“They are infinite in number, rapid in the onset, fierce in battle, but confused and headlong in flight.”
“And how fared it with thee among these people? Did they sometimes vanquish thee?”
“Never, by Allah!” cried Taric, with honest warmth; “never did a banner of mine fly the field. Though the enemy were two to one, my Moslems never shunned the combat!”
The caliph was well pleased with the martial bluntness of the veteran, and showed him great honor; and wherever Taric appeared he was the idol of the populace.
CHAPTER XIV.
Muza arrives at Damascus.— His Interview with the Caliph.— The Table of Solomon.— A rigorous Sentence.
