Vis and Ramin

VIS AND RAMIN IN THE CASTLE 173
is a golden-clawed lion, which seizes upon my soul. Every
day I gather from the face and hair of 1
my beloved bundles
of roses, hyacinths, 2 musk, and sugar. I will not desire a
garden save her shining face ;
I will not desire any tourney, 8
for this place is sweeter to me than Paradise itself. What*
ever pleasant things God has created, all is here for me.
The sun is my banquet, and my cupbearer the moon, and
therefore am I merry."
Then with pleasant words he said to Vis :
" I drink from thy hand wine rosy like thy
cheek and
blessed 4 as thy face! No pleasanter season than this can
be, and no spring like thy face ! What do we know of
what awaits us to-morrow ? Gome, let us take our share
in the part of joy to-day. We cannot bring back to-day
to-morrow. Thou dost not desire my destruction, nor
shall I be separated from thy love. Joy and heart's desire
are ! fitting How do we know what God has decreed upon
our heads for thus thou wast fettered by Moabad in this
castle, and he left me sick in Gurgan, not knowing that
| our meeting had been decreed by God in the heavens. 198
Who save God the Creator could have done this ?"
They were thus nine months, in season and out of
season, joyful and merry ;
5
they wearied not of gladness
and drinking. They had in there food and drink even for
a hundred years of repose; they wished not to open the
door to go out. See what a long time their heart's desire
and gladness lasted ! They cast off rust from their hearts.
So much gladness wearied not Ramin, nor did the
*
vigour
of Ramin's joy tire Vis. One soul dwelt in two bodies, for
they had nothing to amuse them save conversing, loving,
and fondness. They rejoiced in one another. He excelled
7
as a ball-player, and the plant of joy was watered with
wine.
The gate of the castle, like that of grief, was shut ;
7
none
palnc, 45.
*
Sumbuli, 70, 228.
Thamathi sport, game, 198. Sviani, 91, 202. R., 82, 448.
Nishtianni, nithati, 197. Niihtianoba, 91, 197.
Moburthali; burthi, 117. R., 20.