burton--1001-nights--sample

head waxed grey, for the hard lot which was mine, and for the distress
and anguish I had undergone, and I fell to reciting: —
How many a joy by Allah’s will hath fled * With flight escaping sight
of wisest head!
How many a sadness shall begin the day, * Yet grow right gladsome ere
the day is sped!
How many a weal trips on the heels of ill, * Causing the mourner’s
heart with joy to thrill!
But the old man, O my lady, ceased not from his swoon till near sunset,
when he came to himself and, looking upon his dead son, he recalled
what had happened, and how what he had dreaded had come to pass;
and he beat his face and head and recited these couplets: —
Racked is my heart by parting fro’ my friends * And two rills ever fro’
my eyelids flow:
With them 62 went forth my hopes, Ah, well away! * What shift
remaineth me to say or do?
Would I had never looked upon their sight, * What shift, fair sirs,
when paths e’er straiter grow?
What charm shall calm my pangs when this wise burn * Longings of
love which in my vitals glow?
Would I had trod with them the road of Death! * Ne’er had befel us
twain this parting-blow:
Allah: I pray the Ruthful show me ruth * And mix our lives nor part
them evermo’e!
How blest were we as ’neath one roof we dwelt * Conjoined in joys nor
recking aught of woe;
62
Anglicè “him.”
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