Naught save his pride-full aim shall slay a man; ✿ And he by us shall die of his intent.
Thou art no lord of might, no chief of men, ✿ Nabob or Prince or Soldan Heaven-sent;
And were this deed of one who is our peer, ✿ He had returned with hair for fear white-sprent:
Yet will I deign once more excuse thy sin ✿ So from this time thou prove thee penitent.
Then she gave the missive to the old woman, saying, “O my nurse, do thou admonish this puppy lest I be forced to cut off his head and sin on his account.” Replied the old woman, “By Allah, O my lady, I will not leave him a side to turn on!” Then she returned to the youth and, when salams had been exchanged, she gave him the letter. He read it and shook his head, saying, “Verily, we are Allah’s and unto him shall we return!” adding, “O my mother, what shall I do? My fortitude faileth me and my patience palleth upon me!” She replied, “O my son, be long-suffering: peradventure, after this Allah shall bring somewhat to pass. Write that which is in thy mind and I will fetch thee an answer, and be of good cheer and keep thine eyes cool and clear; for needs must I bring about union between thee and her,—Inshallah!” He blessed her and wrote to the Princess a note containing these couplets:—
Since none will lend my love a helping hand, ✿ And I by passion’s bale in death low-lain,
I bear a flaming fire within my heart ✿ By day and night nor place of rest attain,
How cease to hope in thee, my wishes’ term? ✿ Or with my longings to be glad and fain?
The Lord of highmost Heaven to grant my prayer ✿ Pray I, whom love of lady fair hath slain;
And as I’m clean o’erthrown by love and fear, ✿ To grant me speedy union deign, oh deign!