Thus matters proceeded with Antar and Prince Malik; but the anger of
Shedad was only augmented; at last he complained to his brothers Malik,
and Zakmet-ool Jewad, saying, O sons of my father, and mother, my soul
is greatly vexed, and my anxiety is redoubled, and I know not what to
do, or what will be the consequence of the actions of this black slave.
I fear that to-morrow he will destroy some one of rank and power, and
some disturbance arise throughout the whole tribe, and our blood will
be demanded and our persons pay the forfeit. O my brother, said his
brother Zakmet-ool Jewad, thou hast hit the mark, and if thou dost not
take measures to put this slave to death, he will certainly endanger
our lives. However wise a man may be, he is no match for him; but after
what has happened, we can never let him take our camels and cattle to
the pasture; we must, waylay him and kill him, and thus let us relieve
ourselves from this misery. Let us wait till he goes to the meadows, and
there let us destroy him in some secret spot; and when we have effected
our purpose, we will return. Shedad approved his brother’s advice, and
resolved to execute it. In the morning Prince Malik came to the tent of
Shedad, and interceded for Antar; Shedad acquiesced, and let him tend the
cattle in the meadows; and forgot him for a time.
But one morning Antar went as usual with the cattle to the pastures,
and they followed his steps, seeking to kill and destroy him. On that
day Antar was riding about in the wide plains and deserts, and finding
himself alone, he recited some verses in praise of Ibla; he wandered far
from the habitations, and thought of his misfortunes; fast flowed his
tears, for the night before he had dreamt of Ibla, and that he had kissed
her within her veil. He then addressed her in these verses:
“Ibla’s spirit appeared to me in my sleep, and thrice I kissed her within
her veil. It bade me adieu, but it deposited in me a flame that I feel
burning through my bones. Were I not left in solitude alone, and could I
not quench the fire of my passion with tears, my heart would melt. But I
do not complain, though all my fears are on thy account, O thou perfect
full moon! O daughter of Malik, how can I be consoled, since my love
for thee originated from the time I was weaned? but how can I ever hope
to approach thee, whilst the lions of the forest guard thy tent! By the
truth of my love for thee, my heart can never be cured but by patience.
O thou noble maid! till I exalt myself to the heights of glory with the
thrusts of my spear, and the blows of my sword, I will expose myself to
every peril wherever the spears clash in the battle dust—then I shall be
either tossed upon the spear heads, or be numbered among the noble.”
He went galloping in different directions till he came to a plain called
the plain of lions, and here were many ferocious animals and wild beasts.
Here he let the cattle graze, and Antar only came to this valley, because
he knew there was in it abundance of grass of the height of a man. Now
not a servant of the whole tribe of Abs would ever enter or approach this
valley, because it was very extensive, and filled with lions and tigers.
As soon as Antar found himself in it, he said to himself, perhaps I
shall now find a lion, and I will slay him. Thus, whilst the cattle were
feeding, and he from a mound was looking round on all sides, behold, a
lion appeared in the middle of the valley; he stalked about, and roared
aloud: wide were his nostrils, and fire flashed from his eyes: the whole
valley trembled at every gnash of his fangs—he was a calamity, and his
claws more terrific than the deadliest catastrophe—thunder pealed as he
roared—vast was his strength, and his force dreadful—broad were his paws,
and his head immense. As soon as he appeared in the valley, the cattle
scented him and fled away in terror, and the camels were dispersed to
the right and the left. No sooner did Antar perceive this extraordinary
movement, than he descended into the valley that he might observe what
was the matter, brandishing his sword. He there saw the lion, terrible
in his strength, and lashing his sides with his tail. Antar cried out
to him, and the mountains re-echoed to the cry. Welcome, thou father
of lions—thou dog of the plains—thou foulest of the wild beasts of the
deserts. Now then, thou wilt exert thy power and thy might, and thou wilt
pride thyself in thy roar; for no doubt, thou art the monarch and ruler
of the brute creation, and all obey thy commands—but, return to filth and
contempt, thou meetest now no ordinary man. I deal death to the bravest,
and render children orphans. Dost thou think, foul-mouthed beast, now
about to die, that thou canst frighten me with thy roar or alarm me with
thy bellow? I will not condescend to slay thee with an arrow or a sword,
but I will make thee drink of the cup of death from my single arm; and as
he rushed towards him, he addressed him in verse.
“I am the far-famed lion, the warrior whose exploits every one fears on
the day of wars. I save, I protect the property of my father Shedad,
and I punish the foe with the edge of my sword. When my hand wields the
scimitar on the day of battle, every heart of the horsemen throbs with
fear. Now will I meet thee in the waste, and make thee drink a cup of
the vicissitudes of fortune. I heed not death when I meet him, and I
comprehend what every tongue can express. Now then I will throw my sword
out of my hand—away then with thee—and I will destroy thee, thou dog of
the desert, with my hands alone.”
Just at that moment Shedad and his brothers came up to kill Antar. They
saw him address the lion, and heard what he repeated: he sprung forward,
and fell on him like a hail storm, and hissed at him like a black
serpent—he met the lion as he sprang, and outroared his bellow; then,
giving a dreadful shriek, he seized hold of his mouth with his hand, and
wrenched it open to his shoulders, and he shouted aloud—the valley and
the country round echoed back the war: he stuck to him until he was dead,
and then dragged him by the legs without the valley; and having cut down
some wood, he took out his Zanad (wood to make a light with), struck a
light, and made a fire. He waited until it blazed; he then ripped up the
lion, took out the entrails, and cut off his four legs, and threw them
into the fire; and when he perceived they were roasted, he took them out
and ate thereof till he finished it; he then ran to a fountain and drank
till he was satisfied; and having washed his mouth and hands, he went to
a shady tree, where he put the lion’s head under his own as a pillow,
and wrapping up his head in a part of his sleeve, he fell asleep. His
father and uncles were observing him and his actions, and as they saw all
he did, they were quite terrified and scared. Verily this slave, said
Zakmet-ool Jewad, has not his equal; no one in his senses would engage
him. Malik also trembled. What shall we do with this wretch? said he.
Great indeed has been the deed he has done; none of us can harm him; he
would soon destroy us and tear out our entrails, or do as he has done
with the lion. Let us return home, said Shedad, our honour still remains
safe, we must find some other means to kill him and accomplish our wishes.
