The suppliant had not finished his intreaties, ere Prince Malik sprung
towards him, and throwing his arms round his neck, O my brother, said he,
may God never permit thy eyes to weep! What is it that has called forth
thy grief? Now this suppliant was Prince Malik’s foster-brother, and his
name was Hassan the Mazinite. The King had taken the mother of this youth
a prisoner from the tribe of Mazin; he was an infant at her breast, and
as his father was slain in the affair, King Zoheir carried her away, and
as Temadhur had just then brought forth Prince Malik, she consigned her
child to her, desiring her to suckle the infant with her own child. So
she remained with her a long time, and suckled and weaned her son and
Prince Malik together, till her sister, who had heard of her, came to
her and pressed her exceedingly to return home. She asked permission of
Temadhur, who granted it, and gave her and her sister many very valuable
presents. She then departed with her sister for her native land, and
employed herself in educating her son Hassan, until he grew up and his
limbs strengthened, for in him was the essence of the noble tribe of
Mazin. And he became a blazing flame, and a fiery thunderbolt, and the
tribe of Mazin loved him for his courage, and they made him the protector
of their land.
And Hassan’s sudden arrival at King Zoheir’s tent was occasioned by
the following circumstance. Hassan had a maternal uncle, whose name
was Nedjem the Mazinite, and he had a daughter perfectly beautiful and
lovely, and her form was symmetry itself. Hassan was in love with her,
but he was never able to address her, till a man of the name of Awef
the son of Alkem, of the tribe of Terjem, presented himself one day to
his uncle. He was also a renowned horseman, and a valiant hero, rich in
property and cattle. And when he came, his uncle invited him to a feast,
and slew camels and sheep, and poured out wine for him; and when the
liquor began to play about the head of Awef, he threw himself at his
feet, and demanded his daughter, and won him by his wealth and riches.
Hassan was present, and when he perceived that if he remained silent,
his cousin would be betrothed to another, he started up and eagerly
exclaimed: O my uncle, do not marry thy daughter to this man, for I am
to be preferred to him on account of my rank and consideration: never
will I permit the daughter of my uncle to quit her tent for a stranger’s,
were my limbs to be torn asunder! Ignoble wretch, cried Awef, canst thou
presume to address, where I have already put in a claim? for thou art
numbered amongst the herd of orphans.[3]
Wert thou not in mine uncle’s tent, replied Hassan, I would soon tear
off thy head, and silence thy existence. And if thou wouldst boast of
thy wealth, know, that all the property of the Arabs is mine, and in the
grasp of my hand; and if thou wouldst domineer over me with thy courage,
come, let us to the field! that I may make an example of thee amongst the
horsemen.
At these words the light became dark in the eyes of Awef; he instantly
sprang on his horse’s back, and Hassan did the same; and they both
rushed to the plain; and dashed at each other, and the earth quivered
under the feet of their horses, and all the tribe of Mazin sallied out
in order to see what might be the result of the battle and contention.
Naeema, the daughter of Nedjim, was there with many other women. And when
Hassan observed his cousin, and that she was viewing the engagement, he
instantly seized his antagonist and grappled him, and pressing him hard,
stopped all means of escape; then catching hold of the rings of his coat
of mail, he made him his prisoner, dashed him on the ground, and almost
smashed him to atoms. He instantly dismounted to cut off his head; but
his uncle sprang towards him, saying, O my son let him go, accept of my
intercession, for he has eaten of my meat and been under my protection.
So Hassan admitted his uncle’s interference, and pardoned him. Awef
quitted the tribe of Mazin, for shame and mortification overwhelmed him;
and the event was spread among the Arab tribes, and every one stood in
awe of Hassan.
About that time a female slave came to Hassan. Your uncle, said she, has
been just saying to his wife, Verily Hassan is a valiant and a brave
fellow, but he has not wherewithal to keep up an establishment, and I
fear, should I give him my daughter, she will be reduced to penury and
difficulties with him. As soon as Hassan heard this, he assembled all the
men in whom he could confide, and took them away, and he went in search
of plunder from some of the Arab hordes.
Now, among the Arab tribes of Cahtan, there was a King whose name
was Oosak, and he was one of the thousand warriors of that period of
ignorance, who could engage a thousand heroes at once. He had at his
command an intrepid army; but a famine having wasted his lands, he
departed with his troops and his armies, and attacked the land of the
tribe of Mazin, amongst whom he settled. And it happened that as he rode
out one day, and was amusing himself by the streams and the fountains,
he rode on till he came to a pool of water, when it happened by fate
and destiny, from which there is for man no retreat or escape, that in
that day Naeema, the daughter of Hassan’s uncle (who with her friends
was gone to procure a dower for her) came also to the lake. Oosak, as he
looked at her and the young girls employed in their games and amusements,
distinguished Naeema, for her face was brilliant like the moon when it
is full; and as she was smiling, with her teeth like rows of pearls, and
as the weight of her haunches prevented her from standing up, Oosak was
quite surprised, and his senses failed him. But the women turning towards
him perceived Oosak looking at them, so they all surrounded Naeema. O
brother Arab, they exclaimed, are you not ashamed of this action, thus to
come and stare at the daughters of warriors?
Oosak smiled and laughed at what they said, and called out to an old
woman who was with them, and asked her about the damsel. Whose daughter
is she? Whether she was a virgin or a married woman? This is Naeema, the
daughter of Nedjim, said she, and is unmarried. When Oosak heard this,
his love and passion increased. He staid quiet that night, but as soon
as the day dawned, he sent to Nedjim to demand his daughter in marriage.
But Nedjim refused him, saying;—Verily, I have but one daughter, and have
affianced her to my nephew Hassan, who is now on an expedition, seeking a
dower for her. I cannot therefore dispose of her, for he is a horseman
that would not put up with such an affront, and also a man of a harsh
disposition. The messenger reported this to Oosak, who swore in his wrath
that he would not take her but as a captive, and that he would pour down
death and destruction on the whole tribe of Mazin.
About that time arrived Hassan, bringing with him immense wealth; and
as soon as he approached the dwelling, he gave his uncle the marriage
present for his daughter. He also made a partition amongst the warriors
of the tribe, and put aside five hundred camels for the marriage feast,
and besought his uncle to have the ceremony performed. His uncle then
informed him what Oosak had done, how he had demanded his daughter, and
how he had refused him. On hearing this the light became dark in the
eyes of Hassan. If Oosak dares to molest me, said he, I will tear out
his lips and crush him to pieces, and I will drive him out of our land,
even against his will. I will repair to King Zoheir, and will relate the
affair to him, and then will I come upon him with the warriors of the
tribes of Abs and Adnan, who heed not even Chosroe Nushirvan.
Thus Hassan calmed the mind of his uncle, and they made ready the
marriage ceremony, and sacrificed the camels and the sheep, and poured
out the wine; and seven days they continued in mirth and jollity; but on
the eighth day, as they were adorning the bride with jewels and robes,
and were about to wed her to Hassan, intelligence reached them that Oosak
had resolved to make all the women his slaves, plunder their property,
and slay the men.
On hearing this, Hassan stood in front of his party, as they were
consulting what was to be done. Hassan, said they, we are not able to
contend with Oosak, for he has assembled all the tribe of Cahtan, and
there comes with him the tribe of Zerker, and the tribe of Anka; and he
has sent to Masood, the son of Moosad the Kelbian, and with him also is
Awef, whom you made prisoner, and whose hair you cut off; and we have not
that confidence in ourselves to suppose that our means can resist such
accumulated forces. Upon this Hassan went to his uncle. Uncle, said he,
have patience with me for ten days, and I will shew you what I will do
with those haughty boasters.
