Vis and Ramin

VIS AND RAMIN ESCAPE
Then the nurse, with her wonted cunning, 1 said :
" This is indeed a sore strait in which we are. I know
not how to contrive a means. But surely God will help
us, and we shall succeed. Now since this has happened
to you, remain here no longer; whither I go follow
you me."
They went into the storehouse 2 and took thence much
property, gold, jewels, and pearls, and the three entered
the bath. One branch of the water flowed into the garden
in such a way that none knew of it; the three went
through this passage 3 and went into the garden. With
seared 4 hearts they went away from MoabacL There was
a high wall to the garden. Ramin, like a panther, 6 leapt
on it and let down a veil ; he drew them both up by the
veil and let them down on the other side. Himself, he
leapt down easily. The three went away with their faces
veiled, as women.
Ramin knew a vineyard wherein was a good husband-
man, his friend. He went to him then, and there they
rested. Then he sent the husbandman of the vineyard to
a good, trusty youth 7 of his, and commanded that his best
horses should be saddled, his armour brought ; and if he
had anything to eat to bring it there privily, 8 so that no
one should perceive.
He went, and immediately they sent
from home whatever he wanted.
When night fell they mounted, and the three went away
BO that the wind could not overtake them. No human
being saw them. Such a plain | that it was only the 151
abode of dragons, 9 waterless and fodderless ! But to them
together it seemed as Paradise : sand, stone, heat and
thirst seemed to them, by reason of their love, like the
grace of God, and in their nearness to each other they felt
neither heat nor cold. They journeyed as if for sport ;
MagaUeki, 184, 198. Salaro.
Khhureli, 155. R., 1290, 1896. * Daghi, 188.
Vep'hkhi, 174. Zctiari, 292. R.,