The Saracens attacked Damascus, with the hopes of a speedy capture,
but the inhabitants made a brave resistance. The garrison was with
difficulty restrained within the walls. At the moment the troops of
the emperor Heraclius came to the succour of the city, two brothers,
commanders of Damascus, made a vigorous sortie, pillaged the rear-guard
of the Saracens, and carried off their women. The most important
prisoner was Caulah, sister of Derar, one of the early heroes of
Mahometanism, whose fanatical zeal produced such miraculous triumphs.
Dazzled by the charms of his prize, Peter, one of the commanders of
Damascus, wished to treat her as a conquered captive; but Caulah
repulsed him with contempt. As if by a pre-concerted movement, she
and her companions in misfortune seized the tent-poles, and ranging
themselves back to back, refused to go to Damascus. Whilst hesitating
to fight with women, though thus armed and resolute, Caled, _the sword
of God_, came up, charged the Romans and made a horrible carnage: the
army of Heraclius was defeated at Ainadin. Caled reappeared before
Damascus, carried it by assault, and all the inhabitants were given
up to indiscriminate slaughter. When Heraclius learned the fall of
Damascus, he exclaimed, “Farewell to Syria!”