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Then he gave a third a bunch and he recited these verses:
A precious rose, the heart of man it gladdeneth with its sight; Its scent the best of ambergris recalleth to the spright.
The branches strain it in its leaves for joyance, e’en as one Kisseth a mouth that knoweth nought of rigour or despite.
Then he gave a fourth a bunch and he recited these verses:
Seest not the rose-bush in blossom? Each mounted on its cane, Full many a marvel it holdeth, that ravish heart and brain.
As they were rubies with beryl encompassed about, they show, And each in the midst of its calyx doth somewhat of gold contain.
Then he gave a bunch to a fifth and he recited these verses:
Wands of green beryl fruit did bear, and when ’twas ripe, behold, As ingots to the sight it was of vegetable gold.
Ay, and the crystal drops that fell from out the tender leaves, Meseemed, were like to very tears from languorous eyelids rolled.
Then he gave a sixth a bunch and he recited the following verses:
O rose, thou dost all charms comprise, that may amaze the wit, And God to thee the pleasantest of secrets doth commit.
Meseems as if a loved one’s cheek it were and eke as if A longing lover with a piece of gold had handselled it.[1]
Then he gave a bunch to a seventh and he recited these verses:
- ↑ A metaphor taken from the Eastern practice of showing approbation of the performance of a female singer or dancer by sticking small pieces of money on her face and cheeks, whilst still wet with perspiration. The same practice obtains at weddings, where one method of giving presents is to stick money on the bride’s cheeks, freshly plastered with cosmetics.
