Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/92

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FIRDUSI

Hearing a sweet voice, he looked up, and beheld a bright face in the balcony, and he said to the beautiful vision:—

“How often have I hoped that Heaven Would, in some secret place displayThy charms to me, and thou hast given My heart the wish of many a day;For now thy gentle voice I hear, And now I see thee—speak again!Speak freely in a willing ear, And every wish thou hast obtain.”

Not a word was lost upon Rúdábeh, and she soon accomplished her object. Her hair was so luxuriant, and of such a length, that casting it loose it flowed down from the balcony; and, after fastening the upper part to a ring, she requested Zál to take hold of the other end and mount up. He ardently kissed the musky tresses, and by them quickly ascended.

Then hand in hand within the chambers theyGracefully passed.—Attractive was the scene,The walls embellished by the painter’s skill,And every object exquisitely formed,Sculpture, and architectural ornament,Fit for a king. Zál with amazement gazedUpon what art had done, but more he gazedUpon the witching radiance of his love,Upon her tulip cheeks, her musky locks,Breathing the sweetness of a summer garden;Upon the sparkling brightness of her rings,Necklace, and bracelets, glittering on her arms.His mien too was majestic—on his headHe wore a ruby crown, and near his breastWas seen a belted dagger. Fondly sheWith side-long glances marked his noble aspect,The fine proportions of his graceful limbs,His strength and beauty. Her enamoured heartSuffused her cheek with blushes, every glanceIncreas’d the ardent transports of her soul.So mild was his demeanour, he appearedA gentle lion toying with his prey.Long they remained rapt in admirationOf each other. At length the warrior rose,And thus addressed her: “It becomes not usTo be forgetful of the path of prudence,Though love would dictate a more ardent course,How oft has Sám, my father, counselled me,Against unseeming thoughts,—unseemly deeds,—
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