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all those who were present and turning to her brother, said to him, ‘Indeed thy soothfastness is established with me and the truth of thy speech, and praised be God who hath brought about union between thee and thy wife! So now begone with her to thy country and leave [seeking] thy sister Selma and depart in peace.’ But Selim answered, saying, ‘By Allah, by the virtue of the All-knowing King, I will not turn back from seeking my sister till I die or find her, if it please God the Most High!’ Then he called his sister to mind and broke out with the following verses from a heart endolored, afflicted, disappointed, saying:
O thou that blamest me for my heart and railest at my ill, Hadst them but tasted my spirit’s grief, thou wouldst excuse me still.
By Allah, O thou that chid’st my heart concerning my sister’s love, Leave chiding and rather bemoan my case and help me to my will.
For indeed I am mated with longing love in public and privily, Nor ever my heart, alas I will cease from mourning, will I or nill.
A fire in mine entrails burns, than which the fire of the hells denounced For sinners’ torment less scathing is: it seeketh me to slay.
When his sister Selma heard what he said, she could no longer contain herself, but cast herself upon him and discovered to him her case. When he knew her, he threw himself upon her [and lay without life] awhile; after which he came to himself and said, ‘Praised be God, the Bountiful, the Beneficent!’ Then they complained to each other of that which they had suffered for the anguish of separation, whilst Selim’s wife abode wondered at this and Selma’s patience and constancy pleased her. So she saluted her and thanked her for her
