From th' afternoon: and in the Day it seemed
As though a red imprisoned sunbeam gleamed.
The Sultan drew this wonder from his thumb,
While, at his stirrup-iron, grim and dumb,
The Aghas watched, stroking their beards. He drew
The ruby off, and quotha: "It was new
Upon our lips that prayer! God may delay
To hear us if we turn our hearts away
When others ask. Go, sell this ring, and buy
Oil of Content for Sore of Misery!"
Better a king's hand lacking royal seal
Than King's ear guilty of unheard appeal!
