Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night - Volume 3.djvu/347

Rh Would that when Khárijah was for Amru slain ○ They had ransomed Ali with all men they own.

Then, with cheeks stained by tears down railing he recited also these verses:—

Then his sobs waxed louder and he said:—

O thou who woo'st a World unworthy, learn ○ 'Tis house of evils, 'tis Perdition's net: A house where whoso laughs this day shall weep ○ The next: then perish house of fume and fret! Endless its frays and forays, and its thralls ○ Are ne'er redeemed, while endless risks beset. How many gloried in its pomps and pride, ○ Till proud and pompous did all bounds forget, Then showing back of shield she made them swill ○ Full draught, and claimed all her vengeance debt. For know her strokes fall swift and sure, altho' ○ Long bide she and forslow the course of Fate: