Oh fullest moons[[191]] that dwell in deepest heart! ✿ How can I think of aught by side of you?
Now when the young man heard these couplets, he cried out with a great cry and rent his raiment, whereupon they let fall the curtain over him and brought him other robes. Then he returned to his former case with his boon-companions and the bowl went round as before, till the cup came to him, when he struck the gong a fourth time and the door opening, out came a page-boy bearing a chair followed by a damsel. He set the chair for her and she sat down thereon and taking the lute, tuned it and sang to it these couplets:—
When shall disunion and estrangement end? ✿ When shall my bygone joys again be kenned?
Yesterday we were joined in same abode; ✿ Conversing heedless of each envious friend:[[192]]
Trickt us that traitor Time, disjoined our lot ✿ And our waste home to desert fate condemned:
Wouldst have me, Grumbler! from my dearling fly? ✿ I find my vitals blame will not perpend:
Cease thou to censure; leave me to repine; ✿ My mind e’er findeth thoughts that pleasure lend.
O Lords[[193]] of me who brake our troth and plight, ✿ Deem not to lose your hold of heart and sprite!
When the false Caliph heard the girl’s song, he cried out with a loud outcry and rent his raiment——And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say.
Now when it was the Two Hundred and Ninetieth Night,