"Ply me and also my mate be plied * With pure wine prest in the olden tide.[FN#303] Daughter of nobles[FN#304] they lead her forth[FN#305] * In raiment of goblets beautified. They belt her round with the brightest gems, * And pearls and unions, the Ocean's pride; So I by these signs and signets know * Wherefore the Wine is entitled ‘ Bride.'[FN#306]"
And round about these vessels were confections and flowers, such as may not be surpassed. When Al-Rashid saw this from Khalif, he inclined to him and smiled upon him and invested him with an office; so Khalif wished him continuance of honour and endurance of days and said, "Will the Commander of the Faithful deign give me leave to bring him a singer, a lute-player her like was never heard among mortals ever?" Quoth the Caliph, "Thou art permi
