Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

KHALED AND DJAIDA 23
his possessions for transportation to his own country. No
sooner were these preparations completed than Khaled
marched forth at the head of a thousand horsemen, with whose
assistance he subdued the tribe of Aamir. Having thrice
wounded "The Brandisher of Spears," and slain a great number
of his champions, he carried off their goods and brought
back from their country even a richer spoil than Djaida had demanded.
Loaded with booty he returned, and was intoxicated
with success. But when he asked that a day should be fixed
for the wedding, Djaida begged him to approach, and said to
him : " If you desire that I become your wife, fulfil first of all
my wishes, and keep the engagement I make with you. This
is my demand : I wish that on the day of my marriage, some
nobleman's daughter, a free-born woman, hold the bridle of my
camel ; she must be the daughter of a prince of the highest
rank, so that I may be the most honored of all the daughters of
Arabia." Khaled consented, and prepared to carry out her
wishes. That very day he started with his horsemen, and
traversed plains and valleys, searching the land of Ymer, even
till he reached the country of Hijar and the hills of Sand. In
this place he attacked the tribe-family of Moawich, son of
Mizal. He burst upon them like a rain-storm, and cutting a
way with his sword through the opposing horsemen, he took
prisoner Amima, daughter of Moawich, at the very moment
when she was betaking herself to flight.
After having accomplished feats which rendered futile the
resistance of the most experienced heroes, after having scat-
tered all the tribes in flight, and carried off all the wealth of all
the Arabs in that country, he returned home. But he did not
wish to come near his tents until he had first gathered in all
the wealth which he had left at different points and places in
the desert.
The young maidens marched before him sounding their
cymbals and other instruments of music. All the tribe rejoiced
; and when Khaled appeared, he distributed clothing to
the widows and orphans, and invited his companions and
friends to the feast he was preparing for his wedding. All the
Arabs of the country came in a crowd to the marriage. He
caused them to be regaled with abundance of flesh and wine.
Btit while all the guests abandoned themselves to feasting and
pleasure, Khaled, accompanied by ten slaves, prepared to scour