"It is a spot beyond imagination Delightful to the heart, where roses bloom, And sparkling fountains murmur--where the earth Is rich with many-colored flowers; and musk Floats on the gentle breezes, hyacinths And lilies add their perfume--golden fruits Weigh down the branches of the lofty trees, The glittering pheasant moves in stately pomp, The bulbul warbles from the cypress bough, And love-inspiring damsels may be seen O'er hill and dale, their lips all winning smiles, Their cheeks like roses--in their sleepy eyes Delicious languor dwelling. Over them Presides the daughter of Afrásiyáb, The beautiful Maníjeh; should we go, ('Tis but a little distance), and encamp Among the lovely groups--in that retreat Which blooms like Paradise--we may secure A bevy of fair virgins for the king!" Byzun was excited by this description; and impatient to realize what it promised, repaired without delay, accompanied by Girgín, to the romantic retirement of the princess. They approached so close to the summer-tent in which she dwelt that she had a full view of Byzun, and immediately becoming deeply enamoured of his person despatched a confidential domestic, her nurse, to inquire who he was, and from whence he came. "Go, and beneath that cypress tree, Where now he sits so gracefully, Ask him his name, that radiant moon, And he may grant another boon! Perchance he may to me impart The secret wishes of his heart! Tell him he must, and further say, That I have lived here many a day; That every year, whilst spring discloses The fragrant breath of budding roses, I pass my time in rural pleasure; But never--never such a treasure, A mortal of such perfect mould, Did these admiring eyes behold! Never, since it has been my lot To dwell in this sequestered spot, A youth by nature so designed To soothe a love-lorn damsel's mind! His wondrous looks my bosom thrill Can Saiáwush be living still?"