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“but as for my name, it is blotted out and my trace among men is passed away and my body wasted. I have a story, the beginning of which is not known nor can the end of it be described, and behold, I am even as one who hath exceeded in drinking wine, till he hath lost the mastery of himself and is afflicted with distempers and wanders from his right mind, being perplexed about his case and drowned in the sea of melancholy.” When Nuzhet ez Zeman heard this, she broke out into loud weeping and sobbing and said to the eunuch, “Ask him if he have lost a beloved one, such as his father or mother.” The eunuch did as she bade him, and Zoulmekan replied, “Yes, I have lost all whom I loved: but the dearest of all to me was my sister, from whom Fate hath parted me.” When Nuzhet ez Zeman heard this, she exclaimed, “May God the Most High reunite him with those he loves!” Night lxxv.Then said she to the eunuch, “Tell him to let me hear somewhat on the subject of his separation from his people and his country.” The eunuch did so, and Zoulmekan sighed heavily and repeated the following verses:
Ah, would that I knew they were ware Of the worth of the heart they have won!
Would I knew through what passes they fare, From what quarter they look on the sun!
Are they living, I wonder, or dead? Can it be that their life’s race is run?
Ah, the lover is ever distraught And his life for misgivings undone!
And also these:
I vow, if e’er the place shall bless my longing sight, Wherein my sister dwells, the age’s dear delight,[1]
I’ll take my fill of life and all the sweets of peace, Midst trees and flowing streams and maidens fair and bright
The lute’s enchanting tones shall soothe me to repose, What while I quaff full cups of wine like living light
And honeyed dews of love suck from the deep-red lips Of lovelings sleepy-eyed, with tresses black as night.
- ↑ Nuzhet ez Zeman.