Thus Shedad and his brothers returned home, all in astonishment at
Antar, and the wonders he had performed. In the evening, when Antar came
with the flocks and the camels, Shedad smiled upon him and gave him a
cordial welcome, and made him sit down with him at dinner, whilst the
other slaves stood up. And whilst they were all talking, there came a
messenger from King Zoheir to Shedad. King Zoheir demands your presence,
O Chief, he cried; he has sent me to require you to take with you your
warlike weapons, and your brothers, for he is engaged in a business of
importance, and wishes to attack the tribe of Temeem, and has resolved
on invading their country and destroying their territory. Shedad on
hearing this immediately complied, and having assembled his brothers
and all their dependants he turned towards Antar. To-morrow, said he,
the warriors and horsemen are going to march, and no troops will remain
in our habitations, therefore I consign over to you our houses and our
women; but take care when you go to the pastures not to wander far in the
mountains. Be perfectly easy, my master, replied Antar, about whatever
you leave in my charge; should the smallest thing be missing, let me, for
the remainder of my life, be kept in chains and bondage! Shedad thanked
him, and promised when he returned from the expedition, to give him a
fine horse to ride. In the morning the warriors mounted and prepared
for the engagement, and slung on their swords and their javelins; they
departed from their habitations, and among the first shone King Zoheir,
like a noble lion.
The horsemen being now absent, the children, and women, and slaves,
male and female, were left behind. Semeeah, the wife of Shedad, gave
a magnificent entertainment at the lake of Zatool Irsad. Sheep were
slaughtered, and wine flowed, and the girls carried their instruments.
Antar stood amongst the attendants, and was in transports on seeing Ibla
appear with the other women. She was indeed like an amorous fawn; she
was decorated with variegated necklaces; and when Antar was attending
her, he was overwhelmed in the ocean of his love, and became the slave of
her sable tresses. They sat down to eat, and the wine cups went merrily
round. It was the spring of the year, when the whole land shone in all
its glory; the vines hung luxuriantly in the arbours; the flowers, shed
around ambrosial fragrance; every hillock sparkled in the beauty of its
colours; the birds in responsive melody sang sweetly from each bush, and
harmony issued from their throats; every ear was enchanted; the ground
was covered with flowers and herbs; whilst the nightingales filled the
air with their softest notes. Then the damsels beat the cymbal, and
recited the following verses:
“The shades have spread their canopy, and the flowers spread their
pillows; the streams roll along their shores of flowers, some white, some
red, some yellow, some sweet-scented. See the waters gliding through the
gardens, and the trees and their fruits resemble bracelets and chaplets:
the birds sing melodiously upon them in every variety of note, the
nightingale and the dove pour their plaintive strain, and make every
lover weep; the gentle zephyrs whisper along, and the branches move in
softest measure. The boughs dance in the groves, among the trees, in the
graceful movement; the dew drops fall, and the flowers and the trees
are studded with its pearls. The season is delightful; let it pass in
enjoyment, and misfortunes begone! the opportunity is delicious, let us
grasp in haste its sweets. Be merry, and wild with joy, and let not a day
pass without amusement.”
Then another set took the musical instruments, and beating the cymbals
with their hands, thus sang:
“The gardens sparkle with all they boast of lovely damsels; every
sportive virgin is possessed of languishing glances, and enchanting
movements; their beauty is perfection, they are loveliness itself; their
elegant shapes glance like the well-proportioned spears; their tresses
float down their backs, like branches of the grape-vine; they are slayers
and piercers with their arrows and their darts; archers and strikers, the
enchantresses of men.”
They now formed a dance and took off their robes: the damsels danced
whilst the servants sang, and carried round the goblets of wine. Roses
were spread over their cheeks, and their bosoms heaved. And Ibla joined
her associates in the dance, and exhibited her charms, and laughed. Fire
shot from their eyes, and the cups of wine were united to the honey of
their mouths. The imagination of Antar was inflamed and overpowered in
the sea of anxiety; he hesitated whether he should violate the modesty
of love by the fingers of passion, when lo! on a sudden there appeared a
cloud of dust; and a vast clamour arose, and in a moment there came forth
a troop of horses and their riders, about seventy in number, armed with
cuirasses and coats of mail, and Aadite helmets, crying out, O by Cahtan!
and rushed towards the women. At the instant joy was converted into
grief, and smiles into tears: in a moment they seized the women and the
virgins, made them prisoners, and placed them on their horses behind them.
But when Antar saw this disaster, and perceived that a horseman had
carried off Ibla, and observed her weep, and her cheeks turn from red to
a deadly pale, the world seemed contracted about him, and as he reflected
that he had no arms with which to fight, he was greatly alarmed, but
trusted to his feet. He overtook the horseman in a moment who had seized
Ibla, for he happened to be in the rear; he sprung upon him like a wild
beast in its utmost fury, and clung to him, and overpowering him, threw
him upon his head and broke his neck. Silent was the warrior’s heart,
for Antar had annihilated him, and he took possession of his armour and
his steed. He mounted, and pursued the horsemen, rushing down upon them
like a torrent, and assailing them with the most abusive and contemptuous
language. Hear, ye dastards! I am Antar the son of Shedad—abandon your
prisoners and the children, or I will attack and destroy you. Return
to your tribe of Cahtan in disgrace and despair, or by the father of
mankind, by him who made man to speak with lips and tongue, I will
make your heads trunkless. He soon came up with those in the rear, and
slew twenty of them; and when the remaining horsemen perceived what
had happened, fifty more returned at a full gallop, pouncing down
like eagles; they saw their companions stretched upon the sand, and
immediately attacked him, but he met them, fierce as a devouring lion.
“Here am I in the boisterous battle, and my power is well known; my sword
and my deeds testify to those that see me, that I pierce my antagonist,
watchful as he may be. My shield, and then my spear, and my sword of
Indian temper, were with me in my cradle, my two bosom friends; and
the earth where I stand reddens like crimson leather, and blood flows
thereon, its colour a deep scarlet. Give me pure wine to drink, or let
it be mixed; give it me old, that I may imagine it was made before the
world. She comes and offers me to drink in mantles of Judas flower. Give
me to drink, and let me hear the song that delights me. The sweetest of
sounds to me is the rattle of the Indian blades, and the clash of lances
in the battle, on the day of spear-thrusts, when the parties shout, and
warriors are adjudged to death: but the dearest of all my projects, the
darling object of all my desires of fortune, is, that I may behold Ibla
at my disposal in happiness and security.”
