Evening star., 1920-01-25

Win tny DrOtner 10 90 tnlS ana tnals
and to render unto him a proper ac-
count of thy dealings. But though he
hath made thee no mention of his af-
fair with this damsel. it is important
that thou conducteth this matter as
he would have done. so that he cam
not reproach thee with negligence"
For l was ever a just as well as dis
Greet and silent man.
Accordingly l spoke as follows:
20 my mistress, who art the most
lovely person God has created, rend
not my heart with thy displeasuie,
but take pity upon me, Know that
love is difficult. and the concealment
of it melteth iron and occasioneth dis
ease and infirmity. Thou hast re-
turned as thou didst promise; there
fore conjure three, conceal not thy
face from thy slave"'
The damsel thereupon raised her
head and put aside her veil. casting a
glance upon me. and looked sideways
at the attendants, and placed one
finger upon her lips; so that knew
her to be as discreet as she was love-
ly. She laughed in my face and said:
Il will take this piece of embroid-
cred silk that i have chosen. What
is the price?'
And 1 answered.:
"One hundred piasters; but I pray
thee let it be thine, and a gift from
Ahzab!"
Upon this she looked into my eyes
and the sight of her face drew from
me thousand sighs, and took the
silk. saying:
20 my master, leave me not desc
late"
So she departed, while continued
sitting in the market street until past
the hour of afternoon prayer, with
disturbed mind enslaved by her beau
ty and lovelness. I returned to my
house and supper was placed before
me. but. rejecting upon the damsel,
could eat nothing. laid myself
down to rest. but passed the whole
night sleepless. communing with my
self how 1 could best carry out this
affair. and obtain possession of the
damsel for my brother. All
zab!
Scarcely had daybreak appeared
when arose and repaired to the mar
ket place and put on a suit of my
brothers clothing. richer and more
magnificent than that had worn the
day before: and, having drunk a cup
of wine. l sat in the shop. But all
that day she came not, nor the next,
but upon the third day she came
again, attended only by one attend
ant. and she saluted me and said in a
speech never surpassed in softness
and sweetness:
20 my master. reproach me not that
1 thus reveal the interest l have in
thee, but I could not speak to thee
when my women were in hearing; and
this one is in my confidence. 1 have
told thee that my father will never
give me to thee because of my rank,
but thou hast wounded my heart. and
more and more do I love thee each
day-for each day thou growest more
beautiful and elegant. Forever
must be desolate. Alas! 1 have
placed thy letter in the box thou
didst give me. and no day passes that
1t is not wet with my tears. Fare
well! o my beloved"
On hearing this my love and pss-
sion grew so violent that l almost
became insensible. The damsel rose
10 leave the shop, and the one who
was with her spoke softly in her
ear; put she shook her head, ex-
pressing displeasure, and went away
When 1 perceived that indeed she
was gone verify the tears descended
upon my cheek like rain and my soul
had all but departed My heart
clung to her--1 followed in the direc-
ton of her steps through the market
place, and 10! the attendant came
running back to me, and said:
Here is the message of nv mis-
tress: Know that my love is greater
than thine, and on Friday next nv
servant will come to thee and tell
thee how thou mayest see me for a
short interview before my father
comes back from prayers"
When ] heard these words of the
girl the anguish of my heart ceased
and l WAS intoxicated with love and
ant. Il t.,