"Deep in mine eye-balls ever dwells the phantom-form of thee * My heart when throbbing or at rest holds fast thy memory: And love of thee doth never cease to course within my breast, * As course the juices in the fruits which deck the branchy tree: And every day I see thee not my bosom straightened is * And even censurers excuse the woes in me they see: O thou whose love hath gotten hold the foremost in the heart * Of me whose fondness is excelled by mine insanity: Fear the Compassionate in my case and some compassion show! * Love of thee makes me taste of death in bitterest pungency." —And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the Seven Hundred and Ninety-seventh Night, She continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that Hasan's mother bewept through the watches of the night and the whiles of the day her separation from her son and his wife and children. On this wise it fared with her; but as regards Hasan, when he came to the Princesses, they conjured him to tarry with them three months, after which long sojourn they gave him five loads of gold and the like of silver and one load of victual and accompanied him on his homeward way till he conjured them to return, whereupon they farewelled him with an embrace; but the youngest came up to him, to bid him adieu and clasping his neck wept till she fainted. Then she recited these two couplets, "When shall the severance-fire be quenched by union, love, with you? * When shall I win my wish of you and days that were renew? The parting-day affrighted me and wrought me dire dismay * And doubleth woe, O master mine, by the sad word 'Adieu.'" Anon came forward the second Princess and embraced him and recited these two couplets, "Farewelling thee indeed is like to bidding life farewell * And like the loss of Zephyr[FN#96] 'tis to lose thee far our sight: Thine absence is a flaming fire which burneth up my heart * And in thy presence I enjoy the Gardens of Delight."[FN#97] Presently came forward the third and embraced him and recited these two couplets, "We left not taking leave of thee (when bound to other goal) * From aught of ill intention or from weariness and dole: Thou art my soul, my very soul, the only soul of me: * And how shall I farewell myself and say, 'Adieu my Soul?'"[FN#98] After her came forward the fourth and embraced him and recited these two couplets, "Nought garred me weep save where and when of severance spake he, * Persisting in his cruel will with sore persistency: Look at this pearl-like ornament I've hung upon mine ear: * 'Tis of the tears of me compact, this choicest jewelry!" In her turn came forward the fifth and embraced him and recited these two couplets,