صفحة 706 من 1116

The soldier turned away after giving me the purse; and I also

went my ways having wrapped my hand in a piece of rag and thrust

it into my bosom. My whole semblance had changed, and my colour

had waxed yellow from the shame and pain which had befallen me.

Yet I went on to my mistress's house where, in extreme

perturbation of spirit I threw myself down on the carpet bed. She

saw me in this state and asked me, "What aileth thee and why do I

see thee so changed in looks?"; and I answered, "My head paineth

me and I am far from well." Whereupon she was vexed and was

concerned on my account and said, "Burn not my heart, O my lord,

but sit up and raise thy head and recount to me what hath

happened to thee today, for thy face tells me a tale." "Leave

this talk," replied I. But she wept and said, "Me seems thou art

tired of me, for I see thee contrary to thy wont." But I was

silent; and she kept on talking to me albeit I gave her no

answer, till night came on.