Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 6.djvu/337

307 From the religion of thy love I have not strayed, I swear; Nay, wakeful-lidded aye am I, a love distracted wight. Though that I hope be hard to win and languor waste me sore And patience after thee to live and helpers fail me quite, Yet will I constantly await till God our loves unite And mortify the foe and bring to nought the enviers’ spite.

Then he swooned away and the Vizier sprinkled rose-water on him, till he came to himself, when he said to him, ‘O king’s son, possess thy soul in patience; for the issue of patience is solace, and behold, thou art on the way to that thou desirest.’ And he ceased not to speak him fair and comfort him, till his trouble subsided and they continued their journey with all diligence. Presently, the prince again became impatient of the length of the way and bethought him of his beloved and recited these verses:

Then he wept sore and complained of that which he suffered for stress of passion and love-longing; but the Vizier comforted him and spoke him fair, promising him the attainment of his desire; after which they fared on again, till, in a few days, they came in sight of the White City, [the capital of King Abdulcadir,] soon after sunrise. Then said the Vizier to the prince, ‘Rejoice, O king’s son, in all good; for see, yonder is the White City, that which thou seekest.’ Whereat the prince rejoiced with an exceeding joy and recited the following verses: