Our doctor, now, with subtle speech and wiles,
The maiden’s grief had turn’d to sunny smiles.
He leaves her then; seeks out the prince; and tells
The news he’d learnt, the source of all her ills.
“What’s now to do?” the prince’s care inquired;
“Delay is dangerous; patience may grow tired.”
The doctor then: “Send for him; come he must,
From his far home to fill some post of trust. 155
Invite him here; a dress of honour give;
On him shower gold; new life ’twill make him live.”
The prince assented; took the doctor’s plan;
Thought it was sound and wise from such a man.
Two trusty messengers he quickly sent,
Sedate, fair-spoken, loved where’er they went.
To Samarqand they journeyed, prompt and sure.
The goldsmith found; the prince’s message bore.
“Great man of art, the marvels of thy skill,
Are viewed with rapture, or with envy still. 160
Our prince has need of thee, his mint to guide;
For none like thee is heard of, far and wide.
This dress of honour, yonder gold he sends;
Requests thou’lt come, and be his best of friends.”
The gold and dress of honour won his heart;
Good-bye to home he said, with them to start.
He travels joyous; thinks his luck is great;
And never dreams of what’s to be his fate.
An Arab charger proudly bore him on;
He recked not at what price all this was won. 165
O fatuous fool! Thou hastest to thy doom.
The post thou dream’st of, soon will be thy tomb.
His fancy webs of power and fame did weave;
Death’s angel thundered: “Come, and all this leave!”
Arrived betimes at his long journey’s end,
The doctor led him to the prince, his friend.
Most nobly was he there received in turn.
One trims the lampwick, still, to make it burn.
The prince addressed him; bade him welcome there;
Mint-master nam’d him, treasurer, and mayor. 170
Our doctor once again his counsel gave:
“The damsel to this youth for service leave.
United to him, she’ll her health regain;
Love’s fever will subside with absence’ pain.”
The prince bestows the sick one on her mate.
United were the two in solemn state.
Six months they feasted on love’s joys so sweet;
The handmaid’s health from day to day more meet.