absians but came up to Antar, and congratulated
him on his victory and triumph. Antar thanked
them. They halted there that night, and the next
day they set out seeking their own country: Antar
riding by the side of Malik, and relating to him all
his adventures with Gheyadh and his companions,
and how he obtained his horse Abjer. Malik informed
him of all that had passed between him and
King Zoheir, how he had sent after his father Shedad,
and had threatened him. Antar was glad, and
foreboded well, and felt convinced that his marriage
might take place as long as King Zoheir was on his
side: so that his love for Ibla increased. They thus
proceeded on their journey till they came near to
their homes; when Antar's passion seizing him, he
thus exclaimed:
"When the breezes blow from Mount Saadi,
their freshness calms the fire of my love and transports.
Let my tribe remember I have preserved
their faith; but they feel not my worth, and preserve
not their engagements with me. Were there
not a maid settled in the tents, why should I prefer
the magic influence of her eye preserves the bones
of a corpse from entering the tomb. The sun, as
it sets, turns towards her, and says, Darkness ohscures
the land; do thou rise in my absence: and
the brilliant moon calls out to her, Come forth, for
thy face is like me when I am at the full, and in
all my glory! The Tamarisk trees complain of
her in the morn and the eve, and say, Away, thou
waning beauty, thou form of the laurel! She
turns away abashed, and throws aside her veil, and
the roses are scattered from her soft fresh checks.
She draws her sword from the glances of her eyelashes,
sharp and penetrating as the blade of her
forefathers, and with it her eyes commit murder,
though it be sheathed: is it not surprising that a
sheathed sword should be so sharp against its victims?
Graceful is every limb, slender her waist,
love-beaning are her glances, waving is her form
The damsel passes the night with musk under her
veil, and its fragrance is increased by the still
fresher essence of her breath. The lustre of day
sparkles from her forehead, and by the dark shades
of her curling ringlets night itself is driven away.
When she smiles, between her teeth is a moisture
composed of wine, of rain, and of honey. Her throat
complains of the darkness of her necklaces. Alas!
alas! the effects of that throat and that necklace!
Will fortune ever, O daughter of Malik,
my heart of the sorrows of love? If my eye could
see her baggage camels, and her family, I would
rub my cheeks on the hoofs of her camels. I will
kiss the earth where thou art; mayhap the fire
of my love and ecstasy may be quenched. Shall
thou and I ever meet as formerly on Mount
Saadi? or will the messenger com from thee to
announce thy meeting, or will he relate that thou
art in the land of Nejd? Shall we meet in the
land of Shooreba and Hima, and shall we live in
joy and in happiness? I am the well known Antar,
the chief of his tribe, and I shall die: but when
I am gone, history shall tell of me."
Antar's eloquence and greatness of soul made the
Prince's heart bound with joy, for not an Arab
amongst the neighbouring or distant tribes could
equal him. Verily, said Malik, the spirit of God
animates you, and inspires your mind; for you
have attained the full expression of words, and are
perfect in rhymes. They went on, passing over the
wilds and the deserts, until they approached their
own country, when Malik sent forward one of his
men to give notice of his coming. The messenger
preceded them, and informed King Zoheir of the
approach of his son, and of Antar the bold warrior;
at which being greatly rejoiced, he went out with all
his noble comrades, except Rabia and Shas, to meet
them: for these two were not pleased at the return
of Antar; and Malik also, the father of Ibla, would
King Zoheir, and went to meet Antar, for his heart
yearned after him. Thus they proceeded, and did
not stop till they met the Prince and Antar; and
when they came near, Antar dismounted, and hastening
towards him, kissed the hand of King Zoheir.
But the King bent down towards him and kissed him
between the eyes, and congratulated him on his
safety. Think you, O Antar, said he, that we have
forgotten you since you quitted us in anger?
Could our homes give us any pleasure when thou
wert absent, and hadst abandoned thy country?
O King, replied Antar, having kissed the King's
feet, thou whose command is obeyed among the
whole nation of Arabs, O high minded Prince! I
swear by your unbounded generosity and your noble
mind, my departure was not the effect of passion:
I am but a lowly slave and dependant: I did indeed
depart the night I had been with your majesty, for
my tongue had swerved from the road of propriety
towards my father; my ambition aimed at impossibilities,
and I demanded what in fact only a fool
would have demanded. As soon as I was safe
from his vengeance, and his kindness and favour
were withdrawn from me, I could not, after such a
fault, do otherwise than change my home; till at
last my lord Malik interested himself so much about
me, and delivered me from death and perdition; he
has also informed me what interest you have taken
in me: so that my situation is improved, and I am
loaded me with obligations mountains could not
sustain. May you ever be under the protection of
God! Thus Antar went on talking with the King,
when Shedad coming up to him, Antar ran towards
him and kissed his feet in the stirrup, thus saying:
"O my Lord, I am come begging forgiveness;
the slave is come like a criminal; the sword and
war-horse would fail, should presumption ever
bear sway."
When Shedad heard these words, and saw his
humility, and considered all he had done, and his
wonderful intrepidity, and truly Arabian nobleness
of soul, all his affections were excited; and his eyes
almost shed tears as he said in his heart, May God
curse every one who from this day forward would
renounce him, and may the sword despoil his life
He kissed him between the eyes, and Antar walked
before his father, after he had saluted his uncles,
and his relations. The whole tribe of Abs were
astonished at his noble conduct and courage, and
they said one to another, No one possesses what his
masters possess.
Now Antar felt no unworthy thought of fear
respecting his father or his uncles, and only the
passion that humbles warriors humbled him. Malik
presented the plunder to his father, and pressed him
to accept it; and he divided the cuirasses, and armour,
and horses, and coats of mail among the tribe
of Abs who were with him at first. But King Zoheir
and the daughter of a King; it is not proper that
she should be bought and sold. Thus they all departed
home after the King had made up matters
between Antar and his family and relations, and
recommended him to their kindness. The King soon
after heard from Antar an account of all his adventures,
and how he had obtained his horse Abjer.
And when he looked at him he was more and more
surprised at his qualities; and he said to his son
Malik, This horse has been made for no one but
Antar. And from that day he was surnamed Aboolfawaris[9] .
Now Ibla's father addressed his son, saying, My
son, verily death would be preferable to this state of
things: how is it that this slave of ours, one whom
we employed in tending our flocks, is now raised far
in dignity above us with our King? And this it is
that makes him so presumptuous with us and your
sister Ibla, and thus will our honour be debased.
There is nothing else to be done, said Amroo, but to
marry my sister Ibla to one who can protect her
against him, and then let us depart from this land;
for King Zoheir and his sons are strong in his favour.
But, said his father, O my son, must we leave this
slave safe and well? No, by the faith of an Arab, we
must contrive his death. So they all retired to their
tents, and were united to their families.
Now Antar came to his mother Zebeeba. Why,
my son, said she, do you not by my side tend the
flocks and the camels? It would be more agreeable
to my heart than all this intrepidity and boldness,
which every day expose your life to perils and
dangers. Antar smiled at her sayings; O mother,
he replied, thou shalt see in thy son Antar what
shall be registered and recorded.
Antar gave away to his father and his uncles all
the plunder he had obtained; though this was not
his own idea, but at the instigation of Prince Malik.
This Prince, when they were all established in
their tents, related to his father and his brothers all
he had seen Antar perform, and his undaunted
conduct. The King took great pleasure in what he
told of Antar, and being very desirous of hearing
all he said both in verse and prose, ordered Antar
into his presence, who, as soon as he arrived, made
obeisance, and prayed for a continuance of the
King's power and beneficence. Zoheir and his sons
welcomed him, and the King made him sit down
by him, and supplied him with wine; and his kindness
for him increased. Aboolfawaris, said he,
I wish to hear from yourself the account of your
expedition, and what happened to you, with your
comrades, for my son Malik has related some of
your hardy deeds, and has repeated some of your
poetry; but there is no reporter of words and acts
like the actor himself. Upon that, Antar commenced,
and told them all that occurred with Gheyadh and
them, and how he agreed to their proposal of giving
him half of all they should gain, and how they
wished to kill him for buying the horse Abjer, and
how they gave up their design on hearing his
verses and discourse. Will you, said King Zoheir,
let us hear the verses you made on your mistress
Ibla, when you came nigh home?
"When the breezes blow from Mount Saadi,
their freshness cools the fire of my love and my
transport." And he continued the repetition, till
he came to this part, "She is elegantly formed,
and the soft magic of her eyes would arrest the
bones of a corpse from entering the tomb."
When Antar had finished, the King's astonishment
and delight were unbounded at his eloquence;
and he turned towards his brother Asyed, and said,
O my brother, I wish you would pay attention to
Antar, and write down all he says, that we may
be reckoned amongst the most eloquent Arabs for
poetry and propriety of conduct. They continued to
drink their wine, and the hours passed in mirth and
pleasure. But when Shas saw that his father became
so exceedingly kind to Antar, his agony and distress
of mind increased, and from the excess of his
indignation his heart was near bursting; however,
he resisted till Antar accidentally left the tent for a
while. When Shas being alone, turned round to
his father; Indeed, my father, said he, this black
slave, this base-born, has brought indelible shame
Ibla, the daughter of Malik; and you also approve his
conduct; but verily the whole tribe will be shocked
with his presumption when they hear his verses.
The King was exceedingly angry, and wrath appeared
in his countenance. My son, said he, what
sayst thou? Who is able to thwart the decrees of
Providence? Perhaps God has resolved to testify
in him his divine favours! And know, my son, the
most ignorant of men is an envious man. Now
Antar just then entered, and as he had overheard
all their conversation, he thus spoke :—
"This flame is for Ibla, O my friend, her lustre
illumines the darkest night. She blazes—her
form is in my heart, and the fire of love is in my
soul. Her gently waving form has kindled it,
like the branches whose motion refreshes the
breeze. Her breath diffuses a lively odour, and
in her perfumes I pass the night in paradise.
She is a maid whose breath is sweeter than
honey, whenever she sips the juice of the grape.
When I taste a coolness from her lips, she leaves
in my mouth a hot burning flame. The moon
has stolen her charms, and the antelope has borrowed
the magic of her eyes. O grant me thy
embrace, O light of my eyes, and save me from
thy absence, and mine own griefs. Be just, if thou
wishest, or persecute me; for in thee is my paradise,
and in thee is my hell. No happiness is
there for me in my troubles, but my lord, who is
death anticipates him; and he destroys his foes
before he meets them. Let them not abuse him if
he aid a solitary creature, who spends the live-long
night without sleep, and in tears. He is my support
and stay against those who, when they see
my exaltation, would trouble me the more. He
is a King to whose name Princes shall bow, and
shall point at him to pay their homage. He is the
asylum of all who refer to him to dissipate their
sorrows, as he relieves my griefs. May fortune
never deprive me of my King! May he ever live
in the purest joy and felicity!"
The King was so pleased with Antar, that he said,
O Aboolfawaris, whatever I can give you for your
poetry will be an insufficient return; even were I to
give all I possess; for my property will pass away
as if it had never been, but thy praises will endure
for ever. And as he presented him two virgin slaves,
beautiful as moons, and two rows of large jewels,
and some perfumes, he added, Aboolfawaris, you
have often mentioned me in your poetry; it would
be disgraceful in me to let you go away from me
unrewarded, so calm thy heart and cheer thine eye;
for by the faith of an Arab, I will not be separated
from you until you obtain every thing you wish,
and accomplish all your desires. Did you belong to
me, I would admit you to my rank and connexions,
in spite of the blame the Arabs might heap on me.
Shas could not endure this, and rose up and
the King till the evening, when he arose, and his
hand was in the hand of Prince Malik; and they all
departed from the tents, and went their way each to
his own dwelling. Antar did not stop till he reached
the habitations of the family of Carad, where he
perceived a very strong light: he understood it not,
but he went towards it and entered his mother's
tent, and asked what was the reason of this light at
such an hour. Know, my son, said she, the men of
the camp are absent; they are gone with your master
Shedad, and with him are also ten horsemen after
the cattle, in order that they may release them from
some Arabs; and the women are watching to this
hour in the expectation of seeing you, that you
may relate to them what has happened to you in
your expeditions; and Ibla the daughter of Malik
is more delighted than any of them.
When Antar heard the words of his mother, he
joyed in his heart, and a smile lighted up his countenance.
So he immediately arose and sought the
dwellings of his uncles, and entered the women's
apartments. As soon as they saw him they arose
and received him, and saluted him. Semeeah kissed
him. O Antar, said she, you have been with the
King from the beginning of the day, and we are
sitting up on your account. O my mistress, said
Antar, I knew nothing of it, but had I known it, I
would not have tarried, had my legs been even tied
and fettered; and he thus addressed them:
"Darkness hovers over, and my tears stream down
in copious torrents. I conceal my love, and complain
to no one. I pass the night, regarding the
stars of night in my distraction, and the tears rush
violently from my eyes like a hail-storm. Ask
the night of me, and it will tell thee that I am
indeed the ally of sorrow and anguish. I live
desolate, there is no one like me; a lover without
friends or a companion! I am the friend of sorrow
and desire. I am o'erwhelmed by them, and
I am worn out with patience and trials in my
grief. I complain to God of my afflictions and
my love; and to no one else do I complain."
Ibla heard these verses, and perceived his tears
and distress and his sorrow: she pitied him; and as
she remarked the violence of his tears, they interceded
greatly for him, for she loved him for his
courage and his eloquence; and as she noticed him
with the flattering soothing expressions,—Where,
said she, is my share of the plunder; or am I now
of no consequence or value to thee? At these words
the sight of her beauty and loveliness overpowered
him. O my mistress, cried he, by the light of thine
eyes and the black of thine eyebrows, to me the
most sacred of oaths, thy slave Antar has obtained
of plunder neither a small nor a large portion, but
the whole I have given to thy father and thy uncles.
So he presented her the two slave girls and the two
strings of jewels that King Zoheir had given him;
and he added—The perfumes thou hast no occasion
thy perfume is sweeter and more luscious. So he
divided the perfumes between the wives of his father
and his uncles. And to his questions about his father
and his uncles, whither they were gone?
Know, Antar, said Semeeah, that your master
told us that there is a horseman of Yemen, called
Kais, the son of Dibgan, and under his subjection
are the lands of Senaa and Aden; he has at this
time invaded the land of Hejaz with forty horsemen:
he is now on his return, and with him an
immense plunder, and he is seeking his own country.
Shedad inquired of the peasants who gave him this
information, where Kais was to rest this night and
sleep: they told him at the lake of Jaree, in the
country of Doom. Then said Shedad, By the faith
of an Arab, I will go against him in the dark, and
will attack him and take his plunder from him, and
will reduce him to shame and disgrace; and if there
should be a thousand horsemen, I will not permit
the tribe of Cahtan to escape with plunder taken
from the land of Abs and Adnan. He accordingly
mounted, and took with him ten horsemen, and he
set out to follow their track.
When Antar heard this, he got up without delay,
and kissing the mother of Ibla, and also Ibla between
the eyes—This is the kiss of farewell, said he,
for I know not when we shall meet again: and having
eased his heart by gazing upon her, he returned to
his mother, and put on his armour and his cuirass:
him, he departed in quest of his father and his
uncles. And when they had advanced some way,
said Shiboob to him—O my brother, a female
slave of my master Shedad said to me—Tell your
brother Antar to be on his guard against his father
Shedad and his uncles, for they have resolved on
putting him to death. This Ibla heard from her
brother Amroo and her father Malik, and told
Semeeah, and directed her to warn you of it: now
I have told you, be on your guard. Run on, O
Ebe reah[10] ! was Antar's reply. He urged forward
Abjer, and they went on for some time till
it became very hot, when a horseman met them
coming from the centre of the plain. Antar marked
him, and behold he was one of the men that had
accompanied Shedad, and he was covered with
wounds. When they came nearer to him, said
Antar, Where is the plunder? O Aboolfawaris,
he replied, I have received these wounds which you
see in my body on account of it, for truly we sallied
out with your master Shedad at night-fall, that we
might overtake Kais, the son of Dibgan, and when
we came up with him, we saw him carefully
guarding his spoil. As soon as he perceived us
he started up, he shouted out and assaulted us with
the vehemence of a lion; first he speared me, then
seek you and bring you; so if you wish to overtake
them, make haste, and if you rescue them 'twill be
nobly done.
By the faith of an Arab, exclaimed Antar, never
will I return till I have destroyed the whole party
with my sword, and have liberated my father and
my uncles; and I will drive the whole plunder
before me: so away home, and I will revenge you.
Aboolfawaris, he replied, I am not able to retain
my seat on the back of my horse. So Antar ordered
Shiboob to place him by the side of a pool
of water. Shiboob came to him and placed him
by the side of the lake, and tied up his horse, where
they quitted him, and proceeded over the plains
and deserts until the day closed, when they came
up with Kais and his prisoners that were marching
before him, Kais following them with his comrades.
As soon as Antar saw his father and his uncles
tied across their horses, he indeed knew not then
the heavens from the earth, and he gave a shout
that made the mountains tremble. Ye ignoble
dastards! Quit your plunder. Come on! Slaughter
is the word!
No sooner heard Kais the shout of Antar, than
he was alarmed and confounded; he pricked on his
horse, and turned round upon Antar; but Antar
cried out to him—Son of Dibgan, who has urged
thee against the warriors of Abs and Adnan, whom
none shall attack but the eagles shall devour his
shalt soon see that I am a man not to be wearied in
the contest of spears; and as he fell on Antar like
the fall of fate and destiny, he thus burst forth:
"I am renowned in every nation for the thrust
of the spear and the blow of the sword. I am the
destroyer of horsemen with the lance, when the
spears are interwoven under the dust. How
many contests have I waged on the day of battle,
whose terrors would turn grey the head of infants!
Long ago have I drank the blood of horsemen,
with which they fed me before I was weaned.
This day will I prove my words when the blood
streams from my sword. This foul wretch I will
slay with the edge of my sword, that cleaves
through the flesh before the bones. His dwellings
shall this eve be found waste and desolate,
and I will not swerve from my word: his body
shall lie on the deserts, cut down, and his face
thou mayst see groveling in the dust."
As soon as Antar heard this speech of Kais,
son of Dibgan, Silence, said he; may thy mother
bewail thee! and thus he replied to him:
"Verily, thy spirit has urged thee to abuse me,
and thou hast spoken the words of a vile dastard:
thou art ignorant of my exploits in every battle,
from the land of Irak to the sacred shrine: thou
shalt have no time to reply, no justice but the
sword; for ignorance among mankind is a trait
that conducts the ignorant to their death. This
proved the skill of the coward and the base-born.
Let him repent who has only shown his vanity,
and let him prefer flight to resistance. I am
Antar, and my name is far spread for the thrust
of my spear and the blow of my sword."
When Antar had finished, equally impetuous was
his assault: he drew forth his scimitar, and struck
him between the eyes, and split his helmet and wadding,
and his sword worked down to his thighs,
down even to the back of the horse; and he cried
out—Thou wretch, I will not be controlled—I am
the lover of Ibla. Thus Kais and his horse fell
down, cut into four pieces!
When Shedad and Malik and his son Amroo
saw what Antar had done, they trembled and
were afraid, and from that day a dread of Antar
filled their hearts. But Antar rushed amongst the
remainder like a devouring lion. When the tribe
of Dibgan perceived the force of Antar's blows, and
how he overthrew their chief, and split him and his
horse into four pieces, they wheeled about their
horses and fled. Antar pursued them, and having
slain twenty of their men, returned. He roared
even as a lion in his wrath;—he took possession of
the plunder; he released his father, his uncles, and
the other horsemen, and they all rejoiced in their
delivery, except Malik and Amroo his son, who said:
—Oh! that we had fallen by the sword, rather
than be rescued by Antar, the slave of Shedad!
be stout of heart, and thankful to Antar, though, in
fact, their galls burst with spite. They drove forward
the plunder, and returned seeking their own
country, whilst Antar embraced his father and
uncles, and thus spoke:
"As I approach my friends, my transports increase,
and on their account my cheeks are
bedewed with tears. This day I march towards
them, and I am surrounded by the chiefs of my
tribe. I have slain the son of Dibgan, a lion in
battle, and with my Indian scimitar I have cured
my pains. I have engaged to cleanse their hearts
from sorrow. I have rescued my tribe, and that
is my dearest reward. My companions, whenever
I march by night, are my sword and my spear; and
the dæmons of the earth dread my vehemence.
O Ibla, how many horsemen have I raised up on
my double-edged cleaving scimitar in my strength!
O Ibla, how many horsemen, in the midst of the
war throng, as soon as I come, fling away their
arms in fear of me! Ask every lion hero of my
exploits; they will tell thee every lion is terrified
at my violence. My tribe abuse me that I am
black; but my deeds in battle are fairer than the
dawn. If I wish, I will seize whole countries
and subjugate them, and all the princes of the
earth are within my grasp."
Thus they travelled on till they came to the pool
near which Shiboob left the wounded man, and they
Verily, said Shedad, we have lost horsemen more
valuable than the plunder!
Now that plain was very extensive, and as evening
was advancing, they halted till midnight, and
then departed, seeking their own country, where
they arrived in the morning: and they met King
Zoheir at the lake of Zatool-irsad, and with him
were his sons, and Rebia, son of Zeead. As soon
as they saw the King, they hastened to him, and
saluting him, laid the plunder before him, and told
him what Antar had done, how he had joined them,
and liberated them from misery and destruction, and
had slain Kais, and dispersed part of the tribe of
Cahtan. Confer this great obligation then, on thy
son, he so longs for, said Zoheir to Shedad, that
you may be rewarded by his great actions, and be
ennobled by his sword to after gerneations.
Rebia, Shas, and Malik, Ibla's father, and his son
Amroo, were greatly enraged at this proposal; but
Prince Malik, the friend of Antar, rejoiced.
He then divided the spoil in equal portions, but
out of respect for Antar would not take even a
halter. And Antar immediately presented the
whole of it to his father and his uncles; and all the
tribe of Abs were astonished at his noble conduct
and filial love. Zoheir sacrificed camels and sheep,
and ordered a feast to be prepared, and as they ate
and drank, King Zoheir turned towards Antar and
he thus complied:
"May fortune bring thee every wish of thy heart,
live in peace, for every result will secure thy
comfort! This is the lake whose residence thou
hast sweetened; and were it not for thee, its
rain fraught with exhalations would not fall upon
us. Thou art present, and all its herbs are
green or yellow, and all their wonders and charms
are expanded before us. The breeze of musk
wafts the essence of its flowers, and it smiles from
east to west. O then, let us do it ample justice
with wine; let us mix it till its banks o'erflow.
Let us drink with thee out of cups of joy, and
let us hold up thy train, thou lord of honour!
Thy countenance is decked in smiles, laughter
lives in thy teeth, and there is a sword whose
blows draw the blood of thy foes. O do not
then reproach me if I weep for Hima, when I
call to mind the friends that dwell there, and its
neighbours. In my heart is an ever burning
flame, but I am ever in alarm about these dear
warriors and these tents. Over the extent of the
waste are marvellously rich canopies, and the
whole is ornamented with fine curtains of Grecian
velvet, painted with every surprising form, that I
am amazed at their starry brilliancy. My heart
was in agony the day they quitted Hima, but it
soon returned to hail its royal master. Should it
determined hero? What youth is ennobled high
o'er the rest? We will say it is Zoheir, illustrious
in his birth, towering above all men, who can
never attain his eminence. His exploits avert
from us the obscurity of night, and all is luminous,
and his star is one mass of onyx. May he
ever succeed in every enterprise; may death ever
march wherever his armies march."
These verses delighted the King. May God
never renounce thy mouth, or man do thee harm,
said he. By the faith of an Arab, thou art one of
the wonders of the world; and he continued to
praise and thank him; when lo! a great dust arose,
and there appeared a hundred horsemen, all clothed
in steel, headed by a Knight like a lofty date tree
on an elephant; on his head was a turban of Kufian
cloth, and over his shoulders a painted mantle of
Grecian fabric; beneath him was an Arabian steed;
they came down towards the lake, and when they
reached it, the foremost rank stopped short, and
their leader dismounted, and presented himself
before King Zoheir, bowing before him. His tears
began to flow, and with a heart rent with anguish
he thus addressed him:
"O thou, the defender and protector, be my
"defence and support against mine enemies. Thou
"art the defender of orphans, and thy beneficence
"heals the wounded spirit. Fortune has over"whelmed
me, my bosom bursts, and my soul is
overpowered us with his strength, and has
violated our virgins. Wherever he goes, death
precedes him, so he destroys his foes before he
presents himself. Protect us from his violence
before all our women are dragged prisoners by
their hair."
Cercis Siliquastrum, the flowers of which are of a very bright
purple colour, coming out from the branches and stem on every side,
in large clusters, and on short peduncles.
Shiboob's nickname, signifying "Father of the Winds," in allusion
to his speed. There are many of these nicknames, some of which
admit of no translation.
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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.
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
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
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;
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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;
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Young orphans did not inherit at the death of their fathers; all
property belonged to the tribe: as they had not laboured, they had not
merited. However this does not appear to have been an invariable rule.
CHAPTER V.
Now then, said Amarah to Rebia, when they had
retired, now that Antar has vanquished me, and has
taken Ibla by force, I can no longer remain in this
country; I must go and roam about the wilds
and deserts. Cheer up, Amarah, said Rebia; let us
still contrive the means to overthrow him, and to
make him drink of the cup of destruction and
death. Rebia left Amarah and went home, and
sent for Malik and Amroo; and when they arrived
he said unto Malik, Pretend to be good friends
with Antar; appear very kind to him, and do not
prevent his entering your tents. Sooth him with
gentle words, and when he comes to you, ask him
about the dower for Ibla; then he will say—what
do you wish? tell him you only demand a thousand
Asafeer[15]
camels, that your daughter may pride
herself in them above the high and low.
