صفحة 471 من 1116

"An but the house could know who cometh 'twould rejoice, * And

kiss the very dust whereon thy foot was placed And with the

tongue of circumstance the walls would say, * "Welcome and hail

to one with generous gifts engraced!"

Then sat she down and said to me, "O my sister, I have a brother

who hath had sight of thee at sundry wedding feasts and festive

seasons: he is a youth handsomer than I, and he hath fallen

desperately in love with thee, for that bounteous Destiny hath

garnered in thee all beauty and perfection; and he hath given

silver to this old woman that she might visit thee; and she hath

contrived on this wise to foregather us twain.