n of Fazarah, he struck him on the flank with a holly-stick, and
the horse took the road towards the pastures, and finally entered his
stable, all covered with blood. The shepherds at once led him to the
tents, crying out, "Misfortune! Misfortune!"

Hadifah became furious. He smote upon his breast, repeating the words:
"Tribe of Fazarah, to arms, to arms, to arms!" and all the disaffected
came to Hadifah once more, begging him to declare war on the Absians,
and to take vengeance on them. "Kinsmen!" replied Hadifah, with
alacrity, "let none of us sleep to-night without our armor on." And so
it happened.

At break of day Hadifah was on horseback; the warriors were ready, and
only women and children and the feeble were left in the tents. Cais, on
the other hand, after slaying Abou-Firacah, expected that the Fazareans
would come and attack himself and his warriors; he therefore prepared
for battle. Antar was charged with taking the necessary reconnoitre. He
left in the tents only women, children, and those too feeble to bear the
sword; then he put himself in command of the heroes of Carad. Nothing
could be more brilliant than the ranks of the Absians in their coats of
mail and gleaming weapons. These preparations caused an anxious moment
for both parties. They marched forth against each other, and the sun had
scarcely appeared, before scimitars flashed, and the whole country was
in a turmoil.

Antar was impatient to press forward, and satisfy his thirst for battle;
but, lo! Hadifah, dressed in a black robe, advances, his heart broken by
the death of his son. "Son of Zoheir," he cried to Cais, "it is a base
action to slay a child; but it is good to meet in battle, to decide with
these lances which shall predominate, you or me." These words cut Cais
to the quick. Hurried along by passion he left his standard and rushed
against Hadifah. Then the two chiefs, spurred on by mutual hatred,
fought together on their noble chargers, until nightfall. Cais was
mounted on Dahir, and Hadifah on Ghabra. In the course of this combat
the exploits of the past were eclipsed. Each tribe despaired of his
chieftain's safety, and they were eager to make a general attack, in
order to stop the struggle of the chieftains and the fury with which
they contended. Cries began to be heard in the air. Scimitars were
drawn, and lances advanced over the ears of Arabian chargers. Antar
approached certain Absian chiefs and said, "Let us attack the traitors.