Chapter II: Hatim-Tai and the Assassin

I forget who narrated this story to me,That in Yemen, a monarch there happened to be.Fortune's ball he abducted from others renowned,For in scattering treasure his peer was not found.Generosity's cloud, you might call him, with gain,For his hand sprinkled direms, like showers of rain.If one spoke in his presence of Hatim's good name,Towards Hatim, wild rage to his head quickly came."How long will you talk of that wind-weigher, pray !Who neither has country, nor treasure, nor sway?"For a banquet, I've heard that he issued behests ;At the feast, like a harp, he delighted his guests.Some one started the mention of Hatim Tai's fame,And another continued his praise to proclaim.In the monarch, vile Envy a wicked thought hatched,And a person to shed Hatim's blood he despatched.For he said, "While this Hatim exists, in my days,My name will not travel, united with praise."On the road to the Tai tribe the hireling set out,And to kill the kind Hatim, went searching about ;Before him a young man approached on the road,From whose visage, the odour of heartiness flowed.He was handsome and wise; a sweet tongue he possessed ;He took the man home for the night, as his guest.He was kind, sympathized and apologies made,And by goodness, the fiend in the wretch's heart laid!He kissed in the morning his hands and his feet;Saying, " Tarry some days with me here, I entreat !"He answered, "I cannot now halt in this spot,For before me, a work of importance I've got!""If you mention the business to me," he then said ;"Like friends of one heart, with my life I will aid.""Oh liberal man ! to my statement give ear !For I know that the gen'rous can secrets revere.Perhaps, in this district you know Hatim Tai,Of fortunate name and of qualities high?The monarch of Yemen has asked for his head ;I know not what hate has between them been bred.To where he resides, will you kindly direct?This much from your favour, oh friend! I expect."The youth, smiling, said, "I am Hatim! and lo!Here's my head—cut it off with your sword, at a blow !It is wrong that when morning dissolves into day,You should suffer a wrong, or go hopeless away."When Hatim so gen'rously offered to die,There arose from the soul of the youth a loud cry.He fell to the earth ; jumped again on the ground ;Kissed his feet and his hands and the dust all around.He threw down his sword ; cast his quiver away,And with hands, slave-like, folded, proceeded to say,—"Did I dare but to strike 'gainst your body a rose,I'd be woman, not man, as our noble faith shows."He kissed Hatim's eyes; gave a parting embrace,And went towards Yemen, away from that place.By the face of the man, the king instantly knewThat he had not performed what he said he would do.He said, " Come along, now! what news do you bring?You did not his head with your saddle-strap sling?Perhaps the renowned one attacked you, instead?And, from weakness, you failed in the combat, and fled?"The clever, magnanimous man kissed the ground ;Praised the monarch and rendered obeisance profound"Oh king ! full of justice and reason, I pray !Give ear unto what about Hatim I say !In him I discovered a generous youth ;Accomplished, kind-visaged and handsome, forsooth!I saw he was lib'ral, and wise notions held ;And found that in courage myself he excelled.The load of his favour, my back crooked made !He killed me with kindness and Favour's keen blade."He told what he saw of his generous ways.On the household of Hatim, the king showered praise.He gave silver and gold to the messenger chaste;Saying, " Bounty's a seal upon Hatim's name placed."If people bear witness, this much he can claim,That his acts and the rumour thereof, are the same.