Whenas the softness of a shape did bid him to my arms, That, as it were a trailing vine with twinings did him ply And on the hardness of his heart its very softness shed, He yielded, though at first he feigned reluctance to comply, And came, provided with a stock of caution safe and sure, Fearing lest, when he did appear, the railers should him spy. His waist of buttocks maketh moan, that lay upon his feet A very camel's load, what time he would a-walking hie. Girt with his glances' trenchant swords and cuirassed with the mail Of his bright locks, as 'twere the dusk new fallen from the sky, His fragrance brought me from afar the news of his approach, And forth, as bird let out from cage, to meet my love fled I. I laid my cheek within his way, beneath his sandal-soles, And lo, their dust's collyrium healed the ailment of mine eye! With an embrace I hoisted up the flag of loves new linked And loosed the knot of my delight, that made as 'twould deny. Then let I call high festival, and gladness, all unmixed With any thought of troublousness, came flocking in reply. The full moon handselled with the stars the teeth, like grains of pearl, That on the laughing face of wine now dance, now stirless lie. So in the niche of their delight I gave me up to joys, The veriest sinner would repent if he their like might try. The morning-glories of his face be pledge I'll ne'er, in him, Forget the writ that biddeth us One only glorify![FN#59]
Then they told one another all that had befallen them since their separation, after which he began to upbraid her, saying, 'What moved thee to deal with me as thou hast done this night?' 'Do not reproach me,' replied she; 'for I did this but by way of jest and for increase of pleasure and gladness.' When it was morning and the day arose with its light and shone, she sent to King Armanous and acquainted him with the truth of the case and that she was wife to Kemerezzeman. Moreover, she told him their story and the manner of their separation and how his daughter Heyat en Nufous was yet a maid. He marvelled greatly at their story and bade record it in letters of gold. Then he turned to Kemerezzeman and said, 'O king's son, art thou minded to marry my daughter and become my son-in-law?' 'I must consult the princess Budour,' answered he; 'for I owe her favour without stint.' So he took counsel with her and she said, 'This is well seen; marry her and I will be her handmaid, for I am her debtor for kindness and favour and good offices, more by token that we are here in her place and that the king her father has loaded us with benefits.' When he saw that she inclined to this and was not jealous of Heyat en Nufous, he agreed with her thereupon and told King Armanous what she had said, whereat he rejoiced greatly. Then he went out and seating himself in his chair of estate, assembled all the Viziers and Amirs and chamberlains and grandees, to whom he related the whole story and acquainted them with his desire to marry his daughter to Kemerezzeman and make him king in the stead of the princess Budour. Whereupon said they all, 'Since he is the husband of the princess Budour, who hath been our Sultan till now, whilst we deemed her King Armanous's son-in-law, we are all content to have him to Sultan over us and will be his servants, nor will we swerve from his allegiance.' At this Armanous rejoiced and summoning Cadis and witnesses and the chief officers of state, let draw up the contract of marriage between Kemerezzeman and his daughter, the princess Heyat en Nufous. Then he held high festival, giving sumptuous banquets and bestowing costly dresses of honour upon the Amirs and captains; moreover, he gave alms to the poor and needy and freed the prisoners. All the folk rejoiced in the coming of Kemerezzeman to the throne, wishing him abiding glory and prosperity and happiness and renown, and as soon as he became king, he remitted the customs-dues and released all that remained in prison. Thus he abode a long while, ordering himself worthily towards his subjects, and lived with his wives in peace and happiness and content, lying the night with each of them in turn. And indeed all his troubles and afflictions were blotted out from him and he forgot his father King Shehriman and his former estate of honour and worship with him.