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and kissed her hand; and she said, “O my son, it behoves thee to arm thyself with patience, and God shall make great thy reward; for the guerdon is measured by that which has been endured.” Quoth Sherkan, “Pray for me,” and she did so. As soon as it was morning and the day arose and shone, the Muslims sallied out into the field, and the Christians made ready to cut and thrust. Then the host of the Muslims advanced and offered battle; and Zoulmekan and Afridoun made ready to tilt at one another. But when Zoulmekan sallied out into the field, there came with him Dendan and Behram and the Chamberlain, saying, “We will be thy sacrifice.” “By the Holy House and the Well Zemzem and the Stead of Abraham,”[1] exclaimed he, “I will not be hindered from going forth against these barbarians!” So he rode out into the field and played with sword and spear, till both armies wondered; then he rushed upon the right wing of the Greek army and slew two knights and in like manner dealt he with the left wing. Then he stayed his steed in the midst of the field and cried out, “Where is Afridoun, that I may make him drink the cup of humiliation?” But King Herdoub conjured Afridoun not to budge from the field, saying, “O King, it was thy turn yesterday: to-day it is mine. I reck not of his prowess.” So he pricked out towards Zoulmekan, with a sabre in his hand and under him a jet black horse, swift as he were Abjer, he that was Antar’s horse, even as says the poet:
He vies with the glance of the eye on a swift-footed steed, That fares as it had a mind to outstrip Fate.
The hue of his hide is the blackest of all things black, Like night, when the shadows shroud it in sable state.
The sound of his neighing troubles the hearts of men, As it were thunder that echoes in heaven’s gate.
If he run a race with the wind, he leads the way, Nor can the lightning outstrip him, early or late.
- ↑ A chapel so called in the Temple at Mecca.