Know then, Malik, that these camels are in the
possession of Monzar, son of Massema[16]
, the King of
the Arabs, and the lieutenant of Nushirvan; and I
know that Antar, in the greatness of his courage,
and he will expose his life to danger and death, and
you will never see him again. Malik eagerly listened
to his advice; and it happened on that day that Antar
was out hunting; and when he returned in the
evening, his uncle gave him the kindest reception,
and ordered a slave to take away what he had
brought in: he introduced him into his house, and
gave him meat to eat, and wine to drink, and he
spent part of the night in his company. Antar was
much pleased at this reception and kind treatment,
and thought that his wishes with respect to Ibla
would be accomplished, for he knew not the plot
conceived against him. So they continued to show
these civilities to Antar, and he was in raptures
in the enjoyment of Ibla's conversation for ten
days.
On the night of the eleventh day, Malik was
more than usually kind to him; and when the noble
warriors had separated for the night, and Shedad
had gone home, and also Zakhmetulgiwad and the
rest of the tribe of Carad, and no one remained
but Antar, his uncle Malik, Amroo, and Shereeah,
Malik's wife, and Ibla, their daughter, Malik plied
Antar with wine till he made him drunk, when he
addressed him and said; Tell me, I pray you, what
you wish to be done for my daughter Ibla: you
have prohibited all suitors; and do you intend to
take her by force, without any marriage gift or
every part of the world? That can never be, said
Antar, were I even to drink of the cup of death and
condemnation. God forbid that this guarded pearl
and this concealed jewel should be thus sold to the
highest bidder. I am only waiting orders—tell me
what you demand, ask whatever you choose, that
I may grant her what will give her reason to pride
herself above the chiefs of the earth. Nephew,
said Malik, I will not make you engage for what is
beyond your power, and I will not demand of you
but what an Arab would demand; such as he and
she camels. I ask of you then a thousand Asafeer
camels, that my daughter may boast of them; for
in our tribe there are none; nor are there any like
them in Cahtan. Then will you and I obtain all
our wishes and our desires, and we shall destroy our
enemies and those that envy us,—this is all I ask
of you, and then will I make your marriage feast
out of my own property, and will give you whatever
may be required of my own he and she camels;
all our possessions shall be united, and we will live
in perpetual felicity. Malik continued talking with
Antar in this manner till he gave way and consented;
and he knew not that the camels were in the kingdom
of Monzar, the King of the Princes of the
Arabs, and the lieuteuant of Chosroe Nushirvan,
whose armies were innumerable.
Uncle, said he, I will give you these camels
me your hand, and betroth me to your daughter,
and thus show me the purity of your intentions. So
Malik gave him his hand, and a fire blazed in his
heart. Antar's joy was excessive, his bosom heaved,
and he was all delight—he started on his feet—
he took off his clothes, and put them on his uncle;
and Ibla saw Antar's arms, and smiled. What art
thou smiling at, fair damsel? said Antar. At those
wounds, she replied; for were they on the body of
any other person, he would have died, and drank the
cup of death and annihilation: but thou art unhurt
by them. Her words descended to his heart cooler
than the purest water, and he thus addressed her:
"The pretty Ibla laughed when she saw that I
was black, and that my ribs were scratched with
the spears. Do not laugh nor be astonished when
the horsemen and armies surround me. The
spear-barb is like death in my hand, and on it are
various figures traced in blood. I am indeed
surprised how any one can see my form in the day
of contests, and survive."
He then departed to his mother's tent, for he
was restless, and the words of Ibla were as a
blazing fire in his heart. He wakened his brother
Shiboob, and told him to get ready his horse
Abjer—he did as he was bid; Antar clothed himself
in armour, and stood like a tower. Where art
thou going? said Shiboob, that I may show thee
the nearest roads. Well, said Antar, tell me the
Arabs in that country, and their property and
camels very abundant; with them is my object, and
what my uncle has demanded.
Shiboob trembled and was confounded at this
intelligence, for he knew the country. Why not
stop till morning, said he, that thou mayst acquaint
King Zoheir and Prince Malik? for they may perhaps
be able to assist thee in this affair. Return,
my brother, and expose not thy life to difficulties
and dangers. Away! away! cried Antar; not a
word; none but the Creator of mankind can aid
me; I must destroy my accursed enemies. Mine
be the dark and nightly course, after the manner
of mighty heroes; for if I travel by day they
will lay plots against me. Shiboob was convinced
he was right, and conducted him to the land of
Irak. And they continued their way over the
wilds and the deserts till the third hour, when
on a sudden there arose a great dust, and there
appeared a troop of horsemen like eagles. As soon
as they saw Antar, they closed their vizors and
waved their lances, and slackened their bridles and
fixed their spears: and when they came near to him
they cried out, Down, down, from that steed, thou
dastard; strip off those accoutrements of war and
armour, or we annihilate thee! whither art thou
going over the plain? Here we have remained in
expectation of thee. As soon as Antar heard these
words, he shook his spear in his hand, rushed onward,
with a heart fearless of death and danger,—thus
speaking:—
"Fortune insults me as if I were day and night
her foe; the enemy seek me in every peril, and
imagine I am unable to fight; but were they to
present to me the form of death itself as an antatagonist,
I would imbrue its hands in the blood
of its own wounds."
He attacked them, and his assault was like the
assault of the most furious lion: he rushed upon
their chief, when lo! he let fall his vizor from his
face and cried out, Check thine arm, O Knight of
the age! sufficient is the mischief and danger, for
I am thy friend Harith, son of King Zoheir. Antar
threw down his spear, dismounted, and ran towards
him, and kissed his hand.
Now Harith was an undaunted warrior, in the
prime of youth, and eloquent in speech; he loved
Antar, and was much interested about him, like
his brother Malik; and the cause of his meeting
Antar in the deserts was, that he had been invited
to a feast by the tribe of Ghiftan, and was returning.
He met Antar, and the above passed. And when
he saw that death was hurrying from the ends of
his fingers, and that destruction was stamped upon
his spear, he let down his vizor, and Antar recognized
him, and dismounted and saluted him.
Why, my lord, said he, why hast thou acted thus?
that were with thee. Harith smiled, and was surprised
at his humility, after such proof of his superiority
over him. God prosper thee, O Aboolfawaris,
said he, jewel of the multitude! whither art
thou bound, and what great expedition hast thou
undertaken? He who wishes, replied Antar, that
his nuptial ceremony should be performed, must
expose his life to danger. Thou knowest what dangers
and what disgraces I have submitted to on account
of my cousin Ibla, in order that her father
might give her to me. He has demanded of me a
marriage dower, and a settlement, and I must bring
what he requires from Irak.
Terrified at Antar's words, cried Harith, What
is it thou sayest, Aboolfawaris? For God's sake return
with me; trouble not thyself about such matters,
and do not banish thyself from amongst us: our
property is not so small; and verily I am astonished
how my father and brother could let thee depart
alone. I told no one of my departure, said Antar:
my lord, my uncle demands of me camels that we
have not, and are not in our tribe, and I have engaged
to procure them, and I have said yes: and
he thus continued.
"Say not no, after thou hast said yes, for thou
wilt be clothed in shame, and repent. Truly, no,
after yes, is foul; and base is the word no, after
yes. When thou wouldst have a friend, associate
and liberal; and when he says no to a thing, do
thou also say no, and when thou sayest yes, let
him also say yes."
Harith was surprised at Antar's eloquence and
virtuous mind, and his admiration of him increased.
If such is thy business, said he, I will accompany
thee and assist thee in all thy difficulties. I cannot
possibly consent to that, replied Antar; return with
thy warriors to thine own country. So Antar bade
him farewell and departed over the wilds and deserts,
and Harith and his people returned, praising Antar's
intrepidity and eloquence. Antar and Shiboob
proceeded on their journey, Shiboob ever showing
the way, till evening coming on, they sought a pool
of water where they might repose from their fatigues,
and at length they reached a tent pitched
near a spring; and behold there was an old Sheikh,
with his back bent. They made towards him.
"An old man was walking along the ground,
and his face almost touched his knees. So I said
to him, Why art thou thus stooping? He said, as
he his waved hands towards me, My youth is lost
somewhere on the ground, and I am stooping in
search of it."
He welcomed them, and brought them a cup of
milk, cooled in the wind: Antar took the milk and
drank, and gave some to his brother, and came to
for them, and presented viands, receiving them in
the most hospitable manner. And when they had
finished eating, the Sheikh made bold to ask Antar
his adventures, and why he was travelling. So he
related to him all that had passed with his uncle
Malik, and what he had demanded as a marriage
dower.
May God disgrace and overthrow and destroy thy
uncle, and not save him! exclaimed the old man;
for his only object in making this demand of thee
is to annihilate and ruin thee. How is that, said
Antar, how so? Know, Aboolfawaris, replied he,
that these Asafeer camels are only to be found
among a tribe called the tribe of Shiban, and their
chief is King Monzar, son of Massema, the lieutenant
of King Chosroe, whose armies are innumerable,
whose power is irresistible, and he rules all
the Arabs of the wilds and the deserts; and if thou
wert to carry off these camels, who is able to protect
thee from King Monzar, or shelter thee? My
advice is, that thou shouldst return home, and not
expose thy life to dangers and death.
Antar remained that night in the tent, and the
next day mounted his Abjer, bade the Sheikh farewell,
and thanked him. Shiboob attended him by
his side, and they set out in quest of the land of
Hirah; and when they had advanced some distance,
her, and what he had suffered for her, and thus
spoke:
"In the land of Shurebah are defiles and valleys;
I have quitted them, and its inhabitants live in
my heart: fixed are they therein, and in my
eyes; and even when they are absent from me,
they dwell in the black of mine eye; and when the
lightning flashes from their land, I shed tears of
blood, and pass the night leagued with sleeplessness.
The breeze of the fragrant plants makes
me remember the luscious balmy airs of the
Zatool-irsad. O Ibla, let thy visionary phantom
appear to me, and infuse soft slumbers over my
distracted heart! O Ibla, were it not for my love
of thee, I would not be with so few friends and so
many enemies! I am departing, and the back of
my horse shall be my resting-place; and my
sword and mail my pillow, till I trample down
the lands of Irak, and destroy their deserts and
their cities. When the market for the sale of
lives is established, and they cry out, and the
criers proclaim the goods, and I behold the troops
stirring up the war-dust with the thrusts of spears
and sharp scimitars—then will I disperse their
horsemen, and the foe shall be cut down deprived
of their hands. The eyes of the envious shall
watch, but the eyes of the pure and the faithful
shall sleep; and I will return with numerous
Shiboob be my guide."
As soon as he had finished, his tears flowed
abundantly. They travelled on till they reached
the land of Hirah, where they saw populous towns,
plains abounding in flowing streams, date trees and
warbling birds, and sweetly smelling flowers; and
the country appeared like a blessing to enliven the
sorrowing heart; and the camels were grazing, and
straying about the land; and they were of various
colours, like the flowers of a garden; and there
were she camels, and young camels, and slaves and
attendants. And as soon as he saw them he was all
anxiety, quite out of breath with eagerness. And
he felt that his uncle had sent him on this commission
to insure his death and destruction, unless
his intrepidity should guide him through.
Ebe Reeah, said he to Shiboob, I well know that
this is a land great in power, and in no region is
there one to be compared to it. We have nothing
for it but prudence and daring fortitude in danger,
and a timely submission to power, that we may obtain
what we are in search of, and return rejoicing
and successful. Hasten then, son of my mother,
and look after these Asafeer camels, and mark them,
whilst I let my horse Abjer rest himself. Shiboob
consented to what he directed, and leaving his
bow and quiver, disguised himself in the clothes of
a slave, and feigned himself sick. Thus he went
young brides; and when the slaves marked Shiboob,
they sprang towards him, welcomed him, and made
him sit down, and took out some of their provisions,
and made him eat, asking him whence he came, and
what had happened to him.
I am a slave of the tribe of Zebeed, said he, and
Shedad is my master's name; and he is a stubborn,
cruel man, and had no compassion for his slaves,
male or female. So I have run away and have left
him, and my wish is to meet some one who will
protect me from him. Remain with us as long as
thou pleasest, my cousin, said the slaves, pitying
him, and be welcome! and thy time shall pass
pleasantly enough.
Very thankful was he, and remained with them
the rest of the day, and he told them all manner of
lies and deceitful tales till he had marked out the
Asafeer camels, and he saw they were the miracles
of the age; and when evening came on, the slaves
and attendants drove away the camels, and sought
their habitations and homes, and Shiboob went with
them. But when they came nigh to the tents, it
being now dark, he separated from them and gave
his feet to the wind, seeking the plain till he
was in the presence of Antar, who sprang up to
meet him, exclaiming—Tell me, O Ebe Reeah,
what news hast thou? Nothing, said Shiboob, but
that we are in a dangerous position, and under fate
defender and protector.
O Shiboob, said Antar, is it not well known that
when a slave exposes his life to the abyss of danger,
he is exalted to the height of glory? They then
concealed themselves till morning dawned, when
Antar clad and incased himself in armour till he
appeared like a tower, or a fragment rent from a
mountain; and he went forward till he reached the
pastures, crouching along as a wolf after a sheep.
And when it was day, the Asafeer camels were
driven to graze, and behind every thousand she
camels were ten slaves to attend them, that the
males might not annoy them. The she camels
ranged about grazing, and the slaves began to amuse
themselves; for they were slaves of the King of
the Arab chiefs, and knew not what it was to be
attacked.
These are the Asafeer camels, said Shiboob, so
make thy plan, and act as it seems best to thee. Run
on, said Antar, and occupy the road to Hirah, so that
their cries be not raised against us, ere we be far
away out of this country. As thou pleasest, brother,
said Shiboob. And he moved along on tiptoe over
the plain, till he came in the rear of the slaves, when
he seated himself on his knees, and emptying his
quiver of arrows before him, waited their attack. As
to Antar, he urged on Abjer, and plunged amongst
the he and she camels, and cut off a thousand of the
slaves—Ye base born, drive away these camels, and
on before me! or my sword will be stained with
your blood.
When the slaves heard Antar, they were terrified
at his enormous bulk and gigantic shape, and the
rolling of his eyes, and the weight of his arms
They drove the camels before him, and goaded them
on with the points of their spears, and they fled
away before them like eagles. And thus they proceeded
till about the third hour, when behold a
great dust arose and darkened the land; and when
it dispersed there appeared a party of Arabs of the
tribe of Zakhm and Juzam, about twelve thousand
horsemen; all hardy warriors, armed with sharp
swords and long spears, screaming out—Whither
are ye going, ye dastards—hence is there no escape
out of this land!
Now the cause of the arrival of this troop of
horsemen was as follows—The slaves that had
escaped from Antar and Shiboob sought their homes
and habitations, and it happened that they encountered
the train and equipage of Monzar on a hunting
party, attended by his warriors and his troops; who,
turning towards his son Numan—Speed your horse
on a little, my son, said he, and bring me intelligence
of these shepherds. Now Numan was his
eldest son. So Numan directed his horse towards
the slaves, and inquired whither they came. O
on a black steed, and whose voice is the roar of a
lion, darted down upon us and seized a thousand of
the Asafeer camels, and carried them off.
No sooner had Numan heard this account of the
shepherds than he cried out to the men and the
warriors that accompanied him, and slackening
his horse's bridle, galloped after Antar, and twelve
thousand in number were the lion heroes that followed
him. And they halted not till they overtook
Antar, as we mentioned, and cried out as we
described.
When Antar saw them, he smiled, for battle was
his joy and delight. O! thou black born, said
he to Shiboob, I want thee to guard the camels,
whilst I show thee a day of horrors among these
miscreants. He then turned the camels into a
mountain cave, and received the warriors as the
parched-up earth receives the first of the rain; and
he penetrated through the thick dust with blows
irresistible and never failing. Whatever he struck,
he slew, and wherever he thrust, he hurled down;
and for one hour he overwhelmed them in death
and perdition; and the foremost shrunk back upon
the rear, crying out at him from a distance, for no
one dared to approach the spot where he was. As
to Shiboob, the slaves betrayed him, and refused to
drive on the camels.
But when Numan saw that his troops and men
them in the combat, his mind and senses were
greatly agitated, and he cried out to them—May
God disgrace you among the Arabs!—are you
reduced to this by a single black slave, a mean,
paltry herdsman? The horsemen took courage, and
poured down upon Antar from all sides, but Antar
continually slaughtered them, always gaining upon
them, never flinching, though their numbers were
immense. Thus was he in the midst of dangers, when
lo! his horse stumbled, and throwing him on the
ground, rushed from out the thick dust and tumult,
his saddle unoccupied by his master Antar. Shiboob
thought he was killed and trampled to death;
the tears flowed from his eyes, he gave his feet to
the winds, and he sought the wide desert, whilst
the slaves and shepherds cried out to the horsemen
and warriors, who pursued Shiboob from all
quarters; and they were seventy in number, all
after Shiboob, who depended on the power of his
muscles. The horses were straining themselves to
catch him, but they could not pass him, or come
up with him, from the grey dawn of day till the
sun became tinged with yellow. But when evening
came on, woe and dismay fell upon him, and just
as he was convinced of his ruin and death, he
reached a cavern in the hollow of a mountain, and
near it stood a swarthy youth tending sheep; before
him was a fire blazing; and he was sitting down
in front of him. As soon as Shiboob saw him, he
made towards him: Young man, he cried, help
me—I put myself under thy protection, for I am
a stranger, and I am exposed to peril and danger
in this land. I am nearly dead, and my enemies
have already slain my brother. Yes, by thy father,
said the youth (for his heart had compassion on
him), I will indeed protect thee, and I will not
deliver thee up till I am myself slain. Enter the
cavern, and consider thyself secure from the deceits
of the wicked.
Shiboob entered the cave, where he had scarcely
concealed himself, when the horsemen arrived, fleet
as eagles, shouting aloud—Boy, son of a cuckold,
bring out to us that devil who has slain our horsemen
and staggered our senses, that we may tear
his body in pieces with the points of the spear, and
hack him with the blades of our scimitars. God
curse him who gave him birth! how strong are
his muscles!
Arabs, said the shepherd, grant him to me, I
pray ye, and accept of my guarantee for him, for I
have protected him, knowing nothing about you; he
is under my security and protection. Thine is not
and never shall be any protection, cried they, so
bring him out, or we will slay thee together with
him for; his brother has destroyed three thousand
of our famed horsemen; he is indeed a very devil,
saw even from the Genii.
When the peasant heard them he was fearfully
alarmed, for were he to oppose them, they would
soon destroy him. O Arabs, said he, do but remove
about seventy paces from the cavern door, that I
may enter and bring him out of my protection.
Do so, said they; and they retired from the cavern,
and the shepherd entered, and found Shiboob
trembling for his life. You have heard, young
man, said the shepherd, what has passed between
me and these men. My vows have been overruled,
and I have exposed myself to death and
annihilation. I can do nothing towards your
escape, but at the hazard of my own life; yet will
I not forfeit my protection. Had I but ten horsemen
of the tribe of Asad, they should not approach
you, no not one of them; but I am alone in this
wilderness and desert. So throw off your clothes,
and put on mine; take these provisions and this
wallet, sling it over your shoulder, and with my
staff in your hand hasten out of the cavern, and
drive away the sheep, and when you come up to
them, say—Arabs, I went into the cave, in order to
bring him out, but he will not stir, so come along,
and I will show him to you—they will dismount
and enter the cavern, and then do you look after
yourself.
Shiboob thanked him from his heart for his kind
assistance: he slung on the wallet, and took the staff
in his hand, and went out of the cavern, and the
darkness of night concealed him from the eyes
of observers; and when he came up to them he
spoke to them as the shepherd had directed him:
they immediately dismounted and went towards the
cavern; but Shiboob gave his feet to the wind, and
traversed the rocky crags until he was far off among
the wilds and the deserts: and thus he secured his
life, and sought relief from the contents of the wallet.
In the mean time the Shibanians entered the
cave, and dragged out the shepherd, thinking it
was Shiboob; they looked at him by the light of
the fire, and they saw it was the shepherd dressed
in Shiboob's clothes; for he had preferred to expose
his life to death and torture, rather than discredit
his protection. Why hast thou done this deed, cried
they, and given up thy life to death and perdition
for the sake of a stranger?
Arabs, replied the shepherd, he sought my protection,
and I protected him. You came in search
of him; you would not accept my proposal, and I
was not able to drive you away. But if I have
enraged you, kill me at once, and I shall have rescued
him by the sacrifice of my life and existence, and
shall not have forfeited my word, or broken my
faith. Moreover between you and me there is no
power: but if you will release me, I will thank you
in every part of the world; otherwise do as you list,
and decide as you judge best.
The Shibanians were astonished, and they could
not find it in their hearts to kill him. He indeed rejoiced
in his friendly act, and the preservation of
his duty; so they let him go, and returned vexed
and dispirited. As to Shiboob, as soon as he was
safe, he travelled on till morning, passing over plains
and deserts; but what was most grievous to him
was the thought of returning to the tribe of Abs,
and the triumph of his foes and the envious;
particularly the family of Zeead, and the ruffian
Amarah, and Shas and Rebia: then he wept for
his brother Antar, in these verses.
"O Knight of the Horse, why, alas, has the steed
to mourn thee? why, alas, has the barb of the
spear to announce thy death in wailings? O that
the day had never been, that I saw thee felled
to the earth, cut down—stretched out—and the
points of the lances aimed at thee! Could the
vicissitudes of fortune accept of any ransom, oh!
I would have redeemed thee from the calamities
of fortune! Thine uncle has in his wiles and
frauds made thee drink of the cup. But may
thy cup-bearer, O son of my mother, never taste
of the moisture of dew! and thy cousin will
mourn thee, and she belongs to thy foe, whose
of the Horse, I have no strength of mind—I
have not a heart that can ever feel consolation for
thee in my sorrows! and the war-steed amongst
the troopers as he neighs will turn towards thee,
mourning for thee, like a childless woman in
despair."
And Shiboob went on, passing over deserts and
wilds, seeking the tribe of Abs and Adnan, whilst
his tears flowed in streams. But as to Antar, when
his horse stumbled beneath him, he started on his
legs, brandished his sword in his right, supported
his shield on his left, and made towards the warriors
—he slew them till he made mounds of dead, he
overwhelmed them with his shouts, bellowing out—
O Ibla, by thine eyes, will I slay this day these
horsemen! and he rushed upon them like a furious
lion, till the blood flowed from all parts of his body.
And in the thickest of the battle he happened to
step on a skull, and his feet slipping from under him,
he fell down at his full length. And they gave him
not time to rise ere they bound fast his shoulders,
his arms, and his ribs and his feet, and brought him
before Numan.
The Chief was all astonishment at the horror of
his make, at the immensity of his stature, and the
agitation of his eyes. He ordered them to tie him
across the back of his horse and convey him to the
King, that he might do what he thought proper with
the back of Abjer, and they all returned to the
land of Hirah. At the moment of their arrival,
King Monzar returned from hunting. When, be
hold there appeared against them a lion of the lions
of Khifan. Now the wild beasts of Khifan were
proverbial; and he came upon them with a loud
roar, and the fierce warriors attacked him. Numan
presented Antar to his father, and when he looked
at him, he was terrified and confounded.
What Arab art thou? said he. My lord, replied
Antar, I am of the tribe of the noble Abs. One of
its warriors, demanded Monzar, or one of its slaves?
Nobility, my lord, said Antar, amongst liberal
men, is the thrust of the spear, the blow of the
sword, and patience beneath the battle dust. I am
the physician of the tribe of Abs when they are in
sickness, their protector in disgrace, the defender of
their wives when they are in trouble, and their
horseman when they are in glory, and their sword
when they rush to arms.
Monzar was astonished at his fluency of speech,
his magnanimity and his intrepidity, for he was
then in the dishonourable state of a prisoner, and
force had overpowered him. What urged thee to
this violence on my property, added Monzar, and
seizure of my camels? My lord, said Antar, the
tyranny of my uncle obliged me to this act: for I
was brought up with his daughter, and I had
me demand her in marriage, he asked of me as a
marriage dower, a thousand Asafeer camels. I was
ignorant, and knew nothing about them; so I consented
to his demand, and set out in quest of them;
I have outraged you, and am consequently reduced
to this miserable state.
Hast thou then, said Monzar, with all this fortitude
and eloquence, and propriety of manners,
exposed thy life to the sea of death, and endangered
thine existence for the sake of an Arab girl? Yes,
my lord, said Antar; it is love that emboldens man
to encounter dangers and horrors; and no lover is
excusable but he who tastes the bitterness of absence
after the sweetness of enjoyment; and there is no
peril to be apprehended, but from a look from
beneath the corner of a veil; and what misfortune
can drive man to his destruction, but a woman who
is the root and branch of it! Then tears filled his
eyes, and sighs burst from his sorrowing heart, as he
thus exclaimed:
"The eyelashes of the songstress from the corner
of the veil are more cutting than the edge of the
cleaving scimitars; and when they wound the
brave are humbled, and the corners of their eyes
are flooded with tears. May God cause my uncle
to drink of the draught of death at my hand!
may his hand be withered, and his fingers palsied!
for how could he drive one like me to destruction
the completion of his avaricious projects? Truly
Ibla, on the day of departure, bade me adieu,
and said I should never return. O lightnings!
waft my salutation to her, and to all the places
and pastures where she dwells. O ye dwellers
in the forests of Tamarisks, if I die, mourn for
me when my eyes are plucked out by the hungry
fowls of the air. O ye steeds, mourn for a
Knight who could engage the lions of death in
the field of battle. Alas, I am an outcast, and
in sorrow. I am humbled into galling fetters,
fetters that cut to my soul."
