THE SULTAN'S RING
(From the Persian.)
A neck-exalting Lord, a Median King,
Heard one in rags, sore-troubled, say this thing
Under the palace-arch—haggard and faint,
Rocking upon the Carpet of Complaint:
"Oh, Sultan! to the door of God goest thou
As I to thine: therefore accomplish now
Mercy towards me, as thou for mercy prayest:
'Make glad my heart!' to Allah so thou sayest,
Therefore, from Sorrow's darkness bring forth mine!"
Now, on that Sultan's thumb a stone did shine,
Pigeon-blood ruby, such a gem the Shroff
Faltered in telling what would weigh enough
In gold tomâns to price it. In the night
