Consign the pride and honor of my race,
And wed her to contempt and foul disgrace.”
The chivalry of the desert disdained to tear the child from her father’s arms, even though that father was a conquered foe. The gallant Noufal, feeling that he was himself defeated, and that in vain the blood of his brave men had stained the desert sands, sadly gave the order that the conquered tribe should be allowed to retire unmolested from the well fought field.
“And thou and thine may quit the field.
Still armed with khanjer, sword and shield;
Both horse and rider. Thus in vain
Blood has bedewed this thirsty plain.”
With a heavy heart the gallant chief pursued his homeward way with Majnūn, reckless and desperate, by his side. He tried again to calm the poignant pangs of hopeless love, and to bless, with gentleness and tender care, the wounded and despairing spirit.
“But vain his efforts; mountain, wood and plain
Soon heard the maniac’s piercing woes again;