nor Faghfur I wish to behold,
Nor the monarch of Persia with jewels and gold;
All, all I despise, save the choice of my heart,
And from his beloved image I never can part.
Call him aged, or young, 'tis a fruitless endeavour
To uproot a desire I must cherish for ever;
Call him old, call him young, who can passion control?
Ever present, and loved, he entrances my soul.
'Tis for him I exist--him I worship alone,
And my heart it must bleed till I call him my own."

As soon as the attendants found that Rudabeh's attachment was deeply
fixed, and not to be removed, they changed their purpose, and became
obedient to her wishes, anxious to pursue any measure that might bring
Zal and their mistress together. Rudabeh was delighted with this proof
of their regard.

It was spring-time, and the attendants repaired towards the
halting-place of Zal, in the neighborhood of the city. Their occupation
seemed to be gathering roses along the romantic banks of a pellucid
streamlet, and when they purposely strayed opposite the tent of Zal, he
observed them, and asked his friends--why they presumed to gather roses
in his garden. He was told that they were damsels sent by the moon of
Kabulistan from the palace of Mihrab to gather roses, and upon hearing
this his heart was touched with emotion. He rose up and rambled about
for amusement, keeping the direction of the river, followed by a servant
with a bow. He was not far from the damsels, when a bird sprung up from
the water, which he shot, upon the wing, with an arrow. The bird
happened to fall near the rose-gatherers, and Zal ordered his servant to
bring it to him. The attendants of Rudabeh lost not the opportunity, as
he approached them, to inquire who the archer was. "Know ye not,"
answered the servant, "that this is Nim-ruz, the son of Sam, and also
called Dustan, the greatest warrior ever known." At this the damsels
smiled, and said that they too belonged to a person of distinction--and
not of inferior worth--to a star in the palace of Mihrab. "We have come
from Kabul to the King of Zabulistan, and should Zal and Rudabeh be of
equal rank, her ruby lips may become acquainted with his, and their
wished-for union be effected." When the servant returned, Zal was
immediately informed of the conversation that had taken place, and in
consequence presents were prepared.

They who to gather roses came--went back
With precious gems--and honorary robes;
And two bright f