So he took with him an hundred horsemen, and went his way till he reached
the lake of Zatool Irsad, and on seeing King Zoheir, he told him what
we have now related as the cause of his coming. Antar was present and
heard all that had happened to Hassan, and being much interested about
him, he instantly arose and kissing the King’s hand—O my lord, he cried,
let me be deputed by you for this service; let me go with Hassan, and
I will destroy his enemy. Go, my son, cried Zoheir to Malik,—go to the
assistance of your brother, and take with you whomever you please of our
warriors, and Antar among the rest, and return not till you have blotted
out every vestige of Oosak.
The King then ordered the dinner to be prepared for Hassan and his
companions, whilst Malik was employed in getting ready for the
expedition, and chose from the tribe a thousand experienced warriors;
and in three days Hassan and his associates all mounted their horses
with Prince Malik, and Antar the impetuous horseman, and Shiboob as his
attendant; and Hassan was the happiest of men in the assistance of the
tribe of Abs. Thus they marched on, clad in steel, and their bright
cuirasses sparkled on their bodies. And as they rode, said Malik to
Antar—O Aboolfawaris, recite to us some of thy verses. Willingly, my
Lord, he replied; and thus spoke:—
“I lust after the blows of the cleaving scimitars, and I idolize the
thrusts of the well made spears. I long for the cups of death, when they
are pure, and they circle round the heads of the illustrious brave. It is
the blow and the thrust when the horses stumble among the death-bearing
lances, and the armies are in confusion, that please me under the shades
of the dust, like the wings of darkness, as the coursers storm over the
earth, the barbs of the lances plunge into obscurity, and start from it
like the sparkling stars. Faulchions, gleam in it in every direction,
like the flashes of lightning in the darkness of night. O by thy life,
honour and glory, and eminence, and the accomplishment of hopes, and
exaltation of fame are for him who rushes into the combat magnanimously,
where alone in the height of glory are the highest honours. Let him
thrust among the warriors and the chiefs with a heart unmoved in the
fall of sword blows. Let him brandish furiously his sabre and spear in
the boldness of his spirit, undaunted at calamities. Let him do justice
to the lance of Cahtan in the contest, and let him stretch forth proudly
his shoulders with the edge of the scimitar. Otherwise, let him lead a
contemptible life in ignominy, and when he dies, his friends will not
mourn over him. The beauteous virgins will not weep in anguish for any
but the horsemen noble in the hour of trial. I am the hero well known
in the field of battle, and I am the eager knight amongst my relations.
I am the assaulting lion, and the hero who defends their dwellings and
habitations.”
O Aboolfawaris, said Hassan, verily you surpass all the horsemen of the
age in eloquence and courage, and generosity and nobleness of mind.
You are in truth the jewel of the times. Antar thanked him, and they
travelled on for three days, and on the fourth day (for the Lord of
Heaven had decreed the glory of Antar, and that no one should exceed
him in prosperity) Antar happening to stray a little out of the way,
descended into a deep valley: and lo! there were two horsemen engaged
in desperate combat. Antar urged on his steed, and coming up to them,
Stop, ye Arabs, he cried, and tell me the cause of your quarrel. At the
instant one of them stepped aside, and came up to Antar. Noble horseman
of the desert and the town, said he, I refer myself to you, for you are
able to protect me. I will take your part, said Antar, I will protect
you, I pledge myself to you but acquaint me with your story, and what has
rendered necessary this combat between you.
Know then, noblest knight of the age, said the youth, that I and this
horseman are brothers, of the same father and the same mother; he is
the eldest, and I am the youngest; and our father was one of the Arab
chieftains, and he was called Amroo, the son of Harith, the son of Teba,
and Teba was our ancestor; and one day as he was sitting down, his flocks
strayed away, and one of his camels was lost, and as he was very partial
to it, he questioned some of the herdsmen about it. One of them said,
Know, my Lord, yesterday this camel strayed away from the pasture; I
followed behind it, and it still continued to run away, and I after it,
till I became tired, and perceiving that it lagged behind, I stretched
out my hand and took up a stone, black in appearance, like a hard rock,
brilliant and sparkling. I struck the camel with it, and it hit the
camel on the right side and issued out on the left, and the camel fell to
the ground dead. On coming up to it I found the stone by its side, and
the camel was weltering in its blood.
On hearing this, my ancestor mounted his horse, and taking the peasant
with him, went to find out the pasture. They passed on till they came
to the camel, which they found dead, and the stone lying near it. My
ancestor took it in his hand, and considered it very attentively, and
he knew it was a thunderbolt; so he carried it away and returned home.
He gave it to a blacksmith, and ordered him to make a sword of it. He
obeyed, and took it and went his way; and in three days he returned to
my ancestor with a sword two cubits long and two spans wide. My ancestor
received it, and was greatly pleased when he saw it, and turned towards
the blacksmith and said, What name have you given it? So the blacksmith
repeated this distich: “The sword is sharp, O son of the tribe of Ghalib,
sharp indeed, but where is the striker for the sword?” And my ancestor
waved the sword with his hand, and said, As to the smiter, I am the
smiter; and struck off the head of the blacksmith, and separated it from
his body. He then cased it with gold, and called it Dhami, on account of
its sharpness. He laid it by amongst his treasures, and when he died it
came in succession to my father, with the rest of the arms, and when my
father perceived his death was at hand, he called me to him privately.
O my son, said he, I know your brother is of a tyrannical obstinate
disposition, one that likes violence and hates justice, and I am aware
that at my death he will usurp my property. What measures shall I take?
said I. He answered, take this sword and conceal it, and let no one know
any thing about it; and when you see that he takes forcible possession
of all my property, cattle and wealth, do you be content, my son, with
this sword, for it will be of great benefit to you, for if you present it
to Nushirvan, King of Persia, he will exalt you with his liberality and
favours, and if you present it to the Emperor of Europe, he will enrich
you with gold and silver.
When I heard these words, I consented to what he demanded, and took it
out, in the darkness of the night, and having buried it in this place, I
returned to my father and stayed with him till he died. We buried him,
and returned home; but my brother took possession of all my father had,
and gave me nothing, not a rope’s end; and when he searched for the arms,
and saw not the Dhami, he asked me for it. I denied knowing any thing
about it; he gave me the lie, and abused me most violently; at last I
confessed, and told him I had buried it in such a spot; so he came with
me hither, and searched for it, but could not find it. Again he asked me
where I had buried it; and when he saw me roaming about from place to
place, he rushed upon me, and cried out, saying—Vile wretch! you know
where the sword is, and act thus to deceive me. He attacked me, and
sought to slay me, I defended myself until you arrived, and now I demand
your protection.
When Antar heard this, his heart pitied him; he left the youth, and
turning to his brother, said, Why do you tyrannize over your brother? and
do not divide with him the property your father left? Base slave, cried
he, highly incensed, look to yourself, and interfere not so arrogantly;
and he turned upon Antar, thinking him a common man; but Antar gave him
no time to wheel, or direct his reins, ere he pierced him through the
chest with his spear, and thrust it ten spans through his back, and threw
him down dead. And now, young man, said he, to the other, return to your
family, and assume the rank of your father, and should any one molest
you, send and inform me; I will come and tear his life out of his sides.
The youth thanked him and expressed his gratitude. Now my brother is no
more, said he, I have no other enemy: and he departed home. But Antar
fixed his spear in the ground, and dismounted from Abjer, and sat down to
rest himself; and as he was moving the sand with his fingers, he touched
a stone; on removing what was about it, behold! the sword the youth had
been seeking. He still cleared away, and drew it forth, and seized hold
of it, and it was a sword two cubits in length, and two spans wide, of
the metal of Amalec, like a thunderbolt. And Antar was convinced of his
good fortune, and that everything began and ended in the most high God.
Antar mounted and pursued his comrades and Prince Malik, bearing the
sword in his hand. He shewed it to Malik, and told him all about the
youth and his brother, and the sword; of his having buried it, and all
that passed between them; and Malik was greatly astonished, saying, This
is a gift sent you by the Lord of Heaven.
