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had said; whereat he laughed a prodigious laugh, as it were the pealing thunder.
Then they ate and the tables were removed and they washed their hands; after which Iblis the Accursed came up to Tuhfeh and said to her, ‘O my lady Tuhfeh, thou gladdenest the place and with thy presence enlightenest and embellishest it; but now fain would these kings hear somewhat of thy singing, for the night hath spread its wings for departure and there abideth thereof but a little.’ Quoth she, ‘Hearkening and obedience.’ So she took the lute and touching its strings on rare wise, played thereon after a wondrous fashion, so that it seemed to those who were present as if the palace stirred with them for the music. Then she fell a-singing and chanted the following verses:
Peace on you, people of my troth! With peace I do you greet. Said ye not truly, aforetime, that we should live and meet?
Ah, then will I begin on you with chiding than the breeze More soft, ay pleasanter than clear cold water and more sweet.
Indeed, mine eyelids still with tears are ulcered and to you My bowels yearn to be made whole of all their pain and heat.
Parting hath sundered us, belov’d; indeed, I stood in dread Of this, whilst yet our happiness in union was complete.
To God of all the woes I’ve borne I plain me, for I pine For longing and lament, and Him for solace I entreat
The kings of the Jinn were moved to delight by that fair singing and fluent speech and praised Tuhfeh; and Queen Kemeriyeh rose to her and embraced her and kissed her between the eyes, saying, ‘By Allah, it is
