The Persian Literature, Comprising The Shah Nameh, The Rubaiyat, The Divan, and The Gulistan, Volume 1 by Various
page 42 of 568 (07%)
page 42 of 568 (07%)
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then wherefore this denial of the truth? Many kings have solicited my
hand in marriage, but all have been rejected, as I am destined to be thine, and united to no other." Dismissing now all her attendants, she remained with the nurse and Jemshíd, and then resumed:-- "How long hath sleep forsaken me? how long Hath my fond heart been kept awake by love? Hope still upheld me--give me one kind look, And I will sacrifice my life for thee; Come, take my life, for it is thine for ever." Saying this, the damsel began to weep, and shedding a flood of tears, tenderly reproached him for not acknowledging the truth. Jemshíd was at length moved by her affection and sorrow, and thus addressed her:--"There are two considerations which at present prevent the truth being told. One of them is my having a powerful enemy, and Heaven forbid that he should obtain information of my place of refuge. The other is, I never intrust my secrets to a woman! "Fortune I dread, since fortune is my foe, And womankind are seldom known to keep Another's secret. To be poor and safe, Is better far than wealth exposed to peril." To this the princess: "Is it so decreed, That every woman has two tongues, two hearts? All false alike, their tempers all the same? No, no! could I disloyally betray thee? I who still love thee better than my life?" Jemshíd found it impossible to resist the damsel's incessant entreaties |
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