Page:Potipharswifeoth00arnoiala.djvu/106

 From th' afternoon: and in the Day it seemed

As though a red imprisoned sunbeam gleamed.

The Sultan drew this wonder from his thumb,

While, at his stirrup-iron, grim and dumb,

The Aghas watched, stroking their beards. He drew

The ruby off, and quotha: "It was new

Upon our lips that prayer! God may delay

To hear us if we turn our hearts away

When others ask. Go, sell this ring, and buy

Oil of Content for Sore of Misery!"

Better a king's hand lacking royal seal

Than King's ear guilty of unheard appeal!