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a Hashimi.’ However, I tempted them with [promise of] reward, and they said, ‘We cannot take thee on this fashion;[1] if it must be, put off those fine clothes of thine and don sailors’ clothes and sit with us, as thou wert one of us.’ So I went away and buying sailors’ clothes, put them on; after which I bought me somewhat of victual [for the voyage] and returning to the vessel, which was bound for Bassora, embarked with the crew.
Before long I saw my slave-girl herself [come on board], attended by two waiting-women; whereupon my chagrin subsided and I said in myself, ‘Now shall I see her and hear her singing, till we come to Bassora.’ Soon after, up rode the Hashimi, with a party of folk, and they embarked in the ship, which dropped down the river with them. Presently the Hashimi brought out food and ate with the damsel, whilst the rest ate amidships. Then said he to her, ‘How long wilt thou abstain from singing and persist in this mourning and weeping? Thou art not the first that hath been parted from a beloved one.’ Wherefore I knew what she suffered for love of me. Then he hung a curtain before her in the side of the ship and calling those who ate apart, sat down with them without the curtain; and I enquired concerning them and behold, they were his brethren.[2] Then he set before them what they needed of wine and dessert, and they ceased not to press the damsel to sing, till she called for the lute and tuning it, sang the following verses:
The company have passed away with those whom I adore; By night they went nor to depart with my desire forbore.
And since their caravan fared hence, live coals of tamarisk-wood Within the lover’s heart rage high and higher evermore.
Then weeping overpowered her and she threw down the
