Vis and Ramin

MOABAD RETURNS TO MARAV 139
the land who thinks anything of ine ? By
all men 1 am
now despised, and I am lightly esteemed of men ; they
think me mad and crazy, and they are right. I myself am
worse than they. I have laid down joy and royalty, and
roamed in the plains alone with wild beasts ! Why did I
listen then to the words of mine enemies and enviers when
I had in my hands the unblemished beauty, Vis ? Since I
cannot bear to be without her, if God will have mercy on
me and grant me but to see her once, I shall obey her word
like a slave. I will give her all my realm and my crown ;
as long as I live she shall be master. Now, since I have
learned the power of love, whatever pleases her that will
I do."
When Moabad had wandered in the lands for six months,
at one and the same time he became both beggared and
sick. He feared somewhere from the treachery of Fate a
lonely death as a wanderer in the wilderness, and that his
enemy would take his place when he was gone. He grieved
at his plight, and resolved to return and go home. Now he
158
left off seeking Vis and hoped to find her afterwards. | He
returned and went to his city, Marav. Every man rejoiced
at his coming, and all gave largesse 1 to celebrate his return.
They thanked God, decorated the city, and on the roofs
they set the sun-like women. They scattered such a quantity
of gold and jewels at his entry into the city that in his
land every poor man was enriched.
Samakharoblo, 191.