He rushed forwards to meet them, and harder than flint was his heart,
and in his attack was their fate and destiny; he assailed the boldest
of his opponents, and his assault was the assault of the most obstinate
warrior. As soon as he distinguished the chief of the party, he
approached him, he plunged at him—he grappled with him—his shout struck
him with horror. He pierced his bosom with his spear, and forced it out
through his back. When his companions saw the effect produced, every
heart quaked with fear, and felt convinced that death and destruction
were at hand; and they said one to another, it is a mere slave that has
brought this confusion upon us, a wretch, mean and worthless; what will
be our condition then if the warriors come to his assistance? Let us
fly, otherwise our ruin and annihilation are certain. So they joined the
others, and fled away in disorder, abandoning the women, and retreating
in disgrace and despair. Antar, as soon as they were dispersed, collected
the scattered horses, and a vast quantity of arms, &c. He returned home,
and the women and families being all safe, thus he exclaimed.
“These are my exploits when I stalk against the foe, and they abuse me
for my black complexion, which is my glory. I drive away the troops and
the noble warriors, and my colt as he rushes on plunges into the battle.
As to those who envy me like fools, every one knows that virtue is ever
the object of jealousy. I am the offspring of my day, the sword is my
father, in it is my glory, the one may be denied, the other is a fact.
Never will I cease to hew down the troops in bodies, till every opponent
is annihilated.”
He returned home, taking with him twenty-five horses and all the women
and children. Now the hatred of Semeeah was converted into love and
tenderness, and he became dearer to her than sleep. They all came home,
but Semeeah enjoined all the women not to disclose this event to any one,
lest their husbands should blame them. Antar also kept it all a profound
secret. In a short time King Zoheir returned from his victory over the
tribe of Temeen, and brought with him an immense booty; and both those
that went and those that staid were greatly rejoiced.
The next day in the morning, Shedad went out on horseback and sought his
herds and flocks; he perceived amongst his horses some strange ones, and
also saw Antar riding upon a black mare. Whence, cried he, came these
animals? and whence got you this mare, that excites my wonder? Now the
mare Antar was riding belonged to the chief of the Cahtanians, and the
other horses were those the horsemen rode whom he had slain; the spoil
and all he had collected were concealed at his mother’s. O master,
he replied, as I was tending the flocks yesterday, there came some
Cahtanians, and with them an immense quantity of cattle; they were much
fatigued and moreover frightened at the Arab horsemen. I followed them,
and finding these horses separated from the rest, I took them and brought
them back. Thou wicked slave, said Shedad, these are no horses strayed
from their owners, thou hast carried them off from beneath their riders;
it is on this account thou wanderest alone in these wilds and rocks, and
every Arab thou canst meet thou killest him, and thou carest not whether
he is of the tribe of Cahtan or Adnan. Never wilt thou leave off this
conduct till thou hast excited feuds among the Arabs, and slain heroes
and horsemen!
Now in that age the Arabs were of two classes; from Yemen to India they
were called the tribe of Cahtan; and in Mecca and Hijaz they were called
the tribe of Adnan. Shedad laid hold of Antar, and bound him with a rope.
Here, said Shedad, thou shalt remain tied up. Never again will I let thee
take my cattle to the pasture; and he beat him with the whip he had in
his hand; and as he continued to lash and thrash him, no good will come
of thee, said he; evil and abominations are rooted in thee; thou wilt
breed dissensions among the Arab tribes, and thou wilt make us a common
tale among nations. His father still beat him and abused him, and he bore
it all.
At last Semeeah came out, and seeing what was going on, she wept
bitterly. She sprang forwards and threw herself on his breast,
exclaiming, sooner shalt thou beat me than him; he does not deserve
such ill treatment, O Shedad. But Shedad became very angry with her,
and shoving her away, threw her down on her back. She rose up and cast
herself into Antar’s arms, uncovering her head, and letting her hair
flow down her shoulders. This excited Shedad’s surprise. What has
happened to this wretch, he exclaimed, that you feel so much affection
and tenderness, after having expressed so much anger and indignation?
Loose his bands, said Semeeah, and I will relate the whole story to you.
Tell me, said he, and I will release him. Then she told Shedad all that
Antar had done; how he alone had attacked seventy horsemen, and had
driven them back in confusion and despair, and had secured in safety all
their families and children. Then Semeeah repeated these verses:
“O Shedad, hadst thou seen me, my face uncovered, and my person carried
off behind the warriors, and the women of Prince Cais in dismay, no
resource at hand, and their veils trailing on the surface of the earth.
Ibla too! they mounted her behind a warrior, whilst her tears streamed
down her cheeks. The slaves whom I encouraged, fled; every one fled, all
trembling in affright. Our families surrounded us weeping in anguish and
in misery. Our camels were driven away, and every heart was distracted.
Then Antar plunged into the midst of them; into the black rolling dust;
the atmosphere was involved in darkness, and the birds sunk motionless;
their horsemen fled through fear: this one was slain, that made captive;
he protected us. After he had comforted us all, he pursued them, and the
honour of them all was destroyed. O it is right I should respect him;
protect him; my honour he protected, and he preserved the honour of us
all.”
Semeeah’s account of Antar’s actions astonished Shedad, and he rejoiced
and was glad. It is surprising, said he to himself, he kept all this
secret, and his submission to be bound by me! ’tis most wonderful! Antar
stood unconcerned, and listened to Semeeah’s acknowledgments; he bore no
resentment, and praised her in these verses:
“Oh! is it from Semeeah that these tears flow in anguish, and from
a heart in flames? Shall her form shadow me? can blows harm me, and
shall tears burst in torrents from her eyelids? When her tresses hang
dishevelled; she is like the rising full moon, veiled in the darkness of
night. The property is thy property, the slave thy slave: and life, and
every sense shall be exerted to save thee. Oh! when the troopers start
forth, harsh-countenanced, and the black dust rolls over them; then make
use of me. If I do not disperse them in the clash of contending spears,
may I never be permitted to drink! may the rain-drop never moisten me!
The sword is in my hand, whose blows fetch blood; but the swords of
others have no power in their edge. Men are of two kinds; one whose heart
is of brittle glass—the other whose heart is of rock.”
