Vis and Ramin

THE NURSE JOINS THE PARTY 147
Ramin to sing a more pleasant song. Ramin again began
to sing :
" I saw a cypress, I beheld a walking moon ; I saw a
garden upbuilded and voiceful, in which the seeds of love
were sown. I saw therein a beauteous rose, unfading in
summer and winter, which made merry the sad and increased
the joy of the glad. I committed my heart to it, I
have given it eternally to its love alone, and I gaze on the
rose, the fruit of that garden. Day and night I rejoice
therewith. The eye of envious men can harm no one.
Whatever a man deserves God gives to him."
When Shahinshah heard this song and the words, with
joy his love for Vis was increased, and he wished Vis to
offer him wine, for that wine (from her) would dissipate
grief from his heart.
Vis offered him wine, and said :
"
king of kings ! Mayst thou fare a thousand years as
thou wishest. Mayst thou rejoice all thy days, may all
thy deeds and desires be perfected by God ! Pleasant
to-day is our drinking before thee, and we must heartily
pray for thee. If thou commandest and she dares, let
my nurse also rejoice ; let her be summoned before you,
for she is very loyal to you and prays for you."
He gave orders, they called the nurse, and seated her
before Vis. Shahinshah said to Ramin :
"
Pour out for me, since wine is more pleasant from 167
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honourably
the hand of a friend. It behoves thee to pour out merrily
for me and thyself to drink."
When he had drunk wine, Ramin could no longer hide
his burning heart. He offered wine to Vis*, and secretly
said :
" 0, unexhausted one, drink merrily wine from my hand,
and make me to rejoice in thy joy."
laughed, unknown to Moabad; she praised him
(Ramin) and said :
"
May God not exhaust our joy ; as long as we both live
may our gladness not diminish. Prefer not any to me, for
I prefer thee above my life. Do not forget me, and I will