Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/194

 blended. For every maid who sees that face, That cypress-form replete with grace, Becomes a victim to the wiles Which nestle in those dimpled smiles; Becomes thy own adoring slave, Whom nothing but thy love can save."

To this Saiáwush made no reply. The history of the adventure of Káús at Hámáverán, and what the king and his warriors endured in consequence of the treachery of the father of Súdáveh, flashed upon his mind. He therefore was full of apprehension, and breathed not a word in answer to her fondness. Súdáveh observing his silence and reluctance, threw away from herself the veil of modesty,

And said: "O be my own, for I am thine, And clasp me in thy arms!" And then she sprang To the astonished boy, and eagerly Kissed his deep crimsoned cheek, which filled his soul With strange confusion. "When the king is dead, O take me to thyself; see how I stand,  Body and soul devoted unto thee." In his heart he said: "This never can be: This is a demon's work--shall I be treacherous?  What! to my own dear father? Never, never;  I will not thus be tempted by the devil;  Yet must I not be cold to this wild woman,  For fear of further folly."

Saiáwush then expressed his readiness to be united in marriage to her daughter, and to no other; and when this intelligence was conveyed to Káús by Súdáveh herself, His Majesty was extremely pleased, and munificently opened his treasury on the happy occasion. But Súdáveh still kept in view her own design, and still laboring for its success, sedulously read her own incantations to prevent disappointment, at any rate to punish the uncomplying youth if she failed. On another day she sent for him, and exclaimed:--

"I cannot now dissemble; since I saw thee I seem to be as dead--my heart all withered.  Seven years have passed in unrequited love--  Seven long, long years. O! be not still obdurate,  But with the generous impulse of affection,  Oh, bless my anxious spirit, or, refusing,  Thy life will be in peril; thou shalt die!" "Never," replied the youth; "O, never, never; Oh, ask me not, for this can never be."