When Antar had finished his verses, Shedad came up to him, and released
him, and begged his pardon, for he was convinced that such wit expressed
in verse and prose, could not proceed but from an exalted warrior. At
that moment came a servant from King Zoheir, who saluted Shedad. The
King, O Chief, said he, sends his salutation in to you, and requests you
will attend a feast he has prepared. Shedad took Antar with him and went
to the feast, and the slave followed him till he reached Zoheir’s tents,
which he found resounding with cymbals, and other musical instruments,
and the victims were slaughtered: and there were assembled the race of
Abs and Adnan, and all the valiant heroes attached to them. Shedad seated
himself amidst the noblest chieftains, but Antar sat down among the
slaves; and when they had eaten meat, and drank wine, they conversed,
and related all the circumstances of the late affair. Antar heard all
they said, and Shedad praised his son Antar, informing the king of all
he had done, and all he had composed in prose and verse, and related the
whole story. All this, cried the King, greatly rejoiced at the courage
and eloquence of Antar, I anticipated at the time he slew the slave of
my son Shas; I knew he would be the refuge of every petitioner. Who can
execute such deeds or perform such acts! doubtless he will rise superior
to all his contemporaries. And he called out to him, and ordered him into
his presence. Antar kissed his hands, and presented him the cup, and
his heart was overpowered with joy and delight. O Antar, exclaimed his
friend Malik, the King’s son—at your commands, said Antar, thou moon of
this assembly. I wish, said Malik, thou wouldst recite to us some of thy
verses. Willingly, my lord, said Antar; and he thus continued:
“Glory is bound to the back of the steeds; victory on the day of
horrors, lives in the sword; never rises the battle dust on the day
of fight, but my pliant spear assists me. How many sand-clouds have I
penetrated, fearless of calamities, when the faces of black and white
swoon in terror! How many horsemen fly from the encounter of arms when
the war-dust rises; they fly and are repulsed: then rush I into the
clanging war: my heart and my chest are hewn out of the solid rock. O
thou lion-king, have thine eyes beheld the exploits of the horsemen of
the desert, when the foe attacked us to spoil us of our cattle? then I
cut down their chief on the desert: I raised him up on my nobly-serving
sword: he was dashed from his saddle, and his cheeks crushed on the
earth. I am thine, O thou King of all the earth, and thy fame shall be
spread over every land. Ye are the Princes of Jezeemah, and whoever
presumes to resist ye, shall quickly be destroyed and be dismissed from
this world. Come on then—it is the lion who never drew his sword, but
that every hero dreaded its encounter. The lions fear, and in their
dens tremble at him; man also dreads him, and the dæmons of the waste.
He shrinks not from the warriors, numerous as they are. I plunge into
the war-dust, and the warriors charge against the combatants with swords
that pierce through the throats. I swerve not from my purpose when I am
resolved on it, till I accomplish every wish of my heart. I am indeed
your slave, named Antar; to him the horrors of battle are welcome; he
never faulters. Mayest thou, O King, live for ever! His like is not
among the kings of the earth or the desert. May God ever preserve for
me my father Shedad, for he is a support for me—nothing existing could
recompense me for his loss, for he is my lord and chief. His glory is
from the race of Abs, the seat of all honour and liberality.”
When Antar had finished his verses, King Zoheir and all present expressed
the greatest pleasure. The King called him to him, and giving him a robe,
thanked him. In the evening he returned with his father Shedad, and his
heart bounded with exultation at the honours with which he had been
favoured. And his passion for Ibla increased.
One day Antar rode out on one of the horses, in company with his
brothers; they drove the herds till they came to the pastures, and there
Antar remained to protect and tend them. Now Shiboob was an active
sagacious fellow, and had a persuasive tongue, but he was the devil in
the form of a man. In running he would outstrip a deer, and when he ran
after a horse, he soon left it behind among the rocks.
Antar had great confidence in him at all times, and feared him more than
any human being. Now it happened that the sons of Zoheir were assembled
together at the invitation of their uncle Asyed the son of Zezimah, for
in those days, people that loved each other frequently met, and shunned
those they disliked. The Princes were riding out, and made choice of an
eminence, where they halted and pitched their tents, and conversed till
dinner was ready. They ate, drank, and laughed and sung, and joked away
the time, whilst some of the damsels sang the following strain:
“Mix thy water in the cup of thy wine, and give me to drink, for truly
I have mixed my tears with my blood. Let me drink of wine in the flower
gardens to drive away sorrow, and quicken my joys. Every charm is
combined in her form that lives like the soul that flows through my
limbs; and whilst she bears the cup in her hand, she appears kindling
the flame of my love. In the noon-tide sun she dances, and her face is
spotted like the full moon of night with the star of the Gemini.”
They were seated and drinking: they were all much amused and pleased,
and the old wine had its sway. Just then, Malik turned round his head
and saw Antar and his brothers feeding the flocks and camels on a rising
ground. Behold my friend Antar, honoured amongst the inhabitants of
deserts and cities, said he to his brother, and he called to one of his
slaves. Go to Antar, said he, and invite him to our party, that we may
hear his discourse, and our enjoyment be complete. “How can you look upon
this savage? exclaimed Shas, and think of such an ungracious wretch, and
thus raise him amongst the chieftains of the tribe? On account of his
verses, his consequence and power are extolled, and you bestow on him the
highest dignity. But indeed, I feel inclined to rush at him, and tear his
life out of his body, were I not afraid of the reproaches and reprimands
of my tribe; and moreover, I should be sorry to interrupt the amusement
of my brothers and companions. Indeed, my brother, your repeated
admiration of him augments my aversion to him.”
Thus were they talking together, when on a sudden, a dust like a cloud
arose among them, and there appeared three hundred valiant horsemen, like
lions of the forest; and under them were steeds swifter than death. They
were of the tribe of Cahtan, on a marauding party, to plunder the tribe
of Adnan. And when they found these persons seated and drinking among the
hills, they said one to another, Let us attack this party, that we may
capture them in an instant, and convey them away to our country, for it
is a wealthy tribe. Then bending their heads over their saddle-bows, they
gallopped among them, shouting and hallooing—O by Cahtan!
When the sons of Zoheir saw this, they were surprised; they hastened
to mount their horses and to gird on their swords. The foe poured down
from the summit of the hill; they all at once shouted aloud—they rushed
forward and plunged through the dust, assailing the horsemen of Yemen,
like the ocean when it bursts and retreats. And when Antar heard their
yells and screams, he feared lest the enemy would destroy them with their
spears; and greatly was he alarmed for Malik and his brothers. He called
out towards his own brothers, and went towards the party, among whom was
a horseman whose name was Zatik, son of Maboob. Antar pounced down upon
him, and piercing him, left him weltering in his gore. He then assailed
his companions, and gave a shout like thunder when it roars. And there
was not one that could see or hear; fear and trembling seized them; they
beheld only Antar the lion! They fled, and the whole troop was dispersed
and routed, till they all disappeared over the extended plains.
