When Kamar al-Zaman heard these words, he was abashed and his cheeks flushed till they seemed a-flame; and he said, "I need not these favours which lead to the commission of sin; I will live poor in wealth but wealthy in virtue and honour." Quoth she, "I am not to be duped by thy scruples, arising from prudery and coquettish ways; and Allah bless him who saith:—
To him I spake of coupling, but he said to me, ✿ 'How long this noyous long persistency?'
But when gold piece I showèd him, he cried, ✿ 'Who from the Almighty Sovereign e'er shall flee?'"
Now when Kamar al-Zaman, heard these words and understood her verses and their import, he said, "O King, I have not the habit of these doings, nor have I strength to bear these heavy burthens for which elder than I have proved unable; then how will it be with my tender age?" But she smiled at his speech and retorted, "Indeed, it is a matter right marvellous how error springeth from the disorder of man's intendiment! Since thou art a boy, why standest thou in fear of sin or the doing of things forbidden, seeing that thou art not yet come to years of canonical responsibility; and the offences of a child incur neither punishment nor reproof? Verily, thou hast committed thyself to a quibble for the sake of contention, and it is thy duty to bow before a proposal of fruition, so henceforward cease from denial and coyness, for the commandment of Allah is a decree foreordained:[[337]] indeed, I have more reason than thou to fear falling and by sin to be misled; and well-inspired was he who said:—
My prickle is big and the little one said, ✿ Thrust boldly in vitals with lion-like stroke!
Then I, 'Tis a sin!; and he, No sin to me! ✿ So I had him at once with a counterfeit poke."[[338]]
When Kamar al-Zaman heard these words, the light became darkness in his sight and he said, "O King, thou hast in thy household fair women and female slaves, who have not their like in this age: shall not these suffice thee without me? Do thy will with them and let me go!" She replied, "Thou sayest sooth, but it is not with them that one who loveth thee can heal himself of torment and can abate his fever; for, when tastes and inclinations are corrupted by vice, they hear and obey other than good advice. So leave arguing and listen to what the poet saith:—
Seest not the bazar with its fruit in rows? ✿ These men are for figs and for sycomore[[339]] those!"
And what another saith:—
Many whose anklet-rings are dumb have tinkling belts, ✿ And this hath all content while that for want must wail: