241
till her senses failed her for delight and she swooned away. And indeed that night was heart-gladdening and eye-refreshing, even as says the poet:
We lay together till the morning, when I would have gone away, but she stopped me, saying, “Stay, till I tell thee somewhat and give thee a charge.” Night cxix.So I waited, whilst she undid a handkerchief and taking out this piece of linen, spread it out before me. I saw worked on it these two figures of gazelles and admired it exceedingly; and she said to me, “Keep this carefully, for it is my sister’s work.” “What is thy sister’s name?” asked I, and she answered, “Nour el Huda.” Then I took the piece of linen and went away, joyful, after we had agreed that I should visit her every night in the garden; but in my joy I forgot to repeat to her the verse my cousin had taught me. When I reached home, I found Azizeh lying down; but, as soon as she saw me, she rose, with the tears running from her eyes, and coming up to me, kissed me on the breast and said, “Didst thou repeat the verse to her, as I enjoined thee?” “I forgot it,” answered I; “and here is what made me forget it.” And I threw the piece of linen down before her. She rose and sat down again, but was unable to contain herself and her eyes ran over with tears, whilst she repeated the following verses:
O thou that seekest severance, forbear; Let not the fair delude thee with their sleight.
Softly, for fortune’s nature is deceit And parting is the end of love-delight.
Then she said, “O my cousin, give me this piece of linen.” So I gave it to her, and she took it and unfolding
