“Thus did Khadra, reflecting on what had past

’Mid the tents of Hilál, her tale relate.

‘O Emeer Barakát, hear what I tell thee,

And think not my story is idle prate.

Thy father was Beysem, Beysem’s son,

Thine uncle Fadl’s brother: youth of valour innate![[494]]

And thy father was wealthy above his fellows;

None other could boast such a rich estate.

As a pilgrim to Mekkeh he journey’d, and there,

In my father’s house, a guest he sate: