 | Antar : |  |
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
ANTAR.
CHAPTER THE EIGHTH.
Amroo cried out; he screamed; he wept; he sharply
questioned Antar. Alas! said he, from the moment
I parted from her I know not what has happened.
The women and slaves were instantly sent
for:—not one could give any information respecting
Ibla. Then was Antar's grief and anguish
most severe—his tears flowed rapidly down his
cheek. But the heart of her father was replete
with gladness; and all Antar's enemies exulted in
secret. King Zoheir and his son Malik soon learned
what had happened, and their hearts felt what the
heart of man never felt before. This event lay
heavy on them all. The horsemen mounted their
steeds, and scoured the country in every direction,
till, darkness coming on, they returned without
gaining any intelligence. Be comforted, be consoled,
clear up this mystery. O King, continued Antar,
I am alone to blame, for I left her with those who
knew not her worth. I was induced too hastily to
come and meet you, fearful that the dust of the
horsemen would distress her. After this, he repaired
to the habitation of his mother, who threw
herself into his arms and wept for joy.
But Oorwah and his companions, on their return
home with Malik, Ibla's father, acquainted
Rebia with all that had happened to Amarah—
how Antar had rescued him and his comrades from
captivity and disgrace. Our grand object, said
Rebia, is the destruction of Antar; and all my
exertions shall be directed to that point. I will
demand of no one but of King Zoheir himself vengeance
for my brother's untimely fate: he shall
deliver Antar over to me, that I may kill him and
bring down perdition on him, for he must have
been the cause of Amarah's death. The next day,
as King Zoheir and his sons were sitting in their
tents, Rebia presented himself, accompanied by his
brothers. Having kissed the ground and made
obeisance, he explained the extraordinary disappearance
of his brother when in company with
Antar; saying, No one, O King, slew him but
Antar. I therefore demand of you his person,
that I may kill him with my own hand. King
Zoheir was convinced that this representation was
only founded in fraud and hypocrisy. Cousin, he
under great affliction for the loss of his uncle's
daughter. But if his guilt on this subject should
be ascertained, I will either deliver him over to you,
or I will slay him with my own hand. When Rebia
heard this, he departed overwhelmed with shame.
The cause of Ibla's disappearance was the following.—Soon
after Antar had quitted Ibla in the
morning, in order to meet King Zoheir, sleep came
upon her by the visitation of Fate and Destiny:
in the same manner, too, the women and slaves all
fell asleep on the backs of the camels. Ibla awoke,
and, finding herself in the midst of an extensive
plain, she said to her female attendants, Let me
alight and relieve the weariness of my limbs. The
slaves assisted her to descend, and over their eyes
immediately fell a heavy sleep: the camels passed
on, and they left her behind. But, whilst Ibla remained
thus abandoned, lo! a horseman rode down
towards her, exclaiming, "Hurrah! by the Arabs!
Fortune has at length awakened from her sleep,
and is recovered from her supineness—she has
given me what no human power could command."
This horseman was Amarah: for when he beheld
Ibla clothed in all those rich robes and garments,
he roamed among the rocks and the plains; and as
he continued straying, sometimes to the right, sometimes
to the left, he thus exclaimed:
"I wander, and my heart is the captive of
arduous. I weep for my dishonour, yet am I a
noble chief, and warriors consult me. Were
it not for the vicissitudes of Fortune, Fate would
not have distressed me—a slave would not have
succeeded, and a Chief be humiliated. O daughter
of Malik! my love draws me towards thee
with strong ties, and I am thy captive; I madden,
and I complain of my passion in the deserts;
and within my ribs is a raging flame at this
separation."
Thus Amarah raved till he came near home,
when his agony and anxiety became intense. In
the night he chanced to pass over the track of the
camels, and thus he discovered Ibla. As soon as
he saw her, he recognised her; and he felt as if all
his hopes were accomplished. But still fearing that
Antar would annihilate his existence, in a moment
he snatched her up violently from the ground, and,
placing her behind him on his horse, he launched
into the deserts. What! Amarah, thou mine of
filth and infamy, cried Ibla, dost thou dare to
make the daughter of thy cousin a prisoner? thou
foul-mustachioed wretch! I have caught thee, he
replied; and now I shall not perish in the sea of
love for thee. By the faith of an Arab, never, as
long as I breathe, shall Antar see thee more. All
his wishes and desires being thus realised, he urged
on his steed, and sought the land of Yemen, the
protection of Meljem the son of Handala, King of
the tribe of Tey, and remain under his shadow.
He had travelled on till mid-day, when, lo! a
dust arose, and thirty horsemen appeared, who, as
soon as they drew nigh, surrounded Amarah. This
party was of the tribe of Tey, and their Chief, a
noble horseman, called Moofrij, son of Hamam.
And as they closed on Amarah they perceived a
damsel weeping and wailing, and most sumptuously
attired. Congratulate yourselves on this plunder
and spoil, said their leader to his comrades; doubtless
this damsel is a daughter of some great King,
and this miserable fellow has carried her off. Come
on—let us rescue her: if he resists you, kill him.
At the word, they made towards Amarah. Dismount,
young man, they exclaimed, and wait on
this noble horseman, Moofrij, son of Hamam. This
order soon convinced Amarah that he had fallen
into a scrape; and though he was willing to secure
himself, and bargain for his life with the property,
yet his love for Ibla checked him. "Daughter of
Malik, said he to her, dismount, that I may drive
these antagonists away from thee, even though I
may drink of the cup of death. But if this should
prove the termination of thy meeting with me, I
swear by the God that created and beautified thee
that no human being after me shall possess thee."
Amarah, cried Ibla, may God never let thy native
soil flourish, nor suffer thee to escape from the
Ibla had not finished her speech before the horsemen
surrounded them on all sides; and Moofrij
attacked at their head. Ibla looked round to the
right and to the left, shooting arrows from her eyelashes.
Moofrij marked the beauties of her form:
his heart throbbed. But one of the horsemen
assaulted Amarah, and, wounding him, took him
prisoner, and secured him with cords, a miserable,
contemptible wretch! What Arab art thou? thou
foul-mustachioed fellow! he exclaimed. I am the
Chief Amarah, the brother of Rebia son of Zeead,
of the noble race of Abs, he replied. As Moofrij
listened to this, his senses fled away with joy. Woe
unto thee, that wanderest over these deserts, thou
son of infamy and disgrace! he cried; for between
us there exists an ancient feud. So he
fastened him across his horse, and carried him
away towards his own country. My cousins, said
he to his friends, a rich spoil is fallen to my share,
namely, this damsel; but the ransom that may
arise from the captive, that be yours. It is for you
to command, O noble Chief, they replied. They
travelled on till it was dark; and when they had
dismounted to repose and sleep, Moofrij demanded
of Ibla what man demands of woman. She repulsed
and reviled him. Keep off, touch me not,
cried she, or thou diest, as many others before thee
have done; for my husband is a man men cannot
resist—a warrior warriors cannot withstand; and
whom dost thou allude, unhappy girl? said he. I
mean, replied Ibla, Antar, the son of Shedad. As
soon as he heard this, his indignation redoubled;
he seized on a whip, and beat her till he made
her groan with pain. He left her; and, having
reposed till morning, he resumed his journey: and
in a few days they reached their own country, and
their families rejoiced at their return. Moofrij delivered
Ibla over to his mother. As to Amarah,
he handcuffed and fettered him, and beat him
with a stick three times a day—morning, mid-day,
and sunset; saying, Ransom thyself, thou filth!
Moofrij was continually with Ibla, importuning
her to marry him; but she ever rejected his proposals,
weeping and shrieking at him: and, as this
continued a long time, he became greatly enraged
at her, and beat her with a stick till the blood
came; when his mother, hearing her screams, ran
in and took her away from him. "O my son, said
she, you torment yourself about one that regards
you not, and you have given your heart to one
who will not keep it. Apply to the daughters of
your uncles, and fix not your affections on one
who has no inclination for you. Let her be your
menial servant—for there are certain people who
will not give way but when they are disgraced:
others there are, who, being nobly born, yield to
mild treatment." His mother's remonstrance had
its effect. He complied; and, stripping her of her
leather: and Ibla became his mother's slave-girl by
day and by night, and her employment was to draw
off the milk and to milk the buffaloes. The old
woman also always spoke to her in the harshest
manner, that she might stand in greater awe of her
son. Thus Ibla passed her days in such servile
offices, and her nights in weeping and wailing, and
interrupting the repose of the house, and ever calling
on Antar. The ruffian Amarah often heard her,
and his heart was rent with anguish—anticipating
death and every thing dreadful. Now Amarah
had despatched one of Moofrij's slaves to his brother
Rebia, to tell him what had happened; and
the slave hastened away till he reached the dwellings
of Abs and Adnan. But Rebia had about
that time gone down to the valley of Thaklan, in
consequence of King Zoheir's having said to him,
You can establish no charge against Antar; so depart,
make inquiries, investigate the affair of Ibla's
disappearance, and we will punish the criminal according
to his actions: for I will not deliver Antar
up to you—I will not leave him to your discretion.
This was the cause of Rebia's removal from the
tribe of Abs; and he set out with his brothers in
high dudgeon, his heart greatly inflamed against
Antar. He came and settled in that spot, and two
hundred tents of the tribe followed him: but they
were scarcely established when Moofrij's slave arrived
and informed Rebia of his brother Amarah's
he flew into a violent passion. He instantly
assembled his brothers and adherents, to whom he
related the whole story, explaining the cruel predicament
in which Amarah was placed. Verily,
said he, we shall be disgraced amongst all the
Arabs on account of my brother's affair with Ibla;
for it is an unheard-of injury. But, should we
decide on ransoming him with our property, this
disgrace will for ever cling to us; and it will be
said, the family of Zeead, unable to liberate their
brother by force of arms, ransomed him with money
and effects. It is my opinion we should set out
with these two hundred horsemen, and cast ourselves
amongst the hot coals of the Teyans. Let
us exercise every energy, that our enterprise may
succeed; and if we can lay hands on any of Moofrij's
property we will seize it, and rescue my brother
from his misery: but if we cannot thus effect
our purpose, we will secrete ourselves in the country;
there we will watch him day and night, until
some one may fall into our clutches with whom
we may procure his exchange. However, let all
this be kept concealed from King Zoheir; for
should he hear it, he may bring charges against
us, saying, your brother has offered violence to the
wife of a man and the daughter of his uncle, and
you dared to demand reparation for his blood. It
is, indeed, a severe calamity that Amarah has
brought down upon us. Most true, said one of
think best; consult on the state of our affairs;
haste away before the transaction become publicly
known, and we become a tale in the mouths of men
and women. Upon this they secured the slave, the
bearer of the intelligence, and quitted their homes,
seeking the mountains of Aja and Selma and the
habitations of the Teyans. Oorwah was of the
party. And they pursued their journey, traversing
the plains and the wilds.
But Antar had despatched Shiboob to gain some
authentic information about Ibla. He remained in
anxious expectation of his return, whilst a flame
of fire blazed in his heart, as he frequently exclaimed,
Alas, alas! I feel a grief that cauterizes
my very soul. Oh for some news! Oh that I could
enjoy one look at her face! And, as his afflictions
completely subdued him, he sighed and groaned,
and thus spoke:
"My tears stand in drops on my eyelids, and
short is the sleep of my eyes. For love there is
no rest—no comfort when the railers advise. We
met—but our meeting quenched not the flame.
No! it did not cool the boiling heat. How long
shall I mourn for the mate that grieves me?
Tears and lamentations avail not. I have implored
a peaceable life from Fortune, but her
favours to me are like the boons of a miser. I
am dying, and the most extraordinary forbearance
aids me not in my calamities."
Thus Antar passed a long time in the greatest
agony and affliction, never eating or drinking, except
in the society of King Zoheir, till Shiboob
returned. Antar, the instant he saw him, started
up. My soul is on fire at your long absence, he
cried. Have you gained any information of Ibla?
or, after this long absence, have you returned in
vain? O my brother, replied Shiboob, I am not
come without intelligence: I have news for you
that would cure even the deepest buried disease of
the heart. After I had passed through various cities
of Yemen, I came to Sana and Aden, and encountered
numerous difficulties until I reached the tribe
of Tey. It was there I found Ibla in the power
of Moofrij: there she attends on the camels and
the sheep. He has clothed her in garments of raw
leather, and makes her serve in the meanest offices
day and night. His mother too threatens her, and
treats her harshly in her speech: so that she weeps
both when she rises and lies down. She calls on
your name, and seeks her wonted succour from you
both night and day. Antar listened, and trembled.
He shook with fear, and the tears gushed from his
eyes. Well, Shibbob, said he; but what was the
cause of her falling into the power of Moofrij?
How came he, of all people, to obtain possession of
her? Son of my mother, replied Shiboob, the cause
of all this is Amarah; in whose mind are ever harboured
evil and deceit. Shiboob then related all Amarah's
contrivances. His envy at last overpowered
you had with you. He turned aside into the desert;
but his love for Ibla was so violent, that he
followed your traces, and watched her after you
had quitted her in the morning. Fate and destiny
overcame her. He seized her; and though he was
desirous to vanquish her, Moofrij overtook him in
the desert. He tore her away from him, and reduced
him to a most pitiable state. Antar's heart
was almost bursting as he listened to this narrative.
Brother, said he, how did you obtain this information?
Know, continued Shiboob, that when I
quitted you, I made the circuit of every tribe and
horde, and made inquiries of every one I met,
whether on horseback or on foot, until I came to
Aja and Selma and the waters of the tribe of Tey.
With every family I passed one night, saying to
myself peradventure I may learn something. On
the last night of my stay I slept in the dwelling of
Moofrij, and my place of rest was close to that of
one of his slaves called Moobshir. He invited me
to converse with him, and was very kind to me;
and to his questions about my connexions, Son of
my aunt, I replied, I am of the tribe of Jalhema,
of the family of Saad, son of Khoozrej—and this
is the family of Hatim Tey. So he complimented
me. But when all was still and quiet, and every
one asleep, the voice of Ibla struck upon my ears.
She was loudly wailing, and exclaiming through
the calmness of the night, Oh for the joys of Mount
expressing her regrets at being separated from her
native soil, and her loss of friends; adding, O protector
of the tribe of Abs, how often have I called
on thee! Where is the path by which I can give
thee news of myself and meet thee, O son of my
uncle? for torments distract me. My eyes are
ulcered with weeping, O son of my uncle! Thy
foes triumph, and watchful are the eyes of thy
enemies. It was the very moment of meeting,
when separation closely followed its traces; and
thou hadst but just arrived from Irak, when we
were again scattered over the globe. Woe to me!
my lot is nothing but tears and sighs. What a
misery it is to put on raw leather for a garment!
Cruel is this grievous state. Hasten then, son of
my uncle, thy arrival; rescue me by thy exertions,
that laid low the lions of the caverns. Let me hear
thy shouts in the tumult of spearsmen and swordsmen.
After this doleful effusion, my brother, she
sobbed and sighed so bitterly, it might almost be
said that she was dead, and that her soul had departed.
Again she sighed from her sorrowing
heart, and thus spoke:
"My anxious love is vehement, and my tears
flow profusely, and they ease the anguish of my
pains in my frame. Ask my burning sighs, that
mount on high—they will tell you of the flaming
passion in my liver. By your violence you overpower
my weakness: I have not forbearance or
all the livelong night, drooping, he mourns
for his mate that is gone and returns not. This
is thy sorrow, and to-morrow thou art relieved:
but, alas, what is the state of the captive of love
and anguish! O western breeze, blow to my
country, and give information of me to the fierce
lion, the hero of Abs, and their champion when
start forth the foreheads of the horse and warriors
in multitudes! How oft has he protected
me with the edge of his sword—he, the refuge
of mothers fearful of being bereft of their children!
Here I dwell, hoping for a relief from
my agonies at his hand: to no other will I complain."
(As Shiboob repeated these verses, streams flowed
from the eyes of Antar.) I immediately turned,
continued Shiboob, towards the slave near whom I
was lying; Son of my aunt, said I, why is this
damsel grieving? does she not sleep? does she pass
her nights generally thus? Young man, replied
the slave, she is a foreigner, and she is a captive:
it is thus she passes her mornings and her evenings.
Her name is Ibla, daughter of Malik, the Absian.
I soon contrived to draw from him the whole story:
how Moofrij happened to meet Amarah and her:
how he took Amarah prisoner, and carried her
home; and when he demanded of her what man
demands of woman, how she used the most opprobrious
expressions towards him—threatening him
from the state of a slave to that of a Chief:
how Moofrij upon this treated her most vilely—
stripping her of her clothes, and overwhelming her
with cruelties: how also he behaved in the same
manner to Amarah—handcuffing and fettering him
until he should ransom himself with money and
camels; and that he had sent to Rebia to rescue
him from misery. At hearing this, O son of my
mother, sweet sleep abandoned my eyes, and I
anxiously waited for the dawn of day, that I might
hasten to you, and return with my intelligence.
But on my way I met the family of Zeead, travelling
towards that tribe. I turned out of the road,
so that they did not see me: and this is what I have
seen and heard during my absence. Antar listened
to all these details. At last he swooned, and though
alive he seemed lost to all feeling, so violent was
his rage against Amarah—so vast his love for Ibla.
I must be revenged, he cried, on that family of
Zeead: I will deprive them of their sweet slumbers.
He instantly summoned his father and mother;
and as he informed them of all these extraordinary
events, they began to weep and wail; and soon was
the circumstance known among all the family of
Carad. The next day Antar hastened to Prince
Malik, and informed him of the discovery of Ibla:
upon which he conducted him to the tents of King
Zoheir. O my lord, exclaimed Antar, bursting into
tears in his presence, let this be a judgment on
their brother's blood, after I had kindly liberated
him from that Nocturnal Evil and the Depredator
of the Age. When King Zoheir had heard all this
infamous transaction, greatly exasperated against
Amarah and Rebia, he exclaimed, May God curse
the family of Zeead! Truly have they committed
a most dastardly act; for their brother has carried
off Ibla, the daughter of their uncle by birth, and
has brought indelible disgrace upon her, according
to the usages of Arabia. They even dared to demand
vengeance of me upon Antar, guiltless and
nowise implicated. O Aboolfawaris, he added, do
what you please. Observe what will be their fate.
The Lord God has driven them to their ruin. I
am convinced they will be subdued by their foes,
and that not one of them will return home. I will
stop till I hear of them: then let us all march together,
and let us ease our hearts upon them; and
never will I trace my way back till I have rescued
Ibla with the sword, and have slain Moofrij, son of
Hamam. Antar thanked him for his kind intentions.
O Aboolfawaris, said Prince Malik as they
were returning, what have you resolved on doing
after this conversation? My lord, replied Antar,
I cannot wait here after what I have heard of my
cousin Ibla; I must absolutely be gone in quest of
her, were I even to die on her account. It is
my determination to set out this very night: but,
as I do not wish to impose difficulties on any
myself. I will not put the King to any trouble,
nor harass him by an expedition with me. I request,
therefore, you will keep this affair secret.
No, Aboolfawaris, cried the Prince, I will not suffer
you to go on this adventure alone. I will accompany
you. I too will expose my life in the liberation
of Ibla. All I beseech of you, by my life that
is yours, is to wait a little; perhaps my father will
go forth to the chase, and leave the tents unoccupied:
then let us avail ourselves of the opportunity,
and consult what measures should be taken, so that
my father may not impede us, or prevent our departure.
Antar assented to his wishes. He went
to bed, but his eyes were suffused in tears, watching
till the day dawned; when in rushed Prince Malik.
Come, Aboolfawaris, he cried, prepare for the journey;
acquaint the family of Carad; take with you
your uncle Malik and your father Shedad. Shiboob
was accordingly despatched to summon Shedad and
Malik, with his son Amroo, whom he desired to
make ready for an expedition, as they had been all
insulted; whilst the Prince hurried to his own tents,
and ordered the slaves to call out the horsemen and
his adherents. And the day was not illumined, or
the sun risen high, before the horsemen started from
their dwellings, and assembled, to the number of
two hundred noble warriors, clothed in steel, in
front of whom stood Antar, on Abjer; and Shiboob
went ahead. But Antar's imagination was totally
name, and he was in the severest inquietude about
her. I am at hand, he cried, O daughter of my
uncle, I am at hand. I have heard your cry. I
am going to annihilate your enemies. And turning
to Prince Malik, Truly, my lord, he said, it is very
absurd in me to set out to the assistance of my
foes. This is the most grievous circumstance of
all; for I am aware, that though they become victorious
by my means, they will not let me be quiet.
But it is on Ibla's account I act thus. Some poet
has observed, "Had I a heart of pity and compassion
for myself, I would not pass the night
grieving in the agony of love. It is extraordinary,
that from thine eyes I feel no arrow, but
still my heart is pierced with shafts. I am kind
to thy friends in my love, though they are my
foes; and on account of two eyes, a thousand
eyes are respected." Again turning to Prince
Malik, he said, On Ibla's account I will submit to
these pains. And thus he continued:
"I endure torments from my relations that fatigue
me, and I conceal from them my passion
and my transports. When they question me, I
say, Kill me, for I am an oppressive tyrant.
They insult me, and seek to separate me from
my beloved; and she is my hope and my object.
They long for my death. It is their sole wish to
see me felled to the ground in the day of battle.
But when the foe comes upon them, they entreat
patience till I obtain my desire, and I will punish
the enemy by my resignation to insults."
May God never abandon thy mouth! exclaimed
the young Prince, highly gratified at these verses;
may no one ever harm thee! Thus they travelled
on, traversing the deserts and the rocks on the
backs of their horses.
In the mean time, Moofrij was expecting the
ransom, and importuning Ibla morning and evening.
It so happened, that the story of Amarah and Ibla
became so well known throughout the tribe of Tey,
that Selma the mother of Vachid at last heard it.
(Now she was clothed in mourning for the death of
her son.) She no sooner learnt the captivity of
Amarah, than she mounted her camel, and took
with her a party of slaves, bent on revenge, that
the flame now blazing in her heart might be appeased.
On reaching the tents of Moofrij, she presented
herself to him. She blushed, and wept. She
demanded of him vengeance for her son, requesting
him to deliver Amarah over to her, that she might
slaughter him with her own hand, and drink his
blood—that perchance the fire in her entrails might
be quenched. O aunt, he replied, I will have vengeance
for your son. But I will not have done
with these boors of Absians till I have received
their ransom, and taken their Chiefs, and have
massacred them all at the tomb of thy son, that his
grave may be watered with their blood. I will also
me to punish him as it may please thee, and
make him drink of the cup of perdition. As to this
Amarah, I have only demanded his ransom as a
stratagem. Some one of his brothers will probably
come with the ransom, accompanied with a party
of their Chiefs: I will seize them all. Their black
slave will hear of it, and he will haste to rescue
them: him too will I capture, and deliver over to
you. The heart of Selma was overjoyed. Oh,
cried she, I long to torment this prisoner we have
already in our power, until the others arrive, and
fall into our hands. Do as you please, said he.
At the word, she started up like a lioness, and
snatching up a whip, she went to Amarah. She
beat him like a fury, and in her madness tore off
his skin with her teeth. O mother of men, cried
Amarah, I have ransomed myself with money and
camels. How, cried she, you filth, how have you
ransomed yourself? do you imagine that you will
be delivered from death and destruction? By the
faith of an Arab, were all the wealth of the whole
tribe of Abs to be proffered, it should not release
you from your tortures: I will positively slaughter
you as I would a sheep. She then discovered to
him who she was, and what had befallen her son.
And as to the slave Moofrij has despatched to bring
the ransom, she added, it is all a trick and stratagem,
that he may seize your property, and lay his
hands on your friends. Amarah was thus convinced
impossible it was to escape from immediate dissolution;
and he repented sorely of what he had
done. Ah! I never indeed laid my account to this,
groaned he to himself; never more shall I taste of
food or wine: unless Antar come in quest of Ibla,
never shall I be liberated. Thus Amarah endured
his sorrows. Moofrij, in the mean time, was expecting
of Ibla the completion of his hopes; and
thus was he occupied.
But Rebia was hastening with his hardy warriors,
passing many a horde, till he reached the
tribe of Tey. Know, said he to his comrades, we
are now in the land of the Teyans, our enemies;
our object is the deliverance of my brother. Nothing
is required in this affair but prudence in our
plans, that they may be surprised, and we attack
them to advantage. Let us therefore detain the
slave, and despatch one of our own people to Moofrij
as a decoy: let him say to him, Mount your horse,
O Chief, the Absians are arrived with only ten
horsemen, to escort the ransom money; they met
some travellers in your country, whom they have
plundered. They are now in your territories with
their booty, which of right belongs to you: meet
them, and rescue your property from the foe, or
eternal will be your disgrace. Now I am sure, sons
of my uncle, he will come down upon us with a few
attendants, in the height of his folly and intrepidity.
But let us disperse ourselves, whilst ten are stationed
us all rush out on him; let us take him prisoner;
and having ransomed our brother with his own person,
let us return home safe; thus converting our
afflictions into honour and glory. Rebia's plan and
stratagem amazed them, and they felt certain of
their brother's deliverance. (We have already mentioned
that Rebia was a great adept in every fraud
and artifice.) They reposed till morning, when his
brother Anis was sent on to Moofrij, with every
requisite direction. He set out, and reached the
tents of Moofrij. At that time Selma, Vachid's
mother, was with him, and they were in deep conversation.
The fumes of wine were still working
on him, when one of his attendants came in, and
said, Master, at the door of the tent stands a
stranger, inquiring for your tents. Moofrij went
forth, and beheld Anis, on horseback. God preserve
you, O Arab, said he; what do you want?
Anis repeated to him what Rebia had instructed
him to say, adding, Overtake the Absians before
blood be shed, and the property be lost that is now
at your disposal. Moofrij turned back into his
tent, roaring like a lion, and in great wrath. He
put on his breast-plate, and girded on his sword,
and ordered his slave to prepare his black steed;
but he said not a word to any one of his family.
Selma heard all that was passing, and saw the confusion
in which he was. Son of my uncle, said
she, what is the matter? what have you heard from
Let me hear it; and be not too precipitate, lest
you fall into trouble. He accordingly explained to
her all he had learnt from Anis, and his eyes were
like two balls of burning coals. Now Selma was
one of the most subtle women in all Arabia—very
cunning and clever in every act. Lion-warrior, she
cried, this is all false. He is come to deceive you,
in order to entice you out: they will overpower
you with numbers, take you prisoner, and ransom
their brother from bondage with you. This is a
common trick among such fellows. I am fully persuaded
you ought not to go forth with less than
two hundred horsemen; for undoubtedly they are
lying in ambush for you, and waiting for you.
Moreover, the proof of there being some fraud intended
is, that the slave whom you sent has not
returned; so look to what you are about. Moofrij
was astonished. How must this business be arranged?
said he. The best plan, she replied, is to
seize this horseman, who has come on this errand:
imprison him, and chain him to his countryman.
Then take with you some of your warriors, in whom
you can confide in difficulties. Set out all at once,
and let your meeting be the assault of the cleaving
scimitar; and thus take them all prisoners. Moofrij
approved of this advice; and instantly rushing out,
pulled Anis off his horse, and pinioned him, saying
to a slave, Carry him to his countryman, and torture
him: soon will I cut off their heads, and march
two hundred horsemen, he departed, traversing the
plains and the wilds. The slave dragged Anis to
Amarah, and threw him down opposite to him.
Oh, my brother, said Amarah, truly I am quite
bewildered and confounded; for what has happened
to me never befel any human being before, so vast
are the horrors I have endured; and I am expecting
my ransom of you and Rebia. Anis upon this
acquainted him with Rebia's stratagem, and how
Selma had discovered it all to Moofrij, advising
him to seize him. Amarah burst into tears. Alas!
said he, this is a sad affair—a most deplorable expedition:
every vestige of the family of Zeead will
be effaced. All this, added Anis, is owing to thee,
O Amarah. Thou hast brought us into this scrape
by thy villany. We warned thee against Ibla, but
thou wouldst not be dissuaded; and thou hast continued
thy violent proceedings till misfortunes have
overwhelmed us all: and if the family of Zeead be
destroyed, it will be owing to thy obstinacy and ill
luck. It is very true, my brother, cried Amarah;
but still I wish that Ibla was in my power, and
then I should not care what happened.
When Rebia had despatched Anis, he divided
his people into three parties, leaving ten to keep a
look out; and saying to them, As soon as you observe
Moofrij and his horsemen, with my brother
Anis, ride up to him. Salute him, and say, O Chief,
we are the persons come to ransom our brother from
horsemen, who carried off the cattle we had with
us. We have been sent on to inform you, that
you may come and rescue your property; for we
are now in your country, and under your protection.
Contrive to conduct him among the ravines:
then the ambuscade shall rush out. We
will overpower him; for I know he will only come
slightly attended, on account of his confidence in
his superior gallantry and prowess. The party lay
concealed, and the ten were looking out, when lo!
Moofrij appeared, accompanied with a troop of
warriors; and they no sooner came up with the
Absians, than they plied their swords among them,
and split open their skulls. Grief and dismay fell
upon them, and their consternation was great. In
a moment seven were slain; three fled towards the
concealed party, and communicated the event. The
ambuscade being now brought to light, and all their
artifices being made manifest, Moofrij saw that Selma's
hint was correct. The whole plot was now
discovered. He rushed down upon them like a
lion in his wrath, and shaved off their heads from
their bodies. Cousins, exclaimed Rebia, our stratagem
cannot succeed, unless it is well supported.
I strongly suspect he has seized my brother Anis,
and is now come to fight us; so that we have no
means of escape but our sharp swords and our long
spears: otherwise we shall be destroyed in this land,
and Antar will exult over us. He spoke, and assailed
sword among them. The confusion was universal.
Cowards sought the mountains: but the bold
plunged into a sea of distress, and patiently submitted
to calamities. They desisted not from fighting
until the day closed, when they quitted the
contest. The family of Zeead took refuge under
the sand-hills; fifty being killed, and many wounded.
Moofrij returned to his tents, and congratulated
his friends on the termination of their difficulties,
saying, Truly was Selma's advice perfectly
correct. Having reposed till morning, the two parties
mounted their hard-hoofed steeds, slung on their
spears, girded on their swords, and sought the field
of battle. Moofrij started out between the two
parties, and appeared between the two corps, exclaiming,
O family of Zeead, we understood you
were coming with camels, but ye are come with
troops and warriors. You imagined you would
succeed against us: but now only anticipate the
devastation of your lands, and the extirpation of
your families. Come on—to the battle—the thrust
and the blow! Him whom you came to rescue you
shall never reach, and him whom you sent I have
seized; and thus he continued in verse:
"The snort of the war-horse, with the pliant
spear, and the blow of the sabre on the thin
casques, are sweeter to me than gaming over cups
and the goblets, and the cupbearer. Ye think,
O Absians, that I am dead, and that your slave
made him a captive, and he is in chains. Ye
have perfidiously deceived me, and this is one of
the results of treachery. I imagined the party
were come light, only leading baggage and camels;
but they came heavy-armed and laden,
tight-waisted, girthed for the chase. But I have
sworn that I will disperse your numbers in the
day of encounter, and I will steep my lance in
the blood of horsemen as it streams at my feet
and legs."
Rebia came down upon him; but Cais, urging
on his horse, engaged him first. The dust arose
between them: the horsemen approached the scene
of uproar, and extended their necks, with anxious
looks. A general shout, "O by the valiant Cahtan,"
arose from the midst of the black dust-cloud!
and lo! Moofrij had taken Cais prisoner, and bound
him with cords, a miserable wretch! And he instantly
returned to the contest and clamour. Rebia
was confounded, and repented of what he had done.
Alas, he cried, we have fallen into misfortune; we
shall be totally annihilated by our enmity towards
Antar. Could I but feel certain that we should
escape safe out of this conflict, I would send to
King Zoheir and make our excuses for our base
and improper conduct; I would beg him to despatch
our countryman and defender, Antar, to
rescue us from perils. He had scarcely spoken
these words when a shout from Moofrij and another
and, lo! he had taken a third brother prisoner.
Rebia screamed out in horror of his situation, and he
resolved on attacking him; but Oorwah anticipated
him. He was a lion-like horseman; and he rushed
against Moofrij, thus reciting:
"Away with boasting, for Fortune builds up
and throws down. She is impartial or oppressive
unintentionally, and elevates to glory him who
has passed a life in ignominy. She makes the
afflicted smile—now giving, now denying. To
him who lives in the glories of the world the day
sometimes brings joy that turns to bitterness.
May I forfeit the high-bred steed if I do not
plunge with him into seas of death and the overshadowing
dust. I will smite every warrior with
my Indian blade, that rebounds from the fracture
and is not blunted. I will sacrifice myself
for the tribes with my long spear until it be honoured
and respected."
But Moofrij soon interrupted him and assailed
him. A dreadful conflict ensued between them;
till Moofrij, rushing furiously at Oorwah, overwhelmed
him, and, assaulting him with the vehemence
of a lion, grasped him by the throat: he
clung to him and made him his captive. The
Absians raised vast shouts. The Teyans attacked
them from all quarters: and the contest was so
fierce, that, the noise of it being soon spread
throughout the whole clan, both riders and pedestrians
till it was dark. Rebia now saw death and destruction
were at hand. Accompanied by his party,
he took refuge among the sand-hills; and there
were only seventy remaining out of the two hundred.
Thirty were prisoners, fifteen had fled, the
rest were slain, and all were wounded with the
points of the arrows. Distracted and bewildered
as they were, thirst augmented their anguish.
Well, said they to Rebia, what is your plan now?
what is your advice? Sons of my uncle, he replied,
we have indeed fallen into the sea of Destiny
and Fatality—we can find no favour with any
one; and all these calamities are owing to my brother
Amarah and that black slave. We have no
other resource but to send to Moofrij and demand
his protection; here to remain with him in bondage
until we can redeem our lives by our property.
They reposed, waiting for the day-light; and it
was scarcely dawn when Rebia despatched a man
to Moofrij, saying, Noble warrior! lion-hero! Arabs
do not pride themselves over the Persians but on
the sanctity of their protection and hospitality. We
demand protection of you, that we may surrender
ourselves to you and procure our ransom: but if
you will not abstain from shedding blood, at least
let us be supplied with water. Be just to us in the
conflict—come out against us with equal numbers,
that we may exert ourselves and die under our
standards and our ensigns. When the messenger
What consideration is due to you, he cried, now
that you have falsified your word? By the faith
of an Arab, you have no refuge against death unless
you throw away your arms, and all of you
come dismounted before me, that I may shave off
your beards and cut off your noses and your ears.
On this condition you shall be furnished with
water. Then will I hang ye all, by Lat and
Uzza! My lord, said the messenger, whose name
was Jemeel, and he was a celebrated orator, here I
stand in your presence: take my horse and my
arms; cut off my ears, if you please; shave off
my beard; but, oh! let me moisten my heart and
soul with one drop of water. Moofrij was softened:
he accorded him his protection and allowed him
some water, saying, You are now under my protection,
but not so your companions. On you I
have had compassion on account of your speech:
so go your way, and interfere no more; otherwise
I will leave you a corpse. As to your comrades,
their death is resolved on. And if they keep themselves
on the defensive, and do not descend from
the sand-hills, I will torture them with hunger and
thirst till they be all stupified: then will I take
them prisoners, and hang them all on one day.
Jemeel returned back to Rebia; and, having told
them what had passed, the consternation was universal.
Should he cut off our noses and our ears,
eternal will be our disgrace and infamy. But, said
thus informing them that he had obtained the protection
of Moofrij for himself, he turned away his
horse and sought his own safety. Rebia and his
friends descended, and commenced another attack.
The Teyans assailed them right and left, and drove
upon them with their long spears. Before mid-day
they were all in the wildest confusion: thirst reduced
them to the state of drunkards, and they
were all made prisoners. Moofrij carried them, all
bound with cords, to his tents. They preceded
him, overwhelmed in disgrace and infamy. Selma
was more overjoyed than any one: she abused the
Absians to their faces, crying out, You filthy
Arabs, I must absolutely drink of your blood till I
am gorged. Moofrij ordered them all to be cast
into the same place with Amarah: and he sent
word to the tribe of Jalhema, and to King Maljem,
son of Handhala, and his brother the Blood-drinker,
congratulating them on the misery that had befallen
the family of Zeead, and requesting their attendance
to see them all hanged.
Now Ibla was rejoicing at the downfall of her
enemies—very glad was she that they were thus
chained and fettered, and reduced to such wretchedness
and misery. Many of her sorrows were
soothed—for she still expected the arrival of her
cousin. The night was not far spent when Moofrij
became intoxicated. The people had departed to
their respective tents, and every one was asleep,
he was considering how he should complete his
gratification, he repaired to his mother, and said, I
wish you would bring me that Absian damsel, that
I may enjoy her this night. If she will not consent,
I will use her most cruelly; I will multiply
her distresses and slay all her countrymen. Away
hastened his mother to Ibla. Go to your master
instantly, said she, that he may show some kindness
to you and your countrymen; but, if you still obstinately
refuse to yield to him, dread his violence.
Barbarian, vile hag, exclaimed Ibla, were your son
even to hack my limbs with the sword, or to massacre
the whole tribe of Abs and all that the sun
rises upon, never would he see me his property,
never see me yield or submit to him. Wishes he
my death? I will kill myself with mine own hand.
Accursed wretch! cried the old woman. She
struck her with her fist, and ordered the slave-girls
to drag her forth, as she screamed out, O by Abs!
O by Adnan! who can now save me? who can
assist me? who can redeem me from this captivity?
Alas! is there any one to deliver me from this
distress? She continued shrieking and screaming
till even the family of Zeead heard her cries in the
stillness of the night. What is the matter with the
daughter of our uncle, that she screams and cries
so loud? asked they of their guards; who informed
them of what had passed between her and
Moofrij—how he had sworn and confirmed his
he would not leave one of them alive. Be satisfied,
said Oorwah; I will request of the Almighty that
she may irritate him still more, so that his cruelty
may be sharpened, and he strike off our heads at
once: but if Moofrij will listen to me, he will have
nothing to do with her, for she brings ill luck on
every one that demands her—lucky is he who lets
her alone. Oorwah had hardly done speaking when
loud screams and shouts were heard. Every one in
the tents was in confusion and in motion, sword in
hand. It is well, said Oorwah, it is God's work;
and to-night will Moofrij be slain, were he even
the horseman of the plains and the mountains.
The shouts and the uproar became more distinct,
and the roars of, O by Abs, O by Adnan, were
echoing loud; but the howl of Antar overpowered
them all. Dreadful misfortunes overwhelmed the
tribe of Tey. Scimitars were labouring in every
hand: blood flowed in torrents: men were slain:
many were hewn in pieces. The Teyans were
rushing upon one another: some sought flight.
The camels were dispersed over the plains and the
deserts. But the cause of this confusion was as
follows.
CHAPTER IX.
As we before stated, Antar departed in pursuit of
Ibla, traversing various tribes and hordes, till,
coming nigh to the tribe of Tey, he resolved to
send away Shiboob, to gain information, and to
learn what had happened to Rebia and his brothers.
At that moment a horseman met them,
advancing from the sand-hills, and tearing up the
earth in his speed. Antar accosted him, and lo! it
was Jemeel the Absian. God preserve you, young
man, said Antar. And joy be with you—you, the
protector of our tribe, replied Jemeel, as he flung
himself off his horse on the ground; and, covering
his head with sand, he bewailed his family and
friends. Antar went towards him: he took him
by the hand and quieted his sorrows. He conducted
him to Prince Malik, who questioned him
as to what had befallen him. Know, O Prince, he
replied, that the family of Zeead are in bondage:
noble warriors are slain, and only a few remain out
of the whole party—I left them all either prisoners
or dead. Thus communicating all that had passed,
he added, I have received the protection of Moofrij,
to the exception of my comrades. O Aboolfawaris,
exclaimed the Prince, let us away with all
and rescue them from their terrible situation:
thus let it be known that they are the freedmen
of thy sword and thy intrepidity. I am aware,
O Prince, said Antar, that my honours with respect
to them are entirely useless, were I even to
plant their glories on the backs of the clouds: but
it is your order to join them. There is not one of
them that can brave dangers, and I am sure that
they are at this moment in chains and bondage;
for, as Jemeel remarked, they have neither the
power to breathe nor think. My plan is this: let
us surprise the foe in the dark; let us throw our
troops among the tents; let us convert their joys
into sorrow; let us establish tears and grief in
their land, and rescue Ibla before morning. Upon
this they continued their journey, till, being close
to the tents, they perceived that their lights were
extinguished, and both freemen and slaves were
asleep. Take you the left, my lord, said Antar to
Prince Malik; leave me the right—and mark what
I will do with them, thus taken unawares. So he
left one hundred and fifty with the Prince; and,
with only fifty men, he assaulted on the right, conspicuous
among the tents and the tent-ropes. Malik
attacked on the left like a ferocious lion. They
gave one universal shout, and the whole earth
trembled. The sword spared neither old nor young,
whilst the troops poured down among the tents.
Moofrij was anxiously expecting Ibla; but, as soon
brain, and his consternation and alarm increased.
He hastened to the door of the tent. Bring me
my horse, he exclaimed to his slaves; bring me my
armour of war and cuirass, that I may discover
what means this tumult, and what means this conflict,
that appears like a flame of fire. Peradventure
Fatality and Destiny have driven the Absian slave
to this land, that I may destroy him and hurl down
annihilation upon him; and thus will I exterminate
both him and his friends. Ibla heard Antar, in
the tranquillity of the night, roaring like a peal of
thunder. Her heart was soothed, after all her
agitations. She raised her voice and cried out, Now
am I sure of comfort, after all my miseries: misfortune
is coming upon thee, thou son of infamy
and disgrace: the noble horseman is at hand: the
tribe of Abs will pounce down upon thee like
eagles, and will deliver the fawn of the desert from
thy grasp: this night shall thy mother mourn for
thee. The mother of Moofrij heard this; and,
being in the wildest consternation, she struck her
on the face, crying out, Dost thou dare to abuse us
thus—thou, a captive in our hands? This very
hour thou shalt behold the head of that black.
Dost thou imagine he will be able to aid thee,
fallen as thou art into the clutches of the devouring
eagle? As she turned towards her son, she saw
him mounting his horse, tottering still in intoxication
and the fumes of wine. She was alarmed, and
spears. Now scimitars were at work on all sides:
shouts shook the land: frightful were the blows of
Antar's sword, and deadly were the thrusts of Antar's
spear. Shiboob was casting fire among the
tents and dwellings; and dust arose that was
blacker than the darkness of night. The camels
fled in terror away: the necks of men and women
were trampled on. Thus continued the fray till it
was near morning. The country was involved in
lamentation, and husbands abandoned their tender
wives: death and disgrace were conspicuous. All
sought the plains and the deserts, quitting the tents
and the habitations; whilst Shiboob made his way
to the prisoners in chains and in utter dismay.
Selma, Vachid's mother, no sooner beheld this sad
reverse, than she rushed from the tents, intending
to seek the open country; but perceiving Moofrij's
mother detaining him from the conflict and turning
his horse's head towards the sand-hills, and also
marking his flight under the guidance of a slave,
she mounted a noble steed, and, snatching up a
sword, Never, she cried, will I depart from the
tents till I have eased my heart, and accomplished
my desires on the foe. And she darted towards the
prisoners, and had already wounded many of them,
resolved to slaughter them all, when Shiboob arrived
and roared at her. She fled: her horse was
swift, and she rode off among the fugitives. Shiboob
approached Rebia, and loosened his arms and
friends, whose death they had considered inevitable;
and they released one another, exclaiming, O by
Abs, O by Adnan! and the mountains and the
rocks echoed back the shout. When the day
dawned, not a youth or an old man was found, but
was either dead or a captive. Shiboob in the mean
time was roaming about the tents in search of Ibla,
whom at last he found almost smothered with the
entrails of the dead, groaning like a woman bereft
of her children; and as she listened for the
voice of Antar, she thus exclaimed:
"O my cousin, ease my heart, and lead me
home by the hand, for my body is worn out, and
my strength fails. For the black hero I have
encountered disgrace. My frame—the Zephyr
would overwhelm it, so greatly have they exhausted
me with eternal pains. My resignation
—it is at an end. My foes exult over me, and
I have endured endless horrors. Convey me to
the protection of Antar; no one but the lion can
defend the fawn. Tell him I am in dismay, and
my heart wanders wild in its fears. My eye-lids
—no sleep have they; but they mourn for eternal
sleep. Were a rock to experience a portion
of my sufferings, the rock itself would be cast
down. This eternal banishment will never end:
it is a separation that exceeds the distance of the
planets."
Shiboob heard her lamentations, and his heart
and, discovering himself, he bore her away in his
arms, and conveyed her to his brother Antar; who,
the moment he saw her, dismounted, and pressed
her to his bosom, and kissed her between the eyes,
saying, Grievous indeed it is to me that you should
suffer and endure such calamities, and I be alive in
the world. But this is the misfortune of the times,
against which no human being can find refuge.
Take her, he added to Shiboob, take her to the
tent of Moofrij: place her on his throne, and protect
her, whilst I go to Prince Malik, and see what
he is about. Shiboob entered the tent of Moofrij;
and as he found it empty, he searched about, and
opened some chests, in which he saw all Ibla's rich
robes and garments, and strings of jewels. Shiboob
was exceedingly pleased, and delivered them to Ibla.
Thus all her distress and affliction vanished, and
her hopes and wishes were realized. Antar had
departed to the opposite quarter, in quest of Prince
Malik and his associates, to observe how the combat
stood. But Prince Malik and his friends were renowned
horsemen, and had performed the deeds of
heroes that night, destroying the enemy with the
sword, and forcing their way among the tents, and
brandishing their spears and their scimitars: the
Prince ever at their head, like an eagle, or a lion,
when he rushes out from his den. Antar rode up
to him, and kissed his hand, congratulating him on
O Aboolfawaris, he replied, it has been a night
comprising many nights: but by your good fortune
we have succeeded in our attempts. They perceived,
that during that night's contest only three
of Antar's heroes had been killed, and thirty of
Prince Malik's. But disgrace had fallen abundantly
on the adverse party, and a most dreadful example
had been made of them. Fate and destiny had
been let loose upon them. My lord, said Antar,
we must not remain in this land; for we have no
friends, no associates, no allies in it. And as they
were setting out for their own tents, Rebia came
up to Antar, and wept tears of deceit and fraud.
Cousin, said he, we have not the face to meet thee,
on account of our shameful deeds, and thy infinite
kindness towards us. May God render thy favour
towards us eternal; for it is God that has united
thee to Ibla, thy cousin. After him came up Amarah,
crying in excess of jealousy, envy, and regret.
Son of my uncle, exclaimed he, what is done, is
done. It is all the work of human failings: do not
therefore revenge yourself on me for what I have
done: do pardon my transgression, and forgive me.
Antar pitied them; and feeling favourably inclined
towards them on account of his relationship, he
embraced and saluted them; thus congratulating
them on their escape:
"Exult, if ye will — or be just: behold in the
for being black, my acts are the acts of the noble-born."
As the family of Zeead listened, the passion of
envy burnt in their hearts; and though they thanked
him outwardly, internally their galls were bursting
with rage. They now returned to their tents, and
reposed; and when they had had their wounds
dressed, said Antar to them, Sons of my uncle,
although we shall never be vanquished, and we
have gained a signal victory, yet we are in the land
of Cahtan; and there is not an individual in it but
dreads us, and is our foe. So come away: let us
refresh ourselves, and depart. Prince Malik having
also expressed his approbation, they slaughtered
some of the captured camels and sheep, and prepared
their dinner.
But Moofrij, when he fled and sought the sands,
fearful of death and infamy, turned his eyes back
over the desert; and as he beheld the noble Absians
take possession of his tents, and his own companions
sleeping in death, his soul festered at the sight, and
he hastened his flight over the plains.
The Absians had no sooner finished their repast,
than they set out on their way home. They had
not been long gone when the tribe of Jadeelah
arrived, about five hundred strong, in order to
enjoy the sight of the execution of the Zeead family.
Moofrij joined them, overwhelmed in tears
and sighs, and lamentations, and telling them the
us pursue them, cried the strangers; let us speedily
annihilate them. Just then arrived also the tribe
of Nibhan, amounting to five thousand warriors,
and headed by Mohelhil, son of Foyadh; and he
was one of the lion-tyrants at that period of ignorance,
most renowned for his courage in the field,
of a most untractable temper, and of harsh manners.
He also came to see the Zeead family hung.
The confusion of Moofrij increased; for these allies
were come at his invitation. But when he had detailed
every particular of the past events, one of the
Nibhanians advanced, Jabir by name—their mighty
champion in the dust of confusion, and their voracious
lion. Disgraced are the tribes of Nibhan and
Tey, he cried; I will not dismount from the back
of this horse till I have slain that slave Antar, son
of Shedad, and destroyed the tribes of Abs and
Zeead. And he instantly galloped away, followed
by the tribes of Jadeelah and Nibhan. Moofrij
collected the remnant of his people, and they set
out, traversing the plains and the rocks—in all
about fifteen thousand men, armed with cuirasses,
and well accoutred for war. Proceeding with great
speed, they overtook the Absians about evening,
just as they were about to halt, and repose for the
night: but as the valiant Teyans drew nigh, the
Absians prepared for battle. What sayest thou, hero
of war and tumults? said Moofrij to Jabir. Shall
we attack the Absians with the riving scimitar?
means, returned Jabir: the Absians form but a
small party, and we are a numerous army. If we
assail them by night, we shall be worsted, and they
will have the advantage of us in the engagement.
Our attack would be too confused, and thus we
may fail. My opinion is this: do you take four
thousand men, and station yourself in the desert,
cutting off their road home: I will remain with the
rest in the rear. As soon as morning dawns, let us
attack them on both sides. Moofrij was convinced
that Jabir was an experienced horseman. (Now
this Jabir was the father of Asedoorrahees, who
had most extraordinary adventures with Antar, and
whose deadly deeds were a warning to the wise.)
According to Jabir's directions, Moofrij went off
with four thousand horsemen, and cut off the communication
from every traveller and passenger.
When the Absians heard the shouts, and saw the
glitter of spears, and the dazzling brightness of scimitars,
they cried out to Antar, Now, indeed, is
confusion let loose upon us. What is your advice
in this crisis, O Aboolfawaris? the Teyans have
overtaken us, and you well know that their hearts
are cauterized on account of our united deeds.
Cousins, replied Antar, this is a conjuncture that
alarms me not; it does not cause me the smallest
uneasiness; neither is it worth a question. If they
assault us by night, disgrace and misery will befal
them, and we shall have the advantage of them;
night, particularly when it is mixed with superior
numbers. I observe that they are formed into two
divisions, which have separated, said Prince Malik.
One division is gone forward, and the other keeps
behind. I will explain this to you, O Prince, said
Antar. They fear that we shall run away in the
night, and seek our own country; for they feel certain
that we must be greatly embarrassed about
their numbers: but I swear by him who infuses
light into the moon, I will not let the morning
dawn before this affair be decided, and the foe be
dispersed over the plains and the sand-hills; for the
Lord of Heaven has aided me. Direct your companions
to prepare their warlike instruments, that
I may show you the dreadful deeds I will execute
upon them this very night. Cousin, said Rebia,
what is your plan? I am resolved, replied Antar,
to let them alone until they alight from their horses,
and feel secure in the obscurity of the night: then
will I charge with you this division in front of us.
