2
There, on both sides of the stream, are windows and balconies facing one another, and it may be we shall hear or see from one of these somewhat wherewith our hearts may be lightened.’
Jaafer’s counsel pleased the Khalif, so he rose from his place and taking with him the vizier and his brother El Fezl and Isaac[1] the boon-companion and Abou Nuwas and Abou Delef[2] Night dccccxlvii.and Mesrour the headsman, entered the wardrobe, where they all donned merchants’ habits. Then they went down to the Tigris and embarking in a gilded boat, dropped down with the stream, till they came to the place they sought, where they heard the voice of a damsel singing to the lute and chanting the following verses:
I say to my love, whilst the wine-cup is here And the thousand-voiced bird in the coppice sings clear,
‘How long this delaying from gladness? Awake; For life’s but a loan for a day or a year.
So take thou the cup from a loveling’s white hands, Whose languishing lids are as those of a deer.’
I sowed a fresh rose in his cheek, but amidst His locks a pomegranate for fruit did appear.
Indeed, very fire wouldst thou deem his fair cheek And the place of the scratching[3] dead ashes and sere.
Quoth my censor, ‘Forget him;’ but where’s my excuse, When the down sprouts and creeps on the face of my dear?
When the Khalif heard this, he said, ‘O Jaafer, how goodly is that voice!’ ‘O our lord,’ answered the vizier, ‘never smote my hearing aught sweeter or goodlier than this singing! But hearing from behind a wall is only half
- ↑ i.e. Isaac of Mosul.
- ↑ Abou Delef el Ijil, a well-known soldier of the time, renowned for his liberality and culture. His introduction here is probably an anachronism, as he does not appear to have served under Haroun er Reshid, but under his sons El Mamoun and El Mutessim Billah.
- ↑ i.e. the part thereof which he had scratched or buffeted, in Oriental fashion, for separation or other chagrin.