When Antar had finished, Monzar was surprised
at his eloquence and fortitude, and strength of mind
and virtue. Now Monzar himself was one of the
most eloquent of Arabs, and he was convinced that
Antar was sincere in his grief; but he knew not
the story of his life. Whilst Antar and Monzar
were conversing, behold the people ran away from
their presence. On inquiring what was the matter,
O victorious and irresistible monarch, they exclaimed,
a savage lion has appeared among us, is
destroying the horsemen, and dispersing the brave
heroes. Spears make no impression on his carcass,
and no one dares to attack him. Assault him,
cried the King, before he takes refuge in the forest,
and cuts off the road of the travellers, and renders
the ways unsafe, and we therefore be dishonoured.
relieved. Tell your people to expose me to this
lion, said he to the King, and if he should destroy
me, you will be amply revenged, and your dishonour
be cleared up: for I have slaughtered your
troops, and destroyed your warriors; but should
I slay the lion, reward me as I deserve, and do
not refuse me justice. The King ordered the cords
to be loosened: the guards came up to him and
untied his hands, and were about to untie his feet
also; but he cried out, Loosen only my hands,
leave my feet bound as they are, that there may be
no retreat from the lion. He grasped his sword and
his shield, and jumping along in his fetters, he thus
exclaimed.
"Come on, thou dog of the forests and the hills!
this day at my hand will I make thee drink of
death. Soon wilt thou meet a Knight, a lion warrior,
a chief tried in battle. O then, attack not one
like me, for I am a chosen hero. Attack the
horsemen, thou dog of the waste, but whither
wilt thou escape from me this day? Take this
from my cleaving sword, that deals sorrows,
deaths, and pestilence from the slave of a tribe,
that braves death and woe, and never fails."
Monzar was much astonished at his address to
the lion, and he advanced with his attendants, to
behold what Antar might do. And when they
came near him, they perceived it was an immense
long claws; his face was wide, and ghastly was his
form; his strength swelling; he grinned with his
teeth clenched like a vice, and the corners of his jaws
were like grappling irons. When the lion beheld
Antar in his fetters, he crouched to the ground, and
extended himself out; his mane bristled up; he
made a spring at him: and as he approached,
Antar met him with his sword, which entered by his
forehead, and penetrated through him, issuing out
at the extremity of his back bone. O by Abs and
Adnan! cried Antar, I will ever be the lover of Ibla.
And the lion fell down, cut in twain, and cleft into
two equal portions; for the spring of the lion, and
the force of the arm of the glorious warrior, just met.
Then, wiping his sword on the lion, he thus spoke.
"Wilt thou ever know, O Ibla, the perils I have
encountered in the land of Irak? My uncle has
beguiled me with his hypocrisy and artifice, and
has acted barbarously towards me in demanding
the marriage dower. I plunged myself into a sea
of deaths, and repaired to Irak, without friends.
I drove away the camels and the herdsmen single
handed; and I was returning home burning with
the flame of anxious love. I quitted them not
till there arose behind me the dust of the hoofs of
the high mettled steeds. I encountered on every
side the war dust, and illumined it with my thin
bladed falchion, whilst the horsemen clamoured
loose its uproars. As I retired, I found that my
uncle had deceived me with his frauds and stratagems.
But I did not fail till my horse was exhausted,
and faltered in the charge, and the
crush of combats. Then I dismounted and drove
away whole armies with my sword, as I would
have driven away the camels. I rushed upon the
horsemen that fiercely scoured the plain, piercing
chests and eyeballs; but at the close of the day
I was wearied and made captive; for my elbows
and my legs were deprived of all strength. They
dragged me to a noble prince, high and magnificent—May
his glory endure! Then too I
engaged a lion, fierce in the onset, and harsh of
heart, with a face like the circumference of a
shield, whose eyeballs flashed fire like hot coals.
I rushed at him with my sword. I met him in
my fetters, so that Monzar might bestow on me
what might gratify my uncle, and favour me with
the desired camels."
Monzar heard him, and beheld his acts. This is
verily a miracle of the time, and the wonder of the
age and world, said he to his attendants; his mtrepidity
and eloquence and perseverance are enough
to confound the universe; with him I will effect
with Chosroe what is the object of my wishes, and
I will establish the superiority of the Arabs over the
Persians.
Now Monzar was an intelligent man, and very
regular in the administration of justice, and prudent
in policy. For this reason Chosroe had appointed
him King over the Arabs; and when he was present
in the palace of Chosroe, he enjoyed superior dignities,
and he was never styled but as King of the
Arabs. And Chosroe used to treat him as a friend,
and to eat and drink with him; and when they were
busy in conversation, Monzar used to describe to
him the peculiarities of Mecca and the sacred shrine,
and their glory over the Deelimites and the Persians,
and used to recite to him the verses of the eloquent
men. And Chosroe, in his impartiality, was pleased
with him, and enjoyed his society, and loved to dignify
him with presents of gold and silver; for the
Chosroes of Persia were renowned for their love of
justice and impartiality, and abhorred oppression and
violence, ruling mankind with liberality and generosity.
He had over his head a bell of red gold,
and a chain attached to it on the outside of the
palace; and whenever he touched the bell, the attendants
went out and complainants entered his
presence; and he decided such matters himself.
Now it happened that Monzar, previous to Antar's
falling into his hands, had visited Modayin,
and presented himself to Chosroe, and staid with
him some days, and he was honoured with a rich
robe and various presents. One of the officers
envied him, and when he was alone with the King,
this wild Bedoween, this worshipper of stone, and
raise his dignity so high? Whether he is absent
or present, he is a poor despicable wretch; for all
the Arabs are but shepherds, and worshippers of
images: there is no religion, no faith, among them;
and they are only ennobled by theft and cunning,
and robberies and rogueries.
This officer thus became jealous of the honours
enjoyed by Monzar, and his heart was estranged
from him. And he was one of the warriors of
Deelim, and was a leader of twenty thousand Persians,
and he was called Khosrewan, the son of Jorham.
He was always talking contemptuously of
the Arabs, repeating falsehoods of them, till at last
he effected a change in the heart of the just King.
If, O King, said he, as he ended the conversation,
thou art desirous of thoroughly understanding this
man whom thou hast appointed over the Arabs,
and of having a proof of his ignorance and ill-breeding,
ask him to come and eat meat and dates; order
the servants to give him dates from which the
stones are not extracted, and to place before you
dates ready stoned; and let there be instead of
stones, almonds, sugar-plums, and skinned nuts,
and see what he will do. Chosroe complied, and
invited Monzar to eat meat and dates; and he ordered
the servants to do as Khosrewan had recommended.
So after dinner, the servants produced
away and swallowed them, for there were no stones
to throw aside. Monzar looked at them, and
thought within himself—Most certainly to-day
is a festival with them, for they are worshippers
of fire; so I must eat like them, and must fashion
my manners to theirs. So Monzar ate, and swallowed
the stones; but one sadly puzzled him, so the
attendants burst out into a loud laugh; and Chosroe
also laughed. And Monzar was abashed at their
pleasantry. May your glory last for ever, O King
of the world, said he. But the wrath and indignation
of Monzar increased. What makes your attendants
laugh? said he. You have eaten dates and
swallowed the stones, said Chosroe; 'tis for that
we are laughing at you. I, O King, said Monzar,
imitated you and your companions, and I ate as you
ate, for I perceived you eating the dates and swallowing
the stones, and I wished to do as you had done.
Our dates, said Chosroe, are without stones; and
instead of stones there are almonds and sugar-plums
and peeled nuts, so that we eat them without trouble
or annoyance. Why, said Monzar, did you not give
me some of what you eat yourself? Still I am your
guest. Yet this is a proof that I am an object of
ridicule to you, and you have only invited me that
you and your companions might expose me. But
I am still at all times your slave, and indebted to
your bounty for whatever you have thought proper
to do unto me.
He remained some time longer with Chosroe, and
then returned to the land of Hirah, having asked
permission to revisit his family and native country.
And when he reached his capital, he wrote letters
to the tribes of Wayil and Bekir and Jelhema, and
he said in the letters—Attack Modayin, plunder the
people and the inhabitants, lay waste the villages, and
put to the sword the merchants of Persia, and plunder
the property of Deelim. Be afraid of no man,
should any oppose you; but slaughter them and
seize their property, and plunder them.
When these letters, in which the whole circumstance
was described, reached the different tribes,
they were greatly incensed, and sent Sewid the son
of Amil to plunder the inhabitants. And Handala
ransacked the stores and granaries, and seized the
property of the travellers; and Harith the son of
Joshem plundered the lands of Zilah, sparing neither
high nor low. After this, confusion and rebellion
rose up in the villages, and the whole country
dreaded the Arabs. Many of the Persians were cut
off, and the Persian merchants cried out from all
quarters against Chosroe. The day of judgment
seemed to have come upon him, and he was overwhelmed
with shame. He desired his minister Mubidan
to write to Monzar an account of all that had
passed, and that he should punish the Arab tribes,
or he would disperse them among the plains and
the deserts.
So the minister wrote to Monzar a letter, in which
the Arabs! Truly the heart of the just King is
greatly irritated against you, on account of the depredations
committed by the Arabs on his subjects.
You must slay the rebels and offenders, and chastise
those that have oppressed the weak, if you are obedient
to the Persian government, and attend to the
orders of the imperial monarch; and peace be with
you from the protecting fire!" He folded up the
letter and sealed it and sent it to Monzar, and when
it reached him, he opened it and read it, and wrote
in answer to it these words:
"To him whom we recognise as the just King!
Truly my character is despised amongst the Arabs,
my reputation is on the decline, my authority
amongst them is weakened, and my honour is considerably
discredited, since they heard what you did
to me about eating the dates. My power is at an
end, because they think I am an object of ridicule
with you; therefore have they renounced their allegiance
to me, and have separated themselves from
my dominion. Such are the acts they have committed,
and they will not obey my commands. You
must look after your own country, and mind your
own administration."
When Chosroe received this answer, he read it,
and understood its contents. Verily, said he, these
vagabond Arabs have a design upon me, and this dog
of dogs would trample upon me. But if I do not
age.
Who, O King of the age, said the satrap Khosrewan,
the original cause of all this trouble, is this
Monzar, that you should trouble yourself about him?
By your life, I am able to take him prisoner; I will
slay his horsemen, and will destroy his allies. I will
bring him and his children to you, bound with cords;
and if you order me, I will kill them all, and will
bring you his sons and his daughters, and most costly
plunder.
Khosrewan, said Chosroe, you are the only
person for this expedition, for it is all your doing;
so prepare, and march with the troops under your
command; and if you conquer the King of the
Arabs, kill him not, but bring him to me a prisoner,
that I may disgrace and punish him, and let him
feel his situation; and afterwards I will grant him
his life. Khosrewan accordingly made his preparations
in three days, and set out with twenty
thousand horsemen, armed with gilded shields and
cleaving swords; and Khosrewan was at their head,
like a lion.
But King Monzar, as soon as he observed Antar's
blow at the lion, and remarked his eloquence and his
poetry, felt assured that he was a distinguished hero
and warrior, and he thought it prudent to spare
his life, and not put him to death: but for the
ends of justice he determined to keep him a prisoner.
of an Arab, I will not proceed to extremities with
respect to this black warrior, for his equal is not to
be found in the whole world. Guard this horseman,
said he to his sons, until an answer reach us to
our letter from the Persian King; and we will then
persuade him that it is this wretch who has plundered
the cities and killed his subjects, and who has
excited against us the Arab hordes. This will give
a good colour to our excuses in all points, and thus
we shall gain our objects upon our enemies. So
Antar remained with the King imprisoned and
chained; and Monzar entered Hirah and awaited
the answer.
It was about the beginning of the day when
Monzar mounted his horse, and rode out to inhale
the news; when lo! a dust from the direction of
Persia appeared, and the whole country was blackened
and darkened, and from beneath it came forth
Persian horsemen, and the armies of Deelim. Take
your implements of war, cried Monzar, ply the
blow and the thrust, and protect the families and
the women, or eternal will be your disgrace; for
truly the offences against propriety in conversation,
and the blunders of the tongue, are the calamities of
man. And he sent for all the clans of the tribe of
Shiban, and all the Arab hordes; and the Persian
troops gave them no rest, but poised their spears,
and grasped their swords. The two parties met,
fixed, and were scared. Khosrewan advanced: he
assailed the tribes of Arabia, and his heart was
overjoyed; he dashed towards the standard of Monzar;
he overset them, and he destroyed the horsemen,
and annihilated them.
Now Monzar had encountered the Persians with
only twelve thousand men, and the evening did not
close before four thousand of them were slaughtered,
and the remainder returned, seeking safety in
flight; the Persians pursuing them until the shades
of night surrounded them; when the Persians
dismounting to repose themselves, Khosrewan also
halted and shouted aloud; and when they had
pitched their tents and lighted their fires, he ordered
his satraps and generals to surround the whole
city of Hirah, and to guard the roads and highways.
But Monzar, who entered Hirah routed and
discomfited, gnawed his hands from shame, and was
quite bewildered and beside himself. He sat down
attended by his three sons, Numan, Aswad, and
Amroo; and whilst they were consulting and debating,
in rushed a slave—O my lord, cried he, that
Absian warrior who is in my custody, when he
heard the uproar in the morning, asked me what was
the matter? We informed him what had happened;
then, said he, Conduct me to your King,
that I may point out to him the means of destroying
sands of the desert. Produce him, said Monzar; let
us hear what he has to say, and let us release him
from his fetters. But Antar was that day thinking
of his cousin, and of his expedition to procure her
dower, and to seize the Asafeer camels, and his
falling into captivity, and his failure. Then, as he
sighed from his overcharged heart, he thus recited:
"Tell Zoheir and Malik of me, tell Ibla of me,
in unvarnished language, that I seized the camels
flaunting over the plains, and that I felled down
the armies on the day of terrors; say that I was
marching away with the property and the beauteous
camels, when the stern-faced horsemen of
Sakhm forced them from me. My steed hurled
me on the battle field, and betrayed me, and subjected
me to the thrusts of every shield-armed
hero. Then I retired as a hostage, in chains: and
I have merited them; and I moved along in them,
like one overwhelmed with confusion. Had it not
been for the assault of the lion among them, and
their cry to me—Aid us, O Antar! when I met
him, fettered as I was—they never would have
acknowledged that I was the slayer of armies.
When the furious beast flew at me, I feared not.
My sword cleaved the body of the lion, and I
forced it out through his thighs in an instant, and
I wiped it on his skin. They cast me indeed into
tumbled him down like one precipitated from a
mountain's height."
We have told King Monzar, said the attendant
as he entered Antar's prison; he now demands you,
in order to hear your proposal. Antar arose, and
went with them into the presence of the King, who
ordered the fetters to be taken off from his feet, and
the cords to be cut that bound his hands. Then he
sighed, and thus spoke.
"May God forgive me that my soul is hardened,
for my uncle beguiled me and exposed me to perils,
and in his vile artifices has cast me into an abyss
of fire, whose flames encompass me. I am become
tortured of heart, fettered, my fingers and hands
bound round my neck. Few are there like me in the
day of the wood-entangled spears, when heroes contend
in the fierce charge: O King of the world, thy
sea is expansive as the glittering sword among men
and dæmons. When the warriors charge—then expose
me to them, and try my assault—my battle
among them. Be thou victorious, with Antar's aid,
and convert, my lord, thy fears into security. Protect
but my rear with a thousand lion heroes, and
thou shalt view the wonders of my sword and my
spear. Thou shalt see a lion driving away the horsemen
with a scimitar that surpasses the lightning's
flash in brilliancy. Grant me the dower for my
me to this enterprise. O Ibla, fear not the foe
on my account, when they crowd about me, and
the war horses charge; for death is but my own
form—my own qualities, and there is no prosperity
but what is attached to my bridle. I am
the youth that fells the horsemen in my strength
—a youth whose equal exists not on earth. O
breezes! I implore ye by the pillars at Mecca, by
Zemzem—by the sacred plains and Mesdelifa[17] ,—
when ye pass the land of Shurebah, waft my
salutation to Zoheir and his royal sons, and say
to the sorrowing Shiboob, hast thou forgotten
my faith—renounced my vows? for thou art my
foster brother, my stay, my support when my
friends betray me and persecute me—O Shiboob,
haste then, my brother, haste that thou mayst see
what I have suffered, and what has befallen me
—that thou mayst see a battle that will make
thee forget the past, and that thou mayst see,
O Shiboob, the boundless height of my glory.
For my ambition soars above the Pleiades, and
my fortunate star sparkles with brilliant rays."
The King was again surprised at Antar's bursts
of poetry and strength of mind; and he was convinced
of victory with his sword and spear. O
Absian, said he, what is this I have heard of you today,
when you heard the shouts and the attack of
gall was nearly bursting when I heard that you had
been obliged to fly from these caldrons of dogs:
this disgrace can never be erased from the Arabs.
What can men do, said Monzar, when double their
numbers attack them? and they are overwhelmed
by those who do not fear their carnage? Man, said
Antar, must patiently resist, and drink of the cup
of death as he drinks the purest water, and not fly
or run away. I am now in your power, and I demand
of you the marriage dower of Ibla, my uncle's
daughter; restore me my sword, my cuirass, my
arms, and my horse, and give me a thousand men
to defend my rear; and you shall see what my
courage and force will effect against your foes.
By the virtue of the Caaba, said Monzar, O
Absian, if you perform what you state, and destroy
this army—all my property, my he and she camels
are all at your disposal. Not one of us shall remain
behind the tent wall, but we will exert our
utmost energies against the foe, and we will strike
with our swords, and thrust with our spears. And
he ordered his horse and his arms and his cuirass to
be restored. And early on the morrow, a loud shout
arose from amongst the Persians, eager to plunder
the property, and capture the women and the children:
but the Arabs went forth against them, and
at their head was Antar, the hero of conquest; and
he cried out—Your hopes have failed, you caldron
nations shall record. Then he cried, O by thy
eyes, O Ibla, and thus repeated:
"On the day of battle exquisite is the carnage.—
Come forth then against me, ye men of abomina-tion—in
me ye shall meet a Knight whose blow
strikes life dead. I am the Antar of horsemen in
the contest, that makes armies and warriors drink
of ignominy, a draught from his hand with the
polished sword that glides through the neck, in
the battle field. Soon will I plunge into the war
dust till I encounter Khosrewan, and make him
drink of the cup of death: I will make him taste
from my sword a draught, after which he shall
never taste of pure water. Ye shall see the horse
scattered over the wastes—the Himyarite chiefs
shall be bound on their saddles. I am the lion,
foremost in war, and mine arm is the horror of
warriors. Mine is honour and good fortune and
glory, and my star is high above the brilliant
Arcturus."
He then received the attack of the horse as the
parched up ground the first of the rain; and his
thrusts were the thrusts that blinded vision, and
equalled fate and destiny. He overthrew heroes
and destroyed warriors, and in an hour blood was
flowing and streaming, and bowels were ripped open.
When the Persians observed these dreadful deeds,
they advanced from all quarters. The voice of
more rapid than the flash of the lightning; and the
Arab warriors, encouraged at his steadiness, felt
convinced of victory after defeat; but as soon as
the Persians saw these descending misfortunes, their
hearts regretted what had passed, and the land and
the region appeared too confined for them. The
whole country was blackened in their eyes; their
avidity was frustrated in the capture of the sons and
daughters.
Affairs continued in this position till mid-day,
and they toiled in the battle fiercer than a blaze of
fire. And when the heat oppressed the warriors,
the Persians gave way, and sought refuge in their
tents, and gave a loose to their despair. Many
were the horses deprived of their riders. Their
chief, Khosrewan, stood under the standards, and
the delay seemed tedious, for he was expecting that
his companions would return with the captives and
the spoil; when, lo! they indeed returned, but
in flight. O my lord, they cried, in reply to his
questions, the Arabs have vanquished us—we have
seen a prodigy among them—and if you do not
come down upon that chosen horseman, not a head
or tail of us will survive; for he fails not where he
aims; he succeeds in all he undertakes; and if he
attacks a whole troop, he disperses it; if he assaults
a horseman, he overthrows him, and his voice
is like the crash of thunder; the moment a man
lion when he assaults, and he drives away the warriors
before him like a flock of sheep.
As Khosrewan heard this he was greatly enraged,
and fire flashed from his eyes. Whence comes this
horseman, he exclaimed, to this country? and to
what Arabs is he related? Then starting from
beneath the standards he sought the place of
slaughter, and the scene of attack. In his hand
he bore a long mace, with which he assailed the
troops; he dived through the dust, and the heroes
trembled at his mace, as the dust rolled over his
horse.
Now Monzar was directing his sons to move beyond
the precincts of Hirah, when the form of
victory and triumph appeared to him in the odour
of that black lion. He sat down in his tent, and
seated Antar by him, for he was dearer to him than
all his family and relations; he congratulated him,
and gave him to eat, and there was no end to his
attentions and kindness; and as he engaged to him
every favour, he said, If I knew your heart would
be gratified by remaining with me, I would send a
messenger to your King, and would offer him my
friendship, and I would direct him to take Ibla
from her father, and send her to us, whether he
will or not. But I fear you will not allow me to
do what your heart would not sanction.
I cannot possibly remain here, replied Antar;
every day appears a thousand years to me; but I
swear by all your munificence towards me, were even
my heart to burst with the fierceness of my love and
passion, I will not quit this country till I have accomplished
your wishes in destroying your foul
enemies: to-morrow, by the grace of God, I will
rout their army. To-morrow I will go out to the
field of battle: I will challenge Khosrewan, and I
will invite him to terminate the affair; and if he engages
me, I will make him drink of the cup of death;
and afterwards I will put to flight these troops of
horse over the plains and the deserts. When they
had finished eating and drinking, and their conversation
about the battle and the contest, they retired
to rest and sleep. As soon as the morning
dawned with a smile, the horsemen rushed on,
anxious for the fight and the conflict; and as Khosrewan
was preparing to proceed to the field, lo! from
the Arab army there came forth a man between the
two ranks, and stood conspicuous amidst the two
armies, and both parties gazed at him. He was like
a strong battlement, immersed in steel; in his hand
was a sparkling blade; he had a long spear slung over
him, and under him was a steed of the colour of gold,
indefatigable in labour, as an Arab poet has described.
"Praise a yellow steed of the colour of gold, for
he is of the horses noblest in pedigree; his rider
shape and paces. He may be in the evening at
Tekmet, and in the morning at Aleppo."
And he galloped over the plain to and fro, and
he disclosed a countenance like that of a Ghoul;
the warriors and heroes marked him: and lo! it
was the illustrious chieftain and intrepid warrior,
Aboolfawaris, Antar, the son of Shedad; and he
came forth to put an end to the Persian contest,
and to slay their general; and thus return to his
family and country with wealth and riches. He
dashed into the centre of the army; he disdained
the common herd, and would not condescend to
challenge them. He burst on the right, and discomfited
it; and slew threescore and ten—he rushed
on to the left, and forced it in confusion on the
right; he returned again to the centre, seeking carnage
and bloodshed. He was mounted on a mare,
for his horse Abjer, wounded the day before, was
still unfit for the day of encounter. And when he
was in the centre between the two armies, he thus
spoke:
"Relieve my pains—ease my sorrows. Sally
forth, ay, every lion warrior. Taste a draught
at the edge of my sword, more bitter than the
cups of Absynth. When death appears in the
crowded ranks, then challenge me to the meeting
of armies. Ye Persians, I heed ye not, I
heed ye not. Where is he who wishes to fight
death? Bring him forth; let him see what he will
meet from my spear under the shades of the war-dust.
I swear, O Ibla, he shall eat of death. By
thy teeth, luscious to the kiss, and by thine eyes,
and all the pangs of their enchantment, and their
beauty, were thy nightly visionary form not to
appear to me, never should I taste of sleep. O
thou my hope! O may the western breeze tell
thee of my ardent wish to return home! May
it waft thee my salutation, when the sparkling
dawn bursts the veil of night! May God
moisten thy nights, and bedew thee with his
rain-charged clouds! May peace dwell with thee
as long as the western and northern breeze shall
blow!"
When Antar had finished—behold Khosrewan—
he appeared on the plain, and he was mounted on
a long-tailed steed, marked with the new moon on
his forehead, and on his body was a strong coat of
mail well knit together, the workmanship of David;
and armed with an imperial casque and a glittering
sword; and under his thighs were four small darts,
each like a blazing flame. And when he came
forth on the field of battle he roared aloud, and contemptuously
of the Arabs. Antar assailed him:
high arose the dust about them, so that they were
hid from the sight. They exhibited most extraordinary
prowess: they separated—they clung to each
they gave and took—they were close, they were
apart, until it was mid-day, and both had severely
toiled. But whenever Khosrewan attempted to assail
Antar and strike him with his mace, he ever
found him vigilant and on his guard, and aware of
his intent. So he darted away from him in order to
gallop over the field, and would exhibit all his manœuvres
and stratagems; but Antar kept him employed,
and wearied him, and prevented his executing
his designs, so that the chieftain's wrath became
intense. He snatched up one of his darts, and shook
it and hurled it at him—it flew from his hand like
the blinding lightning or descending fate. Antar
stood firm, and when it came near him, he met it,
and dexterously turning it off by his shield, it
bounded away, and fell upon the ground far off.
Khosrewan snatched out a second dart, and levelled
it at him; but Antar sprang out of its way, and it
passed harmless. He aimed a third, but Antar rendered
it fruitless by his dexterity and his persevering
activity. He hurled the fourth, but it shared
the same fate as the others.
