RABIAH’S DEFENCE 375 
Then she said, “Smite again!” and he, where 
the pass turns in, 
Sat upright on his steed, barring the road once 
- more, 
Then drew the death-chill on; he leaned his 
head on his spear, 
Dim in the twilight there, with the shadows 
darkening down. 
Never a dog of Sulaim came up, but they 
watched and watched. 
The mare moved never a hoof ; the rider was 
still as she; 
Till sudden Nubaishah shrieked, “His head 
droops down on his neck ! 
He is dead, I tell you, dead! Shoot one true 
shaft at his mare!” 
The mare started, she sprang ; and Rabiah fell, 
stone cold. 
Far and away through the pass the women were 
safe in their homes. 
Then up rode a man of Sulaim, struck Rabiah 
hard with his spear, 
Saying, “Thou Pride of God, thou alone of 
mortals wast brave. 
Never a man of our tribe but would for his 
women die ; 
Never before lived one who guarded them yet, 
though dead !” 