Antar returned to the princes, and shouted out to the horsemen that
still remained assailing them; and as soon as they looked on Antar, an
universal terror shook their frames, and their colour instantly changed;
for they had seen him scatter heroes like seeds of rue, and trample
carcases under his feet, leaving numbers dashed to the earth; and none
could oppose but those accustomed to plunge into the battle dust. And as
he engaged them he roared out these verses.
“The heights of glory are not attained but at the point of the spear, and
patience in the day of battle through the heaviest difficulties, and the
challenge of every lion-hero, and long-bearded warrior. Ask my horse of
me, when flashes of fire fly from his hoofs. I have a spear-thrust that
deals the most excruciating pain, and raises me above all competitors;
and my Indian blade cuts through the nocturnal calamities whenever I draw
it. I am the son of the black faced Zebeebah that tends the camels. I am
a slave, but my fury o’erwhelms the lordly chiefs in the battle. As to
death, should I meet him, I will not shrink from him when he appears to
me—it is a draught I must inevitably take when the day of my dissolution
arrives.”
Then, diving through the dust, he overthrew the horsemen singly, and in
pairs, and infused the most violent commotions into the hearts of the
combatants. Thus, having driven away by his assaults the fury of war,
from the sons of Zoheir, they felt relieved from their distresses. In
the mean time a slave had informed the King, who instantly mounted and
departed with his horsemen and troops; but the news did not reach him
till Antar had completed the business, and had put his enemies to flight
to the right and left; and many were the brave that remained on the
field. The princes returned to their tents, Antar preceding them like a
lion, repeating these verses:
“I will not cease to exalt myself by my deeds, till I reach Orion in my
ambitious projects. Here I care not for those who abuse me, fearful of
death and separation from life. But I will reduce my foes and my railers
by force, and I will be patient under sufferings and in praise. I will
strive to attain what I desire, till death snatch me away. I will arm
my mind against worldly lusts, that I may be considered noble-minded
and faithful. Whoever would check me, let him look to himself, where’er
he may be concealed. My complexion is no injury to me, nor the name of
Zebeebah, when I exercise my courage amongst the foe. I will work wonders
and marvels; and I will protect myself from the tongues of the wicked.”
When Zoheir heard Antar’s verses, he thanked him for his noble conduct,
and joyed in the safety of his sons and his people, expressing the
warmest attachment and affection for Antar. He then demanded of the
prisoners, of what country they were; they replied that they belonged to
the furthest lands of Yemen.
King Zoheir soon after gave an entertainment in his tents, rejoicing in
the escape of his sons. He sent for Antar and set him down by his side,
and gave him to drink of his most delicious wines, and placed him high
amongst all his comrades, investing him with a superb robe, worked in
gold, and girding him on a trusty sword, and mounting him on one of his
finest Arab horses. He took pleasure in seeing him, and called him the
Champion of the Absians. From this day forward, said he to Shedad, I will
not permit him to attend your flocks; now that he has thus distinguished
himself by such glorious deeds; let him now run the career of victory
with the warriors of his country. He was thus separated from the
servants, and attacked the tribes and made predatory excursions against
them. And his brother Shiboob pointed out to him the hordes, and places
of resort, and the fountains; and he never went on any expedition but
he succeeded, and returned full of joy and content; so that his father
Shedad became enriched, and all the noblest chieftains delighted in him.
He had now many friends, and many jealous enemies; amongst the latter
were prince Shas, and Rebia. And when they saw what great things Antar
had done, their indignation against him increased, and they resolved on
his destruction. In every society, the people, assembled round their
wine, repeated Antar’s verses, mentioned his actions, and talked of his
love for Ibla, and his discourses. This continued some time, till at
length it reached the ears of Ibla’s father and mother, and when they
heard Antar’s amorous poetry repeated, they ridiculed it, and would not
receive him on friendly terms; but shewed their aversion to him, in every
way, and made him perform every menial office; for Antar, in their eyes,
was only considered as a slave. But when the talk about Ibla gained
ground, her mother ordered Ibla into the presence of her father, and sent
also for Antar. So, you love my daughter Ibla, said she, and make verses
upon her, and cannot conceal your feelings. Ibla was standing by her
mother, and when she heard her speak to Antar, she smiled. This increased
Antar’s confusion, and he was much disordered, as it called forth all his
love.
O mistress, said he, did you ever see any one who hated his mistress,
particularly when his life and death were in her hands! verily, I do
love her, and my only wish in this world is to be near her: her form is
ever before me, her name is ever in my heart and soul: and I exalt in my
verses, all that God has granted her of beauty and loveliness.
When Ibla heard Antar speak in her praise, her surprise increased, and
Antar made great progress in her heart. If, said her mother to Antar, you
are in earnest in what you say, let us hear some of your verses in praise
of her charms. Upon this, Antar hung down his head, and thus spoke:
“I love thee with the love of a noble born hero; and I am content with
thy imaginary phantom. Thou art my sovereign in my very blood; and my
mistress; and in thee is all my confidence. O Ibla, my description cannot
pourtray thee, for thou comprehendest every perfection. Were I to say thy
face is like the full moon of heaven, where in that full moon, is the
eye of the antelope? Were I to say thy shape is like the branch of the
Erak tree; O thou shamest it in the grace of thy form. In thy forehead
is my guide to truth; and in the night of thy tresses I wander astray.
Thy teeth resemble stringed jewels; but how can I liken them to lifeless
pearls? Thy bosom is created as an enchantment. O may God protect it ever
in that perfection! To be connected with thee, is to be connected with
every joy, but separated from all my world is the bond of thy connexion.
Under thy veil is the rosebud of my life, and thine eyes are guarded with
a multitude of arrows; round thy tent is a lion warrior, the sword’s
edge, and the spear’s point. O thy face is like the full moon of heaven,
allied to light, but far from my hopes.”
When Antar ceased, Ibla and her mother were astonished, and their dislike
towards him diminished; and Ibla regarded him with affection. And Ibla’s
mother said to Antar—I had no idea that you could talk after this style,
and speak with so much elegance and propriety: by the faith of a noble
Arab, you are endowed with high and noble qualities. I intend to night to
speak to my husband, that he may marry you to Khemisa, Ibla’s servant;
who is the prettiest of all the girls of the place. Never, said Antar,
will I be united to a woman who is a slave, and not free born; and never
but with her my soul adores. May God, said Ibla, accomplish thy wishes;
and may he grant thee the woman thou lovest, and may thou live in peace
and happiness! Amen, Amen, Amen, replied Antar.
