LIFE OF MOHAMMED. 205 



gaged extensively in traffic, she had realized an in- 

 dependent fortune. To her he was recommended 

 by Abu Taleb as factor ; and, as her promises were 

 liberal, he undertook the superintendence of her af- 

 fairs. Her esteem for him was increased by his 

 fidelity in her service, and gradually ripened into 

 affection. In this new capacity Mohammed made a 

 second journey to Syria^ where the interests of his 

 mistress demanded his presence. The sales he 

 effected of the merchandise intrusted to his charge 

 were highly advantageous, — a circumstance credible 

 enough in itself, without resorting to the fiction of 

 the Arabs that his goods drew a double price in all 

 the Syrian markets. Having made the necessary 

 purchases, Mohammed prepared for his return. Ka- 

 dijah, who had thought his absence long, was trans- 

 ported with joy at his success. Her heart, already 

 half-won by the charms of his person, now burned 

 with a passion she could not control. Far from 

 resisting this honourable attachment, she offered 

 him her hand and her fortune, — a generosity which 

 he accepted with cheerfulness, and remembered till 

 the last day of his life with gratitude. 



At the time of his marriage Mohammed was 

 twenty-five years of age, and the wealthy Kadijah 

 was forty. Two husbands, Atik and Abu^Halat, she 

 had already laid in their graves ; but she enjoyed the 

 reputation of much prudence and an irreproachable 

 life. Their nuptials were celebrated with great fes- 

 tivity, mirth, music, and dancing. But we shall pass 

 without comment the angelic demonstrations of re- 

 joicing on this occasion — how a heavenly voice pro- 

 nounced a benediction on their union — how the boys 

 and girls of paradise were led out in their bridal gar- 

 ments — how the hills and valleys capered for joy, 

 and precious ointments were diffused over the whole 

 earth. Amo)ig the terrestrial guests at this cere- 

 mony were Abu Taleb and the chief men of the 

 Korei-oh. The marrir;gc-coiitract, the formula of 



Vol. I.— S 