But I am aware, that the shouts will also come
down upon our rear, and that the troops will rush
in vast crowds to the scene of carnage. Do you,
however, not be wanting in the engagement, but
attack them in the hour of contest in small bodies,
and dash among them at random. In the onset,
cry out to your associates; but when all are mixed
together, be silent, and mention not "Abs and
Adnan." Dart forwards into the plain, and the
cut up each other with their own swords; and before
the dawn of day your exertions will have succeeded,
and numbers of the enemy will be extirpated.
Rebia greatly approved of Antar's plan,
which he communicated to his people, desiring
every one to prepare for the conflict. O Ebe ool[1]
Ebyez, cried Amarah, addressing himself to Oorwah,
this is indeed an awful night! What terrible
things will happen in the dark during this combat!
My best plan would be to take this opportunity of
slaying Antar myself, and pierce him with this
spear; for he will be off his guard in the attack,
and we will say the Teyans slew him. The project
you suggest, O Amarah, is most infamous, said
Oorwah. Disasters and calamities would be the
consequences of it; for if we kill Antar this night,
the Teyans will not leave one of us alive. My
opinion is, that we should exert ourselves, and
assist him in the slaughter, so that we may depart
in safety out of this land. When they were
ready, Antar advanced with the troops a little, and
then halted till the enemy had alighted, and every
trembling coward felt secure. The night was exceedingly
dark, and many of them being already
asleep, said Antar to Shiboob, I beg that you
will protect Ibla this night. Watch over her in
the hour of battle; for I wish to exhibit before her
exploits, such as ages shall record. Mount her
strong breast-plate of steel, such as blades of India
will not penetrate. He then hastened to Prince
Malik; and when they were all assembled, they
made one universal shout, at which the whole
country shook. They pointed the barbs of their
spears: they brandished the blades of their scimitars,
and rushed down, in the obscurity of the night,
upon the four thousand, the division under Moofrij,
stationed to intercept their retreat. They aimed
the blow of the sword, and levelled the penetrating
spear. Now this division, feeling secure in the protection
of the great army in their rear, had dismounted,
and they were asleep; neither did they
recover themselves till the Absians were already
among them, with their falchions. Every one
sprung up from his sleep, and, grasping his sword,
fell upon any one that was near him, fearful of
Antar: and thus they all promiscuously assailed
each other with their sabres. The shouts and the
commotion increased. The obscurity of night overshadowed
them. The confusion and agitation were
general. Warriors were thrown down, singly and
in pairs. Jabir, the Nibhanian, heard the shouts
of the horsemen. Greatly dismayed, he turned
towards Mohelhil, and said, Verily the Absians
have acted like heroes: they have boldly marched
into horrors and calamities. If we attack them, to
aid our friends, we shall unavoidably fail; but if
we abandon them, the Absians will destroy them,
and escape out of our land in safety. Away with
with me, that we may annihilate them to the last.
So they all rushed towards the division under
Moofrij, and cut down the foe with their swords.
In a moment all were involved in the black dust.
The tumult redoubled. Skulls were clipped off
from bodies like reeds. Cowards fled: the brave
stood firm. War raged with foot and leg. Heads
and hair turned gray. Shame fell upon the weak-hearted:
the noble in soul were undaunted. Heads
and trunks were heaped up together. The sword
decided the fate of heroes: it was impartial in its
judgments, and never unjust. Blows fell at random.
Warriors were hurled down, and trampled
on. What was once hidden and concealed, now
became public. Lives were torn away promiscuously.
The King of Death grasped souls, and
never failed. But Antar exposed himself to every
peril, for he knew Ibla was looking at him. He
exhibited horrors and wonders. He cut through
the horsemen: he strewed the troops: and thus he
continued till midnight, when he conducted away
the Absians to the open desert; and there the
slaughter was carried on between the two armies
till the dawn of day, and the victors became distinguished
from the vanquished. The Teyans now
looked round, and observed that they were contending
with each other, whilst the Absians were
standing apart in the plain. Now the loss of the
Teyans during that night amounted to nine
the Absians there were only twenty slain. Amarah
had been trodden down under the horses' feet, and
his ribs were broken. Rebia was severely wounded.
They were now about to dismount, when lo! Selma,
the mother of Vachid, appeared on the field of
battle, and exclaimed, Disgraced for ever are the
Teyans by the hand of this black slave. She was
quite frantic. Moofrij rode up to her, having first
changed his horse, and put on his coat of mail and
cuirass. Turn back, my aunt, he cried, I will
accomplish your wishes. I will soon bring you this
Antar, bound as a prisoner. I will destroy the
whole tribe of Abs, and the family of Zeead; for
this day my flame burns fiercer than yours, and my
shame is greater than yours; and if I do not annihilate
them all with the blade of my sword, let the
Arabs blush for me in every land. Thus he induced
Selma to retreat from the scene of engagement;
and driving his own horse among the troops,
galloping and riding about to and fro, he exclaimed,
Never, O Absians, never did there happen between
man and man the like of what has occurred between
you and us these two nights. But the past is past.
It is now the light of day: now shall the dust cover
the plains, and the skill of noble warriors be manifested
in the contest; for it is the custom of Arabs
to act fairly—such is the characteristic of the brave.
Come on then—on to the battle—on to the blow
of the sword and the thrust of the spear, that I may
But let no one dare to oppose me, if not of equal
rank; and when the noble horsemen are satisfied
with fighting, then let the vile slaves contend; and
Moofrij intended that Antar should hear him, as
he thus continued:
"If I do not demand my due and debt with the
blow of the sword and the Redeinian lance, may I
never be secure from the nocturnal catastrophes!
May sleep never visit my eyelids! Ye have
known the deeds that have raised this war between
me and you, sons of Adnan; and if I do
not appease myself among you, never may I be
called ennobled in my parents! Here I stand;
and in my hand is a polished-bladed one and a
bloody double-edged one, with which I will exterminate
your horsemen in open fight, when the
coward gnaws his two hands in agony."
Antar heard his address, and well he understood
his views and meaning. And as he was stopping
by the side of Ibla, soothing her heart, and inquiring
how she felt, Cousin, said she, I feel no disquietude
or uneasiness as long as you are alive. At these
words, Antar sprung from his horse on the ground.
He stripped off his armour and steel, so that he
remained in his ordinary dress, with short sleeves,
his head uncovered, and barefoot. Again he vaulted
on the back of Abjer, and bellowed at Moofrij like
the most ferocious lion: Thou coward, wouldst
shame me with thy deceit and artful speech? thou
indeed men of such high dignity and honour? But
mark how numerous ye are, and we how few. We,
however, have committed our lives to the chances
of war and carnage. What is, is. Here are you
and I in the plain of commotion; you clothed in
steel, and I in my simple garments. Exhibit your
prowess to the multitude, and your powers before
these noble warriors. Antar rushed at Moofrij;
and, as he galloped about, he thus addressed him:
"When my adversary charges me with a debt,
I discharge the debt with my Redeinian lance.
The edge of the sword makes us all even, and it
shall justly decide between me and you. I am
exalted by my scimitar and my spear to the sublimity
of the shooting stars and the two Bears.
Wretches! ye are ignorant of my might, but the
inhabitants of the two hemispheres know it. The
hand of time has not annihilated my force, and
the fingers of age have not been extended against
me. How many horsemen, laid low by my sword,
remain with begrimed cheeks, and hands steeped
in gore, whilst the eagles of death hover round
them, and the ravens crowd about them. I humble
the fugitives in terror of my battle, and I
force the tears from both their eyes. How then
shall I sleep unrevenged, whilst my sword is
sharp-pointed, and its double edge is bloody,
with which I will extirpate all your horsemen,
and quench my fury, and gladden my eyes!"
Having concluded, he immediately dashed at
Moofrij, like a wild lion, or an outrageous hyæna.
Moofrij received him, and imagined he had him
within his grasp. The two heroes encountered each
other like two mountains; but after a conflict of
two hours, the powers of Moofrij were enervated
by fatigue: he flagged and failed—disgrace succeeded
to glory; and whilst he was contending
with Antar, he turned towards the Teyans, signifying
to them to fall upon Antar bodily, and rescue
him from death. Antar, perceiving his situation,
pressed upon him: he clung to him, and cut off
all retreat, till stirrup grated stirrup. He at length
grasped Dhami, and aimed at Moofrij between the
eyes. He received the blow on his shield; but the
scimitar hewed it in two, and also his helmet: it
continued its sway till it issued out between his
thighs, through the horse's belly, even to the
ground. The whole mass was thus cleft into four
portions; and as Antar marked the effect of the
blow, he exclaimed, O by Abs, O by Adnan! I am
ever the lover of Ibla. The Absians were perfectly
astounded at the vastness of his strength, and there
was not one but rejoiced and congratulated himself.
But horror struck into the hearts of the Teyans;
and just as they were about to make one united
effort against Antar, Jabir, the Nibhanian leader,
prevented them, saying, Cousins, if ye attack this
dæmon at once, ye will be worsted; for if he be
not slain, all our hopes will be frustrated. He will
thus will his impetuosity be roused to mightier
deeds. But I have discovered a mode of attacking
that no one else has perceived. I am certain that
I can overwhelm him with evils. Now will I assail
him, and make him quaff the draught of perdition,
and I will make Ibla one of my slave girls. Thus
saying, he sprung forward in quest of Antar, fierce
as the fiercest lion, and completely immersed in
steel, and a well-riveted coat of mail; and as he
approached, he thus addressed him: Come on—
now for my battle! Away—away with thy conceit,
thou foul Arab! base is the tribe that has admitted
thee, and deservedly disgraced. Silence!
cried Antar. May thy mother lose thee! may thy
family forfeit thee! All thou hast uttered about
thyself is false—vain babbling of the tongue, and
absurdity. I acknowledge no rank, no dignity, but
this cleaving scimitar, and this penetrating spear;
and he who boasts, saying, my father was such a
one, my grandfather such a one—all empty words
—all idle nonsense. And if thou hast any doubts
on the subject, invoke thy father and thy progenitors,
that they may all come and deliver thee
from my presence. Antar summed up all in these
verses:
"I am a slave, and low in rank; but my sword
shall gain me honour and respect: a sword—
when I wield it on the days of battle, the necks
of the Arab chieftains bow down to it."
And he fell upon Jabir like a column of clouds.
They commenced the contest with the utmost fury,
forcing down draughts of sudden death, so that
every one present was in utter astonishment. For
two hours they persisted in the frightful combat,
till fatigue fell on Jabir's arms: he slackened in his
efforts, for he perceived in Antar what was not in
himself. Antar, aware of his condition, grasped
him, and clung to him, and cut off all means of
escape. He pierced him through the chest with
his spear, and made the barb issue out at his back.
Jabir fell down dead, weltering in his blood. Come
on against this vile black, make him drink of the
cup of infamy, exclaimed Mohelhil, as he observed
the fate of Moofrij and Jabir. So the Teyans
poured down upon Antar from all quarters. But
Antar, still in his common clothing, met them like
a voracious lion. Prince Malik now joined the conflict.
Horsemen encountered horsemen, and heroes
heroes. The brave were hurled to the ground.
Sword and spear played round heads and bodies:
and there ensued an engagement ages will record.
They continued plundering souls from bodies, until
it was almost dark; when an immense number of
the Teyans and Nibhanians being slain, the rest
took to flight, pursued by Antar and his friends,
till, having driven them out of that land, they
returned for their scattered horses and dispersed
arms: and when they had collected every thing,
they sought their own tents, like the lions of the
Ibla rejoiced in his prowess and intrepidity, and
smiled: and, as Antar saw her smile, Daughter of
my uncle, said he, are you smiling at what you saw
me perform this day in the carnage and the combat?
By the faith of an Arab, she replied, my
sight was bewildered at your slaughter among these
wretches. Her words descended into his heart
sweeter than the purest water to the thirsty spirit.
And as he told her all he had done among the
Teyans, he thus added:
"O Ibla, if the shades of the sable battle-dust
conceal from thee my achievements on the day of
conflicts, arise and ask my Abjer if I ever let him
charge but at the armies like the gloomy night.
Ask my sword of me, if I ever smote with it on
the dreadful day but the skulls of Kings. Ask
my lance of me, if ever I thrust with it but at
the panoplied hero between the throat and the
under jaw. I steep my sword, I steep my spear
in streams: I practise patience, and fear not hell
itself. How many of my blows with the sword-edge
have been cleaving blows! How many are
the spear-thrusts of which my saddle-bow and
my hip-bone have complained! And were there
not one at whose power even Kings tremble, I
would make the vault of the firmament the back
of a horse."
Ibla was greatly delighted at this description,
and thanked him for his address and his actions.
Malik, Ibla's father, and Rebia and Amarah, and
the family of Zeead, for their galls and their hearts
were bursting with rage. After this they all retired
to their tents, and, having eaten their dinner, their
eyes sought repose. But Antar mounted his horse,
and was about to keep the night-watch. What,
said Prince Malik, will you keep the watch, and
shall we sleep, fatigued as you must be from the
labours of the battle? Let me relieve you; at
least, I will take my turn of duty. No, by the
faith of a noble Arab, cried Antar, masters must
not serve their slaves. When Rebia observed Prince
Malik riding with Antar, he also mounted, and
Malik, son of Carad, and many other warriors,
quitted their tents likewise; but, as they roamed
about, Antar's enemies remained in one party together.
The night was calm: and, as they were
abusing Antar as usual, Sons of my uncle, said
Ibla's father, these imprecations do not ease my
pain; for though this slave is an ignoble wretch,
yet the Lord of Heaven favours him—and he
whom the God of Heaven protects is protected
against all human power. All my exertions and
efforts have failed, and I am melted even as lead is
melted, for I cannot deliver myself from the clutches
of this black slave; all my contrivances for his destruction
revert on myself; his fortitude and eloquence
only increase, and the Lord of Heaven favours
him. For my part, said Amarah, my ears
harmony whatever in it. Hold! O Amarah, cried
Oorwah, you speak foully and falsely. No one in
the whole tribe of Abs and Adnan will agree with
you on that point; for there is not an individual in
all our tribes, no, not even in the tribes of Cahtan,
more fluent in his discourses than Antar—none
whose heart and spirit are firmer in the field of
battle. I do not speak thus of him from my love
towards him; but let the truth be spoken. Did
you not mark the noble Antar on his return from
the conflict and the carnage, which he described in
such beautiful rhymes, saying, "Were I not afraid
of the power of God, I would make the vault of
the firmament the back of a horse?" Ah! said
Ibla's father, I have not an eye that can bear to
look at that black slave; neither will I dwell in the
land where he dwells. I will wait patiently till we
quit this country and these sand-hills; but, when
we reach home, I will carry away my daughter,
and fly during the night in quest of some one that
may protect me from this vile black: I will be honoured
among strangers, but not live disgraced
among my family and connexions. By God, exclaimed
Rebia, I will not permit you to emigrate;
I will not submit to such a separation: but I will
give you a hint—profit by it, and you will succeed
in your expectations, and all your wishes will be
accomplished; never will you again be annoyed
about Antar nor any one else. Let not your enemies
fill their hearts with joy. Oh! do advise me, my
friend Rebia, cried Malik, in this troublesome
affair, that I may not be browbeaten and bullied.
Be quiet, said Rebia, till we reach our own country.
Introduce yourself to Prince Shas, son of King
Zoheir, and demand his protection: tell him all
your grievances, and surrender your daughter to
him, saying, O Prince, my daughter is your handmaiden,
I beg that she may live under your protection;
marry her to whomsoever you please, but
let not that foul slave, Antar, covet her. Thus
will your daughter remain with the illustrious Shas,
secure from every act of violence, whilst we will
deliberate about slaying Antar. We will expose
him to perils, and make him drink of the cup of
dangers: you will not see him return for a length
of time. Thus they continued in conversation till
midnight, when they returned to their tents; and,
having first divided the spoil, they mounted their
horses and departed, traversing plains and deserts
until the day shone over them, when, lo! a dust
arose in their rear and darkened the whole land.
Speedily it advanced, and the wild beasts fled before
it: the black column appeared like a mass of
clouds. Scimitars glittered, the spear-barbs sparkled,
and shouts shook the mountains and the valleys.
These, they cried, are the Teyans; they are
coming upon us from their hordes—horse and foot
have overtaken us. And all were terrified, expecting
Antar, observing how their countenances were disfigured
with dismay; fear not their numbers; be
not alarmed at the glittering of swords or the
sparkling of spears; I alone will meet this numerous
host, were they even double their numbers:
do ye only protect my rear. Antar galloped towards
the dust, to learn what occasioned it, followed
by Prince Malik and the tribes of Abs and
Carad; but the horsemen of Zeead stayed behind
with Amarah, Rebia, and Malik, Ibla's father.
This was the Teyan army, headed by King Maljem,
son of Handalah, and his brother the Blood-drinker:
for Moofrij, when he had taken Rebia
and his comrades prisoners, sent to these warriors
to come and assist at the execution of the family
of Zeead; and they no sooner received the glad
tidings, than they assembled their troops and hastened
to take vengeance on the family of Zeead:
but when they reached the country of Moofrij, and
saw nothing but dead bodies strewed about, broken
spears, and shattered scimitars, they halted in the
greatest consternation. Shortly arrived the fugitives,
with Mohelhil, routed and dispersed. King Maljem
having questioned them as to what had happened,
Mohelhil imparted to him all that had occurred
with Antar, who had already slain Moofrij and
Jabir, and scattered their troops over the rocks and
the plains. Indeed! cried Maljem: you have
clothed us with dishonour, and disgraced us in
base-born slave. When he had collected the remnant
of the discomfited army, after a halt of two
hours, he mounted, and set out with a force of
twenty thousand horsemen, who travelled with the
utmost speed till they overtook the Absians, as we
have already stated, at a spot which happened to
be the last of the Cahtanian territory and the first
of the land of Adnan; and, as soon as they beheld
the Absians, they encompassed them on every side.
The Absians were terrified at the sight of their vast
numbers, and at the brilliancy of their steel armour
and coats of mail. O Malik, said Oorwah to Ibla's
father, verily we have fallen into a most perilous
situation; Antar is our only resource, in order to
avoid death and perdition. You are right, replied
he, much agitated and in great disorder; take my
advice and fly, otherwise we must drink of the cup
of annihilation. If you resolve on flight, observed
Oorwah, the first captive will be your daughter
Ibla. Let her alone, continued Malik, let her be
captured, provided that vile slave do not possess
her. At any rate, said Rebia, we must wait awhile,
till these horsemen come nearer to us; and, when
the dust arises on all sides, let us give the reins to
our steeds, and cry out, Fly, Absians, fly! and let
us then scatter ourselves over the desert. Those
who join us will be our excuse, and those who remain
behind will be slain and buried in the sand.
No one will ever survive to bring any accusation
have fought with our friends, and be secure from
blame and reproach. I am convinced Antar will
never abandon his beloved Ibla or fly, so vast is his
intrepidity and pride—he will fight till the foe
sever his head. Malik, son of King Zoheir, will
not follow us, so that death and destruction must
overwhelm him. To this they all assented; and,
with this vile nefarious project, they resolved on
flight. But Antar received the twenty thousand
as the parched land the first of the rain—his heart
harder than stone, and his soul more impetuous
than the waves of the sea when it roars. He penetrated
the thick dust with blows irresistible and
thrusts more rapid than the twinkling of the eye,
followed by the horsemen of Abs and Carad, under
Prince Malik, who, pouring down vehemently
upon the enemy, exerted every energy in concert
with Antar: they imitated his deeds, and made
the foe drink of the cup of death and perdition.
In less than an hour, Antar checked the progress
of the hostile tribe, and their van was driven back
upon their rear. They roared out at Antar from
a distance, but ventured not to approach the spot
where he fought. Antar cut through them, although
their numbers were great and their force immense.
Ibla screamed out to him in a loud voice, for she
trembled in excess of fear. Shiboob moved round
her, and protected her with his arrows. But as
soon as Antar heard Ibla's voice and cries, in order
midst of the troops and armies, and plied his whole
force among them. In the mean time Rebia, Amarah,
and the family of Zeead halted till the dust
thickened, when they gave the reins to their steeds
and fled, exclaiming, Fly, Absians, fly! But they
had not proceeded far when a dust arose in front
of them that obscured the whole country. Let us
wheel to the left, cried Oorwah, that we may escape
death and destruction. At the word, they turned
their horses' heads and galloped to the left; but,
before they had advanced any distance, another
dust arose in front. Whither can we now fly?
exclaimed Oorwah: the enemy has cut off every
road and communication in this desert and wild.
They drew up and halted, eagerly staring round
them. At last the dust cleared away, and there appeared
horsemen of a swarthy complexion, mounted
on chargers swifter than antelopes; every one exclaiming,
O by Abs! O by Adnan! At these
shouts their souls revived: they hastened forwards
and saluted them, and related all the horrors they
had endured from the Teyans. Overtake Prince
Malik and Antar, they cried in conclusion, for they
are combating twenty thousand lion-warriors, and
are almost overpowered and destroyed. Upon this
the horsemen rode on at full speed towards the
field of contention, and, rushing upon the Teyans,
they shouted, O by Abs! O by Adnan! Antar
was at that moment nearly exhausted; he was
he had rescued Ibla from captivity seven times, and
had overthrown the heroes around her: he had also
driven back the enemy five times from Prince Malik,
now rushing to the right, now to the left, whilst the
Teyans wheeled in whichever direction he moved.
At this critical juncture arrived the Absians, as we
have stated, and attacked the enemy, as we have
described.
When Antar departed to accomplish Ibla's deliverance,
with Prince Malik, King Zoheir was attending
a marriage-feast with the tribe of Fazarah;
and upon his return, three days after, he inquired
for Antar and his son, but was told they had set
out for the land of Tey. Being greatly alarmed
for them both, he instantly sent for his son Shas.
Know, my son, said he, that your brother Malik is
gone with Antar against the Teyans; and I am in
fears about them, being aware of the great power
of King Maljem, son of Handala, and his brother,
the Blood-drinker. I wish that you and your
brother Cais would mount, with two thousand
horsemen, and overtake them. Return not without
them. Shas obeyed his father's orders, and
marched on till he came up with them in the field
of carnage.
Now Antar's powers expanded. He dismounted
from Abjer, who was much fatigued at the dreadful
scenes he had endured. He mounted another,
and assailed the enemy with the impetuosity of a
heroes, and plunged them into misery and disgrace:
he hewed off joints and arms, and cut through the
troops, right and left. The deeds of the Absians
would have turned infants gray. King Maljem
and his brother halted upon a high sand-hill, taking
no part in the contest, but waiting to receive Antar
and the Absians as captives; when lo! they observed
their own army staggering, and the Absians
making their way through them; and blood flowing
over the land, and the steadiest hearts quaking, and
their horses stumbling over carcases, and warriors
hurled to the ground, and the bravest wounded.
Instantly King Maljem and the Blood-drinker
darted forward, and eagerly ordered their troops
to renew the conflict, and to force back the fugitives
to the combat. Thus was Maljem engaged in the
terrors of war, and in the thickest of the fight, when
a bellow, like a peal of thunder, echoed behind him.
He quickly turned round, and behold it was Antar!
Foam issued from the corners of his lips as he overthrew
the heroes, right and left. Maljem was horror-struck
at his yell, and the immensity of his
form: but Antar rushed upon him in this state of
terror, and pierced him with his spear through the
thigh, forcing it even into the ribs of his steed.
Maljem nearly drank of the cup of annihilation;
but, urged by the sweetness of life, he clung to the
neck of his horse, and fled. Antar then roared out
at his brother; and as he was about to pierce him
soon imitated their leaders, and the standards and
ensigns were reversed. Antar and the Absians furiously
pursued them, till they had driven them
out of that land; when they returned for the dispersed
cattle and scattered arms: and having collected
the spoil, they halted, and congratulated each
other on their safety. But Antar searched for his
friend, Prince Malik, whom he at last found, but
covered with wounds. He soothed his anguish, and
calmed his heart with encouraging expressions; and
turning towards Shas and Cais, he complimented
and thanked them for their timely appearance, extolling
them and their father, King Zoheir. Cais
smiled upon him, and felicitated him on his escape;
thus captivating Antar's whole mind and heart.
Shas, on the contrary, received him haughtily, and
with the harshest severity and most overbearing
pride, exclaiming, Welcome, thou son of Zebeeba!
When they had reposed and eaten, Rebia inquired
of Shas the cause of his coming; who gave an explanation
of all that had passed with his father on
the subject. The next day, Shas, Malik, Cais, and
Antar, with the whole army, marched forward,
preceded by their immense plunder, the united property
of three large tribes; and after three days
marching, they approached their own country. As
soon as they halted for the night, Malik, Ibla's
father, and his son Amroo, repaired to the tents of
Prince Shas. Malik cast himself at his feet, and
said Shas. O my lord, cried Malik, you have indeed
done us the greatest of favours; and you have
exposed yourself to imminent perils on our account:
but now I implore you, my lord, graciously to bestow
on us your protection. Keep off this vile black
from my daughter: take her to your own dwelling
when we reach home, and make her serve you as
your slave; only suffer not this base-born to dishonour
me in my daughter. It is true, my lord,
his reputation is great, and his friends are numerous;
and I am quite worn out by his attentions
and importunities. His object is to espouse my
daughter, and our enemies already exult in my
shame and disgrace. I throw myself on you, my
lord, and I consign my affairs entirely over to you:
for you alone are able to assist me, and protect my
daughter. Tell me whether you will do so or not!
Either take my hand, or I will turn my face to the
wilds and the deserts, and go down to one of the
Arab princes, and demand protection of him; where
I may become at least a respected guest, far from
my own country. Shas pitied his distress: he endeavoured
to soothe and calm him, saying, I will
keep this black slave away from you: verily he
shall be prohibited from any intercourse with your
daughter, or I will make him drink of the cup
of perdition. Thus Shas, having quieted Malik's
mind, and dismissing him, sent for Antar; who no
sooner appeared, than Shas abruptly commenced
ends ill; and he who covets what is not his by
right, is an oppressor and a tyrant. Your uncle
Malik was with me just now, and complained to
me of his situation. I have granted to him my
special protection, and his daughter Ibla will henceforward
live in my family, and with my wife. Her
enemies will be mine, and I warn you that you
must no more frequent her society: no more must
you talk of your marriage with her, either in private
or in public; otherwise in no land will you
have a more decided enemy than myself. I have
heard you say a thousand times that you will never
submit to disgrace or infamy; but now you are
wittingly dishonouring yourself by a worldly lust
after women. Do you indeed say, exclaimed Antar,
whilst the tears started into his eyes, and he sighed
from his sorrowing heart, do you indeed say that I
am dishonoured by reason of my worldly desires?
God forbid! Indeed, though love and affection
thus overwhelm me in disgrace, it is my uncle himself
that has excited my passion; for when she is a
prisoner, he urges me to liberate her, and I expose
my life to perils for her sake: but when his daughter
is safe in his tent, he calls me a slave, and the son
of a slave-woman. Antar's eyes flashed fire, and
he quitted the presence of Shas; but he conquered
his feelings till he came to his friend, Prince Malik,
to whom he related all that had lately passed with
Shas. O Aboolfawaris, said he, greatly distressed,
thoughts grieve you: for by him who created man
and things, I will carry off Ibla for you, were I
even to be slain in the attempt. I will accomplish
your wishes. Wait patiently till we reach the presence
of my father, and you shall see what I will
do to your enemies. I will so act that you shall
enjoy supreme authority over them all, high and
low. Antar blessed him, and thanked him. Retiring,
he waited till it was dark; when he said to
his brother Shiboob, Son of a black, walk my horse
Abjer into the open plain, that he may breathe
freely, and recover from the fatigue of battles and
conflicts; for I can no longer remain with this dastardly
tribe. What has happened, asked Shiboob,
that you are going to quit your country and family
in such a hurry? Ay, cried Antar, as soon as we
reach home, Prince Malik is resolved on taking my
part; but Shas will never resign his hatred towards
me. Thus disturbances will arise among the tribe,
and this unhappy business will be productive of
dissensions: so that the noble Arabs will say of me,
that Antar was the cause of troubles and divisions
among the tribe. Now I do not wish to load Prince
Malik with my distresses, which are indeed intolerable;
for he is interested about me in every
trouble and adversity: it is my wish to cure my
own disease with my own medicine, and not let my
enemies triumph over me. I will establish myself
at Mecca, near the holy shrine; and there will I
order that his supreme decrees may succour me,
whether death assail me, or fortune relieve me.
Do so, my brother, said Shiboob; wait patiently
for Ibla, and comfort yourself. Yes, continued
Antar; for as long as she resides in the habitation
of her father and mother, my heart is at ease about
her: but should her father listen to the addresses
of any other person, then shall the Arabs learn
what I will do: they shall see who is the most
powerful. I will slay him, were he even in the
chambers of Chosroe, or the Roman Emperor, or
under the protection of the Kings of the tribe of
Asfar. Not a man would I leave alive among
them.
Shiboob followed his directions. He led out
Abjer, and, quitting the tents, walked him about
among the sands and wastes, till the renowned
Antar joined him; and when it was quite dark,
he mounted his steed and departed, preceded by
Shiboob. They traversed plains and deserts; and,
as they travelled on, Antar reflected on the frightful
adventres he had encountered, and the dreadful
scenes he had endured on account of Ibla. Still
his ambitious passion was not assuaged, nor was his
disorder, the result of his love, appeased: and thus
he spoke:
"If, O tear, thou canst not relieve me in my
sorrow, perhaps thou mayst quench the flame
that consumes me. O heart, if thou wilt not wait
woe-begone, wandering stranger. How long must
I defy the evils of fortune, and encounter the
vicissitudes of night with the Indian blade! I
serve a tribe, whose hearts are the reverse of
what they exhibit in their fondness for me. I
am, in the field, the prince of their tribe; but, the
battle over, I am more despised than a slave.
Oh that I could annihilate this affection of a
lover! How it humiliates me! It agonizes my
heart; it enfeebles my courage. But I will soon
seek the sacred shrine, and complain of my ill-usage
to the Judge against whose decrees there
lies no appeal. I will renounce the days when
my tears deceived me, and I will aid the widowed
and plaintive dove. On thee, O daughter of Malik,
be the peace of God! the blessing of a sorrowing,
heart-grieved lover! I will depart, but
my soul is firm in its love for thee. Have pity,
then, on the cauterized heart of one far away.
Soon will my tribe remember me when the horse
advance—every noble warrior trampling and
stamping over them. Then, O daughter of Malik,
will agony be plainly evident, when the coward
gnaws his hands in death."
Having finished his verses, Antar pursued his
way with Shiboob, travelling day and night, until
they approached the land of Mecca. Ours, my
brother, said Shiboob, is a singular history; equally
so is our journey into this country, for we have seen
hitherto we have never seen any one but that has
brought evil upon us; and truly I am harassed
with encountering disasters, and my heart is disgusted
at fighting. And Antar quoted these two
couplets: "Retire within yourself, and be familiar
with solitude: when you are alone, you are in
the right road. Wild beasts are tamed by gentle
treatment, but men are never to be induced to
abandon their iniquities." He had scarcely finished
these lines, when he distinguished a scream through
the calmness of the night. O Arabs, look! is there
not a human being in this desert who will hearken
to my cry, who will observe the respect due to rank
and noble birth? Will no one deliver my virgin
daughters from the miseries of captivity and infamy?
Alas, O disgrace! Alas, no aid, no succour!
Such was the cry; and thus a voice continued:
"Flow and stream, O eyes, in copious tears for
the damsels, bereft of all assistance, friendless,
dishonoured in the desert. Mounted on tall camels,
they mourn for such iniquitous barbarity in
the lonely waste. The old man, wounded, lies in
the last agony, and his sons have been robbed of
their lives by the calamitous spear. Their mother
in her distress breathes in fire, and in the
madness of her passion calls on instant death.
O ye travellers by night under the veiled darkness,
perhaps there is a hero among ye who can
show himself a lion-warrior, and whose thrust in
may assist us against the foe before the pangs of
death arrive, and thus obtain a noble reward from
the eternal God."
As Antar heard this, the flame in his heart blazed
afresh. Alas, my brother, said he, this must be an
oppressed female. Her enemies have slain her sons,
have made her daughters captive, and have left her
to become a prey to her own anguish. I am resolved
instantly to find out this wronged lady, and
perhaps the God of Heaven will take vengeance on
those who have wronged me. Thus saying, he
slackened his bridle, and galloped over the country
in the direction of the spot whence issued the voice.
O mourner! O woman of tears and woe! he cried,
tell me if any one has injured thee—that I may
come to thy aid. Alas! replied the woman, whilst
she wept from joy that some one had answered to
her cry, By the Lord of Heaven, a horseman of
the desert has insulted me; he has hurled at me
the shafts of sorrow; he has slain my three sons,
taken captive my three daughters, and has wounded
my husband As hath, the son of Obad. It is now
hree days and three nights that I am calling out
in this wide desert, but no one has come to succour
me—no one to intercede for me—no one has even
vouchsafed me an answer, but thou, O Chief of the
Arabs. If thou art a man of noble spirit, deliver
me from this calamity. Of what tribe art thou?
exclaimed Antar. I am of the noble race of Kendeh,
lands; so we emigrated, in order to go down to the
country of Harith, where we have a daughter married.
It was our intention to settle there: but a
warrior, called Sudam, son of Salheb, attacked us
with forty horsemen of the plundering Arabs in
this wild. They slew my three sons, and my three
daughters they took prisoners, and wounded my
husband As-hath. They are now about to convey
us to the mountains of Toweila, there to sell us as
slaves. Take care of these women, said Antar to
Shiboob; assist them down from the backs of the
camels, whilst I go and look out for those vile
wretches who have done this foul deed. Thus
saying, he urged on Abjer; and it was just at the
first dawning of day, when he distinguished some
horsemen advancing from the centre of the desert,
headed by Sudam, like a ferocious lion, who thus
exclaimed:
"I am Sudam, the assailer of warriors; in me is
a heart harder than mountains. In horror and
fear of me, even the wild beasts of the waste
shrink into the obscurity of caverns: and were
Death a substance, I would steep his right hand
in the blood of his left."
Antar grasped his spear; he slackened the bridle
of his steed, and gave a shout that made the deserts
and the rocks tremble. Frustrated are thy hopes,
he cried; into hopeless misery art thou fallen. As
Sudam cast his eyes on Antar, he rejoiced, and was
addressing his comrades: this booty to begin the
day with will suffice. Assault him, one of ye; let
him not escape: bring me his horse and his spoil.
At the word, one of the forty galloped down upon
Antar, crying out, State thy descent; peradventure
thy connexion may protect thee: otherwise, deliver
up thy horse and thy armour. But Antar deigned
not an answer; and, without a word, he assailed
him like a lion rushing out of his den: he brandished
his lance before him, and, piercing him
through the chest, forced the point out at his back;
and he threw him down dead, weltering in his blood.
Sudam and his associates marked Antar's intrepidity;
they all stood aghast: but though Sudam
was most anxious to engage him, his friends would
not suffer him, and they all fell on Antar at once.
He, however, received them as the parched soil the
first of the rain; and plunging with them into the
thick dust, he soon began to glean off horseman
after horseman; so that the sun had scarcely risen,
before they were all stretched upon the earth.
Sudam was bewildered at such prodigious efforts of
valour; and though he felt alarmed, he knew he
must attack him. Accordingly, he advanced, and
exclaimed, Hold, O Arab: tell me what horseman
thou art, and with what tribe thou art connected;
for thy battle excites my surprise, and thy prowess
is most wonderful. I should be overjoyed in thy
friendship, and I would willingly live with thee.
begin, I will divide with thee the spoil that is
now in our power. There are three virgins; and
those who were to have shared them with me
thou hast killed. Away, thou son of a cuckold,
replied Antar; away with this absurdity: come on
to the contest! Despair of this booty and these
damsels, for the God on high has delivered them
from bondage and infamy. Sudam was highly indignant
that Antar should presume to thwart him,
or he be disappointed of his prey; so he rushed
upon him, and sought to engage him, conceiving
that he must be like other warriors whom he had
fought. But Antar received him like a ferocious
lion: he gave him no time either to advance or to
retreat, but struck him on the chest with his cleaving
Dhami, and he divided him down to the belt of his
back. Sudam fell down dead, weltering in his blood.
At that moment Shiboob ran towards him, swift as
a blast of wind; and seeing that Antar had slain
the hero, he congratulated him on his safety. And
when they had collected the scattered horses and
dispersed spoil, they repaired to the women; who,
at the sight of this plunder, felt convinced that their
defender had destroyed their enemies. So they
crowded round him, and kissed his hands, thanking
and praising him; but the mother of the damsels
advanced before the others, and thus extolled her
deliverer:
"May thy God grant thee all thou desirest in
of plenteous showers! O Knight of the troop!
O thou unrivalled hero in the tumultuous clatter
of spears and the thrusts of the lances! may
every morn thy foes tremble before thee! May
their lives dread the speed of death! May thy
envious enemies feel in every limb their hearts
fried in flames and fire! Mayst thou increase in
glory wherever they insult thee; and may the
sword of thy honour rest on their skulls and
heads! Were people to be impartial in their
language, and tell the truth, no one but thee
would they style a hero: for truly thou standest
alone, unequalled in the universe, matchless in
the mountains and the valleys."
Antar was exceedingly gratified at the old lady's
verses, and greatly admired her eloquence, and the
elegance of her expressions. He requested the
young women to veil themselves; and turning towards
their father, who was lying on the ground,
he dismounted, and bound up his wounds, and
assisted him to sit down to repose himself a little;
congratulating him at the same time on his deliverance
from his enemies. The Sheikh thanked
him, and kissed his hands. Antar also rested himself
awhile after the fatigues of the conflict, and the
old lady brought him something to eat, which she
placed before him, whilst her daughters stood round
him in silent admiration. Now Antar had eaten
he slept; so he ate till he was satisfied, and then
asked them whither they were going with their
baggage? We wish, they replied, to proceed on
our journey to the tribe of Harith, for they are our
relations; and with them we intend to remain all
this year, O Aboolfawaris. Upon this, Antar directed
them to mount their camels: so they all
seated themselves in their howdahs, together with
the Sheikh; and they departed, seeking the rocky
deserts. But as Antar accompanied them, the
Sheikh questioned him about his affairs, and his
projects, and his expectations. Antar informed
him of all his adventures with his uncle Malik, and
that he was now going to Mecca and the holy
shrine, there to take up his residence for some time.
O Aboolfawaris, said the Sheikh, my heart is much
interested in your fate: you have made me forget
even the slaughter of my sons; for you have indeed
acted nobly towards me, and done what no
friend ever did for friend before. But I have
nothing with which to recompense you for these
honourable deeds, but these honourable damsels,
whom you liberated with the blade of your sword
and the barb of your spear. Take one of them, I
beseech you: come and live with us, that we may
serve you with all our power—myself, this old
lady, and my daughters, even to our dying day.
How can this be? said Antar. How can I resign
in verse:
"Were my heart mine own, I should desire
nothing beyond you—it would covet nothing but
you. But it loves what tortures it; where no
word, no deed encourages it."
The Sheikh was amazed at Antar's love and
passion: and thus they travelled on till they reached
the land of Harith; and as they were now in safety,
Antar took leave of them; and giving them all the
horses and spoil he had captured, he separated from
them, and, in company with Shiboob, traversed the
plains and the wastes till he arrived at Mecca. He
alighted in the Sacred Valley, and there he resided,
passing his days in hunting, to relieve his sorrows
and afflictions, and his nights with Shiboob, in
talking over old stories and past events.
CHAPTER X.
Soon after Antar's departure, the sons of Zoheir
searched for him in every direction; but, when all
their inquiries were fruitless, Prince Malik was
sorely grieved for his loss, for he loved him sincerely.
Shedad and his companions were also much
troubled; but Malik, Ibla's father, and Rebia, and
Shas, were the happiest of men. Now, indeed, said
Shas to Amarah, your business has succeeded to
your every wish — you have no rival with Ibla, in
the absence of that obstinate black; therefore, as
soon as you reach home, present to her father the
marriage dower and settlement, be married to Ibla,
and thus obtain your heart's desire: I will back
your claims. And turning to Malik, Ibla's father,
he added, Give your hand to Amarah—make your
daughter over to him, and marry him to her: I,
too, will stand as witness for you, that our projects
may be completed, our hearts relieved from
pain; and Ibla will be in security in the dwellings
of the Zeead family. I swear by your liberality
towards me, cried Malik, I wish Amarah may have
ten sons by her at least; and he extended his hand
to Amarah: and the contract was formed by shaking
hands. Thus he married his daughter to him, and
part, said Oorwah, I anticipate nothing but evil
and ill luck to us all from this match; for whoever
espouses that girl will rise in the morning a headless
trunk. Prince Cais laughed at Oorwah's predictions,
for he too was aware of their folly. The
plot soon reached Prince Malik, who was in the
rear of the army. By the faith of an Arab, said he
to Shedad, I much fear that some sad disaster will
befal my brother Shas for all this, and that he will
repent when the evil day comes; but never will I
permit Amarah to feast on Ibla until I am withdrawn
from the mansions of this world. However,
you may now demand back from your brother all
that your son Antar gave him in cattle, and Asafeer
camels, and he camels, and the tiaras and girdles,
and the diadem; for it was all Antar's property.
Let us say nothing about it, said Shedad, till we
reach home; then you shall see what I will do in
the presence of King Zoheir. Having marched on
till evening, they alighted and reposed till morning,
when they pursued their way to the land of Abs
and Adnan, near the lake of Zat ool irsad, where
they halted. Shas had always kept in the advance
of the army, and it was his practice to pass his
leisure time in hunting. One day, on the march,
he separated from his brothers, and, only taking
with him ten horsemen, he launched out among
the wilds and the plains in pursuit of the antelope
and the deer. Prince Malik went home. And just
great dust arose and obscured the country; and
there came forth a hundred horsemen, all in steel,
and advancing from the quarter of the tribe of
Fazarah. Shas and his friends divided themselves
into three parties. Sons of my uncle, said he, if
this troop attack us, we have no other means of
escaping death but by the blows of the sword: separate,
therefore, four horsemen in each division.
To this they assented, and soon the ten heroes attacked
the strangers; but in less than an hour they
were all slain, and Shas was taken prisoner, and
dragged before the chief, whose name was Maisoor,
son of Zeead, of the tribe of Hazrej, which was
also a division of the tribe of Harith. He was
roaming about on a predatory excursion against
the lands of Abs and Adnan; and for two days
they had concealed themselves in the country of the
tribe of Fazarah, but had not chanced to fall on any
prey till they met Shas and his party. The prisoner
was soon brought into the presence of Maisoor, who
resolved on killing him, for Shas had slain Maisoor's
brother in the fray; but as soon as he looked
at him, and saw how magnificently he was dressed,
and that he was mounted on an Arab steed, richly
caparisoned with housings of burnished gold, studded
with pearls and jewels, he was assured that he was
a distinguished chieftain. State your birth and parentage,
said he, perhaps they may save you, before
you are laid low in the dust. I am the son of King
Shas. I have slain some of your countrymen,
and am now in your power: demand whatever
quantity of cattle you please; but, should you put
me to death, you are aware that behind me are
warlike tribes and heroes. Shas, you must die,
exclaimed Maisoor, silent must be your soul; you
afflicted me in my brother, and have left me to
mourn him for ever. Upon this he placed him on
the back of a horse, and scourged him with a whip
he held in his hand till the blood streamed from
every part of his body; and then Maisoor and his
companions passed over deserts and wilds, seeking
their own country, whilst Shas endured the pangs
of death at every moment.
In the mean time Prince Malik and his companions
reached home; but in the greatest distress
at the disappearance of Antar, the intrepid warrior.
When they presented themselves to King
Zoheir, they informed him of the dreadful scenes
they had endured with the Teyans, and the battles
they had fought; and to the King's inquiries about
Antar, they related his exploits. When he asked
for his son Shas, they assured him he was on a
hunting party, and that he would return in the
evening. King Zoheir was persuaded that they
had ill-used Antar; and observing his son Malik
was full of grief, and that he was unable to speak,
Tell me, my son, said he, what ails thee. May
God curse every act of oppression and those who
know what justice is, and do not adhere to it. He
then stated to him all that had happened to Antar:
how he had exposed his life in battle and carnage
for the family of Zeead, and had rescued them
from dangers; and how they had obliged him to
abandon them in the desert. Vilest of men, cried
King Zoheir, turning to Amarah, this is all owing
to your infamous conduct towards your tribe, and
your treachery to Ibla in taking her captive: your
death would indeed be more gladsome than your
life! Is this the return that you make your cousin
Antar, the destroyer of horsemen, for having delivered
you, on his arrival from Persia, out of the
hands of the Nocturnal Evil and the Depredator of
the Age? He immediately ordered the slaves to
seize Amarah. They rushed upon him, and, throwing
him on the ground, they laid on him with such
heavy blows, that the blood streamed from every
part of his body till he was almost dead; whilst his
brother Rebia stood by, but dared not make a single
remark on the subject, knowing well what King
Zoheir suffered on account of Antar's absence and
his son's wounds. Oorwah only laughed at the indignities
and disgraces thus heaped upon Amarah.
Well, Amarah, said he, these are the first-fruits of
your marriage with Ibla. Still the slaves continued
to beat Amarah; and, when he was near his last
gasp, they tied him, with his hands behind him, to
a tent-pole, groaning in excess of pain. King Zoheir
What! cried the king, do you consider
yourself as one of the illustrious Arabs and a Chief
of the tribe of Abs and Adnan in rank and degree?
How then have you dared to act thus? How
dared you to accept your daughter's dower from
your nephew, and, refusing to acknowledge it,
marry her to another? Your infamy and ignominy
will not be consummated till you have wedded her
to a wretch who has violated your honour, and
clothed you in shame amongst all the Arabs of the
desert and the plains. How often has Antar liberated
you from captivity and misery, even after
you had exposed him to a sea of deaths in the land
of Irak! And did he not bring to you the wealth
of the King of Persia and of King Monzar, with
their he-camels and Asafeer she-camels? O my
lord, replied Malik (for his deceit and cunning were
ever at hand), I swear by your liberality I have
not injured my nephew Antar. I have delivered
my daughter over to your son Shas; and when I
said to him, Let no one else interfere with her—she
is your property; you know what is good and what
is bad for us; you are lord over my children and
my property; my daughter is at your disposal—
marry her to any one you think will suit her: No
one but the Chief Amarah is a proper match for
her, was your son's reply. So he betrothed her to
Amarah, and was arranging all our differences,
when I objected, saying, My lord, how can this
dower, and your father favours him on this
point, as also your brother Malik. Away with
your folly! continued Shas; I will settle it. And
he sent for Antar, and made terms with him: at
which being much exasperated, he abandoned us
in the night, and we know not whither he is gone.
So vexed am I at his absence, that I feel as if on
the burning coals of hell—for he was indeed a limb
of my own limbs; but I could not thwart Prince
Shas's orders. Now that my daughter is at home,
I pray you, do not use her ill, but look after her
as you please: make her one of your handmaidens,
and I am your slave. Do you and the tribe of
Abs bear witness to what I say. King Zoheir saw
through all his art and malevolence, but said, Let
there be no compulsion used towards Ibla, till Antar
appears, and we hear what he has to say; we
will then decide who is to blame: and, when my
son Shas returns, he will explain what you said to
him, or I will expose you to the public for your
conduct. King of the Age, exclaimed Shedad, it
is my turn now to demand of Rebia and his brother
the blood of my son. It is they and Malik,
who has married his daughter to Amarah, who
have destroyed him. O that thou, O Shedad,
groaned out Amarah, O that thou wert but married
with this kind of ceremony, which consists only
of stripes and whips. King Zoheir and all his attendants
laughed heartily at Amarah; and thus
separated. But still Shas did not return. King
Zoheir was in great distress, and was much agitated
till the dawn of day—but Shas did not return.
Convinced, at length, of the loss of his son, he
called out to his horsemen, and ordered them to go
forth in quest of Shas over the whole desert. They
mounted their steeds, and plunged into the midst
of the waste, where they roamed about the whole
day, and returned at night, having heard nothing
of Shas. King Zoheir's affliction increased, and the
tears poured down like rain. Alas! it is his base
conduct towards Antar, he cried, that has ruined
my son. By the faith of a noble Arab of Medhr,
if I hear of his death, I will strike off the head
of that Amarah, and I will hang Malik, son of
Carad.
Now Maisoor was continuing his journey with
Shas, torturing him and making him swallow the
bitterness of death, till he reached the land of the
tribe of Harith, and Shas was nearly lifeless. When
they were settled in Maisoor's tents, he summoned
his comrades: You know, said he, that this Absian
prisoner has slain my brother, and I must put him
to death; do you take his horse and his arms, and
those of his comrades, and leave me to assuage my
heart by tormenting him. He enclosed Shas between
four bars of iron, and stationed a guard of
slaves over him; and, whenever he went out, he
kicked him; and, whenever he entered, he thumped
gave him nothing to eat; neither did he allow any
one to pity him. This story was soon spread abroad
amongst the tents, till, at last, the torments and disgraces
Shas endured reached the chief of the tribe.
He was a valiant horseman, and his name was
Mewhoob, son of Yezid. He sent for Maisoor,
and said to him, My cousin, such conduct towards
your prisoner is by no means just; for he is a
prince, and the son of a prince—his father is supreme
among the tribes of Arabs: and I cannot
possibly permit you to kill him, now that this
business is become so public, unless you go to the
King of this country, Abdoolmodan, and consult
with him about destroying him. If he order you
to kill him, do as he bids you; but, if you kill him
without his permission, he will be bound to punish
you. For, most certainly, the family of your captive
will not rest quiet—and, no doubt, some one
here will depart, and give information to his tribe:
and, if his father hear of his death, he will mount,
and come down upon us with the tribes of Abs and
Adnan, Fazarah and Ghiftan, Marah and Dibyan,
for he rules over those Arabs; and he will root us
out of the land. And should he send us to our
King, and require our punishment at his hands, he
will be greatly enraged against us, and will say to
us, You took the son of King Zoheir prisoner, and
slew him with your own hands, so you must suffer
what you made him suffer. Now, my cousin, take
consult with King Abdoolmodan. Maisoor was much
disturbed at this, and alarmed at the dangers that
threatened him. He hastened back to Shas, and
untied his hands, but bound his feet, and kicked
him in the rear; and, having stationed a slave over
him, he rode away, with twenty horsemen, traversing
the wilds and the wastes on his way to
King Abdoolmodan.
But Shas, now that his torments were somewhat
lightened, addressed Maisoor's wife, saying, Noble
lady, will there ever be any relief from the deaths
I endure? If they delay much longer to kill you,
she replied, you will probably escape total perdition,
and perhaps be ransomed at a considerable
price, for wealth softens the hearts of all men. O
my aunt, added Shas, I am powerful in cattle and
possessions, but I have no one whom I can send to
inform my family of my situation. And Shas continued
talking till a party of women entered, all
clothed in black; among whom was an elderly
lady, who, after saluting Maisoor's wife, exclaimed,
Daughter of mine uncle, who is this
young prisoner? Cousin, replied the lady of the
dwelling, springing up on her feet and complimenting
her guest, this is the son of the King
of the tribes of Abs and Adnan. The moment
she heard this she advanced towards Shas, and,
expressing her grief at his misfortunes, Young
man, said she, are you indeed one of King Zoheir's
them? continued the lady. I am Shas, he answered.
May God grant your rescue, exclaimed she; for
you are all famed for your bravery, your benevolence,
and liberality—but I do not think you
seem to be very eloquent. Now her view in this
speech was to learn something of his history, and
to draw from him some of Antar's verses. Noble
lady, he replied, you have among you some of the
tribe of Cahtan, who are so gifted with eloquence
that they put to shame all the tribe of Adnan.