They marched forward, passing over the wilds and the deserts that day and
night; and the next day at dawn, behold there was great dust, and when
dispersed, five hundred horsemen appeared all clothed in steel. Go and
learn for us, said Antar to Shiboob, what means this dust, and what news
there is beneath it. Shiboob quitted them, and returned as quick as a
bird on the wing, O son of my mother, cried he, these are your enemies,
the army of Gheidac. But the circumstance that occasioned the approach of
this horseman was this: it happened that Oosak had demanded assistance of
Gheidac, in his meditated attack on the tribe of Mazin.
Now there was blood revenge between Gheidac and Antar, because Antar had
killed his father, and he had been brought up an orphan, but when he grew
up he became a valiant horseman, and destroyed his opponents; and he
was a blazing thunderbolt, and overthrew knights and slew warriors. And
when his name was spread abroad among the tribes, they gave him supreme
command, and he sat in the place of his father. He became proud, and
behaved haughtily to his people.
Now there was a man in the tribe called Codhàah, and he hated Gheidac.
O Gheidac, said he one day, thou art a marked man; it does not become
thee to behave so haughtily towards the horsemen, when thou hast not yet
revenged the murder of thy father: how canst thou presume to boast over
the brave and the valiant? And Gheidac said, Who is the stout king on
whom I am to be avenged? Thy revenge is on Antar, son of Shedad, said
he. Then the light became darkness in his eyes, and he cried out to the
horsemen of his tribe, and he ordered them to prepare for an expedition
to attack the tribe of Abs, and he swore he would slay Antar, and make
him drink the cup of perdition, and destroy the whole tribe of Abs and
Adnan. The tribe assented to his directions, and took with them all their
warlike instruments for the expedition.
Just at that time arrived Oosak’s messenger to request Gheidac’s
assistance against the tribe of Mazin. So Gheidac gave up his former
intention, and went with the messenger of Oosak to perform what he
required of him, and he was marching on this object when he met Antar
and the Absians, and Antar dispatched Shiboob, as we before stated.
This day, said Antar, I will unite Gheidac to his father; I will curse
his family and his relations. As soon as Gheidac saw the tribe of Abs,
and Antar the destroyer of horsemen, his heart was overjoyed, and he
cried out to his party—This is a glorious morning; to day will I take
my revenge, and wipe out my disgrace. So he assailed the tribe of Abs
and Adnan, and his people attacked in his rear like a cloud when it
pours forth water and rains. And the Knight of Abs, Antar, assaulted
them likewise, anxious to try his sword, the famous Dhami. They all
rushed forward, and horsemen encountered horsemen. Cowards fled, and the
weak-hearted were disgraced; but the bold were firm in the assault, and
the equals in courage met each other in the field. The earth trembled
under trampling of the horses,—the heavens were obscured with the clouds
of dust,—the warriors were covered with wounds, and the swords laboured
in the cause of death; exertion was alive, and all jest was at an end.
Thus they continued fighting till mid-day; and the impetuosity of Antar
was the impetuosity of a resolute hero. When Gheidac observed the deeds
of Antar, the bold warrior, he roared like a lion in his den, and he
rushed down upon the lion Antar, who met him, his heart undaunted in
the midst of terrors, and occupied him in the contest, and continually
drew him on, as a lion draws on weaker cubs, until having wearied him,
he shouted at him and struck him with horror; then assailed him so that
stirrup grated stirrup; and he struck him on the head with Dhami. He
cleft his vizor and wadding, and his sword played away between the eyes,
passing through his shoulders down to the back of the horse, even to
the ground: and he and his horse made four pieces; and to the strictest
observer, it would appear that he had divided them with scales.
Gheidac’s companions beheld their chief, and that he was dead; and
they said one to another—Never did we see such a blow; were not this
slave endued with the whole power of courage, he could not at one blow
have thus destroyed our chief. So they took to flight and ran away,
exclaiming—May God curse thy harlot mother! how fierce is thy blow! how
piercing is thy thrust!
Antar and the horsemen soon returned from the pursuit, having filled the
earth with the dead, and having collected the scattered horses, and all
the booty and plunder from the plains and deserts; as they prosecuted
their journey towards the tribe of Mazin, Antar preceded the troops of
warriors like a noble lion, and thus addressed them.
“I am he that makes the warriors drink of the cups of death with the
sharp-bladed glittering Indian scimitar. I am the raiser of their dust,
and the atmosphere is thick and darkly turbid with blows at which
cowards are humbled and terrified. I am the death that never rushes
into the fiery day of battle without a tongue to speak. I have slain
Gheidac, because he was oppressive and insulted me, and soon will I send
Oosak after him. I charge right and left through their horsemen, and
dash through the midst of them. I cut down to the ground the warriors
in the fight, whilst the horses stumble and slip over their heads. O
Ibla, though they abuse me for my blackness, yet the fairness of my
exploits shines and flashes. O Ibla, the men of my tribe have witnessed
my spear-thrust and sword-blow raging among the sculls. I destroy the
heroes of war with my scimitar, and whole armies are extirpated at the
edge of my sword. How many horsemen throw away their arms in terror of
me, when they behold me robed in black gore. My ambition is raised above
the Pleiades, and the fortune of my star is suspended from heaven.”
They marched forward without delay, until they reached the tribe of
Mazin, where they perceived the glittering of spears, the glare of
armour, the flash of swords, and warriors engaged round the tents whilst
the women were earnestly encouraging them to the contest and battle. Who
is it that fights with children and women? and who is it that shrinks
from his enemy and foes? cried the heroes. When Antar saw and heard the
cries of the women, and the screams of the children from the crowd (for
he was particularly solicitous in the cause of women), the light was
darkened in his eyes, and he knew not the right from the left. Do you
take your warriors towards the quarter of the women, cried he to Malik,
and I will attack these horsemen who have taken their property, and have
dispersed them in the plains and wilds. And he shouted forth in his well
known voice when incensed—Ignoble dastards, he roared, I am Antar, the
son of Shedad! He attacked, and at his assault the mountains tottered.
He rushed down upon the enemy, and at once overpowered the warriors and
destroyed the heroes, driving away the enemy out of their tents; and at
his second attack all the scene of action was expanded; he shouted in
front of the horses and forced them back upon their haunches; and when
the horsemen crowded about him, he snatched hold of one from the back
of his horse, and grasping him by his feet, and whirling him round as a
sling, with him he struck down a second, and the two instantly fell dead.
Thus the battle was raging among them, when Antar heard the voice of
Prince Malik, crying out, O son of Shedad, haste to my assistance.
Now the Prince was engaged with the party of Moosad, the lord of the
waters of Traeer; he had dispersed them, and was about to repeat his
attack, when Moosad came upon him roaring like a lion. He was an
experienced horseman: he attacked Prince Malik, and pressed him hard;
and when Malik saw that his life was in danger he cried for Antar’s aid;
who no sooner heard him than he turned Abjer round, and like a ferocious
lion rushed down upon Moosad, who was about to gallop around and charge
at him; but Antar gave him no time. Come on! he cried: and he terrified
him, and struck him with Dhami on the chest, and he divided him down
to the girdle of his back, and hurled him down, hewn in two. He then
assailed the army of Oosak, his heart undaunted at death.
And when the tribe of Mazin saw Antar’s prowess, the hearts of the
heroes were encouraged, and they hastened to the combat; men met men,
and heroes heroes; blood flowed and streamed, scimitars glittered, and
spears goaded; armour was riven; lives were plundered; the ground was
discoloured with blood; the warriors were covered with glory; the flames
of war greatly raged; innumerable were the blows and the thrusts, and
the easy became difficult: the battle field boiled like the boiling of
cauldrons; mighty was every act, and fate descended amongst them. The
eagles and vultures hovered round; cowards were overthrown, and the brave
were overwhelmed: heroes were slain on both sides. The horror of the
scene was tremendous, the universal cry among them, was Death! Hands and
arms were torn asunder. Antar cut through the troops, and made heads fly
off like balls, and hands like leaves of trees. The van cried out to the
rear; they roared against Antar from afar; but not one dared to approach
the spot where he fought.
