rest toils, and
the most perilous enterprises. When he went to war, he put her among the
other Arabs of the tribe, and in the midst of these horsemen she soon
took her rank as one of the most valiant of them. Thus it came to pass
that she eclipsed all her comrades, and would even attack the lions in
their dens. At last her name became an object of terror; when she had
overcome a champion she never failed to cry out: "I am Djonder, son of
Zahir, horseman of the tribes."

Her cousin Khaled, on the other hand, distinguished himself equally by
his brilliant courage. His father Moharib, a wise and prudent chief, had
built houses of entertainment for strangers; all horsemen found a
welcome there. Khaled had been brought up in the midst of warriors. In
this school his spirit had been formed, here he had learned to ride, and
at last had become an intrepid warrior, and a redoubtable hero. It was
soon perceived by the rest of the army that his spirit and valor were
unconquerable.

Eventually he heard tell of his cousin Djonder, and his desire to see
and know him and to witness his skill in arms became extreme. But he
could not satisfy this desire because of the dislike which his father
showed for his cousin, the son of his uncle. This curiosity of Khaled
continued unsatisfied until the death of his father Moharib, which put
him in possession of rank, wealth, and lands. He followed the example of
his father in entertaining strangers, protecting the weak and
unfortunate, and giving raiment to the naked. He continued also to scour
the plains on horseback with his warriors, and in this way waxed greater
in bodily strength and courage. After some time, gathering together a
number of rich gifts, he started, in company with his mother, to visit
his uncle. He did not draw rein until he reached the dwelling of Zahir,
who was delighted to see him, and made magnificent preparations for his
entertainment; for the uncle had heard tell on many occasions of his
nephew's worth and valor. Khaled also visited his cousin. He saluted
her, pressed her to his bosom, and kissed her forehead, thinking she was
a young man. He felt the greatest pleasure in her company, and remained
ten days with his uncle, regularly taking part in the jousts and
contests of the horsemen and warriors. As for his cousin, the moment she
had seen how handsome and valiant Khaled was, she had fallen violently
in love with him. Her sleep left her; she could not eat; and her lov