Yes, said she, we can boast of Emir ool Cais, the
son of Hijir: he has already fixed some lines on
the Holy Shrine, in which are these words:
"My beloved is come to me, to efface all painful
impressions from my tortured heart. Didst thou
not see that, when she visited me by night, I
found the sweetest essences in her breath? Yet
she loves me not."
We also, cried Shas, laughing and much pleased,
have a black, born to slavery, who tends the camels
and the sheep. We have lately admitted him to
our rank, and acknowledged him as a relation. He
can utter the most perfect rhymes—such as neither
Emir ool Cais nor any one else can equal. Had I
known his real worth among warriors, never should
I have fallen into bondage and captivity. By your
life! cried the lady, do you not recollect any of his
verses? Upon which Shas repeated these two
distiches:
"May nought but protection touch thee from
the sword! Mayst thou ever move like the
branch of the ever-green tamarisk; resembling
the flowers that glow in the evening, entwined in
chains round her neck."
Before Shas finished, the ladies joined in testifying
their pleasure and admiration. The thoughts
are indeed most beautifully expressed, observed the
old woman, and their meaning is elegantly conveyed.
But are not these the words and rhymes
of the great Antar, son of Shedad, who is distracted
with his love for Ibla? Yes, said Shas; and I perceive
you are acquainted with him. Most true, she
added: I heard of him some time ago, with my
family, in the noble tribe of Kendeh. Is he married
to Ibla, or not? Alas! cried Shas, I am the
person who has injured him: I thwarted him in
the execution of his purpose. But I have bound
myself to the God of Heaven, who is our final
refuge, that, should I be liberated this time by his
means, I will throw myself at his feet; for he is a
favoured being, and he who is his foe quickly falls
into fetters and manacles. May God destroy his
oppressors, and save us from his death! said the
lady. How speedy are his rewards! Adhere
firmly, O Arab, to this resolution, and feel secure
of liberty; for this soul would not exist in the body
of man but in the expectation of the beneficence
of Fortune. And having recommended Maisoor's
wife to behave kindly to him, she left him. Now
rescued, with her husband and her daughters, from
the grasp of Sudam, and had afterwards escorted
to her family. So, as soon as she returned home,
she sent for her husband, to whom she communicated
the circumstance. Cousin, said she, we have
now the means of rewarding Antar for his gallant
conduct—Shas, liberated by his hand, will befriend
him in his suit for Ibla. Mount, therefore,
your camel, and hasten to Mecca, and acquaint
Antar with what has happened; and let him determine
in his wisdom how to act. As-hath mounted
his camel without delay, and departed over the
plains and wastes on his way to Mecca; and he
had been on his journey only three days when he
met Maisoor, who was all joy, accompanied by ten
horsemen, officers of the government of Abdoolmodan.
Now Maisoor, as soon as he was admitted
into the presence of Abdoolmodan, kissed his hands,
and consulted him about Shas. Hasten back, cried
he, avenge your brother's death; and, if you are
able, do the same to all the tribe of Abs: root
them out. Delighted at this permission, Maisoor
returned with his ten officers, all anxious to enjoy
the sight of Shas's execution; for, at that period,
there was not an Arab but cried out for blood and
vengeance against the tribe of Abs. When Maisoor
reached home, he ordered his servants to
slaughter camels and sheep, and prepare a feast,
and make ready a sumptuous entertainment for his
of Mewhoob. Satiated with eating, they
called for the goblets of wine; and as they drank,
they cast the offals and scraps at Shas, whilst he
himself was bewailing the severity of his fate; for
he was a prince, and could not endure his reverse
of fortune; and whenever Maisoor looked at him,
he wept. Ah, cried he, when you pierced my brother
Shiban through the chest, and forced the spear
out at his back, why had you not pity on him?
why did you not feel for him? Early to-morrow
morning will I hang thee, that those present and
absent may take warning by thy fate. The lady
of Kendeh was witness to this scene: it was dark,
and the wine rioted in the heads of the guests,
most of them having already retired to their dwellings;
the servants were lying down asleep, and
Shas was bemoaning his torments in tears and lamentations—thus
speaking:
"Was there ever seen by the stars of night one
like me, bewildered, and sorrowing and sighing
for his native land? And by the lustre of the
dawn the foe will spoil him of his life in their
ferocity, or murder with their daggers. O ye
breathing gales, in the name of God, blow high
to Mount Saadi; peradventure ye may explain
my situation to my brother Cais, and Rebia, and
Malik; for I am bound to my tribes by ties that
they will remember. Look, my cousins: in the
obscurity hear the herald announce—the messenger
of the horsemen appear: let its black clouds arise
in sable columns, and beneath its dark shadows
let Antar be the consolation of my disquieted
heart. He, with his might, can indeed calm my
mind, and soothe it into patience."
And lo! a person entered, and took him by the
hand. Shas, congratulate thyself on thy safety,
said the stranger, at the same time striking off the
bonds from his hands. Absian, follow me to my
tent—fear not—you are at liberty, continued the
voice. Shas instantly arose and followed his guide,
whilst the darkness of the night concealed them till
they reached a spacious tent, and Shas's terrors
and alarms were at an end; and as he considered
the person's face by the light of the fire, behold it
was the old lady, the mother of the young women,
the same that had addressed him a few days ago.
Explain all this to me, said he, for truly you have
dared a deed for me the bravest warriors would not
venture to do; and I must make you some return
for so noble an act. High-born Shas, replied the
dame, whatever you may wish to do towards me,
do it for Antar, son of Shedad, and befriend him
in his marriage with Ibla. Let this be my engagement
between God and you: when you meet him,
kiss his bosom and his hands for me; aid him, and
be kind to him, for we were all delivered by his
sword, and rescued by his spear. And she related
to him all that the mighty Antar had done for her
delivered them from the grasp of Sudam, and had
conducted them to this country. I have despatched
my husband, she continued, to Antar, to give him
this intelligence, that he may take measures for
your rescue: but when I saw your death was nigh,
I did this deed. Shas listened, and his eyes were
filled with tears at Antar's exploits, as he said to
himself, Such was ever Antar's conduct towards me
and to all mankind; but we disgraced him by servitude,
and we degraded him to the care of camels
and sheep. Such has been our conduct to him,
Chiefs and Princes as we are, boasting of our high
rank and our superior condition. But if I am liberated
from this critical situation, and meet him
again, I will kiss the soles of his feet; I will aid
him, and treat him generously. The old woman
now presented him food, of which he ate till he
was satisfied: she also brought him some women's
clothes, and put them on him, and made him sit
with her daughters; so that all his fears were removed,
and he reposed quietly till morning.
At day-light, Maisoor waked from his sleep, and
sent for Shas, that he might torture him as usual,
and afterwards hang him. The slaves went forth
to drag him in, but could not find him: they rushed
in crowds towards their master, and crying out with
a loud voice, exclaimed, He is gone, he is gone.
He shouted out to his horsemen, who mounted, and
separated over the wastes and wilds till the third
fugitive, having perceived no trace of his flight.
Maisoor felt assured of his calamity: he dashed his
fist against his head till the blood darted from the
veins. Just then one of Abdoolmodan's officers
came up to him, and addressed him: his name was
Shireed, son of Mean, and he was a devil in the
form of a man. Be not so distressed, said he;
search among your enemies in your own clan, for
certainly he is not gone hence. My opinion is, that
you should direct a woman to search the women,
and a man to search the men; thus you will succeed.
Maisoor acknowledged the good counsel;
and having given the necessary orders to his slaves
and handmaidens, he stationed men on the highways,
and women in the tents.
When the old lady observed this, and that the
search had already commenced in the first tents,
she instantly started up, and taking up a cauldron,
she filled it with water, and placed it on the fire;
and when she had infused into it many medicinal
roots, and fresh herbs, and black juices, she let it
remain on the fire till it boiled: she then stripped
Shas quite naked, and stained him with the dye till
he became totally black; and clothing him in the
garb of a slave, she conducted him out, he going
before her with the other slaves, driving the camels
and the sheep to the pastures. But when they were
at some distance, she saw Shireed himself, who immediately
turned away from them; but the old
assist you, mighty sir; you have indeed performed
deeds which no man on earth can surpass. I hope
you will catch this accursed Absian, so that my
sorrowing heart also may be relieved by his death;
for the Absians slew my sons. Thus she pursued
her way over the desert, till, reaching the pasture,
she turned towards Shas, and said, Be no more
afraid—you are now free. Fly—bend your steps
towards Mecca, and when you meet Antar, kiss his
hands for me: salute him for me. So Shas bounded
over the wastes, hardly crediting his escape, and
continued running forward and looking behind him
till evening: he then turned out of the road into a
mountain-cave, where he slept till the night was
almost passed. Again he arose, and set out on his
way to Mecca, till the sun arose and he thought
himself secure from pursuit, when lo! in front of
him arose a thick dust, and horsemen appeared like
black eagles, who no sooner espied Shas than they
rode down towards him, and surrounded him on
all sides, headed by a Chief, who, staring in his
face, Cousins, said he, this is the very fellow who
last night was lurking about our tents, and stole
my horse Sahab. And he seized Shas, and tied
him with cords, and bound him fast, and fastened
a long rope round his neck; and as he dragged him
along, Villain, said he, how dared you lurk about
my tent, and steal my horse, and thus impudently
venture back a second time among us? I will torture
But tell me, whither have you carried my horse?
Shas groaned from the excess of agony he endured:
Arab, he cried, I am no robber; I know nothing
about it. Do not put me to death—you may suffer
for it; for I am indeed Shas, son of King Zoheir,
King of the tribes of Abs and Adnan, Fazarah and
Ghiftan, Marah and Dibyan. I have been made
prisoner in this land, and have encountered infamy
and disgrace, such as no one but myself has ever
endured; and only by this disguise have I escaped
death. Shas continued speaking till one of the
horsemen ran up, and struck him with his fist in
the face with his whole force: O my countrymen,
said he, this fellow's father, King Zoheir, slew my
father some years ago, and I in consequence was
brought up an orphan; so they took away from me
all I possessed in goods, in he and she camels, and
noble steeds: but now has fate delivered this hero
into my hands, that I may avenge my father's murder.
His companions approved the justice of the
threat, and were surrounding Shas, to put him to
death; and as he was about to be destroyed, lo!
various wild beasts were seen scudding towards
them, and antelopes running away in terror. A
man on foot was coming down upon them like a
descending cloud, and behind him there appeared a
lion-warrior, like a tower on a promontory, or a
fragment rent from the mountain's side; and close
to him rode a horseman, mounted on a steed that
to contemplate the agility and powers of the
man on foot; and when he drew nigh, Shas gazed
intently at him, and lo! it was Shiboob, and the
hero behind him was his brother Antar, the lion-warrior.
Haste to me, Shiboob, exclaimed Shas;
I am Shas, King Zoheir's son. I have fallen into
the hands of these wretches, and have suffered horrors;
and had I not seen you at this very instant,
my gall had burst, and I had expired of agony.
Foul wretches, exclaimed Shiboob, let go my lord
Shas, for Antar, the trampling hero, is coming
down upon ye. And he roared out to his brother,
Come hither, thou son of a black woman; God has
facilitated thy success, and has accorded his divine
aid. Antar increased his speed, and galloped towards
him.
Now the cause of Antar's appearance in that spot
was As-hath, whom the old lady had desired to go
for him. With all haste he traversed the plains
till he reached Mecca, where he inquired for Antar;
and being directed to his residence, he introduced
himself, and told him what had happened to Shas,
and how he had left him in despair. May God
never deliver him from peril or death! cried Shiboob,
for my brother has no such enemy among the Absians
as him. Brother, said Antar, bear malice
against no man; and he repeated these verses:
"Do not bear malice, O Shiboob. Renounce it;
for no good ever came of malice. Violence is
can act justly when actuated by hatred. Let my
heart support every evil, and let my patience
endure till I have subdued all my foes."
When Antar had finished, the old man was
amazed at such clemency towards his enemies,
strong and powerful as he was. That night they
reposed, but early next day Antar said to As-hath,
Let us depart, O Sheikh, before my lord Shas be
reduced to the last extremity, and be killed. The
Sheikh and Antar were soon mounted, and Shiboob
started in front of them, making the wild beasts
and antelopes fly before him; and they proceeded
till they reached the spot where they found Shas at
the point of death with those horsemen, who belonged
to the tribe of Riyan. As soon as Shiboob
recognized them and addressed them, he attacked
them with his arrows, and gave notice to Antar,
who urged on Abjer towards them: but he did not
come up with them till Shiboob had brought down
three warriors with his shafts. Antar quickly slew
seven of them, and only one escaped, mounted on
a swift camel.
Antar devoted himself to Shas, and, dismounting
from Abjer, loosened the rope from his neck, and
untied the cords from his hands. Shas hung down
his head from shame, and wept bitterly. Rejoice,
my lord, said Antar, in your safety; grieve not for
the past, for no one is born but to encounter evil.
O Aboolfawaris, replied Shas, it is not that I am
but it is the abominable conduct that I have pursued
towards you: had you not effected my release,
I should have even destroyed myself before the
evening. No more of that, cried Antar, till I have
gratified all your wishes. My first wish, said Shas,
is to come close to you, that I may kiss your hands
and the soles of your feet, and thus bind myself in
love to you for ever, and exert all my power and
faculties in proving my sincerity towards you. As
he spoke, he cast himself at Antar's feet, in order
to kiss them: but Antar begged him not. Shas
would not listen to Antar's expostulations, till, said
Shiboob, we want no kissing of feet from you; all
we demand of you is to order his uncle to give
him his daughter in marriage. Speak no more, O
Shiboob, cried Shas, until we reach home, and I
will concert a plan that will amaze the high and
low. Upon this, they moved towards a pool of
water, into which they plunged Shas, and washed
off the black dye. Antar took out some of his best
clothes, and having dressed him, he mounted him
on one of the noble captured steeds. Take you,
O Sheikh, said Antar to As-hath, these horses, and
all this plunder. Depart home, and may God reward
you for your worthy acts. As-hath thanked
him, and drove the horses and plunder before him,
seeking his own country.
But Antar and Shas, and Shiboob in front,
arose ahead. They halted to observe it attentively,
when lo! two thousand horsemen of the
tribe of Riyan appeared, with their King Hoosan
at their head.
The horseman who had escaped did not stop in
his flight till he reached the dwellings of his clan.
The whole tribe crowded round him, inquiring
what was the matter. He informed them what
Antar had done, and how he had destroyed his
comrades: and as soon as King Hoosan heard the
news, he cried out to all near him, Come on, my
countrymen, perhaps we may still succeed in slaying
him. To this proposal they all assented; and
they marched away, two thousand in number, till
they overtook Antar and Shas: and as they drew
night, they attacked them, shouting aloud, with
spears and faulchions. Shas no sooner beheld this
disaster than he felt convinced of his death, and
that he could not even escape by flight. Alas! he
exclaimed, have I escaped so often only at last to
fall into this greater peril? Fate and destiny I have
hitherto averted, but this can never be repelled.
Antar smiled. My lord, said he, congratulate yourself
on your security from death and destruction;
for there are only two thousand assailants—vagabond
Arabs: and by your munificence, I would
this day annihilate, for your sake, the inhabitants
of the earth in its utmost breadth and length.
And Antar thus continued in verse:
"Augment not thy fears and alarms, my lord.
Come on with the black, well practised in war.
By thy life, were there thousands, I would meet
them and scatter them to the east, and disperse
them to the west. I am the image of death—
such as those figure to themselves who are bereft
of their children or of their parents. The Indian
blade obeys my hand; for, when the day of terrors
is intense, I glut it with blows. The tall
spear complains of thirst among the foe, but with
me it is drenched in draughts of blood. Moreover
I should say, the sword would be heavy to
my joints, were I not to mount with it on a
strong horse. I am the Absian Antar, the horseman
of his tribe, when the brave hasten into the
theatre of war. I plunge among the warriors in
the scene of battle, and destroy them with spear
and scimitar of wrath. There lives not my equal
in all the tribes, and in the conflict of lions. I
dread not flight: my charger, my lance, my
breast-plate, my courage, my sword, my shield,
plunder far and wide the foe. Tribe of Abs, on
the battle-day I am yours, and my glory is ennobled
by that parentage."
As he finished, he fell upon the enemy like a
ferocious lion, his soul unappalled at death: he
assailed the two thousand with reiterated blows and
repeated thrusts; and as different bodies followed
plain, and overthrew them far and wide: whilst
Shiboob, in front of Abjer, shot his arrows, and
slew the horsemen to the right and left, laying them
low in the field of battle. The dust was immense;
it arose in rapid columns; and the mind was scared
at the exploits of Antar, who was now engaged in
the hottest of the fight, when King Hoosan himself
appeared, exciting his heroes and rallying his horsemen,
as he shouted out, What means this horror
which a single slave has infused into you, you so
numerous a host? Rush down on him on all sides
with your spears; hack him piecemeal with your
scimitars, or he will extirpate ye all, even to the
last, and he will quit your lands safe and unhurt.
But Antar permitted him not to conclude his harangue:
he assaulted him like a devouring lion:
he roared at him in a voice that thrilled through
him, and filled his whole soul: he pierced him with
his spear through the chest, and forced it out quivering
at his back. Hoosan fell dead, weltering in
his blood. But as he had been mounted on one of
the most celebrated steeds of Arabia, Antar said to
Shiboob, Take this fine charger to Prince Shas;
tell him to mount, and not be afraid. Shiboob
obeyed, and quitted the contest with the horse.
Shas was standing aloof in one corner of the plain,
contemplating the intrepid conduct of Antar, and
the slaughter he was making. He was all amazement
at such brilliant achievements, and at his
and thrusts; and there he continued till Shiboob
joined him with the horse, and said, Rejoice in
your safety, my lord, your enemies are destroyed.
So Shas mounted, and again became a valiant warrior;
assailing the foe, and engaging in the combat—bold
under the protection of Antar. The
battle continued to rage, and blood to flow, and
the flame of war to blaze, till night came on, and
veiled them in obscurity. More than six hundred
and fifty of the tribe of Riyan being slain, the
remainder dispersed, crying out, May God curse
your flat-nosed father and your harlot mother!
How strong are your blows! how forceful are your
thrusts! Antar, Shas, and Shiboob pursued them,
till, having driven them out of that country, they
returned to the dispersed horses and scattered spoil,
which they collected: and as Shas observed that
Antar was like one merged in a sea of blood, he
kissed him between the eyes, and complimented
him. By your existence, my prince, said Antar,
had the day-light lasted longer, I would not have
permitted one of them to return home. Shas was
amazed at his magnanimity and discourse; and
whilst they were wandering over the deserts and
the sand-hills, Antar wished to halt and rest. Let
us not alight here, cried Shiboob, for cares and
difficulties may befal us. I am well acquainted
with all these tracts, and here it was that your
father Shedad made us captives. There is not a
acquainted with. Ahead of us, on the road, are
ravines and defiles, and a valley, rocked in on all
sides, called the Valley of Foxes; and much I
fear that the fugitives who have sought their own
country may rally against us and come down upon
us, and, by anticipating us, may possess themselves
of the entrance of the defiles. Take my advice—
listen to me, and let me conduct you out of this
wilderness and desert towards the country of the
tribe of Zebeed. I will lead you across those
mountains and plains, and hasten with you into
the land of Dimeya and the Great Lake and the
waters of the tribe of Akhram. We will then ascend
the hills of Khashakhish, and descend into Edjil,
where we need be under no alarm or apprehension.
Thence we will traverse the land of the tribe of
Rebeeah, and speed into the country of Abs and
Adnan—thus being secure from the people of
Riyan. Forward, then, thou Father of the Winds,
said Antar, highly approving of his counsel: go
on, whithersoever it pleaseth thee, and do what
thou listest. So Shiboob ran on before them, and
Shas and Antar followed him, till they were at
some distance from the land of Riyan, and the face
of security shone upon them. Shiboob was their
guide, and conducted them through various tribes,
from clan to clan, until he brought them to the
land of the tribe of Codha'ah. And it was on the
fifth day of their journey that they arrived at the
Antar was astonished at Shiboob's accurate knowledge
in traversing these plains and deserts; and
when they reached the tribe of Ghaylem they reposed
and rested. Here they ate something, and
their eyes sought sleep. But, as they slept, Antar
beheld his beloved Ibla, and her image visited him
by night: he saw her charms and her beauties. It
was near morning when he awoke. His love and
passion were intense; but, feeling strong in hope
under the protection of Shas, he repeated these
verses:
"The dear image of Ibla visited in sleep the
victim of love, intoxicated with affliction. I arose
to complain of my sufferings from love, and the
tears from my eyes bedewed the earth. I kissed
her teeth—I smelled the fragrance of musk and
the purest ambergris. I raised up her veil, and
her countenance was brilliant, so that night became
unveiled. She deigned to smile, and looked
most lovely; and I saw in her eye the lustre of
the full moon. She is environed with swords
and calamitous spears, and about her dwelling
prowls the lion of the land. O Ibla, love for thee
lives in my bones, with my blood; as long as life
animates my frame, there will it flow. O Shas,
I am persecuted with a deadly passion, and the
flame of the fire blazes still fiercer. O Shas,
were not the influence of love overpowering every
Antar."
Shas had also waked from his sleep, and overheard
what Antar had uttered; and his heart was
sorely pained at his plaints. Calm your heart, and
brighten your eye, O Aboolfawaris, said he, in a
kind voice, Ibla shall not be withheld from you,
were she even beneath the seventh earth. Soon
after they mounted, and traversed the deserts for
ten successive days; but on the eleventh day they
passed over a country called Zat ool Ialam: and in
the middle of the plain they met six howdahs, upon
six camels; and over each howdah was a crescent
of polished gold, with hangings of magnificent velvet;
and round the howdahs rode a troop of sturdy
slaves, armed with shields and sharp swords. The
whole cavalcade was preceded by a knight in whom
fortitude and intrepidity shone conspicuous. He
was close-vizored, and broad-shouldered; over his
body was a corslet that enveloped his limbs; upon
his head was an Aadite helmet, like a raised canopy;
he was girt with a well-watered scimitar,
and a well-proportioned spear was slung round
him; and beneath him was a white horse, of
the noblest breed; and, like a ferocious lion, he
marched in front of the howdahs and the camels.
This youth, O Aboolfawaris, said Shas, must either
be nobly connected and related to Abdoolmotalib,
or he must be a chosen horseman, thus to venture
of contemptuous security. I think, Aboolfawaris,
you had better direct Shiboob to go on forward
and inquire who he is, that we may learn from his
conversation what may be his views. O Prince,
replied Antar, may you experience every thing
that can give you gratification, and may every
thing that can distress you be averted from you.
O Ebe Reah, he continued, addressing Shiboob,
go on to this youth, and order him to surrender all
his goods and property before he drink of the cup
of death. Shiboob let out his feet, and hastened
towards the young knight. Now the warrior, as
soon as he beheld Shas and Antar, addressed one
of his slaves, saying, Ride towards these slaves that
are advancing upon us, and warn them from their
fate and destruction. If they be poor Arabs, let
them come nigh unto me, that I may give them
clothing and money; but, if they be plunderers,
drive them away, make them retire, and let them
not hasten to their death. So the slave advanced
till he met Shiboob, to whom he cried, Whither
speedest thou so fast to thy fate, urging on thy
existence and life to the Tomb of Perils? It is my
first intention, replied Shiboob, to seize the property
and all the camels thy master possesses: return,
therefore, to him, and order him to deliver
up every thing before the vicissitudes of fortune
environ him. Vilest of slaves, exclaimed the other,
verily you have lost your manners: this day you
of this mighty warrior, whose fury makes even
lion-heroes shudder; also famed for his eloquence
and liberality. Son of my aunt, said Shiboob,
much surprised, to whom does this youth belong?
What is his name among horsemen? Whither are
ye going with these howdahs and camels over these
sand-hills and deserts? Tell me the truth; make
no ambiguous explanations; do not prevaricate.
The rank of my master is exalted, replied the
slave; fluent and rapid is his speech: his name is
Roudha, son of Meneea. He is now on his way
to the dwellings of the noble Absians, to demand
in marriage Ibla, the daughter of Malik, son of
Carad. He will slay every horseman that dares to
dispute her with him; and he will overwhelm her
father with wealth, and lawfully marry her.
Now this horseman was of the tribe of Saad;
and his meeting with Antar in that place is thus
accounted for. The father of Roudha left behind
him at his death immense property, of which the
son took possession as soon as he grew up to manhood:
and he spent much of it among the warriors,
that they might teach him the art of fighting,
and instruct him in the various modes of thrusting
and assailing, and all the plans and stratagems in
battle and feats of arms, and also the manœuvres
in boxing and wrestling. So, when he became
perfect in the art of war, and very expert in the
thrust and the blow, he used to practise with them
the dwellings and the fountains; and on their return
home, when they were dividing the spoil, he would
say to them, Sons of my uncle, I give you my share;
I am rich enough without it. But there was a man
among them that bore him an inveterate grudge:
his name was Asmoo, son of Diraa; and one day,
when he was in his company, eating and drinking,
he said to him, Son of my uncle, have you ever
seen the only person that outshines every one of the
age? And, pursuing the conversation, he told him
all Antar's history; enumerating the feats he had
performed in battle, and mentioning that his celebrity
was spread over every plain and city; repeating,
also, some of the poetry he had composed
on his cousin Ibla, whose uncommon charms and
loveliness he extolled with peculiar emphasis. His
object was merely to rouse his countryman against
Antar, who, he thought, would destroy him, and
make him drink the cup of extinction. Roudha
listened, and his heart was rent in pieces; and
being the more galled and provoked by his countryman's
continued eulogiums, he made inquiries
every where; and as the result was only repeated
panegyrics on Antar's prowess and intrepidity, he
said to himself, If it be true that Antar stand alone
in the world, and be the bravest of horsemen, he
who shall engage him in the field of battle, and
shall vanquish him in the contest of swords and
spears, will be pre-eminent among all warriors; his
Doubtless, his cousin Ibla must be wonderfully
handsome and beautiful, as she is talked of by
every man and every woman. How I long to exert
myself to obtain this object, that no one but myself
may be quoted for his excellencies!
Having consulted with his mother, Do, my son,
said she, whatever pleases you, and let no one be
your equal in martial exploits; for your rank is
exalted above all, your beauty is most eminent, and
your star auspicious. Follow your heart's desire.
These words confirmed him in his resolution, and
all alarms and doubts were at an end. He collected
vast presents, and cattle, and precious articles, and
determined on his journey. He had five virgin
sisters; them he took, with his mother also, that
they might assist at his wedding with Ibla: and
when they were all ready, and the ladies, each on
a separate howdah, they set out for the land of Abs
and Adnan, travelling over plains and deserts, till
they encountered Shas and Antar.
The conference between Shiboob and the slave
being over, they returned to their respective parties.
Shiboob came running up to his brother, smiling
and laughing. Son of a black, cried Antar, what
have you heard that makes you so merry? How is
this horseman called? Whither is he going? And
when Shiboob had told him, Antar, too, laughed
and smiled, saying, This Arabian ignorance is quite
inconceivable; and he urged on Abjer till he approached
is the very person you are seeking, that he may
show you horrors and wonders. Roudha only
laughed, and, galloping his horse, advanced in front
of Antar. Halloo, he cried, thou mighty warrior!
which of the Absian heroes are you? for, indeed,
I mark their well-known fortitude shining in you.
Birth, exclaimed Antar, is the boast of cowards:
however, know that my genealogy is long. I am
Antar, son of Shedad, the son of Ibla's uncle, whom
you are going to demand in marriage. Roudha
was overjoyed at these words: his chest expanded,
and he was in ecstasy: he slackened his horse's
bridle, and riding up to the howdahs, O my mother,
cried he, now indeed I have obtained what I so
ardently desired. This is Antar, the warrior of
battles. This day will I bring down death upon
him. His mother just put her head out of the
howdah, and said, Well, my son, if this be Antar,
go back, and put him to death. Encouraged by
this advice, he hastened back, seeking Antar, with
all his paternal impetuosity, and Arabian pride and
courage. He gave the full reins to his charger,
and, poising his spear, he rushed down on Antar,
like an angry lion, and thus spoke:
"As soon as my age knew me, its power was
reduced, and was humbled—its calamities shrank
from me. I am he to whom the deadly spear
bows, and it precedes me against the foe I engage.
Should any one thwart me, I crown his head with
the Indian sabres associate with it, as if they were
its children and its relations. How many nations
are there, whose armies my sword has dispersed,
and whose camps it has scattered over their lands!
How many are my victims, whose carcasses ever
lie for the fowls of the air to devour, and round
which the wild beasts come prowling! O Ibla,
there is coming for thee a husband, who will tear
thee away. Time itself may perish, but his glories
can never perish. O Ibla, as to thy slave, his
death is resolved at my hands, and his judgment
day is fixed. Let the heart of thy father, O thou,
my hope, be this day at ease! Let him sleep by
night, as long as the stars wander in the skies."
As Antar listened to these verses, he was convinced
that his antagonist had fallen into the sea of
love. Coward-born, he cried, I will this day prepare
such a marriage for thee, no other wedding
shalt thou require. And reflecting on all he had
suffered on Ibla's account, and the misfortunes
he had encountered, he assaulted Roudha, thus
speaking:
"How fortune removes away what I anxiously
wish to approach, and thus sends a monster that
I must fight! O thou, from whom fortune has
averted all its vicissitudes, at me it has levelled
all its insults. What, am I the only person who
must experience the treachery of its disposition?
How, then, can any one, who associates with me,
proud of it: it may enfeeble me, and often its
trials have turned my head gray. But still how
can I fear the calamities of fortune? No—its
severities are the most tolerable of all that I
suffer. How many nights have I wandered over
the wastes alone! it was dark, and the stars were
declining towards the west. How many lakes
are there whose waters I have mixed with blood
in the morning, where the wild beasts sought
refreshment and repose! My scimitar and my
spear are my companions, when the lions of the
den crowd around me. O thou, that hungerest
for my death, return, free from such avidity, and
behold not the cup thou wilt drink."
Having finished, he assailed Roudha like a cloud;
and Roudha received him as the parched earth the
first of the rain. These two furious warriors commenced
the conflict: they dealt blows and thrusts,
and for an hour were tasting of death, so that the
eye was scared. Antar beheld in Roudha what he
had never yet experienced from the stoutest hero:
he was on his guard against any fatal event, for he
observed him brandish his lance as a writer would
a reed. Upon this, he pressed upon him, and
clung to him, excluding all escape, so that stirrup
grated stirrup. He struck Roudha's spear, and
shivered it: he extended his hand towards the rings
of his mail, and, tearing him out of his saddle, made
him his prisoner, and threw him to Shiboob, who,
and brought him before his brother Antar. He
drew forth Dhami from its scabbard, and was about
to put him to death, when lo! his mother and his
sisters cast themselves out of their howdahs on the
ground, their faces uncovered, their hair dishevelled
—drowned in tears, and their veils loose. O Knight
of the age and æra, exclaimed they, with one voice,
by the life of your ancestor Adnan, have compassion
on our tears—our misery—our forlorn state, and
the absence of our heroes! If you are resolved on
the death of our brother, O put us to death first,
for fortune has left us only him of all our family
and friends. The eldest sister then advanced towards
Antar, and casting herself at his feet, she
thus addressed him:
"O Knight of the horse, all that has been said
of you is true. Pardon! for in my heart there
is a burning flame. This youth, whom you have
captured, is my brother: besides him, I have no
life, no sight. Release him, and pardon him:
protect us, and accept our gratitude. This day
I implore your forgiveness; for you are a warrior
at whose glory every one must bow, and for whom
the fire of war blazes. Pity him, and release him
—in your kindness, pardon him; for he is my
hope—he is my hearing, and my sight."
Here she stopped, and retired. The second sister
then came forward, and thus addressed Antar:
"O Knight of the horse, tears burst from my
is exhausted. Release your victim—this boy—
pardon him, and we will ransom him with wealth
and jewels. Though your complexion be black
as a coal, let your deeds be recorded, brilliant
as the moon. Listen to us females, whose reputation
is now decreased; for they only demand
mercy at the hands of a conqueror. May God
execute your every wish in exalting your family,
in supporting and glorifying it."
She retired. The third advanced, and thus
spoke:
"O Knight of the horse, unrivalled warrior,
foremost when chargers neigh, and horsemen are
in trouble. Every princely mortal is ennobled
by thy sword; and yours are praises like the
sweet-scented ambergris. Accept my compliment,
and reward me with your kindness. Have pity
on a forlorn girl, who is in misery. Release this
boy, and pardon him; for he is my hearing, and
the light of my eyes. Pity this distraction of a
heart, a prey to anguish before I die; for this is
my last breath."
She retired. The fourth sister came forward, and
thus spoke:
"Patience and forbearance are no more; grief
and sorrow oppress me. My heart is divided in
its wishes—pity the anguish of my soul. O
friend, take me by the hand, for I am sinking
with desolation. My soul longs to bid farewell
Let us at last be relieved by your kindness!"
She retired. The fifth sister now advanced, and
thus addressed Antar (she was the youngest, and
the most beautiful):
"O Knight of the horse, protect me, and pity
my destitute condition: do not reject our petition.
This youth, whom you have captured, is
our brother. Pity his youth, and let not strangers
exult over him. Though he have behaved proudly
and overbearingly, let your compassion extinguish
rancour and anger. You are one who have the
lives of warriors at command, and destroy whomsoever
you wish. Though your complexion be
black, bravery, and beneficence, and courtesy,
are far superior; and if the inhabitants of the
earth were all exalted, the multitude would be
slaves, and you would be raised on high."
Having finished, she retired. The mother then
advanced, and thus commended Antar:
"O Knight of the horse, protect us, and pity
our forlorn state: become our succour against
the vicissitudes of fortune. But if you are resolved
on putting him to death, satiate first your
vengeance on us. God forbid, that a Knight
should be deficient in liberality, and injure us,
or make us weep tears of blood. He attacked
you insultingly, but he is overpowered. Pity his
youth, and pardon him his crime. O Knight, to
will grace your other accomplishments; and
when all the earth is exalted, the multitude will
be the earth, and you heaven."
As Antar listened to these prayers, and the
speeches of Roudha's mother and sisters, his pagan
pride stormed in his head, and an anxiety to protect
them increased throughout his limbs, for Antar
was ever interested for woman; and his heart
softened after what he had endured, and he said to
Shiboob, Release Roudha from his fetters. I have
pardoned him on account of his mother and sisters.
He directed the women to return to their howdahs,
safe and secure from harm. Shiboob accordingly
liberated Roudha from captivity, and whilst all this
was passing, Shas stood listening and looking on
and admiring Antar's excessive generosity and kindness,
and he said to himself, Truly Antar has exercised
his liberality in its proper place. But Roudha
was no sooner at liberty than he ran towards Antar,
and kissed his hands, thanking him, praising him,
begging his pardon, and saying, You well know, O
Aboolfawaris, that time teaches man some new
wisdom and experience: I was indeed ignorant of
the state of the world and its affairs, and was going
to demand your cousin in marriage, knowing very
little of you; but now I have had proofs of your
value, and till now I was ignorant of the respective
dignity of Horsemen. Now, however, I beseech
you to accept the presents that I have brought with
than I do. I beg most earnestly that you will
oblige me by receiving them. And turning towards
the camels, he unloaded them: on these were three
robes of velvet of three different colours; on each
robe was a wreath of jewels worth 30,000 dirhems
of gold. These he presented to Antar, and he kissed
the ground before him, imploring his forgiveness.
By the faith of an Arab, Roudha, said Antar, you
are more munificent and liberal than I am: never
can I make you any suitable return. Roudha bade
Antar farewell, and Antar kissed him between the
eyes, and thus they separated, each seeking his
own country.
Antar and Shas travelled night and day, till one
morning being near the land of the Absians, Shas
said to Antar, I think it would be proper, Aboolfawaris,
to apprize our families of our arrival. As you
please, my Prince, said Antar; and he bid Shiboob
to go forward. Shiboob gave his feet to the winds,
and in less than an hour he reached the tents.
The families hurried eagerly from every quarter,
and the news soon reached King Zoheir. He ordered
Shiboob into his presence, and being informed
of the approach of Shas and Antar, he ordered
Amarah to be released from prison and confinement,
and then he mounted, with his sons and
officers, and went out to meet Shas and the lion-warrior
Antar. He also ordered his slaves to proclaim
it throughout the tents, that no one should
goods with them, to make offerings to Shas and
Antar in the wild and the waste. In obedience to
these orders and proclamations all the horsemen
marched out; the noble warriors of the family of
Carad rejoiced, but silence reigned among the family
of Zeead, as if they had lost their children.
Malik, Ibla's father, and his son Amroo, joined
the others and went out in the procession. Amarah
too mounted, muttering to himself, No welcome, no
welcome, to this bastard slave, who is returned safe!
and forsooth King Zoheir is not to be satisfied but
by requiring us to attend him, and be witnesses to
his filthy face. Thus he mounted, though his anguish
was insupportable. Not a person remained
in the tents; every one had come forth to hail Antar,
the lord of battles: before them went the women,
beating the cymbals, and the slaves waving
their swords; and the whole country was in uproar
and tumult. They had not proceeded far when
they met Shas and Antar. The first that advanced
towards them was Prince Malik. I congratulate
you, O my tribe, he exclaimed, on what has appeared
this day, which God has vouchsafed to honour
with his favour, and on the meeting of my
brother and my friend. Thus saying, he embraced
Antar and his brother. Antar kissed the Prince's head,
and prayed for a continuance of his glory. After this,
they all crowded about Shas and Antar, making
their offerings of gold and silver, and girdles, and
slaves and the freeborn; and the high and the low
exulted in the return of Aboolfawaris Antar. Amarah
had hinted to his slaves to stand close to him,
and not to quit him, saying to them (as he was
about to execute King Zohier's order) When you
see me make my present, advance quick, and catch
it before any one else. The slaves promised to
do as he bade them, and they had prepared their
coarse aprons to catch the golden offerings, which
their master was to make. So when this munificent
Amarah came nigh unto Shas and Antar, and stood
between them, he testified the utmost joy, and said
to Antar, God has brightened your eyes in this
affair, Aboolfawaris, and you have received of his
bounties and favours what no one other, on foot or
on horseback, ever possessed before. And he let
fall out of his sleeve some gold coin in a sly, artful
manner; but Shiboob slipped in and caught it, and
took it away and put it all into his own hair-cloth
apron, and kept it all himself, saying, God bless
such great men as you who offer presents to their
friends and comrades. May God reward you well,
Shiboob, said Amarah, for you are deserving of
wealth and money: we are all greatly rejoiced at
your return, and all our griefs and sorrows are at
an end. Malik, Ibla's father, next advanced, and
embracing Shas, congratulated him on his escape:
he kissed his bosom and hands, and saluted him;
but Shas turned away his face from him, and said,
are really glad at my deliverance, as you say you
are, marry your daughter to your nephew, Antar,
this very night. Malik smiled the smile of shame,
and his heart burned with excess of anguish.—By
your life, my lord, said he, through your intercession
my heart entertains no rancour whatever towards
Antar; and at this very moment, O prince,
my daughter is his handmaiden, and I am one of
his slaves, and do you be my witness; if you wish,
I will marry her to him this very night; and now
that he has done all these things, how is it possible
that I should not love him and favour him? Having
thus spoken, he dismounted and fawned on Antar;
but all this was the result of his excessive cunning
and deceit. However, Antar dismounted from Abjer,
and kissed his uncle's bosom and hands, exclaiming,
O my uncle, do not load me with what
cannot be supported! I am indeed your slave, and
the shepherd of your flock. After this, they all
mounted again, and every heart was cleansed of its
griefs and distresses. Shedad thought the world
too narrow for the extent of his joy on the arrival
of his son: his mother Zebeeba too kissed him,
as she said, If you would but stay and tend the
camels with me, my heart would be relieved from
the pain of these terrible events. Antar smiled, and
composed her. As soon as the people had retired
to their tents, King Zoheir ordered camels to be
slaughtered, and a dinner to be prepared, and a
one in the world ever saw), to testify his joy at the
escape of his son Shas from drinking the cup of
death, and the safety of the great Antar. They
were thus occupied for three whole days, and Antar
was always seated by the side of King Zoheir, and
every one presented him gifts of value, consisting
of horses, female slaves, and gold. On the fourth
night he was invited to a banquet given by Prince
Shas, and when they had dined and the wine-glasses
were going merrily round, Shas started up and put
his hand into Antar's, in fulfilment of what had
been hitherto so grievous, and exclaimed in the
presence of all the Absians, O sons of my uncle, O
ye, that are here present, whether friend, relation,
or companion, let every one who wishes to recompense
this hero according to his power, do so; for
there is no one in the whole tribe but Aboolfawaris,
who can defend his property and goods, or protect
his family and friends. Let it not be said, O my
cousins, that Shas only speaks thus because he is
overcome with wine; for, by the Lord of Heaven,
I am the freedman of his sword and his spear, and
he has overwhelmed me with liberality and munificence.
Nothing will I keep hidden or concealed—I
will lay it all before Antar, as also the property of
my brothers and my father—every thing that belongs
to me. Shas's brothers were all unanimous
in their assent; but Antar thanked them and
prayed for them, saying, O my lords, this does not
the property of the Arabs should be at my disposal,
and that I should squander the wealth of the chiefs.
It is, however, necessary that in ten days I should
make an excursion among the tribes of Cahtan, and
carry away all the property of those Arabs, and I
will not let my marriage-feast be concluded till the
season of the spring be passed, and the high and
low be entertained and enriched. It shall be a day
to me, future ages shall record. Aboolfawaris,
cried Prince Malik, we will not permit you to absent
yourself, nor let this your day be followed by
your morrow until you have celebrated your marriage-feast
and wedding; and when you resolve on
an excursion we will accompany you, and be in
your suite, and at your command: were we to expend
our whole substance, and were we all to act
justly and impartially, all our property and that of
all the Absians would be yours and at your disposal:
for how often have you rescued it from the hands
of the horsemen by the blade of your sword, and
by the exposure of your life in our cause. When
Antar heard the princes thus address him, the
flame within him burnt violently: he could no longer
make any opposition, but waited patiently till the
feast was over, and when Shas invested him with a
superb robe, and mounted him on an Arab steed,
and treated him with every kindness, he retired
with his father and uncles, seeking the tents of
Ibla's father. Now all the party had separated to
among them but would willingly have offered all
he was worth to accomplish Antar's success but
Amarah alone, and his anguish was redoubled, his
gall was burst, and his very soul melted; and his
brother was in despair about him, for again the
fever seized him, and the strangury, and the pains
in his loins, and the diarrhœa. When Rebia went
to see him he complained bitterly of his situation,
and grieved and implored his assistance. Amarah,
said Rebia, it is quite impossible for us any longer
to oppose Antar; for any more absurd plans on our
part would only be followed by our death and ruin.
CHAPTER XI.
The next day King Zoheir, accompanied by his
sons and his horsemen, rode out to the chase, as
was customary among the Arabs of those days.
They first made inquiries for Antar; but, hearing
nothing of him, they remained abroad till near the
third hour, when they returned home to their respective
tents. But Shas, and his brother, Malik,
sent a slave to the habitations of the Carad family;
and he returned in an hour, his heart filled with
grief. My lord, said he to Prince Shas, no one
has heard any thing of Antar this day: his uncle,
Malik, assured me so; adding, that, when they
retired from your feast, he stayed drinking with
him an hour, and afterwards repaired to the tents
of his mother, Zebeeba. Early this morning they
searched for him, to accompany them to the chase
with your father, King Zoheir, but they could not
find him; so, on that account, they put off their
hunt for the day: and, when Shedad asked his
mother about him, she told him, that, when he
came home, he did not go to sleep; but, as soon as
the fires of the tribe were extinguished, and the
obscurity of night came on, he mounted his horse,
and, taking his brother, Shiboob, with him, he
this account of Antar, Shas was exceedingly
grieved. May God curse thee, O Malik! he cried:
how infamous are thy deeds! how black are thy
actions! What is the matter? asked Prince Malik.
Know, my brother, replied Shas, that Malik secretly
plots against Antar the very reverse of what
he promised us: he deceives both us and Antar.
And he only received him thus craftily and artfully,
just to quiet his apprehensions for the moment;
and now he has driven him away out of the
country, and has sent him on some perilous expedition.
It may be, observed Prince Malik, that
he is gone, in order to bring back what may supply
his marriage-feast, and enable him to support his
wedding establishment. O my brother, continued
Shas, cast away all such ideas. Be assured that
Malik will ever practise on us his craft and wiles;
and it is my opinion we should inform our father of
his conduct. The news was soon spread abroad,
to the great joy of his enemies, and particularly of
the family of Zeead.
But the cause of Antar's disappearance was as
follows: When Rebia, and Malik, son of Carad,
saw Antar return safe with Shas, and that his glory
was greatly exalted, and that every family befriended
him, their galls burst, and their senses
were blinded, particularly Malik, a proficient in
arts and frauds; for he dared not to contradict
King Zoheir: and though in his presence he expressed
and accursed malignity he said to his daughter
Ibla, Take these robes that your cousin has brought
you, abandon your grief and sorrow, gird yourself
with these strings of pearls and jewels, and decorate
yourself with every sumptuous article of dress, and
be not shy of your cousin in any respect; for now
you will be married to him, and all your property
will be delivered over to him: the business is now
finally arranged, and his high honours render it
necessary to conclude it. Now Antar, on his return
from entertainments, always devoted himself
to a conversation with Ibla, enjoying the sweetness
of her smiles: and, on his return from Prince
Shas's feast, he accompanied his father and his
uncles to the tents of Ibla's father. Ibla received
him in the kindest manner; and her father had
instructed her, when Shedad and Zakhmet ool
Jewad should depart for the night, to detain Antar,
and push about the glasses. Being, therefore,
seated, and the conversation turning on his marriage,
said Malik to Antar, O Aboolfawaris, the
words of Prince Shas grieve my heart; I do not
approve of our providing the marriage feast out of
our own property. Well, said Antar, I will per
form in your presence deeds such as the bravest
heroes will fail in executing—such as no prince or
warrior will be able to accomplish. But what do
you intend to do, O Aboolfawaris? asked Ibla.
Tell me all, that I may comprehend it. Whatever
then, added Ibla, that you will place me amongst
the most exalted, as Khalid, son of Moharib, did
on his marriage with his cousin Jaida, daughter
of Zahir. You little devil, exclaimed her father
designedly, where did you learn any stories of
knights and warriors? Oh, said Ibla, I heard
this from the women who came to congratulate me
on the return of my cousin. Antar smiled: And
pray what did you hear on that occasion? said he.
Know, answered Ibla, that, whilst they were talking
of marriages and feasts, one of them said, No
one has ever made a really magnificent wedding
but a knight of the tribe of Zebeed—and he was
Khalid, son of Moharib, when Jaida, daughter of
Zahir, was united to him: for he slaughtered at
his feast a thousand camels, male and female, and
twenty lions and lionesses; and he invited to his
entertainment the horsemen of the tribes of Zebeed,
of Khitaan, and of Morad. He staid with these
three tribes, and supplied them with provisions:
and the camels were the property of Gheshm, son
of Malik, surnamed the Brandisher of Spears, a
knight of the tribe of Aamir; and, when he married
Jaida, the bridle of her camel was held by
the daughter of Moawiyah, son of Nizal. Antar,
irritated at her words, quickly replied, And dost
thou think, then, O Ibla, that this was such a
great exploit? At thy marriage I will permit no
one to lead thy camel but this Jaida herself, with
slung the head of Khalid; so that no one shall vie
with thee, or be exalted above thee. No, cried her
father, I will not allow of this: give up such a
proposal, my daughter. She is talking nonsense,
Antar: do not listen to her; stir not from home
till your projects are completed; for I cannot
possibly refuse King Zoheir and his sons. Antar
made no reply, but hastened back to his mother's
dwelling, and awakened Shiboob, and ordered him
to prepare his horse. Shiboob instantly complied;
and Antar sprung on his back, Shiboob running
by his side. And when they were beyond the tents,
and the fumes of the wine had fled from Antar's
brain, Well, thou black-born, said he to Shiboob,
away to the mountains of Toweilaa and the land
of the tribe of Zebeed by the shortest road. Well,
brother, replied Shiboob; but what is there so
urgent in this affair, that you have set out at this
unseasonable hour? Antar related what had passed.
There can be no doubt, added Shiboob, that it is
your uncle who has exposed you to this perilous
enterprise; for how should Ibla know any thing
about warriors, or hear such things from women?
Now all this was Rebia's contrivance: he it was
who suggested this wicked and malicious plan to
Malik, in order to sacrifice Antar. Malik desired
his daughter to mention it to Antar, and make the
demand of her cousin, but not to explain at whose
instigation. Thus Antar set out by night, traversing
the contrary, he was full of joy at an adventure
his beloved had required of him. And, as the journey
lengthened, he thought of Ibla, and thus exclaimed:
"I traverse the wastes, and the night is gloomy:
I stray over the wilds, and the sands are parching:
I desire no other companion but the sword,
whether, on the day of horrors, the foe be few or
numerous. Ye beasts of the desert, beware of
the warrior; for, when he brandishes his scimitar,
caution avails not. Accompany me; ye will behold
prostrate carcases, and the birds darting at
them as they hover and look on. Now, that I
am going in quest of him, no eternity is there
for Khalid[2]
. No, no: let Jaida no longer boast.
Short will be the happiness of their country:
soon will the tiger come. O Ibla, may the riches,
that come for thee, rejoice thee, when Fortune
casts me among thy enemies! O thou, who,
with one glance of the eye, hast exposed my life
to deadly arrows, whose wounds are frightful!
it is well; for thy embrace is an unadulterated
paradise, and the flames of separation from thee
cannot be endured. O Mount Saadi, may showers
from the rain-cloud ever moisten thee, and may
the dew ever refresh thy lands! How many
nights have I travelled in thy society, and lived
who circles the goblets, and whose form shines
among them like the flame of wine: the maiden
who passes them round is of the daughters of
Arabia, elegantly formed, and Paradise is in her
eye. If I live, it is she whom I will ever remember;
if I die, a night in death with her will be
existence."
Now Khalid, whom Antar went to seek, was a
horseman of the tribe of Zebeed; and the Arabs of
those deserts, and the Kings of those countries and
cities, stood in awe of him. He was a hero of the
dust and confusion; and Maadi Kereb, the father
of Amroo, the Zebeedian, was allied to him in feats
of arms, and in rank, among the Arabs of the desert:
and he used to confess among the horsemen,
that he had learnt all his courage and intrepidity
from this undaunted lion, and this all-conquering
warrior, Khalid, son of Moharib; and he was also
the cause of his marriage with Jaida, the daughter
of Zahir: and their history was marvellous to
relate.
Moharib and Zahir were two brothers, by the
same father and mother; and the Arabs called
them uterine brothers. Both were eminent for
their bravery and courage; but Moharib was the
chief of the clan, and Zahir was his minister under
him: he was his counsellor and adviser. At last
it happened, that a violent dispute and quarrel
arose between them. Zahir retired to his tents,
What is the matter with you? said his wife. Why
do I see you so bewildered? Tell me what has
occurred, and what you are thinking of. Who can
have displeased or insulted you, you the greatest of
the Arab Chiefs? What can I do? he replied; he
who has injured me is one against whom I cannot
raise my hand—one I cannot harm; my companion
in the womb—my brother in the world; and had
it not been he himself, I would have shown him
the power of a formidable antagonist, and made an
example of him among the tribes and Chiefs. Abandon
him, leave him in his own land, exclaimed his
wife; at the same time reciting these verses, from
some poet of the time:
"As to thy soul, away with it, if it cry out in
pain, and abandon thy home, to mourn over him
that built it. Bear not insult from thy relations;
quit thy relations, and seek what will stand thee
in lieu of them. As to thy person, thou mayst
wander from country to country; but as to thyself,
thou canst find no other self but it. The
warrior's might is not proved till with his life he
remove all that pains him. Send not thy messenger
on an important affair; for, with regard
to thyself, there is no adviser but thine own self.
