En Numan ben el MundhirKing of the Arabs [of Irak]had a daughter named Hindwho was eleven years old and was the loveliest woman of her age and time. She went out one Easter，which is a feast-day of the Nazarenesto the White Churchto take the sacrament. Now that day came to El Hireh a young man called Adi ben Zeidwith presents from Chosrosto En Numanand he also went into the White Churchto communicate. He was tall and well-favouredwith handsome eyes and smooth cheeksand had with him a company of his people. Now there was with Hind a slave-girl named Mariyeh，who was enamoured of Adibut had not been able to win to him.
Sowhen she saw him in the churchshe said to Hind'Look at yonder youth. By Allahhe is handsomer than all thou seest！'
'And who is he？'asked Hind. 'Adi ben Zeid，'answered Mariyeh Quoth the princess'I fear lest he know meif I draw near，to look on him closelier.'How should he know thee，'said Mariyeh'when he has never seen thee？'So she drew near him and found him jesting with his companions；and indeed he surpassed them allnot only in his beautybut in the excellence of his speech and the eloquence of his tongue and the richness of his apparel. When the princess saw himshe was ravished with himher reason was confounded and her colour changed；and Mariyehseeing her inclination to himsaid to her'Speak to him.'So she spoke to him and went away.
When he saw her and heard her speechhe was captivated by her and his wit was dazed；his colour changed and his heart flutteredso that his companions misdoubted of himand he whispered one of them to follow her and find out who she was.
The man followed her and returning to his masterinformed him that she was the princess Hinddaughter of En Numan. So Adi left the churchknowing not whither he wentfor stress of loveand reciting the following verses：