234 LIFE OF MOHAMMED. 



the eastern route, through the desert, and along the 

 borders of Irak. But it was in vain that their ca- 

 mels explored a new road. The banks of the Eu- 

 phrates were not more secure than the shores of the 

 Red Sea. The valiant Zaid, with a body of 500 

 horse, had orders to intercept and seize this wealthy 

 prize ; and so gallantly did he execute his commis- 

 sion, that he overtook the enemy at Al Karda, in the 

 desert of Nejed ; where, after defeating the escort, 

 he made himself master of the entire caravan. The 

 value of the plunder may be conjectured from the 

 fact, that of the money alone the apostle's fifth 

 amounted to 20,000 or 25,000 drachms. 



These repeated losses filled the Koreish with 

 shame and rage. The effusions of the muse wer6 

 employed to stir up the passions of the indignant 

 citizens. Caab, a Jew and an inveterate enemy of 

 Mohammed, inveighed bitterly against him in sa- 

 tirical verses — an imprudence that cost him his life, 

 as he was soon after assassinated by an emissary ol 

 the Prophet. The moment of excitement was fa- 

 vourable ; and Abu Sofian speedily collected a body 

 of 3000 men, of whom 200 were cavalry, and 700 

 Were armed with cuirasses or coats of mail. Their 

 march was attended by his wife Henda and fifteen 

 other matrons of the Koreish, carrying timbrels and 

 acting the part of drummers. To animate the cou- 

 rage of the troops they sung the elegies of Caab, 

 lamenting the disasters of Bedr, and exhorting their 

 warriors to fight valiantly. They proceeded with- 

 out meeting the least resistance, and encamped at a 

 village within six miles of Medina. 



Mohammed was apprized of their approach ; but, 

 as he could oppose them only with a very inferior 

 force, he thought it more advisable to await their 

 attack within the walls of the city, than hazard an 

 engagement in the open plain. Most of the officers, 

 however, espoused a contrary opinion, and de^ 

 tnandedto be led to battle. After morning prayers, 



