the Shaykh signed to her to sing somewhat upon the rest of the flowers, that Queen Al-Shahba might hear, and she said, “Hearing and obeying.” So she took the lute and played thereon in many modes, then returned to the first and sang these couplets:— I’m one of the lover-retinue ✿ Whom long pine and patience have doomèd rue: And sufferance of parting from kin and friends ✿ Hath clothed me, O folk, in this yellow hue: Then, after the joyance had passed away, ✿ Heart-break, abasement and cark I knew, Through the long, long day when the lift is light, ✿ Nor, when night is murk, my pangs cease pursue: So, ’twixt fairest hope and unfailing fear, ✿ My bitter tears ever flow anew. Thereat Queen Al-Shahba rejoiced with joy exceeding and cried, “Brava, O queen of delight! No one is able to describe thee. Sing to us on the Apple.” Quoth Tohfah, “Hearkening and obedience.” Then she recited these couplets:— I surpass all forms in my coquetry ✿ For mine inner worth and mine outer blee; Tend me noble hands in the sight of all ✿ And slake with pure waters the thirst of me; My robe is of sendal, and eke my veil ✿ Is of sunlight the Ruthful hath bidden be: When my fair companions are marched afar, ✿ In sorrow fro’ home they are forced to flee: But noble hands deign hearten my heart ✿ With beds where I sit in my high degree;[230] And where, like full moon at its rise, my light ✿ ’Mid the garden-fruits thou shalt ever see. Queen Al-Shahba rejoiced in this with exceeding joy and cried, “Brava! By Allah, there is none excelleth thee.” Tohfah kissed the ground, then returned to her place and versified on the Tuberose, saying:— I’m a marvel-bloom to be worn on head! ✿ Though a stranger among you fro’ home I fled: Make use of wine in my company ✿ And flout at Time who in languish sped. E’en so doth camphor my hue attest, ✿ O my lords, as I stand in my present stead. So gar me your gladness when dawneth day, ✿ And to highmost seat in your homes be I led: And quaff your cups in all jollity, ✿ And cheer and ease shall ne’er cease to be.