I embrace him, yet after him yearns my soul ✿ For his love, but can aught than embrace be nigher? I kiss his lips to assuage my lowe; ✿ But each kiss gars it glow with more flaming fire; ’Tis as though my vitals aye thirst unquencht ✿ Till I see two souls mixt in one entire.
The Caliph was delighted and said, “O Shajarat al-Durr, ask a boon of me.” She replied, “O Commander of the Faithful, I ask of thee my freedom, for the sake of the reward thou wilt obtain therein.[364]” Quoth he, “Thou art free for the love of Allah;” whereupon she kissed ground before him. He resumed, “Take the lute and sing me somewhat on the subject of my slave-girl, of whom I am enamoured with warmest love: the folk seek my pleasure and I seek hers.” So she took the lute and sang these two couplets:—
My charmer who spellest my piety[365] ✿ On all accounts I’ll have thee, have thee, Or by humble suit which besitteth Love ✿ Or by force more fitting my sovranty.
The Caliph admired these verses and said, “Now, take up thy lute and sing me a song setting out my case with three damsels who hold the reins of my heart and make rest depart; and they are thyself and that wilful one and another I will not name, who hath not her like.[366] So she took the lute and playing a lively measure, sang these couplets:—
Three lovely girls hold my bridle-rein ✿ And in highest stead my heart over-reign. I have none to obey amid all mankind ✿ But obeying them I but win disdain: This is done through the Kingship of Love, whereby ✿ The best of my kingship they made their gain.