At this my rage redoubled, and I replied, “He who wrote this other couplet”:—
One, I wish him in belt a thousand horns, ✿ Exceeding in mighty height Manáf.[[185]]
Then I began to abuse him and reproach him with the foulness of his action and his lack of honour; and he was silent never uttering a word. But, when I had finished, he smiled and said, “Out on thee, O fool! Thou hast entered my house and sold my kerchief and spent my silver: so, with whom art thou wroth, O pimp?”[[186]] Then he left me and went away to her, whilst I said, “By Allah, thou art right to twit me as nincompoop and pander!” Then I left his door and went away in sore concern, and I feel its trace in my heart to this very day; for I never had my will of her nor, indeed, ever heard of her more. And amongst other tales is that about
[181]. Whose by name was Abu Ali, a poet under the Abbasides (eighth and ninth centuries).
[182]. A well-known quarter of Baghdad, often mentioned in The Nights.
[183]. Another well-known poet of the time.
[184]. Arab. “Sardáb”: noticed before.
[185]. A gigantic idol in the Ka’abah, destroyed by Mohammed: it gave name to a tribe.
[186]. Arab. “Ya Kawwád:” hence the Port. and Span. Alcoviteiro.