When Khosrewan saw how Antar had parried
the darts, his indignation was extreme. Again he
took up his mace, and he roared even as a lion roars
—then stretching himself out with it, he hurled it,
backing it with a howl that made the plains and the
air rebellow. Antar threw away his spear, and met
air; then, aiming it at Khosrewan, he cried out,
Take that, thou son of a two thousand horned
cuckold! I am the lover of Ibla, and am alone—
the Phœnix of the world. Khosrewan saw him
grasp the mace in the air, and was horrified, for his
strength and force were exhausted. He retreated,
and attempted to fly from his antagonist, for he
was now convinced of his destruction. He moved
round his shield between his shoulders; but he felt
that his fate was nigh at hand, for the mace fell
upon his shield more forcibly than the stone of a
sling; furiously it rattled on the Persian chief, and
hurled him off his saddle to the distance of twelve
cubits, and broke his ribs and snapped his spine.
Every warrior was intensely agitated at this surprising
deed; and when the Persians saw it, they
were bewildered; they rushed upon Antar, agonized
as they were at this calamity, and exposed their
lives to certain death. The Arabs received them
with undaunted courage at the points of their spears;
and their spirit was exhilarated by the acts of Antar.
The two armies assailed, and the earth was
pounded under the trampling of the horses. The
horsemen and the clans encountered—clouds of dust
thickened over their heads: and their fury increased,
till they were like the waves of the boisterous
ocean. Spears penetrated through hearts
and waists, heads were flying off, blood was boiling,
the King of Death circled round the cup of mortality;
and the commands of the Most High were
executed upon them[18] .
Antar, the ferocious lion, felt his heart assuaged
in the midst of slaughter, and in the concussion of
heroes and warriors. He exhibited terrors amidst
the concourse of heroes, and scattered whole armies
over the plains and the mountains. King Monzar
cried out aloud to his troops, and they exposed
themselves to the enemy: roused afresh was the
flame of war; it fiercely raged, and its sparks flashed;
the dust blackened the whole land, so that both
earth and heaven were veiled. The ground tottered
under the hoofs of the noble steeds, until
the sweat even moistened their entrails. Blood
flowed from the throats of the chiefs. Antar strewed
the brave on the earth, and souls complained of
their sufferings to him who knows the secrets of the
world. Heads were hewn from the branches of
their bodies; and the Persians saw in the deeds of
Antar that day what terrified them, and magnified
their horror. They fell back in flight upon the
plains in agony at their dispersion and discomfiture,
and complaining of what had befallen their nobles
and their chiefs. The Arabs in their rear drove
them on to their fate, and truly their desires and
wishes were accomplished. As they exulted in the
crowded round Antar to thank and praise him, and
he stood before them like one immersed in a sea of
blood. Then, as he recollected the horrors he had
suffered, these verses boiled in his heart, and he thus
exclaimed:—
"Ask, O Absian maid, my spear and my sword
what they did on the day of the battle of the Persians.
I steeped them, whilst the spear gored
through the horse, in the blood of the foe mixed
with bitter Absynth. I dispersed the army that
bellowed out their thunders, and beneath it flashed
the lightning of their swords, mounted as I was
on a noble Arab charger, that flies when the
sword blades crash in the fight; he neighs for joy
whilst the spears are directed at him, that vibrate
like speckled serpents. I urged him into the sea
of deaths; he snorted, and plunged into the tempestuously
roaring waves. How many horsemen,
O Ibla, at the edge of my falchion have torn
their hands with their teeth in repentance! but I
felled them down on the battle plain, that the
wild beasts and eagles and hovering vultures
might drink of their blood. I must love the tribe
of Abs, were they even to shed my blood unrevenged,—such
is my love for thee, thou daughter
of noble chiefs! I will endure the burthen of
grievances, and sorrows, and captivity, and show
that I am a warrior and the son of a warrior.
will I come to thee with my trophies!"
Antar having finished these verses, the chiefs and
the warriors were astonished at his eloquence, and
they repaired with the spoil and plunder to the presence
of King Monzar, who started up to meet Antar,
kissed him between the eyes, and could only
congratulate him on his safety, for he was confounded
at such instances of his bravery. Horseman
of the day, he cried, protector of Abs and
Adnan! all that the Persians have left this day be
thine, O Knight of the time and age! for thou hast
earned it by thy sword and thy spear. Thou hast
brought peace and comfort to the Arabs. Let this
plunder be a grant from me to thee, together with
the Asafeer camels; and moreover, out of mine own
will I bestow immense wealth on thee; but I cannot
permit thee to wed the daughter of thy uncle
any where but here with me in this land, and I will
fulfil all thy wishes and thy desires; for I am resolved
to send letters to the tribes, and to assemble
the hordes from the waters and the springs, and
make ready for war against the just King.
O my lord, expel that thought from your mind,
cried Antar, for by the life of the eyes of Ibla, to
me the strongest of oaths, I alone will stand thee in
stead of the whole race of Arabs—never will I cease
from the blows of my Indian sword till I have not
left in your presence one of your enemies alive,
to put you in possession of the throne of Nushirvan.
Monzar expressed his thanks, for he knew he could
perform what he promised, from what he had observed
of his intrepidity in the black rolling dust.
Thus they entered Hirah, and rejoiced in their
victory and triumph; and Antar went to the habitation
that was prepared for him. Monzar retired
to rest; but he was greatly disquieted, and
feared Chosroe and his stratagems.
A particular species of camel used for riding, called also Asafeeri
Numan—as being found in his country.
CHAPTER VI.
On the next day when Monzar was seated on the
throne of his kingdom, and the horsemen of his clan
were around him, they consulted and deliberated,
and they were unanimous that the Arabs should be
written to, and precautions be taken against Nushirvan.
And when they had come to this resolution,
an attendant entered, and kissing the ground, said
—O King, excellent tidings for you in the arrival of
your Vizier Amroo, the son of Nefeela! Now this
Vizier was one of the oldest men of the age, for he
was four hundred years old; he was well versed in
history, and acquainted with every event, and he was
one of the wise men who had predicted the mission
of Mohammed, the seal of Prophets and delegates;
and he generally resided at Mecca, expecting his
appearance, that he might be directed by his light.
When Monzar heard of his arrival, he was rejoiced
and delighted at the good news. In a short
time he presented himself, and saluted him. Monzar
sprang up to meet him, congratulated him, and
saluted him. O Chief, said he, you are come just at
the very moment you are required, for I am overwhelmed
with anxiety; and for its removal I depend
at the state of my affairs, and I have repented
of what I have done, and I wish for you, O Vizier,
to bear some of my burthens.
And when he had informed him of all that had
passed between him and Chosroe—You have indeed
acted wrong, O King, said Amroo, in this business;
verily as soon as I heard the news, I came as fast
as I could from the land of Mecca and the sacred
shrine, fearful lest your country should be laid
waste, and the Arab chiefs destroyed by the hands
of the worshippers of fire, and you would be thus
involved in disgrace and in misery. Indeed I have
recommended to you a thousand times not to make
the fire-worshippers your enemies, until you should
hear that Mecca is illuminated with the light and
appearance of the chosen Prophet to be sent from
Adnan, for then will the temples of fire be extinguished,
and the palace be rent: but now you
have only to bend to error, and take care to obey the
orders of this monarch, even should he outrage you.
For you have slain his satrap and cut up his horsemen;
so beware of his deceits. Moderation is now
most advisable: renounce writing to the Arabs,
but have patience till I go to Modayin, and observe
its inhabitants, and mark the state of affairs. I
will visit their minister, Mubidan, and request him
to give up this point, and direct him to avert from
us the ill-will of Nushirvan.
Your advice is most judicious, said Monzar: act,
O Vizier, as it seems fit to you; I will oppose nothing
you say. So Amroo went to repose himself; and
then Monzar reported to him the deeds of Antar,
how he had slain Khosrewan, and destroyed an army
of twenty thousand horse, and had given victory to
the Arab warriors after their defeat and flight. The
Vizier was astonished at Antar's acts and intrepidity,
so superior were they to any thing hitherto
known in deserts or towns.
On the third day the Vizier Amroo mounted his
horse and repaired to Modayin, having first recommended
Monzar to treat Antar with attention and
kindness, and to prevent him from returning to his
own country. He traversed the deserts and cultivated
places till he reached Modayin, when he
presented himself to Mubidan, the Cazi of the worshippers
of fire, without ceremony and without permission.
Mubidan rose up in haste to meet him,
and received him with the highest honour and distinction:
he made him sit by him, and spoke to him
in the most friendly manner, saying,—What has
induced you to visit me? What has made you
trouble yourself about me? I was not at hand when
these events took place, said the Vizier, and I was
not present at these occurrences: I was at Mecca,
and in those parts; but as soon as the news reached
me, and I heard how King Monzar had eaten the
dates with the stones, I was convinced that troubles
for I feared some great disaster, and I wished to
settle the business ere I died. But I did not arrive
till all was over; so I have hurried to you, in order
to arrange matters, fearing that these human considerations
would bring about unnecessarily disagreeable
consequences. Therefore, O Chief, be benevolent
as long as kindness is in your power, and be not
revengeful on account of a difference in religion.
Mubidan was pleased from his heart, and the
flame of his anger was extinguished. O Amroo,
said he, before you arrived, I had resolved to arrange
this business: the army has returned routed, and
its chief has been slain; but I have not reported
this circumstance to the just King, fearful that blood
would be shed, and men be slaughtered. I have
also my anxiety about events which have lately occurred,
and I wish to relieve the heart of the King
of some of his burthens; for governments sicken as
men sicken, and they have no other physician but
their Viziers; and these are acquainted with the
evils and the remedies.
What is it, cried Amroo, that has troubled the
heart of the just King; for he is the ruler of all the
tribes! You know that the emperor of Greece,
answered Mubidan, has always been accustomed to
send to Chosroe a vast quantity of goods, and precious
stones, and metals and jewels, and male and
female European slaves, and other objects; in short,
time a Grecian chief is come with the treasure, and
in his suite are five hundred horsemen of his nation,
and ten priests, and five monks: he presented himself
before Chosroe in his palace, and spoke to him by an
interpreter, saying—O mighty King, I am indeed
come with the wealth and jewels and rich presents,
such as fire cannot consume, and beautiful virgins
and slaves; but I must make one stipulation with
you, viz. that I will not deliver them to you, unless
you have a horseman that can vanquish me in the
field of battle.
Now the cause of the arrival of this Chief, continued
Mubidan, and of his appearance before Chosroe,
was this extraordinary circumstance.—He had
quitted the Isles of the Sea, in order to visit the holy
shrine at Jerusalem, and the fountain of peace; and
when his pilgrimage was terminated, he heard a good
report of the cities of Syria, so he repaired thither,
and resided there some time; and one day being in
the presence of Harith, in the course, he exhibited
his horsemanship and intrepidity, far superior to
the other horsemen. Harith having remarked his
extraordinary prowess, sent for him and presented
him with a robe, and exalted him in rank above the
nobles of his court, accommodated him in a house
suitable to his station, and supplied him with provisions.
And Harith for a long time engaged him against
force and ability, and in course of time he conquered
all the armies of Syria, who acknowledged his
intrepidity and superiority, and yielded to him the
highest honours, so that Harith greatly rejoiced in
him; and he said, this is indeed the sword of Jesus;
and he resolved to present him to the Roman Emperor.
So he wrote to the Emperor, and mentioned
what feats this Chief had performed. Keep him
with you, said he in his letter, and prevent his returning
to the Isles of the Sea, in order that you may
obtain, through him, what you wish and desire from
the Arabs and the worshippers of fire; and he sent
his letter by a messenger.
On the next day Harith despatched the Chief with
a party of his attendants to wait on the Emperor.
The messenger travelled with the letter till he
reached Antioch, and being admitted to the presence,
he delivered him the letter, which he took and
read, and having understood its secret meaning, was
rejoiced in the Chief. He even went out to meet
him with all the nobles of his court and ministers of
the kingdom. So when the Chief reached the suburbs,
he was greatly surprised, as were all his companions,
for he thought this meeting of the Emperor
was accidental, not being aware of the letter
Harith had sent forward. The Chief dismounted,
and crossing his face before he spoke, kissed the
earth in the presence of the Emperor, who, much
to remount his horse, and taking him by his side,
they all returned together to Antioch, every one
gazing on the Chief, and astonished at his gigantic
shape and stature, till they arrived at the city,
when all their anxiety and trouble being at an end,
every one returned home. And there being no one
present, the Emperor sat down, and made the
Chief do so likewise by his side, and invited him
to tell his adventures, and offered him riches and
possessions.
O most beneficent monarch, said the Chief, I left
not my country in search of wealth, but the reason
of my departure was to seek the reward of virtue
and meritorious acts. I have reached your presence,
and my wish is to exhibit my prowess before the inhabitants
of this land, that I may attain the object
of my desires. The Emperor showed the warrior
every possible attention.
Now the name of this Chief was Badhramoot: he
remained three days as the Emperor's guest; on the
third he appeared on the plain, and the horsemen
came out against him; but they retreated from before
him in shame and disgrace, and he remained galloping
about like a dæmon. For three days he continually
exhibited himself on the course, till he had
marked all the troops of the Emperor in the combat;
and when the Emperor perceived his superior
skill, he was much surprised, and wished to detain
over his enemies; and amongst other things he
thought of marrying him to his daughter, and of
sharing with him his dominions.
One day Badhramoot came to the Emperor,
and found him sitting down, and all his treasures
before him: he was selecting the best metals and
jewels, and was putting them in cups, and was
sealing them up, and was packing them up in boxes,
and was preparing them for a long journey by land.
Badhramoot was much agitated and surprised at
this. To whom do you intend sending this treasure?
he asked. To Chosroe Nushirvan, the lord
of the crown and palace, replied the Emperor, for he
is the King of Persia and Deelem, and the ruler
of nations. O monarch, this King, is he not of
the religion of Jesus, the son of Mary? the chief
asked. He is the great King, he replied, and he
worships fire; and he has armies and allies whose
numbers are incalculable, and on this account I
send him tribute, and keep him away from my
own country.
At these words the light became darkness in
Badhramoot's eyes. By your existence, O King,
said he, I cannot allow any one to adore aught but
the Messiah in this world. We must wage a sacred
war, and have a crusade against the inhabitants
of that land and those cities. How can you submit
to this digrace and indignity, and humble yourself
of the religion of the Cross, and the Priest's gown?
I swear by him[19] who withdrew a dead body from
the earth, and breathed into clay, and there came
forth birds and beasts, I will not permit you to
send these goods and presents, unless I go also
against those people, and fight them with the sword's
edge. I will engage the armies of Chosroe, and exert
my strength against them: if I am slain, then you
may stand to your covenant.
Rid us of this affair, exclaimed the Emperor;
avert and withdraw from us the supremacy of Chosroe
and his armies; but do not open upon us a gate
which we shall not be able to close: and if you wish
to make a journey to the land of the King, go with
these presents, and when you are in his presence,
tell him your own story,—examine the extent of his
dominion, and his horsemen, and the number of his
troops, and his allies. Ask him to let you fight his
bold warriors—whatever you desire, he will grant
you; and when you have engaged the horsemen and
succeeded in your attempt, then inform me, that I
may show you what I can do: but if you find that his
power is too great, conjure him to spare this land and
realm.
Badhramoot agreed to this proposal, and he departed
with the presents, and he arrived at Modayin,
his heart free from fear. He went to Chosroe and
presented his letter, and said through an interpreter,
submit to tribute until they have been vanquished in
battle. I am now come with all this property as presents
to you; but I wish to avert this disgrace from
the Christians, and I will engage your warriors in
your presence. If they slay me in the combat, my
blood is rightfully yours; but if I am superior to all
your heroes and combatants, then relieve us from tribute,
and do not expose mankind to difficulties and
hardships; for in all religions it is tyranny and oppression
to shed blood.
All this being interpreted to Chosroe, his anger
and indignation, though considerably excited, were
softened by the mildness of the Chieftain's representations.
He pondered the subject some time,
and then, being convinced that he had only made
a reasonable demand, he turned towards his satraps
and said—Take this Chieftain, and conduct him to
a mansion suitable to his rank, with his suite, and
provide them with every thing to eat and drink,
that we may comply with his requests: let the property
be left with him, that we may likewise fulfil his
intention: to-morrow we will go to the plain to view
the combat of the horsemen, and we will not receive
the presents but on his terms.
Accordingly the satraps conducted the Chief and
his suite to a spacious mansion, and left all the
property with them. The next day the armies
mounted and repaired to the plain, and all being
assembled, Chosroe mounted his horse, surrounded
parties were drawn up, the Chief came forward like a
huge camel, his priests and monks attending him;
he urged on his horse into the field of contention,
and the brave heroes were rushing upon him from
all sides; but Chosroe issued orders to his people
that they should draw lots, and thus proceed in rotation
against him, and whoever should conquer him
should receive all the presents he brought with
him.
When the combatants heard this, they retired
from the scene of combat and drew lots, and the lot
fell upon the first of the generals named Shirkan,
son of Tirkan. He sallied out against the Chief;
but the Grecian warrior waiting till he came close
to him, drew his foot out of his stirrup, struck him
on the breast with his foot, and hurled him on the
ground. The whole body of horsemen were confounded,
and their limbs trembled within them.
Again they drew lots, and the lot fell upon a
sturdy warrior, one of the worshippers of fire: he
fought with various arms, and he was indefatigable
in the combat: he rushed at him, armed with a
mace, roaring like a lion: he opened wide his arm
as he came near to him, and endeavoured to strike
him, and knock him down; but the Chief struck
him with the butt-end of his spear, and dashed him
to the earth: he had already drawn out the barb
from his spear; and there was not a combatant that
and before the close of the day he had vanquished
a hundred valiant warriors. Then Chosroe sent
for him, and received him kindly, and gave him
a robe. By the burning of fire and its flames, said
he, you have earned all this property from these vile
miscreants.
Chosroe then returned, and he was greatly
enraged with his own troops: but the Chieftain
was rejoiced, and he reposed that night in security.
The next day he returned to the contest, and Nushirvan
also mounted his horse, and the combat was
the same as the first day; and the Grecian quitted
not the scene of action till he had overcome more than
a hundred warriors, many with their ribs broken,
suffering the pangs of death and perdition. And
Chosroe was exceedingly wroth with his troops.
Thus continued the Chief to engage the heroes
of Persia for fifteen days, and he excelled them all;
and the armies of Chosroe were disgraced. In affliction
he passed the night, and he rose up to grief and
gloom. Matters were in this situation, when lo!
Mubidan entered. O Vizier, cried Chosroe, watch
over us in this important affair: behold what is
befalling us with respect to this experienced Greek,
for verily he will tear our empire in pieces with his
intrepidity; and we are unable to rid ourselves of
his power. I wish to write to Khosrewan, to come
to us with his horsemen against this Grecian devil.
Refrain from such expressions, O King, said
Mubidan, for you may still accomplish your wish,
and degrade and hold in contempt this Chieftain,
and the affair terminate to your glory and success.
How can that be? said the King, and what do you
propose? My opinion is, said he, that you write
to your lieutenant, King Monzar, the ruler of the
Arabs, under whose command are all the tribes, and
order him to send you a few of his slaves, and they
will subjugate for you this obstinate Chief, and will
accomplish what you covet and desire; for the Arab
horsemen are the horsemen of victory and conquest;
they only are brought up in plains and rocks, in
battle and slaughter: in such emergencies the horsemen
of Hijaz are most renowned; but our horsemen,
O King of the world, are only famed for magnificent
entertainments.
The King laughed, and said—How can this
be brought about, Mubidan? Monzar is irritated
against us by what has happened between me and
him, owing to the satrap Khosrewan, who is now
gone against him with his troops and forces, and I
have no intelligence of him. Live for ever, O King
of the world, said Mubidan; but for your Satrap,
the fire has received his soul, and its smoke and its
flames have consumed him. His army is returning,
routed and beaten. I have kept this circumstance
a secret from you, but now the fire has made me
think it proper to disclose it to you.
O Vizier, said Chosroe, greatly distressed—in
this extremity, what is your plan? how can I possibly
send to Monzar, now that he has rent in pieces
my honour, and slain a satrap of my government?
O King, said the Vizier, the honour of your Empire
is in his hands—he alone can save it; for he
possesses a warrior of the race of Adnan, who would
encounter every horseman and hero you possess.
Then informing him of all that concerned Antar
from beginning to end—It would, in my opinion,
be right, added he, to send to King Monzar a robe
and presents, and direct him to produce before you
this lion horseman, for he will surely destroy you
Chief, and will remove this distress and affliction
from your heart. But, said Chosroe, I fear Monzar
will not obey my orders, and he will suppose that
dismay has stricken us.
Be assured, O great King, said Mubidan, that
Monzar is terrified at your wrath and your vengeance,
and just now his Vizier Amroo, the son of
Nefeelah, came to me, and asked me to intercede
with you, and request you would pass over what he
has done, and forgive his improper conduct. Well,
said Chosroe, do what you think proper; perhaps
the difficulty may be removed. Order this horseman
into our presence, and promise him, on our
part, all manner of riches. So Mubidan departed,
and having acquainted the Vizier Amroo with what
had occurred on this important point, he desired
passed, ordering him to bring Antar into the presence
of the King at Modayin.
The Vizier wrote the letter, as follows—"To
him whom we acknowledge as King Monzar, King
of the Arabs, Ruler of the tribes Lakhm and Juzam
and Shiban! Know, O King, that the business on
which I came has been effected, and all your projects
are accomplished. Moreover, I have promised
Chosroe, the monarch of the world, that Antar
shall overcome this Grecian Chief, and shall relieve
his heart from his present distress and affliction:
come therefore hither without delay, and be there
no other answer to this letter but placing your foot
in the stirrup." He folded and sealed the letter,
and despatched it under the wings of a bird, and
they remained expecting the result. But the Chief,
as soon as the day dawned, sent some of his people
and horsemen to demand of Chosroe permission
to go out to the plain, that he might again engage
in his presence his armies and his warriors. So
Chosroe mounted, and all his people and horsemen
also came forth: and the Greek overpowered the
heroes of Persia, who combated with him even to
the close of the day, when they returned; and the
glory and honour of the Persians were tarnished.
The next day the two parties mounted and were
drawn up in order; and the Grecian fought, and
galloped, and charged, and sought for the combatants
Deelem, Bahram by name, the son of Johram, engaged
him, and he was a warrior rapid as a burning
flame, and he fought with different sorts of arms,
indefatigable in war. He was the son of the uncle
of that Khosrewan whom Antar had slain, Antar,
the destroyer of horsemen! On that day he fought
on the plain, and he wore a Davidean cuirass,[20] solid
and firm, that blunted the javelin's point, and in his
hand he bore a pike with which he gave the blow of
death. He was also girt with a cleaving falchion,
and under his thighs were four short javelins. He
assaulted the Chief with all his force, and engaged
with him in the combat.
Their engagement at first was sport and play,
but it ended in impetuosity and fury. They continued
their labours and exertions till mid-day, and
the Greek having experienced Bahram's might and
strength, at length put forth all his powers and
energies in the contest; and the pike of the Chief
was without a barb, as he had agreed on in the presence
of Chosroe Nushirvan. But he stretched his
hand over the pommel of his saddle, and plucked
out a barb like the tongue of a serpent, and fastened
it on the end of his pike, and rushed upon Bahram
in his rage: he extended the barb towards his
struck it with his sword, and clipped it off. The
Greek threw away his pike, and drew forth his
sword from the scabbard, and they engaged with
their sabres till both were near partaking of the
draught of death. Then the ranks closed upon
them, and the Deelemites rejoiced in their warrior,
and their expectations were raised high. The
warriors ceased not the battle and the contest till the
end of the day, when they separated unhurt; and
neither had marked his adversary. So they retired,
and each related to his companions the circumstances
of the conflict. Chosroe sent for Bahram, and gave
him a robe.
Early next day Chosroe mounted, attended by
the Persians, and Turcomans, and Deelemites, drawn
up in ranks on the plain of battle. The Grecian
Chief came with all his suite, and charged and galloped
over the plain. Bahram came down upon
him, and they dashed at each other, and charged to
and fro, and ranged over the plain, extending their
long spears till every eye was sickened: then they
commenced the battle, and continued till sunset,
when they again separated unhurt. But Chosroe
was greatly distressed, and he ordered the Magi to
make a circuit of the fire in his presence, and to
throw aloe of Comorin into it, praising the unity of
the adored King; so they did as he ordered. And
priests and monks recited the Gospel, and marked
themselves with the Cross, and both parties reposed
in blasphemy and heresy.
The next day at dawn the horsemen were ready
for the contest, when lo! a dust arose and obscured
the land; and there appeared coming forth a hundred
horsemen, all sturdy Arabs, armed with long
spears and sharp swords, mounted on noble coursers.
King Monzar headed them, and by his side was
Antar. The Vizier and Mubidan went out to meet
them with a party of satraps and horsemen, and
the troops on all sides crowded to look at them.
Mubidan related to Antar all that had passed between
the Grecian and Bahram.
O Vizier, said the lion Antar, assure the just
King, whose beneficence and liberality are well
known, that I will encounter this Grecian, and Bahram,
and all the warriors of Persia, Turkistan, and
Deelem, and will not leave a man in Modayin.
Mubidan smiled, for he was convinced he could
execute what he said, observing the immensity of
his bulk, and the horror of his form, and the rolling
of his eyes, and the muscular powers of his
arms.
O Horseman of the age, said he, should you not
execute your engagement, and not slay this hero of
the Cross?—If I do not fulfil my agreement, cried
fire, and make a sacrifice of me. Mubidan smiled,
and he introduced him to the officers of Government
who wore golden bracelets on their arms, and afterwards
to those who wore crowns on their heads.