He whose death must be in a certain spot, cannot
die elsewhere. This is the opinion of a wise
and sensible man; so listen to it, and doubt not."
Zahir assented to his wife's counsel; and he prepared
his camels, and departed, seeking the tribe of Saad,
who were also his cousins. Still he was greatly
afflicted at this separation from his brother, and
thus spoke:
"I will wander from thy home a thousand years,
and the journey of every year shall be a thousand
miles. Were my favours from thee a thousand
Ægypts, and in each Ægypt were there a thousand
Niles, still thy favours would be but trifling;
and I shall be content far from thee with a little.
I will recite in thy absence this distich, which a
string of pearls cannot equal in value: `When a
man is vexed in the land of his tribe, there is
nothing left for him but to depart.' O thou who
hast maliciously offended me, soon wilt thou feel
what the beneficent Deity will effect; for he is
the judge between thee and me—he, the unchangeable
and imperishable."
Zahir continued his journey till he reached the
tribe of Saad, where he alighted. They received
him kindly, and welcomed him, and begged him to
settle among them. It happened that his wife was
with child; and he said to her, If a son be born,
most welcome will he be; but if it is a girl, conceal
it, and let it appear to the world at large that we
have a male child, that my brother may not exult
over us. When her time was completed, she brought
forth a daughter; so in private they called her Jaida,
but in public Jooder, making it appear that she was
a boy: and accordingly they made a great entertainment
brother Moharib, about the same time, had also a
son, whom he called Khalid (eternal); giving him
this name because he had continued to prosper in
his affairs after his brother's absence. Now as the
two children grew up, and their fame was spread
among the Arabs, Zahir taught his daughter to
ride on horseback; he instructed her in all the
martial exercises of a warrior, and in all that constitutes
bravery and courage, and in the arts of
war and battle: he hardened her, also, to toils and
dangers; and whenever he went forth to battle, he
took her with him, mingling among the other Arab
clans in her company; and when the horsemen
joined her, she ever commanded in the front of the
boldest. Thus she continued to overthrow her
contemporaries, and attacked lions in their dens,
till she became a common proverb: and when she
vanquished a hero, she cried out, I am Jooder, son
of Zahir, the horseman of the clans and the tribes.
In the like manner flourished her cousin Khalid,
son of Moharib, who was the Chief of his people;
and he had established dwellings where guests were
entertained, and where horsemen took up their
abode. Khalid was educated among them, and
acquired fortitude of heart: he perfected himself in
horsemanship among them, until he came forth an
intrepid warrior, and a valiant hero; every horseman
and every knight acknowledged his courage
and undaunted soul. At last he heard of his cousin
Jooder; and his anxiety to mark him, and engage
became very great: but he was unable to gratify
his wish, on account of his father's indignation:
and thus he continued, till, his father dying, he
obtained possession of his seat, and inherited his
property and lands. He acted as his father had
done, in keeping up the establishments for guests,
in protecting the timid and the helpless, and in
clothing the widowed and the naked. He used also
to ride out in the plains with his warriors, and
exercised himself with the horsemen; so that his
bodily powers and vigour were strengthened. And
after a short time, he collected some rich presents,
and taking his mother with him, he went to visit
his uncle: neither did he halt till he came unto
Zahir, who was delighted to see him, and set apart
for him a magnificent dwelling; for he had heard
accounts of his accomplishments from various travellers.
Khalid also visited his cousin: he saluted
her, and pressed her to his bosom, and kissed her
between the eyes, thinking she was a young man.
He was much pleased with her, and stayed ten
days with his uncle, every day engaging with his
horsemen, and lancing with his warriors. But his
cousin, when she beheld how beautiful and valiant
he was, was deeply enamoured of him. She renounced
sleep; she ate nothing, and her love and
passion increased: and now when the flame of love
had gained complete possession of her heart, she
complained of her situation to her mother, saying,
accompany him, I shall die of grief in his absence.
Her mother pitied her, and could not reproach her,
being fully convinced how unavailing would be all
reproof. Jaida, said she, conceal your feelings,
and be not so distressed: you have not acted improperly;
you have, on the contrary, done nothing
but what is correct; for he is your cousin, of your
flesh, and of your blood. You resemble him in
beauty and loveliness, in form and figure, and also
in bravery and horsemanship. To-morrow, when
his mother comes to us, I will explain the matter
to her: we will marry you to him without delay;
and we will, moreover, return to our native land.
She waited patiently till the following day, when
Khalid's mother came: her mother then conducted
her into the apartment, and uncovering her head,
her hair fell over her shoulders. Khalid's mother
perceiving her excessive beauty and charms, was
quite bewildered, and exclaimed, Cousin, is this not
your son Jooder? No, she replied, this is Jaida;
the moon is risen. And she related the circumstance,
and all that had passed with her husband,
and how she had concealed her sex, fearful of the
consequences. Cousin, continued Khalid's mother,
in astonishment, amongst all the daughters of Arabia,
most celebrated for their beauty, I have never
seen one more lovely than this girl. What is her
name? Jaida, she replied; and my only object in
disclosing this circumstance, is to offer you all these
son, and to return to our native land. To this
Khalid's mother immediately assented: And most
fortunate, said she, will be my son with such a
possession. She instantly started up, and repaired
to her son, to whom she imparted all she had seen,
expatiating on the charms of Jaida's form. By the
faith of an Arab, said she, I have never, my son,
beheld in any desert or city, amongst the most
perfect of the daughters of Arabia, any one that
resembles your cousin: nothing can be more beautiful
than her form—more exquisite than her loveliness
and shape. Haste then, my son, to your
uncle Zahir, and demand her of him. Lucky, indeed,
if he grants her to your wishes: let her not,
my son, escape you. As Khalid listened to these
words, he hung his head towards the ground, and
remaining thoughtful awhile, Mother, said he, I can
stay here no longer; I must return home to my
horsemen and my troops. I do not wish to have
any thing more to say to my cousin, now that it is
ascertained that she is a person of a waving bosom,
awkward in speech, and of a trivial, light disposition;
for I have always been accustomed to the
society of warriors, where I throw away money, and
acquire martial renown. As to her love for me,
it is only a maiden, feminine weakness. And he
mounted his horse, and accoutred himself in his
armour and warlike weapons; he bade adieu to his
uncle, and resolved on instant departure. What
possibly remain here any longer, answered Khalid;
and he rode off, traversing the wilds and the wastes.
His mother took leave of Jaida, and having communicated
to her all that had passed with her son,
she mounted her she-camel, and set out on her way
home. Jaida's soul felt the indignity. She was
deprived of all repose, and scarcely ate any thing;
and when her father, a few days after, was going
forth with a party of brave horsemen in quest of
gain, and to plunder warriors, he looked at her,
and observing she was much altered, out of spirits,
and dejected, he made no remark, hoping that she
would soon recover.
Her father had no sooner quitted the tents, than
Jaida, who perceived that her life was in danger,
and that her situation was critical, said to her mother,
Mother, I am dying, and that wretch Khalid
still lives. I must make him drink of the distractions
of death, and make him taste of the bitterness
of punishment and torture, if God but
grant me the power. She rushed forth like a
lioness, and, clothed in armour, she mounted her
horse, telling her mother she was going to the
chase. She traversed rocks and mountains, her
anxiety ever increasing, and her distress augmenting,
till she approached the dwellings of her cousin.
Having disguised herself, she entered the tents of
public entertainment, close-vizored, like a horseman
of Hijaz. The slaves and attendants met her, and
towards her as they always did to their guests, or
any noble personage. That night she reposed;
but the next day she came forth into the course,
where she engaged the horsemen, and proved her
superiority over the bravest, to the great astonishment
of all the spectators. It was not yet mid-day
when all her cousin's horsemen acknowledged her
superiority. Khalid marked her prowess, and was
surprised at such uncommon skill, and went forth
to meet her. Jaida encountered him, and they both
commenced the attack, exhibiting every stratagem
in the assault and defence, until the darkness of the
night came on; when they separated, unhurt, and
neither of them knew which was the conqueror.
Thus was Jaida exalted in the eyes of every spectator,
and the distress of their hearts was assuaged
when they saw her wonderful intrepidity and skill.
Khalid ordered all his slaves to attend on her, saying,
Treat this great Knight most hospitably; and
he retired to his own tents, his heart entirely engrossed
with the combat. She remained three days
with him, and every day she appeared on the
course, and engaged her cousin till the close of the
day; and though she was exceedingly rejoiced, yet
she never discovered herself: and it never occurred
to him to make any inquiries of her, or ask her to
what tribe she belonged. On the fourth morning,
Khalid mounted as usual, and sought the plain;
and as he passed by the tents of entertainment, he
she returned the compliment. Noble Arab, said
Khalid, I wish to put one question to you. I have
hitherto been deficient in decorum, but I now beseech
you, by the God who has clothed you in
robes of beauty, and has endowed you with such
dexterity in feats of arms, tell me who you are,
and to what noble Princes are you allied? for your
equal in bravery and horsemanship I have never
beheld. My heart is all anxiety—my soul is all
doubt and eagerness. Jaida smiled, and replied,
as she opened her vizor, Khalid, I am a woman,
and no warrior; I am your cousin, Jaida, who
offered her person to you, and resigned herself to
you; but you accepted her not, priding yourself on
your love of arms. And she instantly turned away,
and giving the reins to her charger, she sought
her native land. Her cousin retired, abashed: he
knew not what to do with the love and passion that
now beset him. He abhorred all his warlike pursuits,
on account of the troubles with which they
had encircled him; and his hatred for women was
converted into love. He sent for his mother, and
related the adventure. My son, said she, this circumstance
only renders you still more deserving of
her: wait patiently, that I may go and demand
her of her mother. She accordingly mounted her
she-camel, and departed over the deserts, following
the traces of Jaida; who having reached home, informed
her mother of all that had occurred; and
Khalid's mother soon arrived, and throwing herself
into her cousin's arms, begged her to marry Jaida
to her son. Zahir was still absent on his excursion.
But when she imparted to her daughter Khalid's
request, That can never be, said Jaida, were I even
to drink of the cup of death. I only performed
this deed in the presence of heroes, in order to
extinguish the flame of my agony and distress, and
to soothe the anguish of my heart. Upon this,
Khalid's mother returned home, disappointed, and
found her son in the cruellest state of misery and
anxiety. He started up in haste (for his love and
passion had greatly augmented), and eagerly inquired
what had passed with his cousin: and when
he learnt what Jaida had said on the subject, his
grief became still more violent; for this rejection of
his love shot a flame into his heart, as he had only
known it by experiencing the miseries of desire and
torture. What is to be done now, O mother? he
exclaimed. There is no way of eluding this calamity,
she replied, but for you to assemble your
horsemen from the Arab Sheikhs, and all between
whom and you there exists any connexion or
acquaintance. Wait till your uncle returns from
his expedition, then go with your comrades, and
demand her in the assembly of warriors: if he
denies the fact[3] , explain to him all that has passed,
your request. His mother's advice soothed his
pains: and when he heard of his uncle's return,
he assembled the Chiefs of his family, to whom he
related his adventure. Greatly were they amazed;
and Maadi Kereb (for he was one of Khalid's
bravest comrades) observed, This is, indeed, a most
singular occurrence: we have always understood
that your uncle Zahir had a son called Jooder: but
now the whole affair is discovered, and made manifest.
You are, therefore, the person who has the
best right to the daughter of your uncle. It will
be well for us all to go to him, and throw ourselves
down before him, begging him to return to his
family, and not marry his daughter to a stranger.
Khalid, without any further delay, took with him
one hundred of his chosen horsemen, who had been
brought up with Moharib and Zahir from their
youth; and collecting some magnificent presents,
more valuable than his former offerings, he set out,
and did not halt till he reached the tribe of Saad.
Khalid congratulated his uncle on his safe return;
but Zahir was amazed at this second visit, after so
short an interval, particularly when he perceived
the Chiefs of the family with him. He never
thought of his daughter Jaida, and only supposed
that they were come to induce him to return to his
native land. He received them hospitably, and
accommodated them with tents, and lodged them
in his most magnificent dwellings. He slaughtered
them with every requisite for three days. On the
fourth day, Khalid arose, and having first thanked
and commended his uncle, he demanded his daughter
in marriage, and begged him to return home with
them. Zahir denied having any other child but
his son Jooder; but Khalid explained the whole
affair, and stated to him what had happened concerning
his daughter; at which Zahir hung down
his head to the ground, in excess of shame. For
some time he remained thoughtful; till feeling that
the business could only become worse, he turned
towards all present, and said, Cousins, I will no
longer hesitate to confess the secret: and now let
us terminate the business, and marry her to her
cousin as soon as possible; for he, of all men, merits
her the most. So he gave him his hand for the
marriage, and they immediately shook hands in
the presence of the Chiefs, who were witnesses to
the contract; and they settled her dower at five
hundred she-camels, red-haired and black-eyed, and
a thousand he-camels, laden with the rarities of
Yemen. The tribe of Saad, with whom Zahir had
been living, were amazed at this event. But when
Zahir demanded Jaida's consent to this arrangement,
she stood abashed at what her father had
done: however, he assured her so positively that
he could not leave her unmarried, that she at last
said, Father, if my cousin desires me in marriage,
I will not enter unto him until he can slaughter at
Gheshm, son of Malik, surnamed the Brandisher
of Spears. Khalid assented to this requisition;
but the Sheikhs and warriors would not quit Zahir
till he had collected all his property and wealth,
and departed home with them: and no sooner was he
settled, than Khalid conducted away one thousand
horsemen, with whom he vanquished the tribe of
Aamir. He plundered their property, and slew a
number of their heroes, after having wounded the
Brandisher of Spears in three places, and taken
away from his lands more than Jaida had demanded.
With this booty he returned, exulting
in his success: but when he now sought the consummation
of the marriage, Jaida again sent for
him, and said, If you wish me to be your wife,
first fulfil all my wishes, and execute the contract I
shall form with you. My demand of you is this:
on my marriage-day, let the daughter of a noble,
free-born woman hold the bridle of my camel. She
must be a Prince's daughter, and of high distinction;
so that I may be honoured above all the
virgins of Arabia. Khalid acquiesced, and obeyed.
On that very day he mounted, with his horsemen,
and traversed the plains and the valleys, seeking
the land of Yemen, till he reached the country of
Hijr, and those sand-hills. Here he attacked a
family-tribe of Moawiyeh, son of Nizal. He came
down upon him like a torrent of rain; and plying
his sword among his horsemen, he took prisoner
and thus he returned, having performed deeds no
heroes of old ever executed, dispersing whole tribes
and clans, and plundering the property of all the
Arabs in those parts; and he did not re-enter his
own dwellings till he had collected wealth that covered
the country and the desert. The damsels met him,
playing on their cymbals and musical instruments,
and the whole tribe rejoiced; and when he came
nigh to his own home, he clothed the widows and
orphans, and invited to his feast all his friends and
companions. All the Arabs of that region flocked
to his marriage, and he supplied them with meat and
wine in abundance. But whilst the guests were
engaged in feasting and merriment, Khalid, accompanied
by ten slaves, rode away into the wilds and
the marshes, to attack lions in their dens singlehanded,
and to hunt lions and lionesses, with their
cubs, that he might carry them back to the tents,
where he wished to serve up their flesh as a meal,
and distribute it among all classes. Jaida knew what
he was doing; she also mounted her horse, completely
armed, and, disguising herself, quitted the
tents; and as there remained still three days of
carousing, she sought for Khalid in the desert, and
found him in a den. She rushed at him like a savage
lion, and assailed him with loud shouts, crying out,
Dismount, you Arab, from your horse—strip off
your coat of mail, and your armour. If you hesitate,
I will drive this spear through your chest, and
determined to engage and attack her, and they commenced
a furious combat, and after an hour's conflict,
he perceived in her what affrighted his eyes.
Checking his horse, and refraining from the battle,
I demand of you, by the faith of an Arab, he cried,
to tell me what horseman of the desert you are, for
I observe that your thrust is irresistible, and your
blow inevitable; and verily you have disappointed
me in my wish, and in the accomplishment of my
hopes. At these words, Jaida raised the visor from
her face. Khalid, she cried, Who like you can attack
wild beasts in their dens? That this should be said
to the virgins of Arabia is not the attribute of a
lion-warrior! Khalid was abashed at her taunts. By
the faith of an Arab, he replied, No one but yourself
can resist me. But is there no one in all this
desert who challenged you, or did you only wish to
exhibit before me a specimen of your gallantry?
By the faith of an Arab, added Jaida, I only came
forth into this desert to assist you in chasing the
wild beasts, that you might not be reproached
among the warriors on my account. Khalid was
astonished at her expressions, and amazed at her
spirit and resolution. So they both dismounted,
and darted into a cavern. Khalid seized two ferocious
beasts, and Jaida seized a lion and two lionesses,
and they performed deeds to strike every eye with
horror. This being done, they congratulated each
other, and Jaida was rejoiced in the presence of
you to leave the tents till after our marriage; and
immediately she hastened back to her private apartments.
Khalid also returned with the wild beasts to
the horsemen, who shuddered at what he had done,
and exalted his dignity above all other heroes. They
thus continued the feast, and every one was satiated
with food. The maidens put the cymbals in movement,
and the slaves flourished their swords, whilst
the damsels and virgins sang till the evening, when
Jaida was married to Khalid, and he was blessed in
her possession. Amima, the daughter of Moawiyeh,
held the bridle of her camel, and the glory of Jaida
was exalted among women and men. The hour
was propitious; every foe grieved; every friend rejoiced.
But in the course of that year Zahir died,
and Jaida inherited all his property, his he and she
camels. The kings of Arabia feared her, and mighty
rulers were tributary to her; and every courteous
poet of the desert extolled her in his rhymes. Now
it happened that this story reached Rebia, and he
was delighted at it, for he felt certain of the destructtion
of Antar.
Now Antar, with Shiboob running ahead, did
not halt till he reached the lands of Zebeed. He
concealed himself in the barren wastes, and despatched
Shiboob to gain intelligence. Shiboob
hastened onward till he came to the tents, which he
entered about the close of the day, and began a conversation
with the slaves and freemen, till, the morning
blast of wind, and exclaimed, These lands are just
now unoccupied by their masters, for Khalid has
mounted his horse with some others, and has left
Jaida here with two thousand warriors. But what
is Jaida's employment? cried Antar in haste. Whither
is Khalid gone? I asked some slaves about him,
replied Shiboob, and they told me he was gone to
war with the tribes of Temeem and Aamir, with the
chiefs of his heroes. But Jaida rides out every night
with twenty horsemen, and wanders about the highways
far from the tents, fearful lest any Arab foe
should surprise them. By the faith of an Arab,
cried Antar, my wishes are accomplished: this very
night will I seize jaida, when she launches out into
the desert. But do you, O Ebe Reah, as soon as I
fall upon her and attack her, run on and cut off
the way home from her attendants, so that not one
may escape. Thus they remained concealed till the
darkness of night came on, when they quitted their
retreat, and, as they had arrived close to the tents
by a by-road, Jaida and her horsemen appeared
under the obscurity of the night, and Jaida headed
the warriors like a tower, or a fragment rent from a
mountain, and thus she exclaimed:
"The dust of horsemen in the desert is brilliant
to me: to pierce their bosoms in the fight is my
employment. To hunt lions in their dens is my
glory, and to boast over others who cannot equal
me: for daily I am in the wastes, making lions
with their cubs. And the tribes acknowledge that
my fame is raised above all that have preceded me.
I am Jaida, and him who dares to assault me I
will plunge into night, in the rocks or in the plains.
I alone may exult above all mankind, in my actions,
in my fortune, and in my husband."
Antar listened till Jaida had finished her verses,
when turning to Shiboob, Son of my mother, said
he, intercept these horsemen on the side of the tents,
whilst I attack Jaida, and I will show you what I will
do amongst these our foes. Shiboob obeyed, and
giving his feet to the winds, sought the extended
waste, till he was in their rear, and had cut off their
road home: here he crouched upon his knees, and
emptying his quiver before him, he remained in expectation
of their approach. But Antar's assault
on Jaida resembled the assault of a voracious lion;
he drove his spear at her horse and it entered his
chest, and she and the horse fell together to the
ground: at the instant he drew forth his noble
Dhami and rushed upon her comrades. In the
twinkling of an eye he slew twelve of them: the
remaining eight fled; but Shiboob received them
with his arrows of death. Antar also overtook them,
and destroyed some, quick as the eye-glance; so that
not one out of the twenty escaped. They now returned
to Jaida, who had fallen, and for a time she
was stunned; but soon recovering herself, she stared
to the right and to the left. Seeing no one, she
homewards. She was, however, much weakened by
her fall, and could not conceive who could have done
such a deed. She had not gone far, when she met
the horses of her companions, without their riders.
She mounted one of them, and as through the darkness
of the night she was proceeding to the tents, lo!
Antar encountered her, looking out for her with
Shiboob. She no sooner heard Antar speak to Shiboob,
than being convinced that he must have been
the author of her own fall, and the death of her
attendants, Begone, she cried, ye who would realize
your hopes with Jaida; and though your attack
and your thrust have given you an opportunity of
seeing her stretched on the ground, yet is she returned
to make you drink of the cup of annihilation.
She thus became furious, and bellowed like a lion at
Antar: he met her, and they commenced the conflict,
which they kept up so violently and vehemently,
that their arms and shoulders were completely
benumbed, and they felt assured of death,
whilst Shiboob, to protect his brother, watched about
the desert in the dark. At last Jaida was fatigued
and exhausted, for she had encountered a warrior
unlike any warrior, and a hero without an equal:
still she would not retreat from the battle, and notwithstanding
all she had suffered, she evinced perseverance
and desperate resolution to the last, concealing
her pain and anguish, and fully determined
rather to perish than surrender herself to Antar.
darted at her as a lion on his prey, and seizing her
by the rings of her mail, he raised her up in his
hand like a sparrow in the claws of a devouring
hawk; and as he dashed her violently to the ground,
her length nearly entered into her breadth. Shiboob
fell upon her, and fastened down her shoulders,
and bound tight her arms and her ribs. And it
was about day-break, when said Shiboob, Now, my
brother, let us away before the day becomes clear,
and the news reach the dwellings, for horsemen will
come upon us from all sides. What means such a
proposal? exclaimed Antar. Shall I return home
without any he or she camels? Shall I leave the
property of these people untouched and at liberty?
and must a second expedition be undertaken for
Ibla's marriage? By the faith of honest Arabs, I
will not stir from this country till I drive away all
the he camels, and untouched she camels, and whatever
else I covet: then will I return home, and my
wishes be fulfilled. Shiboob approved; and they
concealed themselves till the sun had risen three
hours, and the cattle came forth in quest of the pastures:
and when they were at some distance from
the tents, Antar rushed among them, and separating
them from their shepherds, he drove away five thousand
he and she camels, with their herdsmen, having
first dealt some cleaving blows among the slaves,
who cried out, Quarter from thy sword and thy
spear! Some of them escaped home, and exclaimed
mounted, and joining the slaves and the shepherds,
What is the matter? they cried; where is Jaida? What
has fortune done to her? The slaves only replied,
What of Jaida? we know nothing of her. We only
know that a black horseman, tawny and furious,
the image of a painted death, has driven away the
camels, and has slain many of us with his sword—
he is now waiting and looking out for any who may
assail him. We imagine he must have already killed
Jaida. But one of the horsemen, named Jabir, exclaimed,
What is this? Can any single warrior oppose
Jaida, the destroyer of heroes? Can any one
contend with her in battle? Had she even fallen in
with a numerous host, she would not have left one
alive. She must only be absent in the desert for the
chase. We must keep this business secret from her,
and parry this attack. Upon this, they slackened their
bridles, they fixed their spears, and rode off till they
overtook Antar, scattered about as they were in tens
and twenties. They beheld him motionless in the
waste. He had taken his feet out of his stirrups, and
crossed them over Abjer's neck, leaning on his overwhelming
lance, nor was he moved by this sight.
As they approached, they cried out, Who art thou,
thus exerting thy feet towards death, and drawing the
bridle of perdition towards thyself? No answer deigned
he to give them; but, replacing his feet in the stirrups,
he lifted his spear from the ground, and assailed
them like a lion rushing out of his cave. He
of life; of a third he tore out the entrails; a
fourth he dashed to the earth; a fifth he left despairing
of life. Now those that advanced against
Antar amounted to eight hundred, all valiant scowling-eyed
warriors. But where are the Pleiades,
and where the earth! Where are towns and where
are villages! Where are the seas, and where are
rivers even when they flood! And in less than an
hour he had destroyed numbers of them; the rest
escaped, and sought safety in flight, exclaiming,
May the curse of God light on your flat-nosed
father, and your harlot mother! How forcible are
your blows! how irresistible your attack! He pursued
them, till having driven them out of that land,
he returned for their scattered horses and dispersed
arms; and when he had collected the whole, Shiboob
followed him as he traversed the rocks and sandhills,
till the best part of the day was spent, when,
lo! a dust arose in front of them, and darkened the
land. Well, said Antar to Shiboob, All paltry shifts
and evasions will be useless this day. Do you take
care of our booty and Jaida, whilst I show you
what I will do with these foes. Thus saying, he
gave the reins to Abjer, and hastened onward. But
he had not gone far, when Shiboob appeared before
him. Where is Jaida and the plunder? he cried.
Alas! replied Shiboob, this dust and the slaves
under my charge took off my attention from her,
and as soon as they perceived the dust also, they
at me, and came down upon me; I turned aside
from them, and slew three of them; and greatly
afraid I was, that, were I to attend to them exclusively,
this army might overtake me whilst you were
engaged far away from me in the conflict, and that
I should be made to drink of the cup of death;
for, indeed, this dust announces an immense force,
and you are alone in the desert. O, you son of an
accursed mother! cried Antar, so you in your alarms
have quitted Jaida and the booty. By the faith of
an Arab, I will show you wonders this day. He
slackened his reins, and galloping on till he overtook
the cattle, he found that the slaves had already set
Jaida at liberty, and were shouting out, O for the
warriors of Zebeed! Jaida was also mounted; but
her distress and indignation were intense, for she
was bandaged up on account of her wounds, and
unarmed. Antar observing their situation, rushed
upon them like a ravenous lion, and roared out a
frightful roar at the slaves. Ye bastards, he cried,
presume not to move. He pierced the first, and
hurled him to a distance; a second he deprived of
existence; a third he emboweled; a fourth he
made a warning to all that beheld him. But the
slaves and the horsemen, seeing their own alarming
position, exclaimed, O warrior of the age, quarter,
quarter from your sword! quarter from your spear!
and they all assembled together, and drove the
cattle on before him. As to Jaida, when she
eyes were bewildered. She gave the reins to her
horse, and galloped towards the dust, in hopes of
assistance from it. Antar pursued her like an eagle,
or a lion springing out of his den, and it gladdened
his soul that he should have to plunge into the midst
of that army in quest of Jaida, so that he might
fulfil his object, even were he to drink of the cup of
perdition. Jaida ardently gazed to ascertain what
horsemen were in front of her, and lo! they were of
a swarthy complexion, on steeds nimbler than antelopes,
and they all shouted out, O by Abs, O by
Adnam! Come on, O Aboolfawaris, on to your foe!
Fear not, for we are come solely on your account
into this land.
CHAPTER XII.
When the Princes Shas and Malik missed Antar,
they inquired of Ibla's father concerning him; but
as he gave them no direct intelligence, they repaired
to their father, King Zoheir, to acquaint him with
what had happened to Antar. At this news his
bosom became tiglitened and oppressed; he sent for
Shedad, and asked him about his son. He could
give him no information; but said, My lord, my
brother Malik has complete ascendancy over him,
and I am convinced that he has entrapped him, and
exposed him to dangers. I am in the greatest distress
and despair about him. By the faith of an
Arab, cried King Zoheir, if your son Antar should
be slain, or should any misfortune befal him, I will
put your brother Malik to death, and I will hang
his son Amroo; so, Shedad, try to obtain some
true intelligence for me on this point. Shedad signified
his obedience, and quitting the king's presence
he commissioned Zebeeba to go to Ibla and inquire
of her what had passed, and what had been concerted.
Zebeeba accordingly repaired to Ibla, and
in answer to her questions Ibla imparted to her all
that had been planned against Antar. Zebeeba
immediately returned, and told Shedad all his
back to King Zoheir, and communicating the
news to him, he added, Never can my son return—
never will he be able to escape from the claws of his
enemies, now that they have exposed him to the
swords of Khalid and Jaida. May God never let
your brother taste of rain or moisture! exclaimed
Shas. By the faith of a noble Arab, I will not
suffer him to remain alive whilst I am among the
mansions of this world. But should Antar be killed,
most ample vengeance will I have; your brother
Malik shall be well repaid. But if he be still alive,
I will aid him against all his enemies. And it was
the wish of Shas instantly to mount and to go after
Antar. Stop, my son, said his father, for I myself
will march with all my warriors of the brave Absians
to the assistance of Antar, our protector, and the
remover of all our difficulties.
King Zoheir immediately ordered his slaves to
proclaim to the horsemen an expedition against the
tribe of Zebeed. He himself mounted, and went
out towards a spot called Nika, where, the eagle
standards being raised over his head and all the
noblest Absians being assembled round him, he prepared
for war and battle; and as they were about
to traverse the wastes, Malik, Ibla's father, went up
to King Zoheir, and said, What means all this
agitation? Whither have you resolved on marching
with this host? To loosen the knot you have tied,
replied King Zoheir, that we may unravel it with
how often have you deceived us, and lied in your
speech! and exposed our cousin to misfortunes and
calamities! My lord, said Malik, this affair was
none of my doing. I have but this moment heard
of it; and, in fact, I was resolved on returning to
the tents in order to strike off my daughter's head
with the edge of the sword, for the women must
have turned her wits to have made her talk so absurdly
to her cousin, thus obliging Antar to undertake
so perilous an enterprise. By the faith of an
Arab, exclaimed Shas, truly thy death would be
preferable to thy existence, for this plot is only one
of thy deeds, and one of thy stratagems, and one of
thy calamities; otherwise, never would Ibla have
pointed out such a dreadful adventure. I swear to
thee, were I not afraid of my father and Antar's
comfort, I would strike off thy head, and make thy
skull fly from thy shoulders, that thy infamous
designs might revert on thyself. Avaunt! away
from us! Associate not with us in this affair—be no
longer a companion of ours. And he fell upon him
with a whip he had in his hand, and cut him across
the shoulders till he nearly killed him, and thus
forced him back. King Zoheir also drove away
Rebia and the crowing Amarah, together with all
the family of Zeead, and all the plotters against
Antar; and with the remaining warriors he proceeded
on his journey.
But Malik, Ibla's father, shrunk away, crying
in the land of the tribe of Abs, said he to Rebia,
for now no one will ever again raise his head towards
me. I will emigrate, and seek the land
of Syria, where I will establish myself, and worship
the Cross: and not let this slave-demon bully me—
Oh, had he cut off our heads with the sword, it
would have been more tolerable than this insult!
Ay, said Rebia, it is very true, O Malik! King
Zoheir has only treated us thus on account of this
vile, base-born slave; let us therefore emigrate from
the land of Shureba and Mount Saadi, that no one
may find fault with us, or expose us to taunts and
reproaches. So they collected their standards for
their departure, and directing their slaves to strike
their tents and load the camels, they mounted, and
prepared for an entire separation. They drove
away their cattle, with their women and their children
before them, amounting in all to seven hundred,
for Rebia was one of the sheikhs of the most
celebrated Absian families, and he had been the
companion of renowned monarchs. His brothers
were nine, all famed horsemen, who took part in the
councils of King Zoheir. Malik was also of the
party, with his daughter and all his property.
Oorwah, son of Wird, likewise departed with one
hundred horsemen, all Absians, and great warriors.
Towards the close of the day they set out, and when
they halted in the evening they began to deliberate
on the course they should take. Nothing can suit
Aamir, for they are honourable and noble people.
Let us go down to Khalid, son of Giafer, a liberal
and hospitable man; and also Gheshm, son of
Malik, surnamed the Brandisher of Spears; let us
for ever establish ourselves among them, for we
form a numerous host. No; said Rebia, why should
we go down to these great tribes? we form of ourselves
seven hundred tents; let us repair to some
of the well-known waters and springs, where we
may be in the way of hearing of Antar, and what
happens to him among the tribe of Zebeed with
Khalid, son of Moharib. If he be destroyed, I am
sure King Zoheir will turn to us again, and endeavour
to conciliate us, that we may return home.
After this they assembled their standards, and having
travelled the distance of two parasangs, they halted
at a place called Zatool Khirjein, where they let the
cattle graze.
King Zoheir, in the mean time, continued his
journey over the land, far and wide, until he joined
Antar.
As soon as Antar saw the Absian horsemen, he
was pleased, for he felt assured they had come on
his account. But Jaida, knowing that they were
Absians, surrendered herself to Antar, and begged
for quarter. He protected her from death, and
ordered Shiboob to tie her hands behind her back.
Antar dismounted, and went to do homage before
King Zoheir, saying, Why, my lord, all this commotion?
expedition against your enemies that has rendered
this movement necessary; and, moreover, our fears
for you in the scenes of death. Know, too, that
one like you must not be so easily abandoned;
we must exert ourselves to protect you; and had
you informed us of this journey, and this your
resolution, we would have made your uncle's insidious
designs and foul deeds revert on his own
vile person, and have obliged him to marry you
to his daughter. Antar kissed his feet, and thanking
him for his kind discourse, My lord, said he,
by your munificence, which I can never repay,
I have only exposed myself to these difficulties
that I may leave my uncle nothing to say against
me. Moreover, I am firmly fettered and bound
down to him, and can do nothing but what he
requires or what he proposes, whether it be near
at hand or at a distance. And turning towards
King Zoheir's sons, he saluted the Princes Shas
and Malik; and thanking them also for their conduct,
he paid his duty to his father Shedad, and
his uncle Zakhmet-ool Jewad, and congratulated
them on their safety. In return, they related to
him all that concerned his uncle Malik, and the
disgrace with which they had loaded him; at the
same time making inquiries about his situation, and
all that had befallen him in the land of Zebeed.
My lords, said he, it has terminated, through your
favour, in the happiest manner. Wherever I have
turned, I have prospered; for when I directed myself
towards this land, I found it stripped of its
warriors, so I have gained possession of Jaida, who
was my grand object; and had I had fifty horsemen
to fight, I would have driven away the cattle of
three tribes. But now the business will be easy
enough. Alight you here, and let my lord, King
Zoheir, repose. Let us attack these tribes, and
carry off their property, and their he and she camels,
for their chief, Khalid, is absent against the tribe of
Aamir, and has confided them to the care of Jaida,
and he does not know that she has fallen into the
talons of the devouring eagle, at whose command
the mill of war revolves. King Zoheir accordingly
alighted, bid his tents be pitched, and the standards
to be raised, whilst his horsemen, with his sons,
rode off; and being absent all night, they returned
in the morning, with camels and cattle that covered
the whole country; King Zoheir having strictly
enjoined them not to capture the married women,
nor touch any thing but the slaves and the cattle.
So when he beheld this immense abundance, he
greatly rejoiced, saying, Antar is indeed a most
fortunate fellow, and no one contends with him but
dies in anguish.
During a stay of three days they slaughtered
camels and sheep, and feasted; but on the fourth
day they departed for their homes. King Zoheir
set out, and by his side rode the Chiefs and Antar,
there remained only two days march between them
and their own country; and as they entered a spacious
meadow, How wide and extensive is this spot!
exclaimed Antar, how well adapted for battle and
contentions! O Aboolfawaris! said King Zoheir,
all places are alike to us, and we are prepared for
all events: to me this spot appears most fit for eating
and drinking, and for hunting in the vicinity.
O King! cried Antar, I have only been brought up
in war and conflicts, and the encounter of warriors,
and I feel that my heart enjoys nothing so much as
feats of arms. May God ever protect thee, thou
valiant knight of the horse, thou plunger into night!
cried King Zoheir. Soon after they struck their
tents, and marched on a little way, when lo! something
appeared like a cloud. They halted, and lo!
it rose on high, and obscured the whole region.
The light of day was changed to gloom, and beneath
the dust was the flash of scimitars and the glitter of
spears, and shouts and lamentations. O Aboolfawaris!
exclaimed King Zoheir, truly it has turned
out just as you wished: doubtless this dust announces
the army of Khalid, and the prisoners he
has taken from the tribe of Aamir. We have
nothing to sustain us but patience against the blows
of cleaving scimitars and the assault of these devouring
lions, and yet we shall attain the pinnacle of
glory. Antar smiled: Great King, said he, let not
your bosom be oppressed; for yours are horsemen
to captivity and disgrace. Not one of us
will shrink from the combat, cried out King Zoheir's
sons and the warriors. And directing their horses
towards the dust, and having first secured the foreign
slaves whom they had captured, they drew up their
men, right and left, Antar heading them, and longing
for the blow and the thrust.
Now this army in front of them was the force of
the tribe of Zebeed, under the command of Khalid,
son of Moharib; and the prisoners who were with
them were the treacherous family of Zeead, Rebia,
and Amarah. It happened that when Khalid went
forth against the tribe of Aamir with five thousand
horsemen of the tribes of Zebeed, and Khitam, and
Zarim, and Cais, son of Mokewshah, the Moradian,
and Maadi Kereb, the noble knight, they continued
their journey, and eagerly pursued their course till
they reached the tribe of Aamir; but they found
them already well informed of their intentions, and
entrenched among the ravines. This mode of defence
was the plan of the Brandisher of Spears:
for after the defeats he had received from Khalid,
he kept perpetually on the look out, and was on the
watch night and day; so that when Khalid invaded
his country, he found him prepared; and not being
able to take him unawares, he consulted with a man
well versed in such matters, called Leith, son of
Maad. O Khalid! said he, if you wish to lose time
in absurd enterprises, and not return but disappointed,
return victorious, attack the land of the tribe of
Abs and Adnan: such an invasion will enrich your
comrades with he and she camels, in roan horses
and cattle. Accordingly he marched till he came
to Zat-ool Khirjein, the very spot where Rebia and
Oorwah, and Ibla's father, with their brave followers,
had halted. When Khalid beheld this profusion,
the tents and the horses, he was much
surprised, and said to Maadi Kereb, Illustrious
Chief, when we passed by this spot the other day,
we saw no one. And whilst they were conversing,
the Absians mounted, and began the assault and
the shout, O by Abs! O by Adnan! and at their
head was Rebia, and the ruffian Amarah, and Oorwah,
and his noble adherents. Khalid shouted to
his people, and they rushed to the conflict and the
combat of swords and spears. The Absians exerted
their whole strength; but the enemy was superior
in number. They persisted in the fight the whole
day, but before evening the Absians had lost one
hundred horsemen. The remainder were taken prisoners,
their property was plundered, and their
families made captive; and a great lamentation
arose among them: but the grief and plaints of
Ibla exceeded the rest; for when she had seen that
her father was again resolved to marry her to Amarah,
she burst forth into most violent cries and
wailings; but when this sad event took place, and
they were all made prisoners, she was a little relieved,
name of Antar, never thinking of any part of her
family but to revile and abuse them. Khalid remarked
how much distressed she appeared, and
inquired who was the wretched mourner. Some of
the prisoners, who were no friends of Antar, related
to him the whole story, and told him that Antar
was gone in quest of Jaida, in order to carry her
away, that she might attend on Ibla on her marriage
night: and we, they added, on account of this circumstance
have fallen into this disaster; for King
Zoheir was incensed against her father, and went
off after her cousin, being greatly alarmed about
him, aware of your power: thus has he produced
feuds amongst the families—Rebia too has accompanied
us. This report roused the alarms of Khalid.
What, cried he to the Absians, is King Zoheir now
in my country? Yes; they replied, and with him
all our troops and forces, and our lands are left
destitute of all protection, there being only Warca
and three hundred horsemen appointed to defend
them. Then, cried Khalid, by the faith of an Arab,
will I tear out his lips, and erase the tribe of Abs
from the race of men, and make them a proverb in
the world. Sending for Maadi Kereb, he exclaimed,
Away with these horsemen to the land of the Absians!
Make their women and their children captives!
Slay their horsemen and troops, and go with
your prisoners into the land of the tribes of Morad
and Zebeed, so that I may occupy this country,
and render his expedition most inauspicious to him.
Should he surrender himself a prisoner, I will confine
him in my tents to grind wheat and barley.
Maadi Kereb did as Khalid directed, and departed
with a thousand men; whilst Khalid turned back,
a flame raging in his heart; and all Malik's sayings
to Antar were reported to him, viz. I will not marry
you to my daughter unless Jaida, the daughter of
Zahir, be present to hold the bridle of her camel.
At this he fell upon Malik's nose with a whip; he
treated Amroo, his son, in the same manner; and
he gave them a thrashing hotter than burning coals.
Amarah was looking at them in their tortures, and
made a thousand calculations as to his own fate.
Rebia had been severely wounded in three places,
and he was more distressed than any one of the
party, for he had been the instigator of this murderous
contest in which they had been made prisoners.
Oorwah also had the same feelings, and he
felt resolved never again to follow the counsels of
the family of Zeead, for they were wicked, obstinate
people: and when he heard Malik scream out in
pain and torments, This, said he, is the reward of
one who is every day marrying his daughter to some
one or other, but never makes her over to her only
friend and protector. Thus was Khalid's heart a
little appeased; and as he traversed the passes of
the desert, his soul full of Jaida, he thus recited:
"I lead on the horse in clamorous multitudes
their feet and their armour: mounted on them
are stubborn warriors, all strong-armed and full-mustachioed.
Thus they trampled down the lands
of the tribes of Aamir and Kelab, and the country
of the tribe of Hellal; who fled at my approach,
and ran like wild animals from the lion of the
forests: they passed the night on the mountains,
and their armies watched my form from the summits
of the sands. As to the Absians, I attacked
them by day, and surrounded them with the
points of the spears—I captured their Chiefs, and
I have left some as rotten carcasses at Khirjein.
How many of their high-bosomed beauties are
shedding tears from their fawn eyes, crying out
in their anguish, O by Abs! help us. But the
Absians are in chains. Zoheir is, indeed, marching
against me with slaves and with Chiefs; but
death has driven him to a land where the women
surpass such men. If what I have heard be true,
truth is bartered for lies: for soon will it be evident
in the day of contention who is the dupe in
the acquisition of glory. The gleaming scimitar
sparkles in my hand, and the pliant spear weeps
in blood. I fill the ears of the warriors with
dread, that the nations fly away from the din and
the clamour; and the hero, at the very mention
of my name when he slumbers, sees in his dreams
a phantom of my form. But if time allow it, I
will one day return and seize in fetters that despicable
powers, I would say, the whole earth is convulsed
by my right hand and by my left."
Khalid continued his march over the sand hills,
till he came nigh unto the Absians, as we have
stated; and he gave a shout at the meeting that
made the mountains tremble with horror. But
when the Absians heard the cries and exclamations,
they said to one another, These are the voices of
our own women—the cries of the daughters of our
uncles. Ruin has fallen upon us, and no profit
have we gained in this trade. What do you think
of this? said Antar to King Zoheir. I cannot comprehend
it, he replied, nor what has happened to
us; but I will despatch some one to clear it up.
And calling to an Absian horseman, Go, said he,
and inquire about these captives. The horseman
instantly gave the reins to his steed, and as Khalid
saw him approach at full speed, he said to himself,
If this horseman, whom King Zoheir has sent,
should demand quarter of me, by the faith of an
Arab, I will not consent—I will disgrace the tribe
far and near; and every one that I capture I will
reduce to slavery. Still is my heart anxious about
Jaida, for I have no intelligence of her. So turning
to a horseman, he said, Go forth to this Absian, and
hear what he has to say; learn, too, if he knows
any thing of Jaida, and return, for I am in alarm
about her for the evils of Fortune: and my fears
are great that she may be a captive, or lying dead
Absian half way, and cried out, O thou, a criminal
towards your own life, and marching towards the
silence of the tomb, say, what news? before I hack
thy joints. Thou Zebeed Arab, replied the Absian,
what meanest thou by these threats and menaces?
The event is still to happen, we must come down
on you, and you on us. But as to myself, I am
only here to ask intelligence and to give information,
and to warn you. And what, asked the Zebeedian,
do you require of us? what information do you
give? and against what would you warn us? This
is my intelligence, added the Absian; we have conquered
your country—we have taken prisoners your
wives and your families, and we have plundered
your property. But we warn you against the black
Absian, and the Adnanian troops that accompany
him, whose spears are sped with death. The intelligence
I demand is this, whence have you obtained
these captives that are now in your power?
Have you invaded the lands of Aamir and Kelab?
Now I have done speaking, and I demand your
answer. As to your question about the prisoners,
replied the Zebeedian, we obtained them without
any trouble or difficulty, such was the impartiality
of fortune towards our Chief Khalid, the ruler of
the necks of the Arabs. And when he had described
all that had happened, he concluded by saying,
Khalid has despatched Maadi Kereb, with one thousand
horsemen, against the Absians, and has ordered
slay their men, and to take their women captives.
And he departed yesterday evening, swearing that
he would not leave a single Absian alive. But now
I must ask about Jaida, the daughter of Zahir.
She is our captive, exclaimed the Absian, and
severely wounded. What hero could take her prisoner?
asked the Zebeedian, equal as she is to her
own cousin in the fight? She was taken, answered
the Absian, by a man, who resembles no man; by
a warrior like unto no warrior; one who regards
not the conflict of heroes, and before whom the
necks of the bravest bow down; our protector on
all occasions, our relief in adversity—the kindler of
the flame of war on the day of carnage—an intrepid
horseman—the instructor of warriors in the blows of
the cleaving scimitar—one who has humbled the
fiercest lions, and vanquished the stoutest heroes—
the serpent of the bowels of the desert—the Chief
Antar, son of Shedad. On hearing this, the Zebeedian
returned to Khalid, and the Absian hastened
back to King Zoheir; and as he advanced he thus
spoke:
"Arise, ye Absians! we have fallen into calamities;
your dwellings are destroyed; loud winds
whistle about them: nothing remains but the
echo! They have driven avay your property
and your children; disgrace is let loose, as misfortunes
descended. Behold your goods plundered
their slave girls. The Zebeedians invaded you
with their horsemen, and death has succeeded to
joy, by means of their strong spears, like long
poles, whose thrusts calamities accompanied.
Were you to behold your wives; they are, indeed,
captives, and no one listens to the lamentations—they
are mourning over their land,
and their enemies have accomplished all they
wished. Come on! take vengeance! Avert from
ye this disgrace; your wives are in consternation;
tears and sorrow abound among them.
Couldst thou, O Antar, behold the grief of Ibla,
as she calls out, and frequent are her calls.
Couldst thou but see her; how her tears flow,
bedewing her garments and her robes. Ibla is
among them, shining like the sun. Her charms
are like the full moon in the heavens.—Come
on, ye cowards! engage the foe, for death,
and not existence, is now most acceptable. Nothing
remains but blows and thrusts; skulls and
chins must fly. The enemy has made your wives
captives, as ye have done, and the one has requited
the other."
On hearing this, King Zoheir and the Absians
wept. Antar nearly fell from his horse, though
rejoiced at the sorrows of the family of Zeead, feeling
assured that their own iniquity had visited
them, and convinced that his uncle, Malik, had
of the expedition. But on Ibla's account he endured
all.
The Zebeedian messenger also turned back, and
tearing off his garments, he related to Khalid what
the Absian had told him; thus speaking:
"Holà, ye full-armed nations! ye have fallen on
the tribe of Abs that are marching towards you
with spears, on thin-flanked generous steeds that
fly with them, and bear them like hideous dragons.
They are driving away all your property,
leaving nothing but what is old and rotten in the
ruins of your homes. Your families are exclaiming;
Is there any one to aid us against those who
have exposed themselves to nocturnal depredations?
Is there any merciful one who can pity a
tribe whose women and lords are prisoners? O
Khalid, could thine eyes but behold Jaida shedding
tears from her fawn eyes! Haste thou, lion
hero, and soothe the edge of the sword and the
spear among them; for is not death pleasanter than
life that loads man with ignominy? Forget not the
wretches who have covered us with shame by
what they have done in the nights that have
passed."
Anguish and grief overwhelmed Khalid as he
heard these verses, and he ordered the Zebeedians
to prepare for battle. The riders mounted their
steeds and girded on their swords. Every brave horsemen
stood forth; the cowards shrunk away and
and the Absians did the same as the Zebeedians.
The whole desert trembled under their charges.
Spears were in motion, and tore out lives at will.
King Zoheir turned towards Antar (for he beheld
what made him shudder), O Aboolfawaris, said he,
this is indeed a frightful scene, replete with terrors
and destruction. By your existence, my lord, replied
Antar, lives will not fail or increase; and
such a day as this is what I long for and ardently
desire. I will assuredly release our property, and
our women, and destroy the foe, were even the
Great Nushirvan, or the emperor of the christians,
or the kings of the tribes of Asfar among them,
and not one survivor will I leave to mourn over
them; and thus Antar continued:
"When a youth is content with a contemptible
existence of pleasure, and wears a veil like a girl,
and attacks not the insulting lions; and gores not
the chests of the chargers; and treats not hospitably
the guests that come to him; and defends
not the tribe with his scimitar; and attains not
glory with the blow of the cutlass; and is not resolute
in calamities; and upholds not with all his
might him who protects his neighbour; and does
not steep his spear in the blood of the chieftains:
Say then to the female mourners of death, when
they would bewail him—Stop, O ye mourners!
Never mourn, but the lion of the den, intrepid in
the rising conflicts. They call me to the battles,
with the sabre, when the men of combats exclaim,
O thou, joy of champions! I gore with the lance
in quest of honour, and I strike with the severing
falchion: I rush into the carnage, and I heed it
not; the brave youth alone is hailed by the chieftains.
Such is the fame that lasts, and never
perishes through the remainder of existence.
And I will defend my tribe by my exertions from
the terrific calamities of war: I will rescue our
property in a battle, to which the firm-rooted
mountains shall bow in submission; and I will
cause my darling Ibla to shout to them all in
their dispersion and confusion; I will liberate our
captives from them with the sword that splits the
skulls of the warrior-chiefs. I am Antar, and
my reputation is well established among the
valiant for the strokes of my falchion."
May God never abandon thy mouth! and may
no one ever harm thee! cried Shas. But when
Khalid beheld the Absians advance like overpowering
lions, the horrors of his situation increased.
Rage and fury worked within his soul, and he
shrieked out to the tribe of Zebeed, Come on, my
cousins! the battle! the battle! Pour down punishments
upon your foes; but whoever of you falls
upon an Absian, let him not slay him: if he be
able, let him take him prisoner. With this exhortation,
he bent his head over the saddle-bow,
and began the assault, and his men acted as he did.
their sharp swords and long spears, headed by Antar,
the knight of the blow and the thrust, rushing
down upon his foes and antagonists. Now the conflict
raged furiously between the two armies; deaths
were at hand; horrors abounded; the sword fell
among them right and wrong; souls were dragged
out with violence; lives quitted bodies; the heavens
rained torments upon them, and made horsemen
drink of tortures; the terrors of doubt augmented;
calamities stuck to them with their fangs and claws.
