“By the faith of an Arab, I adjure you to tell me what horseman of the desert you are; for I feel that your attack and the violence of your blows are irresistible.  In fact, you have prevented me from accomplishing that which I had intended, and all that I had eagerly desired to do.”  At these words Djaida raised her visor, thus permitting him to see her face.  “Khaled,” she cried, “is it necessary for the girl you love to attack wild beasts, in order that the daughters of Arabia may learn that this is not the exclusive privilege of a warrior?” At this cutting rebuke Khaled was overcome with shame.  “By the faith of an Arab,” he replied, “no one but you can overcome me; but is there anyone in this country who has challenged you, or are you come hither merely to prove to me the extent of your valor?” “By the faith of an Arab,” replied Djaida, “I came into this desert solely for the purpose of helping you to hunt wild beasts, and in order that your warriors might not reproach you for choosing me as your wife.”  At these words Khaled felt thrilled with surprise and admiration, that such spirit and resolution should have been exhibited in the conduct of Djaida.

Then both of them dismounted from their horses and entered into a cavern.  There Khaled seized two ferocious wild beasts, and Djaida attacked and carried off a lion and two lionesses.  After these exploits they exchanged congratulations, and Djaida felt happy to be with Khaled.  “Meanwhile,” she said, “I shall not permit you to leave our tents until after our marriage.”  She immediately left him in haste and betook herself to her own dwelling.

Khaled proceeded to rejoin the slaves whom he had left a little way off, and ordered them to carry to the tents the beasts he had slain.  Trembling with fright at the view of what Khaled had done, they extolled him with admiration above all other champions of the land.

The feasts meanwhile went on, and all who came were welcomed with magnificence.  The maidens sounded their cymbals; the slaves waved their swords in the air, and the young girls sang from morn till evening.  It was in the midst of such rejoicings that Djaida and Khaled were married.  Amima, the daughter of Moawich, held the reins of the young bride’s camel, and men and women alike extolled the glory of Djaida.

THE ABSIANS AND FAZAREANS

King Cais, chief of the Absians, distrusting the evil designs of Hadifah, the chief of the tribe of Fazarah, had sent out his slaves in every direction to look after Antar.  One of these slaves on his return said to the king:  “As for Antar, I have not even heard his name; but as I passed by the tribe of Tenim, I slept one night in the tents of the tribe Byah.  There I saw a colt of remarkable beauty.  He belonged to a man named Jahir, son of Awef.  I have never seen a colt so fine and swift.”  This recital made a profound impression upon Cais.  And in truth this young animal was the wonder of the world, and never had a handsomer horse been reared among the Arabs.  He was in all points high-bred and renowned for race and lineage, for his sire was Ocab and his dam Helweh, and these were horses regarded by the Arabs as quicker than lightning.  All the tribes admired their points, and the tribe of Byah had become celebrated above all others, because of the mare and stallion which pertained to it.