Depict thou then a lion, deep-blue stained, benign.”
The artist then demanded where he’d wish it done;
Our man replied: “Between my bladebones it enthrone.”
The artist then began to ply his needles’ train;
The Qazwīn bully bellowed, smarting with the pain.55
The artist he addressed: “Most clever man of skill,
Thou’lt drive me mad. What picture works me so much ill?”
Said he: “A lion’s form is what thou didst enjoin.”
“O yes!” replied the bully. “What part dost thou coin?”
The artist: “At the tail have I commenced this time.”