Men became old, young as they had been; the
cupbearer of death made them quaff the liquor of
extinction; fate decided among them, and erred
not, but always effected its purpose; and bodies
were suffering the severest agonies. Thus they continued
the engagement, and the summits of the
mountains burst at the fury of the carnage and
the slaughter. Antar endangered every horseman
of the tribes of Morad and Zebeed; his scimitar
threatened and menaced in every direction as he
stretched the heroes in the dust. But his impetuosity
was principally directed towards the prisoners
on account of Ibla; still he could not reach
her, so numerous was the host in front of him.
Khalid, too, was dealing most vigorous blows, that
startled the eyes and alarmed the hearts of the
bravest; saying to himself, Wherever I assail, no
one can resist me; and he imagined the whole earth
was within his grasp, and verily the mountains
trembled in awe of him. But he experienced from
the Absians the reverse of what he expected; and
never could he make a single prisoner till he had
completely harassed and exhausted him. Towards
the evening he fell upon that part of the army
where King Zoheir fought. He pierced through
it, and wounded Princes Shas and Malik. And
when King Zoheir beheld this calamity, his senses
were disordered, and he attacked him like an undaunted
lion, and engaged him till the day was
clouded over, and the sun was clothed in robes of
twilight yellow, and the armies of darkness threw
around him the robes of obscurity. At last the
troops retired from the battle, and separated to the
right and to the left. Blood was still streaming
and flowing, and the whole field of contention was
choked up with skulls. But when the darkness
became general, all dismounted and began to eat.
Then King Zoheir acquainted Antar with the exploits
of Khalid, and the extraordinary scenes that
had passed between them, and told him that Shas
and Malik were wounded. By the Ruler of the
world, exclaimed Antar, sorely grieved at this
circumstance, I must make him drink of the wine
of perdition! I could not give my attention to him
this morning in the battle, for I sought the release
of Ibla; but, to-morrow, I will be the first to engage;
I will challenge him to the conflict, and when
I have slain him in the face of all these warriors,
will rescue our captives from bondage and imprisonment,
in spite of the boasting of Khalid. Yes,
said King Zoheir, we shall vanquish them, and
bring down annihilation upon them; but, I own,
my heart trembles for Maadi Kereb and his expedition
against our families with his ruffian Arabs,
for no one remains to protect them but my son
Warca with a small party of brave fellows: and I
fear much, that he will gain a victory over them, if
we do not succeed to-morrow in the concussion of
swords and spears. After this, they partook of a
repast, and sought repose in slumber: but Antar
watched till it was dark, when, mounting his horse,
he went forth in order to protect his friends from
any sudden calamity under the veil of nocturnal
darkness, attended by Shiboob, and in his heart was
a flame of fury that he had not subdued Khalid,
and had not released Ibla from misery. The words
of King Zoheir also, and his alarms for his children,
burst upon him, and he felt conscious it was all
owing to him, and to the failure of his attempts:
so, as soon as they had launched into the desert,
he poured forth all his sorrows to his brother
Shiboob, saying, in conclusion, I would not go
alone on the execution of my own concerns, except
in a country where there is no one that harbours
evil designs against me. Moreover, I do not feel
secure about the issue of this business, though
truly I performed deeds, in which the bravest of
roaming about, gently moving as it were, on their
tiptoes, till they came in the rear of the army, where
they concealed themselves.
Now, by the first dawn of day, the two armies
sallied forth, anxious for the battle and the contest.
King Zoheir was expecting to see Antar dart forward
as usual, but he did not appear, and to all his
inquiries no one could give him any satisfactory information:
at this he was troubled and astonished.
The circumstance was soon publicly known, and
whilst King Zoheir was expressing his distress at
such an event, lo! a great dust arose and increased;
a black cloud preceded it with immense velocity,
and the wild animals were seen running away in
terror: the two armies stared with fixed eyeballs,
when, behold! there came forth from beneath the
dust some horsemen like lions, and at the head was
a knight like the declivity of a mountain, stalking
over the land with two feet of prodigious size and
length; and in front of him were men bound with
cords, and numerous dispersed horses without
riders: and the multitude shouted, O by Zebeed!
and he that led them was Maadi Kereb, whom
Khalid had directed to proceed from Zatool Khirjein.
He had marched on, till approaching the
tribe of Abs, he said to his cousins, Only drive away
the horses—mind not the camels—capture not their
women and families—and let us be gone as speedily
as possible, that the mass of the tribe of Ghiftan
let us take care not to be worsted. Accordingly
they assaulted the tribe of Abs, and drove away
the horses and steeds, and without laying their
hands on the daughters, they departed over the
rocks and the plains: but when the cries of the
slaves and the freeborn arose, Warca mounted with
the few horsemen that remained with him, and pursued
the enemy. Maadi Kereb turned upon him,
and made a violent assault upon the Absians; and
before the close of the day, one hundred and fifty
of the Absians were made prisoners, Warca himself
being made captive. Maadi Kereb immediately resumed
his journey with all speed, nor halted till he
reached the two armies just as they were about to
begin the attack. Ah! cried King Zoheir, this is
just what I feared; now, indeed, our only resource
is to smite with the sword, for never must we behold
our wives reduced to infamy and ignominy.
Maadi Kereb was joyfully received by his friends,
who advanced and saluted him, and in answer to
all their inquiries, he told them what had passed.
He asked them also for Khalid. Alas! said they,
we know nothing of him; last night he went forth
to keep the watch, and even till now we have seen
no traces of him. Maadi Kereb was greatly distressed:
he could neither rest nor repose—he cried
out and shouted, and made the assault of one violently
afflicted. All the ranks followed him, extending
their spears to grasp souls. The Absians
spurned the calamities that overwhelmed them, and
the misfortunes that overpowered them. The whole
country shook as with an earthquake—blood began
to flow and stream—death was eagerly occupied,
though at first in jest. The achievements of the
feeble were distinguished from those of the brave,
and the sun had not mounted high before proofs of
death were manifest. King Zoheir was on the right
defending himself, and boldly fighting, surrounded
by his sons and a party of his brave followers, who
at last seeing the calamities that were descending
upon them, spread themselves over the desert in
flight. In vain King Zoheir would have rallied
them; they heeded him not; and the Absians were
nearly destroyed: heavy evils pressed upon them;
and just at the moment that death was let loose
upon them, lo! a shout arose in the rear of the
enemy, and a large body of horse charged in various
directions, exceeding a thousand men, every
warrior armed with a lance, and every one crying
out, O by Abs! O by Adnan! Antar was in front
of them, and Shiboob by his side, roaring out,
Hey, O Zebeedians! misery awaits ye from all
quarters: abandon your false hopes; and if ye will
not admit the justice of what I say, behold, here is
the head of your leader Khalid! Calamity has overtaken
him. Thus saying, he raised up a towering
spear, on which was a head like the head of a
demon. And immediately Antar assailed them with
among the tribe of Zebeed. Antar pierced them with
penetrating thrusts, and hurled down the horsemen
off their steeds; and the souls of the Absians revived
after death. Cousins, exclaimed King Zoheir,
in such a crisis as this we must persevere and
be firm in adversity, that we may obtain the noblest
rewards of glory. Turn back then on the foe. Our
friends are advancing; Khalid, son of Moharib, is
dead.
Now while Antar was keeping watch over his
countrymen, he said to Shiboob, Let us stretch out
into the desert under this darkness, and let us make
towards the spot where are our prisoners, perhaps
we may rescue them before the morning. Shiboob
assenting, they plunged into the desert until they
heard no more of the armies, and then they sought
the forces of Zebeed. Khalid had also that night
taken on himself the protection of his countrymen.
His distress and anguish were intense; and he had
only one attendant, his slave Damis: and when
they had roamed far over the waste in the thick obscurity
of night, Damis directed his course towards
the Absian camp. Damis, said Khalid, my sole
wish this night is to meet Antar, that I may drink
of his blood as I would drink pure water, for he has
laid low my beloved Jaida. Khalid had scarcely
finished these words when the indistinct form of
Antar appeared before him. He moved towards
him, and cried out, What foul Arab art thou?
also addressed him; his agitation increased. Damis
recognised him. My lord, said he, mark how the
olden god has gratified your wishes, and has fulfilled
your desires. Antar, alone, is moving towards
you. Come on; hola! and make him drink
of the cup of perdition. Khalid gave a shout at
Antar. What wouldest thou of me? cried Antar.
O Khalid, what seekest thou? What are thy designs?
Bastard, exclaimed Khalid, to bring destruction
on thee; to darken thy life, and make thee feel
thy proper value. And he instantly made the assault
of night and day. Antar received him with
blows like the harbingers of fate. Shiboob and
Damis were each eagerly occupied; they too began
to manœuvre and fight; and when they separated,
they shot their arrows, directed by the sound of
their voices. In the mean time Khalid and Antar
were engaged in a conflict of attacks and thrusts;
of pressure and junction, neither man nor genii
could have waged. They exerted all their powers
and bellowed; their blows descended by thousands;
the contest was fiercer than a blazing fire. The obscurity
of night continued till the skirts of the garments
of darkness were drawn up, and the light of
day shone, when Antar saw in Khalid what he had
not counted; but the flame of his fury only raged
the more; he plied his blow and thrust the more
violently: so likewise did Shiboob and Damis;
though wearied by the vehemence of their labours,
more. The arrows of either being expended, they
returned to the contest with daggers, and trusted to
the blows of their poniards; and just as each raised
his hand with his dagger, and aimed a blow at each
other, lo! there burst forth a withering howl; and
a voice exclaimed, I will not fail, for I am ever the
lover of Ibla: I will not be controlled! and he that
uttered this sound was Antar. Perceiving his antagonist
flag in his strength, he pushed upon him
like a voracious lion; he poured down upon him
the attack of fate and destiny, and smote him with
the irresistible Dhami, and behold his head rolled
upon the ground. When Damis saw this, and heard
the shout, he was struck with horror. He attempted
to fly, but Shiboob overtook him, and plunged his
poniard in between his shoulders, and forced it out
between his paps: then turning towards his master,
he congratulated him on his safety, and inquired
about his adversary, and what had happened to him.
By the life of the eyes of Ibla, exclaimed Antar, I
never beheld a more valiant hero, nor a more impetuous
arm. Very well, said Shiboob, but, this
time however, you have not so much the advantage
over me as to make me blush; for you have slain
your man, and I mine. But, said Antar, how different
were they in their advance and retreat! Upon
this, he ordered him to take up Khalid's head, and
thus they retired from that spot to the field of battle,
and when they arrived, he perceived the Absians
pursuit of his friends, who were invoking his assistance.
All the troops being now dispersed over
the plains, and there being only one hundred men
stationed as a guard over the prisoners, Antar, who
observed this circumstance, called out to the slave-girls
and slaves of the Absians, why do you delay
releasing your masters from captivity and bondage?
And he rushed upon the hundred men, and scattered
them right and left, stretching many on the
dust. The slaves instantly liberated their masters
from their cords, and rescued both men and women,
who sending forth one universal shout, made the
mountains ring with the uproar. They hastened
to the scene of action, and blackened the country on
all sides. In a moment Antar assailed the foe, and
poured down upon them thrusts that anticipated
death, whilst Shiboob hoisted up Khalid's head on
the point of a tall spear, and cried out in that voice,
and spoke in those words. God now dispelled the
gloom and sorrow from the heart of King Zoheir and
his warriors. Flight and dismay fell upon their enemies,
who fled towards their own country. The
Absians retired from the field of battle exulting in
the realization of their wishes, and the accomplishment
of their hopes. The horsemen dispersed to
collect the spoil and the cattle, but Antar returned
like a ferocious lion, and sought King Zoheir and
his sons, thus speaking:
"Verily we have found the Zebeed stout in the
have scoured the plain. But when they fled, we
laboured in their rear as fire-works among straw,
when it burns. I have left Khalid a prey to birds
on the ground, and not a breath of life is in his
carcase. I was born for war, and I kindle it when
it cools. I would plunge into hell-flames when it
blazes. I have met the thrust through the dust
with smiles, and the scowling warriors when they
were moist with sweat. And were deaths to advance
upon me, when they are in quest of the
grasp of souls, I would anticipate their assault."
Having finished these verses, he hastened to King
Zoheir and kissed his stirrup, and related to him
the combat he had sustained with Khalid. O Aboolfawaris,
cried the King, we have indeed been exposed
to the most imminent perils, and all to please
your uncle Malik. O King, said Antar, all this
proceeds from your gracious favours towards your
slave, who is not worth the dust of your feet, and
who can never requite your favours. And whilst
they reposed, Antar sent for Jaida; she was not to be
found. He inquired for his uncle Malik and Ibla; no
one knew any thing of them. At this he was greatly
distressed and astonished; his eyes filled with tears;
and he wept, as he informed King Zoheir of the
event, and he even felt more than Antar. These
men, said he, have made us a common proverb
among the Arab tribes; and to his inquiries about
who remained at their post still and quiet at the
they assured him, there were only Amarah,
Rebia, and Oorwah left behind, for they were
covered with wounds; and not one of them able to
move or stir: but there were women, and a crowd
of people attending them. On hearing this, King
Zoheir summoned Rebia, who came supported by
some slaves. O Rebia, said he, have you not failed
in what I recommended to your care! But the
God of Heaven will repay you. We left you in
charge of our habitations and our families; but you
emigrated thence, and abandoned them to be plundered
by the foe. You have adopted the evil propensities
of your brother Amarah, even so as to
reduce us to this unhappy state. O King, cried
Rebia, whilst he poured forth groans and plaints,
it was you who reviled me; you insulted me; you
abused me; you refused me justice. You treated
me contemptuously at the time of your departure
from home; and you have implicated me in the
dissensions between Antar and his uncle. But
never have I failed in my duty towards you. You
were not acquainted with the real state of the case:
for soon after your departure, Ibla's father determined
on emigrating on account of the beating he
had received from your son Shas, saying, By God,
he would remove to the cities of Syria, and worship
the cross. This alarmed me; so I accompanied him
on account of the oaths I heard him utter, and with
him I went down to Zatool Kherjein, and did all I
only indignant and conciliatory with regard to their
subjects when the internal evidence of affairs is made
clear to their satisfaction. But we had been there only
three days when these disasters befel us. Well, said
King Zoheir, this business is now over, Rebia; and
this is not the time for talking about it; our hearts
are bent on home. So tell me where are Malik and
his son Amroo? Rebia swore by every oath (all false),
that he had seen nothing of him from the time they
had been set at liberty. I was lying on the ground
wounded, he added, and the blood was still issuing
from my wounds. I will punish him according to
his deserts, said King Zoheir, and I will show him
which of us is to be master.
They remained in that spot till morning, that
every one might seek relief from fatigue, and quietly
repose; except Antar, for he tasted not of meat that
night, nor of sleep. He laid himself down near the
Princes Shas and Malik, full of grief and sorrow.
His father sat down near him, and also his uncle
Zakhmetool Jewad. All tried to console him, and
engage him in conversation. By my life in thee, O
Aboolfawaris, said Prince Malik, enemies and designing
malicious people shall not exult over us;
particularly that family of Zeead. But, bear up
like a man, till we learn whither your uncle is gone;
then tear his soul from between his ribs, and make
him suffer to the extent of your power. Thus they
continued to console him till a great part of the
overcome by fatigue; and when Antar found himself
alone, he wept and mourned; his tears flowed
copiously. He sighed, and his passion and agony
were excessive. His tongue loosened into rhyme,
and as he wept he thus expressed himself:
"When my tears give evidence against me, how
can I deny it? and the fire of anxious love is burning
in my entrails. In vain I would conceal what
I suffer from love, and the garments of sorrow are
every day renewed. I meet my pangs with courageous
patience, and though my love is severe,
my resignation is eternal. It is to God that I
complain of my uncle's ill treatment and persecution,
and when I find no friend to aid me against
his cruelty, O my friends, shall I let my love for
him destroy me; my arm being so strong, and
my sword Indian? O daughter of Malik, sleep
is sacrilege to me! Who can sleep whose bedding
is of burning charcoal? I will mourn till
the birds shall know that I am in grief, and the
plaintive dove shall pity me. I will kiss the earth
where thou art, perhaps my passion may be cooled
by the moisture of the ground. My mind and
my heart, O Ibla, are stupefied, and wail over the
track of the baggage-camels and the horses: have
compassion then on my condition, if thy love is
lasting: my vows indeed will survive, and my
love is immortal."
At day-light King Zoheir set out to return home;
he despatched Shiboob to procure intelligence for
him concerning his uncle Malik. As to the family of
Zeead, it was all holiday time for them on account
of their triumph over Antar. Towards evening
King Zoheir permitted them to alight near some
waters, that the women and children might repose;
and when they were all dismounted, Amarah went
up to Antar, and thus addressed him, giving vent
to his exultation, How are you, black skin? you
look vastly miserable indeed! At this Antar's fiery
agony blazed the more, and he could not refrain
from answering him in these words: Well, son of
Zeead, although you would shame me for my blackness,
yet am I fair in act and mind; and ask all
the women in your tents that are with child, who is
the father of their children: I perceive evident signs
and proofs of jealousy in you; and every Arab can
bear me witness, how greatly I honour the generous
giver; how I abhor the base and ignominious;
and thus he continued in verse:
"Shall Amarah threaten me, and shall he consider
me a mean wight, unable to defend himself?
whilst I have a sword more deadly than death;
and whenever it moves, sparks flash from it, and
a spear of the tall spear of Khata[4]
, whose barb
may be taken for a flame in the night, and that
deals mighty and lacerating blows; when a man
which of us is nearest to death, and who shall be
left dead on the waste."
Shas happened to overhear what Amarah had said,
and abused him in the harshest manner, adding,
Cannot you have pity on yourself, and keep out of
mischief? How infamously you use a man who has
a thousand times shown you the greatest kindness!
but you can do him no harm. Upon this, Amarah
slunk away, and sorely he felt his inferiority. In
the morning they traversed the valleys and the
deserts till they came near home, when the high and
low came out to meet them, and it was a grand day
for them all. Each party retired to his dwelling;
friends greeted friends; and those who remained
rejoiced in the arrival of the absent. But when
Antar beheld the abandoned and ruined dwelling of
Ibla, his grief again overpowered him. He leant
on his spear, and in a voice expressive of his consternation,
he thus spoke:
"[5]
Have the poets left aught to be repaired in
song? Canst thou recollect the abode of thy love
after long meditation? O dwelling of my Ibla!
Speak to me from Jiwa! Hail to thee, dwelling
of my Ibla! Secure and safe be thou."
At that moment King Zoheir's son came up to
him and exclaimed, By the Holy Kaaba! no one
has surpassed you in poetry, and you are the most
eloquent of all the tribe of Abs and Adnan. But
act, how can he abandon himself to the vehemence
of passion and desire? Drive away this sorrow from
your heart! O, my Prince, said Antar, it is not by
my own will or my inclination that this passion has
entered into my soul, so that I can dismiss it at
pleasure. And as his agitation increased, he thus
continued:
"To whom do suns appear in the obscurity
of night, or shine in coloured robes and velvet,
comprising every beauty like a meadow fashioned
in marble, or a picture of ivory? They move and
wave about in garments like a ship sailing over
the billows: round them are entangled swords
and spears, and horsemen and suitors roam about
them: but among them she is a fair form like the
branch that flutters through a veil of ebony. I
beheld her—I became enamoured, but I concealed
what I suffered, so that no one knew of it—I came
—I conquered—but I forgave her for the exalted
beauties that were perfected in her. What
is it to me?—What care I for the railers? My obstinacy
and my perversity are increased towards
them; I shout when they persist in their invectives
against me, and their own reproaches
shall be their own murderers."
When he had concluded these verses, Antar retired
to the tents of his father; the Princes also
went away and repeated to King Zoheir what had
passed between them and Antar, and the verses he
had recited.
CHAPTER XIII.
The next day came Beder, son of Amroo, and two
of his sons, Hadifah and Haml, of the tribe of Fazarah,
with some other Chiefs, and congratulated King
Zoheir on his safety. In the course of conversation,
said Beder, Think not, O King, that we shrunk
from Maadi Kereb, when he came and drove away
your property, and made your sons prisoners we,
on the contrary, mounted our horses as soon as
the news reached us, and we pursued them night
and day; but we found them not. All has ended
well, said King Zoheir. And he detailed the wonderful
events that had happened, and told him how
Antar had slain Khalid, son of Moharib. After
this, a magnificent feast was prepared, and the visitors
staid three days; and whenever Antar was in
the King's presence, he raised his dignity, and seated
him on his right hand, thus exalting his rank among
the Sheikhs of the family of Beder and his sons, and
dignifying him above all his nobles. But when the
feast was over, Hadifah invited King Zoheir's son
to visit him. Shas begged Antar to be of the party,
and as he was ashamed to refuse and hang back, he
departed with them: and as soon as they reached
the habitations of the tribe of Fazarah, Hadifah
in springs and fountains, and trees and flowers.
And it was now the season of spring. When they
had reposed, varieties of viands were served up;
the wine glasses went round, and the maidens sung
with melodious voices. At last the tears burst into
Antar's eyes, for he was agonized at his misfortunes.
He arose, and going out of the tent alone, he wandered
over the desert, when lo! a flight of turtle
doves came flying from the right, and perching on
the date trees, they conversed like childless mothers,
and complained in the tones of women mourning
the dead. At this sight the tears rushed in torrents
into his eyes; scorching sighs and uninterrupted
burnings burst from him—he was bewildered—and
his heart and soul suffered the most excruciating
pangs, as he thus addressed them:
"O bird of the tamarisk! thou hast rendered
my sorrows more poignant, thou hast redoubled
my griefs. O bird of the tamarisk! if thou invokest
an absent friend for whom thou art mourning,
even then, O bird, is thy affliction like the
distress I also feel? Augment my sorrows and
my lamentations; aid me to weep till thou seest
wonders from the discharge of my eyelids. Weep
too from the excesses that I endure. Fear not—
only guard the trees from the breath of my burning
sighs. Quit me not till I die of love, the
victim of passion, of absence, and separation.
Fly, perhaps in the Hijaz thou mayest see some
a damsel, she traversing wilds, and drowned in
tears, anxious for her native land. May God inspire
thee, O dove! when thou truly seest her loaded
camels. Announce my death. Say, thou hast
left him[6] stretched on the earth, and that his tears
are exhausted, but that he weeps in blood. Should
the breeze ask thee whence thou art, say, he is
deprived of his heart and stupefied; he is in a
strange land, weeping for our departure, for the
God of heaven has struck him with affliction on
account of his beloved; he is lying down like a
tender bird, that vultures and eagles have bereft
of its young, that grieves in unceasing plaints
whilst its offspring are scattered over the plain
and the desert."
Thus he continued till the flame in his bosom
cooled. Now Prince Malik also arose in order to
follow him: he approached unperceived by Antar,
and heard what he recited; and his heart was
wounded. They remained some days feasting; but
on the eighth day by daybreak they returned home.
Antar's sorrows and afflictions burst out anew, and
signs of illness appeared in him: nothing comforted
him but the expectation of Shiboob. After a period
of forty days, behold Shiboob came in to him by
night, and his heart was near breaking. Well,
Shiboob, he cried, hast thou any news with thee?
mayst depend on. Haste then and speak, my brave
brother, exclaimed Antar. Know then, added Shiboob,
that your uncle is the falsest of men. He is
gone down to the tribe of Shiban, and has demanded
protection of their King Kais, son of Masood, complaining
of his fortunes. Kais has assisted him, and
your uncle has married his daughter to Bostam, the
King's son, and he has established himself among
them. At hearing these words, the flame was rekindled
in all its fury in Antar's heart. Ah! he
cried, and has Bostam indeed received the completion
of his wishes? No, said Shiboob; when I
quitted you I visited all the hordes of Arabs, and
inquired at every dwelling, till at last I heard that
your uncle was gone down to the tribe of Shiban;
thither I proceeded without delay, and entering the
habitations by night, I remained concealed till the
dawn of day, when I beheld King Kais, and your
uncle riding by his side; and, moreover, the King
kept him near him, gave him a robe, and honoured
him greatly. I no sooner saw this than I wandered
among the dwellings till I discovered Ibla's tent,
and watching it till her mother was gone out, I entered,
and found her in tears, longing for her native
sand hills. The moment she saw me, she jumped
up, and cried, Shiboob, where is your brother Antar?
I replied, At home: and what has befallen him for
the loss of you, never befel man before. O Shiboob,
she continued, I am under the greatest apprehension
My father has married me to Bostam, and has demanded
as a marriage dower the head of Antar.
The tribe has orders to be in readiness: so hasten
to your brother, and give him this intelligence—
recommend him to be on his guard. Thus she bade
me adieu, and wept, adding, God be with you,
Shiboob, repeat these verses to my cousin:
"O my cousin, all my comfort is destroyed, and
I am wasting in agonies of separation and in sorrow.
Were I able, I would eagerly fly to that
land with the winds: but round my tent are men,
whose hands are brandishing spears. In the
morning I am like a bird, but the hand of fortune
has clipped my wings, and my father has betrothed
me by force to mine enemy; my death and infamy
are united in such an act. May God send
woes upon him! that he could unite one so gentle
as I am to a foe, as if it were a friendly contract;
and could thus condescend to a foreigner, rejecting
thee, O thou lion of the waste! By thy truth, I
will never break my vows to thee, were I to be
hacked in pieces by the broad cutlasses; so contrive
what seemest best to thee, for thou art most
experienced in expedients. Question the gales
of Nejd of my health when they blow in the
morning."
As Antar listened to these verses, he groaned
aloud, and his eyes were flooded with tears; but his
fears were quieted by this assurance. My object,
that you may conceal every thing about me. By
the faith of an Arab, cried Antar, I will bring down
on Bostam and the tribe of Shiban a calamity time
shall record: and I will requite my uncle as he deserves.
But, Shiboob, where has the party halted?
In the land of Anizateen, my brother, answered
Shiboob, and they are but few in number.
Now Bostam had promised Malik to bring Antar's
head as a marriage present for his daughter;
and soon after, as Bostam and his father were consulting
about the management of the expedition,
My son, said King Kais, this engagement to which
you have bound yourself is very difficult, it is a very
serious affair, for if we assemble the tribes of Shiban,
and march against the tribes of Abs and Adnan,
dissensions and feuds will arise among the Arabs.
Wait patiently, let us deliberate about the execution
of this project in a proper manner. But Bostam,
after this conversation, only waited till it was evening,
when he called his servant, and told him to
prepare his horse. He girthed him, and brought it
to him as soon as it was dark. Bostam mounted,
and as he launched into the wilds and the wastes,
he thus spoke:
"O Ibla, may thy salutations greet me frequently;
keep my vows and preserve my faith,
for thou hast subdued a Chief of the tribe of
Shiban, who never felt love or amorous passion
before, a knight to whom warriors in the battle
heart is satisfied; one look from her reconciles
me to my departure from my own country, although
my eyelids are antimonied with sleeplessness,
and my eyes consider slumber as a sacrilege.
O my tribe, I am slain by two large eyes, and I
am become a distracted and impassioned lover.
My soul longs for an Absian maid, that has
launched at me the shaft of death. Surprising,
that her deadly glances have shot their arrows at
my heart! Since the new-born moon beheld her,
it snatched up light from her countenance, and
became full-orbed; and the shadow of night was
astonished; she let her hair flow down, and there
came on a total darkness. She is an idol; were
she to appear before us every day, we should
worship no other image but her. O son of Shedad,
relinquish thy love; comfort thyself without
her, now that she has met Bostam, the knight of
the horse, and the horseman whose equal dwells
not on earth, and be safe."
Bostam continued his journey over rocks and
deserts till the obscurity of night was illumined,
when recovering his senses, he opened his eyes, and
looked around to observe what was before him. He
soon perceived that the Ruler of the Air had deprived
him of his succour, and that he had lost his
way; for he had intended passing through the valley
of Deecar, but he now found himself in the land
of Dimaya; such had been the impression his love and
was in an open country, with roads in various directions.
He halted, and looked to the right and to
the left, when lo! a dust arose, and mounted on
high in front of him, and there appeared seventy
horsemen, all clad in steel; and before them rode a
knight, like a strong bastion. On the back of his
neck was slung a long spear. Bostam instantly put
his steed in motion for battle and combat; and as
he came nigh unto the troop they all halted. Their
chief alone came forward, who beckoning to Bostam
with his hand, exclaimed, What Arab art thou?
state thy parentage. Thy parentage may be thy
protection. Youth, replied Bostam, and should it
not be my security, my well-proportioned lance, and
my well-tempered blade, will be my protection. I
am Bostam, son of Kais, King of the tribe of Shiban,
and the protector of the lands of Numan[7] . But
who of the Arabs art thou? The youth laughed
aloud, and waved his spear in joy. Welcome! he
exclaimed, I greet thee, O A boolyaczan [8] , thou knight
of the age. This is indeed a meeting for which I
ought to render thanks to the Great Creator, who
has shortened my road, and has thus favoured me.
How so, young man? said Bostam. Hast thou any
debt against me, the payment of which thou claimest?
or is there blood that thou wouldest demand of
me? No, Bostam; by God, no; exclaimed the
and never in my life did I see thee till this day. I
am called Tarfa, son of Rafa. I have demanded in
marriage Saada, the daughter of Shohab the Barbooyte,
whom thou didst slay the day he plundered
thee. But, said her mother to me, I will not marry
my daughter but to him who shall avenge her, and
shall bring me the head of Bostam, her father's murderer.
This is my business with thee, that I may
separate thy head from thy shoulders. And by the
faith of an Arab, I will not betray thee, neither will
I permit one of my comrades to approach thee till
our contest be decided. Be on thy guard, and look
to thyself. Bostam was amazed at this address, and
forgetting the purpose of his journey, Tarfa, said
he, since evil designs have driven thee on to this
wicked contest, thou and thy party shall this day
witness my exploits and my powers. All I demand
of thee in this conflict is fair play. What dost thou
demand as justice, asked Tarfa, that I may treat
thee fairly? All I want of thee, added Bostam, is
to wait whilst I dismount from my horse, and let
him repose a little; and when I mount him again,
come on and appease thy disquietudes. Well, said
Tarfa, as thou wilt. Bostam accordingly dismounted,
and loosening his horse's girths, rested him and
walked him about a little. But he had no sooner
resumed his seat, than advancing towards his antagonist,
he exclaimed—
"Fortune is just, and has impartially decided;
us. I set out to demand blood of one who never
betrayed me, and it has brought me one who
seeks my blood; a lover who complains of the
warmth of his love, and whose disease is like mine.
It is an adventure to surprise all hearers; it will
remain a tale among men. O tribe of Shiban,
my heart is lost, so sing of it among the tent-ropes,
for a fawn has beguiled it with its eyes,
which are the hunters that chase the lions of the
forest. She is an Arab damsel, that would disgrace
all the virgins of Persia; so lovely, that
should she come forth from her retreat, having
once seen her, we should adore no idols. She rises
like the sun at noon-day; or she is the new-moon
among the shades of darkness. O hope of my
life, couldest thou see my thrust with the spear,
or my blow with the sword among the skulls, no
longer wouldest thou sigh for Antar. No; thou
wouldest not be hardened against princes for the
sake of a slave."
Bostam rushed upon the troop, and came down
upon them like a calamity. He broke through all
their defences, and shed the blood of the chiefs. He
dispersed their right; he routed their left. He
sought out his adversary Tarfa, but after an hour's
combat, consternation fell upon Tarfa; and Bostam
perceiving how it was with him, shouted at him and
terrified him, and pierced him in an instant, and slew
him. Again he turned upon his companions, who were
and the wilds, Bostam soon quitted them, and continued
his course over the spacious deserts till he
came to the land of the tribe of Saasaa. Thence he
proceeded till he approached the land of the tribe of
Merah; and there he encountered on a sudden a black
knight, mounted on a short-haired charger. He was
immersedin steel and armour. His intrepidity proved
him one of the bravest of heroes, and the superiority
that shone in him, testified that he was a knight of
the age and period. In front of him was a man on
foot, scouring the land. This horseman was the knight
of the deserts and the cities—the chief Antar; and the
man on foot was the dust-coloured dragon, Shiboob.
When Shiboob had explained to Antar the pain
that Ibla was suffering, and that his uncle had demanded
his head as a marriage present for his
daughter, he gnashed his teeth with rage: but
concealing his brother that night, that no one might
know his arrival, and recommending his mother also
to secresy, and desiring her, should any one of King
Zoheir's sons inquire for him, to say, that being
anxious about his brother's long absence, he was
gone to procure some information respecting him;
with these precautions he quitted the habitations
as soon as all were asleep. Now Shiboob, said he,
cut by the shortest way to the land of Shiban, that
I may show you the infamy and disgrace to which I
will reduce mine enemies. Thus they continued
their expedition (Antar's passion increasing in force
people he was searching. Each recognised the other.
But being desirous to confirm their doubts, O Aboolyaczan,
cried Antar first, whither are you going over
this land? Against you, son of Zebeeba, replied
Bostam; that I may bring down evils upon you,
and lay low your skull, and return to wed your beloved.
Hey, Bostam! cried Antar, in all the heat
and anxiety of love, have you beheld her, that you
can describe her charms? Yes, said Bostam; and
I have received her father's hand; and I have
pledged myself to her. This is the very day she
will become my wife, and be under my will and authority.
Think not, exclaimed Antar, that you will
ever obtain my permission to see her again. Be on
your guard before inevitable death visit you. Turning
towards Shiboob, he enjoined him not to assist
him in the combat. Bostam prepared for the conflict,
and drawing nigh unto Antar, he thus addressed
him:
"The revolutions arrive ever new; they raise up
a slave, and debase nobles. Hero of night, relinquish
the contest; pursue justice, abstain from
rapacity. The assault of chargers resembles not
the camels of the desert, that thou wast used to
tend at the rising of the dawn. No; and Ibla is
not a person of whom thou shouldest talk or love;
for Ibla is more precious than the loveliness of
the moon's orb when it rises at its full. Ask of
her, how that a lion hero has possessed her by his
who engages warriors in the day of battle with a
courageous heart, unmixed with fear. Tribe of
Shiban, I have obtained my wish; and the grief
of my heart is illumined and removed. To-morrow,
I will tell ye of Antar, that he has drank the
draught of death."
When Antar had heard his poetry, he saw that
Bostam was vain of his youth, and that his love and
passion had urged him to attempt impossibilities,
and had made him swerve from rectitude into error;
so, charging with him, and shouting at him, he thus
exclaimed:
"O Aboolyaczan, thy vehemence deceives thee;
soon thou wilt engage a lion not to be repulsed.
Heedlessly art thou come to seek me; but, thou
hast raised a lion that pursues the invading enemies.
O Aboolyaczan, how oft the game escapes
when the huntsman falls! If thou complainest of
the pains of love, I will soon cure thee of that pain
with a sword; whenever I draw it death ever
submits to it, and prostrates itself. I am the
black, the slave, that assails troops when the dust
rises. My pedigree is my sword and my spear;
my courage is my companion when fears thicken.
All mankind is but as one individual; some are
exalted, some debased. Tribe of Shiban, my
uncle is a tyrant: and on ye, this day, tyranny
shall fall. Bostam is driven on to his destruction,
dragging along the train of rash courage.
will repay him for his deeds."
Having thus recited their verses, they commenced
the combat, and they launched into the wild and
the desert. Their shouts were incessant; the fury
of their love and passion obscured the forms of propriety.
They continued fighting till evening, and
even after it was dark. At last Bostam became
weary and exhausted; the cord of his resolution was
slackened, and he repented of his enterprise: and,
knowing that horsemen behave generously to one
another, and that Antar was not deficient in that
point, he requested of him a truce from the combat,
and permission to repose till morning. Antar agreed,
sure that he could not escape out of the desert.
Dismount where you please, said Antar. I grant
you free permission; you are safe from me till tomorrow's
dawn. On this, Bostam retired to a high
sand-hill, and alighted from his horse, sensible that
his passion could not be gratified. Antar also dismounted,
for he was tired and wearied. Brother,
said Shiboob, what do you mean by lengthening
out the contest with this devil? He came to seek
your death from a distance. I was almost tempted
to kill him myself, but I was afraid of your anger;
and truly, you have not found it an easy task. Let
him alone this night, Shiboob, said Antar. Let
him perish in regret and anguish. Let him gnaw
his fingers with the fangs of repentance. To-morrow,
I will seize him before he can attack me; for
remissness is all my own doing; for had I wished
to slay him, I had done it from the very first: and
he would not have lived to see this evening. I want
to take him with me to the tribe of Shiban, and
make them all taste of infamy and misery. And
verily, by the faith of an Arab, he is a horseman
few horsemen can equal; and truly, I gave over
fighting this evening quite fatigued. He ordered
Shiboob to look after him till morning. It was just
day-break, when Antar was mounted, and ready to
renew the conflict. Bostam too descended from the
sand-hill, assured he must perish. And just as he
advanced, and was about to commence the attack,
behold a dust arose in the direction of the land of
Abs and Adnan; and there appeared a hundred
horsemen, all like eagles; who perceiving Antar and
Bostam about to engage, cried out, O by Abs! O
by Adnan! O by Zeead! O by Hamadan! giving
the reins to their steeds. Bostam was on an eminence,
when lo! another dust arose from the quarter
of Shiban. In less than an hour the dust cleared
away, there came forth three hundred warriors,
mounted on high-priced steeds, with long spears,
and polished scimitars. Now all these horsemen
were bent on the destruction of Antar; and there
was not one friend among them. But, when a
servant of God is fortunate, the Almighty produces
events that frustrate the wicked designs of his enemies.
In the first dust that came from the land of
this movement was Malik, Ibla's father, who in consequence
of what had passed between him and
Bostam, now gone to fetch Antar's head, sent to
inform Rebia of what had occurred, saying, My
cousin, so and so has happened in the land of Shiban,
but my heart yearns after my native land.
Bostam is gone into your country to put Antar to
death, and I must beg your assistance for him.
As soon as this message reached Rebia, he imparted
it to Amarah. They all felt much pleased, being
now sure of Antar's death and destruction. Amarah
communicated the news to Oorwah, and they
remained watching Antar till they found out that he
was gone away in quest of Ibla. The next day
Amarah with Oorwah and some troops set out on
the way to the tribe of Shiban. Amarah was in
ecstacies of delight, until they overtook Antar, who
was then combating with Bostam. But the second
dust is thus explained. King Kais was very
anxious about his son's departure in search of Antar,
and after forming various plans, he equipped three
hundred men, and appointed Nijad to command
them, and they set out by the direct road, till they
came up with Antar and Bostam. When Antar
saw how matters stood, he was convinced that there
was not a single friend among them. So he instantly
rushed upon Bostam, and hemming him in
and pressing upon him, and closing every means of
escape, he thrust at him with the butt end of his
Bind him fast, cried he to Shiboob, whilst we mark
what may happen between these fellows now moving
towards us. When Nijad beheld what had happened,
he cried out to his comrades, Hey! this black
has taken Bostam prisoner, but I am persuaded, he
could only have reduced him to this infamy through
the fear of this party of Absians. So, come on,
overwhelm them with the barbs of your spears,
whilst I turn upon this black knight, and cut his
body piecemeal; for I think this demon must be
Antar, whose head Bostam went to bring away.
Thus saying, he assailed Antar with fifty men; the
remainder rushed upon Amarah, and all this was by
the will of the Supreme God! Amarah advanced
with his comrades to slay Antar; but unintentionally
he assisted him, being obliged to defend
himself, fearful of death and perdition; and not
being at that moment able to escape, he fought and
exerted himself, whilst the dust flew about like an
extended canopy. The tears coursed down his
cheeks; and the bodies of the envious melted through
excess of jealousy, and the Absians were discomfited
on that day. Oorwah felt all was lost, and he resolved
in his own mind, and bound himself by a
solemn compact, that if for this once he should
escape, never would he return to his odious practices
against Antar, nor have any more to do with him.
Amarah searched about for his companions, but perceiving
that fifty were already annihilated, and the
appeared disastrous in the extreme, he cried out to
Oorwah, Escape, my cousin, escape, or we die. And
he gave the reins to his horse and fled, accompanied
by Oorwah and his companions, and pursued
by the Shibanians. In the mean time Antar encountered
Nijad and his warriors. He aimed thrusts
at him that blinded the sight, and anticipated fate
and destiny, as he pranced and charged round them,
his heart firmer than rock. In a moment he had
destroyed thirty. He thrust at Nijad, and hurled
him off his horse. But, when the others beheld his
slaughter, and the effects of his exploits, they took
to flight, exclaiming, May God curse your flat-nosed
father! how strong are your blows! how fierce is
your assault! Bostam was amazed and bewildered
at Antar's achievements; but Shiboob stood guard
over him, till Antar alighting from the back of his
horse, and having walked him about a little to relieve
him, again mounted to pursue the Shibanians,
who were now on their return with the spoils of the
Absians, whom they had slain, and driving before
them their prisoners whom they had taken, and
seeking their leader Nijad, whom Antar had destroyed.
As to Amarah, he contrived to escape
with his companions. But Antar thus greeted the
Shibanians; Foul Arabs, by the faith of an Arab,
had I not had a grudge against mine own tribe,
never would I have permitted you to accomplish
your designs against them. And he encountered
horsemen, and shedding the blood of the warriors.
The Shibanians resisted, till learning that Nijad
was dead, they said to one another, Verily, this demon
has taken Bostam prisoner, and slain Nijad and
all his brave comrades. He is indeed a nocturnal
calamity, and a destroying thunder-bolt; let us
seek our own country, or not one of us will be alive.
So they lashed their horses flanks, and escaped at
full speed, scarcely crediting their security. Now,
said Antar to Shiboob, I am resolved on proceeding
to the land of Shiban, and to fill them with despair
after all their fond hopes, and exhibit to them the
evil stars of my cuckold uncle: and I will not return
till I have rescued Ibla. Moreover, I am
aware that these fugitives will soon reach King
Kais, and will tell him what my sword and my
impetuous assaults have effected; they will also
inform him, that his son Bostam is my captive.
He will immediately assemble his horsemen and
march against our country, and endeavour to release
his sons with his warriors. His tents will
therefore remain untenanted, and his property unprotected.
I will take away what I please, and will
leave what I please. I will carry off Ibla, my chief
object; and should I catch hold of her father, I
will abandon him to disgrace and infamy; and I
will now make him know who I am. O Aboolfawaris,
said Bostam, shuddering and trembling at
Antar's language, You must certainly be proposing
your life to dangers and troubles. Be generous
towards me, and make me your friend and companion;
and by the faith of an Arab, I will realize
your wishes: I will go home with you, and not let
your uncle quit our territory till he has married his
daughter to you with us, and thus your projects be
accomplished. What! O Aboolyaczan, cried Antar,
Am I so far unable to execute mine own business,
that I must ask assistance of another, whether I
will or no? I will be the only agent in mine own
designs against your country—I will bring down
calamities upon your horsemen—I will requite every
one according to his deserts; and I will suspend
your head round my uncle's neck, that he may
repent of his conduct, and never think proper to
emigrate from his own country again. But do you,
O Shiboob, he added, hasten to the habitations of
the tribe, and see what they are about—mark the
exact truth. Shiboob let loose his feet, and speeded
away till he disappeared among the wastes. About
the latter part of the day he returned, all aghast
and out of breath. What is the matter, cried Antar,
that you have returned in such haste? Know, my
brother, replied Shiboob, That as soon as I had
quitted you, I traversed the plains and the deserts
till I reached the tribe of Shiban, when I perceived
them all overwhelmed with the screams of slaves
and women, on account of their horsemen that had
been slain, and troops were flying about in every
might befal me, and methought also, should your
uncle recognise me, I should be a dead man. But
just as I had determined on retracing my way back,
I overheard a peasant say to another, This night
drive away your flocks as speedily as possible, for
our families are departing for the valley of Jiljil and
the plains of Jandil, (a spot in Arabia, well known
and mentioned by the poets). As soon as I heard
this news of their approaching removal, I was overjoyed.
But what is the circumstance, exclaimed
Antar, interrupting him, that has so discomposed
you? Know, said Shiboob, that Ibla must also
go away, she and her mother, with the females of
Shiban. So you had better set out at the very
moment of their removal with their camels, and
convert their pride into despair. I will seize the
bridle of Ibla's camel and lead it away; but mind
you keep off from me the troops, whether they be
few or numerous. By your father, exclaimed Antar,
delighted and smiling, I will show you what will
joy your heart. Soon after this they departed, and
when they reached the vicinity of the tribe of Shiban,
it being late in the day, they chanced to perceive
some flocks on their way to the dwellings, attended
by a single slave, who was thus crying out
and lamenting, Alas, for thee! O Bostam, how
fortune has betrayed thee, and delivered thee over
to a slave of no worth, and of no faith! May God
never bless that Ibla or her father!—May he curse
them in his calamities and his misfortunes! And he
thus continued in verse:
"O full moon of perfections! O lion of battles,
we are grieved for thee! O thou, the protector of
our women in every land when fled the brave
heroes of war! The tribe of Shiban has lost its
sword; a sword that could cleave even the rock-ribbed
mountains. Thou art humbled, warrior
as thou wert, whose power made the lions of the
den crouch before it. A slave of the tribe of
Adnan has made thee a captive—a slave that
lately tended the camels: but were not oppression
natural to man, the slave would never subdue the
master. May no good betide thee, O Ibla! Mayest
thou never be protected from the calamities of
night—may the lands of thy father be laid waste
and ravaged, deprived of its cherished inhabitants!
In an evil hour came Malik to us; his deeds were
iniquitous; may God curse him for a vile Sheikh;
crushed be his chin; plucked out be his mustachioes!
for he has spoiled the joy of our lives,
and we are all reduced to misery."
Antar's rage and indignation increased as he
listened to the words of the peasant; and he said
to Shiboob, Bring me that slave, that I may question
and call him to account. Shiboob seized
him, and dragged him before Antar, frighted as
he was. Who art thou, slave? cried Antar. I am
one of King Kais' slaves, he replied. And do
what purpose? Know, my lord, continued the
slave, we are in great alarm about the tribe of
Temeem, which our Chief, Bostam, kept in awe.
It was he who protected us from every villain; but
he is now a prisoner in the hands of a hell-born
slave; and therefore must we remove. We have
assembled all our comrades, and are going to rescue
our Chief, the son of our King. But who has
taken Bostam prisoner? is he the foremost knight
of the age? asked Antar. Oh! no, no, said the
slave: he who has taken him prisoner is a contemptible,
insignificant fellow, and he is not reckoned
a horseman at all: but the times have turned out
most extraordinary, and a total revolution in fortune
has upset his family. Here the slave related the
whole story of Malik, and how he had demanded
Antar's head as a marriage present for his daughter.
Antar smiled and drove the peasant on before him till
he came up to Bostam. Look at this prisoner, said
he, who is now before you, and ascertain who he
is; observe well whether it be your master, that we
may be liberal towards him in restoring him to
liberty. The slave recognised Bostam: his tongue
quivered in his speech, and his knees quaked as he
stood. He felt as if his very soul were on the wing,
and his limbs trembled as with an ague: for he was
convinced that the person who was speaking must
be Antar himself, the lofty column. He gave himself
up for lost and a dead man: then turning towards
lord, for it is the noblest quality of the great; act
not thus towards my master, Bostam; do not cut
down the very tree of generosity from mankind.
And he wept from his tortured heart and his
agonised eyes. He kissed Bostam's feet, and gave
a loud scream. But Shiboob darted upon him and
stopped his mouth, and binding him fast, left him
by the side of Bostam. Antar reposed in that spot,
whilst Shiboob stood guard during the night. By
daybreak Shiboob quitted the plain, and sought the
tribe of Shiban, to gain some information: but not
long after, as Antar had his eyes fixed on the road,
behold! Shiboob appeared like a bird when it flies,
the tears streaming from his eyes. What is behind
thee? cried Antar, what event has called forth this
lamentation? O, my brother, he replied, the enemy
has anticipated us in the completion of their desires:
all our plans and projects have failed. A subduing
arm has already fallen upon the tribe that cannot
be repulsed—an irresistible, unconquerable foe!
How is that? thou black-born. How has this happened?
asked Antar. Know then, answered Shiboob,
I had no sooner quitted thee, than I discovered
that they had already set out with their
families and their baggage-camels, and the howdahs
were placed on the camels. The tribe of Shiban
were all on horseback, and prepared with their
spears and their scimitars. They were marching
forward with their wives and their flocks, when, lo!
rushing on from every direction, and stopping up
all the roads and passes, crying out at the same
time, O by Temeem! At their head was a
knight of prodigious bulk, who rode towards the
quarter of the women, driving back all opposition,
and piercing the horsemen; and when he had gained
possession of the women, he forced them on before
him, eagerly and resolutely. Ibla was among the
women, shrieking out in the language of anguish
and distress, and letting fall streams of tears, as
she cried out, O by Abs! O by Adnan! O men,
nobly generous towards women, where is the valiant
knight? Where the undaunted hero? How
I long for the Absian horseman! Oh that I
could meet him! Your uncle Malik and his son
Amroo were soon made prisoners. So I determined
to return to you, when, lo! this warrior
whom I mentioned before, bellowed out like a savage
lion: Attack, attack, my cousins! he cried, the
business is a mere trifle, for I have obtained my
beloved Budoor. Having witnessed all these disasters,
I departed; and here I am in despair.
Antar's tears flowed and streamed at the recital.
O Malik! he cried, May God never let thee taste of
moisture! or let thee escape from these perils! for
thou hast drawn these misfortunes on thyself: and
thou hast dishonoured thy daughter among all mankind.
And as he was resolved on mounting his
horse to quit the plain, anxious to encounter the
exclaiming, Alas! the foe has disgraced me; they have
exulted over me: verily a blow from a sharp sword,
or a thrust from a long spear, is more tolerable than
the insulting outrage of enemies! Antar listened to
his words and his complaints, but only thought they
proceeded from his passion for Ibla. Is all this in
consequence of the violence of your flame? said
Antar, or is it on account of the captivity of Ibla,
that this affliction makes such an impression on you?
By thy existence! he replied, O Aboolfawaris, there
is not even a small or a large portion of my love for
Ibla surviving in my heart; neither does my anguish
proceed from what thou hintest at: but my
tears flow for the grief of the females of mine own
family. I have a sister, who is called Budoor,
and she is my youngest and favourite sister. The
Chiefs of the tribes of Cahtan have been her suitors,
and also the nobles of Shiban and Nibhan; but she
has rejected them all; and this is one of her lovers
who has invaded us on her account, and has seized
our wives and our families, and has carried off
my sister Budoor. He is called Keshaab, son of
Ghayath: he must have heard of my captivity,
and thus taking advantage of my absence, he has
assailed my tribe, and violated the honour of my
family, and of the females of my countrymen, thus
possessing himself of my dearest sister. But now,
O Aboolfawaris, I conjure thee, by the faith of an
Arab, and by the Lord who overthrows when he
pardon and grant me thy protection, that I may be
one of thy dependants and thy servants. I am
aware that I have been overbearing and insulting,
but I now know my error; and thou wilt be celebrated
for thy forbearance and generosity. Let me
go, that we may exert our whole force and fight.
Perhaps we may still succeed. Think not, O Aboolfawaris,
that on such a person as myself, a noble
action or an obligation will be thrown away. And
thus he addressed Antar:
"Thou hast taken me prisoner, and the horsemen
are charging; sword and spear spare not and
stop not. I went against thee, but now I know
that I wronged thee; and after such insults, I
implore thy forgiveness. Shouldst thou kill me,
it is but justice that thou seekest. But, if thou
wilt pardon me, thou shalt be my ear and my
eye. O thou, from whose sword, when it is drawn
in the fury of war, fate and destiny descend, were
all the dwellers on earth to engage with thee on
the day of terrors, they could not subdue thee.
