They who to gather roses came--went back With precious gems--and honorary robes; And two bright finger-rings were secretly Sent to the princess.
Then did the attendants of Rúdábeh exult in the success of their artifice, and say that the lion had come into their toils. Rúdábeh herself, however, had some fears on the subject. She anxiously sought to know exactly the personal appearance of Zál, and happily her warmest hopes were realized by the description she received. But one difficulty remained--how were they to meet? How was she to see with her own eyes the man whom her fancy had depicted in such glowing colors? Her attendants, sufficiently expert at intrigue, soon contrived the means of gratifying her wishes. There was a beautiful rural retreat in a sequestered situation, the apartments of which were adorned with pictures of great men, and ornamented in the most splendid manner. To this favorite place Rúdábeh retired, and most magnificently dressed, awaiting the coming of Zál, whom her attendants had previously invited to repair thither as soon as the sun had gone down. The shadows of evening were falling as he approached, and the enamoured princess thus addressed him from her balcony:--
"May happiness attend thee ever, thou, Whose lucid features make this gloomy night Clear as the day; whose perfume scents the breeze; Thou who, regardless of fatigue, hast come On foot too, thus to see me--"
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 display Thy 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 they Gracefully 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 gazed Upon what art had done, but more he gazed Upon 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 head He wore a ruby crown, and near his breast Was seen a belted dagger. Fondly she With side-long glances marked his noble aspect, The fine proportions of his graceful limbs, His strength and beauty. Her enamoured heart Suffused her cheek with blushes, every glance Increased the ardent transports of her soul. So mild was his demeanour, he appeared A gentle lion toying with his prey. Long they remained rapt in admiration Of each other. At length the warrior rose, And thus addressed her: "It becomes not us To 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,-- Always to choose the right, and shun the wrong. How will he burn with anger when he hears This new adventure; how will Minúchihr Indignantly reproach me for this dream! This waking dream of rapture! but I call High Heaven to witness what I now declare-- Whoever may oppose my sacred vows, I still am thine, affianced thine, for ever."