he Absians, and taken to another tribe. Then Antar set
out in search of her, and at length rescued her: their mutual love was
intensified by this reunion. By a series of wiles and intrigues
skilfully conducted, the chiefs who surrounded Ibla persuaded her to
demand still further dowry from Antar. She spoke of Khaled and Djaida,
whose history has already been related; she said, in presence of Antar,
that that young warrior girl would not consent to marry Khaled, saving
on the condition that her camel's bridle be held by the daughter of
Moawich. This word was sufficient for Antar, and he promised to Ibla
that Djaida should hold the bridle of her camel on her wedding day; and
more than that, the head of Khaled should be slung round the neck of the
warrior girl. Thus the hero, constantly loving and beloved by Ibla,
incessantly deceived by the cunningly devised obstacles raised by his
foes, sustained his reputation for greatness of character and strength
of arm, submitted with resignation to the severest tests, and passed
victoriously through them all. After the death of King Zoheir, whom he
avenged, he undertook to assist Cais, Zoheir's son, in all his
enterprises, and after a long series of adventures which tired the
patience, love, and courage of Antar, this hero, recognized as chief
among Arabian chieftains, obtained the great reward of his long
struggles and mighty toils, by marriage to his well-loved Ibla.

KHALED AND DJAIDA

Moharib and Zahir were brothers, of the same father and mother; the
Arabs call them "brothers germane." Both were, renowned for courage and
daring. But Moharib was chief of the tribe, and Zahir, being subject to
his authority, was no more than his minister, giving him counsel and
advice. Now it happened that a violent dispute arose between them. Zahir
subsequently retired to his tent, in profound sorrow, and not knowing
what course to take. "What is the matter with you?" asked his wife, "Why
are you so troubled? What has happened to you? Has any one displeased or
insulted you--the greatest of Arab chiefs?" "What am I to do?" replied
Zahir; "the man who has injured me is one whom I cannot lay hands on, or
do him wrong; he is my companion in the bosom of my family, my brother
in the world. Ah, if it had been any one but he, I would have shown him
what sort of a man he was at odds with, and have made an example of him
before all the chiefs of our tribes!" "Leave him; let him enjoy his
possessi