And sufferance of parting from kin and friends ✿ Hath clothed me, O folk, in this yellow hue:
Then, after the joyance had passed away, ✿ Heart-break, abasement and cark I knew,
Through the long, long day when the lift is light, ✿ Nor, when night is murk, my pangs cease pursue:
So, ’twixt fairest hope and unfailing fear, ✿ My bitter tears ever flow anew.
Thereat Queen Al-Shahba rejoiced with joy exceeding and cried, “Brava, O queen of delight! No one is able to describe thee. Sing to us on the Apple.” Quoth Tohfah, “Hearkening and obedience.” Then she recited these couplets:—
I surpass all forms in my coquetry ✿ For mine inner worth and mine outer blee;
Tend me noble hands in the sight of all ✿ And slake with pure waters the thirst of me;
My robe is of sendal, and eke my veil ✿ Is of sunlight the Ruthful hath bidden be:
When my fair companions are marched afar, ✿ In sorrow fro’ home they are forced to flee:
But noble hands deign hearten my heart ✿ With beds where I sit in my high degree;[[230]]