Antar eagerly sought after the plume that floated above the head of
Oosak, and he stopped not in his attack until he was beneath the standard
where Oosak was waiting for his people to bring him his beloved Naeema:
neither could he be roused till Antar came before him and encountered
him. Then ensued a dreadful engagement. The combat lasted an hour; when
nerveless sunk the arm of Oosak. Antar seeing the state he was in, clung
to him and grappled him; and drawing his sword from his scabbard, he
aimed a blow at his head, but Oosak received it on his shield. The sword
of Antar came down upon it and shivered it in two, and split his vizor
in twain, and it penetrated even to his thighs, down to the back of the
horse; and the rider and the horse fell in four parts; and he cried out—O
by Abs! I am the lover of Ibla; never will I be controuled! I will not be
restrained!
When the troops of Oosak saw this deed, they were bewildered; they became
confounded; and they said to one another, this is no human being,—every
one that comes before him drinks of the cup of death. So they wheeled
about their horses and retreated into the rocky deserts, whilst Antar and
the tribe of Abs and Mazin pursued them, and having driven them away out
of that land, they returned to the scattered cattle and dispersed horses;
and as they all came back to the tents, the tribe of Mazin dismounted,
and met Antar, and marched by the side of his stirrup, celebrating his
victory and triumph till they reached their camp, where the women and
the men came out, and the tribe of Abs were accommodated with the best
spots. Hassan was the happiest of them all with Antar and the Absians. He
prepared feasts and festivals and entertainments, which lasted for seven
days; and on the eighth night Naeema was married to Hassan.
Early the next morning all the Arabs went to their respective countries
and homes, and the tribe of Abs also departed; but all the tribe of
Mazin, in order to take leave of them, accompanied them a whole day’s
journey, when Antar besought them to return home, and he and Malik
pursued their journey towards their own country, over wilds and plains.
And when they were nigh, Prince Malik sent on a messenger to announce
their approach. All the tribe of Abs were extremely anxious about that
expedition, particularly King Zoheir, with respect to Antar; because his
enemies, and those that envied him, exceeded his friends and well-wishers.
Now Rebia the son of Zeead had a brother whose name was Amarah: he was
one of the nobles, but a great coxcomb, was very particular in his
dress, fond of perfumes, and always keeping company with the women and
young girls. About that period, happening to hear much said about Ibla,
and what Antar had reported of her, and repeated of her in his verses,
a passion was kindled in his heart, and from hearsay, he conceived
a violent love for her; and as Poets term it, his ears fell in love
before his eyes. Amarah sent for one of his female slaves, and said
to her, Go to the habitations of the tribe of Carad, and obtain some
account of Ibla for me, and, learn if what Antar says of her be true, or
disbelieved amongst the people, for if she has all the beauty and charms
that are attributed to her, I shall demand her in marriage, and will
be lawfully wedded to her. She promised to obey him, and departed. She
came to the habitations of the tribe of Carad, and presented herself to
Ibla, pretending to come on a visit; so Ibla gave her a kind reception.
Thus the slave girl ascertained the point about Ibla, and found her a
perfect miracle of beauty and loveliness. She remained about an hour,
and returned to Amarah. Blessed be God, how great is his power, and how
fair are his works, cried she, as she entered the tents, and in Amarah’s
hearing; and he asked her what had occasioned her so much astonishment.
O, said she, it is that damsel, whose equal exists not; for the most high
God has granted to her such beauty, and such charms, as he has never yet
bestowed on any one of the daughters of the greatest Kings.
At this his heart fluttered, he was agitated, he instantly leaped up,
and put on his best clothes, and perfumed himself all over, and let his
hair float down his shoulders, and mounted a white-faced horse, and set
out for the habitations of the tribe of Carad. He happened to meet Malik,
Ibla’s father, and his son Amroo, on the road. Amarah saluted them,
and said to Malik—Come along with me, my uncle, for I have something
particular to communicate. If you have any business with me, replied
Malik, you might have sent a servant to me, and I would have waited on
you. What I want of you, said Amarah, must be done personally between us.
I wish to be nearly related to you, and am most anxious to be connected
with you. I am a suitor with you, and am desirous of wedding your
daughter; and I have only done this out of my anxiety for her on account
of her shepherd, who has disgraced her among the Arabs of the desert.
Thus Amarah continued his talk, till Malik’s eyes wept tears of joy:
his bosom was elated and transported with delight. O chief, said he, my
daughter is your slave, and I and my son Amroo are the most obedient
of you servants—and he stretched out his hand to Amarah, and promised
his daughter to him; and when they all returned home, Amarah informed
his brother Rebia of all that had passed between him and Malik, son of
Carad, I shall not permit thee thus to connect thyself, said Rebia; have
nothing to do with such fellows; for if Antar hears it, he will not leave
a single man alive of all the tribe of Zeead. And pray who’s Antar? asked
Amarah—have I not a thousand slaves like him? and if the foul wretch
presume to interfere with me, I will shew him the valour of Amarah the
munificent; I’ll shew him what I’ll do with him. If you can effect the
marriage to-morrow morning early, said Rebia, give her father the dower
and marriage presents without delay, and introduce yourself to her in
the absence of Antar; for he is an uncontroulable horseman, and a man
rough and harsh in his manners; but if you can gain her whilst he’s away,
there will be an end of it. Amarah assented to the proposal of Rebia, and
thought his advice prudent; for he feared Antar would kill him and make
him drink of the cup of death and dissolution.
So the next day Amarah mounted his horse and went to Malik to give
him the dower and marriage presents; and just at that moment arrived
a messenger at the tents of the tribe of Abs, announcing the approach
of Prince Malik son of Zoheir, and Antar son of Shedad, and all the
noble warriors in their suite. Every one mounted his steed to go and
meet them. And friends saluted friends. Antar went home, and entered
his aunt’s apartments, and staid till morning with his mother, whom he
questioned about Ibla, enquiring whether she had mentioned him during
his absence? God be with thee, my son, said his mother; talk no more
about Ibla, and that lovely form—if thou art asleep, awake! Antar upon
this instantly jumped up—What king or prince, exclaimed he, has taken her
away! The chief Amarah, said his mother, has taken her. Every thing is
completed but the giving of the dower and marriage presents. By the faith
of a noble and faithful Arab, cried Antar, to morrow will I slay that
Amarah, were he even concealed within the chambers of Nushirvan, king of
Persia; to-morrow will I tell the whole affair to my friend Prince Malik,
and ask his counsel.
He remained at home that night, but early in the morning, he repaired
to the habitations of the Prince; he entered his tent, and kissed his
hand. Malik received him kindly, seated him by his side, saying—how hast
thou passed the night, Aboolfawaris? My night was the night of thy most
accursed foe, replied Antar. What means this? said Malik, inform me
what’s the matter, and be sure of success and triumph. Antar told him
what Malik had done, and how he had betrothed his daughter to Amarah; but
my lord, I must indeed slay that Amarah, and the whole race of Zeead,
and I will depart from this land and country. But why quit this land?
said Malik, greatly disturbed; I am a foe to those who are thy foes, and
a friend of those who are thy friends; have patience until we go out to
the chase, and then will I speak to thy father Shedad, and will urge him
to acknowledge thee as his son, and that thou art a part of his heart.
Then take Ibla from her father; and if he does not assent, I will put my
name on her; and will keep off any suitor or wooer till the ceremony is
performed, and thou art in possession of thy wife.