Spare me, forgive me, powerful as thou art. Consider
my praises, and the story I have told."
These verses brought tears into Antar's eyes;
for he was compassionate of heart, and kind, root
and branch. Being now convinced of Bostam's distress
for his family, he untied the cords and bandages,
having first bound him to his word. He also
restored to him his armour, and his weapons, and
wilt thou not put him to death after all the foul
words he made us hear? O Shiboob, replied Antar,
shall we release illustrious chiefs, and kill slaves?
particularly when between them and us there is the
tie of blackness? He has done nothing to merit
punishment. He only expressed his sorrows and
regrets for a master who had honoured him, and
had treated him well. Release him, for we will be
kind to him on account of his dark complexion.
Bostam burst into a loud laugh, and said, May God
prosper thee for a great hero, and a noble lion!
How just are thy words! When Shiboob had restored
the slave to liberty, Antar and Bostam
mounted, whilst Shiboob and the slave ran on ahead
of them; and they hastened on till they came up
with the tribe of Shiban, where they perceived
men scattered right and left on the ground; the
country was destitute of the women and families,
and appeared an uninhabited waste. Bostam wept
at the misfortunes and dreadful events that had befallen
him. Run to the top of yonder hill, he cried
to the slave, whose name was Hamam; collect the
fugitives, and tell them to be of good cheer, as
their protector Bostam is arrived: bid them come to
me. The slave cried out as Bostam directed, and
the troops rallied from the different parts of the
desert, rejoicing in the safety of their chief, who,
when he had explained what had passed, exclaimed,
Now pay homage to the chief Antar. But Antar
and their griefs diminished. They marched
on till they approached the enemy about sunset;
and having explored Keshaab's position, they occupied
the roads, and attacked him when all were quiet
and reposing. As the prisoners were stationed behind
the camels, Antar heard the voice of Ibla, and
distinguished it from the others; the whole country
seemed too confined for him. He could wait no
longer, but gave a yell that made every mountain
tremble. He sought the standards and ensigns, and
laboured in the slaughter of the chiefs, Shiboob ever
at his side. Bostam also assailed them, and rushed
to the combat, his heart encouraged by the example
of Antar. His horsemen and nobles also joined in
the attack. But the tribe of Temeem seeing them
advance, despised them, saying, These must be some
stragglers from the tribe of Shiban; it is not worth
our while to pursue them. But they soon marked
how they burst through their right, and dispersed
their left; and the calamity seeming now to be great,
they mounted, and began to take a part in the conflict.
They beheld Antar's thrusts tearing out the
hearts of the heroes, and his blows making heads
fly off right and left. He was raising his mighty
shouts, and plying his cleaving blows: and he exhibited
among them all his powers. The chief
Bostam also overwhelmed them with his deadly
strokes. The battle continued till night had veiled
the land in obscurity; and still the combat and carnage
of the flanks of his army routed, and a great part of
them hacked and torn to pieces, and beheld Antar
hewing his way through them, and Bostam sending
down upon them infamy and dismay, he was greatly
alarmed. He shouted, and rushed towards his
people; but he found their heads flying about like
leaves. Carnage was on all sides. The conflict
raged. Terrors became more frightful. But Antar
ceased not slaughtering and destroying till he came
up to the camels and the women, having already
slain one hundred and twenty of the bravest. Bostam
had overthrown thirty: and when they had
collected the cattle and the families, said Antar to
Bostam, dismount, O Aboolyaczan, and rescue your
father from bondage; release all your tribe and your
relations that are with him; but leave alone my
uncle Malik, and his son Amroo, and do not release
them on any account: for I now know that
my uncle is full of deceits, and were I to let him go,
he would take away his daughter and his wife, and
flee away from us: and we shall have to do it all
over again. I will detain him until the affair is decided.
Shiboob was despatched to Ibla to comfort
her heart, and remove her grief. Now, when Malik
heard Antar's voice in the attack, he said to his
son Amroo, O my son! these are the shouts of that
accursed black. This night the warriors of Temeem
will be annihilated by his evil destiny. O that the
enemy had made me drink of the cup of death! O
face! But I must have him put to death and
destroyed. I will remove his beloved from him, or in
truth I will kill her on his account. It is to be
sure a noble return for his rescue of me from calamities,
and his protection of my child; but still I
must have him murdered. Whilst Malik and his
son were thus conversing, Bostam hastened towards
his father and released him, together with all those
that had accompanied him, detailing to them all that
had passed with the magnanimous Antar, from the
time of his departure to his re-appearance. King
Kais was amazed, and reflecting on Antar's noble
conduct, If he is a mortal, said he to his son, his
equal is not to be found in the universe. No man
can recompense such deeds. Having thus released
their people and the trains of camels, the women
and children alighted; but they still left Malik,
Ibla's father, and Amroo in captivity, as Antar the
ferocious lion had directed. Release me too, O
Bostam, cried Malik. O thou base-born wretch,
replied he, how could you fly from this noble warrior
with your daughter, and marry her to me who
am not worthy to be his servant? What, nothing
would suffice you but the head of this illustrious
Antar, as her marriage-present! But know, that I
am become one of his associates and friends; for he
has protected my sister, and the other women and
wives of the tribe of Shiban, and never can I make
him any suitable recompense; were he even to order
would do it: for you are not a man; neither can
kindness or noble conduct have any virtue with you.
Thus saying, Bostam rode back to Antar, in order
to aid him in keeping the night-watch, and protecting
the people, whilst Shiboob staid with Ibla.
Amongst other things, he told her all his brother
had done with the Shibanians on her account; and
afterwards conducted her to the women of King
Kais, who received her with every mark of attention.
Early next day the tribe of Temeem sprang up,
eager to renew the fight and the contest. King Kais
appeared among his troops and warriors, to whom
he related the friendly intercourse established between
his son and Antar. In the mean time Antar
and Bostam being together, said Antar to him, Why
do you keep back from the combat? Begin with the
foe, before the foe begins with you. Attack him, and
be of good cheer. Antar mounted Abjer, and
casting his eyes towards the tribe of Temeem, he
observed it was their intention to make a general
assault; so he attacked their right, and singled out
their heroes and chieftains.
As soon as Keshaab had clad himself in armour,
and had seated himself on his steed, he pushed forward
to the front of the army; and there too was
Antar, who had already slain two and twenty warriors.
Keshaab assailed him in the fulness of his
rage; and he cried out, Now will I bring down perdition
Have none of my deeds, none of my exploits reached
thee? Hast thou never heard of me, that thou
darest thus to follow me? Dost thou hope to take
my plunder away from me, or to rescue my beloved?
As to thy beloved, cried Antar, my sword has liberated
her, and last night she reposed under my protection.
But, if thou art indeed so bold and so
skilled in war, come and rescue her, and make good
thy pretensions. On the instant each assailed his
antagonist, aiming alternate thrusts and blows at
one another, and both bellowing and roaring, the
blood gushed from their nostrils. At last they
vanished from the sight, and plunged into the wilds,
till drops of gory sweat streamed from them, and
their fury grew intense.
Keshaab's uncle being present, turned towards
the tribe of Temeem, and said, O my cousins, be
on your guard in this conflict, and beware of that
black hero; for much I fear he will prove superior
to your Chief. Upon this, the tribe of Temeem
rushed forward from all sides; but Bostam, who
observed them advance, met their assault with the
Shibanians, when lo! a yell pierced the dust, and
one cried out, O by Abs, O by Adnan! and behold
Antar darted forth from beneath the dust, holding
in his hand the head of Keshaab, son of Ghayath,
and thus he spoke:
"When I steep not my sword in the blood of
foes, and when the gore trickles not from its lustre,
sleep, and may no harbinger visit me from the
phantom of Ibla! I am Death, but I am impatient
for the lives of warriors; and Death is patient.
Whenever Death sees me, it humbles itself
to my awful form, and the arm of the Arab is too
short to reach me. I am the grasper of lives with
sword and spear. I am the warrior—the hero—
the intrepid—the undaunted! Whenever I meet
Death, I turban his head with the sword tempered
in draughts of blood. I am the lion of death,
that protects all that depend on me, and my exploits
shall be recorded to eternity. My swarthy
complexion is fair at the moment my deeds stand
forth conspicuous. My progenitor is celebrated,
and my ancestors boast of their fathers; for my
friends live respected, and my foes shrink away,
abject, frightened, and maimed. By the raiser
of the seven heavens, who knows every secret,
mighty and sublime, I swear, that I will never
weary of the battle till I have repaid my foe, and
am the victor. I am the lion of the waste, and
of eternal war, one soiled with deaths and dust.
I have repulsed Temeem; I have felled their
elders. I am returned, and my sword is reeking
with the blood of the tribes. O tribe of Abs, be
strong in glory, and boast of a slave, whose
mansion is between the Pisces. Whenever the
herald of the tribe proclaims, I answer him whilst
the horses stumble among the skulls. My Indian
Antar in the contest."
Keshaab's uncle had been conversing beneath his
standards, surrounded by his nobles. I am alarmed,
said he, about Keshaab, for his mother had a dream,
in which he was victorious over the Shibanians.
But as he was returning home in triumph, a
black in the form of a lion met him, and deprived
him of all his plunder, and finally cut off his
head and silenced his life. Now just as he had
uttered these words, behold Antar appeared, and
thus shouted, bearing Keshaab's head in his hand.
Ah! exclaimed his uncle at this sight, the dream,
the dream! Again he shouted to his surrounding
friends, and the troops followed him to the assault.
The Shibanians also attacked with their Chief Bostam.
Dust and black clouds of sand arose. The
conflict became severe. The brave stood firm; the
dastardly fled. Antar encountered the whole force,
and his assault was the descent of a torrent; and as
the foe was superior in numbers, he exerted all his
vigour, assailing them right and left, and crying
out, O by Abs, O by Adnan! Thus were matters
situated, when lo! twenty horsemen appeared among
the sands, and rushed upon the tribe of Temeem,
overwhelming them with disgrace. They galloped
towards Antar, who viewed them a time, and saw
that they were Absians, headed by Ghayadh, son
of Nashib. But they came not with the intention
to assist Antar; on the contrary, their object was
plans of Amarah, who, when obliged to fly for his
life, continued his retreat till he reached the land of
Abs by night. In the morning he repaired to his
brother Rebia, and related to him what had passed.
Rebia advised him to wait patiently, and keep on
the watch for some chance opportunity to kill Antar.
Amarah quitted him; but being still sorely exasperated
at his defeat, he sent for Ghayadh, and
as he stood crying before him, he implored his aid.
Explaining what he must do in the tribe of Shiban,
he assured him of wealth and camels in abundance
as a reward. His avarice induced Ghayadh to
assent, for he was one of Antar's enemies. With a
party of twenty horsemen, he departed for the land
of Shiban, where, on his arrival, he made inquiries
about the tribe of Temeem; and afterwards he pursued
his way till he came up with Antar at the head
of his troops, defending the women and the families;
and he saw all that immense host opposing him,
whilst he cried out, Where is he who plunders girls
and women? At hearing this, all the malice and
rancour in the heart of Ghayadh was converted into
love and affection, and he said to his companions,
Cousins, we must indeed aid this hero, who exposes
his life to death, anxious only to preserve the modesty
of women untouched. To hell and disgrace
be Amarah and his cattle! May he never be out of
affliction and trouble! And he instantly attacked
with his men, all exclaiming, O by Abs, O by
chests, and hacked their necks with their swords,
till the tribe of Temeem took to flight, pursued by
the Absians.
Ghayadh turned towards Antar, and saluted him,
giving him a full detail of Amarah's conduct, and
how he had engaged him by the promise of flocks
and camels. Antar thanked them for what they
had done for him, and extolled their brave deeds.
Thus they proceeded together to the loaded camels
and the families. The women and the men met
them with the young girls, in front of whom was
Ibla, and she was drowned in tears; but as soon as
Antar saw her, he thus addressed her:
"Hail, I greet thee, branch of the tamarisk!
Welcome to the new moon of the desert and the
city! O Ibla! thy form during my absence was
ever in the core of my heart and my eye. Since
thou hast been absent, all my joys have been absent;
all my pleasures closed: and my blood-shot
eyes have past the nights in sleeplessness. Never
has slumber visited me since I quitted thy form.
O thou full moon of obscurity, in truth, thou face
of the moon itself, were I to complain of what I
have endured in sorrow, I should fail to describe
by the truth of the shrine and the stone! what
I suffered in the horrors of my journey, and the
jealousies I have been subject to from my relations.
How many horsemen, whom I have encountered
in the barren waste, have been laid low on the
lies prostrate, on the day of horrors felled
by my Indian blade. These shall ever be my
deeds with the foe as long as the sun shines, and
as long as the morning-star glitters at the dawn.
I am the son of Shedad, and the lion to whom
every one that dwells in the desert or in towns
bows in submission."
After this he went up to Malik and his son.
Ibla's father wept; My son, said he to Antar, do
not rebuke me, do not reproach me for my behaviour,
the crime is all Rebia's; it was he alone
who contrived this stratagem. But now I will not
quit this land till I have married my daughter to
thee, and have offered her to thee as thy handmaiden;
then we will return home.
Ghayadh and his comrades having also assured
Antar that his uncle was not to blame, he ordered
Malik and his son to be unbound; and when he
had mounted his horse Abjer, they all thanked and
extolled him. Soon after this, King Kais set out
for his own country with the tribe of Shiban; and
when they reached their native land, they pitched
their tents and hoisted the standards. King Kais
slaughtered sheep, and made preparations for a
feast, of which all his companions and friends partook;
and when they had done eating, the wineglasses
were presented, and the carousing lasted
three days.
CHAPTER XIV.
On the fourth day, said Antar to Malik, Uncle, we
must depart. No, Antar, he replied, I cannot possibly
move from hence on account of the language
of the Zeead family. Let it not be said again, that
Malik fled from Antar the black, and is now returning
to marry his daughter to him against the consent
of every one. Never will I return home if something
be not done to raise my consideration, and
some one of my friends come to conciliate me.
Oblige me in this respect, go you home first, and
send me one of King Zoheir's sons, that he may repair
the evil done to my character. Antar heard
him, and thought him sincere; for he could not
divine the wickedness of his heart. Well then, he
said, I will send you the Princes Shas and Malik;
but I will not stir from you until you make Bostam
and his father King Kais testify for you, that you
have betrothed your daughter Ibla to me; and if
again you have recourse to your vile arts, I will
draw my sword across your neck.
The next day Antar conducted his uncle to King
Kais, and in the presence of his children and his
tribe, related all that had passed between him and
Malik, and made them bear witness to what he had
to Bostam and King Kais, he departed. He took
with him Ghayadh and his companions, and when
they were near home, he sent on Shiboob to announce
his arrival. The report was soon spread abroad,
and reached the sons of King Zoheir, who accompanied
their father on horseback to meet Antar,
who dismounted, and prayed for the long life of
King Zoheir. He went to his sons and saluted
them and all the horsemen, to whom he related
what had passed with his uncle among the Shibanians,
and that he would not return home until
some one was sent to conciliate him, and unless his
honour and character were exalted. As the man is
ashamed of what he has done, said Zoheir, we must
of course make it up with him, and grant his wishes.
It was then settled that King Zoheir's son should
depart with Antar for the land of Shiban, and appease
his uncle. For four days they continued
eating and drinking, and just as they were determined
on their journey, lo! a slave arrived from
the land of Shiban: he saluted Antar, and kissing
his hands, My lord, said he, King Kais and his son
salute you, and inform you that your uncle only remained
there one night after your departure, and
on the next day he quitted the country, and since
then we have no tidings of him. Ask not the effects
of Bostam's anger! He desires you to be quiet till
he can inform you where he is. Antar on hearing
this shed torrents of tears; but when King Zoheir
said he, and be your brow brightened up, for your
uncle has now no enemy but me, and I alone will
secure the completion of your wishes.
When the people had retired to their tents, and
silence reigned among the family of Carad: How
long will you extend your arm to what it will never
reach? said Oorwah to Antar; the daughters of
Arabia are numerous, incline towards them, and
relinquish those in whose house you were brought
up. These words made a deep impression on Antar,
and he recommended to Shiboob to keep a good look
out after Oorwah. Now Oorwah had a sister called
Selma, who was married in the tribe of Ghiftan, to
a man whose name was Jahjah; and he went to
visit his sister for some days. Shiboob watched
him, and informed his brother Antar of his movements.
As soon as it was dark, Antar sallied forth
to lie in ambush for Oorwah on the road side, concealing
himself in a mountain called Tebeer. But
Oorwah, when he reached the tribe of Ghiftan,
went to his sister Selma, and found her quarrelling
and wrangling with her husband. She no sooner
saw her brother than she wept and complained after
the manner of women. Brother, said she, by that
womb in which you and I moved, you must relieve
me from the state in which I am, and take me to
your home; do not let me die here of rage and
passion. So the next day he put her into her howdah,
and went away with her towards the land of
where Antar was concealed, behold! ten horsemen
met them, and in front of them was a knight of immense
stature, of the dimensions of an elephant,
who, on seeing the howdah and the camel, advanced
towards Oorwah without delay, roaring out, Who
art thou? what is thy birth and parentage? I am
the son of Wird, he replied, Oorwah is my name;
noble are my father and my grandfather; so begone.
The knight listened: he was much surprised at
this language; but with a smile, he continued, Welcome,
O Ebe-ool-Ebyez, for thou art my object, and
my goal. Knowest thou who I am? Who art thou?
said Oorwah, thou son of a two-thousand horned
cuckold! I am Ghazi, answered he, the son of Kais,
the son of Dibyan; thy slave Antar slew my father,
and I must verily put him to death; thou too
didst slay my brother, and didst plunder my flocks,
and drive away my camels when I was absent from
home; so I have waited patiently till I might have
thee in my power, and now that I have come upon
thee, I will take away thy life from between thy
sides. As soon as he had spoken, he rushed upon
Oorwah, and exhibiting his strength and skill; and
as Ghazi was superior to Oorwah, he charged: after
a furious conflict he threw him on the ground, and
bound him fast. He then seized the bridle of
Selma's camel: she screamed, and invoked assistance,
crying out, O by Abs! is there no one to
aid me?—no one to release me? Antar had marked
when Ghazi encountered him, he was better pleased,
saying to himself, He is a lucky man who succeeds
by the means of another. But he no sooner saw
that Oorwah was a prisoner, and heard Selma's exclamations,
than his anger subsided in his heart;
his enmity gave way to his noble pride, and his
soul was softened: so he darted forth from the
defile like a lion in his wrath. Daughter of my
uncle, he cried, rejoice in your rescue from your
enemies, for the God of heaven has requited your
brother; he has had compassion on your sorrows,
and has sent me to your deliverance. Thus saying,
he directed his impetuous course towards the troop,
and poured down upon them with the vehemence
of a torrent; he thus exclaimed:
"Ye dastards, have ye captured Selma, and
Antar, her guardian, is he here in ambush? Her
brother, indeed, was my opponent, but now that
he is sick, I will be his physician. Had she not
cried out, O by Abs! and had not her tears
flowed in sorrow, the rancour I harboured would
not have been subdued, and I should not have
defended the well-shaped, high-bosomed dame.
But now be at ease; mark my deeds when thou
beholdest my antagonist inflicted with my spear.
Oorwah shall return after this, and he shall answer
with submission to my call: were I to
punish him for the family of Zeead, Ibla would
never be mine."
When Ghazi heard Antar's verses, and observed
his motions, he assailed him. They galloped
about—they dashed against each other—they struggled—they
plunged into the combat—they resisted
the thrust and the blow. But Antar fatigued Ghazi,
and having worn him out, struck him with the butt
end of his spear; he hurled him over, and knocked
him off his horse; when his companions hurried to
his relief, crying out, May God blast the tips of
thy fingers! what a noble knight hast thou slain!
Antar also assailed them, and the mountains trembled
at his violence; in less than an hour he slew
those who were destined to die, and the rest were
dispersed among the wastes. Selma rejoiced at her
rescue. She descended from her howdah, and came
forwards to meet Antar. May God bless thee for
a protector, she exclaimed, and in such as thee
noble dames may exult. And as she threw herself
before him kissing his feet, she thus expressed her
thanks:
"May God reward thee with every good from
us—may no evil of fortune afflict thee! for thou
hast rescued us from a base tribe, and converted
fears into security: they saw thee, and bade adieu
to life, when thou didst inflict the blows of thy
dreadful sword; thou didst return, and upon thy
spear were clots of their blood, and upon thy
barb—thou didst fell down their Chief with thy
polished blade; sturdy in the field of battle; for
thou art the lion, the champion of the race of
thy foe in every land groan in the anguish of the
strangury! May thy sword be ever drawn against
thy enemy in the tumultuous combat! May thy
glories ever increase in sublimity, even to the sign
of the Lyra and the two Bears."
When Antar heard these verses, his rage was
calmed, and turning towards Oorwah, against whom
he was much provoked, he said, My heart was indeed
wounded at your expressions, and I only came
forth with a view of making you drink of the cup of
death, but things have turned out contrary; for
when I heard Selma's lamentations and sighs, this
violation of her modesty fell heavy on me, so I have
liberated her from the power of these wretches. But
I still turn towards you with an ulcered heart; see
then who can rescue you from me; who will be your
deliverance. O Aboolfawaris, cried Oorwah, your
generous nature will rescue me, the sweetness of
your milk will protect me; all I beg is, that you
will pardon me this once, and make me your friend,
and if you ever see me act foully again by you,
may I not be a legitimate son! may my pedigree
prove false! His sister Selma also intreated Antar,
and threw herself down before him; neither did
she desist till Antar had untied him: and when
Oorwah stood up, he thus said:
"O thou whose face has smiled, mayst thou ever
be the leader in every enterprise! for thou art
far above the world in courage; the universe
He then advanced and embraced him, and swore
he would never betray him again under any circumstances
whatever. After this they set out, and
whilst they were marching on, a wandering Arab
met them, roaming wildly over the plains, and
driving the wild animals before him. As soon as
Antar marked him, he desired Shiboob to bring the
fellow to him. Shiboob went and brought him.
Son of my aunt, said Antar, what is the cause of thy
wandering thus astray? My master Bostam, he
replied, has sent me to you; he salutes you, and
informs you that he has news of your uncle from
the tribe of Kendeh; and he wishes to know whether
you desire him to come to you with a party of Shibanians,
or whether he shall join you in the land of
Kendeh.
Arab, said Antar, salute your lord, and tell him
I am able to do myself justice, with the aid of the
Lord of all power; what I shall do with the tribe of
Kendeh shall be reported to him, for I will encounter
them were they even as numerous as the
sands of the desert; but let not your master, out of
his kindness and generosity, trouble himself about
such matters: let him not quit his own country and
family. May God bless him, and his liberal conduct!
The Arab took his leave, and departed
home. But Antar felt all the fierceness of rage and
indignation. O Aboolfawaris, said Oorwah, will you
let me take my men and attend upon you. O Oorwah,
said Antar, how can I place any dependance
on you in the day of battle? I have never tried you
on any occasion. Speak not so, said Oorwah; by
the faith of an Arab, were I able this moment to
make my heart a shield to meet the spears of thy
enemy, I would do it, for I can never requite thee.
March on home, said Antar, and tell no one where
I am going. Oorwah drove on Selma's howdah,
and went home; but Antar, who regarded not his
professions, sought the land of Kendeh, and every
difficulty seemed easy to him, as thus he spoke:
"In whatever language the railers shall abuse
me, let them know that I watch while they sleep.
I rave, and I exhibit nothing novel in my love;
for were they to taste of passion, they too would
rave. Can I ever forget my afflictions in my love
for Ibla? are there any means of sheltering
myself from it? They think a moment's meeting
with thee too much, and years and years have
been past in grief and troubles. It would indeed
trouble me, were I not to see the treacheries of
fortune,—the sight of such is natural and constant."
Antar proceeded on his journey, and felt exceedingly
pleased that neither King Zoheir nor his sons
knew where he was, and could not assist him in the
conflict; and as Shiboob directed him on the road
to the tribe of Kendeh, he felt anxious to proceed
art not seen, he cried, thou knowest that an expedition
when I am alone is more agreeable to me than
horsemen and troops, be thou only my succour,
O God of those who adore thee! and thus continued
in verse:
"O bird! alas! it grieves me in the groves, and
the hand of fate points out to me my abode.
I stop, and love has engraved its characters with
the pen of my blood in the desolation of my heart.
I question it about Ibla, and the raven answers
me, What have I to do with distracted lovers?
It grieves for its mate, its passionate sorrow tortures
me, plaintive is its note, but not in articulate
words. It grieves for the excess of its passion,
and I answer it with a heart ever throbbing in
regrets! What, O raven! if thou wert my companion,
we would traverse the countries of God in
our circuit, we would wander far away; perhaps
we might see a messenger from the tribe of Abs,
through whatever land or country we might pass.
In the shades of the night the dove calls out
mournfully, complaining of the vicissitudes of
fortune. If thou wert as melancholy as I am,
I cried, thou wouldst weep for me in everstreaming
tears. O Ibla, would thy phantom
visit me, I would be satisfied, and though thou
art absent from my eyes, O daughter of Malik,
thy form ever dwells in my heart. To-morrow
the foe shall lie round thy tents, gnawing their
me when I charge through their native lands on
my steed. Let Death come in whatever form he
pleases, let him behold my sword blows and my
spear thrusts."
Antar pursued his course till he reached the
waters of the tribe of Nagil; there he turned off,
and wished to alight, when lo! a cloud of dust arose
behind him; he waited to see it, and when it cleared
there appeared an hundred horsemen in armour of
steel, and their chief was a noble of the tribe of Abs
and Adnan, Oorwah, son of Wird, who was coming
after Antar to afford him his assistance. For when
he separated from him, he conducted his sister to
the tribe of Abs, and having assembled his people,
in whom he trusted in difficulties, Know, said he,
that Antar was the most odious of men to me, but
now he is dearer than my life. Then he related all
that had passed; how he preserved his sister's honour,
and had rescued him from death. I am now
resolved to accompany him, and follow him where-ever
he goes, for he is a fortunate man; we shall be
among his abettors, and thus become the prop of
the tribe, and this will be a great additional honour
to us. This is my only reason for having quitted
him, for he is going against the tribe of Kendeh,
and is determined on attacking them alone. With
one who is endued with such fortitude and intrepidity,
we cannot but hold a glorious course, for he
will plunge into the fire of battle, and divide with
the excellencies of Antar's character to his
comrades till they agreed to act as he desired, and
they all swore obedience to Antar; so they immediately
prepared for the expedition, and on the next
day they set out, Oorwah at their head, thus reciting:
"I go to the noble hero to aid him with my
voice, my deeds, and my arm. I will aid him till
he rescue Ibla, and cut down the foe with the Indian
blade. Come on then, my cousins, let us
follow him, for he was indeed my succour in the
evil day; he liberated me when I was in captivity
and disgraced; and he released my person when
I was in chains. He protected my family—he
was the intrepid lion—he destroyed my foe, and
I succeeded in my project—and by this act I am
become, as it were, his slave. How can one deny
a man who has acted thus? By God, with no
man on earth will I associate but him; to please
him shall be my object till I am dead and interred."
They pursued their journey till they all met,
as we stated, and as they neared each other, O
Ebeulebyez, said Antar, my acts towards thee did
not merit such a return as this. Aboolfawaris, exclaimed
Oorwah, we will not die but for thee. And
they proceeded and traversed the roads till they
reached the tribe of Ghaylan, when Antar said to
Oorwah, Do you and your men alight here, whilst
hills and rocks. Antar took Shiboob, and leaving
Oorwah and his people there, the two brothers
wandered about till they at last reached a valley
abounding in trees and murmuring streams; and
as they came near to the water, they heard groans
issuing from a sorrowful heart, and some one exclaiming,
May God curse thee, O Malik, how infinite
have been thy frauds and artifices! The moment
that Antar heard these words he dismounted, and
stood listening, when lo! in a voice stronger than
at first, came these verses:
"O mother, relieve my woes with water from the
misery of thirst! Weep for me, all that behold
me, a wretched lover; my woes have destroyed
me, and grief has worn out my frame. Tears
were my relief, but now they are become blood.
I see no one that feels compassion for me, or that
can dissipate my sorrows. Sing to me, dove of
the waste, and favour a victim of love! Watch as
thou wert wont in nights of old. Here are we in
the valley of Hima, all night mourning in absence,
suffering for fidelity to vows that I ever preserved.
If my darling Ibla asks thee after me, say I am
no more; that every day was passed in passion
in this grove. O Ibla! had the enervating sentiment
of love left any power in my body, I would
not thus be grieving in a foreign land, a miserable
unhappy lover. But all that is passed is by the
will of God."
How, son of my mother, exclaimed Antar, do
these words find me awake or dreaming? Or among
the Arabs is there another Ibla and Malik, her
father? or has destiny sent me hither to rescue her
from perils? They advanced, and came to a pool
of water, where they found on its banks a black
woman exceedingly ugly, and before her was a
youth, hard-featured, strong-limbed, and much like
her, sometimes closing his eyes, and sometimes
opening them; and the woman was grieving over
him. Woman! said Antar, as he stood over her
head, who art thou? and who is this youth that is
lying before thee, and what has thus distressed him?
Arab, she replied, this is not his natural condition,
for he is a gallant horseman; but the decrees from
the great God have come upon him, and a cruel
uncle has harassed him. And what is this youth's
name? asked Antar. My lord, she replied, his
name is Antar, son of Shedad, and his mother is
Zebeeba. Our story is curious: his father captured
me among the hordes, and I bore him this son, who
grew up, and God endowed him with force and
strength. He mounted the horses, made much
plunder, and enriched his father and uncles. One
of his uncles had a daughter, with whom he was
brought up—he loved her. At last his father acknowledge
him as his son, and he continually
besought her father to marry her to him, which he
promised, but deceitfully and treacherously, because
his friends and companions abused him. He had also
him, and at last he ran away with his daughter
from place to place till he came hither, where a
celebrated warrior and renowned hero encountered
him, called Mozahim, son of Jeyash, the lord of this
valley. When he took up his abode here, he slew
her father, and lusted after her. My son in the
mean time remained wandering over the deserts on
her account, and came to this valley, I also following
him, always crying out to him, till he reached
this spot, and threw himself down in this state as
you see; and it is now three days that we have
been in this condition.
Whilst the woman was speaking, Antar meditated,
and was quite amazed. Woman! said he,
has he a brother called Shiboob? No, she replied,
by the truth of the unseen Knower of all things!
She is like our mother Zebeeba, said he to Shiboob;
and verily, I am quite alarmed at this calamity.
Well, he continued, and does he who has taken
Ibla prisoner—Ibla, the daughter of this youth's uncle, reside in this valley? Yes, she replied, and
we are in the greatest danger, for were he to know
of our situation, our fates would be at hand.
Now this was a renowned warrior—a tyrant—
whom fire could not touch. He was a shedder of
blood, a violater of women, and morning and evening
he practised his iniquities. His sole desire and
object was cattle, that he might plunder—crimes
that he might perpetrate—debaucheries that he
drink. He listened not to the voice of the railer,
and he never was to be deterred from his villanous
proceedings. It was he who having driven away
the inhabitants of this valley, caught some young
lions, and brought them up till they became huge
animals: he tamed them, and whenever he rode out,
they roamed round him; and when he staid in his
den they guarded him also. On this account the
Arabs called him the Father of Lion-cubs—Aboolcshbal:
and when that damsel fell into his hands,
he dragged her into this valley, and demanded of
her what man desires of woman. But she would
not listen to him, but answered him with abuse; he
smiled at all she said, and gave himself up entirely
to her, and sought by every means to attach her to
him.
Now when Antar came, his abode could not be
discovered on account of the quantity of bushes.
But Abjer smelt out the lionesses, and started
back. Antar doubled his legs to dismount, and
proceeded on foot. He drew forth Dhami, and
rushed in, saying to Shiboob, Hold Abjer whilst I
settle this affair. He soon beheld a spacious dwelling,
and a tent pitched; a horse ready bridled, a
long spear, and a sword suspended. Abooleshbal
was seated in front of his habitation, and before him
was a wild ass; and he was cooking over a fire; and
by his side was a goblet of wine as big as the belly
of a camel ten months gone with young. The damsel
cried she; never will I betray my cousin Antar, no,
not even were you to cast me into this fire. Abooleshbal,
enraged, was about to kill her, when she
cried out, Where are thine eyes, O Antar, that thou
mightest see me thus cruelly, infamously used?
Antar really imagined it was his cousin Ibla: he
almost expired; he gave a howl that made the
mountains rock, and the lions roared. Antar attacked
them with his irresistible scimitar, and his
brother Shiboob followed him with his arrows. God
has hastened vengeance and death on you, cried the
damsel. He sought his lions, and found seven of
them dead; for Shiboob had killed two with his
arrows, and Antar five with his sword. Amongst
them all there was one brute with a long red mane,
with immense talons. It looked at its master, and
sprang upon Antar like the descent of Fate and
Destiny. But Antar met the beast with his Dhami.
The blow came down just between the eyes, and
the sword issued flaming between the thighs.
When Abooleshbal saw the effects of that stroke,
he was aghast; he shouted out to two lions, and let
them loose into the desert. And as he advanced towards
Antar, You know me not, he cried; and they
rushed at once at each other, well matched in the
contest.
Abooleshbal soon said to Antar, Wilt thou wrestle?
Willingly, said Antar. So they threw aside their
swords, and returned to the conflict. He was greatly
contest, he dashed at him with a vast roar. The
mountains echoed back the terrifying sound, and
the lions quaked with fear: he grappled with him,
he grasped him between the thighs with his right
hand, and raising him up above his shoulder, till
the black of his arm-pit appeared, O by Abs! he
cried, I will not be resisted. I am the lover of Ibla;
I will not be controlled; and dashed him on the
ground, and smashed his length into his breadth: he
again took to his sword; he cut him through his jugular
vein, and severed his head from his shoulders.
May your arm be never palsied, exclaimed the girl,
or your wife made captive; and may never any one
harm you! and thus she eulogised him:
"God prosper thee for a noble youth of the thrust
in the day of battle, and the struggle of equals.
O knight of knights! O lion of war! O asylum of
the Adnanian horsemen! O cleaver of heads! O
crown of glory! Thou hast converted my fears
into security! May the pillar of thy sword make
thee a horseman to subdue the kings of Cahtan!
O thou defender of the age, my limbs and my
tongue will sing thy praises. O thou, who
honourest the age with thy existence, and raisest
men to high distinction by thy deeds, mayest thou
be secure, and live under the shadow of happiness
as long as the lightning flashes over Hedjaz!"
Antar thanked her for her compliments, and rejoiced
at this virtuous act. He ordered Shiboob to
He then went forth, and there found the boy, and
the woman, who was soothing him with her conversation.
As soon as she saw Ibla and Antar, her
heart was near bursting. She instantly jumped up,
and kissed Antar's hands and feet; on which he
dismounted, and seating himself by the head of the
youth, he said to his cousin, Come, and speak to
him; for it is only the disorder of lovers; nothing
can dispel it but the beloved object; that is the only
physician. The damsel approached, and spoke to
him; whilst Antar gently offered him some food.
The youth recovered, and returning to himself, he
exclaimed—
"Alas! for my heart that passion has melted,
by glances cast at me from the edge of a sword.
If I say he is a scimitar—he is a drawn scimitar.
If I say he is a bow—here are the arrows. Thou
hast brought me to life again, O knight of the
land, through whom the hand of fortune has administered
peace to me. Openly will I thank
thee as long as I am able: O thou, my generous
benefactor!"
Antar, on hearing this commendation, thanked
him; but the youth, now that he felt restored to
life, turned towards Antar, saying, My lord, I
anxiously hope you will be so obliging as to take
me with you as one of your assistants, for I cannot
separate myself from you. Take some nourishment,
replied Antar, and go to your cousin, so that
your heart be cooled: as long as you live I will
protect you, but be not called by that name, or you
will meet your death, for I have numerous enemies
among the Arab tribes. Then making him a present
of a string of camels that belonged to Abooleshbal,
he bade him farewell, and quitted him, and
he continued his course, rapt in meditation. But
they had not proceeded, when, lo! a dust arose,
and twenty stout horsemen appeared beneath it;
with them was considerable plunder, and they were
on their way home. As soon as they saw Antar,
they turned towards him. Dismount, said one of
the horsemen from your horse, and surrender. Accursed
be your father, exclaimed Antar, go your
way, and keep what you have already gained. On
hearing this, they laughed at him. I will soon
convert your smiles into tears, he added, and he
instantly attacked the first, and smote him, and
severed his head from his shoulders. As soon as
his companions saw this blow, May God blast your
right hand! cried they, how vigorous are your
blows! Who are you, noble knight? I am Antar,
son of Shedad, he replied. When they recognised
him, they fled into the wastes, fearing the power of
his sword. Antar drove on the camels, and as he
drove them, thus he recited:
"Long has my anxiety and my passion endured;
nought but thee do I wish for, and without thee
I am not comforted. I am going towards thee,
may revive from sorrow and inquietude. I have
seen Abooleshbal in the tumults among lions; he
a lion, red-haired and tough of heart; I charged
among them, and I soon felled them to the ground
in my vigour, my resolution, and my impetuosity.
Abooleshbal too turned upon me, but I cut him
down instantly, hand over head. Armies opposed,
eager to strip me—all patient heroes, hardened
in fight. But I implore relief from my Creator
in thy embraces; O thou the hope of my heart
among the world!"
When Antar had finished, Shiboob urged on the
spoil and plunder, and they traversed the wastes
and wilds till they rejoined Oorwah and his comrades,
who congratulated him on his safety, and to
their inquiries, he informed them about Abooleshbal
and the damsel Ibla, and her cousin Antar. Oorwah
was amazed at his liberal conduct, and was in
the greatest consternation. Antar divided the spoil
with Oorwah and his men, and soon after they resumed
their journey towards the land of Kendeh,
like lions in steel, Antar at their head, and Oorwah
by his side, and thus he spoke:
"Verily I have been oppressed with the calamities
of fortune, and I have been overwhelmed
by it in perils and enemies. How long must I
endure in battles horrors that blind and bewilder
the senses of every youthful hero! Every day I
am engaged in endless contests, that would crush
meetings, absences, and every intolerable goading
oppression. O Ibla! how many terrible tumults
have I endured for thee among the Arabs and
Persians! How many lion-hearted, princely horsemen
have I slain with the spear and sword,
intrepid heroes in the day of terrors, undaunted
warriors in quest of prey!"
This was their situation; but Malik, Ibla's father,
when he fled from the land of Bostam, son of Kais,
went and demanded protection from the Arab tribes.
He wandered far over the deserts, and whatever
tribe he halted at, when they knew who he was, expelled
him, for they were alarmed at the sword of
Antar. Thus he continued, till he came to the
tribe of Kendeh, and this was an exceedingly powerful
clan. He introduced himself to the King
Amroo, taking his son with him; they kissed his
hands, requesting his protection: he took compassion
on them, and feasted them for three days.
On the fourth day he sent for them, and asked them
who they were, and why they had halted in his
land. O King! they replied, we are of the noble
tribe of Abs. The King, on hearing this, said,
O Malik, could not your cousins protect you?
They are the strongest of the Arab tribes, and their
power the most universal. Upon this he acquainted
him with the story of his nephew Antar, and what
had passed between him and his daughter. As
Amroo listened, he felt assured that Malik was a
know that he had plotted the destruction of his
country, and its entire annihilation. King Amroo
pitched a tent for him by his own dwelling, and assigned
him servants and handmaidens; and as he
staid with him a long time, he frequently, with his
son, rode out to pay their compliments to the King;
but one day they perceived all the family in confusion,
and the horsemen all mounted. On asking
the reason, they told him that the son of the King's
sister, famed in war, was on his way, and that all
the people had come forth to meet him. Malik
therefore accompanied the horsemen, and was amazed
at the immense concourse of Arabs. Soon appeared
Mas-hil, son of Tarak, and before him marched
seven hundred horsemen in coloured dresses, and
with gold maces. He was a terrific object, but
quite a youth like a brilliant moon, broad-shouldered
and strong-limbed; and as he approached,
all the horsemen crowded round him, eager to kiss
his hand. When Malik saw this, he also followed
the Arab custom, and went up to Mas-hil, and
saluting him, expressed his affection for him. O
Sheikh! said Mas-hil, truly this country is honoured
in your presence, and he continued praising
him till Malik again kissed his hand. And when the
multitude had retired, and the glasses were circling
freely round, and the girls and boys were dancing,
said King Amroo to Mas-hil, What is it that has
brought you hither at this moment? I am come,
in marriage. She has been often mentioned to
me, so I have presented myself here, and I wish
you would assist me. Truly this damsel is well-favoured,
said he, much surprised, and the hand of
God has contributed to her charms; moreover, I
say nothing to you but what is perfectly true. I
am anxious, said Mas-hil, to see her before the contract,
if your wife will but aid me; when the women
come to congratulate her on my arrival, Ibla and
her mother will be of the party. I will put on the
garments of your daughter Najia, and will seat
myself by the side of her mother. When this conversation
was over, he went to his aunt, and told
her all his story, and in the morning she dressed
him in her daughter's clothes, and placed him by
her side, and invited the women in. They all came,
and Ibla and her mother too. But Mas-hil was in
ecstasies; he was quite enraptured, and his pride
and glory were humbled; he was in torture till the
women departed, when he stripped off the clothes,
and felt like a drunken man; he put on his own
garments, and could not account for this revolution
in his feelings. In haste he repaired to his uncle,
and in the greatest agitation. All present stood up.
Mas-hil went towards his uncle, and related all that
had passed. King Amroo turned towards Malik:
Know, O Arab, said he, that the son of my sister
entertains the strongest friendship for you; he was
talking to me last night about it, and he said, O
go home with me, that I may load them with kindnesses.
Now truly he is a horseman of the universe,
his sword has conquered all from Yemen to
Irak; his commands are strictly obeyed: I told him
your adventures, and the circumstance of the slave
who was educated in your tent. Uncle, said he to
me, were he not a man of noble pride and dignity,
he would not have emigrated into a foreign land.
In addition, he told me he was come to demand
your daughter in marriage, and would give her all
he possessed, and this is what has passed. When
Ibla's father heard this, his joy was great; O King,
said he, the God of heaven knows my intentions,
and has now realised all my expectations. Do as
you please, and make me one of your slaves; here
is my hand as a proof of my sincerity, and in confirmation
of what I say. He made the contract
with Mas-hil, son of Tarak; feasts were prepared,
and the good tidings promulgated, and the slave
girls all shouted in delight. About evening, Ibla's
father returned home, Mas-hil having invested
him with a splendid robe, and made him presents,
and given him some richly-caparisoned steeds, and
instantly told Ibla all that had passed; but when she
heard this news, she beat herself violently, and
screamed aloud, weeping and sighing piteously. As
to Mas-hil, he set out that very night on his journey
home, that he might despatch the marriage donation
and dowry, which consisted of a thousand she-camels
dinars, and three thousand sheep, and fifty swift
steeds, with their armour and rending spears; and
robes of satin, and ten strings of jewels, and twenty
balls of scented musk. Early in the morning he
sent it all away with his attendants, and fixed on a
certain day for the wedding. In a few days the
marriage presents arrived in the land of Kendeh;
all the multitude were amazed at that quantity of
wealth, saying, No damsel has ever seen the like
that this Absian has beheld, but she deserves it and
as much more. They continued making the preparations
till there only remained three days of the
appointed time, and during that period arrived
Antar. Happening to reach the land by night, he
dispersed Oorwah's people among the mountains,
saying, O Ebeulebyez, I am anxious to know what
is going on with Ibla in this country, for certainly
they will provide her a new husband. I want much
to go among the dwellings, and I will soon return
with intelligence. What would you be about?
cried Shiboob. You, just like a huge bull! I am
the only person for such a project. I fear, said
Antar, that my uncle may recognise you. I will
not let him discover me, said Shiboob, were I even
to stand close to him. And he went to his travelling
bag and took out some women's clothes, which he
put on, and having veiled himself, he slung over his
shoulders a water bag. Antar and Oorwah were
astonished at his contrivance. You are indeed like
the young Banah. These are her clothes, said he;
she is my mistress, and I am her lover. And he set
out for the tents of the tribe of Kendeh, and repaired
to the dwellings of King Amroo, moving and
swaggering his shoulders like a woman. He perceived
the tents destitute of horsemen, for they
were gone out to the plain, and the families were
occupied in festivities. The unmarried girls were
playing about and beating the cymbals and musical
instruments, and the slaves were brandishing their
swords and shields, and their countenances appeared
glistening with joy.
When Shiboob saw this, he advanced towards
them, and mixing with them, looked towards a tent,
on the outside of which was a brilliant illumination
of lamps and candles. Being convinced that this
must be the nuptial pavilion, he made a great noise,
and began to play, and mingled with the women
and slave girls, and danced till he attracted the attention
of all present; and they all crowded round
him, staring at him whilst he sang, for he knew his
voice would reach Ibla:
"Fawn of the huntsman, thy captor is come; say
not he is not come; lo! here he is—certain are
all thy hopes. Rejoice in the aid of the sword of
thy hero. Understand the tale I tell thee: how
long wilt thou delay? Joy is now descending on
thy home, and will ever endure summer and
winter."
Now Ibla was at that moment listening to the
music from the tent. She signified her wish to sing
and play with the other damsels, and thus addressed
Shiboob:
"O wanderer of the desert, dancer of the tent—
the lion is the noble animal that affords refuge
after excess of pain—this is indeed a period of my
joy in thee. All my sorrows and griefs have
vanished. My joy depends on thee, O Chief!
Approach, for I am here as one dead!"
When Shiboob heard these words, he pretended
being tired, and sat down near the tent. Just at
that time Ibla also appeared and looked at him, and
as he was dressed in woman's clothes, This damsel
cannot be a Kendeyan maid, she said; she must be
a damsel of Shedad's. Then went pit-a-pat Shiboob's
heart; but he turned towards her; and calmed her
mind, and uncovered his face. She recognised him.
O Shiboob! said she, where is my cousin Antar?
Here he is, replied Shiboob, hard by, and with him
his friend Oorwah, and a hundred horsemen. We
arrived here last night, and I am come to procure
intelligence of you: I shall return and inform him.
Shiboob, said she, there are still three days for the
marriage with Mas-hil, son of Tarak; but let that
rather be the means of separation. Return immediately
and tell him my situation; but let him not
think of assaulting the tribe, he must lie in wait
for me till I set out; then let him rush forth, and
slay all that are with me. Do you seize the bridle
All, all, must taste of death; bid Antar not to spare
even my father.
Shiboob having heard this, returned to Antar,
and related to him all that Ibla had told him.
Antar was in agony for three days; his disquietudes
and anguish were unceasing.
Now Malik, Ibla's father, from the moment he
had betrothed his daughter to Mas-hil, never saw
her but overwhelmed in tears and sorrow; yet he
never rebuked her. But when she learnt this account
of her cousin, her distress vanished, and she
began to eat and drink, and clothe herself in the
rich robes which Mas-hil had sent her. Her father
observed this, and made a thousand useless conjectures
about it. At last, he mentioned the subject
to his son, saying, My son, Ibla appears happy and
pleased; and her sorrow is turned into joy. I am
persuaded she has intelligence of Antar; and I fear
he will encounter us on the road, and mar our fortunes:
this Antar is my horror. So he despatched
a letter to Mas-hil—
"Know, mighty King, that I have been harassed
several times by my nephew, and I fear he will
meet us on the road; and his attack is replete with
death. It would be better that you should come
and receive your bride, and return home with her."
When Malik's letter reached Mas-hil, he smiled
in astonishment. I will go for her, said he; fortunate
if this black should come into the country,
Malik enjoy all that can give him pleasure. So he
gave directions instantly to his horsemen and his
troops to make preparations for a journey. He himself
mounted with a hundred black horsemen, harsh-featured
fellows; and they pursued their course
eagerly and rapidly till they reached the tribe of
Kendeh. Mas-hil went to his uncle's, and told him
of Malik's letter. What's all this? said Amroo to
Malik. Who is this Antar, that he should venture
into this country and annoy this Knight, who is the
destroyer of horsemen?
Malik returned home, and ordered the slaves and
handmaidens to make the camels kneel down, and
fasten on the baggage. Ibla was elegantly dressed;
he raised her into the howdah. The Kendehan
women came out with her, and before them went
the richly-harnessed horses, and the slaves, brandishing
their swords; all headed by Mas-hil, son
of Tarak, and Malik, Ibla's father. The people
rejoiced at this event, and Ibla pretended to be
overjoyed; whilst every moment she lifted up the
curtain of the howdah, and looked about to the right
and left. Ibla, said her mother, who was by her
side, I could have been persuaded that on such a
day as this you would be drowned in tears; but I
see you all brilliant with joy: what is the meaning
of this? My mother, I was in a distant land, and
despaired of ever returning home, said Ibla; but
now I have beheld this beautiful Knight, all my wits
the life of my father's head, this Knight is dearer to
me than any human being; and had I the power
over Antar, I would gnaw his flesh, and drink his
blood, for I am indeed vexed at what I have suffered,
and at having irritated my family. And her
mother was well pleased at the change.
Thus they continued till they reached the defiles
where Antar was concealed. Shiboob was reconnoitring
on some of the sand-hills like a cunning
fox; and he cried out to his brother, O thou black-born,
the howdahs and camels are approaching. The
instant Antar heard this, he sprang on Abjer's back,
and girded on his irresistible Dhami, and his long
spear. Oorwah and his people did the same. Antar
wished to explain to Oorwah his plan for the battle.
O Ebe-ool Ebyez, said he, this is Ibla that is coming,
and the troops protect her. Mas-hil her lover is
behind. Which do you prefer? Will you meet the
enemy with your men? and shall I take the bridle
of Ibla's camel? Or, will you conduct her camel,
and guard her whilst I drive away the troops? O
Aboolfawaris, said Oorwah, let me protect Ibla,
and do you drive away the enemy from us. Antar
smiled, and said Yes; and I am the man to drink
of their cups, I am their slayer, and their destroyer.
When thus I rush out against the party, do you and
your comrades protect Ibla, and away with her to the
valley. Let none of your men attack them till they
then let them make the assault, and aid me.
And forth he issued from the mouth of the valley
like a gust of wind, till coming up to the howdah
of Ibla, he shouted at the slaves, and fell into
the midst of them, plundering their souls; his uncle
was stupefied with fear and terror. The slaves
shrunk from the carnage, whilst he sung from his
saddle, and thus recited:
"This day shalt thou see a day when the battle
will blaze, and lives shall be cut off by the sword;
a day that shall frighten all that witness it. In it
shall be blood, and the sharp-edged swords shall
clash. Brave men shall drink of the cup of fate,
and heroes be hurled from their saddles. Away
with laughter and jest, and mirth. They shall
be in battle, and in the turbulent conflict. Here
shalt thou see me in the field of war, hewing off
heads with the sword, whose edge is pain. I will
abandon warriors on the plain of contest, laid low
and stretched out ghastly with anguish. Heroes
shall be struck down; armour cleft in twain, and
confusion reign in the dust of the conflict."
