Remain before Aleppo till God shall determine the event, and forage with your horse round the adjacent country." The exhortation of the commander of the faithful was fortified by a supply of volunteers from all the tribes of Arabia, who arrived in the camp on horses or camels.

Among these was Dames, of a servile birth, but of gigantic size and intrepid resolution.

The forty-seventh day of his service he proposed, with only thirty men, to make an attempt on the castle.

The experience and testimony of Caled recommended his offer; and Abu Obeidah admonished his brethren not to despise the baser origin of Dames, since he himself, could he relinquish the public care, would cheerfully serve under the banner of the slave.

His design was covered by the appearance of a retreat; and the camp of the Saracens was pitched about a league from Aleppo.