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horsemanship[1] abode [rooted in his heart].” So he mounted his charger, whilst Aamir also bestrode a war-horse, and they went forth with the troops and fared on two days. On the third day, after the hour of the mid-afternoon prayer, they came in sight of the enemy and the two armies met and the ranks joined battle. The strife raged amain and sore was the smiting, whilst the dust rose in clouds and hung vaulted [over them], so that all eyes were blinded; and they ceased not from the battle till the night overtook them, when the two hosts drew off from the mellay and passed the night, perplexed concerning themselves [and the issue of their affair].
When God caused the morning morrow, the two armies drew out in battle array and the troops stood looking at one another. Then came forth El Harith ibn Saad between the two lines and played with his lance and cried out and recited the following verses:
Algates ye are our prey become; this many a day and night Right instantly of God we’ve craved to be vouchsafed your sight.
So hath the Merciful towards Hudheifeh driven you, A champion ruling over all, a lion of great might.
Is there a man of you will come, that I may heal his paint With blows right profitful for him who’s sick for lust of fight?
By Allah, come ye forth to me, for lo, I’m come to you! May he who’s wronged the victory get and God defend the right![2]
