h the Fruit of Kings,
Ispahan Apples, Pomegranates of Yazd;
And, be she thirsty, from a Jewell'd Cup
Drinking the Water of the Well of Life--
One little twist of Temper,--all you've done
Goes all for Nothing. 'Torment of my Life!'
She cries, 'What have you ever done for me!'--
Her Brow's white Tablet--Yes--'tis uninscrib'd
With any Letter of Fidelity;
Who ever read it there? Lo, in your Bosom
She lies for Years--you turn away a moment,
And she forgets you--worse, if as you turn
Her Eye should light on any Younger Lover."

Once upon the Throne of Judgment,
Telling one another Secrets,
Sat Sulayman and Balkis;
The Hearts of Both were turn'd to Truth,
Unsullied by Deception.
First the King of Faith Sulayman
Spoke--"Though mine the Ring of Empire,
Never any Day that passes
Darkens any one my Door-way
But into his Hand I look--
And He who comes not empty-handed
Grows to Honour in mine Eyes."
After this Balkis a Secret
From her hidden Bosom utter'd,
Saying--"Never Night or Morning
Comely Youth before me passes
Whom I look not longing after;
Saying to myself, 'Oh were he
Comforting of my Sick Soul!--'"

"If this, as wise Ferdusi says, the Curse
Of Better Women, what should be the Worse?"

VII.

The Sage his Satire ended; and The Shah
With Magic-mighty Wisdom his pure Will
Leaguing, its Self-fulfilment wrought from Heaven.
And Lo! from Darkness came to Light A Child
Of Carnal Composition Unattaint,--
A Rosebud blowing on the Royal Stem,--
A Perfume from the Realm of Wisdom wafted;
The Crowning Jewel of the Crown; a Star
Under whose Augury triumph'd the Throne.
For whose Auspicious Name they clove the Words
"Salamat"--Incolumity from Evil--
And "Auseman"--the Heav'n from which he came--
And hail'd him by the title of Salaman.
And whereas from no Mother Milk he drew,
They chose for him a Nurse--her Name Absal--
Her Years not Twenty--from the Silver Line
Dividing the Musk-Harvest of her Hair
Down to her Foot that trampled Crowns of Kings,
A Moon of Beauty Full; who thus elect
Salaman of Auspicious Augury
Should carry in the Garment of her Bounty,
Should feed him with the Flowing of her Breast.
As soon as sh