These verses were soon published amongst the whole tribe, and men and
women sang and repeated them. It happened about this time that Rebia gave
an entertainment, to which he invited Shas, and Malik, Ibla’s father
and his son Amroo to come and eat, and drink wine, and when they became
merry, the girls began to sing these verses. Do you not see how that
slave is talked of? exclaimed Shas, how his name is renowned, and his
character and fame are celebrated?
Thus they went on talking till Amroo became exceedingly angry. Death,
O Chief, said he to Rebia, would be more tolerable to us than such
proceedings. I have frequently spoken to my father to cast off this
slave; but he says, the fellow is a slave, and the son of a slave, he
is of no consequence; and were we to drive him out of our tents, King
Zoheir would take him, and encourage him against us, and then his
avidity would only increase, and we should injure ourselves; for how
can we presume to oppose King Zoheir? And then again, he enrages us by
his verses. I have longed to kill him from the moment I heard that he
mentioned my sister in his rhymes, let happen what may.
We have not invited you, said Rebia, to do any thing of this kind; who
is this slave, that you should stain your sword with his blood? Let us
consult on other means of killing him. I will to-morrow conceal twenty
of the stoutest of my slaves, and will order them to kill him in the
rocky precipices. My slave Bazam is the brother of Zajir, and he has
long wished to kill him; but I would not let him do it, for fear of the
reproaches of King Zoheir; but now that his son Shas is with us, and
takes a part in the affair, we shall be secure from blame. Then said
Shas, I will assist you in word or deed, were even my father and brother
and cousins to oppose me; and I will persevere in this enterprize, even
if I were obliged to take a personal part in it; and I too will engage
twenty of my slaves in it, to kill him by the cruellest death, and
make an example of him. They did not break up the entertainment till
Shas, Rebia, and Amroo had all three bound themselves by oath; and they
arranged the forty slaves, all strong as lions, twenty from Shas, and
twenty from Rebia.
Now Shedad had a daughter, and her name was Merweh, but not by Semeah;
and she was married to a man called Jahjah, one of the tribe of Ghiftan,
and he was a celebrated warrior. It happened that Jahjah had married
his sister to one Magid, son of Leith, also one of the Ghiftan tribe;
and when the bridal festival was preparing amongst the Ghiftanians,
Merweh came to the tribe of Abs and Adnan, with a party of women, to
invite the females belonging to her father, and her uncles Malik and
Zakmet-ool Jewad, and their relations amongst the tribe of Carad, to
the feast. They accordingly obtained their husbands’ permission to make
the visit, and their husbands went with them. In front of the howdahs
they sounded the cymbals, and the servants brandished their swords; and
Antar was among them, in attendance on Ibla and Semeah, and the wives
of his uncles. And when he assisted her to alight and mount the howdah,
he used to gratify himself in talking to her, and was mad in gazing on
her charms; and he was in hopes the journey would be long. Ibla’s mother
laughed at him, when she saw him assiduously attending on her daughter.
Verily, said she, you love my daughter so much as to compose verses on
her, and in description of her beauties. Yes, said Antar, by the God that
has decorated the heavens, and raised them on high, and has adorned them
with stars, were I able, I would make my eye her resting-place. They
journeyed on, and Antar walked before the howdah of Ibla, repeating
these verses.
“March the way of security. O thou, all my hope, proceed, for he who
encompasses thee is an intrepid warrior, that smites with his sword when
the battle clashes. O Ibla, one look from the veil of thy eyelids is
sufficient. Should I never attain my object in this world, the extended
plains and mountains must press upon me.”
Thus they proceeded on their journey; singing and playing, till the day
was spent and darkness came on, when they dismounted in a spacious plain
near a pool of water. They ate and drank, and remained in that spot
till it was day; and just as Antar was ordering the slaves to raise the
howdahs on the camels backs, lo! a great dust arose, spreading rapidly
over the valleys and the mountains. In an instant there came forth a
hundred slaves on horseback, and Arabs; at their head was a horseman like
an eagle, crying out,
“This day will I be revenged; verily I am the conqueror, and I will
settle the business with my sword and my spear, on a slave of a tribe
whom the Absians regard not, but who listens not to one that chides him.
How many men have I trampled down in the dust. I am a valiant one, like
whom there is no hero.”
As was before stated, Shas and Rebia had sworn to destroy Antar, and
having placed their spies and scouts for that purpose, they stationed
the forty slaves, putting Basam at their head, just at the time that
Merweh, the daughter of Shedad, happened to come by, and was returning
home. The slave, with his comrades of the tribe of Ham, followed the
party until they came to the valley of Ghifal, where they resolved to
lie in ambush for Antar: when lo! the sound of horses’ hoofs alarmed
them, and heroes rushed upon them, crying out—“Stop where ye are, or your
sculls shall fly. Tell us who ye are, and of what tribe of Arabs, before
we pour down destruction upon ye.” On hearing this, Basam prepared his
people for the attack; O Arabs, he replied, we are of the tribe of Abs,
inhabitants of this country; but who are you, and why are ye halting in
this place? Slaves of a coward race, cried the chief, we are in search of
you, for amongst you is that accursed slave Antar, the son of Shedad.
Now these were Arabs and horsemen of the tribe of Moostalik, and their
chief was called Vethab; he happened to be out of the way when Antar
slew his brother, some time before; but when he returned, they informed
him of it. He went forth to be revenged, exclaiming, Verily, a slave of
the tribe of Abs has slain my brother, but I will destroy none but their
King, and not return but with Antar’s head. He thus met Basam, and all
this occurred. And after some explanation; know, O noble Sir, said Basam,
our masters have sent us in search of you, that we may together hasten to
kill this slave, and waylay him: here he has halted this night. If ye
wish, we will slay him, said Vethab, and we will give you his head; but
if you please, do you kill him, and give us his head. But swear you will
not betray us.
Upon that, they promised and swore, and took engagements from one
another. But Basam turned towards his comrades. Let us hide ourselves
here, said he; but if ye perceive that they commit any injury to the
property and families, we must then assail them too, till some people
come to our aid, and thus we obtain our end in the death of Antar.
However, we must in the attack remain in the rear, so that the women may
not distinguish us, and know that we are amongst the enemy. Do what you
please, said the slaves, and when the shades of night were dissolving,
the party under Vethab poured down upon Antar like a cloud of waves,
shouting out, To arms! to arms!