King Monzar dismounted, and all his horsemen,
and then entered the apartments of the Nobles,
and the Viziers and Satraps, and Grandees, and
Dignitaries. Antar was in amazement at what he
saw, and the people also started and gazed at him;
and this continued till they came before Chosroe.
Monzar stepped forward and saluted him, and
prayed for a continuance of his glory and power.
Then Antar too paid his homage, and thus spoke:
"May God avert from thee the evils of fortune,
and mayst thou live secure from calamities! May
thy star be ever brilliant in progressive prosperity,
and increase in glory! May thy sword be
ever sharp, and cleave the necks of thy foes, O
thou King of the age! May thy renown be ever
celebrated in every land, for thou art just and
beneficent. So mayst thou ever live a Sovereign
in glory, as long as the dove pours forth its
plaintive note."
Chosroe was astonished at Antar's eloquence, and
was confounded at the height of his person, and his
prodigious form, and the rolling of his eyes, and the
strength of his arms. O King of the world, said
and destroyed his army of twenty thousand
bridles, and he is come now take away the life of
this Greek, and to remove every grief and sorrow
from your heart, and no doubt he will slay all that
are with him. Should this be the case, said the
Monarch, we will pardon his fault, and ennoble
him with gifts. Let them repose: treat them with
all kindness and hospitality. And he sent for
King Monzar, and gave him a robe. O King of
the Arabs, said he, the error was mine at first, and
his who raised this rebellion amongst you; but the
fire has destroyed him in your presence. The
heart of Monzar was delighted at these words, and
his joy was great.
And when Mubidan wished to pitch tents for
them, that they might repose till the next day—By
the Holy Shrine, exclaimed Antar, I will not eat
meat with you, or drink wine with you, until I have
slain this foul-raced Greek, and made him drink the
cup of death; for he has moved the heart of the just
King. So he prepared his arms and his cuirass,
and sprang from the ground on the back of his
horse. Mubidan informed Chosroe of what Antar
had said, and he went forth with all his Viziers,
Satraps, Princes, and Deputies, to see the result of
the combat between the two warriors.
Mubidan also repaired to the Grecian Chief, and
towards you with the greatest impartiality, and he
has loaded you with favours, and he has only found
amongst his people Bahram, that can contend with
you; and the King observes even his inferiority.
But as he does not wish that his reputation should
be lost, his Vicegerent over the Arabs is arrived
this day, and with him a warrior, selected from the
heroes of Arabia, who says he will meet you, and
make your companions and comrades groan for you.
So prepare; and if you kill him or overcome him,
return to your master with all the property you
have brought with you.
Badhramoot was overjoyed at this; his bosom
swelled, and he was in ecstacy, and he said—Let
Chosroe order out this angry horseman—this day
will I haste against him, and make him drink the
cup of disgrace. And Mubidan added—Let the
persons of your faith bear witness for you. Antar
understood not what they were saying—Prepare for
battle, he cried; and immediately the Greek let go
the bridle, and assailed Antar the son of Shedad.
Antar was like a furious lion, as he thus spoke:
"This day I will aid King Monzar, and I will
exhibit my powers and my prowess before Chosroe;
I will break down the support of Greece
from its foundations, and I will sever Badhramoot's
head with my scimitar. I will exterminate
let him boast, let him scoff. Is it not known that
my power is sublime on high?—Is it not among
the stars in the vicinity of Jupiter? I am he
whose might is uncontrollable in battle. I am
of the race of Abs, the valiant lion of the cavern.
If thou art Badhramoot, I am called Antar among
men. It was easy for me to vanquish the armies
of Chosroe in the contest, and soon will I overthrow
Cæsar's self with my spear. Hear the
words of an intrepid lion, resolute, undaunted,
all-conquering. I am he of whom warriors can
bear witness in the combat under the turbid battle-dust.
My sword is my companion in the
night-shades, as are also my Abjer, and my
lance and my spear in the conflicts. Night is
my complexion, but day is my emblem; the sun
is unquestionably the mirror of my deeds. This
day thou shalt feel the truth of what I have said;
and I will prove that I am the Phœnix of the
age."
Then Antar rushed down upon the Grecian like
a cloud, and the Greek met him like a blazing
fire. They engaged like two lions; they maddened
at each other like two camels, and they dashed
against each other like two mountains, so that they
frightened every eye with their deeds. A dust
rose over them that hid them from the sight for
beyond his capacity, and a sea where there
was no rest: he was terrified and agitated, and
exclaimed—By the Messiah and his disciples! this
biscuit is not of the same leaven—this is the hour
of contention; and now is the time for struggle and
exertion. So he shouted and roared at Antar, and
attacked him with his spike-pointed spear, and dealt
him a furious thrust; but Antar eluded it by a
dexterous movement, and struck him with the heel
of his lance under the arm, and made him totter on
the back of his horse; and he almost hurled him on
the ground: but Badhramoot with infinite intrepidity
sat firm on his horse's back, and galloped to the
further part of the plain. Antar waited patiently
till he had recovered and his spirit was renewed,
when he returned upon him like a ferocious lion,
and recommenced the conflict.
King Monzar was highly gratified at the deeds
of Antar, and felt convinced that he was only sparing
him, and dallying with him, and that had he
wished to kill him, he would have done it. But
the Monarch was perfectly astonished at Antar's
courage; and turning to his attendants, said to
them—By the essence of fire, this is indeed horsemanship
and intrepidity. Never have I remarked
such but in an Arab! And he advanced towards
the field of battle that he might observe what passed
might see how the affair would terminate.
Now Bahram, when he perceived that Antar was
superior to himself in strength, and was mightier
than the Greek in the conflict, felt assured that he
would obtain the promised reward; so he was seized
with the disease of envy, which preyed in flames upon
his heart and his body, particularly when he heard
that Antar had slain the son of his uncle; then he
resolved to betray Antar, and make him drink of
the cup of perdition. So he waited till both were
involved in dust, when he drew from under his
thigh a dart more deadly than the misfortunes of
the age; and when he came near Antar, he raised
his arm and aimed at him the blow of a powerful
hero. It started from his hand like a spark of fire;
but Antar was quick of mind, and his eyes were
continually turning to the right and to the left, for
he was amongst a nation that were not of his own
race, and that put him on his guard, and he instantly
perceived Bahram as he aimed his dart at him; and
then casting away his spear out of his hand, he caught
the dart in the air with his heaven-endowed force
and strength, and rushing at the Greek, and shouting
at him with a paralysing voice, he struck him
with that very dart in the chest, and it issued out
quivering like a flame through his back; then wheeling
round Abjer, like a frightful lion he turned down
should slay Bahram, cried out to his attendants—
Keep off Antar from Bahram, or he will kill him,
and pour down annihilation upon him. So the
warriors and the satraps hastened after the dreadful
Antar, and conducted him to Chosroe; and as the
foam burst from his lips, and his eyeballs flashed
fire, he dismounted from Abjer, and thus spoke:
"May God perpetuate thy glory and happiness,
and mayst thou ever live in eternal bliss! O
thou King mighty in power, and the source of
justice on every occasion! I have left Badhramoot
prostrate on the sands—wallowing in blood.
At the thrust of my spear he fell dead, and his
flesh is the prey of the fowls of the air. I left
the gore spouting out from him like the stream
on the day of the copious rain. I am the
terrible warrior; renowned is my name, and I
protect my friend from every peril. Should
Cæsar himself oppose thee, O King, and come
against thee with his countless host, I will leave
him dead with his companions. True and unvarnished
is this promise. O King, sublime in
honours—illustrious and happy, thou art now my
firm refuge, and my stay in every crisis. Be
kind then, and grant me leave to go to my family,
and to prepare for my departure: for my anxiety,
and my passion for the noble-minded, brilliant-faced
peace—live in everlasting prosperity, surrounded
by joys and pleasures!"
Chosroe again marvelled at his eloquence, and
clothed him with an imperial robe, and presented
him five Arab horses, with saddles of burnished
gold, studded with pearls and jewels. He then addressed
Mubidan, and said—Deliver to this warrior
all that came with the Greek, whether merchandize
or beautiful maidens: and he knew no bounds
to his generosity, adding—Bring him to me to-morrow,
that I may exalt him with favours, and that I
may make him one of our Viceroys of the age. Do
ye want any thing further? cried he to the companions
of the Greek. Does any one wish for the
combat and the conflict? If so, let him hasten to
the field of battle.
No more talk we of war and contention, said they
all; we only came to this country with the Chief
to be witnesses of this event and conflict; and verily,
O King of the age, we have experienced every justice
from you. So they departed, and turned away
their steeds, and traversed the plains and deserts,
hardly crediting their escape.
Chosroe repaired to his palace, and Mubidan had
charge of Antar's affairs: he conducted him and
Monzar to the house of the Greek Chief, where
were the treasures and the presents. He opened
the pearls and the jewels and the precious stones.
Antar rejoiced and smiled, and exclaimed—O what
joy! where are thine eyes, O Ibla? but by the
faith of an Arab there is not in all the treasures of
the King one atom of her, no not one grain. And
as he regarded the maidens of Greece and of Europe
and the Cophtian slave girls, his joy was increased,
and he blessed the termination of his expedition;
and he kissed Mubidan's breast and beard, and he
praised him in these words:
"Thou hast granted me favours, and I must
publish my gratitude; thou hast accomplished
my every wish for happiness. I will thank thee
as long as I live, and if I die, my bones in their
grave shall praise thee."
Mubidan was truly gratified at Antar's praises.
Renowned hero, said he, we do not mean that you
should be content with this small gift, for this
is not our property. You shall soon behold our
beneficence; this is the wealth and these the jewels,
the blue-eyed Greek, whom you killed and made
to drink of the cup of death and disgrace, brought
with him. But we would not have consigned this
most precious property, and these maidens who resemble
the constellations, but to one who should
vanquish and debase him: and verily, you are
the irresistible one, that has done that, and the
it by your actions. He then ordered the
slaves to spread carpets in a splendid mansion, and
to arrange the vases and ewers; and they did as
they were ordered: they laid out the dinner tables
before Monzar and Antar and their companions.
And when Antar observed the variety of delicious
meats, of mutton and pigeons and thrushes, and
the quantity of doves, and the profusion of sweetmeats,
he turned towards Monzar, and said—My
lord, are these various viands their usual victuals?
are they at all times accustomed to such luscious
things? for I see here no camel's flesh. What art
thou talking of? cried Monzar; think no more of
the inhabitants of the wilds and deserts, and those
that drink camel's milk night and day; habituate
thyself to the inhabitants of towns and cities, for
thou must live in the vicinity of great Kings. So
Antar ate till he was satisfied; the glasses passed
round, and they killed the jovial hours in mirth
and merriment: and when the female slaves knew
they were the property of Antar, they came to offer
their service, and whenever he got up or sat down,
they surrounded him: but he would not take the
least notice of them, for no one but Ibla was in his
heart.
O Aboolfawaris, said Monzar, thou dost not delight
in, or seem to look on thy slaves with pleasure;
painful reflections, or thoughts of thine own country,
for thou hast risen to the rank of princes; and
were the Chieftains of thy nation to see thee, how
they would envy thee! Antar heard this; he sighed
from his sorrowing heart, and tears flowed from his
eyes. O my lord, said he, I swear by your existence,
all this grandeur has no value, no charm in
my eyes; love of my native land is the fixed passion
of my soul, and he thus continued:
"The fresh breeze comes in the morn, and when
it blows on me with its refreshing essence, it is
more grateful to me than all which my power has
obtained in nightly depredations—than all my
property and wealth. The realms of Chosroe I
would not covet, were the phantom of my love to
vanish from my sight. May the showers of rain
ever bedew the lands and mounds of Shoorebah!
lands, where the brilliancy of the veiled full
moons may be seen in the obscurity of their sable
ringlets—where my heart chases among them a
damsel whose eyes are painted with antimony,
more lovely than the Houri. Thou mayst see
in her teeth a liquor when she smiles, where the
wine cup is studded with pearls. The fawn has
borrowed the magic of her eye, and it is the lion
of the earth that chases its prey for her beauty.
Lovely maid—delicately formed—beauteous—enchanting!
of the moon abashed. O Ibla, the anguish of
absence is in my heart—thou mayst see the shafts
of death driven through my soul. O Ibla, did
not thy visionary form visit me by night, I should
pass the night in sorrows and restlessness. O
Ibla, how many calamities have I endured and
have plunged into them with my highly tempered
falchion, whilst the charging steeds and undaunted
warriors dive into the ever perilous ocean
of death."
Monzar was greatly surprised at Antar's fluency
of speech, and the force of his love and passion, and
he began conversing with him about what occupied
his mind; and thus they continued till it was
dark, and sleep came upon them. So they passed
the night there. In the morning came Mubidan to
them, accompanied by a troop of slaves. He complimented
them, and inquired about their night's
rest, and how they were pleased. Mount your
horses, he continued, to go and compliment Chosroe,
for he is prepared to go out hunting and amuse himself.
As to me, said Antar, I have no other desire
but speedily to return to my family and my country,
that my friends and companions may see me, and the
Asafeer camels I have with me as a marriage dower
for my uncle's daughter.
Mubidan smiled at these words, and knew his
pectations shall be gratified with respect to the Asafeer
camels, all laden, and many others besides; and
you shall not return to your native land, ere you receive
them all piled up with burthens. Antar expressed
his thanks, and with Monzar mounted, and
they all accompanied Mubidan, till on perceiving
Nushirvan they instantly dismounted. Antar presented
himself, and attempted to kiss Chosroe's feet
in the stirrup, but the King not only prevented him,
but stooped towards him, and kissed him between the
eyes; and never had Nushirvan conferred such a
mark of distinction on any one but Antar, the
destroyer of heroes, on account of his having vanquished
the Greek warrior, and having removed distress
and affliction from his mind. He ordered some
noble Arab horses to be brought before Antar; and
the satraps delivered to him some of the finest breed,
all glittering with housings of burnished gold. Antar
mounted, and Chosroe kept him by his side and
treated him as a companion, and conversed with him,
and inquired about his night's rest, and his love for
his tribe and friends. They continued their ride
till they reached the hunting spot; but no one entered
that place except Nushirvan, when he wished
to hunt and amuse himself; and guards were stationed
over it on all sides, fearful that any one
should enter; and as it was filled in all quarters
from before them; and as the horsemen advanced,
the birds took to flight from every part; the warriors
galloped and the heroes raced their steeds, and
they spread abroad in all directions.
When Antar observed this sport, he urged on his
horse with the other riders, and pursued a herd of
deer with great eagerness, and at length overtook
them; he galloped among them, and stretched
many of them on the plain, and he was much amused
and pleased. But whilst he was thus occupied, behold
an horseman pounced down upon him like an
eagle, and as he came up to him, he opened wide his
arm, and stretching himself out, struck Antar a
violent blow: it fell between his shoulders; it staggered
him, and almost laid him prostrate; but he
recovered himself; he was however tottering from
the back of his horse, when,—Take that, thou Hedjaz
dog! cried the villain; and if thou hast any
breath of life in thee, come on and fight, for I must
slay thee, thou vile black, as thou slewest my cousin
Khosrewan, and the Greek, and made them drink
of the cup of death and disgrace; and thou hast
obtained possession of all that property and those
beauteous slaves, and thou art exalted in the presence
of Chosroe.
Now this horseman was Bahram, the chief of
Deelem. He conceived against Antar a deadly hatred
body; and when Chosroe ordered him not to get
into any disputes with Antar, warning him against
his superior powers, Bahram went to his own people,
and said to them—If this slave depart in safety with
all his spoil and plunder, our honour will be debased
among the tribes of the Cross and the Priest's
gown, and no one will have any respect for us. From
that time he indulged to such a degree his envy
against Antar, that he watched him till he thus
caught him alone in the hunt, and traitorously assailed
him. But he knew not that Antar was a
warrior, fixed as the mountain's roots; and as he
still saw him firmly seated on his horse, he grasped
his sword and advanced at him; but Antar, recovering
from the violence of the blow, wheeled round his
horse and waited till he recognised his foe: then he
sought him as a bird of prey the weakest dove, and
his assault was the assault of the fiercest lion; and
thus he addressed him:
"The Almighty has exposed thee to a lion
warrior, that thou mayest fall subdued by my
sword, O thou, sprung from the worshippers of
the sunbeams, and from those who adore the
blazing flames. Fate will repay thee, for it has
devoted thee to the fight with me, and to the horrors
of my strength. Despair; all thy hopes are
frustrated, founded on the crush of thy mace and
that when it sees the flame imagines its safety is
in its destruction. Stand firm then to the spear-thrust
of him whose force thou hast sought.
Thou wouldst insult a lion, powerful in every combat.
Take then the spear-thrust from the hand
of one to whom the dæmons of the desert have
bowed in submission, and from whom they implore
the aid of God."
Then he came down on him like a cloud, and he
aimed a slight thrust at him with the heel of his
spear, and broke his ribs, and threw him from the
back of his horse the distance of two spears' lengths.
The warriors of Deelem beheld the deed, and
thought he was dead and in a state of annihilation;
and they all rushed down upon Antar, crying at him
in their various dialects. But he met them like a flash
of lightning, and he began driving at them and repulsing
them—his eyeballs turned red, they appeared
like crimson blood—he grasped his never-failing
Dhami in his hand, resolved not to leave a
Deelemite alive. Just then came up Chosroe with
his visiers and satraps, and they cried out to the
Deelemites in Persian, for they had heard what
Bahram had done: and the Deelemites withdrew from
the combat, saying, This black slave has brought
disgrace upon us, and has slain our Chief! 'Tis
false, said Mubidan, ye foul wretches of Deelem,
to have treated him kindly, and have waited on him
himself, for he has done for us what no human being
could do, and if he has slain your Chief, he is not to
blame.
Mubidan then requested Antar to advance, who
related all that had passed between him and Bahram;
and Chosroe believed his words, for he was
aware of the folly of his servant. He then ordered
his satraps to seize the Deelemites, and bring them
before him to strike off their heads. They seized
them all, and pinioned their shoulders and bound
their arms. But Antar, seeing Bahram's attendants
thus disgraced, dismounted from Abjer, and advanced
towards the great King, and kissing the
earth before him, begged him to pardon them,
saying, O my lord, pardon is becoming in you, and
most suitable for such as you—here I kiss your
noble hands, praying you to forgive them this crime,
for to-morrow I intend to return home: my objects
and wishes with respect to you are accomplished,
and I do not wish to be mentioned after my departure,
but for virtuous deeds; and let it not be
said of me, I went unto a tribe, and left it in disgrace
and clothed with shame.
Chosroe admired Antar's benevolence and generosity
of soul; he granted his request, and released
the Deelemites. At mid-day he returned from the
city of the world, and in it was collected all that the
lip or the tongue can covet. It was a superb palace,
like a fairy pavilion—ninety cubits in length, and
seventy cubits wide, built of marble and red cornelian;
in the centre was a fountain filled with rosewater
and purest musk, in the middle of it was
a column of emerald, and on its summit a hawk
of burnished gold: its eyes were topazes and its
beak jasper; round it were various birds, scattering
from their bills upon Chosroe, and all that were
present, musk and ambergris. The whole edifice
was scented with perfumes, and the ceilings of
the palace glittered with gold and silver. It was
one of the wonders of the period, and the miracle of
the age. When Antar entered, his mind was bewildered
at the pictures and colours he saw, and he
thus expressed himself.
"A Palace—greetings and peace be on it—Time
has spread its beauties over it. A Palace—the
roofs of cities might stand beneath its roof. On
it are the directions for the paths of virtue.
Strong are its columns, gilded are its walls; mankind
may glory in its magnificence. Over its
gates have jewels and pure unalloyed gold disposed
their honours; there is nothing further to be desired.
On it are the wonders of every species of
miracle; the senses are bewildered in describing
nothing can exceed its excellence. And the King
shines above all Kings in his acts and his justice—
May days and years endure for him!"
At the upper end of the gardens there was raised
for Chosroe a throne of burnished gold and pillars
of green emerald, and pedestals of silver that sent
forth refulgent rays in the darkest night. Round
it were stools of ivory and ebony inlaid with brilliant
gold. Chosroe seated himself on the throne,
and ordered Monzar and Antar to sit by him; thus
exalting him high above all that were present.
The attendants and suite also sat down; every one
took his place; and they were no sooner arranged
than the dinner tables were served with various
dainties, and a profusion of fruits and sweetmeats.
Chosroe advanced, and all that were present, and
partook of the repast. But Antar's eyes were
in confusion. He sat down on his knees, and
bared his arms, chucking the things into his mouth,
but never moved his jaws: he gorged himself like
an hungry Arab, and roared like a wild beast, to
the great amazement of Chosroe, who supplied him
with every variety that was before him: and Antar
devoured them, as he asked Monzar the name of
each. So they brought him meats of all kinds till
he had crammed his stomach; then raising his head
up he thus spoke:
"Hail, O King, whose bounties, in his age, stand
in lieu of the rain. O thou, the Kiblah[21]
of petitioners—O
crown of glory—O full moon of this
period—O thou planet Saturn—O thou whose
seat is raised above Pisces—O thou the refuge of
all that sorrow—thy station is on high far above
the world—it is a rain-cloud that bestows its
showers on mankind. When he fights, all the
world fear his assaults, as if a lion were by his
side. He is the seat of justice in his age—liberality
and equity reign in his realms. O ye dwellers
in the land of Abs, I have received from Chosroe
and his munificence what cannot be described
or enumerated—no day can suffice to detail an
account of such goodness. The King has attained
the heights of virtue by his glory; and happiness
dwells in his palace. With him I am firmly
established in honour, and in his gardens I have
beheld a fountain whose waters abound like his
favours, and the liberality of his palm. His
garden contains every flower of every species,
and brilliant are their charms. The birds
in every note sing as if they were praising his
bounties to us. He is a King! whenever he
charges in the day of battle, the lions of the war are
astonished at his greatness, Victory is among his
Amongst nations then will I speak my gratitude
for his favours, and I will engage the horsemen
on his side."
When Antar had delighted the King by his eloquence,
the slaves presented him the wine, and
they poured him out wine that was like fire, and resembled
the rosy cheeks of a mistress, till the liquor
played with his wits, and refreshed all the pleasures
he had enjoyed. Antar looked upon this jovial
feast as a dream: for his heart and soul were at
home, and all his desires centered in Ibla. After
some time Chosroe addressed him, and asked him
questions, and joked and laughed with him, inquiring
about his country and its habitations. Antar
related all that had passed with his uncle Malik and
the tribe of Abs and so forth; and when the King
was certain that his affection for Ibla was unshaken,
and that his love could not possibly admit of increase;
—I am truly surprised, O Absian, said he, at your
forbearance and your reserve, your grievanc s being
of such a nature. O my lord, said Antar, I swear
by the existence of your munificence, that is unbounded,
and the liberality of your hands, that can
never be forgotten, I am a dead man among the
living! O Aboolfawaris, added Monzar, abandon
the expressions of ignorant Arabs, and recollect that
you are in a place where decorum and civility are
the voice of the songstress who would soothe the
afflicted; and enjoy the happy hours. Ah! said
Antar, how delightful would be all you say were
my heart at ease, and thus he exclaimed:
"Wine cannot calm my heart, sickness will not
quit my body—my eyelids are ever sore—tears
ever stream in torrents from them. The songstress
would soothe my heart with her voice, but
my love-sick heart loathes it. The remembrances
of Ibla draw off my mind from her song, and I
would say to my friend, this is all a dream. In
the land of Hedjaz are the tents of my tribe, and
to meet them again is forbidden me. Amongst
the tents of that people is a plump-hipped damsel
that never removes her veil, and under her veil
are eyes that inspire sickness, and the pupils of
her eyes strike with disease. Between her lips is
the purest musk, and camphor diluted with wine.
My love and madness are dear to me, for to him
who loves, sweet is the pang of love. O daughter
of Malik, let my foe triumph in my absence; let
them watch or sleep. But in my journey I have
encountered events that would turn children grey
in their cradles. Pleasures have succeeded to
difficulties, and I have met a monarch whom no
words can describe—a King to whom all the
creation is a slave, and to whom fortune is a vassal,
know not whether it is the sea or a cloud. The
sun has invested him with a crown, so that the
world need not fear darkness. The stars are his
jewels, in which there is a moon brilliant and luminous,
as at its full. Mankind is corporeal, and
he is spiritual. Let every joint and every member
laud his name. Live for ever, Prince of the
horsemen, long as the dove pours its plaintive
note, live for ever!"
Chosroe was greatly pleased and surprised at
these verses, for he was himself eloquent in the
Arabian dialect. Were I to give you my kingdom,
O Absian, said he, it would be a small gift in comparison
with your deserts, for what I can grant is
but transitory, like all other things; but your commendations
will endure for ages. Oblige me, and
demand of me what may gratify you, that I may at
any rate make you some compensation for your
praises. Indeed, said Antar, I have fallen by your
bounty into a sea that has neither length nor breadth,
and I shall not return but with what will raise my
glory amongst my countrymen; but I really do wish
my uncle's daughter, Ibla, had on her head a tiara
like this, for it would set her off finely; but I know
it is very ill-bred in me to make such a request.
