Page:Tales from the Arabic, Vol 3.djvu/154

136 The camel-leader singing came with the belov’d; our wish Accomplished was and we were quit of all the railers’ prate. When clear’d my sky was by the sweet of our foregathering And not a helper there remained to disuniting Fate, I shut myself up with my love; no spy betwixt us was; We feared no enemies’ despite, no envious neighbour’s hate. Life with our loves was grown serene, estrangement was at end: Our dear ones all delight of love vouchsafed to us elate, Saying, “Thy fill of union take; no spy is there on us, Whom we should fear, nor yet reproach our gladness may abate.” Our loves are joined and cruelty at last is done away; Ay, and the cup of love-delight ’twixt us doth circulate. Upon yon be the peace of God! May all prosperity, For what’s decreed of years and lives, upon you ever wait!

When Belekhsha had made an end of her verses, all present were moved to delight and El Abbas said to her, “Well done, O damsel!” Then he bade the fifth damsel come forward and sing. Now she was from the land of Syria and her name was Rihaneh; she was surpassing of voice and when she appeared in an assembly, all eyes were fixed upon her. So she came forward and taking the rebeck (for that she was used to play upon [all manner] instruments) improvised and sang the following verses:

Your coming to-me-ward, indeed, with “Welcome! Fair welcome!” I hail. Your sight to me gladness doth bring and banisheth sorrow and bale; For love with your presence grows sweet, untroubled and life is serene And the star of our fortune burns bright, that clouds in your absence did veil.