But Vengeance has a savour all its own—

A strange delight—well known to those who kill.

Such was the story Afzul told to me,

While wood-fires crackled in the evening breeze,

And blows on hammered tent-pegs stirred the air

Sweet with the fragrance from the Sinjib trees.

Tent-like, above, up-held by jagged peaks,

The heavy purple of the tranquil sky

Shed its oft-broken promises of peace,

While twinkling stars bemocked the worn-out lie!