Chosroe laughed and smiled at Antar's remark:
he spoke to one of his satraps, who rose up, and
slaves bearing a canopy of silver: on the top of it
was a hawk formed of burnished gold; its eyes were
of topazes, and its feet emeralds. This canopy,
Aboolfawaris, shall serve your uncle's daughter to
sit in on the night of her marriage with you, and in
this tiara shall she be wedded to you; and he took
the tiara from his head, and untying his girdle and
mantle and his coronet, he laid them down in the
pavilion, desiring Antar to accept them all. Antar
advanced towards the King, kissed his hands, and
thus addressed him:
"O King of the universe, I thank thee for the
vast gifts thou hast bestowed upon me: thou hast
granted me favours I cannot bear; thou art the
most beneficent of all that tread the earth! thou
art the man to whom all Kings bow in the day of
battle; every Arab and every Persian. But thy
slave still lives in the agony he endures from his
love, his weakness, and his passion. He lives far
from his friends, for whom he thirsts; and languishing
for Ibla, he lives restless in torments."
The King's astonishment increased. Absian, said
he, oblige me by demanding what more you want;
I request of you, said Antar, the renewal of the appointment
of King Monzar. I will do it, Antar,
said Chosroe; and he directed it to be written
throughout the imperial dominions, that Monzar
and had he even a blind daughter, she should
be the ruler thereof. Have you any other want?
said he, delivering the letter to Antar. I have no
other wish, said Antar, but to return to my country
and home.
When those that envied and hated Antar among
the Persians, on account of the presents and honours
he had received, saw this, they conspired to destroy
him, and carry off his property. Now Chosroe
had a famous wrestler, called Rostam, and he was
celebrated for his pugilistic skill through various
realms and citieś. Antar's enemies went to him in
order to instigate him against Antar, saying—Know,
most expert of men, that this insignificant worthless
black slave has received Chosroe's tiara and immense
wealth, and is returning with it to his own
country. Rostam sprang up like a lion, and presenting
himself to the King without asking permission,
kissed the ground—O great King, said
he, if you have any consideration for me, let not a
slave of the desert be more dignified than I am.
You have made him one of your associates. I am
the pugilist of your throne, and therefore let not
that head be raised above me.
Antar heard and saw, but understood not what
was passing. Rostam, said Chosroe, abandon this
envious disposition, or thou wilt die of anguish. I
you, and then I will prove to you he is not worthy
your esteem. I will slay him with this mace, and
will unite him to the tribes of Aad and Themood[22] .
On hearing this, the King was greatly vexed.
Do you comprehend, said he to Antar, what he
says, Aboolfawaris? I have not understood what he
said, but I can perceive that he is very jealous, and
that his head is like the head of a camel, said Antar.
Let me hear what he wants, that I may comply
with his request. This man is my wrestler, said
Chosroe, and is come to try his strength with you
in wrestling, and prove your powers in the combat.
Is he not one of your warriors? asked Antar; and
those with him, are they not your men? Yes, said
Chosroe. I forbade his interference with you, but
he will not be dissuaded. Well, said Antar, I cannot
allow my arm to be extended to his injury, and
my heart will not allow me to hurt him on account
of your bounty and favour, and great kindness towards
me: not that this unwillingness on my part
originates in fear, or in any inferiority to him; but
that the Arabs should hear of me, and accuse me
of making troubles and dissensions; nor that the
noble Arabs may say of me that Antar, the son of
Shedad, presented himself to Chosroe, and partook
of his food, and then slew his subjects in his presence.
wrestle with him, will you kill him? Yes, said
Antar, for he only seeks to wrestle with me, that
he may destroy me; and you know, O King, that
wrestling is one species of warfare; and justice and
propriety are required in it: and if one antagonist
prevails over the other antagonist, he abuses and
reviles him; but should his antagonist be angry at
him, he kills him.
Listen to me, said Chosroe to Rostam; do not
provoke this man. I fear for you, lest he overcome
you; and if you do not behave properly to him, he
will tear out your life from between your ribs. I
must wrestle with him, said Rostam: if he kills me,
let my blood and property be his, and esteemed
duly won among these warriors. Strip off your
clothes then, said Chosroe, his countenance inflamed
with wrath, and prepare for the combat. I will tell
him that he may engage with you, and that your
blood will be fairly his. So Rostam took off his
garments, and was stripped from his shoulders, that
were harder than a rock, and his twisted arms were
like columns.
Arise, Aboolfawaris, said the King, and wrestle
with him; and if he plays the fool with you, slay
him, and hasten his death, and mind not the consequences:
you are not answerable for his blood.
Antar sprang on his legs, and threw about his
and as he was about to begin, Aboolfawaris, said
Chosroe, you have not stripped, or put on the short
breeches, as every pugilist does. By your existence,
O King of the age, replied Antar, I never in my life
wrestled with short breeches, and never will I wrestle
but in the clothes of a horseman. Chosroe was greatly
troubled. By the burning of fire, he exclaimed,
never, in the course of my life, have I seen a man
wrestle as a horseman, without breeches. To-day,
said Antar, you shall see what I will do with Rostam
in the presence of these warriors.
Antar went up to Rostam. Rostam bent himself
like an arch, and appeared like a burning flame. He
rushed upon Antar with all his force, for he looked
on him as a common man, and he did not know that
Antar, even in his youth, used to wrestle with he
and she camels in the plains and the rocks. They
grasped each other with their hands, they butted with
their heads, they assaulted with their whole might,
like two lions or two elephants. Rostam stretched
out his hand at Antar's waistband, and clung to it,
and attempted to lift him up in his arms; but he
found him like a stone fixed in a tower, and he
tottered before him. Then he repented of what
he had done, and of having provoked Antar. He
slackened his hold, and he ran round him for an hour,
in the presence of Chosroe and his attendants. He
then sprang behind him, and thrust his head between
his neck, and to dash him on the ground; but Antar
knew what were his intentions and his secret designs:
so he closed his knees on Rostam's neck, and
almost made his eyeballs start from their sockets,
and nearly deprived him of life. Rostam was terrified,
and wished to escape from between his legs,
but he could not; every attempt failed: Antar was
like a block of stone growing on a desert or a mountain.
Antar seized him by his breeches, and clung
to him, and raised him up in his hands, like a sparrow
in the claws of a bird of prey, and walked away
with him among the multitude, wishing to wrestle
quietly before the King. But Rostam, when he saw
his life was in Antar's hands, like a young child was
abashed and mortified before the warriors and satraps,
and the great King. He clenched his fist, and
struck Antar on the ear. Antar soon recovered
from the blow—he returned to the threshold of the
palace, and dashed him on the ground, and smashed
him to atoms. Then presenting himself to Chosroe,
he thus spoke:
"Death has resolved he should die slain, and
should be subdued and disgraced by me. Curses
on his hands! It was his arrogant folly that
pointed out the road by which he should be destroyed.
Had thy eyes beheld my deeds in the
combat, where the spears tear the hands of the
lancers, thou wouldst have feared for the extinction
lengthened action. O King, who hast enjoyed
every glory, listen to my story and the account
of my honours. He sought in every way to increase
his fame by his deeds; so I left him after
that reduced to infamy. Truly he hastened the
time of his own fate, and his destiny was at my
disposal. God ordained his death for his acts,
and determined it should be executed by my
hand. Hail, then, O King! live for ever in
protected happiness that may never fail thee."
Then was Nushirvan quite confounded at his
powers. O King, said Antar, I swear by the two
eyes of Ibla (to me the most sacred of oaths), that
when I raised him on my hands, my only intention
was to bring him before you and wrestle in your
presence; but as he transgressed the fair laws of
battle, there was nothing for him but death. Chosroe
believed what he said, and ordered Rostam's
property to be confiscated, and to be transferred to
Antar, and he gave him a written assignment of
his possessions and fiefs.
And when the day was spent, Monzar hemmed
the signal for rising: Antar arose and asked Chosroe's
permission to commence his journey: the
order being given for his being supplied with the
finest steeds, and all their golden accountrements and
rich housings. They went to the house that was
set apart for them; where Antar found treasures
camels, and other goods no words can tell. Antar
asked whence they came: Aboolfawaris, said Monzar,
this is the property of Rostam: and they rcposed
till morning; when Mubidan came and complimented
them, and as he was going with them to
Nushirvan, said Antar to the Vizier, Indeed, my
lord, you have overwhelmed your slave with favours
and kindnesses, no tongue can describe; still
I have one wish that you would allow me to view
the Temples of Fire, that I may behold their ministers
and treasures, and the service required in
them. There let me observe its blazing, and how
the officers supply the flame; so that, on my return
home, I may be able to relate to my friends what
I have seen in the Temples of Fire. O Aboolfawaris,
replied Mubidan, I cannot possibly conduct
you to the Temples of Fire, because you scoff at
them. But if you are verily anxious to enter,
purify your thoughts towards the adored God,
and prostrate yourself in worship. I swear by the
Almighty God, added Antar, that I do not visit
them but with the purest views; for I am aware
they are one of God's miracles. Upon this, Mubidan
led him to the Chief Temple, where he beheld
a magnificent building, of yellow brass, raised
on pillars of steel, with precious stones in the interstices—the
wonder of the age, to astonish the
wisest of men. It had three stories, and to each
story were three portals, and to each portal were
gazed at these men with glittering forms; and
round the waists of each were leather coverings in
the form of short breeches; and they were standing
at the doors of the Temple, some near and
some at a distance. In their hands were pokers of
steel, with which they raised the flame, heedless of
the God of the two worlds, and uttering Magian
words, that ravished the soul: whilst their Sheikh,
seated on a bench of skin, chaunted in his own
tongue. The fire blazed before him; the fuel was
of aloe-wood; towards which they all addressed
their prostrations, saying, "I and you, we laud
the adored God." Mubidan accosted him with
salutations, and prostrated himself before the fire,
and walked round it, whilst Antar followed in great
astonishment and surprise at all he did. However,
he imitated him in every thing he observed him do;
at which Mubidan was extremely pleased, seeing
him thus walk round, and offer up his prayers.
Ever, O Aboolfawaris, said he, may you continue
your adorations to the fire, night and day; in it
have I ever found my safety and prosperity. Never
may any injury assail you! may no foe ever harm
your person! My lord, replied Antar, where can
we ever find a fire like your fire, for you kindle it
with aloe-wood and perfumes; thence proceeds a
delicious vapour, and thence issues this fragrant
essence, that exhilarates the heart. But our abode
is a barren waste, where nought is to be procured
wood, whence proceeds a smoke and smell, to blind
the sight and distract the brain, and to confuse the
senses. Mubidan laughed, and felt convinced that
Antar would never relinquish the worship of statues
and images. After this, they quitted the Temple
of Fire, and the fragrant odours, more exquisite
than ambergris. Just then the recollection of Ibla
occurred to his mind, and his imagination being
agitated with his passion, he thus spoke:
"The logs of aloe sparkle in the fire, and the
flames blaze high in the air; the sweetness of its
vapour refreshes my heart, when it is wafted
with a northerly wind. Its brilliancy and flame
are like the face of my beauteous Ibla. But,
O fire, blaze not—burn not—for in my heart is
a flame more furious than thee! Sleep has abandoned
my eyes by night, when I behold my
friends in the wings of darkness. Delightful
would be to me the abode of my tribe, were I
even poor, and not worth a halter. In a distant
land, I should feel no more anxiety for the song,
though all its cities were in my possession. The
smoke of the herbs at home, when it is scented
even with camel's dung, is sweeter to me than
the aloe-wood, and more brilliant to my eyes in
the obscurity of night. O my lord, my anxiety
increases to see my friends: so permit me to depart;
thou art my stay and my support; be merciful,
and compassionate my situation. I have
success of my projects. So grant me my request;
and mayst thou ever live happy; mayst thou
live long, and glorious, and great, in every felicity
and every honour."
After this, Mubidan conducted Antar to the
treasuries of the Persian monarch, where he opened
chests full of the precious metals, and jewels, and
pearls, and articles, that confounded the sight, and
amazed the senses. Come, Aboolfawaris, said he,
what do you want? What the king, in his munificence,
replied Antar, has already bestowed on me,
is sufficient for me. An Arab only prides himself
on the number of his horses, and his he and she
camels, and I have already obtained endless abundance;
but to show my obedience, I will take
these three strings, and this chaplet of jewels, for
the daughter of my uncle, Ibla. But as he cast
his eyes around, he beheld a pavilion, whose like
no king of the world possessed. It was called the
Hemisphere, and it was a load for forty camels.
It first belonged to Shedad the son of Aad; it
descended to Pharaoh, and afterwards to Nimrod,
the son of Canaan; and it continued to descend
from King to King till it came to the Emperor of
Greece. At that time Chosroe and Cæsar reigned
over the whole earth—and the Euphrates divided
them. The Emperor ruled over the countries of
Europe and the Christian tribes, and Chosroe Nushirvan
ruled over the Arabs and the Persians.
tribute to the Monarch of Persia, for his orders
were obeyed in every land. But one year the
Emperor went to visit the Persian king; and as
amongst all his riches he had nothing to offer as a
present but this pavilion, he gave it to him; and
by the command of Chosroe it was pitched at
Modayin, and it occupied in its immensity half the
land of Modayin. The Persian king was greatly
astonished, and every beholder was amazed; for it
was of network, formed of plates of gold and silver
and emeralds; and there were painted on it all that
God had created—cities, villages, towns, trees,
birds, countries, waters, and rivers. And Chosroe,
as he looked at its beauties, was so overjoyed, that
he relieved the Emperor from the capitation and
tribute for ten whole years. It remained in the
treasury of the King till Antar came with Monzar
to Modayin, and slew the Greek warrior, and entered
the treasury of the Persian Monarch: and as
he looked at the pavilion, he said to Mubidan, I
wish to have that pavilion, that I may present it
to Ibla on the night of my marriage. Mubidan
smiled, and ordered the slaves to remove the pavilion
to the house; and they did as they were bid:
and as they were quitting the treasury, said Antar
to Mubidan, Know, my lord, that when I entered
the temples of the Fire, I asked of it a favour; I
know not whether it will grant it, or whether it
will detain me longer, and withhold it. What was
requested, replied Antar, a speedy return to my
family and country. Know then, said Mubidan,
if the Fire consent to thy prayer, to-morrow, at an
early hour, preparations shall be made for the
journey. Upon this they proceeded to the King's
palace. He received them most graciously, and
seating Antar near him, inquired after his health,
and what he had received. Verily, said Antar, the
tongue fails in describing what I, your slave, have
received from your bounty and munificence; and
I have nothing further to demand, but a return to
my family and country. But the King, turning
towards Mubidan, threw him a roll of leaves, and
said, Put aside all that is noted in this roll, property
and jewels, for Aboolfawaris Antar. I have
written to the treasury for money—to the wardrobe
for superb stuffs—to the armoury for cuirasses and
arms—and to the keeper of the women for male
and female slaves; and let the whole be given over
to Antar, in addition to the confiscated property,
and with what he has chosen, and the pavilion
called the Hemisphere; so that no blame or reproach
be attached to me, but the reproach be on
you alone. His departure must still be delayed
three days: and when all is prepared for his journey,
inform me, that I may also go forth to bid him
farewell, and do towards him as he deserves at my
hands.
Early next day Antar started up, and having
The latter sent for the treasurer, and told him what
quantity of money the king had assigned to Aboolfawaris
Antar; and he said, I have the Great King's
order for a hundred thousand imperial dinars, and
a hundred thousand Dakyanos dinars, each dinar
of the value of seven, and four hundred thousand
dirhems of silver to distribute; and five hundred
embroidered velvet robes, and a thousand silk vests,
of the royal manufacture, as presents; and, moreover,
four thousand pieces of light silk for khelaats,
to give away; and be all this property ready, in
chests and on mules. Mubidan called for the
armourer, and told him what the King had ordered
respecting pavilions, tents, and cuirasses, and arms,
for Aboolfawaris Antar, saying, I have received the
royal signet to assign over to Aboolfawaris Antar
twenty of the grandest pavilions, and pavilions-denominated
Quarter Globes; and four thousand common
tents, and four thousand cuirasses, and four
thousand breast-plates, and every thing of that description,
according to the list; and all with their
respective cases and camels. Mubidan sent for the
keeper of the women, and communicated the orders
of the Great King respecting Aboolfawaris Antar,
saying, I have received the royal signet to consign
over to Antar four hundred white male slaves, with
their clothes and accoutrements, and their horses
and their trappings: and four hundred strong black
slaves, fit for battle and war, with their Chief Aboolmout,
and their breast-plates, and cuirasses; and four
hundred Georgian female slaves, and four hundred
fair European slaves, and four hundred Copht, and
four hundred Persian slaves, and four hundred
slaves of Tibah; and let every slave be mounted
on a mule, and under every slave let there be two
chests of rich silk.
And Mubidan having directed his deputy to
prepare all he had enumerated in three days, Antar
and Monzar, and the heroes that were with them,
withdrew, preceded by servants loaded with presents,
and khelaats, and money. But when the
three days had expired, the slaves came forth with
their burthens, and prepared the camels and the
mules. And just as Antar was setting out, behold
Mubidan came towards him, and taking him by
the hand, conducted him to Nushirvan. As soon
as Antar entered the hall of audience, he kissed
the ground. The King directed him to be seated.
Aboolfawaris, said he, I have heard from King
Monzar that you slew in his presence one of the
lions of Khifan, your feet being fettered, and only
your hands at liberty.—Now this event is thus explained:—When
Bahram, the Chief of Dilem, saw
that Antar had acquired such an increase of wealth,
all that the Greek had brought with him from the
Emperor, and all the property of the wrestler Rostam,
and presents and donations which were in
Mubidan's possession, the disease of envy fell upon
presented himself to Chosroe, and exclaimed, O
most noble Monarch, the Kings of the world have
not received from you what you have bestowed on
this black slave; and he is a worthless, insignificant
wretch! He slew your satrap Khosrewan; he routed
his army of twenty thousand horse; and the Kings
of the age will say of you, that your munificence is
only the result of your fear of his sword and spear.
The Emperor will also be enraged against you,
because he has slain his warrior, and made him
drink of the cup of death and perdition; and he
will demand of you blood and revenge. My opinion
is, you should seize this wicked slave; take back
all the presents you have made him; and detain
him in slavery and bondage. Slay him, and make
him drink of the cup of annihilation. The King
was exceedingly wrath; And what, he exclaimed,
shall be my excuse with the Kings of the world,
when they shall say, Nushirvan gave a Bedoween
immense wealth, then betrayed him, and took back
all he had bestowed on him? I shall be called a
miser. Renounce such a project, O Bahram! If
you fear the reproaches of Kings, returned Bahram,
send for this slave into your presence! tell him you
have heard from King Monzar that he slew a lion
of Khifan before him when his feet were fettered,
and his hands alone at liberty. He will say, Yes,
O King! Then say you wish to see him combat
have brought up and named Khemees—huge as an
elephant: a beast, your armies and your horsemen
dare not face. Should he slay that ferocious lion,
he will have merited at your hands the wealth you
have bestowed on him. Should the lion destroy
him, all your property will revert to you. The
Kings of the wilds and the deserts will hold you
excused, and no reproach be attached to your name.
The Monarch hung his head towards the ground;
and after a little reflection, he exclaimed, But should
Antar slay the lion, and make him taste of the cup
of vengeance —. Should Antar slay the lion,
said Bahram, interrupting him, then let my blood
and my property be legally his. Chosroe joyed in
his heart, and ordered him to be seated; and Mubidan
was directed to produce the hero. So he
repaired to his dwelling, and, preventing his departure,
conducted him to the presence of the Great
King. When Antar entered the audience-chamber,
he made his salutation, and kissed the ground. The
King ordered him to sit down; and after talking
familiarly with him for a while, I have heard, he
continued, O Aboolfawaris, from King Monzar,
that you engaged a lion in his presence, your legs
being fettered, and only your hands at liberty. I
am very anxious to see you thus contend with a
lion which I have brought up, and named Khemees;
huge as an immense elephant—of amazing strength
only sent for me to meet a lion? He is the veriest
dog of the wilds and the plains. By your life, O
King of the age, I was thinking that you could
only have called on me in some great crisis, or
against a vast army, in order that I might destroy
them with my sword. But if it be only to encounter
this brute, come on, as you please! The Monarch
was struck with wonder at the strength of his heart,
and commanded the lion to be brought forth. A
concourse of people went out; and having bound
the beast of the forests with chains of iron, and
five stout warriors holding each a link of the chain,
they dragged him out. His body was of enormous
length, his make broad, his chest wide, his nostrils
flat, his mane yellow, and flashes of fire shot from
his eyes. Each fang was a horror, and his claws
terrors. At the sight, the King's indignation against
Bahram increased; but turning towards Antar,
Now, Aboolfawaris, he cried, descend; let me behold
your contest with this furious lion. Antar
instantly sprang up; and tucking the skirts of his
garments within his girdle, he grasped his sword in
his right, and his shield in his left hand, and, thus
armed, stalked towards the lion, his heart harder
than rock; and, as he thought of Ibla, he thus
spoke:
"O lion, stand firm—flinch not, attack me, for
I fear thee not—assault me, I will not shrink
from the fight with one like thee—I dread thee
fierce of aspect, but no coward. This day thou
shalt lie prostrate—thou shalt be humbled low
in the dust.—Receive the blow from the arm of
Antar, and lie deeply dyed in thine own blood."
The mind of the King was rapt in astonishment
at these verses; and he felt more and more
the intrepidity of Antar, who stood in front of the
lion, and, shouting at him, began to draw him on,
as a ferocious lion does a weaker animal:—sometimes
he assailed him on the left, sometimes from
the right; and the lion knew not which way to
turn in the presence of Antar, who, at length, crying
out "O by Abs! O by Adnan! I am ever
the lover of Ibla!" struck the beast with Dhami
between the eyes, and the sword continued to slide
through his body till it issued out between his
thighs. Antar cut him in twain before the Hall of
Audience as if he had divided him with a scale;
then, coming forward, he prayed for the continuation
of the Monarch's glory. "Never be thy
hand paralysed!" cried Chosroe: "may no one
ever harm thee, O Aboolfawaris, thou ornament of
every assembly! for thou art indeed an undaunted
lion, and a victorious warrior! and thy enemies are
overthrown." He instantly ordered Bahram to be
seized and his head to be struck off, and his property
to be given to Antar—money, furniture, and
slaves; and though Antar wished to intercede for
him, "By the burning of the Fire, O horseman of
"It was he who persuaded me to order this combat:
but I only consented to his suggestions, that
all his possessions might devolve on you; and I
now grant you all his wealth. Take them, and
depart, but do not reproach me for my offence."
The officers struck off Bahram's head, and loaded
Antar with every article he possessed. Monzar
rejoiced at Antar's accession of wealth; for he had
been the cause of raising the honour and credit of
the Arabs among the worshippers of Fire. Thus
Antar departed from the land of Modayin with
boundless riches and incalculable wealth. The
Great King also mounted, with Mubidan and all
the Satraps, to take leave of Antar: and when they
were at some distance from Modayin, and had
plunged into the barren desert, Antar dismounted
from Abjer, and, moving towards the King, kissed
his feet in the stirrup, and begged him to return
with his attendants, thus addressing him:
"O thou whose station is sublime—in thy beneficence
above the height of Sirius and Aries!—
thou art the king like whom there is no king,
and whose munificence is renowned over hill and
dale. O thou, my hope! thou hast overwhelmed
me with favours. O thou whose largesses resemble
the beauteous rain-cloud! thou hast bestowed
gifts on me whose extent I cannot count;
so liberal is thy hand, O thou, my life and my
hope! thou art the man to whom all kings must
all thy predecessors."
Do not imagine, exclaimed the King with augmented
delight, that we have been able duly to recompense
you. What we have given you is perishable,
as every thing human is—but your praises
will endure for ages. He then kissed Antar between
the eyes, and bade him adieu, giving him as
a last token a rich robe: and begging him to visit
him frequently, he departed.
Monzar and Antar travelled side by side, traversing
the rocks and the deserts in social converse,
and reciting verses day and night until they reached
Hirah: and the day of their arrival was a general
festival. The flags and standards were waved over
their heads; and the Arabs were amazed when
they saw the immense wealth that accompanied
Antar. Monzar lodged Antar at a magnificent
mansion, and made a splendid entertainment and
feast for all classes. Antar, after a stay of three
days, on the fourth morning resumed his journey.
Monzar presented him a thousand Asafeer camels
and five hundred loads of the rarities of Irak, and
fifty noble steeds, of the most generous breed, with
their armour and coats of mail, and a hundred
female slaves and two hundred strong male slaves;
and the chief of all the slaves was Aboolmout. O
Aboolfawaris, said Monzar, will you take an escort
to protect you and conduct you home? What say
you? exclaimed Antar; is one like me in want of
host? Were even whole armies to assail me,
I would meet them! Were even Death to encounter
me, I would engage him! O my lord, he added,
I only consider all this wealth as proceeding from
you. I am now one of your freedmen and your
slave—for when you had power over me you
gave me liberty, and when I was a prisoner you
released me. May your sword be ever drawn in
conquest against your foes! and may your munificence
ever flow towards your suppliants! And
as he kissed the ground he thus continued:
"O great and renowned Monarch, be glorified!
for no one can ever vaunt himself superior to thy
glories. As to liberality, thy hand has grasped
it all: as to rain, thy palm bestows it—and thy
hand calms every woe. How many hast thou
relieved from sorrow, whose pains vanish as soon
as thy countenance appears! The copiousness
of generosity flows from thy hand in eternal
streams; and one may see thy fingers ever supplying,
ever showering. The armies of battle
are thy drawn sword, and wherever it moves
against the foe, it vanquishes. May the glory it
desires never fail it, and may the world ever be
at thy command! May thy lord ever grant thee
every favour, and mayst thou avert and subdue
all thy enemies! May the projects and efforts of
man ever fail against thy enterprises, and may
glory ever belong to the grasp of the hand and
every honour, every virtue, every excellence,
every felicity, and universal liberality."
