education, this careful bringing up, of the horse is based upon fixed and constant principles having for their aim to endow the animal with spirit, bottom, and health. And what is this but hygiene? The Arabs, says Ben-el-Ouardy, have always preferred good horses to their own children, and they love so much to show them off on occasions of rejoicing that they would deprive themselves of all nourishment rather than see them suffer from hunger and thirst. In the arduous and critical circumstances of life, especially in years of famine, they go so far as to give them the preference over their own persons and families. This is proved both by faithful narratives, and by the chaunts composed by their poets. Witness the verses addressed by the learned Ben-Sassa to the great tribe of the Beni-Aâmer.[47] Beni-Aâmer, why do I behold your horses Blemished and changed by misery? Such a condition cannot be right for them. Though death has an hour that no man can put back, Horses are your safeguard: Give them the good things you yourselves like best; With pure barley fill their nose-bags, And with iron furnish their hoofs. Love horses, and take care of them; In them alone lie honour and beauty. In taking care of them, you take care of yourselves, The Arab who has not a good horse can never aim at renown. For my part, on this earth, I know no other happiness. And had I hundreds of gold _soulthanis_.[48] I should enjoy them only by sharing them with him. I would also support my family with them, And when they came to fail me, I would humble my pride Even to beg alms proudly for my friend. All the treasures of Karoun,[49] without a horse, Would not make me happy. Does the north wind begin to blow, Do the heavens open upon the earth, Secure your horses from the cold rain. Keep them warm, they deserve these attentions. For sports, for war, Adorn them with your richest saddles, With bridles embroidered with gold, with superb garments, And the Prophet will love you. Sympathise, too, with, the mares of your poor dependents, When in spite of all their efforts They have not sufficed for their wants; Bestow upon them a generous hospitality, Share with them your ordinary food; Associate them with your own families, Many sins will be forgiven you.