As soon as Antar had finished these verses, he
shouted to his uncle, Son of an adulteress, whithersoever
thou goest, behind thee comes erasing fate,
and the turbulent lion. Malik was stupefied; he
speedily retired towards Mas-hil, to inform him of
this accident, whilst Antar took the bridle of Ibla's
And art thou alive, and in health? O Aboolfawaris!
replied she. O ornament of every circle! lord of
the bold heart and intrepid soul! hero of the tall
spear! Thus he addressed her:
"O Ibla! daughter of Malik, son of Carad,
love of thee has sunk into my heart. Soon will
I meet them with the tearing thrust of the spear,
till my heart is appeased. I will smite their heads
with the polished scimitar—I will bew off their
skulls, and cut their throats—I will ravage their
cultivations and lands, and will glut the wild
beasts with their carcases. I am Antar, noble
and zealous. He who is nobly born! yes; he
that is strong in battle, shall be called on the day
of carnage a Shedadean!"
Foul wretch! exclaimed her mother, didst thou
not tell me thy cousin was nothing to thee, but
truly I suspected thee when I saw thee turning
about to the right and left. Now the slaves all fled
towards Mas-hil, and told him of the sad event.
His eyeballs turned fiery-red; then galloping towards
his troops: I am the knight of Yemen, and
Irak, he roared. He stopped not till he came up
with Antar at the opening of the valley, and thus
taunted him:
"Has a tender of camels taken my bride captive?
And has he wounded me with the arrow of
separation? Has he seized the fawn that enslaved
my heart with the magic of her eyelashes and
were he even to bear her away on the steeds of
Ootak. I will make her slave drink of the cup
of death with a spear! and I will annihilate
the Absian Chiefs with finely-edged swords. I
will leave their lands whelmed in affliction. Women
shall ever remember the catastrophe! I am
a lion, whose name is known from the land of
Room even to Irak."
Whilst Mas-hil spoke, Antar listened; and instantly
he replied:
"O Mas-hil, instead of embraces and kisses, behold
the thrusts with the well-shapen spear, and
fatal blows from the hand of the nobly-descended
lion, high raised above his fellows. Instead of
Ibla are the cleaving strokes of scimitars and
thrusts of spears, tearing out the eyeballs. I am
the well-known warrior, whose fame is spread
over every region. Behold! how horsemen smite
the breasts of their antagonists, but my thrust is
through the throat and the eye-ball! Cowards
pride themselves on the extent of their wealth,
but my pride is in the steeds of Otak. See!
death is on my javelin's point—See! at one
thrust life is extinct—See! how glory belongs to
me alone, and after me, no higher honour can
wait the most ambitious—See! how I have surpassed
every warrior, and truly my attack has
checked every foe. Now tell the Kendeyans what
thou hast seen, for the hour of thy death and thy
wishes, for if once thou meetest me, thou wilt
never return!"
No sooner had he concluded, than he rushed
upon Mas-hil. They thrust with their spears—
they smote with their swords, and the bird of fate
was flying over them. The dust arose in black
clouds, and Mas-hil perceived in Antar what confounded
his senses; but he concealed his anguish,
braved every thing with patience and perseverance.
Again the thick dust rolled up, when, lo! a troop
overtook Antar from the sides of the plain: he
rushed upon his antagonist like a lion, and thrust
at him the spear of rage and fury; he rent open
his corslet and coat of mail; he tore out his entrails
and his heart, and he hurled him at his full length
upon the ground. Then he assaulted the troop,
and soon brought down disgrace and misery upon
them. Terrified they were as they perceived the
destruction of Mas-hil, the knight of the world;
but they engaged Antar, till despairing of success,
and seeing death was at his command, they dispersed
away from him, and joined their rear. Ibla's
father and brother continued their flight, till they
reached the tribe of Kendeh, and in the fulness of
their agony and distress they exclaimed, O Kendeyans!
misfortune has come upon you; war has
suddenly overwhelmed you! death is nigh at hand.
At this the horsemen advanced thick as a shower of
rain when it pours; King Amroo mounted and
done. Overtake, said they, your nephew, before
death descend upon him, and this voracious lion
destroy him. Speak not thus, O Malik, said King
Amroo, for I am under no alarms for the son of my
sister; let your black come, he will never return.
'Tis thy fears that dictate these expressions. He
then hastened to the foe, and the troops behind
closed upon him like the waves of the stormy sea,
when, lo! the troops that had accompanied Mas-hil
hurried towards him, screaming and shouting. Some
of them advanced, and told him what had happened;
his heart was near bursting—he halted: How evil
and inauspicious, he exclaimed, has been the face
of Malik and his daughter to us! To his horsemen
he called out, and they slackened their bridles,
fixed their spears, and sought the summits of the
mounds and sand-hills. Antar, when all had fled,
stood over the carcase of Mas-hil, stretched out
like the mountain side; he smote it with Dhami,
and as he cut it in two, he thus exclaimed:
"Favourite of the songstress! I have left him
dead, a plenteous prey for the spotted serpent's
maw. My hands with a speedy thrust reached
him, and the blood gushed out, and he weltered
in his gore. I rent with the sturdy spear his
heart; however noble may be the hero, the spear
is not to be resisted. I have left him a prey to
wild beasts, that they may feed on him—that
they may gnaw his head and arms. I am one
regal standard from a king. I will urge my steed
into the dust, and he will plunge into it, champing
the bit and snorting; but when he sees that
I mind not his distress, he shows his grinders,
but neighs no more. I have pierced him with the
spear, and have raised him on high on the point
of my sharp-edged Indian scimitar."
Neither did he cease till he saw the desert all
black, and dust extending along the plain, troops
pressing on him, and warriors shouting at him.
Heroes advanced in haste towards him. Horsemen
appeared on all four sides, each exclaiming, By the
faith of an Arab, I will not permit thee to return
home, thou foulest of blacks, for thou hast slain a
warrior whose equal the world cannot boast; and
we must destroy thee to avenge him. As soon as
Antar perceived the sparkling of scimitars and the
glittering of spear-barbs, and the din of shouts and
cries, he shook with rage and fury, so that all
his armour nearly flew off from his body: he was
scarcely sensible to whom he was speaking, or with
whom he was fighting. But as pride and ardour
seized him, he thus exclaimed:
"When I behold the steeds pouring down in
numbers, and snorting, I meet them without a
roar. They call on Antar, and their spears are
like a descent of locusts on a towering sand hill.
They call on Antar, and their studded breastplates
are like the eyes of frogs in a pool of water;
star and chest of my steed, till he is all besmeared
with blood. But should he bolt away from the
fall of the spear, I still urge him on; then he
complains to me, and gently neighs. But the
horses are stern and sour-looking, as if their riders
had drunk of the cup of coloquintida."
Anon he rushed upon the advancing troops, his
heart harder than stone, and his mind like the waves
of the sea when it roars. He smote off heads with
his sword, he dealt severing blows, and drove penetrating
thrusts; and when the troops closed upon
him, he shouted in their faces, and they were driven
back upon their rear, tossing the riders from their
backs, till his arms slackened of their vigour, and
he beheld the day like night. Upon this King
Amroo called out to his men, and threw himself on
Antar, steady as the noblest of heroes. Matters
were in this state, when lo! a dust appeared among
the mountains, and there started forth some swarthy-complexioned
horsemen, crying out, O by Abs! O
by Adnan! And when they approached the plain,
they uncovered their heads and cast aside their garments,
and exposed their lives to death; they poured
down like eagles, and thrust at the foremost of the
troops.
Now Oorwah, as soon as Shiboob came up to him
bringing Ibla, stationed ten men to protect her, and
with the remainder he made the attack, when he saw
the Kendehans surround Antar, and attack him
cousins, attack truly and sincerely, said he to his
comrades, for this is the first time we have ever
fought with Antar. Let us remove from him this
affliction, that he may acknowledge it as long as he
lives. It was the intention of Oorwah by this discourse
to make them behold Antar's exploits, and
teach them firmness for future occasions. When
Oorwah's comrades perceived Antar's unshaken resolution
in assaulting the warriors, their hearts were
like mountains, and they did as Oorwah commanded;
they endured patiently all the horrors of the conflict,
they assaulted with the utmost impetuosity,
and exhibited the firmest courage and determination.
Again Antar's powers expanded: where he thrust,
he slew; where he struck, he cleft; where he attacked
a whole body, he made it retreat. The dust
arose and thickened—the horses feet played with
the skulls as if with balls—and all that were present
on that day wished they had never been born, had
never stirred, and had never moved on the earth.
Antar heard his uncle's shouts, and his voice crying
out to the Kendehans, Assault this black, this
infernal black, who has slain Mas-hil; destroy him
whilst he is engaged in slaughter. Fear not those
who have aided him, for they are only common
fellows. When Antar heard these words, he attacked
him, urged on by his feelings, and overtook
him. Malik endeavoured to fly, but Antar grasped
hold of him, and seized him by his rings, and clung
Shiboob soon bound him fast; his son made an
attempt to defend his father, but lo! an arrow struck
his horse's scrotum, and overthrew him. Shiboob
was on him before he could recover himself, and
bound him also, and away he went into the valley
with them both. The intelligence was soon spread
among the Kendehans, so the horsemen and warriors
came out one after the other. The numbers increased
against the Absians, and the succour brought
against them augmented. Oorwah's men exhibited
all their courage and their zeal, whilst Antar assisted
them as a father assists his son. They were covered
with wounds, and took refuge in the valley and the
defiles, for they were exhausted with striking and
thrusting; and as soon as night clothed the world
in darkness, they were surrounded by infantry and
cavalry.
King Amroo also came down to the entrance of
the passage, and in his heart there was a blazing
fire against Antar. In the evening no less than
seven thousand horsemen crowded round him, and
all were talking of Antar's exploits. My cousins,
even the Bestower of life on the world could not
have done such deeds, cried King Amroo; but if
he quits us alive after such achievements, the Arabs
will be ashamed of us, as long as the seated sit, and
the risen rise; and we shall be considered by them
as mere beasts and savages. Oorwah's men reposed
themselves. Some even expressed their disapprobation,
in this battle pretend to withstand all the
population of Yemen? but as to Antar, he is in
love. Their situation was no secret to Antar, so
he went up to Oorwah and said, O Ebe ool Ebyez,
I am aware your companions repent of what they
have undertaken; it would be better for you to
take them away, and seek safety among these hills,
and leave me alone in these difficulties, for I well
know death never advances or retards. What is
this? said Oorwah. We will never separate from
you, till the enemies' horses trample upon our heads,
and if any one of my companions repents of the enterprise,
let him take the consequences. They ate
a hearty dinner, and laid themselves down to sleep;
but Antar arose and went to Ibla, and saluting her,
kissed her between the eyes, and soothed his passion
with her. And the tribe of Kendeh reposed in
sorrows and distress.
They were in this situation when a messenger advanced
towards them in full speed over the sands:
Noble leaders, he exclaimed, know that the Chief
Bostam has plundered your wives and families, and
has ravaged your country and native land. So the
Kendehans returned to demand the restitution of
their wives and families. Antar, hearing their
shouts, wished to attack them, but Shiboob prevented
him, fearful of some stratagem on the part
of the Kendehans. Shiboob, however, in the course
communicating to his brother what he had heard of
Bostam, how he had plundered the dwellings and
tents, when a dust appeared, and black columns
arose, beneath which stood forth some swarthy
horsemen, all shouting out, O by Abs! O by Adnan!
This was an army of noble Absians, headed by King
Zoheir's sons, Shas, Malik, Noofil, and Harith, and
with them was the Chief Shedad, and his brother
Zakhmetuljewad, and a thousand illustrious horsemen:
and Oorwah's sister was the cause of their
arrival, for when he had conducted her to the
dwellings, and enjoined her not to mention the subject
to any one, she religiously kept the secret, till
she perceived the great anxiety of the men and
women on account of the absence of Antar and her
brother; upon which, exceedingly alarmed, she told
Shedad that Antar and her brother were gone to
the tribe of Kendeh to rescue Ibla, and she related
all that Antar had done in his liberality and generosity
on their return from the tribe of Ghiftan,
and also the circumstance of the messenger from
Bostam. On hearing this, Shedad went to King
Zoheir and his sons, and in great distress related
the story to them. This narrative brought tears
into the eyes of all present. March! said King
Zoheir, haste away! Take with you one thousand
horsemen, and assist him; and if you wish, I also
will set out. Shas and Malik were greatly pleased;
with Shedad and his brother, a flame burning in
their hearts, till they reached the tribe of Kendeh.
As soon as Antar saw King Zoheir's sons, he
made his obeisance, and raised his voice in prayers
for them and their father. O Aboolfawaris, said
Shas, we have indeed to reproach you, for you went
away without telling us, so had any evil happened
to you, all the men and women would have been in
the greatest affliction on your account. O great
prince, exclaimed Antar, I do not wish the Arabs
should say of me, that the chiefs of the tribe of Abs
marched out with their slave, and assisted him in
the violence of his love. My son, said his father,
under the influence of your passion, you daily expose
your life to death; and, moreover, the Arabs
are all your enemies. Then Antar told them all
that had befallen his uncle Malik in the land of
Kendeh, and how he had betrothed Ibla to Mas-hil,
whom he had slain, and made to drink of the cup
of extinction; and how Malik had excited the horsemen
against him. Antar's account filled them with
astonishment; they inquired about Malik and his
son Amroo, and Ibla, and the tribe of Kendeh. As
to Malik and his son, said Antar, they are in my
possession, well secured; the Kendehans have returned
home. And, acquainting them with Bostam's
story, he continued, I was now setting out to
his assistance, had you not arrived.
Amazed at his great success, they departed in
battle, where they saw Malik and his son in a deplorable
condition, almost dead under the pressure
of ropes and cords, so tight were they bound down.
Ah! said Shas, his heart pitying him in the presence
of the multitude, in what an unlucky hour didst
thou come into the world! Art thou not ashamed?
Thou art become a fable among the tribes. O nobles
and chiefs, by the faith of an Arab, exclaimed Malik,
I will never deliver my daughter to this black slave
whilst I have a tongue to speak, or a limb to move.
Either then make me drink of the cup of death, or
seize her for him with the hand of power, so that
my justification may be clear to the world, and my
honour unpolluted with ignominy. What induced
you to take my son's property, said Shedad, and
then refuse any return? and marry your daughter
to another man? But now as to this girl, we will
send her back to her country, and she shall not quit
our dwellings till she herself requests of her own
accord to be married; then we will marry her to
whom she pleases, and we shall be free from annoyance
and affliction. Witness for me, cried Antar,
all here, if he returns home and conceals his daughter,
I will make no demand upon him whatever; I
will not even remain near him, but I will do what
he pleases, and live with my sister Merwa in the
tribe of Ghiftan; and on his account I will abandon
family and home, and will wait for time to effect my
purpose. But should he marry her to any human
hasten his departure from this world. O Aboolfawaris,
said Shas, no blame can now attach to you,
and it is impossible for any one to object to such
conditions. Well! said Malik, I shall demand of you
this concession and acknowledgment when we have
returned home. But I, said Antar, will not return
to reside with the tribe of Abs, whilst you remain
there, unless you grant me permission to do so.
Upon this Shedad got upon his legs, and releasing
Malik, kissed him between the eyes. King Zoheir's
sons were much astonished at all this, and at his
excessive liberality, and his affection for his family
and tribe; whilst Antar endeavoured to win his
uncle with these verses:
"I have had patience, but in my love patience
is extinct. Tears have flowed till they have become
blood. O ye that depart, in my heart you
dwell—my heart thirsts after ye. What burdens
of anguish have I borne! Were Mount Redwa[9]
to endeavour to support them, Redwa's self would
be crushed by their weight. O thou, daily inflicting
me with grief, the horsemen of olden time
would sink under such burdens. Fear not, that
in my wrath, I will raise thee up on the point of
my cleaving sword; but that thou livest, and that
I have not destroyed all thou hast built up, to me
no thanks are due. But I cannot forbear when
object is high in heaven. I speak
the words of truth in advice—he that exposes
himself unnecessarily to danger is never praised,
even should he escape."
Antar now resolved on going to the assistance of
Bostam; and leaving thirty horsemen with Gheyadh
in the defile, he departed with the thousand newly
arrived warriors; Shiboob preceding, and showing
them the roads over the sand-hills, whilst his brother
Antar rode by the side of Shas.
Now when the messenger whom Bostam had sent
to Antar returned with the news that Antar had set
out against the Kendehans, and that he excused him
from the expedition, I cannot be satisfied, exclaimed
Bostam, with that reason, for it was from me Ibla's
father ran away. So he selected a thousand Shibanian
horse, and having procured his father's permission,
he departed for the land of Kendeh; and
he happened to arrive just at the time when the
marriage of Mas-hil was approaching; so he secreted
himself in the mountains, and despatched a slave to
gain some intelligence of Malik. The slave on his
return stated, that Ibla was actually married, and
that the Kendehans were employed in the marriage
feast, and on the next day were to conduct her to
her husband. Alas! cried Bostam, much distressed,
Ibla has at length slipped through Antar's hands—his anguish will be vain, and his enemies and rivals
will exult. But by the faith of an Arab, I will not
this marriage. I must exert myself to liberate her,
and show that I am the real friend of Antar. Return
to the Kendehans, continued he to the slave;
and do not leave them till you see Ibla set out.
Then hasten back, and I will show you what I will
do. The slave accordingly returned, and reposed
among the shepherds, pretending to be fatigued and
ill. In the morning, when the howdahs were raised
upon the camels, and the men and women departed
with Ibla, Bostam's slave went back and told him
the news; and his heart was near bursting that
Antar should be thus disappointed. He instantly
mounted with his men, and invaded the dwellings
and tents about evening: there he heard the sounds
of grief and lamentation on all sides, and the shrieks
of the girls and women. Cousins, cried Bostam,
what has happened to these people? I could almost
be persuaded my precaution had had some effect,
and that Antar had seized his bride, and had made
the tribe pass an evening of defeat in the death of
Mas-hil, and the dispersion of the Kendehans. So
come on, my cousins, plunder their flocks, capture
their well-shapen maidens, and congratulate yourselves
on this spoil and gain.
At the word they galloped away, and brought
down the descent of Fate and Destiny; dealing
blows among them irresistible and unsparing. All
the men that had been left behind they slew, and
they drove away the cattle and the families, and
the Kendehans leave Antar alone when they hear
this event; and thus it was that the news reached
them about morning as we mentioned.
So they quitted Antar, and sought Bostam, for
their terrors were great. They overtook him at a
spot called Jilgil, and they surrounded him on all
sides.
As King Amroo was the chief of the Kendehan
tribe, he despatched to the habitations a thousand
lion-warriors, fearful for the calamities that might
befal them. As soon as they reached Bostam, they
attacked him and his companions with all their
force. But he rushed into the fight, and aided his
men; and doing the deeds of a nobly-born Arab,
he repulsed the troops away from his people. He
tore their chests with his barbed spear, and fought
like a terrifying lion. But the Kendehans were
greatly superior in numbers to the Shibanians, and
Antar did not come up with them until they were
in extreme peril.
Bostam felt certain of death, so great was the rush
of the horsemen; and he was about to receive on his
chest the force of united spears, when lo! Antar
joined him with all his horsemen, saying, I was indeed
afraid of this, for Aboolyaczan; and he made
the assault with the troops of Abs and Adnan.
The Kendehans were struck with horror; the instant
they saw his terrible form, their bodies shook
with affright, and their complexions changed as they
Antar at their head, thus exclaiming—
"God protect thee, O Aboolyaczan! I am the
lion—the vanquisher of all antagonists. The lion
of war is come to thee; its lion is at hand, and its
exciter on the plain of opposition; the rapid brandisher
of swords in the achievements of Kings is
come to thee; the destroyer of heroes is at hand.
O Kendeh, a Knight is come against you, who will
uproot all the delights of Cahtan; one who never
waves his sparkling scimitar in the contest, but the
universe begs for quarter. How often have I
forborn! but fortune betrays me, and my enemies
would involve me in disgrace and infamy: but
now dost thou not see that kings fear me, and all
the host of heroes tremble before me? I am the
severer of heads in quest of glory; I am the discomfiter
of warriors and horsemen; Glory is my
glory; the age is my age; the time is my time,
and the station my station."
No sooner had Antar finished his verses, than the
wise men of Kendeh assembled in the presence of
the King. Know, O monarch, said they, this demon
is not alone, but the pride of Abs and Adnan
have come after him, and I fear some of them may
invade our homes, and ravage our possessions, and
capture our women; and should this conjecture be
well-founded, the destruction will be eternal.
You have taken a right view of the business, said
King Amroo; and I fear, if we protect what is of
from us; but my idea is, that you should fight and
retreat, but beware! should they put you all to confusion,
Antar will utterly destroy you, and every
trace of ye will be extirpated.
In a short time the report was published abroad
among the Kendehans, and they fought as they retreated;
but as their hearts were anxious about their
wives and children, they could exert themselves but
feebly in the battle.
When Antar perceived their situation, he directed
the spears against their chests, and urged the Absians
on to the contest. The same did Bostam with
his followers. Now the flight of the Kendehans
became general, and they dispersed to the east and
to the west, and none arrived at the dwellings but
those whose deaths were postponed.
As soon as King Amroo reached the tents, he
shouted out to his people that were there, and again
ordered them to the field of battle; and they hastened
eagerly to the assistance of their companions,
and the engagement continued on both sides till the
armies of darkness advanced, and concealed the
print of their footsteps. The Kendehans being
completely routed, retired to their tents, whilst Antar,
being aware that there was not one even to tighten
their girths, ordered his people to plunder their
flocks, but to spare the married women and families.
After this, Antar turned towards Bostam and
said, Truly, thou hast ever shown the excess of
make you a suitable compensation. He continued
thus eulogising Bostam in these verses:
"O Aboolyaczan! O full moon! O subduer of
the desert and towns! Were the ears of all other
men deafened, may thine alone be opened! O
Bostam! O thou distributer of favours out of
nothing, surpassing all that can be imagined!
Generous men we had of old, we shall never forget
them or their history; endued thou art with
modesty and goodness; a compound of all that
beneficence and nature ever formed! And all that
thou givest will be stored up for thee in eternity!
Thou art the sword of resolution! Were I to
beckon to it, it would rest sheathed in the firm-rooted
mountain!"
Bostam answered him thus:
"Hail! May greetings ever welcome thee, morning
and evening; for thou art the death of the
horseman of the wastes, and the most deserving
of praises and eulogies; for God only created
thee to be a wonder in the battle and hour of
troubles; no lion can cope with thee in the fight;
no cloud can equal thee in bounty; thou hast attained
all that is knowledge, and wit, and modesty,
and patience, in difficulties and relaxations; thou
excellest all in generosity and munificence; and
hast perfected the nobleness of thy ancestors!
Let every one that sees thee admire all that he
beholds of magnanimity and grandeur! O Aboolfawaris,
who is acquainted with fate! The bounty of thy
hand when it bestows gifts, heals and relieves a
man from the virulence of misfortunes. Thy age
is like thy resolution in action, and thy resolution
is like thy sword in fate. When fire descends on
thee, it is sweet, even as the dew that refreshes
the meads! Live for ever in wealth and eternal
glory, unchangeable and unperishable!"
Bostam imparted to Antar all the anguish he had
endured on the subject of Ibla's marriage to Mashil.
Antar also related all that had happened to
him; how enraged his uncle was against him; and
that he himself had sworn to reside no longer in his
native land. You must then, said Bostam, make
your residence amongst us in Shiban, for I was the
first that gave myself up to your service. No, said
Prince Malik, we cannot possibly permit our cousin
to abandon us, therefore do not make any irrevocable
engagement with him, so that we may arrange
his business, and terminate his affairs in his
favour.
O Prince, said Shedad, verily my son's residence
with Bostam is particularly advisable; let no more
dissensions disperse the tribe, and our lands be no
more devastated. Thus was the matter concluded:
Bostam had determined on dividing the spoil amongst
the Absians, but they all swore they would not take
a halter of it. Let our cousin Antar have it all,
and let him live on it during his stay with you.
perfect love. Shedad advanced, and thus took leave
of his son:
"You have formed a favorable opinion of fortune,
when all goes well, and you do not fear the
evil that fate may bring with it. You have escaped
also in night adventures, and you boast of it; but
in the brightness of the night, often misfortunes
occur."
CHAPTER XV.
Bostam ordered his men to drive on the flocks, and
they separated in joy and happiness; and as he engaged
Antar in conversation and social intercourse,
on the subject of Ibla, Let no man imagine, said
Antar, that he has ever endured an equal share of
anguish with me. Then he wept, and sighed, and
complained, and thus spoke:
"My patience and my transports exist when I am
moving, and when I am at rest; but my love for
Ibla is the companion of my heart. In her face, and
in the roses of her cheeks is my full moon, brilliant,
sparkling, and luminous. Her figure is graceful
as the ا (alef), and her light limbs are round
as the ن (noon), and her seat of smiles is budding
as the م (meem); musk is her smell, and from
her juices and her breath are sweet liquors
and perfumes. How is it that my heart ever pursues
its love, as we wish for the hot water in the
bath? But patience! perhaps the breezes that
pass over her residence may blow a breath from
her embraces. They are resolved to betray me;
their treachery is their faith, for perfidy is a disease
inherent in their bowels. They are wicked,
but I have to ask their pardon—and they still
them; but they ever deal in invectives, as if I
could not endure to be absent from them, and as
if I should die for love of them, and as if I could
not to endure say, ye have outraged me; for God
well knows I am indeed wronged."
They continued their journey till mid-day, when
Antar suddenly checked his progress, and said to
Bostam, O my brother, my heart is very uneasy
about the tribe of Kendeh, for should they learn
our situation, and that we all have taken different
routes, they may pursue my cousins, and may
chance to slay some of King Zoheir's sons. Do
order your horsemen to drive away these flocks,
and you and I with ten horsemen will return towards
my cousins, that we may be assured of their
security. As you please, said Bostam; and he ordered
his people to drive away the camels and
flocks; and after he had selected ten horsemen,
they set out traversing the deserts, Shiboob going
before them, pointing out the roads till they reached
the valley, where, on their first arrival, they had
been concealed. Here they attentively contemplated
the roads and tracks, but they could perceive
nothing but the print of the horses feet turned towards
home. Thus were Bostam and Antar: but
as to the Absians, as soon as they were at a distance
wandering over the deserts, their bosoms felt distressed
on account of the loss of Antar. Well,
said Shas, to Malik, Ibla's father, this business has
remain alone in a foreign land. And soon their
conversation and animosity increased in violence,
when Prince Malik came up and separated them,
saying, My cousins, do not quarrel in this land, for
we are still amongst our enemies, and he about
whom you are quarrelling has preferred quitting us
to living with you. Thus they continued till they
left the land of Kendeh, but Shas's rage and indignation
were intense. He marched on ahead
with half of the army, and also Shedad, Antar's
father, whilst Malik, King Zoheir's son, remained
behind with five hundred men, and Ibla went quietly
on with him, for his mind was superior to Shas's,
and he showed courtesy to all. At length they
came into a country called Riyab, abounding in
lakes, and the wild animals were ranging far and
wide. It happened that the party were in want of
provisions on account of their distant journey, and
many of them were hungry. Being much distressed,
they stated their complaints to Malik; so he told
them to mount their steeds: Come on to the hunt,
said he, and let not one return, but with sufficient provisions
for himself, and his comrades, and associates.
Malik mounted a swift mare, and employed himself
in spearing the beasts and stretching them on the
sands, galloping among them right and left, until he
separated from his party and his troops, and as he
was much engaged with the immense quantity of
game, he roamed far among the wilds, watching his
round the desert right and left, and whilst he was
contemplating the wastes and sand-hills, behold,
one of the desert standing in the plain, and before
him a camel lying down, and behind him a damsel,
and she held the Bedoween's horse. As soon as the
damsel saw Malik standing on the top of a sandhill,
she made signs to him with her hand, that she
demanded his aid. Malik understood her wishes,
but he would not assent to her demand, for, said he
to himself, haply she may be his wife or sister, and
something may have occurred, that may render it
improper to assist her, so he resolved on returning
to his party, fearful of the accidents of fortune.
But the damsel let go the horse from her hand,
and struck it on the face, and it fled over the wilds.
O Arab, catch your horse, cried she to the Bedoween.
Upon that he quitted the camel, and pursued the
horse till he overtook it; he caught it by the halter
and returned. But no sooner had the Bedoween
departed in quest of his horse, than the damsel ran
up to Malik and demanded his assistance. Wherefore,
said Malik, do you demand my protection
against him? Is he your husband or your relation?
No, said she, I and my countrymen were returning
home, when this demon met us; he slew my cousins;
and she wept. When Malik heard this, his
heart pitied her, for he was a prince, and the son of
a prince, and a noble Absian. Well, said he, congratulate
yourself on the end of your troubles and
on his horse, and perceiving Malik in conversation
with his damsel, his eyeballs started into the top of
his head; he grasped his spear, and rushed upon
him: Foul Arab! said he, what horseman art thou
that dost venture to converse with the damsels of
the brave? I am surnamed the crashing thunder
and the deluging cloud, and called Feyaz the depredator!
Instantly each attacked his adversary,
and they commenced the fight and contest. Malik
met him with a spear, and cried out in a loud voice.
The Bedoween parried his thrust, and twisting the
spear out of his hand, he attacked him like a lion,
and seizing Malik by the rings of his corslet, he
cried out, O by Cahtan! and dragged him off his
horse's back; he took him captive and bound him,
degraded and in misery: but when he remarked
the beauty of his person, and his garments, and his
armour, he was convinced he was some great personage:
Youth, said he, of what tribe art thou?
Speak the truth, or I will make thee drink of the
cup of death and perdition. Truth becomes the
noble, and falsehood is repugnant to the generous
Arab chief, replied Malik, I am of no despicable
birth, nor is my wealth mean. I am Malik, son of
Zoheir, King of the tribes of Abs and Adnan, and
Fazarah and Ghiftan, and Marah and Dibyan.
Bravo, bravo! cried the other, thou, by heaven,
wert one of my chief objects; through thee will I
take my revenge, and will liberate my cattle. Upon
his arms and shoulders, and tied him on the back of
his horse, and marched towards his own country,
saying, Never shalt thou be released from my power,
till thou deliverest up to me thy father and thy slave
Antar, that I may sacrifice them as I would a ram,
otherwise I will execute every cruelty upon thee.
What is the reason of this? inquired Malik. Know,
said he, that I am the lover of one of our damsels,
and I demanded her in marriage of her father, to
whom I offered all my property, sheep, he and she
camels: but he refused me, saying, I will not marry
you to my daughter, unless you bring me the head
of him who murdered my son, and avenge his fate.
On whom, said I, is your vengeance to be taken?
On a black of the tribe of Abs, he answered, he is
their herdsman, and their horseman, and their protector,
for he plundered our flocks and captured our
wives and families, and he slew my son, and he is
but a camel-driver, and now I have sworn not to
marry my daughter, but to him who shall bring me
his head. Upon this I engaged to slay this son of
filth, your black Antar, and I quitted not my tents
till I had made a contract upon this point with him.
So I set out on my way to your country, and fell
by chance on this girl; I slew her countrymen, and
carried her off. Again I set out, and fell by chance
on you, Prince Malik, and through you will I succeed
in my projects. When Malik heard this, he
rested all his hopes on a stratagem, and sought his
the road is nigh, for last night only I quitted Antar
in the land of Riyab, and with him were but ten
horsemen. Away against your enemy, if you are,
as you proclaim yourself, a noble horseman! O by
the Arabs! was all the Bedoween's reply, for he
was highly delighted and rejoiced. If you have
spoken the truth, said he, I will release you from
this bondage. Could but my eyes light upon Antar,
I would take him prisoner were there even a thousand
brave horsemen with him; but I shall now
rest till morning, and your black will then appear,
for as soon as he is aware of your disappearance, he
will not proceed on his journey, but will undoubtedly
come and seek you, and he must pass by this road,
for his good luck and fortune have abandoned him.
Upon this he dismounted and reposed till the day
dawned, when he lashed the damsel and Prince
Malik to the backs of two of his horses, and proceeded
without further delay. About three hours
after, behold a man on foot speeding over the desert,
and before him fled the deer, whom he overtook
and grasped by the horns, and when the Bedoween
saw him, he stared at him in amazement, surprised
at the force of his muscles and the strength of his
knees; and whilst he was looking at him, behold
ten horsemen advanced towards him, all immersed
in steel, and enveloped in breastplates of bright
metal, and in front of them was a knight like an
hyena. When the Bedoween remarked the magnificence
of their steeds, and the smallness of their numbers,
he made towards them, eager to seize them. They
also observed with surprise the camel and the man
bound with cords to the back of a horse. The
troop halted, and the Bedoween moved towards
them to demand their object. What horsemen are
ye? he exclaimed, and to what Arabs are you connected?
Upon this their leader shouted out, and
he was the conquering hero, Antar, son of Shedad.
I am one, he cried, that will wither your soul!
known amongst honourable men, as the chosen
knight; the far-famed slayer—the knight of tumults
and uproars—the chief Antar, son of Shedad,
and what coward art thou? And who is this prisoner
bound on that horse? Who is this damsel
that is crying out, and demands assistance? O by
the Arabs! cried the Bedoween, shaking himself with
joy upon his horse. I greet thee—I welcome thee,
black in complexion, fair in deeds, knight of the
tribes, I am called Feyaz the depredator! I am
the tempestuous blast! I am come to assault thee.
And he related his story; how he demanded the
damsel, and was sent by her father for her marriage
donation: he would not admit, he added, of any
thing but thy death, and the annihilation of thy
life. And who, said Antar, is this prisoner? Your
lord, Prince Malik, son of King Zoheir. As soon
as Antar heard this, the light became dark in his
eyes. Bostam soon joined him, and demanded of
of all the Bedoween had said. God is with you, O
Aboolfawaris! said Bostam, how he has inspired
you with forethought, and how he has intimated to
you the revolutions of fate!
Now Antar, as he was returning from the land
of Kendeh, in his fears for Ibla, had bid Shiboob
early in the morning to cut off through the defiles
into the land of Riyab; and Antar, followed by Bostam
and his people, was proceeding to the vicinity of
the land of Abs, eager to catch some news of Ibla,
for lovers and the devotees of passion sigh fondly
for news of their love, and Antar's love in the excess
of his anxiety enchained him with the bonds of
desire and solicitude, as he thus expressed himself:
"When the zephyr gently blows, its breath relieves
the sickened heart, and brings me news of
the damsel and of those I love, who are travelling
on their journey: regardless are they of whom
they have left behind, cast down and dead in the
land of love: one who has quitted their country
and roams anxious about them, wheresoever they
drive their baggage camels. Indeed, O Ibla,
they have betrayed my vows. It is thy father
that is ungrateful for favours. I have borne sorrows
and absence patiently, even in my weak
state, and I have defied the railers. I am accustomed
to grief, so that my body, were it to
lose its pains, would sigh after its emaciated state.
The ravens taunt it, as if it had been one that
and the torrents of my tears sympathise with it—
it sighs, and my woes cruelly increase—it passes
the night in anguish for the loss of its mate, for
whose absence it moans the live-long night. I
said to it, thou hast wounded the inmost recesses
of my heart. Ever is thy grief a mental disease.
I have shed tears from my eyes, and my native
home and country excite all my interest. Absence
has left me no soul, no body, in which,
miserable as I am, I can live. Wert thou to
take off the armour from it, thou wouldst see
beneath it only a ruined vestige; and on those
worn-out remains is a coffin-sword, whose edge
would notch the bright polished scimitar. I am
so accustomed to the calamities of fortune, that
all their vastness appear but trifling to me, (numerous
as they are, they appear few)."
Thus they continued traversing the deserts till
they approached the land of Riyab, and met the
knight Feyaz, and heard his adventures, and saw
Prince Malik in his power. And Antar was occupied
with Feyaz in the conflict, till the brightness
of the day darkened over their heads. But Shiboob
quitted his deer, and moved towards Prince Malik,
who was groaning from the pain of his wounds.
Alas! alas! cried Shiboob, and came up to him,
and untied the cords, and placed him again on
his horse, saying: Seek the field of battle, that you
may console your heart. As soon as Antar saw
Prince Malik, he exerted himself in the contest
through the neck, and drew out his sword glittering
through his joints. He then issued out of the dust,
and congratulating Malik, thus spoke:
"I say to my enemy when he contends with me,
and advances like a towering well-built bastion,
much good may it do to thee, the glass thou hast
drank. Thou hast laid down thy cheek where
there is no pillow. As soon as I have unsheathed
my sword, its edge draws forth blood, and every
chief becomes its victim. I am Antar the unraveller
of every difficulty, the destroyer of foes
with my Indian blade. Horsemen pride themselves
in me in every contest, and the brave with
their chieftains are humbled before me. If the
most virtuous of my associates regard my actions,
they will see the multitude prostrate before my
glory. I am raised far above all mankind by
my scimitar, my spear, by my blows in battle,
and by my father."
Approaching the prince, he kissed him, and exalted
his honour and reputation: What has happened
to you, my lord, said he, has been the means
of augmenting my glory; never may the day be that
can bring evil on you, and I be still grasping the
bridle. O Aboolfawaris, said Malik, thanking him,
thou art indeed our greatest friend and sincerest
ally. May God destroy him who would estrange
your lucky stars from us, and deprive us of your
councils! Then he related all that had passed with
them entirely, that his brother had advanced with
his party, and that he had been occupied in hunting,
and all that occurred with Feyaz. It is my opinion,
said Antar, you should return to the Absians immediately,
and say nothing about what has happened
to you; only tell them that you were occupied in
hunting until evening, when you chanced to meet
some Arabs, who entertained you, and treated you
kindly, so that no one may blame you. Prince
Malik having approved of these hints, Antar turned
towards the damsel who had been with Feyaz, and
giving her all Feyaz's plunder and camels, he said
to her, Go home under my protection, secure from
every one, man or demon; and should even Persia's
monarch oppose you, his balcony shall totter. Antar's
expressions made Bostam seriously reflect, and
he felt aware that he could actually execute all he
said.
Prince Malik retraced his way, and Antar marched
with him, fearful of any unlucky event, till they
reached the land of Riyab. Here Antar cast his
eyes around, and he saw birds fighting, and wild
beasts combating in the plain over the carcases of
the slain. This, said Antar, is a bad omen; it is a
circumstance that gives evidence of death and destruction.
And when they had advanced into the
middle of the meadow, they perceived the dead
scattered about on all sides, and blood that had
changed the hue of vegetation, broken spears, and
Truly this intelligence is authentic, and the revolutions
of fate and destiny have happened to our comrades.
Alas! I can scarcely expect to overtake my
Ibla. As they turned over the carcases, they said
one to another, This is such an one—this is such an
one, till the groans issuing from a tortured heart
reached their ears—they advanced and looked about,
and lo! it was Ibla's father, Malik! He was almost
dead; his blood was clotted with the sand, and the
birds and the flies were hovering over him. Whither
are you going, my brother? cried Shiboob; here is
your uncle weltering in his blood, and his iniquities
have reduced him to what he himself projected.
Antar and his followers came up, and beholding
Ibla's father in that state, they bound up his wounds
and poured briny water upon his face. He opened
his eyes, and seeing his countrymen around him, his
life crept into his body, and his senses returned.
Of this, said Antar, I was afraid; but you still continue
to pursue the road of outrage against me.
O nephew, said Malik, in a feeble voice, what is
past is past; but I will never quit you again; my
heart will study your pleasure, and I will ever be
your slave. Congratulate yourself on this good
luck, my uncle, said Antar; but who was it that
did these deeds? where is Ibla, and your son, and
the others? All, said Malik, are in the hands of
Anis, son of Madraka the Khitaamite, for he came
upon us with a thousand horse. We were in a state
Prince Malik and many others were dispersed in
pursuit of game, when, behold! Anis surrounded
us with his horse, and attacked us in all directions:
he levelled his blows against the chiefs, and took the
rest prisoners.
Now this knight was a man no man could encounter,
and a warrior of warriors: and when he
resolved on an expedition from place to place, the
horsemen followed him, and his companions exposed
their lives for him on account of his extraordinary
intrepidity. At this time he had departed with a
thousand horse; and he roamed with them, ravaging
the Arab tribes, till he reached the land of Balka
and the mountains of Nika. He was on his return,
and before him went the slaves, the boys and camels,
and the young camels, till they reached the land of
Riyab, where he saw the Absians scattered about
the meadows and the lakes. Anis was marching at
the head of his party, for he treated horsemen with
contempt. As soon as he spied the Absians he recognized
them by their clothes, and their horses,
and their standards, for the Arabs could always
distinguish each other by their horses and banners.
Now, said he to his countrymen, now you will be
talked of by both men and women on account of the
quantity you will gain in flocks, and he and she
camels, if you vanquish this party of Absians, whose
name is so great among the Arabs; and for every
one you capture you will receive an immense ransom.
thousand into four divisions, he attacked them,
loudly vociferating, and their horses pressed on in
crowds. When the Absians saw this, they exerted
all their powers. Anis exhibited his whole strength:
he encouraged the horsemen by his own deeds, and
by his impetuosity he overwhelmed the Absians.
He took fifty prisoners, after having slain a vast
number. Amongst the captives were Oorwah and
Amroo, Ibla's brother. He seized the property and
the men, and departed, ordering his slaves to drive
on the horses and camels. Ibla too was made captive
with her camel: she was, indeed, accustomed
to captivity, and had experienced the reverses of
fortune: and as she saw her father covered with
wounds and torn with spears, she proceeded at the
head of the slaves and women, amongst the other
prisoners. Oft she bewailed her native land in the
obscurity of the night, and thus eased her heart:
"O God of Zemzem and Mina, my heart is worn
with grief, captivity, and anguish; my frame is
exhausted, and I have no powers of body to bear
the garments of affliction. I have lost my father,
who was once kind and generous. He continued
his obstinacy till he drank the cup of perdition.
Foreign hands have overpowered him with swords
and spears. Here am I in a strange land in captivity,
bewailing my distresses; and cruel Fortune
has thwarted me, and the world has abandoned
me, as if there was no such beautiful person as
thou see me, thou wouldst know what I endure.
The day on which we separated from you, I was
separated from all my hopes. Our warriors are
now plundered of their lives by the spear, and I
am in a strange land, suffering anguish as a captive.
If thou hearest in the night the complaint
of the drooping dove, be assured it is weeping
for us."
Ibla continued her tears and lamentations till the
dawn of day. Anis dismounted to repose, and ordering
his slaves to prepare dinner, they slaughtered
the camels and the sheep, and prepared a repast;
and they supplied also the prisoners and women
with food of camel's flesh. But as to Ibla, she renounced
all nourishment, and would not sleep.
The greatest part of the day had now passed,
and but little remained of it; and as the companions
of Anis were describing Ibla's beauty, and charms,
and shape, and form—Countrymen, he cried, have
I not often desired you a thousand times never to
talk of women before me,—not a free-born or a
slave,—and never to converse with me but of feats
of arms and battles? And can any thing degrade
man like the humiliation of love and passion?
When they had satisfied their hunger, about
nightfall they travelled on till the sun rose, when
they alighted at the waters of the tribe of Helal.
And Ibla's grief and lamentations increased upon
her, and she despaired of her cousin; and when
of his attendants about her: My cousins,
asked he, who is this damsel that was groaning in
the tranquillity of the night? O Chief, they said,
this is the Absian damsel, whose beauty and charms
we described to you. Never did we see a more
agonized heart. Night or day she desires no nourishment:
she renounces sleep: her grief and sorrows
are not to be pacified. Bring her before me, said
Anis, that I may learn her story. Upon that, the
female slaves brought Ibla into his presence; he
raised up her veil, and looked at her face; he saw
the tears streaming from her black eye-lashes; he
was smitten, and his heart fluttered with the violence
of his passion—at the instant the state of his mind
was changed. What is your name, damsel? said
he. She answered, Ibla. Who was slain that belonged
to you? he asked. My father, she replied;
and again she hid her face with her hands, and
threw herself upon the ground. Bring hither her
family, cried Anis, that I may demand her of them
in marriage, and be married to her; and instead of
a dower or settlement, I will release her countrymen
and herself; for as soon as I saw her, I became
enamoured of her. And the mind and senses of
Anis were from this moment all occupied with Ibla;
and he suddenly tasted of love. They now veiled
her face, and introduced her relations, towards
whom Anis turned, and telling them what had
passed, was civil to them, and demanded Ibla in
Why are you silent? he asked. Magnanimous
Chief, they replied, we cannot speak for her, there
is only her brother here; her father is absent. Oorwah
at that moment was close to Amroo, Ibla's
brother, and he said to him, Amroo, if you wish
that Anis should be put to death, and his neck be
cut off, marry him instantly to your sister; perhaps
God will send Antar to darken his life and silence
his name, and he may still release us from captivity.
I have often experienced the effects of promising
her in marriage, and I well know what her misfortunes
have produced. But where is Antar? said
Amroo. By this time he is in the land of Shiban,
and far from us; we have behaved so ill to him,
that he has quitted us for ever, and I am afraid
of the consequences; for if I marry her to Anis, I
fear that Antar may come hither and join me to my
father, were I even concealed in the apartments of
Nushirvan; and if I do not marry her, this devil
will put us to death. Listen to me, said Oorwah;
marry her, and do not talk nonsense. Bargain with
him that he shall not enter unto her here, until he
reach his native land and home: tell him that she
has been wedded to her cousin some time ago, and
lengthen out the business; perhaps Antar will come
and make his wedding so inaüspicious, that it may
perhaps only be followed with the dawn of ill-luck
to him; and his stars may set in the mansions of
inversion.
Now Anis, seeing them falter in their reply, became
troubled. He perceived they were consulting
with Amroo, and that he was much disturbed. Do
you consent that I become your sister's husband?
he asked. My lord, replied Amroo, you are the
consent, and you are above consent; but know
that this damsel's father has already married her to
her cousin, and has taken the marriage donation;
but her father has taken advantage of him, and the
devil has coloured his stratagems with the appearance
of kindness and liberality, so he fled with her
from place to place; and should I marry her to you,
I dread the consequences. If I go home, I fear he
will come upon me and kill me, and make me drink
of the cup of death, were even the Kings of Abs
and Adnan to protect me, and Fazarah and Dibyan;
for he is one of the calamities of the world—no
knight can oppose him in the field, and he fears
neither man nor demon.
Anis became furious at this description. What!
said he, is the name of this knight, for dost thou not
know all the horsemen of Arabia? O mighty Prince,
replied Amroo, this is he who slew Khalid, son of
Moharib, and brought down misfortunes on him
and his clan; who dispersed his warriors and his
armies. To whom do you allude by this discourse?
demanded Anis. To him of whom you questioned
me, said Amroo. But what hero is he? asked
Anis. I mean, said Amroo, the Knight of the world;
myrrh to the taste; the insufferable coloquintida.
he who killed Mas-hil, son of Tarak, and exterminated
his tribe. But what is his name? repeated
Anis. He is the lord of the black steed, and the
broad scimitar and long spear, said Amroo; the
furious lion who has disgraced the necks of the Arab
and the Persian. Verily, you amaze me, cried Anis,
with this horseman and this trampling hero; but
explain to me his name among the knights of the
age. He is, continued Amroo, the noble warrior
who has vanquished the stoutest heroes with his
sword. He is the serpent of the bowels of the desert,
the Chief Antar, son of Shedad. I have only
told you the truth.
Upon this Anis raised up his head to those that
were seated by him, and said, Is there any one of
ye that is acquainted with this man, whose description
frightens me? O Anis, said a noble Sheikh, I
have heard of this terrible knight; and it was indeed
a man honest in his speech that informed me
of him, and told me he was a black knight, but that
he had crushed the necks of the Arab chiefs with
his sword, and had made the kings of power bow
down to him; the Persian and the Arab fear his
might, and his uncle has only married his daughter
to him through fear of his impetuous strength: and
as soon as he inveigles him by his artifices, he wanders
with her from place to place. Her father has
espoused her to a thousand horsemen, but the marriage
has never succeeded; and the last person to
But Antar went against him with one hundred
friends, and waylaid him, and extinguished his
glory and prosperity: and he has driven away from
her every lover and every suitor, and to venture to
speak of espousing her is a sufficient cause of death.
And he who flies from him, flies cruelly wounded;
and by the faith of an Arab, O Anis! should you
make any attempt on this damsel, I shall tremble
for you. Be not then excited by the charms and
loveliness you have beheld in her.
And would you, O Sheikh, exclaimed Anis, make
me forget my love for her by the description you
have given me of her cousin? I consent, however,
to abstain from her, until her cousin and his party
come in quest of her; then will I try myself against
him. Accordingly, he ordered Ibla to be treated
with all honours, and said within himself, If this
girl even in misery and captivity is so beautiful,
what will she be when her heart is at ease, and when
plumped up with good feeding?
They journeyed on till mid-day, when lo! a dust
sprang up behind them very rapidly. My cousins,
said he to his people, bring me news of this dust,
and let me know what there is beneath it. Upon
this a hundred horsemen immediately advanced.
Now beneath this dust was the serpent of the desert,
the Chief Antar, with Bostam and his party;
for as soon as Antar heard Anis described by his
uncle Malik, he and Bostam immediately galloped
and prepared for the contest; and when Bostam
perceived the horse that had separated from the
troops, O Lion of the Forest, by the life of Ibla's
two eyes, said he to Antar, let me engage these advancing
horsemen. There are an hundred of them,
but when you in your strength are in my rear, I
would even meet a thousand horsemen in front.
Antar smiled; Do as you please, said he, for you
have adjured me by the most sacred of oaths.
Upon that, he slackened the bridle of his steed,
and encountered the hundred horse. Among them
was an obstinate warrior and a valiant lion, called
Mubadir, son of Ghaylem, and he was Anis's cousin.
He headed the troops till they came close up to
Bostam, when he cried out, Tell me who thou art,
and whence thou comest, before I silence thy life,
and make thy head fly afar off. Bostam returned
him no answer, but plunged down upon him like an
eagle, and pierced him through the chest with the
barb of his spear, and it issued out through his
back. As soon as his cousins saw this thrust, they all
rushed against Bostam like ravenous lions, saying,
O Mubadir, now thou art no more, the tribe of
Khitaam is disgraced. They came down upon Bostam
like a cloud, crying out to each other, Come on,
to this demon; take him prisoner. And they separated
into two divisions.
Antar saw this, and attacked in aid of Bostam.
Seventy assaulted him, and thirty rushed against
Abjer, and where he struck he cleaved asunder;
and where he pierced, he annihilated; and when he
shouted at the horses, their feet shook with horror;
and when the warriors crowded upon him, he severed
their skulls.
Anis heard of the death of Mubadir; he advanced
towards the dust, anxiously expecting the
return of his people with the prisoners, that he might
console his heart by slaughtering them, and avenge
his cousin, when lo! out of the seventy horsemen
that attacked Antar, there appeared only eleven;
the rest having drank of the cup of perdition. What
is the matter? cried Anis, may the curse of God be
on the father of your beards!
Do not reproach us, O Anis, said they, for our
actions; had we resisted, our necks also had been
smote off. And has all this happened to you at the
hands of ten horsemen? asked he. By the life of
your head, they replied, all these calamities are
owing only to one hero; but be not roused in thy
anger, be not indignant, for the like of this knight
can never be found. His blows would burst mountains;
his thrusts are death, and truly have we experienced
horrors at his hands; for he snatches up
a horseman from the field of battle, and strikes another
with him, and on the instant the two are dead.
Whilst they were thus conversing, behold five out
of the thirty that assailed Bostam came up, and two
were wounded, crying out "O misery! O ruin!"
alarms and terrors increased; And what is the catastrophe?
he cried. Talk no more, said they, for his
like we have never seen among the Arabs; and had
we followed our own wishes, we had left him alone.