At this, Antar’s grief and anguish were appeased. So they mounted their
horses and sought the habitation of King Zoheir, whence they all went
out on a hunting party. And Amarah rode by the side of Ibla’s father: he
was dressed out in his finest raiments, and his limbs were perfumed and
scented, and his hair flowed down his shoulders. Go, Aboolfawaris, to
my tent, said Malik to Antar, that I may speak with thy father Shedad.
Antar departed, and Prince Malik riding up to Shedad, said—How long will
you reject your son Antar? does not your heart lean towards him? and do
you not yearn after him? all the horde envies you on his account. Grant
me this request, Shedad, and let me make a noble entertainment, and let
me raise his head above a state of servitude, and you will see what he
will do in return for such a favour. Who, answered Shedad, whilst his
wrath was evident in his features, who is the Arab that ever did such
a deed before me? Do you wish that it should be said of me that Shedad
was captivated with a Negro woman, even to desire to marry her, and she
bore him a son, and he acknowledged him as such because he became a great
warrior, and a destroying hero. And who is he, said Malik, that having
a son that resembles your son Antar would deny him, even were swords to
cut his body in pieces?—According to my opinion, you should glory in him.
Let the Arabs follow your example.—Good practices are to be admired,
even though they be new. My lord, we’ll consult about this, said Shedad;
and he went his way home; Prince Malik also returning unsuccessful,
found Antar in the greatest anxiety—he required what had passed with his
father—Malik told him.
Antar remained that night with Prince Malik, but early next morning he
mounted his horse and went towards his mother’s tent, and as he was
passing along the road, he met Amarah in the quarter of the tribe of
Carad. He had been that night consulting with Malik, Ibla’s father, about
the marriage, and in the morning he was returning home followed by his
attendants. He was riding in a most affected, coxcomical manner; and as
soon as he saw Antar he trembled, and was in great dismay; however, he
plucked up courage, and let his tongue run glibly on. Son of Shedad, said
he, where wert thou last night? thy masters were seeking thee; for I was
there with them, and having heard of thy talent for eloquence, it was my
intention to give thee a robe suitable to such as thou art.
On hearing this, the light became dark in Antar’s eyes; he came up to
him—Amarah, he exclaimed, I am not worthy of receiving a robe or present
from thee; but when thou enterest unto my mistress Ibla, the daughter of
Malik, verily, vile wretch, I will wrench thy neck off thy shoulders; I
will curse thy family and thy parents, and I will make thine the most
fatal of marriages; and Antar ran close up to Amarah, and seized him by
the waist, heaved him up in his hand till he had raised him above his
head, and then dashed him on the ground, and almost smashed his bones.
Amarah fainted with fright, and gave unfeigned signs of cowardice and
alarm.
Immediately there arose an uproar among the tribes of Abs and Zeead, and
soon appeared Prince Malik at full speed; for as soon as he heard the
news, he was afraid some mischief would befall his friend. He came up
with his drawn sword and joined Antar, who stood firm, with his trusty
Dhami in his hand. By the faith of an Arab of Medder, said Malik, verily
Antar in the tribe of Carad, is like a rare onyx amongst people who know
not its value or worth. Come on, Aboolfawaris, he continued, now for the
family of Zeead! and he plied his sword among them. Were the tribe of
Zeead in any other place, cried Antar, hastening towards him, and kissing
his hand, I would shew thee what I would do with them in battle and war;
but I am afraid of blame and reproaches; and least the noble Arabs should
say, that a slave of the tribe of Carad put his cousins to the sword.
Malik was amazed at Antar, and his magnanimity; and just then Rebia came
up at full speed with the intention of killing Antar the lion-hearted
hero, for he too had heard of the event: so he mounted his horse, and
came greatly alarmed lest his brother should be killed and buried; for
he had previously told his brother that he did not wish him to interfere
with Ibla, or expose himself and family to danger with the slave Antar.
He rushed upon Antar, eager to destroy him. Stop, Rebia, cried Malik, or
by the faith of an Arab I will not spare one of your people or warriors.
Matters were in this state, when lo! King Zoheir arrived, with all his
heroes of the tribe of Abs and Adnan. The attendants cried out, hold!
stop! fight not! ye have put in motion King Zoheir, the ruler of the age.
Now on that day King Zoheir had received intelligence that the tribe of
Tey were coming down upon him on account of Aminah, the daughter of the
Blood-drinker, and with them were twelve thousand horsemen. King Zoheir
was therefore troubled in his heart, and he kept it secret, for he feared
that death and ruin were coming upon the tribe of Abs. At that moment
also reached him the account of Amarah and Antar; and he was greatly
alarmed that dissentions should arise amongst the tribes: so he mounted
his horse and came to them. As soon as King Zoheir arrived, they held
back from the fray, and they presented themselves, both Amarah and his
brother, whilst all the people cried out unanimously—O great King, there
is no security for us in your country unless you permit us to slay this
diabolical black slave, Antar; for he rebels and revolts, and no one but
you can restrain him. O my cousins, said Zoheir, tell me what is the
matter, what has Antar done?
Rebia came forward and told him that Amarah had demanded in marriage
Ibla, the daughter of Malik, and what Antar had done to him. So the King
knew that Antar had been ill-used, and that what they had told him about
the marriage of Ibla was only to deceive him: but observing how many
complained of Antar, he said, tell me what is your intention, or what
shall I do to him. O King, said they, either kill him, or banish him
from our country, or send him back to tend the sheep and the camels. As
to killing him, replied the King, I cannot submit to you, because he
has eaten of our meat, and our protection is on him; and as to banishing
him or sending him back to tend the camels and the sheep, that does not
depend upon me—it is Shedad’s affair.
So the King sent for Shedad; and when he came—these people are much
exasperated against your son, said Zoheir, but you have the entire
disposal of him, therefore do with him what you please, and I will
be witness for you. I am quite bewildered and distressed about this
business, replied Shedad, but my opinion is that he should return to the
care of the sheep and the camels, and repent of his conduct. Call Antar
here, cried Zoheir, and make the compact with him in my presence. Shedad
called for Antar, and he came. Thou wicked slave, said his master, it
is my determination that thou return to the care of the sheep and the
camels, for I will not irritate the whole tribe, and submit to thee. I
will not molest my brother Malik, and obey thee.
When Antar heard his father’s orders, the tears rushed from his eyes, and
he regretted greatly what had passed. Do, said Antar, what you please,
for I am one of your servants, and a slave has only to obey his master,
though he torment and afflict him every day of his life: and from this
day will I never mount a horse, and will never be present in battle nor
go anywhere but by your permission. And King Zoheir and others witnessed
for Antar, and for his promise; and this flame that had blazed was
extinguished; and they all returned to their tents; and his enemies, and
those that envied him, exulted over Antar, particularly the family of
Zeead.
And Now, my cousins, cried Zoheir, prepare your warlike instruments
this instant, to fight the tribe of Tey, for they are coming down upon
us with twelve thousand horsemen, on account of Aminah, the daughter of
the Blood-drinker, in order to release her from slavery and indignity.
They all assented, and separated to prepare immediately. But Antar was
rejoiced and glad at hearing this intelligence, for he knew the tribe of
Abs would be beaten and routed, and that they would be in want of him. So
he went home and entered his mother’s apartment, and asked about Ibla.
Ibla was with me just now, said she; and she said, soothe the heart of my
cousin Antar, and tell him from me that if my father even makes my grave
my resting place, none but him do I desire, none but him will I choose.
Antar’s heart rejoiced and gladdened when he heard what Ibla had said of
him. He staid at home that night, and the next day he took his brothers
Jereer and Shiboob, and went to the pasture, driving the cattle and the
camels before him.
