Page:Palestine Exploration Fund - Quarterly Statement for 1894.djvu/324

278 the children of the Emir Risk and Khadra. Abu-Zaid is one of the great heroes in the exodus of the Beni-Helal from Naj'd to Tunis, passing by Palestine.

The legend is sung by the bards on their one-stringed fiddle Rababy, during whole nights after weddings or any other public rejoicing (see Quarterly Statement, April 1894, p. 137).

The Emir Risk had a daughter, named Shiha,, by his wife Khadra, , who then remained seven years barren, to the great sorrow of Risk. One day when Khadra went to a fountain to wash, she saw a black bird pounce on other birds, killing some, and scattering the rest. She prayed to God, "Oh, my Lord, hear my petition, make me conceive and bear a son, who shall drive the knights before him as does this bird the other birds; and let him be as black as this bird." Her prayer was fulfilled, and she had a black son.

Now Ser'han,, the father of Sultan Hassan, visits Risk and says:—

When Risk brings in the child; Ghanem, the father of Thiab, says:—

And Risk says:—

Then, turning to Khadra, he continues:—