I bear a hurt heart, who will sell me for this * A heart whole and free from all canker and smart? Nay, none will consent or to barter or buy * Such loss, ne’er from sorrow and sickness to part: I groan wi’ the groaning of wine-wounded men * And pine for the pining ne’er freeth my heart. And by Allah, meseemed the doors and the walls and all that was in the house answered and sang with him, for the beauty of his voice, so that I fancied my very limbs and clothes replied to him, and I abode amazed and unable to speak or move, for the trouble of my heart. Then he sang these couplets:— Culvers of Liwa![FN#121] to your nests return; * Your mournful voices thrill this heart of mine. Then back a-copse they flew, and well-nigh took * My life and made me tell my secret pine. With cooing call they one who’s gone, as though * Their breasts were maddened with the rage of wine: Ne’er did mine eyes their like for culvers see * Who weep yet tear-drops never dye their eyne. And also these couplets:— O Zephyr of Najd, when from Najd thou blow, * Thy breathings heap only new woe on woe! The turtle bespake me in bloom of morn * From the cassia-twig and the willow-bough She moaned with the moaning of love-sick youth * And exposed love-secret I ne’er would show: They say lover wearies of love when near * And is cured of love an afar he go: I tried either cure which ne’er cured my love; * But that nearness is better than farness I know:[FN#122] Yet,—the nearness of love shall no ’vantage prove * An whoso thou lovest deny thee of love.