And King Zoheir mounted his horse with all his warriors of the tribe of
Abs, in number four thousand, all armed and accoutered, and set out to
meet the tribe of Tey, leaving in the tents for the protection of the
property, three hundred horsemen, with the sons of Shas and Cais, and
Rebia the son of Zeead. He traversed the deserts: and the tribe of Abs
remained in safety one night; the next day Antar conducted the cattle
and camels to the pasture, and Shiboob and Jereer went out also with the
cattle and the sheep, seeking the pastures. No sooner had they quitted
the tents, but a dust arose that darkened the whole country. It was a
party of the tribe of Tey, who had passed King Zoheir on the road, and
reached the land of Sharebah like a blazing flame.
What is your counsel now? O Ebereah, said Antar to Shiboob. If you listen
to my advice, said his brother, to-day you will obtain all you wish and
desire, and you will become the noblest of the tribe of Abs, and be
admitted to the rank and consideration of an Arab, and be reckoned one
of the horsemen of Arabia. My opinion is, you should take the camels and
the cattle, and ascend this eminence towards Mount Saadi; I will bring
you your horse and your armour: for I know that the tribe of Abs will be
routed, and will stand in need of you; and they will come to you, and
will intreat you: but do not mount your horse, do not take part in the
contest till your father admits you to his own rank, and acknowledges
you as a son, and as a part of his heart, and your uncle gives you his
daughter in marriage, and makes you a partner in his wealth—then descend
and destroy your enemies and those that envy you; and thus, my brother,
you will attain the object of your wishes.
Antar heard this advice of Shiboob; and he drove away the cattle and the
camels, and ascended the hill of Mount Saadi; whilst Shiboob went and
brought him his horse and his armour, and they all three sat down to
watch the result of the contest between the tribes of Abs and Tey: but
the Teyans attacked the pastures of the Absians, and carried off their
camels and their cattle, with their shepherds; and the whole country and
vicinity were filled with them. Many of the herdsmen returned in flight,
and spread alarm among the tents, informing the Absians of the arrival of
the Teyans, and of their attack upon them, and that their army was like
the tempestuous sea. They were amazed, and confounded; for they knew that
King Zoheir must have missed them on the road.
Shas called out to the warriors, and assembled the men. Come on, my
cousins, cried he, behold the enemy, let us fight for our women and our
tents, and let us infuse fear and terror into their hearts, or they will
cut in among ye, and nothing will secure us against the cup of death, but
the blows with the sword. They all mounted, the men were encouraged, and
rushed on to the combat; man opposed man, and hero encountered heroes;
blood flowed and streamed, limbs were hewn off, and horrors were spread
among them for an hour; when at length the noble Absians were so hard
pressed, that the Teyans overwhelmed them, for there were twelve thousand
of these, and the Absians only three hundred. Shas and Rebia and Amarah
were wounded, and nearly dead. The Absians abandoned their property
and families, and sought the wilds and the deserts, and the enemy took
possession of their country and lands.
Alas! said Ibla’s father to Shedad, O my brother, where is thy son? Let
him come to us in such a dreadful day as this, and liberate us from
death and misery. We cannot raise our heads towards Antar, said Shedad;
but were he present, our condition would indeed be the reverse of this.
Shedad raised his eyes towards the hill, and he saw Shiboob and Jereer
and Antar seated on the ground and contemplating the tribe of Abs, and
their defeat. So he ran towards them, and his brother Malik followed
him—Canst thou, in an hour like this, said Shedad, employ thyself in
tending the cattle and the camels? Behold! the enemy have succeeded in
their attempts, and have plundered our property and slain our horsemen,
and have threatened to capture our women and our families.
What dost wish me to do? said Antar; I am indeed grieved at thy distress.
O that I could rescue thee from destruction and defeat; but I am a
slave, and am not capable of doing any thing, and am not worthy your
consideration; I am indeed a poor slave, and one who conducts cattle and
camels to the pastures, and one employed in milking, and picking up wood,
and tending cattle and sheep—am I not for this contemptible and despised?
And he quitted his father and his uncle Malik where they stood, and went
away from them.
Shedad was vexed at his conduct. What means this indifference about us,
said he? What do you want of me? Said Antar—Hast ever heard of any one
asking protection and countenance from a slave? And abandoning noble
princes? Mount, descend, and destroy the enemy, Antar! cried Shedad, and
I will grant thee all thy wishes and hopes, and I will raise thee to the
rank and honour of an Arab. But what will be this rank and honour? said
Antar. I will, said Shedad, recognize you as my son, and as a part of my
heart. O my nephew, descend and drive away the enemy from us! exclaimed
Malik, and I will acknowledge thee of our family.
Whilst all this was going on between Antar, Shedad, and Malik, the Teyans
attacked the tents, and plundered the property and goods, and captured
the women and families, even the females of King Zoheir’s family; and his
daughter Mootejeredah and his wife Temadhur were both taken prisoners;
and they seized Ibla, and Shereeah and Semeeah; and dreadful was the
wailing of Ibla when they threw down their dwellings to their very
foundations, and they left nothing worth a halter; for they were Arabs,
and greedy of plunder, and only conquered for spoil; and there were men
among them who loaded their horses, and loaded themselves with a good
horse load besides; and in a short time they left the whole country a
barren waste, driving away with them the females and the families, as
they departed over the hills and the deserts.
Malik, Ibla’s father, looked towards the women, and seeing Ibla was a
captive among the warriors, O my nephew, cried he to Antar, dost thou
not see thy beloved Ibla, and wilt thou not defend and protect her? If
I mount this instant, Malik, said Antar, and destroy this party, and
release Ibla from her affliction, wilt thou give her to me in marriage?
Yes, said Malik, by the God that created her and beautified her. And he
extended his hand towards Antar, and swore by the God of mankind, and
said, If thou dost liberate Ibla, she shall be thy wife for ever: and
Shedad admitted his pretentions to honour and rank, and swore he would
not deny him again, were the foe to tear his body to pieces.
Shedad and Malik having finished speaking, and Antar having made them
confirm their oaths, Shiboob brought him his horse Abjer. Now mount, O
my brother, said he, for thou hast no more to say to thy father and thy
uncle—Put to the rout these hateful foes. Antar clad himself in armour,
and encased himself in arms ’till he was like a tower, or a mass rent
from the mountain’s side. He rushed impetuously down from the height like
a tremendous lion, his heart harder than stone, and his soul more buoyant
than the waves of the sea when it roars. He shouted with a voice so loud
that the whole country and vallies trembled at the shock—Ye ignoble
dastards, I am Antar the son of Shedad! and he thus spoke:
“Soon shall ye behold my deeds this day with the foe in the field of
spear-thrusts, and the battle fire; and my furious courage amongst the
tribes; so that in my sublimity, I will mount above the Pisces. I plunge
into the flames of war with the cleaving scimitar, and I extirpate them
with the goring lance. I drive back the horses on their haunches from
the lofty seat of my thin-flanked Abjer, and with the blade of my sword
Dhami, at whose edge flow the waves of death over the enemy. This day
will I exhibit my ardent soul with my Indian sword, and I will meet the
chests of the horse with my thrusts. I will establish the market of war
in its field on the top of my steed, in the protection of my country. My
sword is my father, and the spear in my hand is my father’s brother; and
I am the son of my day in the heights of the deserts.”
He bent his head over the saddle-bow, and made his attack. First, he
sought the horseman who had captured Ibla; he was in the rear, and his
assault was the assault of fate and destiny. He wished to pierce him
through the chest, but he feared the point might touch Ibla, and she be
slain with him: so he wheeled his horse on one side, and came upon his
right like a ferocious lion, and shouted out in a voice like thunder when
it bellows, and pierced with his spear his right side; the point issued
out on his left, and he hurled him down dead, weltering in his blood.
Ibla was terrified at the thrust of the spear, but she was unhurt. Antar
dismounted and came to Ibla. “Fear not, thou light of my eyes, said he,
thou shalt behold thy Antar perform to day, deeds that shall be narrated
and recorded.”
