Vis and Ramin

MOABAD BEATS VIS 183
better to have a lion lying on the road than an enemy at
home. A foe posted as sentinel, a snake sitting on the
curtain, are alike to a man."
Then Moabad seized hold of the musky hair of the selfhe
bound her
^Yilled 1 Vis and dragged her on the ground;
hands behind her, like a thief, and beat her so mercilessly
2
with a whip all over her head and body that wherever he
struck her flesh was rent and soiled with blood. Her
crystal form brought |
forth blood
as
a mountain brings 209
did not strike it was like
forth rubies. "Wherever the whip
indigo, 3 her white and red body and flesh became like
saffron, indigo, 3 4 and poppy. He also gave the nurse a
hundred such strokes, all on the head and face. He did
not pity her even unto death ; either it would kill her or
5
make her reveal her witchcraft and sorcery. She fainted
on the spot. Vis and the nurse from the flow of blood
seemed clothed in crimson. Nobody thought they would
remain alive. Then, when they were thus far gone, he
cast them into a dungeon, and set his heart at rest about
their survival, and firmly sealed the door upon them.
8
Every human being or hearer of this story was grieved at
their plight. Shahinshah also dismissed his brother Zard
from the command of the castle, and committed the castle
to another man. He himself travelled swiftly for a week,
and came to the city of Marav. He was deeply grieved .
for their plight, and greatly repented striking Vis. He
said in his heart :
"What is this nature 7 of mine, what is this smoke which
has arisen from my heart, and makes me hate the world
and health ? What was the reason of so much anger and
impatience of mine against such a loved one, who is dearer
to me than my life ? Though I am the king of all kings,
through love I am such a coward s that I am become
pitiable to mine enemies. Why am I become angry with
1
Nebieri, 204. MaChrakhhiVha, R., 206, 1890.
3
Lila, 46. R., 885. Qaqacho, 70.
McMWaoba. Adamicuni.
7
Buncba, 155. Dzabuni, 180.