Most marvellous! exclaimed Monzar: this is
indeed the man who has so nobly treated me, and
raised me to the highest dignity with his laudatory
poetry. Antar embraced Monzar, and bade him
farewell: whilst Monzar, dismounting from his
horse, took off all his clothes, and put them on
Antar, giving him also every thing else he had
with him on that day, and then returned home
with his attendants. But Antar traversed the deserts
and the wildernesses, his slaves marching before
him with all his property: and he rejoiced in
the accomplishment of his hopes, except when the
greatness of his anxious love afflicted him; and as
he approached the land of Hijaz his passions were
roused, and he thus spoke:
"Is it the breeze from the heights of the land of
Shurebah that revives me and resuscitates my
heart, or is it the gale from the tamarisks? Is
it the flame that consumes me for Ibla, or is it
the lightning's flash from her dwelling that deprives
me of my senses? O thou spot where she
resides, may thy hillocks be ever inhabited by
the families, and may thy plains be ever crowded
with friends! Have thine eyelids been seen to
watch at night, as my eyelids have watched ever
since I quitted thee? And has the turtle-dove's
moan filled thee with sorrow in thy sleeplessness,
departed from thee not uneasy, or much in
anguish; but my uncle has outraged me, and
coveted my death. He has exposed me to a sea
of dangers, but I plunged into it with my glittering
two-edged blade. I have cut through the
neck of fortune, and the nocturnal vicissitudes
and the nightly calamities have trembled. My
good fortune has seated me in a mansion of glory,
man and genii could never attain. I have encountered
in Irak horsemen that may be accounted
as whole tribes when the battle rages. I am
returning with the wealth of Chosroe and Cæsar
—with he and she camels, horses, and slaves;
and, when I reach home, my enemies shall weep,
as one day they laughed when Shiboob announced
my death. They indeed sought my destruction
in a distant land; but they knew not that death
was—my sword and my spear!"
David was supposed to have been a celebrated armorer. In
Turkey every Musulman is brought up to some trade, from the Sultan
downwards.
Two tribes of giants, who for their infidelity were destroyed by
a blast from heaven, in the fabulous period of Arabian history.
CHAPTER VII.
Antar continued to pass over the plains and wilds
until he arrived at a place called Zatool Menahil.
Now Antar, whenever he approached a halting-place,
always sent a slave forward, lest any one should be
concealed there. Accordingly he despatched a slave,
who on reaching the spot saw it already occupied by
five black slaves, of the colour of pitch and night;
and with them was a magnificent howdah, on the
summit of which was a golden crescent. Within
was a person weeping and sobbing from a wounded
heart, and screaming out, Woe unto these dastard
slaves! Where are thine eyes, O Antar, that they
might behold me? And thus she continued her
lament:
"Where are thine eyes, O knight of men and
genii? Oh! that thou couldst see me in the infamy
of despair with wretches who respect no protection.
No—no, and have no mercy! O that I had never
lived in this age of traitors, who only see in thee
my misery and dishonour! Why has God prolonged
my existence now the lion is gone, who
ever protected the country and the women? May
God ever bedew his grave with plenteous showers
that fail not! for, in truth, he was a knight and
beasts of the desert, and destroy the warriors in
the day of battle, whenever he appeared in the
plain of contention."
Antar arriving at that moment, was greatly surprised
at this address; and hastening up to the
slaves, Ye accursed wretches! he exclaimed, whose
are these tents? Who is it that intends to halt here?
Who is this that is crying and weeping, and is call
ing on the name of Antar? Go to thine own work,
replied one of them: Away! away! or thou wilt
soon be a corpse—Away to the desert, before the
Nocturnal Evil overtake thee, or the Depredator
of the Age take thee prisoner, and seize thy arms
and thy horse, and join thee to his other captives.
Antar's whole heart and soul throbbed at such language;
his agony and anguish were intense, when
lo! the stranger raised up the veil of the howdah,
and a damsel appeared, exclaiming, O my cousin!
art thou among the living, and I in the power of
the foe? Antar gazed earnestly, and behold it was
Ibla! She had thrown herself on the ground, and
was endeavouring to rise, but she could not stand,
so exhausted was she by her grief. At such a sight
Antar's distress and affliction augmented. What
means this dreadful event, this calamity? he cried:
Who is it that has forced thee to this desert?
Whence come these slaves with thee? He instantly
rode towards her; the slaves raised a loud scream,
but Antar roared like a lion: he slackened the bridle
him through the chest, driving his spear through
his back—he transfixed a second through the mouth,
and forced out the weapon at the back of his head—
a third he pierced through the right side, and impelled
his spear out on the left—and when the other
two perceived the effects of his thrusts, they fled to
the wilds and the deserts.
Now the occasion of this extraordinary event was
as follows: when Shiboob returned from the land
of Shiban, and quitted his brother, he launched into
the deserts and escaped. Day and night he mourned
for his brother, until he reached the country of the
tribe of Abs, where he announced the death of
Antar. On entering the tents he bared his head
and tore off his clothes, raising loud lamentations
and screams; and the weeping and the wailing were
universal. Shedad rent his garments, and was clamorous
in his sorrow and affliction; he threw down
his tent, his brother Zakhmetool Jewad did the same,
and all their friends and associates; and there was
not one but wept bitterly. The same did also the
sons of King Zoheir; and they assembled together
and came in a body to Shedad, and when he saw
them he thus mourned the death of Antar:
"The affliction is extreme! fixed is it in my heart.
Its intenseness blinds me—Evil is let loose upon
me—Murdered is the hero of the brave, Antar!
Alas! the misery and wretchedness that have fallen
on me. He is gone—how long will my tears flow
torture! O expedition in a luckless hour! How
fatal was that marriage to him! Alas! alas for
him, whose person has vanished from us; buried
low beneath the earth in the place where he
fought. Let the heavens weep his loss and death
in tears! May its showers be exhausted for ever!
Let the beauteous stars fall at his fatal end! Let
the air be darkened, and the sun be eclipsed! Let
the full moon be veiled also in her station through
grief, and may she ever be involved in obscurity!
Abandoned are the steeds and the camps by the
Absian youth; his dwelling has forfeited its possessor.
O race of Abs! ye have lost a chief—
How many were the heroes he slew! How many
the captives he rescued! He was the prostrator
of horsemen in the entanglement of spears, and
on the day of battle how many heads laid he low!
He was an intrepid lion in the day of contention—
the smiling, and the stern champion of his tribe.
Woe to the Absians! now that he is gone, soon
will ye encounter misery; and the grim-visaged
warriors will plunder ye. Gone is he who protected
the women from the foe! Hereafter never
will the trampling hostile steeds quit the dwellings;
he used to fell them down with his sword and
spear, and make them drink cups of death. Noble
and magnanimous was he in every act; high-prized
was he among men. Oh! I will weep for
him as long as the west wind blows, in tears that
shall stream and shall moisten the sands."
Prince Malik repaired to the tents of his father
King Zoheir, his tears streaming from his eyes; and
as he sobbed aloud, he sent for Shiboob, and made
every inquiry of him: O King of Kings, he ended
by saying, truly Ibla and her father have brought
ill luck on Antar, and the whole tribe of Abs. But
when King Zoheir inquired for Malik, Ibla's father
(for he wished to speak to him about this affair), he
was told that he and his son had been long absent,
and none but the women were in the tents. For
Prince Malik, and the companions that loved Antar,
ever reproached and abused them, saying, Why did
ye resolve on exposing the protector of the tribe to
an ocean of deaths and dangers? You have now left
the Arab hordes to plunder us in every plain and
wild; and by the truth of Lat, and Uzza, and the
great Hibel[23]
, every one that comes near us may slay
us, and make us drink the odious draughts of death.
So Malik, seeing how matters stood, determined to
pass some time in roaming about the deserts, and
not to remain with his family an object of scorn and
disgrace. Accordingly he took with him fifteen
horsemen and departed, with the view of gaining
some spoil among the Arab tribes. They set out,
and traversed the deserts and the sands, until they
reached the land of Kenanah, where water failed
them, and their thirst became intense. Truly, my
son, said Malik to Amroo, thirst grievously afflicts
me; gallop on, and descend into yonder valley.
with gushing springs. On one side of the
valley was a hovel, and at the entrance was a spear
fixed in the ground, and a horse ready saddled.
He halted, and, as he looked attentively around,
there issued forth an old woman, who screamed at
the sight of a stranger, exclaiming, What makes
thee stop at the dwelling of the outrageous lion,
thou son of infamy and disgrace? O mother of
horsemen, he replied, I thirst, and I am come hither
in quest of water. What people are ye? We are
of the tribe of Kenanah, said she, an honourable and
trust-worthy race; our habitation is in this spot, for
the lion only dwells in his lair. But whilst they
were thus conversing, lo! a youth started out of the
hovel, and shouted at Amroo. He was a horseman
of consummate bravery, and an intrepid hero. His
name was Vachid, son of Mesaar, the Kenanian;
and being just then displeased with his tribe, he had
removed to this place. He started at Amroo, and
seeing him talk with his mother, he became like one
frantic. Tell me who thou art? he roared. Amroo's
eyes shot fire. Check thy wrath, young man, he
replied, for we are of the tribe of the noble Abs,
horsemen of destruction and sudden death. Thou
son of infamy and disgrace, cried Vachid, to one like
me dost thou speak thus? to me whom the lions of
the forest dread? Dismount and be humbled, before
thou art extended a corpse on the earth. Amroo
was highly incensed. But Vachid vaulted on his
a lion: he assailed him, and tearing him off his
saddle, dashed him down at the door of the hut,
roaring and bellowing. The old woman pinioned
his shoulders, and Amroo was almost dead.
Now Malik, alarmed at his son's long absence,
went in search of him, accompanied by the others,
until they came to the valley, where they perceived
the flowing streams, and, not far off, the horseman
on the back of his steed, and Amroo bound with
cords. Alas! my son, exclaimed Malik. His eyes
rolled in horror, and he rushed down on Vachid,
who received him as the parched ground the first of
the rain. He shouted at him, and driving the heel
of his spear against his chest, threw him on his back.
He immediately plunged into the midst of his companions,
and hurled them to the earth; three only
were unhurt; and they all delivered themselves up
to him, seeing death flash from his eyes. Vachid
bound some, and as his mother secured the remainder
he thus spoke:
"When I degrade every horseman in the day of
battle, I defend my wife with my Indian blade.
Noble is the youth that braves every evil, and
knows that man is not eternal; that clads himself
in armour during the meridian heat, and wanders
during the nights and the thick darkness. Ask
the Absians of me, O Amimah! mark my conduct
towards them, and laud the glories of my birth;
I gave them to drink of bitter-flavoured blood
thirst; I cut down the chiefs of the party; blood
gushed from their wounds, and they were struggling
with their hands on the ground. Who
refuses such water to those who scour the wilds
where dwell and prowl the dæmons? I am the
night, though I am not black; I am the ocean,
though I do not foam. Kenanah is my tribe, the
door of every virtue; they are noble, high-minded,
and proud; and I have a spirit no other knight
ever attained—I am exalted above the Sun, and
Moon, and the Great Bear."
Vachid passed that night rejoicing in his triumph
over his enemies; but at the dawn of day, being
resolved to demand a ransom from his prisoners, lo!
fifty horsemen of the tribe of Kenanah joined him,
wishing to make peace with him; and he showed
them the captive horsemen of Abs; and treating
them kindly, he marched back with them, the whole
party driving the Absians before them, till they
reached their own country, where he was received
with great joy. Having pitched his tents, and
erected his standards, Vachid reposed that night with
his family; but early next day he summoned Malik,
son of Carad, and the captive warriors, and demanded
of them a heavy ransom in he and she
camels, threatening and menacing them with his
vengeance. O Arabs, cried Ghayadh, do not ask
of us beyond our means, for we are poor Arabs, and
the greatest of us all is only master of what his
only quitted our country from poverty and want;
not one of us possesses any he or she camels, I assure
you. I know very well, replied Vachid, when the
Arabs are taken prisoners and are in difficulty, they
always talk after this manner. But by the faith of
an Arab, if you do not guarantee to me all your
property, and hasten with all your he and she camels,
I will bring annihilation down upon ye all; not one
of ye will I spare. Whilst Vachid was thus haranguing,
up came the old woman, who recognizing
Malik among the captives, My son, said she to Vachid,
do you mark that prisoner? Yes! he replied.
By your existence, she continued, he has a daughter
called Ibla, whose equal in form and beauty the
heavens do not shadow. Take my advice, demand
her in marriage, and release him from bondage.
Arab, cried Vachid, addressing Malik, know that I
was determined on killing you; but I have just now
heard from this old woman that you have a daughter
called Ibla, lovely and beautiful; and she has
described her charms in the most extravagant manner;
I therefore desire you to marry her lawfully
to me. Malik, now considering his escape as secure,
eagerly replied; Arab, you deserve her more than
any one else, but we have in our family a thousand
rivals, and they will not permit me to wed her to a
stranger. Malik then related to Vachid all that had
passed about Antar, and all the extraordinary circumstances
that had occurred; how he had exposed
camels for the marriage dower; how he was assured
of his death, and that he was reduced to dust. But
there is still another man in the tribe, called Amarah,
who loves her; and I fear, continued Malik, he will
oppose your pretensions. This is but a juggle, cried
Vachid; I shall instantly set you free that you may
execute this engagement; but not one of your cousins
will I release until your daughter is mine: and beware,
for if you are not as good as your word, they
shall be laid low headless. Well! said Malik, I will
satisfy you. I swear to you, that I will perform
every thing I have promised. Let my son Amroo
and myself depart; my companions I will leave in
bondage. I will only be absent ten days, and if I
fail in my word, cut off the heads of my cousins,
and make me responsible for their blood, and I will
pay their families the compensation-money[24] . May
God never comfort thee! exclaimed Ghayadh, it is
solely on thy account we have fallen into this state
of captivity and torture, and our expedition will
terminate in the forfeiture of our lives. Cousin,
cried Malik, reproach me not; it is to save you that
I have promised my child; and my heart consents
to abandon my tribe and my brethren merely that
I may preserve you and myself. However I will
not let Vachid release one of ye till ye engage yourselves
most solemnly to keep the whole a secret from
Ghayadh, as to tell it? Who will venture to confess
that one horseman has thus reduced us to disgrace,
and has thus tied us up like so many mules? Soon
after, Malik and Amroo departed for the tribe of
Abs. Vachid followed him three days after, taking
with him a troop of noble Arabs; but when they
reached the tribe of Abs, they concealed themselves
among the rocks, that Malik might have time to
visit his daughter and his family. Malik having
thus given his hand and contracted the marriage,
and imagining that his affairs, though once in a
luckless state, were now in proper train, set out for
the land of Shurebah and Mount-Saadi; Ghayadh
having enjoined him not to delay his return. He
and his son Amroo hastened over the hills and the
sands; but they did not feel secure until they had
reached their country, where, under cover of the
night, they skulked among the tents, and found all
the families in grief and affliction on account of
Antar. Malik repaired to his own tents, near which
he perceived a newly-made grave, his daughter sitting
by it drowned in tears, in the deepest affliction,
and clothed in black. The tears flowed in torrents
down her cheeks, and she was tearing the flesh off
her wrists with her teeth, and beating her bosom
with her hands; and, as she dashed her head against
the grave, she addressed it in these words:
"O grave, my tears shall ever bedew thy earth!
my eyes have renounced sweet sleep! O grave,
is his sepulchre in my heart! Alas, alas for thee!
felled to the ground art thou, and the groans of a
distracted mourner survive. They slew him barbarously,
and his foes exult when they see my
agony and misery on his account. O, by God!
never will I surrender myself to another, were he
to come with a thousand charms."
Malik now feeling assured of Antar's death, displayed
all his artifice and hypocrisy by expressing
his grief and distress; and, as he entered his wife's
apartment, O my cousin, said he, what misfortune
is this? on whose account is all this lamentation and
wailing? Your nephew Antar! she replied: accounts
of his death arrived during your absence;
and there is not an individual in the whole tribe but
abuses you; never will you escape from the perils
that surround you. Upon this, Malik made show
of still more vehement sorrow; he rent his clothes,
and exclaimed, By the faith of an Arab, we rather
deserve their prayers, for many of us are slain, some
are now captives, and now that I am returned, I
find you in this afflicted state. Never can we
deliver ourselves from these troubles but by emigrating.
He then repaired to his daughter, and
kissing her head, My child, said he, let not this sad
affair prey upon thy mind, moderate thy grief and
distress: and whilst he pitied her, she blushed for
him. She sprang up from the tomb, and starting
off from him, Away! she cried, no one slew my
him to an ocean of perils; truly will thy treachery
soon share the evils thy arm has brought on him.
Her father made no reply, but hastened to the tents
of Shedad; and as he drew nigh, he heard Shedad
sobbing and sighing, and in tears, thus giving vent
to his sorrow:
"O my eyelids, let your tears flow abundantly,
weep for the generous, noble horseman; a knight
in whom I took refuge when my efforts failed, at
my up-risings and my down-sittings. My brother
exposed him to a sea of death in his malice, and
the hearts of the envious exult. He planned his
murder, and he has abandoned me. No more
will my honour and my engagements be respected.
He behaved cruelly to him in exacting the marriage
dower, and he now refuses to do him justice.
He was the drawn sword of the race of Abs,
cleaving through armour above the skin. He
used to fell the foe in every land, till the warriors
cried out for succour. Prostrate, fallen, bowed
to the earth is he now, beneath the shadow of
lances and the waving of banners. Now he is
gone, the Absian dames are in sorrow, dashing
their hands against their cheeks in fear of slavery;
dishevelled is their hair, streaming are their tears
over their fair necks decorated with chains; sighing
they mourn the hero of Abs in sobs of sorrow,
that give pleasure to the envious. Grieve they
must ever in tears from their eyes for him who
Malik, son of Carad, and make him suffer what
the tribe of Themood endured!"
Having listened to this lament, Malik entered:
he tore off his garments, and renewed his sighs and
his tears. Indeed, my brother, said he, we also
require your prayers. And he attempted to kiss
him; but Shedad turned away from him. Away
with this deceit and hypocrisy, said he. Who but
you sent my son to Irak? But there are who will
demand his blood at your hands, and will requite
you for his death. Malik shrunk away, and hot
coals were burning in his heart, as he sought for
pretexts to cover his guilt. He laid not down that
night before he told his wife what had happened to
him in his expedition; how he had betrothed his
daughter, and had by her means rescued his life
and soul; but that his cousins were still detained as
hostages; and how he had engaged them to keep
the whole affair a secret. Upon this they resolved
on emigrating, and Malik concealed himself, on account
of his companions whom he had left in captivity,
and lest Amarah or Rebia, on hearing what
he was doing, might mar his project; for these were
again bent on their former plans, the moment they
heard that Antar had fallen. Amarah indeed was
in ecstacies, and whispered to himself, "now then will
Ibla be mine." So taking with him Oorwah, son of
Wird, and ten other horsemen, he departed on a
plundering expedition for a marriage dower, from
Amarah's departure, than he made his preparations
for migrating. But the three days had scarcely
elapsed, when a slave arrived from Vachid, to inform
him that his master was already at the springs of
Zeba, accompanied by forty horsemen, concealed
hard by. Return! said Malik, return to him, and
tell him we are on our way. And at night Malik
struck his tents, and loaded the camels. What
means this? inquired Ibla. Whither, my father, are
you going? We cannot possibly remain here any
longer, replied Malik, for the very stones cry out
against us, and all the families are convinced that
you and I were alone the cause of Antar's destruction;
but I swear by the life of your eyes, that
I only despatched him for these Asafeer camels in
order to raise your dignity amongst the high and
low, and now our relations consider us as enemies.
It is my wish, therefore, to absent myself until this
is somewhat blown over, and then we will return
again home; but should we remain long here,
Amarah will come and demand you in marriage;
you do not like him, and I have no excuse by which
I can elude his pretensions; besides, I cannot ever
force you to a marriage with any one, not the object
of your choice. No one but Antar can my heart
ever love, said Ibla; and, moreover, what can that
wretch Amarah do? And thus she recited:
"O heart, be patient under the agonies I endure.
But how can my tears cease to flow! no balm is
soothed away! ever must they flow for the loss of
him who shamed the brilliancy of the loveliest.
High exalted are his glory and his exploits: noble
is his birth, permanent in the pinnacle of honour.
He who dwells in every life, he, the eternal
Cupbearer, has made him drink of the cups of
death. Oh! I shall weep for him for ever, as
long as the dove pours forth its lament on the
boughs and the leaves. O Aboolfawaris! I have
not a breath of life remaining: Oh! then, how
can I be patient under my transports and my
passion?"
Her sorrows burst forth anew, but her father
regarded her not. About midnight they departed,
traversing rocks and deserts, and before
morning they had quitted the country. When
King Zoheir heard of it, Wherever he goes, may
death overtake him! said he. God grant he may
never return, and never be seen or heard of more!
How diabolical are his malice and hypocrisy! how
detestable his art and deceit! By the faith of an
Arab, had we not been related, I would have ordered
him to be put to death, before he could have
escaped. But wherever he goes, his punishment
will overtake him for his conduct to Antar.
In the mean time, Malik travelled on till he
reached the Springs of Zeba, where Vachid was
concealed with his prisoners; their feet bare, their
bodies naked, and their heads uncovered: misery
Malik, with his loaded camels, and slaves, and all
his property. His male slaves led the camels. Ibla
was mounted on a howdah, and many attendants
walked by her side. Vachid, the moment he saw the
cavalcade, recognized them: he sprang out of his
concealment; he slackened his bridle, and grasped
his spear, followed by his horsemen; and when they
came close to Malik, they saluted him, who, in answer
to their inquiries, told them what had passed.
Salute your spouse, he added. I have faithfully
brought you the object of your wishes. Soothe her
heart, and then, perhaps, she will return your
affection; and if you request any thing of her, she
will not refuse you. Ibla was seized with horror
at hearing these words. Who are these people?
cried she; whom is my father addressing with so
much respect? who is this horseman? O my sister,
replied Amroo, we owe him our lives: he had
taken us prisoners, but has released us out of regard
for you; and we have married you to him.
He is your husband, and your protector; and it is
our intention to make his country our home; for
he is a man of honour, and he is one of the Chiefs
of the tribe of Kenanah. He then informed her of
their imprisonment and distresses; and that some
were even detained in captivity as hostages for her
marriage. We, he continued, are bound to him
by solemn engagements, and now we have fulfilled
his wishes. Ibla's agony was severe indeed: she
of her grief, hopeless of rescue. Who is he that
demands me in marriage of you? she cried. The
die is cast, he replied; receive him—deny him not;
he has not his equal—no one is to be compared to
him. And as he was about to return to the horsemen,
Ibla flung herself on the ground, weeping and
sobbing. She cast the sand over her head, exclaiming,
Alas, O Antar! may God destroy him
who destroyed thee! Now thou art gone, how infinite
is my misery. O by the Arabs! O for that
high-minded Chief! O for that renowned hero!
And in the midst of her tears and sighs she thus
complained:
"Copiously flow my tears; disease arises in my
frame; a fire is kindled in my bowels and my
liver. No support have I against my afflictions.
I have lost all patience, and anguish consumes
my body. Is there any hope for me in my
agonies, now that fortune has betrayed me in the
hero of the Battle of Lions—the cleaver of skulls,
and of ribs, and of armour—the scatterer of hostile
armies over the universe? Flow then, my
tears, in grief for him; increase, that I may see
my tears moisten every spot of rust. Mayst
thou, O Wild Beast, be drowned in the water of
my tears! O my tears, never be ye exhausted;
ever be ye multiplied. My dishonour in the
deserts shall never be accomplished by my consent.
complain to any one."
Whilst Ibla was thus speaking, Vachid stood
gazing at what God had given her of beauty and
loveliness; and his heart was pierced by the arrows
of her glances. Her brother would have beaten
her, and driven her back to the howdah; but Vachid
kept him off, for he began to pity her. Keep off,
he cried, for truly her heart is overcharged with
affliction; her distress and sorrow are great. Have
patience with me till we reach home, continued he,
addressing Ibla in a softened tone; I will appoint
slave-girls and free-born women to attend on thee.
And he attempted to kiss her between the eyes,
and raise her into the howdah. But she struck
him violently on the chest, and threw him on his
back. Avaunt, she exclaimed, thou vilest of Arabs!
basest of all that ever struck a tent-peg in the desert:
thy marriage with thine own mother is nearer
at hand than with me. Begone: never mayst thou
be respected! never protected! When her father
and brother heard these words, they stood abashed
in the presence of Vachid. Amroo ran towards
her, and, raising his arm, with a stick beat her over
the shoulders, saying, Is it in such terms you receive
your husband? he is indeed a noble Chief.
And he drew forth his sword, and beat her with
the flat part of it. Paralysed be thy hand! stiffened
be thy limbs and joints! thou foulest of men,
once, if thou art a horseman, and put off the garments
of infamy and disgrace; for truly thou art
degraded among the Arabs in every plain. Ye
have all been taken prisoners by these horsemen,
and have ransomed your lives by a shameful bargain,
sacrificing a poor girl, helpless and ignorant.
May God pour down on you all the miseries of the
age! At this her brother was still more exasperated;
and he beat her with his whip till he made
the blood flow. He then replaced her in the howdah.