Again he rushed upon the enemy like an outrageous lion; and Shiboob
attended him shooting his arrows, with which he transfixed the hearts of
the warriors. At the first attack he dispersed the troops from the tents,
and in the second he laid bare the whole plain. He poured down upon them
and he destroyed them, and overwhelmed them with shouts, and horror and
death. He hewed off their arms and their limbs, and put to flight both
the right and the left. And God prospered him in all he did, so that he
slew all he aimed at, and overthrew all he touched. How numerous were
the heroes he terrified! and at his shouts all the land trembled.
Now the tribe of Abs distinguished his voice through the confusion and
thick dust, and they said to one another, “he has indeed routed them.”
They returned from the mountains and ravines, and joined the battle, and
their hearts gained courage at the sight of Antar, the lord of war. But
when Shas saw how Antar moved amongst the enemy, and how he overwhelmed
them in slaughter and destruction, his gall burst, and his hatred
increased. He turned towards his brother Cais, and said—dost not behold
the deeds of that foul Black, how he cuts down the enemy with his sword?
Verily, he has discomfited them, and dispersed them among the wilds and
the plains, and his greatness will raise him above us all. But I wish,
my brother, to take him unawares and kill him whilst he is engaged in
the conflict, and make him drink of the cup of perdition, that we may be
relieved from his foul influence; and it will be said that the Teyans
have slain him.
What mean’st thou, O Shas! replied Cais; does Antar deserve this of us,
after having defended our wives and our families? How can we be guilty
of such an act? Had it not been for Antar’s sword, the enemy would not
have left one of us alive—not one to tell the tale. My advice is that we
should aid him in the conflict, and drive away from us these warriors,
or we shall become a common proverb. Cais continued to make such
representations to Shas, till he dissuaded him from his project. The
whole tribe of Abs then collected together, and made one united effort
against the enemy; and men encountered men, and heroes heroes, blood
flowed, limbs were hewn off, and the Absians exerted all their powers
to join the lion warrior; but it was impossible at that time, for Antar
had plunged into the midst of the Teyans, on account of their horseman
whose name was Rebeeah, who was the leader of the troops. He was eminent
for his bravery, and it was he who had wounded Shas, and had destroyed
many Absians, and had dispersed them among the mountain sides. And Antar
continued slaughtering, and searching him until he overtook him, and did
not give him time to turn or move his bridle, ’ere he struck him with
Dhami upon his breast, dividing him down to the thong that encircled his
back, and he tumbled over cut in twain.
When the Blood-drinker saw Antar smite the warrior, he was terrified and
confounded, and said to his troops about him, this is no mortal man; all
that have dared him, have drank of the cup of perdition. And as soon as
he had released his daughter, he placed her behind him, and sought the
wilds and the deserts, followed by the tribe of Tey and all the troops
that had survived. And they fled to the mountains and the rocks, their
standards reversed. But the tribe of Abs pursued and drove them before
them full three parasangs from their country, and then returned for the
dispersed horses and the scattered property. And they went back to their
own tents, Antar at their head, like the flower of the Judas tree, thus
exclaiming:
“I have abused fortune, but how can she humiliate such as me! I too that
have a spirit would cut down mountains. I am the warrior of whom it is
said, he tended the he and she camels of his tribe. When I assaulted
Kendeh and Tey, their hands brandishing the long spears, with armies,
that when I thought of them I imagined the whole earth filled with men;
and as their hardy steeds trampled our lands, whilst you might see them
talking and exulting, ’twas then their steeds fled away horrified at me,
and the redoubled thrusts that gored them as they sought the fight. The
noble hero feels no fatigue; him no challenger need call to the combat.
It was the slave alone that drove back the horsemen whilst the flame
of battle was blazing,—then speeded away their troops in terror of my
arm,—light they fled, burthened though they had been. Crushing were the
stamps and tramplings on their necks, and the horse shoes dashed and
pounded their skulls. How many warriors were laid low by my sword, whilst
they tore, in very rage, their hands with their teeth. I rescued the
maidens and virgins, and not one did I leave but bereft of sense. Mine
is a spirit for every enterprize, high is my fame, exalted is my glory.”
These verses excited surprize and admiration among the chiefs, and they
thanked him. But Malik, Ibla’s father, and Shas and Rebia, and the
tribe of Zeead, cherished a flame in their hearts; they thanked him in
appearance, but in their soul their gall was burst. When they approached
the tents the women came out to meet them, beating the cymbals, and the
slaves brandishing their swords; and Ibla stood in front of them like a
full moon when it shines, as she cried out—May I never lose thee, O thou
defender of women, and destroyer of every foe and enemy. At these words,
Antar’s grief and anguish vanished, and he thought that in her presence
he could slay a host of enemies. The warriors then went down to their
tents, and no one but talked of Antar, how he slew, and fought with the
invaders; and they passed a night of joy, glorying in the deeds of Antar
the invincible hero.
The next day arrived in haste King Zoheir with his companions, for he had
heard that his foe had passed him on the road: he feared his family might
be destroyed and cut off; and he could scarcely believe he should find
his family safe from the treacheries of the times; and as he approached
the tents he saw dead bodies scattered about, broken scimitars and
shattered spears, and his heart misgave him. But when he reached the
tents, the chiefs came out to meet him: they saluted him, and related
what Antar had done. And when King Zoheir heard this of the great Antar,
he said to his surrounding heroes—Verily by the faith of an Arab, we are
glorified in Antar above all that inhabit the wilds. And Antar came out
to meet him; the King approached him, and kissed him between the eyes—O
Aboolfawaris, said he, we are unable to reward thee for this act, even
were we to give thee all we possess in dominions and property.
Then the warriors went to their tents, and the King to his own pavilion.
And his wife, Temadhur, came up to him, and kissing his hands—O King,
said she, if you are wise and good, be kind to Antar; for it is he that
has protected your wife and children. Thus was his joy in the deeds of
Antar augmented, and he slept at ease until the morning dawned, when he
ordered the sheep and camels to be slain, and a feast to be prepared, and
a magnificent entertainment to be made ready for all the tribe of Abs and
Adnan. The most highly honoured were Antar and the horsemen of the tribe
of Carad. After dinner they began conversing, and Shedad related to the
King all his son Antar had done: how he himself having acknowledged his
relationship and connexion, and his brother Malik having promised him
to Ibla, he mounted his horse and routed the enemy, and dispersed them
amongst the wilds and the deserts.
This struck to the heart of Shas, and his soul was filled with
indignation and rage, and his whole frame was ready to burst. Shedad,
said he, how could you take upon yourself to introduce Antar, the son of
a slave, to our tribe, and admit him to our rank and our consequence? Now
we shall become a shame amongst the Arabs to the end of time, and they
will say the tribe of Abs has associated itself with black slaves.
O Shas, said Cais, give up this envious disposition, in which no one
partakes with you. And King Zoheir turned also towards his son Shas, and
rebuked him. O my lord, exclaimed Antar, standing up, the heart of Prince
Shas is not inclined towards me, I will therefore retire from you to
another tribe. Tears flowed from the eyes of Antar, and King Zoheir and
the tribe of Carad gazed at him in astonishment; when at length the King
arose, and having kissed Antar between the eyes, he thanked and praised
him. Then turning towards the warriors of Abs, he cried out—“O ye tribes
of Abs and Adnan, and all ye that are here assembled, ye all know the
purity of my connexion and rank, and my father and my mother, yet let
Antar be called as I am called, for he is, by the faith of an Arab, my
cousin, the antidote to all my sorrow and my grief, and he who honours
him, honours me; and he who despises him, despises me,—and he cried
out—Welcome, welcome to my cousin, thou reliever of sorrow!”
