Not far from the land of King Zoheir dwelt the tribe of Temin and Zoheir and his warriors departed to war against them.  To Antar was entrusted the care and protection of the women during Zoheir’s absence.  Antar swore to protect them with his life and the women were not afraid.  But the days are long when lords are away and the women burned for entertainment.  Then it was that Semiah, the lawful wife of Shedad, called the women together and spoke of a feast on the shores of a near by lake.  When the day came Ibla and her mother attended and as Antar saw her his heart leaped with joy.  Just then shouts were heard and from afar appeared a cloud of dust which grew larger and filled the sky as it drew near.  Out from the cloud of dust sprang the tribesmen called Cathan and with yells they seized and carried off the women.

But Antar sped up like the wind when he heard the shrieks of his beloved Ibla and saw her anguished face and frenzied struggles.  Horse he had none but love and despair gave him the swiftness of a steed, the courage of a lion and the strength of the elephant.  Across the plains he coursed as swiftly as the wind but the steeds were as swift as he.  Clouds of dust choked him and hid him from view but double burdens on tired coursers could not continue the mad pace.  Antar overtook one horseman, threw him off and slew him.  Then a cry arose among the tribesmen of Cathan to kill Antar, but Antar lusted for battle and donning the armor of the slain man, he slew warrior after warrior until the tribesmen of Cathan loosed the women and fled.  Then Antar comforted the women and drove many horses home before him, among them a black charger.

When Shedad returned with Zoheir he went to visit his flocks and saw Antar upon a black horse guarding the herds.  Shedad inquired whence came the horse, but Antar did not wish to betray the imprudent action of his father’s wife and remained silent.  Thereupon Shedad called him a robber and struck him with such violence that the blood ran.  But Semiah saw the cruel act and her heart went out to Antar.  She clasped him in her arms and throwing herself at her lord’s feet, she raised her veil and told the story of the attack and rescue and Antar’s courage.  Antar’s silence and magnanimity so touched Shedad that he wept.  The news of Antar’s feat soon reached the king, who gave him a robe of honor and rich presents.

But jealousies among the chieftains toward Antar grew and plots were made to kill him.  Again and again he circumvented his foes and in triumphs showed infinite pity and mercy.  Deeds of darkness but increased the mutual love between Ibla and Antar and the name of Antar was heard far into distant lands.