Page:The Celebrated Romance of the Stealing of the Mare.djvu/80

 ye daughters fair of my tribe, to my words give heeding.

Be ye my secret's keepers. This one by his fair actions

Hath earned the better part, ay, praises everlasting.

Let every creature praise him, and God him keep, the Creator."

And they said, " We hear and obey, a thousand times obedient,

Our souls shall thy ransom be to hold our lips close-guarded."

And Alia went to him, and his right hand and his left hand

Kissed she, and they too all, while the dark one stood astonished.

And they said, cc May God reward thee with good and grace and blessing.

Oh thou Emir Salame, champion among the great ones."

And they called to Alia loudly, " Lady, thou daughter of Jaber,

cc Bid that the meats be spread, and feast we with this stranger."

And they brought the fruits and the meats, and the dishes meet for Princes.

And when the meal was done then poured they fair potations,

Drinking in jewelled cups with skilled musicians and singers,

Where should the like be found ? for they sang in such sweet measure