Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1848 edition. Excerpt: ... the earth by the bright Zoolfeekar. Cries Alee, " I have conquered so many stout foes, "And so many gaunt monsters and heathens I've slain, "lam willing awhile from my toils to repose, "And I long to say prayers in blest Mecca again. "Trusty Kumber, we'll march to the borders of Hind, "Which the fast-flowing streams of the Neelaub invest, "And tracing its course to the country of Sind, "We will cross the wide ocean to Mecca the blest. "If paynims and dragons our passage oppose, "And to Allah refuse a just homage to pay, "We must needs use our valour and treat them as foes, "By God's grace, our strong arms will open our way." Now along the deep valley of famed Ningnahar Rides Alee the Great--trusty K umber before; And the dark hills of Khaibar rise looming afar, Like a rampart extending the rugged land o'er. Through those dark-frowning hills, they a passage must force To the plain, where of Pooroosh the great city stands, Beyond which the Neelaub divides in its course, The region of Hind from the Gandhara lands. They have reached the dark hills, and are following the track, When a dwarf issues forth from a cave on one side, "Oh, my lord! I entreat thee, in mercy come back; "There is no one who ventures on this road to ride." "Who art thou," Alee cried, "of diminutive form? "And what is the risk you would have me eschew? "The eagle less ardent exults in the storm, "Than do I when some peril presents to my view." "My Lord, there's a giantess lives in these hills, "Who suffers no stranger to pass through her land; "No matter his country, she seizes and kills, "And her strength is so great, 'tis in vain to...