A place she named, and on to others passed; Nor blush, nor pulse gave sign, or notice massed. Of lords and citizens she gave report, Of festivals, and seats of gay resort. 135 Town after town, house after house, by name, She spoke about; no blush, no throb still came. Her pulse retained its normal ebb and flow. Till Samarqand’s name made her cheeks to glow, Her pulse beat high, her colour went and came; Of goldsmith youth she there had been the flame. This point drawn forth,--this secret once confessed, More easily our leech the sequel guessed. “O maiden, let me know this youth’s abode.” “At Holywell, near Bridge-end’s public road.” 140 “I knew,” said he, “at once, thy case was such. Now trust me. Thee to serve I will do much. Make thyself happy. Cast away all care, As showers cheer meadows, thee I’ll greatly spare. I’ll prove thy guardian angel; never fear; Thy father’s place I’ll take;--thy burden bear. Tell not this secret unto mortal soul, However much the prince may thee cajole. Keep safe this knowledge in thy own heart’s core; So mayest thou, lass, thy lover see once more. 145 Our holy Prophet’s sacred maxim ’twas: ‘Who keeps his secret, speedy success has.’ The seed to earth committed sure must be, Ere field or garden’s pride men may it see. If gold and silver were not hard to find, How could they grow?[66] They soon would be out-mined.” The good physician’s soothing words perceived, Our maiden’s mind from carking care’s relieved. Some promises are truly meant, sincere; Others are merely made to cheat the ear. 150 A good man’s promise is a gem of price; Rely not on the words of sons of vice.