صفحة 775 من 1116

He saw thee, some days ago, at the window watering thy flowers

and espying thy face and wrists he fell in love at first sight. I

let him know what happened to me the last time I was with thee,

whereupon his ailment increased, he took to the pillow and he is

naught now but a dead man, and no doubt what ever of it.' At this

she turned pale and asked, 'All this for my sake?'; and I

answered, 'Ay, by Allah![FN#608] what wouldst thou have me do?'

Said she, 'Go back to him and greet him for me and tell him that

I am twice more heartsick than he is. And on Friday, before the

hour of public prayer, bid him here to the house, and I will come

down and open the door for him.