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flowing tears told of his flight. He (the vizier) said: "I cannot go to court; I should remember former days.[1] Whoever is daring let him dare; I repent what I have already said."
799. When the vizier came not, the king again sent a man; the man learned the news and stood outside, none dared report the departure. Rosten began to suspect, therefore grief increased tenfold.[2] He said: "Doubtless he who alone overpowers[3] hundreds has stolen away!"
800. With bent head he meditated; in his heart was great gloom. He sighed and looked up; he commanded a slave: "Go, let that villain come hither and tell me now; let him enter." When the vizier came back his colour paled and he was careful.
801. Again the vizier entered the audience chamber, gloomily, not gaily. The king inquired: "Is the sun gone away, become inconstant like the moon?"[4] (The vizier) told him all, how he (Avt'handil) had gone away secretly: "The sun no longer shines on us; the weather is not bright!"[5]
802. When the king heard this, he cried out with an exceeding great cry, he lamented, he said: "Alas, my foster-son, my dazed eyes shall see thee no more!" He made the onlookers to marvel by scratching his face and tearing his beard. "Whither art thou gone, and where hast thou lost those pillars of light?
803. "If thou hast thyself, none will think thee an orphan;[6] but as for me, what can I do, O foster-son? Now plagues befit me as an abode; thou hast left me orphaned, me whose wretched heart longs for thee. Till I am reunited to thee, tongues cannot tell my sufferings!
804. "When shall I see thee joyous returning from the chase? I shall no longer see thee after the game of ball,[7] graceful in form, a faultless gem! No more shall I hear
