Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 8.djvu/53

41 Leave what is past of fair ones, with whom thou didst consort: Mayhap, the days, returning, them forth again will show: Except for thee, its dwellers had not departed hence Nor thou in its high places hadst seen the corby-crow.

When Mesrour heard these verses and apprehended their meaning, he wept sore. Now Nesim knew that which was between him and her sister of love and longing and passion; so she said to him, ‘God on thee, O Mesrour, forbear this house, lest any see thee and deem thou comest on my account! Thou hast caused my sister depart and now thou wouldst drive me also away. Thou knowest that, but for thee, the house would not now be void of its inhabitants: so be consoled for her and leave her; for what is past is past.’ When he heard this, he said to her, ‘O Nesim, if I could, I should fly for longing after her; so how can I be comforted for her?’ Quoth she, ‘Thou hast nothing for it but patience.’ And he said, ‘I beseech thee, for God’s sake, write me a letter to her, as from thyself, and get me an answer from her, to comfort my heart and quench the fire that rages in my vitals.’

‘With all my heart,’ answered she and took inkhorn and paper, whilst Mesrour began to set out to her the violence of his longing and what he suffered for the anguish of separation, saying, ‘This letter is from the despairing and sorrowful lover, the wretched bereaved one, with whom no peace abides, night nor day, but he still weeps copious tears. Indeed, tears have ulcerated his eyelids and his sorrows have kindled a fire in his liver. His lamentation is prolonged and restlessness is sore on him, as he were a bird that hath lost its mate, and his death is at hand. Alas, my desolation for the loss of thee and my yearning affliction for thy companionship! Indeed, emaciation hath wasted my body and my tears are become a torrent; mountains and plains are