Then said one of the eleven that had engaged Antar,
Wretches! had you gone with us, you would have
been well provided for; not one of ye had returned,
neither great norsmall. Anis, in the rage and phrensy
of his heart, burst into a laugh: No one, he cried,
can credit such nonsense. I think, had this been Antar,
whom the Sheikh described, who with a hundred
horse encountered the whole tribe of Kendeh, and
slew Mas-hil, son of Tarak, not one of ye had returned
to mention the fact, or tell the tale. Be
not enraged, be not indignant, O Anis, they exclaimed,
the equal of this Knight cannot be possibly
found. We heard him crying out, Unworthy
cowards! I am Antar, son of Shedad. He would
tear up a horseman from the back of his horse, and
raise him like a tent-pole, and dashing him on the
earth, confound his breadth with his length.
This then is the slave, cried Anis, whom we were
mentioning this day; and should I not slay him and
extinguish his life, I shall not gain possession of his
bride. But now he is come in quest of her, exclaimed
they. Anis returned to the spot where they
had alighted, and his heart boiled like a cauldron;
and they reposed till morning.
Now when the prisoners knew of Antar's deeds
what think you of my advice now? said Oorwah to
Ibla's brother Amroo. Did I not tell you to marry
your sister to Anis, if you wished his neck to be
hewn off, and you and your comrades to be released?
Now see what has happened to his party; and never
will the knot of his marriage be tied, for Antar will
render his morrow unlucky, and had you given her
to him and betrothed her to him as a woman is betrothed,
this would have been no evening to him.
And now when Bostam returned to Antar, he found
the dead strewed before him. Had we arrived, Aboolfawaris,
he cried, a little sooner in the day, not an
eye of our companions had slept in captivity and in
bondage. What is, is; replied Antar. Let us repose
and consult till to-morrow; and they thus continued
conversing till the mantle of darkness was dispersed.
And as the day shone at the return of dawn,
Anis shouted to his horsemen, and immersed himself
in steel and a bright cuirass: he mounted his
horse, and advanced towards his troops. Antar and
Bostam were both mounted with their nine horsemen.
Anis poured down, anxious to engage Antar.
Antar also assaulted Anis, his eyes burning in the
crown of his head like firebrands. He marked him
admiring his limbs and surveying his own shape and
form, and as he was dragging his spear behind him
he thus recited:
"My morning draught is the cleaving of heads
and breasts; my scimitar is my cup—no cup of
to the music of sword-blades and spears. When
I arise in spirits and in joy, I feel a flame of burning
coals in my entrails. I am Anis, son of
Madraka, styled the destroyer of men in armour!
In me is a heart bold in battle with heroes. My
custom is to chase the hungry lion from his den.
Beware, beware! my garments, my Ibla, are of
steel; my sword is sharp, and my spear penetrating.
I shall be raised in glory among men by
your death; and by it they will learn my valour."
Antar listened to his discourse, and was surprised
at the insanity of his passion. Son of a two-thousand-horned
cuckold, he cried, hast thou not heard
what has happened to others before thee on account
of Ibla, and in the pursuit of her, that thou too art
inflamed with love and distraction for her?—Yes,
thou son of a coward, I have heard of thee before
this day, cried Anis; after tending camels, thou
hast been fortunate and prosperous, and thou hast
slain a number of vagabond Arabs, and hast demanded
thy cousin in marriage by frauds and deceits.
But fate has driven thee to me, that I may
hasten thy destruction, and lower thy honours with
my sword, for I have vowed within myself not to
enter unto thy cousin, till I have made thee drink
of the cup of death, and joined thee to those who are
gone and are dead. And now may God favour my
revenge, and prosper my enterprise! Having ceased,
he assailed Antar, and conceived he was to attain
at his actions, and launching out into the plain, as
he galloped with him and charged, he thus replied:
"Behold the sport of passion in every noble person!
but I have thanked my forbearance, applauded
my resolution, and the slave has been
elevated above his master: for I have concealed
my passion, and kept my secret. I will not leave
a word for the railers; and I will not ease the
hearts of my enemies by the violation of my
honour. I have borne the evils of fortune, till I
have discovered its secret meaning, before even it
was concealed. Fortune has been my guide where-ever
I am. I have met every peril in my bosom,
and the world can cast no reproach on me for my
complexion: my blackness has not diminished my
glory. Were this not the colour of my skin, the
morning's dawn would not bow before me at hearing
my name. Tribes talk of genealogy as an
honour, but the blow of the sword in the battle is
my glory. Others have laboured, but have returned
confounded as soon they beheld the traces
of my form."
No sooner had he finished his verses than he
rushed upon Anis like an impregnable mountain;
they commenced striking and piercing, they engaged
with the cleaving sword for an hour, and
then vanished from the sight, the dust rising over
them like smoke. The necks of the horsemen were
extended out towards them, and the birds of death
among them, and the Khitaamites vociferated to
their lord, and opposed his disastrous fate.
Upon this, Bostam and the Shibanians prepared
for the fight. This is the day of battle, my cousins,
cried he. Ibla screamed out with a loud voice, for
her soul had revived. Haste, my cousin, she cried,
to the destruction of thy antagonist, and rescue thy
maid from captivity, for truly her situation is deplorable,
and her friends have been slain. Antar's
heart was sorely grieved at her complaints, so he
shouted at his adversary, and attacked him furiously.
He exhausted him; he terrified him; he drew his
foot out of his stirrup; he seized hold of him by his
girdle; threw down his horse under him, and held
him suspended in his hand like a sparrow.
When the Khitaamites saw their Chief a prisoner,
they made an assault hoping to liberate him, but the
eight horsemen encountered them, headed by Bostam,
all roaring out like lions, and driving their
spears through the horsemen's chests. Guard your
prisoner, Aboolfawaris, cried Bostam; and I will
satisfy you in the carnage of the Khitaamites, and
will make their chiefs drink of the cup of revenge.
Antar having captured Anis, wished to bind him
fast, but he was prevented by his violent exertions,
and he tried to escape out of his hands, so Antar
smote him on the shoulder, and almost killed him:
and having thus wounded him, he left him stretched
on the ground, and joined Bostam in the conflict,
the sand arose over them; skulls lay under their
feet; and unexpected calamities overpowered the
tribe of Khitáam.
In those days there were knights who could encounter
a thousand, and even two thousand of the
most obstinate horsemen; having always the advantage,
and ever unhurt. Now Antar was one of
those warriors at that period; for the adored God
had thus endowed him, and given him a lucky star
at his birth. Moreover, the historians state in their
Chronicles, that the King of Heroes had created
Antar the instrument of his vengeance over all the
giants of Arabia.
When the tribe of Khitáam saw that his blows
were more impetuous than thunderbolts, and that
his thrusts rent open coats of mail, their resolution
failed: they abandoned their property and their
flocks, and they dispersed over the desert like wild
beasts, dastards and cowards as they were; whilst
Antar and his comrades pursued them till they drove
them out of that country and desert. Three hundred
of them were slain, and only three of the Shibanians.
Ibla and her maidens had released Oorwah
and her brother from bondage, and as they returned
to their friends, Antar saluted Ibla, saying,
Think not, my cousin, that I forget thee, although
thy father is oppressive and hostile to me. Ibla
wept at the mention of her father: O my cousin,
she said, then truly his treachery has destroyed him.
son of King Zoheir, with him. And he related
to her all that had happened to him; how he had
found him lying among the dead severely wounded;
what he had done to relieve his afflictions; and that
he had left with him his brother Shiboob. At this
detail Ibla's sorrows were calmed, and her distresses
were lightened. Antar ordered Anis into his presence.
Oorwah and Amroo hastened to the field of carnage,
but could not find him; for Anis having recovered
from the shock that had stunned him, and
seeing an immense number of his comrades lying
dead, instantly mounted one of the scattered horses,
and fled from the scene. Having in vain searched
for him, they returned to Antar and told him. I
was too indulgent to him, said Antar; and I was
wrong in sparing him. Oh that instead of merely
wounding him, I had put him to death.
Aboolfawaris, cried Oorwah, repent not of having
spared him. Consider yourself as having liberated
him, and taken his property as his ransom. For
he will be the poorest of all the Arabs: every
grievance and every evil have befallen him. God
has driven this booty towards you without trouble.
And all this is on account of your cousin, the grazing
fawn: for certainly you will never effect your marriage
with her till there shall not be a rich Bedoween
throughout the desert.
Antar smiled at this address. Drive on these
Riyab, for my heart is with my uncle and Prince
Malik.
So the Absians drove the flocks and the cattle,
Antar at their head, and Bostam by his side; and
the flame in his heart was appeased. They continued
on till they came nigh unto Prince Malik,
and Ibla's father, and Shiboob. As soon as they
saw them, they congratulated each other, and Malik,
Ibla's father, thus recited:
"Alas! the sea of thy generosity has flowed towards
us; the mountain of thy mercy is raised
sublime on high. Thou art truly Antar the victorious
warrior in the day of battle, where foes
are destroyed. Thine are labours that equal the
stars, ever fixed but incorporeal. God is with
thee. Behold the cloud of battle is spread out,
and the plain flows with the blood of thy foes.
Horses trample down their riders through the
dust, like the lions in the forests. There are the
heroes disgraced by thy spear; there thou meetest
them firm and staunch. O Aboolfawaris, son of
my brother, in the loveliness of a smiling face,
thou hast proved thy kindness unto me. Thou
hast revived me after extinction. Thou hast
exerted thyself, and the tribe has been annihilated.
Thou hast resuscitated me, after I had tasted of
death from wounds, from misery, and sorrow.
O! I will applaud thee in retirement and in public
to the world, to my family, and to the tribes.
shadow ourselves beneath thy shade—let us swear
by thy generosity, the best of oaths."
For this once Malik spoke with sincerity: for
Prince Malik had softened his heart with regard
to Antar, during the time he was left with him.
They reposed that night, joying in each other;
at dawn they proceeded homewards. But Antar
took off a large proportion of the camels, male
and female, and presented them to Bostam, saying,
Aboolyaczan, you have indeed overwhelmed
me with kindnesses, so take this share and seek your
own country and your family. And they bade each
other adieu, Antar proceeding home with his comrades.
It will be proper, said Prince Malik to
Antar, to send forward your brother Shiboob to inform
our clan of our arrival, so that my father and
all the tribe of Abs and Adnan may come out to
meet us, and our friends rejoice, and our enemies
grieve.
Antar gave this commission to his brother,
who shot forth like an eagle, till he came into the
presence of King Zoheir, and informed him of the
news. All the tribe of Abs mounted, and in an
hour they met Prince Malik and Antar. Shouts
arose from the tribe of Abs, and joy came upon
them all. King Zoheir embraced his son, and turning
to Antar, already on foot: O Aboolfawaris!
said he, you abandoned your friends and native
land; you have passed your time in wandering
My lord, cried Antar, by the assistance
of God, my circumstances are improved, and my
affairs are more tolerable: and he informed him of
all that had passed between him and his uncle in
his passion and rage, and what he had done in a
strange land, till he had rescued his uncle from
death. King Zoheir applauded his liberality, and
his exertions, and his forbearance, and his modesty;
and when they saw the incalculable quantity of
cattle he brought with him, they knew he was born
under a lucky star: and they all went down to their
tents, and friends assembled with friends: the women
and men rejoiced in the arrival of Antar, but
he did not go home till he had made a division of
the property, and given the largest share to Oorwah
and his men, and the rest he gave to his father and
to his uncles, that they might further his wishes.
Ibla returned home, to the great delight of her
friends and slaves. Ibla had conceived a great affection
for a slave girl that Antar had brought away
as a captive from Kendeh; her name was Rabiat,
and she was more beautiful than the rising sun.
Ibla used to seek consolation in her society, and
used to complain of all her cousin had suffered, and
for hours together she would sit and talk with her.
But Amarah, from the day of Antar's arrival, took
to his bed and couch of affliction, it was the consummation
of his griefs: he renounced food and
sleep; his mother nursed him, but all her cares
calamity oppresses thee? perhaps I may discover
the means of effacing thy afflictions. Mother, the
origin of this my feeble state and my weakness
springs from a flame in my heart, and the prime
cause of all is the safety of that Antar, son of Shedad.
Had Ibla even been slain in any one of those
affrays, then would the business have been settled
for ever. Brother, said Rebia, if thy purpose is the
death of Ibla, I will contrive a scheme for her destruction,
and prevent Antar from ever seeing her
again. Execute, my brother, exclaimed Amarah,
this dreadful deed, and put her to death by some
stratagem on Antar. Rebia entered his tents and
began to meditate his plot (we have before stated,
Rebia was full of deceit and fraud), and having assembled
all his slaves, male and female, he called
them into his tents: Who of ye has any connexion,
said he to them, with the slaves and girls of the
family of Carad, let him inform me, and I will
fulfil all his wishes. My lord, said one of them,
Khemisah, Ibla's handmaiden, loves me ardently.
Bring her here, said Rebia, and conceal her in my
tents, till I tell you what she must do. The slave
expressed obedience, and added, If I give her that
order, she will never, I am sure, on any occasion,
quit our dwellings. Rebia filled the slave's wallet
with kabab[10] and sugar-plums, and having instructed
he sent him to the pastures with the camels,
saying, Be alone with her, and if you like her,
I will demand her of her master in marriage for
you, and if any thing particular should be required,
it shall be done out of kindness for you, and I will
marry you to her. As soon as the slave heard this,
he was overjoyed, and ran till he reached the pastures,
where he soon made up to Khemisah, and
told her all. She was much delighted. He brought
her home with him, and when the day was spent,
Khemisah prepared to return; but Rebia entered:
Have you forgotten me? Khemisah, said he. Indeed
I have been very remiss in my attentions to
you, but we shall be many a day together, and I
am resolved to purchase you to-morrow morning,
and will wed you to my slave, this Miftah. Now
Rebia had a much-loved friend in Shiban; they
had been long mutually attached, and he was called
Mooferridj, son of Helal. After he had taken his
measures with Khemisah, he sent to his friend,
Mooferridj, to request he would send ten horsemen
to him, that he might return by them a most valuable
deposit. Mooferridj immediately complied
with the demand, and despatched his cousin, Sinan,
with nine horsemen, under the guidance of Rebia's
slave, saying, Whatever he may order you, oppose
him not. The men travelled on with the slave,
and when they arrived, he showed them into a
tent in his neighbourhood, and passing on to his
them all into his tents, and receiving them with the
greatest attention, he entertained them for three
days. On the fourth day the men said, Rebia,
what is the urgent business for which you sent for
us? He then ordered Khemisah into his presence:
My purpose, said he to her, entirely rests with you,
and I intend it should be all settled by your means.
My lord, what is your business with me? said she-Know,
Khemisah, continued Rebia, that my brother,
Amarah, is desperately in love with your lady Ibla,
and is near his death. I visit him every day, and
ask him what it is he wants. I wish only, he says,
to cast my eyes once more on Ibla before the departure
of my soul from this world. Now you are
the only person that can possibly aid him on this
point. As to me I am quite puzzled, and cannot
get rid of him. As soon as Khemisah heard Rebia's
discourse: Let your brother, she cried, walk out
this night to the lake, whilst I arrange matters for
my mistress also to go forth. Rebia smiled, and
felt assured his plan had succeeded. So he feigned
great fondness for her, and presented her an armlet
of gold, saying, Take this, it is a free gift to you.
But she refused it, and returned home. Rebia then
went to the Shibanians and told them, how the
business was settled: Go with them to the lake,
said he to his slave, and when Ibla comes forth in
the night, let the troop seize her and carry her off,
and return to their own country with her. And
She is an adulteress, he replied, and has clothed her
lord in shame, and he is anxious she should be put to
death in another land. Upon this, Sinan and his
people went away and concealed themselves in the
vicinity till night, and they had not been stationed
an hour there, when Ibla approached. For when
Khemisah returned to Ibla, she said, Know then,
my mistress, that your cousin Antar met me just
now, and desires you will walk out to the lake
to-night by way of exercise and recreation, for he is
very anxious to communicate something to you.
When he told me this, he went home to my lord
Malik's, and I really cannot say whether he was in
earnest, or whether it was intoxication that set him
on this plan. Ibla waited till it was dark, and took
with her the two maids, Rabiat and Khemisah, who
walked before her till they came to the lake, when,
behold! Sinan ran towards her, drawing his sword
upon her, and snatching her off the ground, placed
her behind him. The horsemen dismounted, and
bound the maids fast, and left them lying on the
earth; then returning to the horses, and having
mounted, they traversed the wilds and wastes, till
they reached the land of Shiban.
CHAPTER XVI.
But Antar, and his brother Shiboob, were in the
tents of Prince Malik, where they remained unconscious
of what had happened till about sunrise,
when Ibla's mother repairing to the tent in which
her daughter, and her maid, Rabiat, slept, saw no
vestige of them. In an hour the intelligence spread
throughout the tribe, and Antar also heard it. Alas!
he exclaimed, what can have happened to Ibla?
His father Shedad, and his uncle Zakhmetaljewad,
mounted, and also Oorwah, and the sons of Carad,
and having scoured the desert and the hills, they
returned late in the day; and on their way home,
as they passed by the lake of Zatulirsad, they beheld
Khemisah and Rabiat fast bound with cords.
They inquired for Ibla. Early in the night, they
replied, some horsemen seized her; And who, said
they, made you quit the house? Masters, said
Rabiat, know that Khemisah told my mistress, Ibla,
that her cousin Antar wished to speak with her, and
besought her to go out by night to the lake that he
might communicate his wishes to her. When she
heard this, she was much distressed; but we came,
as desired, when, lo! some horsemen fell upon us,
and carried her off, and bound us. And you, said
to Ibla? O! my master, she replied, take me back
to the tents and secure my protection from Antar,
and I will relate to you who was the cause of this
sad calamity. Shedad took her away, and returning
to the tents, procured for her protection from Antar,
when she stated all the story of Rebia, how he had
given her an armlet, and engaged to marry her to
his slave: but I know not, she added, whether the
troop that seized my mistress was a contrivance of
Rebia's, or the effect of chance. The light became
darkness in the eyes of Antar. Thou wretch, he
cried, and hast thou, urged by thy lust, delivered
thy mistress over to her enemies, with all the wealth
and strings of pearls, and jewels, and rubies she had
on? Had not my protection been previously insured
for thee, I would destroy thee with this sword.
I am convinced this last plot originates in Rebia,
and did not I stand in awe of King Zoheir, I would
ply my sword amongst that family of Zeead, and
first of all would I slay that ruffian Amarah, and
his brother Rebia.
Just at that moment King Zoheir's messenger
demanded their attendance, and when they were in
his presence, Malik, Ibla's father, advanced, and
saluting him, said, It is Rebia alone who is the
author of Ibla's disappearance; it is he who has laid
this plot; he stationed these horsemen by his command.
My daughter also had on pearls and jewels,
Chosroe's coronet and tiara. And when he had repeated
with her, Bring me Rebia, said King Zoheir.
He came. Rebia, said the king, have you any
knowledge of the circumstance of Ibla's misfortune?
Yes, said he, I have heard of it: so I and my brother
immediately mounted, and roamed over the
wilds and wastes, but we could hear nothing of her;
and, indeed, this is no trifling event; we must not
submit to it, or we shall incur great blame. No
more of your tricks, exclaimed Ibla's father; restore
to me my daughter and all the property she had on
her, otherwise must I proceed from words to blows
with you: Khemisah has revealed all your doings
and your plots against Ibla.
Cousin, said Rebia, I excuse you, for indeed you
have lost a precious jewel. Listen not to the words
of a contemptible slave-girl. She has certainly been
aware of the grudge and spite existing between us;
but we must be patient till some news of Ibla be received,
that if she be still alive we may search out
the mystery. My father, said Shas, Rebia must
certainly leave us, and go to the tribe of Fazarah
till we learn Ibla's fate, and how she disappeared.
So King Zoheir commanded him to depart. Rebia
expressed his submission. I will go with the
family of Zeead, said he, and I will abandon my
country to Antar, that he may clear up the business
and realise his schemes; but one of us will have
cause to repent. So Rebia departed with his men,
their wives and families.
But Antar remained drooping his head, and in
the greatest grief and affliction returned to the
tents; and though the sons of King Zoheir endeavoured
to console him, yet his anguish only increased,
his eyelids tasted not of the nourishment of
sleep, neither would he stir out of the tents; and
when he was in the severest agony he sent for his
brother Shiboob, and thus addressed him:
"I have risen with a tortured heart; weep, then,
shed torrents of tears, O Shiboob, my brother!
Hast thou not felt the loss of Ibla? Dost thou
not pity me? I have abandoned sleep during her
absence; my anguish and agony are multiplied.
On her account I mount my steed no more for
my pleasure or for battle. Canst thou behold
the camel returning laden with her, the object of
all my hopes? O Ibla! after this separation shall
we ever meet, or must I only be excited by the
phantoms of my imagination? This is the work
of the family of Zeead, for they are men full of
deceit and filthy scum. But shortly will I attain
my objects in spite of them, and I will hack their
limbs with my sword. I have no one but you to
relieve my sorrows—but you in the path of troubles
and calamities. Go, then, to the dwellings
of the tribes; obtain intelligence of Ibla, and ease
my heart."
As soon as Shiboob heard these verses, he instantly
departed, in order to obtain intelligence;
and Antar remained eagerly expecting him, cherishing
tears and meditation.
But Rebia reached the tribe of Fazarah; and
when the Sheikh Beder knew of his arrival, he met
him with his chiefs, and rejoiced; he raised his dignity,
and congratulated him. Noble chiefs, said
Rebia, verily we are greatly troubled by the oppression
of this infernal slave, but we forbear on account
of King Zoheir, and are fearful of disturbances.
I thought it better, therefore, to quit them, and
take up my residence under your shadow. He informed
them of the loss of Ibla, and the disgraces
he had incurred on her account. Beder received
him with great attention and kindness, and said to
his son Hadifah, You must be particularly attentive
to this man, for he is one of the Sheikhs of Abs and
Adnan; let him be conducted to one of the best
habitations. Hadifah acted accordingly, and conducted
the tribe of Zeead to the principal station,
and as soon as they were reconciled to their abode,
and Rebia felt secure on the subject of Ibla, he was
quite overjoyed, particularly when he heard of the
precious jewels she had with her. He formed a
thousand conjectures in his mind, and would say,
If any news of her should come to light, and that
black go in quest of her, he will rescue her, and all
that property will be lost to me, and I shall not
succeed in my expectations. I must certainly go
after her myself, and bring about her death. He
consulted with Beder on the point: It is for you to
But Rebia took leave of him, and travelled on till
he reached the tribe of Shiban, and presenting himself
to Mooferridj, son of Halal, O chief, said he,
what have you done with that maiden that I sent
you with your cousin Sinan? She is here, he replied,
in my tent, but she is nearly dead. And the
garments, and pearls, and clothes, and jewels? demanded
Rebia. I have seen nothing of them, said
Mooferridj: but O Rebia, who is this damsel? She
is Ibla, he replied, the daughter of Malik, and
Antar's betrothed wife; and then he related all the
preceding circumstances. Mooferridj shuddered as
he listened. O Rebia, said he, I have been your
friend for years and years, but how could you have
the heart to smite me by these sour grapes? By the
protection of an Arab, had I known she was the
wife of Antar, I would not have admitted her within
my tent had she been mistress even of my life and
death. Take her away, Rebia, get me clear of this
business, and bring not upon me trouble and vexation
from Antar. Mooferridj sent for Sinan; he
came, and looking at Rebia, quickly understood the
signal. Rebia inquired about the property; he
produced the whole, and nothing was missing but
what Sinan had given as a bribe to the horsemen.
When Mooferridj saw all this wealth, he trembled.
What do you intend, Rebia, he cried, to do with
this property? Do you, said Rebia, take half, and
I will take half. Let us murder the girl, and there
he then raised his head to a slave whom he had
brought up: he imparted the secret to him. He
was called Basharah, son of Meneea. O Basharah,
said he, I wish you would take away this damsel,
and carry her out to the desert, and murder her.
Bury her in the sandhills, and should any one
question you about her, say, her family came and
took her away. They remained quiet till night,
when Basharah attended to ask his master's permission
to murder Ibla, which being granted, Rebia
gave him a poniard, saying, Sacrifice her with this,
and take it as a present for yourself, that you may
remember me by it for ever.
Basharah mounted his horse, and speeded to the
tent where Ibla resided. He placed her behind
him, and whilst they were proceeding, Whither, she
cried, are you going to carry me in this obscurity?
To drink the cup of death, he replied, for my master
has commanded me to kill you. On hearing this,
she wept and screamed aloud, and called on the
name of Antar through the wilds. When the slave
saw what she was about, he turned aside out of the
road, and descended into a deep valley, and made
her alight from the horse; he bound both her hands;
he drew out the poniard, and was about to deal a
speedy blow, when, lo! a man pounced upon him
like a male ostrich, and struck him with a dagger between
the shoulders, and, lo! he was swimming in
his blood. Fear not, cried her rescuer, I am thy slave
fears vanished. And where is the lion-warrior, thy
brother? she demanded. With the tribe of Abs,
replied Shiboob, suffering in your absence every
agony and anguish. I set out to search for you: I
have been wandering about from tribe to tribe these
fifty days, till I chanced to meet you here, and the
Lord of life and death brought me to you, and this
happy event just happened as I was despairing of
you, and had resolved on returning home. But I
heard that Rebia was in this quarter with Mooferridj.
So I said within myself, I must certainly
learn something of him, and I concealed myself in
the country till I came thus to you, and rescued you
from annihilation. And what are you determined
to do? said Ibla. I will first finish this fellow, said
Shiboob; I will then take you away, and go home
with you. Alas! said she, I never expect to see
home unless my brave Antar is with me. Ah! where
art thou, and thou, my Rabiat, my comfort in all
my successive calamities? O Ibla, said Shiboob,
Rabiat is nearly dead with excessive grief, and the
tears she has shed for your misfortunes. Thus
saying, he ran towards the slave to finish him. He
found him seated on the ground, listening to all
that passed, his wounds preventing him from speaking;
but when he saw Shiboob rise to put an end
to him, O young man, he faltered out, by the faith
of an Arab, spare me, whilst I put one question to
you, and I will give you some hints that may prove
such perils, for by whatever road you go there will
be also friends and foes. Ask what you please
and relieve your heart, cried Shiboob. Know, said
the slave, son of my aunt, I was the lover of a damsel
called Rabiat; she was like the rising sun. She
and I were both brought up under the favour of
our master, Mooferridj, son of Helal, and love for
her took possession of my soul. The troubles of
the times tore her from me, and I have never heard
her name mentioned by any mortal but you, noble
born; and as soon as I heard you mention her, life
returned unto me on her account. I now request
you to inform me truly whether this maid has been
with you a long time, or only lately. This maiden,
said Shiboob, formed part of my brother Antar's
plunder among the prisoners he rescued from Anis,
son of Madraka. He then told him how Ibla had
been made captive in the land of Riyab, and how
she had taken an affection for Rabiat when they
were prisoners, perceiving her varied cheerfulness
and melancholy. He also gave him such distinct
descriptions of Rabiat, that the slave's grief and
anguish greatly increased. It is, it is my beloved!
he exclaimed; but it is now near day, I fear some
unlucky accident. Tell me first what you intend to
do with Ibla? If you take her away and depart, the
horse will pursue us, and bring misery and destruction
upon us, and restore us to Rebia, and he will
speedily put us all to death, and thus our pains and
plan is, that you return to your brother Antar and
acquaint him: let him act as in his wisdom he may
think prudent, and come hither; thus will our
hopes be realized. I will return with Ibla in the
mean time. I will conceal her with my mother, and
present myself to my master, Mooferridj, and Rebia,
and tell them I have slain the Absian damsel, and
that this is her blood streaming over my clothes,
this blood now flowing from my own wound, and
I will wait patiently expecting your return to this
country. How can I depend on you? said Shiboob.
How can I trust your word after the deed you undertook?
Let this wound which you gave me, he
cried, be my security. But you were to be excused
for that, for you knew not the secret of the story.
Being thus convinced of his sincerity, Shiboob
also felt aware he could not travel with Ibla over
the desert unless his brother Antar were with him.
Basharah is right, said Ibla: return and tell your
brother to come with a party of Absians; thus will
my afflictions cease: then we will all go off and
Basharah with us. Shiboob approved the advice,
and having stipulated with Basharah, and made
him swear by the Great Creator that he would not
deceive or betray him, he set out. But Basharah
took away Ibla, and returned home with her. He
placed her in the best apartment. He cherished
her on account of Rabiat, his beloved, and she was
dearer to him than any of his family or tribe.
So behold, ye wise, the mercy of God! his power
is manifest! How beautiful are his works! See
how Basharah went out to murder Ibla in his determination,
but he returned, and he would with
joy have enclosed her in his own existence! Basharah
did not enter the dwellings till the lights
were all out, and all voices silenced; then he went
unto his mother, and informed her of all that had
happened to him, and having desired her to conceal
Ibla, and recommended her to attend on her, he repaired
to his master, and congratulated him, and
Rebia, who, on seeing him and the blood on his
clothes, poured forth thanks and blessings, saying,
O Basharah, hast thou indeed done what we ordered
thee to do? Yes, my lord, said he, I have
fulfilled all your hopes, and this blood is the proof
of my sincerity.
Rebia was exceedingly pleased and happy. He
instantly rose up, and put on Basharah his own vest
and turban. But, said Mooferridj, Rebia, we must
remain here no longer: to-morrow I will go with
you to King Numan. They reposed that night,
and Mooferridj having recommended his wife and
family to the care of Basharah, and having also delivered
over to him the charge of his treasures and
wealth, they departed.
In the meantime Shiboob travelled night and day
till he came near home. In his heart was a burning
flame on account of Ibla and his brother, for he had
left him in a state of the deepest misery and affliction.
bounds; his melancholy increased upon him; he
was miserable and restless. King Zoheir's sons
renounced their rides for his sake, and every one
comforted him as they could, either with their sympathy
or their raillery. When Antar perceived how
they railed at him, he resolved on fixing his residence
on Mount Saadi, but he stayed quiet that night,
and determined to remove the next day. About
midnight, when he was contemplating the stars, occupied
with his love for his mistress, behold Shiboob
entered. Antar could scarcely recognise him,
so much altered was he by fatigue and grief, by
watching at night, by want of sleep, by fear, and
thirst, and hunger. At the sight his heart was
nearly bursting, and he exclaimed, O my brother,
your long absence has almost destroyed me, and I
dreaded also your death. Here I am anxiously expecting
you; and he sighed from his sorrowing
heart, and thus spoke in verse:
"O, my brother Shiboob, tell me quickly, perhaps
sorrow will be effaced from my heart.
Haste, haste, inform me, my heart is melted with
afflictions and griefs; if indeed my hopes of Ibla
will be fulfilled to-day before I die, let her come
with speed. Son of my mother, what a wretch I
am, alienated, separated, and in affliction! Daughter
of my uncle, O how I am oppressed! Grief
has fixed its residence in my heart. They think
I can be consoled against thy love. No! by Him
all enjoyment in thy absence; for thee I
have endured reproaches and raillery. I mourned
thee in tears and blood—I wept for thee on the
plains and the mountains. For thee my frame
is exhausted and worn. I am become a tale and
a proverb by my tears—I will traverse the rugged
hills—I will follow the track of lovers over
every desert. Whilst I live will I pursue their
tracks over the whole earth, or let death be
at hand. I will raise the dust and the storm, and
the sword of India shall draw blood from the heads.
I will empty the world of its inhabitants, and will
darken the deserts and the mountains. In thy
absence I have not raised myself on a horse—
never has my hand grasped the spear—never,
never have I drawn the cleaving sword—never,
never have I succeeded in my hopes. I have
abandoned the cup with my companions, and
sweet sleep has fled from me. I have renounced
wine and sleep till the moment I shall see her. O
that death would overtake me! I have renounced
the goblets and the cups with all my comrades of
the tribe. Son of my mother, explain and speak,
for my heart is on fire; my body is in torture;
my strength fails, powerful and strong as I was.
O Ibla, couldst thou but see me, and all the sorrows
of the anguish and misery that have beset
me, and the constant never-ceasing grief—the
tears—the lamentations and sighs;—couldst thou
the woes that have descended into my heart.
Alas! how oft have I borne the burdens of love
for thee, O Ibla! no one could have borne such.
Hadst thou loaded me even with a mountain, the
son of Shedad had endured it, and it would have
been no weight; but when, O Ibla, after this absence
shall we two again meet in the same home?
Forbearance is extinct, so great are the calamities I
have suffered by separation, absence, and sorrow.
The family of Zeead are my grievance; they
have reduced me to shame, and I am a tale
among them. They seem secure from the vicissitudes
of night and enmity, but there are changes
of day and fortune, when I will destroy them all
in the day of battle! The blade of India shall
free me from troubles; do they not know that I
am the hero that has withstood every hero in the
contest? My deeds, O Ibla, are fair; my seat is
on high above the planet Saturn. If I delay any
longer in taking vengeance on those minions for
what they have done to me, let them abuse Antar
on all occasions; let him be branded with the
name of coward. But have you seen the land to
which Ibla is gone, or the quarter, or the sandhill?
My patience is at an end, O Shiboob, and
my sleep has pointed at what will happen. There
is none but you, my happy brother, to clear it up
without delay. So haste, explain what you have
encountered; conceal nothing, you lord of stratagems—relate
heart may be eased of its anxieties—you are my
treasure, my hope amongst mankind—haste then
to speak—be speedy in thy narrative!"
Despair not, O my brother, said Shiboob, and
thus replied in verse:
"O Aboolfawaris! passed is all sorrow and
anxiety—happiness is at hand and triumph, son
of my mother, be consoled about Ibla, she is
safe; no affliction or harm has ever touched her.
Hear my story and what I have encountered in
my expedition, for in it is what might astonish
the most experienced of mankind. I roamed
over the tribes and every region, the valleys, and
the mountains; behind them I left my track;
how many countries have I traversed that are
barren wastes, where nought is to be seen but
weeds and sand; I crossed the deserts like a
skulking wolf, and moved without trouble or pain
to myself: into the deserts I launched, the stones
struck fire, and the parched sands scorched me,
till I reached Sanaa, and Aden, and Zebad, but
heard no news of her. I traversed every country,
every mountain, and left no one in the wilds
untried—but I saw her not, neither did I hear of
her; there were no signs, no tears. Then I went
to the land of Irak, and how many mountains did
I traverse on my journey, but I persisted in
scouring the land, and I became like a dry camel,
or a male hedgehog, and the desert was on flames,
of fire burnt from my eyes, till I reached the
land of Irak, and then in sadness I went towards
the tribe of Shiban: I went to them by night in
fear, and there I heard some news. I was walking
out, my heart full of vexation, when two persons
appeared before me in the middle of the
valley. I drew my trusty dagger from my side;
one of them was like a mountain, and was about
to kill the other, lying in tears on the ground.
I hastened on and struck him a speedy blow, irresistible
and never failing. I wounded him, and
then approached his enemy, fearful of the effects
of my blow, and the blood that gushed from him.
I approached the person, that I might distinguish
the one I had stabbed, and who was the other:
when the last saw me coming forward, he cried,
Art thou a demon or a man? Who art thou, tell
me, for I see thou art full of sorrow and grief. I
belong to the noble Absians, said I, a tribe ennobled
amongst the Arabs. Hasten, O Shiboob,
one exclaimed, my hope, my joy! And at the
voice my breath was almost exhausted; I recognised
the speech at once; I knew it was Ibla, and
her tears were flowing. She repeated her words like
one demanding relief from calamities and troubles.
My life is thine, son of my uncle, rescue me, she
cried. Be composed, said I; fear and doubt are
removed from thee. Then the slave too addressed
me, saying, I am Basharah, and my story I
whose name is Rabiat; she is my beloved, and
she was taken prisoner. I lost her, and my soul
adored her; on her account grief and sorrow
overwhelmed me. I have heard she is gone to
the tribe you have mentioned. O, master, have
you any news of her? I have intelligence of Rabiat,
I replied; she lives with us, and passes a
happy life; and when he heard me he rejoiced.
He threw himself before me, and the tears burst
from his eyes; he stood up whilst my arm supported
him, and he made peace with me; he said,
Ibla has escaped the perils that surrounded her.
Do you also escape under the night to your brother;
let him come with a troop of friends.
Speed, speed away, before Mooferridj discovers
me; he expects me in the morning. So I have
come in my fears, like a blast of wind, even like
the lightning when it dazzles the sight. So come
to us; let us traverse the desert in the dust with
some trusty Absian chiefs. Rescue your cousin,
and liberate her from the vicissitudes of fate and
fortune. I am come with this intelligence, and
you have heard it, and all is true."
When Shiboob had finished, Antar was all amazement,
and his heart was filled with delight and joy,
and his rage against Rebia increased. He immediately
sent for Rabiat, and gave her information of
Basharah: You may trust to him, said she, for I
am sure he feels as much affliction in my absence,
But may God destroy that Rebia for his contrivances!
it is evident the plot is his. Antar thus
consoling himself in conversation with Shiboob and
Rabiat till the morning white appeared, sent for
Oorwah, and told him the news. O Aboolfawaris,
said he, what do you intend to do? I wish,
said Antar, to make a dreadful impression on that
family of Zeead. This resolution, said Oorwah, is
by no means wise. The best plan is to conceal the
circumstance of Ibla's discovery, so that my interference
may not appear in the business; for it would
go to Shiban; Rebia and Mooferridj would gain
the information, and would soon manage to take
Ibla away from the slave with whom she now is;
all the world would know it; and all your trouble
would fail, and you would not succeed in your
object. Antar felt convinced Oorwah's advice was
just. Well, my brother, said he, you and I will then
proceed with ten horsemen to the presence of King
Zoheir, and will salute him and his sons, and will
secure his faith and friendship; and when he asks
how I am, I will conceal from him what has passed,
but say to him, Sons of my uncles, a long time has
now passed, and I despair of my cousin Ibla. I am
convinced she is now entirely lost to me; I feel assured
that he who took her away with all that wealth
must have put her to death. I am now under great
alarms for my brother Shiboob, for should he have
fallen among some enemies, they may have slain
to learn his fate. I will wander about for three
days, and then return. This is just the thing, said
Oorwah. So he sent for his particular comrades,
and they all mounted and came to him; Antar and
Oorwah also mounted, leaving Shiboob at home.
They proceeded to King Zoheir, and saluted him.
Antar related what we have stated above. O Aboolfawaris,
he said, this is highly becoming of you, and
very proper. Fate and destiny cannot be avoided,
and what is passed is irrevocable. No one in the
world has been able to perform what you have imposed
upon yourself, but do not destroy yourself for
such trifling considerations. King Zoheir and his
sons were highly pleased at Antar's expedition,
and all their sorrows and vexations disappeared.
Late in the day Antar returned home, and he
groaned aloud: he wished to sleep, but the excess
of his agony prevented him. He sent for Oorwah,
and told him he was resolved on the expedition, to
which Oorwah instantly assented, and communicated
the same to his companions. About midnight Antar
set out, joined by Oorwah and his associates,
who were waiting for him, and took the road to the
land of Irak and the land of the tribe of Shiban.
By Antar's side were Oorwah and his horsemen,
and before him went Shiboob, who showed them
the way by the springs and the lakes.
Now Rebia and Mooferridj departed for the territories
of King Numan, and introduced themselves
what they had done to Ibla, and that they had
divided her property. Rebia recited some couplets
of verses. So the king gave him a robe of honour,
and paid him all manner of attention, giving him
presents and donations, and feasted him three days.
Soon after Rebia asked permission to return, which
was accordingly granted, with many presents, and
many valuable proofs of kindness and liberality.
He set out for his native land, and pursued his
journey in all haste till there only remained one
night between him and the tribe of Abs, when he
alighted, and was exceedingly pleased at all the fine
things King Numan had given him. That spot was
called Rikaya Beni-Malik. He sent on a slave to
announce himself to his brothers that they might
come out to meet him.
Now Antar went on traversing the wilds and
deserts till he also came to the place called Rikaya
Beni Malik. Let us halt here, said he to Shiboob;
but when he perceived some horses and horsemen
already there, he said again to Shiboob, Look out
and see who these are. So Shiboob immediately
went on and returned, saying, Know then, my brother,
this is your friend Rebia. Antar was overjoyed
at this. My opinion, said he to Oorwah, is,
that we should assault them this very night without
delay, and make them taste of sorrow and misery.
Do as you please, was Oorwah's reply. Cousins,
said Antar, let not one of you cry out, O by Abs,
They all agreed, and mounted their horses, and set
up one general shout that made the earth tremble
after it had been silent. He that was seated rose
up, and the sleepers woke, and the cry was, O by
Adnan! O by Cahtan! They poured down their
swords among them; Rebia was soon wounded,
and all his property taken. What will you do
with all these things? said Antar to Shiboob. It
will be adviseable, my brother, answered Shiboob
to drive away all these he and she camels to the
pastures and mountains, but as to these chests let
us bury them in the sand till we return home; but
these mules we will take them along with us for the
baggage. You are quite right, Shiboob, said Oorwah.
So they turned out the camels to the pastures
with ten horsemen, and buried the chests in the
sand, and on the mules they loaded the provisions
and baggage, and then pursued their course to the
land of Irak. Antar was in an ecstacy of love and
anxiety, and being much delighted also at this accident,
he thus exclaimed:
"My love is excessive; my patience exhausted;
so take me by the hand, and do not add fresh
sorrow to what I already feel. Stop, ye railers,
provoke me no more, for I have no support for
my frame but the remains of my forbearance.
How many nights have I complained in anguish,
whilst absence lighted the flame of love in my
of the night, I grasped my waist with my
hand in anguish. O bird of the tamarisk, sing
as thou listest, for thou livest secure from the
vicissitudes of fortune and sorrow; thou hast only
lost thy mate whom thou lovedst, as I have lost
my love far away from home. Talk of the nights
thou hast passed as the most brilliant days in enjoyment,
but still thou callest from the branches,
O songster. O, my master, fear not in the day of
battle when thou seest the flash of swords and
coats of mail, meet the spear and the charging
warriors; die honoured, and bow to no one. But
let me appease myself on him who opposes me as
long as I am lord of this breath in my body. If
I do not let alone the birds of the atmosphere
hovering over the dust, no moisture will ever
water my heart."
They thus continued traversing the roads, and passing
the waters and the springs, till they reached the
land of Irak. Antar was led along by his passion till
there only remained between him and the land of Shiban
one night. It will be well, said Shiboob, to conceal
yourselves here, whilst I go and learn some news
for you, and meet Basharah, and I will speedily return.
Away, then, O my brother, cried Antar, and let
not your absence be long. Shiboob put on a long-sleeved
garment, and clothed himself like a slave of
Syria, and passed on till he neared the dwellings of
of whom he might inquire about Basharah;
for he had never seen him by the light of the day,
and had never met him but by night. So he was
consulting with himself about it; and in what way
he should introduce himself among the tents, when
a horseman appeared ambling along, and wandering
about out of the road; he sighed from an
oppressed heart, and thus expressed himself in
verse:
"Western breeze that blows from Hadjir, O
breathe my salutation to my absent love. Perhaps
my Rabiat will return my compliment, and will
in mercy bestow a thought on her wanderer. O
Ibla, if thy cousin is consoled without thee, fearful
of the men of my tribe—should he abandon
thee, should he forget thee, I will conceal thee in
mine eyes from the fear of thy foes. Should any
accident have happened to Shiboob, should the
bowels of the battle-field, or the tomb contain him,
then to command is with the Almighty God,
who executes his destined will on his creatures."
As soon as this horseman had finished, his tears
chased down his cheeks. But as Shiboob heard
him, his heart fluttered, his eagerness increased, he
understood the words and their import, and he was
convinced it must be Basharah, so he answered him
in the following lines:
"God has not abandoned Antar, nor that famous
fellow Shiboob; but he has come to you in all his
tried men—each a lion, ennobled by the sword.
Fierce with his scimitar, like a pitiless hyæna,
he encounters the chests of the steeds, stern as
they are; and he cleaves the skulls of his foes
with his falchion. His deeds are extolled among
the people like the flowering spring."
When Shiboob had finished his verses, he continued—God
has not let loose the calamities of the
time upon Antar; he is not consoled for Ibla; he
has not betrayed her; but he has come to you with a
troop with which he will engage the whole tribe of
Shiban, were there even with them the friends of
Soliman. Shiboob ran up to him and kissed his
knee, and made himself known to him.
Basharah wept with joy at Shiboob's arrival, and
all his afflictions vanished; he acquainted him with
the absence of his master in the cities of Khorasan,
but that he did not depart without giving him full
power over his treasures, and his property, and his
wife and children, and family: and I am resolved
to take all his property away with me, and repair to
my beloved Rabiat. In the mean time, let Antar
and his friends lie concealed in the wide waste, and
alight in the valley of Nika, on the road to the
mountains of Radm. But as soon as we arrive, let
them rush out upon us, and ply their swords among
us; let them not spare a single slave, and then we
will proceed in safety. Wait, and I will bring Ibla
to you.
Basharah mounted his horse and returned. Now
Ibla was ever in the most anxious state of expectation;
night and day she wept. Basharah's mother
endeavoured to console her with tales and stories,
and Basharah did the same, sitting down by her, and
questioning her about Rabiat, and would thus calm
away her sorrows: and never did he quit her till she
slept. This was her continual custom till the night
he encountered Shiboob. So when he came to her
at this unusual hour, he saw her drowned in tears,
and sighing from her overcharged heart; she was
invoking her native land and home, and thus expressing
herself in verse:
"My transport is extinct, my anxieties augment,
and will not give way, and this is the state of my
love. By your existence—Come, come, ye travellers,
be kind, restore my heart, and have compassion
on my withered frame. Say to the inhabitants
of Hedjaz, you have left Ibla enduring the
pangs of death for love of her songster. Ye have
witnessed my condition, my separation, my foreign
dwelling; and with you is there no one to come
after me, and no one to aid me? I am every day
and night expiring of love; and the song of the
dove pains me when it sings. My sorrow, my
irritation, my anxiety destroy me continually; so
I weep in affliction when I hear you. Alas, alas!
will Basharah come to me, will he tell me my afflictions
are at an end? O sons of my uncle, will
ye not come to me, and will ye not think of appeasing
ye have denied my love; ye have abandoned
me as a fawn in a foreign land. If in your journey
ye pass by the land of Aalidj, restore to me
my heart, and pity my agonised frame. I complain,
but there is no one to remove my grief;
there is no one to partake my afflictions, or share
my sorrows."
As soon as he heard these lines, he entered. O
my mistress, said he, Basharah is now come with
good tidings—and he told her all that had occurred.
May God render all your tidings good, cried she;
and may he join your virtues to your beloved!
Then he clothed her in the garments of a man of
Shiban, put on a turban and a vizor, and mounted
her on a noble steed; he girded her on a sword, and
conducted her out of the tents till he gave her over
to Shiboob. Take your mistress, said he; do not
stop till you are with your brother, and tell him to
be of good cheer.
Shiboob rose up and saluted Ibla, and having
thanked Basharah for his conduct, he set out for
his brother; and when he came towards him, he
found him much agitated about him; but he started
up, and having embraced Ibla, and kissed her between
the eyes, he made him relate all about Basharah
and his plans, and there they remained in
expectation of the event.
But Basharah, when he returned, having delivered
up Ibla, wrote a letter as if from his master Mooferridj,
who was called Malik, son of Hoosan, Know, my
lord, said he, that I have received a letter from my
master, in which he thus states—Know, O Basharah,
the King of Persia has sent me into the cities of
Khorasan, and with me some Persian troops, that I
may reduce for him some cities that have revolted
against him. An immense number of people are
collected about me, and are greedy in seizing all
manner of property. I have therefore resolved on
escaping by flight, and my desire is, that you load
all my wealth, and treasures, and goods, and secure
them all in the mountains of Radm, and the valley
of Raml: now, I am determined to execute his
orders.
When Basharah had thus communicated the letter,
he assembled his master's slaves, and chose out of them
fifty stout fellows, and having sent them to the pastures
to fetch him two hundred strong camels, he
entered the magazines of wealth, and took out all
the chests of goods that were there, precious jewels,
and left nothing but useless articles, tattered tents,
broken tent-poles, and patched cushions. By the
evening the packing was all finished. So he raised
the baggage on the backs of the camels, and he and
his mother set out in the beginning of the night, and
travelled on till they came nigh to the mountains of
Radm and the valley of Raml. They were just
about crossing the valley, when a troop of Absians
burst out upon them, shouting aloud; and as soon
delighted; he goaded on his horse towards Antar,
and saluted him, recognizing him by the length of
his form, and the prodigiousness of his figure. My
lord, said he, ply thy sword amongst this filth, seize
all this property, and bring about a meeting between
me and my beloved Rabiat, so beautiful and so full
of grace: then he thus continued in verse:
"By thee glory is exalted; by thee honours are
elevated. The Arab and the Persian can never
attain thy superiority. Thou hast exhibited bravery
and intrepidity, O warrior, and there is not a title
that does not belong to thee—men labour in the
acquisition of wealth, but glory is thy only object.
Fear not, thou canst not fall into calamities, for
all thy exploits raise thee sublime on high; thy
glory, the winds encompass not its extent—thy
liberality, it is incalculable. Mayst thou live
for the Absians for years; may they be exalted
in thy name, recorded in prose and verse."
Antar smiled at Basharah's compliments; Mayst
thou rejoice in thy beloved for many years, said he.
But Oorwah and his people put to the sword all the
slaves, and driving the property and camels, they
proceeded towards their own country, Shiboob going
before them, cutting over the sand and sand-hills.
Ibla travelled by the side of Antar, and was relating
all her sufferings from the time of separation
till their meeting, and all the noble, virtuous acts of
Basharah towards her, and thus they passed over
when Shiboob turned out of the road to the sands
where the chests were buried. They took them out,
and loading the beasts with them, they came near
home with such a vast abundance of wealth, the
kings of the age could not equal.
On Antar's arrival, the land of Shoorebah was all
in confusion. All were in amazement at the immense
quantity of cattle and valuables he brought
with him, and King Zoheir's sons went out to meet
him. As soon as Antar saw the Princes, and the
commotion of the people, he said to Ibla, Seek the
tents of thy father; whilst he himself urged on his
horse Abjer, and advanced towards King Zoheir's
sons, and saluted them. They congratulated him
on his safety, and inquired about his expedition.
Mine is an extraordinary story, said Antar; and I
cannot explain it but in the presence of King Zoheir
your father.
When Malik his uncle saw all these sheep and
cattle, &c. and that the whole country was filled with
their abundance, he was all astonishment, and said
to his son Amroo, Ah my son, if thy sister were but
still among the living, all these flocks would be
driven to our tents. At last he presented himself
to Antar, and saluted him, saying, O Aboolfawaris,
hast thou heard any thing of thy bride, or hast thou
returned in despair?
My bride, said Antar, is with her mother. Malik
smiled, and thought he was in joke; so he went
tears streamed from his eyes at his separation from
Ibla, and that he had lost all these fine things, when
came forward the handmaidens and slave-girls, and
informed him of Ibla's safety. At hearing this his
senses fled, so violent was his emotion. He hastened
to her and saluted her, whilst she complained to him
of all she had endured from the time of her disappearance
till her return. All the women, free-born and
slaves, and the virgins, all came to Antar, offering
presents on his return from his triumphs. But there
was not a happier man than Basharah, for his dearest
Rabiat had also joined the concourse of women. He
dismounted, and embraced her.
Antar ordered tents to be pitched. These are
yours, said he to Basharah; I am your protector;
and all your master's property is yours. Basharah
expressed his thanks, and he and Antar alighted at
the tents.
| Antar : | |