Mind not what she says, said he to Vachid,
who also mounted his horse, and led her camel by
the bridle. But the prisoners being released, set
off on their way home. Ibla, in the mean time,
made the plains re-echo to her shrieks; and Vachid
thought he should never reach his tents: whilst Ibla
continually called on the name of Antar, looking
out to the right and to the left, and weeping till
evening came over them; and she remained three
days without food or sleep. On the fourth day she
was quite exhausted by hunger and watching, and
excess of grief. Often did she invoke her father
and her brother, exclaiming, O God, send down
enemies upon them, and dreadful calamities. Thus
she continued, till one morning a great dust arose,
and darkened the land; when lo! there appeared
thirty slaves like eagles, and they came down like
voracious hawks. They no sooner marked the
howdah, and the party with their camels, than they
their Chief directed himself towards the howdah,
crying out, Oh what a glorious morning! I am the
Nocturnal Evil, and the Depredator of the Age.
Now this slave was called Abooddegi, son of Nabih
the Kelbian, born in some of the corners of Yemen,
of a tribe named the tribe of Riyan. His constant
practice was to carry off the Arab maidens: he
acknowledged no protection, and made no distinction
between right and wrong. He only stayed three
days in one country, during which time he overwhelmed
it with blood and massacres; for he was
one of the prodigies of the time. The maiden whom
he made captive he kept for three days to himself,
and then consigned her to his slaves, who, when
they had glutted their barbarity, seized all she had,
murdered her, roasted her, and devoured her. They
afterwards departed for another country. Such was
their usual conduct towards the women of Arabia;
and their leader was surnamed the Nocturnal Evil,
the Depredator of the Age. As soon as he beheld
Ibla, and the horsemen of Kenanah, he darted towards
her, followed by his slaves like black eagles.
Vachid stared; his eyes became like burning coals,
Remain with your daughter's howdah, said he to
Malik: tell her to mark my deeds in the field of
battle: long have I wished to meet this warrior.
He galloped away, grasping his spear, and assaulted
the slave in the boldest style. But he found him
a tempestuous sea. The contest became general;
each other. Steel clashed against steel, and
the close and the distant met. Vachid fiercely engaged
the Chief, and a furious conflict ensued.
Vachid, fearing Malik would regard him with the
eye of inferiority, exposed himself to every peril:
he exerted every energy to attain victory and glory:
he poured down his thrusts with the utmost vehemence,
and he imagined his enemy must fall beneath
his blows. But his hopes were unavailing;
for the slave at length struck Vachid's lance, and
made it shiver into four pieces: he pierced him in
the chest, and forced his spear out behind his back.
Vachid fell prostrate on the earth. When Ibla's
father beheld this frightful accident, rage and indignation
possessed him; and exclaiming to Ibla,
Ah! what a wretch art thou! he and his son
mounted, wishing to keep off the Nocturnal Evil
from the women. But they were seized with the
greatest horrors. The slave shouted at Malik in a
voice like a peal of thunder; and quickly turning
round his spear, he struck him with the butt end—
overthrowing him, and nearly killing him: he then
drove at Amroo, his eyes rolling like burning coals.
Amroo delivered himself up without difficulty, crying
out, Young man, may God preserve thee!
Pity thy prisoner! take the women and the families;
but spare us the terrors of the combat. So
the slave pinioned him, and tied down his arms;
and having treated Malik in the same manner, he
rejoiced over her family, and her sorrows were relieved:
but the unhappy girl was distracted, not
knowing what to do, so overcome was she by fears
and terrors: but whilst she was conversing with her
mother upon this subject, Wretched woman, exclaimed
Malik to his wife, come to me, and unbind
me, for I am nearly dead. Let us mount these
scattered horses; let each of us take one; and let
us escape. His wife accordingly alighted, and unbound
him. Ibla did the same for her brother.
Malik and Amroo mounted two horses; and taking
each a female behind him, they sought the wilds
and the plains, considering themselves now beyond
every danger. In the mean time the slaves were
employed in combating the Kenanians. But Malik
and the rest were traversing the rocks and deserts,
happy in their deliverance from the enemy, when
on a sudden there appeared ten horsemen like
eagles, preceded by a string of camels, which they
were goading on with the spikes of their lances.
Now these were horsemen of the tribe of Abs
and Adnan, headed by Amarah and Oorwah, who
were returning from their expedition into the land
of Yemen, exulting and victorious. Amarah's sole
anxiety was to reach home, that he might again set
eyes on Ibla's face. At that moment he heard
Malik's shouts: he immediately advanced; and as
they came nigh they recognized each other. Amarah
dismounted, and hailed Malik and Amroo, who
discovered their friends. Amarah gazed at the
brilliant Ibla, and lo! her complexion and her face
turned from a bright red to a deadly pale. He was
amazed. What means all this, my cousins? said he.
O Amarah! replied Malik, hasten to your prize:
hurry over the plains before the troop of horsemen
overtake us, and you fall into the misery and distress
into which we also fell. Malik now recounted
his adventures: how he had betrothed his daughter
to Vachid, and what had occurred on the journey.
He also described the slave and Vachid, and
their intrepid conduct, so forcibly, that when he
finished his narrative, an universal trembling seized
Amarah and Oorwah. Just at that moment arose
a great dust; loud shouts struck them; and lo!
the blacks rushed on them—the terrible slave at
their head, roaring out, Whither, ye dogs, have ye
escaped? Behind ye, close, is the Nocturnal Evil,
and the Depredator of the Age! Having secured
Malik and Amroo with cords, he went to aid his
comrades, and attacked the people of Kenanah, who
amounted to forty horsemen, as we before stated.
It was not even mid-day when he had slain thirty-five
of them, and hurled them to destruction. The
other five escaped over the plain by the speed of
their horses. After this the victors turned back in
quest of the howdah, but they found no one in it;
for their prisoners had fled. The slave galloped in
pursuit of them, and sent forth a shriek that would
of rage. He hastened after the fugitives, followed
by his companions, till they perceived the party;
who no sooner discovered them, than they were
horror-struck. O my cousin, said they to Oorwah,
the slaves have overtaken us; and the Nocturnal
Evil and the Depredator of the Age is at their
head. Let us turn upon them: let us die like
brave men: let us not live like cowards. Amarah,
O Amarah, cried Ibla, this is the moment for energy
and exertion. He who once opposed you on my
account is dead, and crushed to the earth: had he,
indeed, been alive, never should I have been a
captive in the hands of enemies: greatly would it
have grieved him to have seen me in this state of
distress. In short, there is now no one but thee
to assist me. Exhibit before me this day a proof
of thy bravery, of which thou boastest so much:
let me see how thou canst fight these black slaves.
At these words, all the pride of an Arab sprang
into the heart of Amarah; death itself appeared
indifferent to him. By the life of thine eyes, O
thou joy of my heart, O thou dispeller of my sorrows,
replied he, this day will I exhibit before thee
all my prowess in its true blaze; and thou shalt
learn that all I have said of myself is true. So he
summoned up his courage, adjusted himself properly,
tucked up his skirts, twirled his whiskers,
and folded up his hair under his turban, drawing it
off from his shoulders. He then pulled forth his
spear, and set out on a full gallop, exclaiming,
he went off among the foremost, accompanied by
Oorwah, who cried out, Do you look out on the right,
I will to the left. But Amarah recited these verses:
"To-day I will exhibit my prowess and my
courage: the warriors and the horsemen shall
stand in awe of me. I will plunge into a sea of
blood, in quest of glory, and the heroes shall
behold my impetuosity and my thrusts. Ibla
shall mark the deeds of a ferocious lion. Now
that it is all over with that infernal black, I shall
be glorified among the Arabs, and they shall
acknowledge my valour in the field of battle."
Amarah had not finished his speech, when one
of the slaves gave him a blow that upset him, and
laid him sprawling on the ground. Abooddegi
attacked Oorwah, and shouted at him in a voice
like thunder: his assault was that of an eagle; and
a vigorous contest ensued, would turn an infant
grey. Abooddegi darted close up to him, so that
their stirrups grated: he seized Oorwah by the
breast-plate, and, dragging him towards him,
wrenched him out of his saddle, and held him
suspended in his hand. Dismounting, he pinioned
him, and bound his arms tight. The conflict continued
till the sun turned pale; and the slaves
having slain all that remained of the Absians, the
Nocturnal Evil hastened up to Ibla's father and
his son, and, wounding them severely, threw them
on the ground. He reposed in that spot for the
night, with his slaves and prisoners; but at daybreak
and the men tied on the backs of the horses,
plunged in infamy and disgrace. Do not be so
distressed, said the Nocturnal Evil, to calm their
sorrows; rather rejoice in your safety. I shall not
demand of you money or camels: but whoever has
a beautiful daughter or sister, let him send her to
me for three days and nights. Then will I set him
at liberty. But whoever does not consent to these
my terms, will instantly be my victim. Hast thou
ever, O my cousin, said Amarah to Oorwah (for
Amarah was bound by his side, stripped and exposed),
hast ever heard of a more iniquitous fellow
than this base slave? Thou, indeed, wilt be able
to escape: Malik, also, and Amroo: they will all
get well out of this scrape. But I, poor I, must
die under stripes and tortures. How so, thou foul
mustachioed fellow? cried Oorwah. Oh! continued
Amarah, you will give him your lovely sister Selma,
and Malik will surrender that woman of women,
Ibla; and the unhappy Amarah will die in misery
and wretchedness. I am sure there will be no
occasion to touch me once with a sword or a spear;
for were I but to see him alone with Ibla, my death
and dissolution would be instantaneous: indeed, I
should expire of anguish. Ibla cannot be otherwise
than of ill omen to him, said Oorwah, as she has
already been to others before him. To whomsoever
she is affianced, his mother will weep and
mourn for him. Whoever takes her will forfeit
his property, and have his throat cut. You have
how we obtained these camels; but as soon as we
beheld her face, misfortunes were let loose on us,
and miseries came down upon us. Whilst this was
passing between Amarah and Oorwah, the Nocturnal
Evil sent on before him five slaves; and
consigning over to their care Ibla's howdah, Hasten,
said he, to the spot of Zatool Menahil; pitch our
tents there; for there I intend to remain three days
with this lovely damsel. After which, mark what
I will do to these wretches when I have taken away
their property, and received their ransom. The
slaves rode forward, and Antar met them, as we
have already described: some of them he slew;
the rest he put to flight. Antar was now wholly
wrapped up in Ibla, frequently asking after her
health; for misery had impaired her charms. She
was bewildered at the sight of her beloved: her
tears flowed profusely. At last recovering, she thus
addressed him:
"All my misery—all my grief is past, now that
we have met after so long an absence. Time
now happily announces the existence of one who
had been trampled beneath the dumb grave.
Now the eyes of the age are illumined, after a
period of darkness, and I am returned to life
after my death. O Knight of men and Genii!
O thou that excellest every warrior in glory!
my eyes gladden at beholding thy liberality, and
the beauty of thy truth. I will implore God ever
to exalt thy glories, both morning and evening."
She concluded by relating to Antar what had
happened to her with the foul slave and Vachid:
how the latter had taken her father and brother
prisoners, and how they had ransomed themselves
by sacrificing her. As Antar listened, he wept.
In return, he detailed to her the horrors he had
undergone: what had happened to him with Chosroe,
and all that had passed in Persia: how he had
extricated himself from his troubles: and he described
the riches he had brought with him. Now
her soul seemed to revive after death. O my
cousin, said she, by my life that is in thy heart,
bear me away, and return to the nation that has
loaded thee with favours. Leave my father and
brother with this adulterous slave; let him treat
them as he pleases: return no more to the tribe of
Abs. Antar smiled at her expressions of love, and
rejoiced in her faith and constancy. Hail to all
that can give thee pleasure, he replied; dismiss
from thy mind whatever can pain thee; for by the
life of thine eyes and the black of thine eye brows,
I will subdue all the world for thee. I will make
thee supreme over the high and low. Then calling
to his attendants, whom he ordered to halt there,
Protect my cousin, said he, the mistress of all this
wealth. This day I will give you the joyous spectacle
of the destruction of her enemies. And he
advanced to meet the horsemen. The Nocturnal
Evil was following fast his companions, whom he
had sent forward to pitch his tents; and so happy
was he, he thought he should never arrive; when
gallop, not daring even to look behind them. What
has befallen you in this desert? he exclaimed: where
are my Absian damsel, and your other comrades?
Our comrades, they replied, are already a prey
to the birds and the eagles. But a black, not even
like a negro, has taken possession of your maiden.
His look terrifies the senses: his face is that of a
Ghoul. When he strikes a skull, he cleaves it;
when he thrusts at a horseman, he annihilates him.
He hears not what any one says; to no human
being does he deign to reply. His thrust is his
address; his blow is his answer. At hearing this,
Abooddegi hissed like a serpent; he roared and
bellowed, Does one like me fear man, dæmon, genii,
or the devil? and he instantly gave the rein to his
steed; and, poising his spear, he departed, in order
to clear up this mystery; and as he pursued his
way, he thus exclaimed:
"Were I afraid of the conflict of man, I should
not be called the Nocturnal Depredator. How
can I fear man or genii, I, who have a heart
harder than mountain rock? I dwell alone in
the wilds and the wastes, to chase the lions, the
inhabitants of gloomy haunts. How many nights
have I passed where the Ghouls watch with me,
and tremble at my shadow! How many horsemen
have I left felled to the earth, gnawing their
right hands and their left! Faith has no charms
for me; no pleasure has a guest in my favours.
I fear my evening repast may be but scanty.
I have no connexion with men, and they evince
their enmity to me on that account throughout
the world. I have no protection among man, for
treachery is the sole rule of my conduct. No
relative have I but my spear and my sword;
those two in the contest are my paternal and
maternal uncle. On the back of a steed was I
born by night. How then shall I fear nocturnal
calamities!'
He continued his course over the plains till he
met Antar the valiant lion. Who art thou, he
cried, that hast slain my companions, and hast
seized my Asbian maid? To-day thou shalt die;
to-day thou shalt fall into annihilation! Thou dastard—thou
offspring of an uncircumcised race, exclaimed
Antar, since when has Ibla been thy slave?
By God, thou foul Arab, had it not been for my
absence in quest of a marriage dower for her, thou
wouldst have waited long for such an opportunity.
Away with thee! thy success is but a dream. Heroes
have turned grey for her; and every one, on
foot or on horseback be he, has failed in his attempts
on her. Come on: let us to the field this instant.
Now to the battle of swords; and know, that this
will be the most inauspicious of days for thee.
Antar immediately assailed him: he galloped and
charged with him, and commenced the conflict.
As soon as Ibla's father beheld Antar in full contest
Adnan, he cried, release us from this dæmon:
make him drink of death, nephew! for he is a perfidious
wretch; and hadst thou not arrived thus
opportunely, Ibla would have been rendered infamous
among the Arabs for ever. O that thou
hadst never been born, nor Ibla either! exclaimed
Oorwah; for she brings ill luck on every one that
seeks her. By Heaven, said Amarah, she is not
too dearly purchased by the loss of lives or the
sacrifice of souls, or by the cleaving of skulls and
heads. This misery, this disgrace we endure, are
all on her account. But still never, oh never! shall
I be able to command one embrace or one kiss.
Yet I think it is only on account of this black slave
that she is so obdurate. Whilst they were conversing,
Antar was engaging his antagonist; and
a battle ensued between them that would have
daunted the boldest warriors. And they continued
the combat until Antar, observing his adversary
flag, pressed on him, wearied him, and terrified
him; then, extending his spear, pierced him between
the breasts, and forced the barb out through
his shoulders, crying out, O by Abs! O by Adnan!
I am ever the lover of Ibla! He hastened towards
the captives, and liberated them, expressing his delight
at meeting his uncle Malik. Rejoice at this
deliverance from death, he exclaimed, but know
that all your late sufferings are only a just punishment
for your past conduct. You promised your
despatched me to the land of Irak in search of her
dower, and you exposed me to a sea of perils and
dangers. In the meantime, you affianced her to a
horseman of Kenanah: but God has at last rewarded
your treachery and insult. Do not reproach
me, dear nephew, replied Malik; your brother
Shiboob returned home, and, announcing your
death, deprived us of every hope of seeing you
again. And Malik recounted all their adventures,
from the return of Shiboob to the encounter at
Zatoul-Menahil.
O Aboolfawaris! exclaimed Amarah, every one
gains his own in time. Praise be to God that you
came off victorious, and thus saved us from death.
Antar thanked him, and conducted them to his
tents, where they halted; and as they beheld his
countless profusion of wealth and jewels, their
minds were stupefied, their eyes were scared, and
their senses bewildered. Nephew, said Malik,
whence is all this property, this wealth, these
tents, and these pavilions? doubtless some of the
noble Kings of the land have stopped here. Uncle,
replied Antar, all this wealth belongs to your slave,
Antar. You demanded of me a thousand Asafeer
camels; I have brought them loaded, by the great
King their owner, with gold and money. Having
conducted them to the tents, he ordered his slaves
to slay camels and sheep, and to prepare a feast;
whilst he sat down to relate to them all his adventures
all the honours and dignities he had received. But
when the slaves advanced to attend on Antar, he
ordered them to offer their services to his illustrious
Chiefs. Antar soon after rejoined Ibla, inquiring
after her health, and sympathising in her sufferings.
He kissed her between the eyes: she threw herself
into his arms, and kissed his face and cheeks. Rejoice
in these riches, said he tenderly to her; such
a sight, my cousin, regales the eye, and enlivens
the heart and soul. Mark, too, these female slaves,
that resemble moons, and this silver litter, studded
with costly jewels; and rule me as thou wilt, night
and day. Truly the great King has enriched me
with this crown of jewels, which no human being
has as yet touched. Verily, replied Ibla, your
safety is more acceptable to me than all you have
described: no pleasure have I felt but in your
presence. Antar smiled, and his bosom expanded
with joy at the purity of her love. He quitted her,
having first stationed a guard over her, fearful of
any accident. And Antar's enemies reposed that
night under the protection of Antar, conversing
about his good fortune and exalted honours. Well!
said Amroo to his father, I can no longer remain
with the tribe of Abs; I shall set out for the land
of Yemen. I shall migrate; for I have not an eye
to look on this black slave, who even presumes to
take possession of Ibla—that full moon. What
can a man do, added Malik, when his projects are
wrath be more adverse to him, when I exposed him
to those oceans of perils? but he has escaped from
them all, and has, moreover, brought with him all
this wealth, and these precious ladings. Know,
my son, when we reach home, every one will love
Antar, and hate us; for you observed their behaviour
to us when they heard he was dead. Amroo,
said Oorwah, if Antar reaches the tribe of Abs
and Adnan, he will rule over it, and depose King
Zoheir: he will exalt himself to his station; the
clans, too, will obey and follow him. The greatest
Kings cannot produce such wealth. When Amarah
heard this, he wept in excess of envy and misery.
Disgraced, dishonoured, is the family of Zeead,
O my cousins, he cried; verily my gall is bursting
at this vile black slave, whom fortune favours. By
the truth of our idols, should he enter unto Ibla,
I shall expire of anguish. Oh that the Nocturnal
Evil of the Age had sacrificed me as a sheep, so
that I had never beheld this vile wretch return in
safety. And he wept till morning, and there was
not one of the party that slept or felt at ease, so
intense were their jealousy and hatred. At daylight,
Antar ordered the slaves to prepare for departure
and load the camels. Six hundred was the
number of his blacks, all headed by Aboolmout,
and he was a bold intrepid horseman. When the
mules and camels were loaded, and the female slaves
were mounted on them, Grecians, Persians, Cophts,
three variegated robes, studded with the precious
metals and jewels: he clothed her in them, and
placed on her head the diadem that the King of
Persia had given him. He also ordered forth for
her the magnificent silver litter, the supports of
which were of burnished gold; and eight mules
were required to carry it. At the sight of this
mass of splendour, Ibla was stupefied and amazed.
Her father Malik, as he surveyed it, was in the
greatest consternation and surprise: but as to her
mother, her tongue was tied up in her mouth, so
vast was her astonishment. Amarah! he wept, and
sighed, and groaned, and moaned. Antar cared
not for any of them, so entirely was he devoted to
Ibla; producing articles after articles in succession,
till she was bewildered. He raised her into the
litter, with her mother, and he commanded the
slaves to march forward, and to attend to them on
the journey. When Ibla was seated in the litter,
her countenance became radiant and illumined:
she smiled in the loveliest manner. Every charm
was heightened; and from her eyelashes she shot
arrows that penetrated the slayer of men and heroes.
Again Amarah cast his eyes upon her: he was
confounded. His rage became more intense: the
fiercest anguish and torture seized him. Alas, O
Amarah! said he to himself, from this moment
thou art indeed a wretch—a lost man. Now Antar
delivered Ibla over to her father, saying, Receive
in his praises and expressions of admiration,
exhibiting outwardly the reverse of what was in
his mind. Nephew, he replied, from this day Ibla
is your handmaid, and her father and her brother
are numbered among your slaves. Upon this,
Antar advanced, and kissed his uncle's hand, and
paid him every possible respect. Thus they continued,
till between them and the tribe of Abs
there remained only one day's journey; when, on
inquiring for Amarah, he was not to be found.
I imagine, said Malik, Amarah is gone on before
us, to announce our arrival. No, no, said Antar,
I am not in such favour with Amarah, that he
should do such an act; but if it be true, King
Zoheir will come out with all his family to meet
us. Well, said Malik, I will precede you, and
congratulate the tribe on your arrival; and I shall
thus conciliate your father and your uncles. It is
your own affair, added Antar; do as you please.
Malik accordingly changed his horse, and set off,
mounted on one of Antar's noble steeds, with his
son Amroo, and Oor and Ibla's mother; and
all those whose envy was consuming their bodies
and souls. Travelling with great speed, they arrived
early the next day in the land of the tribe of Abs.
Malik immediately repaired to the habitations of
Shedad, crying out, Good news, good luck to ye,
O family of Carad! Antar, son of Shedad, is returned.
Shedad looked up: Do you indeed speak
of empires, replied Malik. They all started up,
and mounted their horses. They were soon scattered
about; they seemed like a torrent, all exclaiming,
Welcome, joy! begone, sorrow! and they
sallied forth to meet Antar. The news soon reached
King Zoheir. Well! said he, this is the most wonderful
of all events: it must be noted down, and
written, as unheard of amidst the Arabs or the
Persians. By the truth of Lat, and Uzza, and
Hibel[25] , we must all go and meet him, and twitch
the noses of his enemies, and rejoice the hearts of
his friends. So he went forth, accompanied by his
sons, and the whole tribe of illustrious Arabs.
Antar, having separated from his uncle, stayed
behind till near midnight; when he set out, conversing
with Ibla, the most beautiful of human
beings, and feasting himself with looking on her
until it was daylight; when, riding close to her,
O my cousin, said he know that your father is
gone forward to announce our approach, and
to tell King Zoheir to come out and meet us.
I wish, also, to precede you, and to meet them
nearer home; for I now feel secure about you
against all the treacheries of fortune, and the calamities
of night. Having then given orders to
some slaves to protect her, and to keep off the
road, fearing that the dust of the horses might
too confined for him in the expansion of his love
and joy. He travelled on till mid-day, when lo!
a great dust arose, and the horsemen of Abs and
Adnan advanced: before them marched the slaves,
flourishing their swords, and damsels playing on
cymbals, and the standards floated over their heads.
First was seen King Zoheir, like a lion starting
from his den, and over his head waved the eagle
banner. The instant Antar beheld him, he dismounted
from Abjer, and the delight of this meeting
made him forget all his past troubles: and as
they drew nigh, they expressed their satisfaction in
one acclaim. Oh what a glorious day! was the
universal shout. Antar stood before the King,
kissed his hand, and prayed for his eternal glory
and happiness. And as he advanced towards Prince
Malik, he thus exclaimed:
"The age has removed its vizor from that radiant
form, glorious in perfect brilliancy, sparkling
in splendour; so that darkness is illumined
by it; like an hitherto unseen youth, glowing in
beauty, moving towards sublimity in matchless
lustre, and dashing to the earth all that would
rival him, like birds shot by the arrow of the
archer. Victory has firmly linked its banners to
his stirrups, to fell all thy foes with the waving
spear—O thou phœnix of this age! thou illustrious
hero of the period! thou attainer of all glory!"
O Aboolfawaris, exclaimed Prince Malik, may
besought him to mount his horse. The noble Absians
all surrounded him, whilst in reply to King
Zoheir's inquiries, he related his adventures. His
mother and his brothers wept, and sobbed, and
clamoured at the ecstacy of meeting, and in the excess
of their happiness after all their past alarms
and afflictions. When Antar had spoken to them
all, his slaves arrived conducting the camels, headed
by the fierce Aboolmout, who in front of the blacks
galloped round them to the right and to the left.
The whole land was involved in dust. In the rear
came Ibla's litter, all of silver studded with precious
stones; before her marched the imperial
steeds and beauteous slaves like the Houris of Paradise,
encompassing the lovely full-moon of Majesty,
as she approached. Antar dismounted from
Abjer, and girded his loins with a zone of gold
brocade worth a hundred thousand dirhems. He
directed the slaves to lead aside some camels and
mules that were laden with wealth, and also ten
fine coursers of unrivalled beauty, with their chests
and baggage, and presented them to King Zoheir;
and kissing the ground before him, he begged his
acceptance of them. The King received them, and
before each chest stood a slave-girl, either Grecian
or Abyssinian. To all the horsemen he distributed
robes and money, and gave them slaves and youths,
so that there was not one but partook of Antar's
bounty. King Zoheir was amazed and in the
By the truth of the holy Kabaa, said he, Antar
must have completely impoverished the King of
Persia; and he desired all the Absians, to whom
Antar had given something, to make a suitable
return To his father Shedad he presented abundance
of silver and gold, and many stout slaves;
but the remainder with the Asafeer camels he delivered
to Malik, his uncle. Thus they separated,
and every one sought his own tent. But Amroo,
Ibla's brother, made the camels that conveyed his
sister kneel down—he lifted up the curtain of the
litter—but Ibla was not there!—
| Antar : | |