Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/78

Rh "But Hârith approached, and said:

"Then he struck the old man's son a mighty blow with his spear, and he fell from it, dead.

"Then said the old man to him, 'Give up her who is seated on the camel, O son of my brother! For I am not like these whom thou hast overcome.'

"But Hârith said, 'I will not give her up. Nor was it for this that I sought her.'

"Then said the old man, O son of my brother! choose for thyself. Wilt thou that I fight thee on foot, or that I charge thee on horseback?'

"So the young man took advantage of the choice and dismounted. And the old man also dismounted, and recited this poem:

"Then Hârith approached, and he also recited, saying: