Distant has been my course, and lengthened my journey,
Until I have conquered and rejoiced my bosom;
And death is better than the garment of perfidy
And shame I present to the tribe of Bekr.[1]
"Then he approached. And the old man asked him, 'O son of my brother! wilt thou that I strike thee, and if I leave life in thee that thou return the blow; or wilt thou that thou strikest me, and if thou leavest life in me that I return the blow?'
"So the young man seized the opportunity, and cried, 'I will begin.'
"'Come on,' said the old man.
"Then Hârith raised his hand holding his sword. And when the old man saw that he was certainly aiming it at his head, he thrust his spear into Hârith's stomach, and his entrails protruded. And the young man's blow descending upon his uncle's head, they both fell down dead.
"And so I, O Commander of the Faithful! seized upon the four horses and the four swords, and then approaching the camel, the girl said to me, 'Whither? O ʾAmr! For I am no friend of thine, and thou art no friend of mine; nor am I like these whom thou has seen.' So I said to her, 'Calm thyself.' But
- ↑ Probably the name of the old man's tribe.
