And those who blame me for my love of him, ✿ When him they mention say of him, ‘Thy Fair’!
And quoth Al-Hariri[[238]] and quoth excellently well:—
My censors say, What means this pine for him? ✿ Seest not the flowing hair on cheeks a-flowing?
I say, By Allah, an ye deem I dote, ✿ Look at the truth in those fine eyes a-showing!
But for the down that veils his cheek and chin, ✿ His brow had dazed all eyes no sight allowing:
And whoso sojourns in a growthless land, ✿ How shall he move from land fair growths a-growing?
And quoth another:—
My blamers say of me, ‘He is consoled,’ And lie! ✿ No consolation comes to those who pine and sigh.
I had no solace when Rose bloomed alone on cheek, ✿ Now Basil blooms thereon and now consoled am I.
And again:—