“I need not these favours which lead to the commission of sin; I will live poor in wealth but wealthy in virtue and honour.”
Quoth she:
“I am not to be duped by thy scruples, arising from prudery and coquettish ways; and Allah bless him who saith:—
To him I spake of coupling, but he said to me, ‘How long this noyous long persistency?’
But when gold piece I showëd him, he cried, ‘Who from the Almighty Sovereign e’er shall flee?’”
Now when Kamar al-Zaman heard these words and understood her verses and their import, he said:
“O King, I have not the habit of these doings, nor have I strength to bear these heavy burthens for which elder age than I have proved unable; then how will it be with my tender age?”
But she smiled at his speech and retorted:
“Indeed, it is a matter right marvellous how error springeth from the disorder of man’s intendiment! Since thou art a boy, why standest thou in fear of sin or the doing of things forbidden, seeing that thou art not yet come to the years of canonical responsibility; and the offences of a child incur neither punishment nor reproof? Verily, thou hast committed thyself to a quibble for the sake of contention, and it is thy duty to bow before a proposal of fruition, so henceforward cease from denial and coyness, for the commandment of Allah is a decree foreordained: indeed, I have more reason than thou to fear falling and by sin to be misled; and well-inspired was he who said:—
My prickle is big and the little one said, ‘Thrust boldly in vitals with lion-like stroke!’