Amru

“ My youthful passion is rekindled, and my ardent desire revives, when I see the travelling camels of my fair one driven along in the evening;
20. When the towns of Yemama appear in sight, exalted above the plains, and shining like bright sabres in the hands of those who have unsheathed them. ”

“ That we give succour to those that are near us, when the bright scimitars make the eyes of our heroes wink.
89. We entertain strangers at our board whenever we are able; but we hurl destruction on those who approach us hostilely.
90. We are the tribe who drink water from the clearest brooks; whilst other clans are forced to drink it foul and muddy.
91. Go, ask the sons of Tamah and of Domia, how they have found us in the conflict!
92. Behind us come our lovely, our charming damsels, whom we guard so vigilantly that they cannot be made captive, or even treated with disrespect ”

“ This world is ours, and all that appears on the face of it; and when we do attack, we attack with irresistible force.
104. When a tyrant oppresses and insults a nation, we disdain to degrade ourselves by submitting to his will. ”

“ On the morning of attack, we are borne into the field on short-haired steeds, which have been known to us from the time when we weaned them, and which we rescued from our foes after they had been taken. ”

“ We seem, when our drawn scimitars are displayed, to protect mankind, as fathers protect their children.
102. Our heroes roll the heads of their enemies, as the strong well-made youths roll their balls in the smooth vale. ”

“ With youths, who consider death as the completion of glory, and with aged heroes experienced in war:
49. We challenge all the clans together to contend with us, and we boldly preclude their sons from approaching the mansion of our children. ”

“ When the falling pillars of our tents quiver over our furniture, we defend our neighbours from the impending min.
38. We disperse our gifts to our countrymen, but disdain to share their spoils; and the burdens which we bear we support for their advantage.
39• When the troops of the foe are at a distance from us, we dart our javelins; and when we close in the combat, we strike with sharp sabres ”

“ They rush to the fight, armed with breastplates of steel; they leave it with their manes dishevelled and dusty, and the reins, tied in knots, lie on their necks.
84. We inherited this excellent breed from our virtuous ancestors; and on our death they will be inherited by our sons.
85. All the tribes of Maad perfectly know, when their tents are pitched in the well-watered valleys,
86. ”