Straightway a supple courtier standing by

Cried to the singer, ‘Blasted be the throat

Which frights our master with a boding note

In lieu of mirthful music; look to die.’

‘Nay,’ Haroun whispered, ‘do not blame the bard;

He saw our soul benighted, and, like wind,

Dispersed the veil of error. Let him find

My richest gems too poor for his reward.’