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a womanly way as befits her sex; I cannot have thee shed much blood, I cannot become a wall of division.[1] When they come, slay the bridegroom without killing his armies. To do true justice makes even a dry tree green.
527. "'Thus do, my lion, most excellent of all heroes[2]; slay the bridegroom stealthily, take not soldiers, slaughter not his armies like cattle or asses; how can a man bear the burden of much innocent blood!
528. "'When thou hast killed him, tell thy lord, my father, say to him: "I could never let India be food for the Persians; it is mine own heritage, never will I give up even an ounce[3] of it; if thou wilt not leave me in peace I will make a wilderness of thy city!"
529. "'Say not that thou wantest my love or desirest me, so will the righteousness of thy deed seem the greater; the king will then entreat thee in the most desperate and abject manner;[4] I shall give myself into thy hands, reigning together will suit us."'
530. "This counsel and advice pleased me exceedingly; I boasted that I would wield my sword for the slaying of my foes. Then I rose to depart. She began to entreat me to sit down; I longed to do so, but could not bring myself to clasp and embrace her.
531. "I tarried some time, (then) I left her, but I became like one mad; Asmat'h went in front of me; I shed hot tears; my grief increased a thousandfold, my joy was reduced to one; then I went unwillingly away, and so I went slowly.
532. "A man came. 'The bridegroom cometh,' announced he; but, wretched man! he knew not what God was preparing for him. The king looked pleased, he spoke no woeful words; he bade me sit near him; 'Come,' said he, and inclined his head.
533. "He said to me: 'For me this is a day of joy and merriment. Let us celebrate the wedding, since it is
