When he had made an end of this verse, he wept and groaned and lamented till he fell down a-swoon, whereupon Hubub made haste to drag him to the grave and throw him in, whilst he was insensible yet quick withal. Then she stopped up the grave on him and returning to her mistress acquainted her with what had passed, whereat she rejoiced with exceeding joy and recited these two couplets:—
The world sware that for ever ’twould gar me grieve: ✿ ’Tis false, O world, so thine oath retrieve[[374]]!
The blamer is dead and my love’s in my arms: ✿ Rise to herald of joys and tuck high thy sleeve[[375]]!
Then she and Masrur abode each with other in eating and drinking and sport and pleasure and good cheer, till there came to them the Destroyer of delights and Sunderer of societies and Slayer of sons and daughters. And I have also heard tell the following tale of
[307]. i.e. “Adornment of (good) Qualities.” See the name punned on in Night dcccli. Lane omits this tale because it contains the illicit “Amours of a Christian and a Jewess who dupes her husband in various abominable ways.” The text has been taken from the Mac. and the Bresl. Edits. x. 72 etc. In many parts the former is a mere Epitome.
[308]. The face of her who owns the garden.
[309]. i.e. I am no public woman.
[310]. i.e. with the sight of the garden and its mistress—purposely left vague.