Among the first who succeeded Zoheir was Prince Malik; he sprang towards
Antar, and embraced him and kissed him between the eyes; and he likewise
cried out—Welcome, welcome to my cousin, the reliever of sorrow! When
the horsemen saw what King Zoheir and his son had done, they could not
avoid following the example; so they sprang towards Antar and embraced
him, and kissed him between the eyes, and admitted him to the honour
and rank of an Arab, and all cried out—Welcome, welcome to my cousin!
But Shas was violently enraged; he was nearly bursting with passion;
he arose hastily and went to his tent. But the warriors sat down and
began talking and jesting, anxiety and sorrow left them, and they were
all joy and merriment; they ate meat and drank wine till night brought
on the darkness; and at the termination of the feast the King clothed
Antar in a robe worked with red gold, and girded on a trusty sword, and
gave him a pike of Khata, and mounted him on an Arab horse, and called
him the Champion of the tribes of Abs and Adnan. And Antar returned with
his father and his uncles towards the tents, and his glory and honour
were exalted among all the horsemen; the warriors of the tribe of Carad
rejoiced, but his enemies and the envious were grieved, particularly the
family of Zeead.
Amarah went home, and his regret and affliction increased; he laid
himself down at full length, and a fever and trembling attacked him,
and his knees and legs pained him, and he was fearfully indisposed. He
sent for his brother Rebia, and wept before him; O brother, said he,
if Ibla escape me, I shall die of grief, and no one will know of my
death. Amarah, said Rebia, verily you have done a deed you ought not
to have done. We must now consider this slave as our equal. From the
first, I never wished you to interfere with Ibla, or connect yourself
with the tribe of Carad; and now that this vile slave has liberated her
from slavery we can do nothing with her, and cannot succeed, unless her
father indeed be inclined towards you. To morrow I will go and see about
your business, and if I find that he still wishes for you, it may be
accomplished: otherwise make your heart easy, Amarah; for if he inclines
towards Antar on account of his courage, we will consult how to destroy
him, and annihilate his life ere he actually obtain her.
Thus were his alarms and jealousies in part relieved. He waited patiently
till the next day, when he dressed himself in fine clothes, and perfumed
himself, and sent for Malik and his son Amroo, who attended him and
complimented him; and instantly Amarah arose and received them with all
due courtesy. And Malik said to Amarah, what do you wish of us? Most
noble and excellent sir, I only invited you to day, he replied, that I
might see whether your heart was pleased in marrying that guarded pearl
and concealed jewel to that black slave, that feeder of camels and sheep,
whom the horsemen have preferred to their rank and condition. Thus will
your daughter be disgraced amongst the noble Arabs. If indeed you do such
a deed, it will be impossible for us to remain in this land. We only
promised so to Antar, and only admitted him to our relationship and rank,
said Malik, when he assisted us in the battle and conflict; but we never
thought he could escape safe out of those perils, and rout such armies.
Well, said Amarah, to morrow when we repair to King Zoheir, and when we
are in full assembly, I will demand your daughter; do you assent and
settle the amount of the dower, and when once the dower is decided on,
neither King Zoheir or any one else can say any thing to the contrary:
and I promise you that the dower shall be a thousand he and she camels,
and a thousand head of sheep, and twenty Ooshareeyi camels, and twenty
horses of the noblest breed, and a hundred silk robes, and fifty satin
garments spangled rich in gold, and twenty strings of the finest jewels,
and a hundred skins of wine for the marriage feast, and a hundred male,
and as many female slaves.
Malik overjoyed, agreed to this proposal; Amarah too, flattered himself
he should succeed in his expectations; and soon after Malik and his son
went home and tarried there till the morning. The next day King Zoheir
was sitting in his tent, surrounded by the nobles of the tribe of Abs,
when Amarah and the family of Zeead presented themselves before him; they
had greatly enlarged their turbans, and seated themselves according to
their rank on the left of the King, and Antar and the Carad tribe were
on the right, and the horsemen took their places. O Chief, said Amarah,
turning towards Malik, do you think my rank mean, or my connexion low?
Are you not, said Malik, one of our illustrious horsemen? We are now in
the presence of King Zoheir, continued Amarah, and I come to you as a
suitor to your daughter, and I am solicitous for your favour; therefore
decide on the marriage dower and donation, and demand even what the
princes of the universe would fail in giving.
All this passed, and Antar sat still and heard it and observed; and he
was convinced his uncle Malik favoured the Zeead family, and he feared
that if his uncle should decide on fixing the marriage donation with
Amarah, and should confirm it, Ibla would pass out of his hands, and he
would have no more to say—in vain he would reproach and revile. Thus
roused by the urgency of the moment, he started up, and turning towards
Amarah, exclaimed, “thou he goat of a man—thou refuse!—thou villain! Dost
thou at such a time as this demand Ibla in marriage?—thou coward, did
not I demand her when she was in the midst of twelve thousand warriors,
waving their bone-cleaving swords, and thou and thy brother were flying
among the rocks and the wilds? I then descended—I exposed my life in her
dangers, and liberated her from the man that had captured her; but, now
that she is in the tent of her father and mother, thou wouldst demand
her! By the faith of an illustrious Arab, thou, dastard, if thou dost not
give up thy pretentions to Ibla, I will bring down perdition upon thee,
and I will curse thy relations and thy parents, and I will make the hour
of thy wedding, an hour of evil tiding to thyself and thy posterity!”
O Antar, said Amroo, Ibla is our daughter, and it is for us to command;
no prince or chief is empowered to oblige us to marry her to any one but
whom we choose and approve.
At these words the light became dark in his eyes—his hand hurried to his
irresistible Dhami—he sprang from the ground on the back of his Abjer,
resolved to put Malik and his son Amroo to death, and Rebia and Amarah
too, and the whole family of Zeead; and to carry off Ibla, and live
with her in the mountains; but he thought of King Zoheir’s kindness, and
how he had transferred him from servitude to honour and freedom; so he
immediately changed his mind, and thus addressed the Absians:
“When the family of Carad are ungrateful, and the family of Zeead are
violent in their acts, then there is no blame or reproach to me, if
I protect mine own honour and rights by arms or by stratagem. Is not
fire kindled from a Zanad when the stone is rubbed against the Zanad?
Enjoyment is ever desired after absence, and approximation is wished for
after separation. I have been merciful to those who are not aware of the
value of my mercy, and my friendship has not been properly appreciated.
But after this forbearance I shall act in another manner, till the towns
and deserts shall flow with my blood, and my sword shall complain of
fatigue in my hand, and my joints shall murmur at the burthen of my belt.
Ye observed me well the day of Tey, and my deeds with my Indian spear;
and had my lance a tongue, it would tell ye of the splitting of ribs in
the battle. How many challengers called to me on the day of conflict,
and hailed me, and I answered each antagonist. O family of Zeead, ye
have opposed a noble lion that never flinches from the fight—artless in
speech and deeds—with a sword that cleaves heads and arms. Be on thy
guard then, O Amroo, on thy guard against him. Let not thine eyelids be
weighed down with sleep. But had I not a chief who commands me, liberal
in speech, and exalted in power, I would do myself justice with my sword,
and soon would I shew the difference between virtue and outrage.”
When Antar had finished, the chiefs admired his eloquence: King Zoheir
went up to him, and made him dismount. May God never renounce thy mouth!
said he: may no one ever harm thee, O thou protector of the tribes! And
then turning towards Malik, Ibla’s father, he said—How is it that you
will not marry your daughter to a hero? You engaged her to him when he
liberated her from her perilous situation! My lord, my daughter is in
my tent, said Malik, you may command her, and marry her to whom you
please; I will not oppose your directions, and I will not swerve from
your orders. Then said King Zoheir, Ibla can belong to no one but our
defender, the brave Antar. So they sat down and ate, and thus they
remained till dark, when they went home, each to his tent.