Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/246

 she had a full view of Byzun, and immediately becoming deeply enamoured of his person despatched a confidential domestic, her nurse, to inquire who he was, and from whence he came.

"Go, and beneath that cypress tree, Where now he sits so gracefully,  Ask him his name, that radiant moon,  And he may grant another boon!  Perchance he may to me impart  The secret wishes of his heart!  Tell him he must, and further say,  That I have lived here many a day;  That every year, whilst spring discloses  The fragrant breath of budding roses,  I pass my time in rural pleasure;  But never--never such a treasure,  A mortal of such perfect mould,  Did these admiring eyes behold!  Never, since it has been my lot  To dwell in this sequestered spot,  A youth by nature so designed  To soothe a love-lorn damsel's mind!  His wondrous looks my bosom thrill  Can Saiáwush be living still?"

The nurse communicated faithfully the message of Maníjeh, and Byzun's countenance glowed with delight when he heard it. "Tell thy fair mistress," he said in reply, "that I am not Saiáwush, but the son of Gíw. I came from Irán, with the express permission of the king, to exterminate a terrible and destructive herd of wild boars in this neighborhood; and I have cut off their heads, and torn out their tusks to be sent to Kai-khosráu, that the king and his warriors may fully appreciate the exploit I have performed. But having heard afterwards of thy mistress's beauty and attractions, home and my father were forgotten, and I have preferred following my own desires by coming hither. If thou wilt therefore forward my views; if thou wilt become my friend by introducing me to thy mistress, who is possessed of such matchless charms, these precious gems are thine and this coronet of gold. Perhaps the daughter of Afrásiyáb may be induced to listen to my suit." The nurse was not long in making known the sentiments of the stranger, and Maníjeh was equally prompt in expressing her consent. The message was full of ardor and affection.

"O gallant youth, no farther roam, This summer-tent shall