We lived till saw we all the marvels Love can bear; ✿ Each month to thee we hope shall fair as Rajab[[72]] fare:
Is it not wondrous, when I saw them march amorn ✿ That I with water o’ eyes in heart lit flames that flare?
That these mine eyelids rain fast dropping gouts of blood? ✿ That now my cheek grows gold where rose and lily were?
As though the safflower hue, that overspread my cheeks, ✿ Were Joseph’s coat made stain of lying blood to wear.
Now when the King heard her words he was certified of her love and longing and was moved to ruth for her; so he said to her, “Fear nothing and be not troubled; thou hast come to the term of thy wishes; for there is no help but that I win for thee thy will and bring thee to thy desire.” And he improvised these couplets:—
Daughter of nobles, who thine aim shalt gain; ✿ Hear gladdest news nor fear aught hurt or bane!
This day I’ll pack up wealth, and send it on ✿ To Shámikh, guarded by a champion-train;
Fresh pods of musk I’ll send him and brocades, ✿ And silver white and gold of yellow vein:
Yes, and a letter shall inform him eke ✿ That I of kinship with that King am fain:
And I this day will lend thee bestest aid, ✿ That all thou covetest thy soul assain.