"Strange is my story, passing prodigy; * By Love I swear, my ways wax strait on me! An ye desire to hear me, listen, and * Let all in this assembly silent be. Heed ye my words which are of meaning deep, * Nor lies my speech; 'tis truest verity. I'm slain[FN#196] by longing and by ardent love; * My slayer's the pearl of fair virginity. She hath a jet black eye like Hindi blade, * And bow è d eyebrows shoot her archery My heart assures me our Imam is here, * This age's Caliph, old nobility: Your second, Ja'afar highs, is his Wazir; * A Sahib,[FN#197] Sahib-son of high degree: The third is called Masrur who wields the sword: * Now, if in words of mine some truth you see I have won every wish by this event * Which fills my heart with joy and gladdest greet"
When they heard these words Ja'afar
