A second time the Jews were obliged to emigrate, and the converts, who still clung to Judaism in their secret hearts, were compelled to sign a confession to the effect that they would observe and obey the Catholic religion without reserve. But the confession thus signed by men whose sacred convictions were outraged, was not and could not be sincere. They hoped steadfastly for better times, when they might be able to throw off the mask, and the elective constitution of the Visigothic empire soon made this possible. The present situation lasted only during the four years of Chintila's reign (638-642). CHAPTER III. THE JEWS OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA. Happy condition of the Jews in Arabia--Traditions as to their original settlements--Yathrib and Chaibar--The Jewish-Arabic tribes--The Benu-Nadhir, the Benu-Kuraiza, and Benu-Bachdal--The Benu-Kainukaa--The Jews of Yemen-- Their power and influence--Conversion of Arabian tribes to Judaism--Abu-Kariba the first Jewish-Himyarite king--Zorah Dhu-Nowas--Samuel Ibn-Adija--Mahomet--His indebtedness to Judaism--Mahomet's early friendliness to the Jews and subsequent breach with them--His attacks on the Jewish tribes --The War of the Fosse--The position of the Jews under the Caliphs. 500-662 C. E. Wearied with contemplating the miserable plight of the Jews in their ancient home and in the countries of Europe, and fatigued by the constant sight of fanatical oppression, the eyes of the observer rest with gladness upon their situation in the Arabian peninsula. Here the sons of Judah were free to raise their heads, and did not need to look about them with fear and humiliation, lest the ecclesiastical wrath be discharged upon them, or the secular power overwhelm them. Here they were not shut out from the paths of honor, nor excluded from the privileges of the state, but, untrammeled, were allowed to develop their powers in the midst of a free, simple, and talented people, to show their manly courage, to compete for the gifts of fame, and with practised hand to measure swords with their antagonists. Instead of bearing the yoke, the Jews were not infrequently the leaders of the Arabian tribes. Their intellectual superiority constituted them a power, and they concluded offensive and defensive alliances, and carried on feuds. Besides the sword and the lance, however, they handled the ploughshare and the lyre, and in the end became the teachers of the Arabian nation. The history of the Jews of Arabia in the century which precedes Mahomet's appearance, and during the period of his activity, forms a glorious page in the annals of the Jews.