him speak.

"O virgin (for none other can experience the assistance of our race,
or stand unhurt before us), I am the King and Sovereign of these
mighty forests, and am sent by the genius Houadir to thy protection.
But why did the distrustful Urad despair, or why did she accuse
Providence of deserting her? should not the relieved wait with
patience on the hand that supports him, and not cry out with
impatience, and charge its benefactor with neglect?"

"True, O royal lion," answered the fair Urad; "but fear is
irresistible, and the children of men are but weakness and
ingratitude. But blessed be Allah, who, though justly provoked at my
discontent, yet sent to my assistance the guardian of the fair. Yet
how cometh it to pass, O royal protector, that you, who are so bold
and so fierce in your nature, should yet behave with such tenderness
and kindness to a helpless virgin, whom you might with pleasure to
yourself in a moment devour?"

"The truly great and noble spirit," answered the lion, "takes a pride
in protecting innocence, neither can he wish to oppress it. Hence
learn, fair virgin, that of all mankind he only is noble, generous,
and truly virtuous, who is ready to defend helpless womanhood. What,
then, must you think of those mean wretches who cajole you under the
appearance of affection, and yet tell you that it was only to try you?
He that is suspicious is mean: he that is mean is unworthy of the
chaste affections of the virtuous maid. Wherefore, O Urad, shun him,
however honoured by mankind, or covered by the specious characters of
virtue, whoever attempts the honour of your chastity, for he cannot be
just: to deceive you he must himself swear falsely, and therefore
cannot be good; or if he tell the truth, he must be weak and
ungenerous, and unworthy of you."

In such conversation they passed along the forest, till, after a few
days, they were alarmed at the noise of the hunters and the music of
the chase.

"Alas!" said the beautiful Urad, "what is this that I hear?"

"It is," answered the royal beast, "the noise of the hunters; and thou
shalt escape, but me will they in sport destroy. The lion you call
cruel, who kills to devour. What, then, is he who wantons in the death
of those who advantage him not? But man is lord of all: let him look
to it how he governs!"

"Nay, but," answered Urad, "leave me, gentle protector, and provide
for your safety; nor fear but Houadir will prevent the storms that
hover