Then began the women to scream and weep. Antar cast his eyes towards
Ibla, and she was bathed in tears: he looked at her mother, and her grief
was great. Antar smiled, and presented himself before Ibla’s mother.
O mistress, said he, what think you of these our enemies? verily they
are eager for their prey. O Antar, said she, my force and spirits are
exhausted; in a moment we shall be the prisoners of our enemies, and they
will scatter us over this desert. O my mistress, said Antar, give Ibla
to me in marriage, and I will disperse your enemies at a single onset.
I will reduce them to annihilation; and I will give you their horses and
their armour as a dower. This is no time for merriment, said she. No,
cried Antar, By the God of day, and the animator of souls: he that is
God the merciful, and the Lord of victory, if you promise to marry her
to me, I will make over to you these horses, and slay their masters.
Defend her, said she, and she is yours. At the instant, he turned round
to Shiboob—Protect my rear, he cried, this day. Be of good cheer,
thou black-born, exclaimed Shiboob, for I will bear two-thirds of thy
troubles. Antar rushed forward and assaulted them; roaring and shouting
aloud, and again he attacked them, and roared out. He encountered the
first ranks, and met them with all-potent thrusts; he struck them in
their chests, and in their eyes. He slew the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth; and behold, a horseman came down upon Antar from
behind. As he was blustering over the plain, and just as he was about to
transfix Antar with his spear, lo! an arrow pierced his heart, and threw
him from his horse. The terrible Shiboob dealt the deadly blow. When the
party saw the state of the battle, they retreated from before him; but he
marking how the enemy were dispersed, came up to the women, and said to
Ibla, Check thy tears, thou light of my eyes, the man lives not that has
harmed thee! and thus he spoke in verse:
“Check thy tears, for if thy heart is distressed, the noble lion of the
den will protect thee. O Ibla, fear not, indulge no alarms, for my whole
frame is labouring under the burden of its love; and I am a lion to whom
the warriors in the day of contention bow in submission, and whom the
cowards dread. O Ibla, if persecution and absence must kill me, O that
the bonds of meeting were loosened for ever. Verily, I will defend thee
this day, O thou my only hope, for I have a sword whose blade cleaves the
sculls. O Ibla, arise—behold my actions, and my deeds under the battle
dust, when every man is cut to pieces. Behold my exploits when they
attack and come on, and the supports of their tribe are destroyed. The
foe wishes to take thee captive, O thou my only hope. O Ibla, palsied is
the hand that would take thee prisoner. I will steep my sword in their
blood, and I will glut the birds, and the wolves, and the Ghuols, with
their carcases. Here let all the world know that every foe of mine shall
be overthrown under the dust of the battle.”
When Ibla heard Antar address her, she smiled with teeth more brilliant,
and whiter than pearls, for she felt assured of his victory and conquest.
Again he returned towards the foe, like a lion, and attacked them on the
field of battle, scattering them to the right and to the left. Shiboob
assisted him in the rear with his arrows, and the dust rose and filled
the plain on all sides. The women were praying for Antar, and invoking
the God of heaven. He was eagerly assailing the foe, like a lion, and
slew thirty of their horsemen. His horse being completely exhausted,
he dismounted and vaulted on another charger; and whilst all this was
passing the slaves of the tribe of Abs looked on and gazed in wild dismay
and astonishment; but the chief Vethab, when he perceived his companions
and those that were overthrown, cried out to the survivors, I alone am
his match; and he rode away to the field of battle, clothed in brilliant
armour, a splendid sword on his loins, and a spear in his hand, and he
thus exclaimed:
“The vicissitudes of fortune, from the height of their mutability are
launched against me, and every companion has abandoned me. The death of
my tribe is at hand, from the arm of a slave who disregards his fate. It
is no wonder when fortune raises up a poor wretch, that she should leave
him in his infirmities a prey to the lions. O thou vile slave, that hast
outstepped thy sphere, a warrior, one whom no words can describe, is come
against thee. Away then with thy blind follies, thou son of Zebeebah; for
how many heroes have I destroyed at the moment of their attack.”
He had scarcely finished his verses when Antar answered him:
“Thou wouldst abuse me, vile wretch, for that I am the colour of that
night, whose dangers I dare. If I am a slave, I have slain thy chiefs,
and I have overwhelmed them with the vicissitudes of fortune. I am the
assaulting lion: in the field of battle I rush impetuously when the
coward turns away in flight. The firm-rooted mountains are up-rooted at
my vehemence, and let every one who dares to resist me, be certain of
death. How many heroes are punished as soon as the lustre of my horse’s
front shines in the plain of war! their hands instantly relinquish their
arms, and they tumble on the surface of the earth, struggling with their
limbs. How many warriors have I left stretched dead, gored with the spear
thrusts! If thou art desirous to fight me, come on boldly to the hero who
will make thee taste the food of death even from the tip of his fingers.”
He instantly assailed him, and struck him on the breast, and driving
out his spear between his shoulders, he rushed among his comrades like
unto a valiant lion, and gored their sides and their bosoms: and when
they perceived that his assault was like a vivid flame of fire, they
fled over the plains and the rocks. In the mean time, the slaves of Shas
and Rebia, seeing what Antar had done to the tribe of Moostalik, and
how he was coming down upon them with a loud shout, and also Shiboob,
quick as the flash of lightning, in his rear; they turned their backs
and fled. Antar returned, the blood streaming from his spear. The women
joined him, thanking and praising him: and Ibla also came up to him
and smiled upon him. God protect thee, said she, thou black in face,
but fair in deeds—thou ornament of men. He expressed his gratitude, and
having replaced her on the howdah, and ordered the slaves to collect the
scattered horses and dispersed cattle, and the spoils of the slain, he
travelled on with the women till they reached the tribe of Ghiftan, and
informed Shedad of all that had occurred with the enemy. Shedad gave him
thanks, and kissed him between the eyes; he took him by the hand, and
his anger was soothed. And when they were at the feast, Shedad wished to
place him among the chiefs; but Antar would not consent; and he went away
and joined the slaves; and all the chiefs were astonished at his modesty.
They stood in awe of him, and raised his dignity; however, all the elders
and the youth came up to him, and made him sit down with them to drink
wine, and treated him with all manner of kindness, and in return, he
recited various pieces of poetry, and they were greatly delighted; and
for seven days they continued this civility and honour, and not a day
passed but the families made their acknowledgements to Antar.
