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At this they both rejoiced, and Num, calling for a lute, tuned it and preluded enchantingly, then sang the following verses:
Whenas, content with nothing less, the spies our sev’rance sought, Allbe no debt of blood they had ’gainst me or thee in aught,
Whenas they poured upon our ears the hurtling din of war, Whilst helpers and protectors failed and succour came there nought,
I fought the railers with my tears, my spirit and thine eyes; Yea, with the torrent, fire and sword, to fend them off I wrought.
Then she gave the lute to Nimeh, saying, “Sing thou to us.” So he took it and playing a lively measure, sang these verses:
The moon were like thee at its full, were it of freckles free, And did it never brook eclipse, the sun would favour thee.
Indeed, I marvel, (but in love how many a marvel is! Therein are passion and desire and cares and ecstasy,)
Short seems the distance, when I fare towards my love’s abode; But when I journey from her sight, the way is long to me.
When he had made an end of his song, Num filled the cup and gave it to him, and he drank it off; then she filled again and gave the cup to the princess, who took it and emptied it; after which she in her turn took the lute and sang as follows:
Mourning and grief possess my heart and in my breast The ardour of desire abideth as a guest.
The wasting of my frame, alas! is manifest And all my soul is sick with passion and unrest.
Then she filled the cup and gave it to Num, who drank it off and taking the lute, sang the following verses:
O thou, upon whom I bestowed my soul and thou rack’dst it to death And I would have ta’en it again, but could not release it i’ faith,
Relent to a lover forlorn; vouchsafe him, I pray, ere he die, What may from perdition redeem, for this is the last of his breath.
They ceased not to sing and make merry and drink to the sweet sound of the strings, full of mirth and joyance and good cheer, till, behold, in came the Commander of
