Then hand in hand within the chambers they Gracefully passed.--Attractive was the scene, The walls embellished by the painter's skill, And every object exquisitely formed, Sculpture, and architectural ornament, Fit for a king. Zál with amazement gazed Upon what art had done, but more he gazed Upon the witching radiance of his love, Upon her tulip cheeks, her musky locks, Breathing the sweetness of a summer garden; Upon the sparkling brightness of her rings, Necklace, and bracelets, glittering on her arms. His mien too was majestic--on his head He wore a ruby crown, and near his breast Was seen a belted dagger. Fondly she With side-long glances marked his noble aspect, The fine proportions of his graceful limbs, His strength and beauty. Her enamoured heart Suffused her cheek with blushes, every glance Increased the ardent transports of her soul. So mild was his demeanour, he appeared A gentle lion toying with his prey. Long they remained rapt in admiration Of each other. At length the warrior rose, And thus addressed her: "It becomes not us To be forgetful of the path of prudence, Though love would dictate a more ardent course, How oft has Sám, my father, counselled me, Against unseeming thoughts,--unseemly deeds,-- Always to choose the right, and shun the wrong. How will he burn with anger when he hears This new adventure; how will Minúchihr Indignantly reproach me for this dream! This waking dream of rapture! but I call High Heaven to witness what I now declare-- Whoever may oppose my sacred vows, I still am thine, affianced thine, for ever." And thus Rúdábeh: "Thou hast won my heart, And kings may sue in vain; to thee devoted, Thou art alone my warrior and my love." Thus they exclaimed,--then Zál with fond adieus Softly descended from the balcony, And hastened to his tent. As speedily as possible he assembled together his counsellors and Múbids to obtain their advice on the present extraordinary occasion, and he represented to them the sacred importance of encouraging matrimonial alliances. For marriage is a contract sealed by Heaven-- How happy is the Warrior's lot, amidst His smiling children; when he dies, his son Succeeds him, and enjoys his rank and name. And is it not a glorious thing to say-- This is the son of Zál, or this of Sám, The heir of his renowned progenitor?