Urad was now in some measure reconciled to danger; and therefore, without much fear, dropped a peppercorn, and expected relief.
The peppercorn had been dropped some time, the horsemen advanced, and no one appeared to her succour.
"Alas!" said Urad, "why has Houadir deceived me? Neither her advice, nor her magical peppercorns, can save me from these cruel robbers. O genius, genius! why hast thou forsaken me in my severest trials!"
By this time the robbers were come up, and were highly rejoiced to find such a beautiful prize.
Their captain leaped from his horse to seize her, and the trembling Urad gave a loud shriek, which was answered from the woods by the roaring of a hundred lions.
"O Allah," said the chief, "the lions are upon us!"
"That may be," said he who was dismounted; "but were the whole world set against me, I would secure my prize." So saying, he took Urad in his arms to place her on his horse.
The roaring of the lions continued, and many of them came howling out of the woods: the robbers fled in dismay, all but the ruffian who had seized on the fair Urad, who was striving in vain to fix her on his horse. A lion furiously made at him, and tore him limb from limb, while Urad expected the same fate from several others who came roaring around.
"But," said she, "better is death than infamy, and the paw of the hungry lion, than slavery to a robber."
The noble beast, having devoured his prey, came fawning at the feet of Urad, who was surprised at his behaviour and gentleness; but much more was her astonishment increased when she heard him speak.