I have a friend, whose form is fixed within mine eyes,[[348]] ✿ Whose name deep buried in my very vitals lies:
Whenas remembers him my mind all heart am I, ✿ And when on him my gaze is turned I am all eyes.
My censor saith, “Forswear, forget, the love of him,” ✿ “Whatso is not to be, how shall’t be?” My reply is.
Quoth I, “O Censor mine, go forth from me, avaunt! ✿ And make not light of that on humans heavy lies.”
Hereat their master rejoiced and, drinking off his cup, gave the damsels to drink, after which he said to the berry-brown girl, “O brasier-light[[349]] and joy of the sprite, let us hear thy lovely voice, whereby all that hearken are ravished with delight.” So she took the lute and thereon made harmony till the place was moved to glee; then, captivating all hearts with her graceful swaying, she sang these couplets:—
I swear by that fair face’s life, I’ll love but thee ✿ Till death us part; nor other love but thine I’ll see;
O full moon, with thy loveliness mantilla’d o’er, ✿ The loveliest of our earth beneath thy banner be:
Thou, who surpassest all the fair in pleasantness ✿ May Allah, Lord of worlds, be everywhere with thee!
The master rejoiced and drank off his cup and gave the girls to drink; after which he filled again; and, taking the goblet in his hand, signed to the fat girl and bade her sing and play a different motive. So she took the lute and striking a grief-dispelling measure, sang these couplets:—
An thou but deign consent, O wish to heart affied! ✿ I care not wrath and rage to all mankind betide.