of monstrous bulk, and of a dreadful aspect, mounted on a large
Tartar horse, and bore such a heavy scimitar, that none but
himself could wield. The prince seeing him, was amazed at his
gigantic stature, directed his prayers to heaven to assist him,
then drew his scimitar, and firmly awaited his approach. The
monster, despising so inconsiderable an enemy, called to him to
submit without fighting. Codadad by his conduct shewed that he
was resolved to defend his life; for rushing upon him, he wounded
him on the knee. The black, feeling himself wounded, uttered
such a dreadful yell as made all the plain resound. He grew
furious and foamed with rage, and raising himself on his
stirrups, made at Codadad with his dreadful scimitar. The blow
was so violent, that it would have put an end to the young
prince, had not he avoided it by a sudden spring. The scimitar
made a horrible hissing in the air: but, before the black could
have time to make a second blow, Codadad struck him on his right
arm, with such force, that he cut it off. The dreadful scimitar
fell with the hand that held it, and the black yielding under the
violence of the stroke, lost his stirrups, and made the earth
shake with the weight of his fall. The prince alighted at the
same time, and cut off his enemy's head. Just then, the lady,
who had been a spectator of the combat, and was still offering up
her earnest prayers to heaven for the young hero, whom she
admired, uttered a shriek of joy, and said to Codadad, "Prince
(for the dangerous victory you have obtained, as well as your
noble air, convinces me that you are of no common rank), finish
the work you have begun; the black has the keys of this castle,
take them and deliver me out of prison." The prince searched the
wretch as he lay stretched on the ground, and found several keys.