And the feast being concluded, the tribe of Abs sought their homes and
their own habitations, and travelled till they reached the land of
Sheerebah and Mount Saadi. When lo! loud cries and increasing shouts,
and shrill screams and clouds of dust, from all directions assailed
them. What misfortune, cried Shedad, what disasters have befallen us?
They hastened away on their Arab steeds, and found their wives prisoners,
and their daughters dishonoured. Loud and confused were their shrieks,
and through the dust glared the dazzling brightness of swords: and the
uproar of men was like the crash of thunder: and there was no one in the
tents but a few men and the sons of King Zoheir, all covered with wounds;
and though they were still defending the property, they felt certain of
drinking the cup of death.
Now the cause of this terrible event was, that King Zoheir had gone
forth, accompanied by his warriors, against the land of Cahtan; for he
was informed that Mooteghetris was coming down upon him with all his
tribe; and it was Zoheir’s intention to meet him at some distance, out of
his own territories, and thus to prevent him from invading his country,
and laying waste his lands. So he left his brother Zembaa with a small
body of men and departed; but chancing to miss the enemy on the road,
Mooteghetris reached the country of Zoheir in safety, where he found the
tents unprotected by warriors. He rushed against them, and the noble
Absians rose to arms; and violent was the contention between them, and
many brave men were left dead upon the plain, and the brightness of the
day became black. Numbers thickened upon the Absians; loud and piercing
were the shrieks of the women, and slavery seemed their undoubted fate.
Temadhur was taken prisoner, and also Modehilah and Mekdada and Jemana,
and they were overwhelmed in misery and disgrace. At that hour arrived
Antar and Shedad, and the horsemen of Carad; and they amounted in all to
forty warriors.
Cousins, cried Shedad, come on to these dastards! then those brave
fellows rushed forward, leaving the slaves with the women and children. O
son of Zebeebah, cried Shedad to Antar, I wish to day to see thee fight,
that I may express my gratitude for thy noble deeds. O master, soon shalt
thou observe what I do: he replied, Doubtless the chief of the tribe is
here. Thou art right, said Shedad. They sought the enemy, and the whole
plain trembled at their shouts: they shook their lances, and the women
and servants shouted aloud, when they knew they were Absians coming to
protect them. They attacked the right, and drove their left, and Antar
assaulted the centre, plunging through confusion and horrors; and thus he
exclaimed:
“This day will I raise a battle, that shall humble the warriors of ages
long past. I will make the blood to stream from their joints, when the
sculls of the warriors leap from the blow of my sword. How many chiefs,
when they see me eager in the fight, throw away their arms, and save
themselves by flight! I am the bold one. As to the fire of war, I kindle
it, and hurl the tribes into punishments and death. Death, in the direful
combat, fears me, when the battle-dust rises; and the sand-cloud is
like a blazing fire. My joy is in the encounter of heroes, when spears
and swords clash in my grasp. How many battle-dusts have I dived into,
fearless of calamities! The joy of contests is my object; it is all my
desire. Verily, deeds will I perform unrivalled; deeds that shall be
recorded on leaves and books. I will raise the tumultuous din, and seas
of blood: ’tis in their crimson billows that my gladness abounds. I will
make the atmosphere like the sable night, when the dust clouds roll over
the regions like a veil. No companion have I in battle but my horse and
my sword; and they complain of my fury; they exalt me; they subject death
to me; and I am exalted above all mankind in my father. My ambition soars
above Pisces; and my determination raises me above the Arab and the
Persian.”
When Antar had ended, he shouted aloud to the combatants, and rushed
madly into the midst of the enemy, and overthrew them; he drove them
before him over the plain; and the same did Shedad and his brothers
on the left, and made them retreat in a shameful manner. After the
flight, the Absians returned, and among the first was Zembaa, the son of
Jazeemah; they raised their terrible shout, and they gladdened in the
destruction of souls; they pointed their lances, they cried out to their
noble steeds—spears clashed against spears. Antar alone broke through
the right, whilst Shedad and the Absians destroyed the left; then the
horsemen again retired in disgrace, and the plain seemed too confined for
them. Mooteghetris beheld his horsemen in confusion and discomfited, and
the left wing intermixed with the right; that they were driven by Antar
like a herd of grazing camels, and that he was roaring in their rear like
the crash of thunder. Alarmed at this state of affairs, he poured down
from an eminence with the people that remained with him, assaulting Antar
with his warriors; and they all bore patiently this dreadful encounter.
Now Basam, the servant of Rebia, who had followed Antar that he might
destroy him on his way to the tribe of Ghiftan, perceiving how he had
slain the tribe of Moostalik, and also their chief, returned with his
companions upon the day of this battle; and as he marked Antar’s prowess
on that occasion, he envied him in his heart, and, secretly designing to
murder him, he assailed him, together with the party of Mooteghetris.
Antar encountered the enemy, and flinched not; and his assault was the
assault of a ferocious lion. The storm of dust thickened, so that a
father could not distinguish his son. Just then, Basam aimed his spear,
and violently attacked Antar; for his accursed spirit was aware how
much credit he should gain by slaying him. He approached him, and was
eagerly watching his opportunity, when lo! an arrow shot through the
back of Basam, and passed out by his chest; and he who slew Basam, and
made him drink the cup of death, was the dreadful Shiboob. Now Antar had
recommended Shiboob to protect Ibla: nor did he ever quit her till he
perceived Basam issuing from the tents, followed by some Absians, whilst
his brother was labouring to attain the standards. Shiboob was alarmed,
and quitted Ibla, and ran after him. But, Antar knew nothing of all this,
and when he saw Basam, he was just about to do the deed, at the moment
the arrow struck him dead.
Now Antar was occupied in destroying the enemy, and he stopped not till
he came up to Mooteghetris in the fury of the fight; and he saw him
driving back the troops, and beckoning with his lance to those who were
flying from Antar like a flock of sheep. His soul would not submit to
flight; but he shouted, and rushed forward like the sea when it roars.
And Antar received him as the parched up ground receives the first of the
rain: he challenged him in a tremendous voice, and addressed him in the
harshest terms; he pressed upon Mooteghetris, and closed upon him, and
blocking up all means of escape, he thrust his spear through his bowels,
and tore out his entrails; and when the horsemen saw that he was dead,
they were disordered and took to flight; and the spears of the Absians
played upon the fugitives till the evening, when they returned and
collected the spoil of the cattle. Every where the victory was celebrated
with triumph, and all united in praising Antar, and describing his heroic
deeds; how he had slain Mooteghetris, and had annihilated his troops.