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heal my wounded heart. I will tell thee wherefore my joy is fled.'"
106. T'hinat'hin rose and came; she did as her father wished. The light of her face is like the splendour of the moon.[1] Her father set her by his side, and, kissing her tenderly, gently,[2] said: "Why camest thou not to me? wert thou waiting till I sent for thee?"
107. The maiden said: "O king, who, however venturesome, would dare to approach you aware that you were frowning? This sadness of yours upsets even the lights of heaven. Let a man seek to solve the difficulty; this, I think, would be better than grieving."
108. He answered: "O my child, however much this sad affair grieves me, thy sight and life cause me joy. My grief is dissipated as if I had taken an electuary.[3] I believe that when thou knowest thou too wilt justify my sighing and groaning.
109. "I met a certain beautiful, wondrous youth; his ray enlightened the firmament[4] and the bounds of the earth. I could not find out why he was afflicted, nor for whom he wept. He came not to see me; I was irritated and quarrelled with him.
110. "When he saw me, he mounted his horse and wiped the tears from his eyes. I cried out that he must be seized; he utterly destroyed my men; like an evil spirit,[5] he was lost to me, he saluted[6] me not like a man. Even now I know not whether he was real or a vision.
111. "His (God's) tender mercies at length have become thus bitter to me; I have forgotten the past days of my joy. Every one will make me sad and comfort me no more. However long my days may be, I can no more rejoice."
112. The maid replied: "Deign to hearken to my uttered[7] words. O king, why repine at God or fate! Why
