Page:Tales from the Arabic, Vol 3.djvu/142

124 Hath spent thereon his substance, withouten stint; indeed, In his own cloak he wrapped it, he tendered it so dear. Whenas its jar was opened, the singers prostrate fell In worship of its brightness, it shone so wonder-clear. The priests from all the convent came flocking onto it: With cries of joy and welcome their voices they did rear. We spent the night in passing the cup, my mates and I, Till in the Eastward heaven the day-star did appear. No sin is there in drinking of wine, for it affords All that’s foretold of union and love and happy cheer. O morn, our loves that sunder’st, a sweet and easeful life Thou dost for me prohibit, with thy regard austere. Be gracious, so our gladness may be fulfilled with wine And we of our belovéd have easance, without fear. The best of all religions your love is, for in you Are love and life made easeful, untroubled and sincere.

Meanwhile, El Abbas betook himself to his father’s camp, which was pitched in the Green Meadow, by the side of the Tigris, and none might make his way between the tents, for the much interlacement of the tent-ropes. When the prince reached the first of the tents, the guards and servants came out to meet him from all sides and escorted him till he drew near the sitting-place of his father, who knew of his coming. So he issued forth of his pavilion and coming to meet his son, kissed him and made much of him. Then they