and enrich her poverty." Thus far concerning Nuzhat al-Zaman and her consort and the relict of Zau al-Makan; but as regards Kanmakan and his cousin Kuzia Fakan, they grew up and flourished till they waxed like unto two fruit-laden boughs or two shining moons; and they reached the age of fifteen. And she was indeed the fairest of maids who are modestly veiled, lovely faced with smooth cheeks graced, and slender waist on heavy hips based; and her shape was the shaft's thin line and her lips were sweeter than old wine and the nectar of her mouth as it were the fountain Salsabíl[1]; even as saith the poet in these two couplets describing one like her,
As though ptisane of wine on her lips honey dew ○ Dropt from the ripened grapes her mouth in clusters grew;
And, when her frame thou doublest, and low bends her vine, ○ Praise her Creator's might no creature ever knew."
Of a truth Allah had united in her every charm: her shape would shame the branch of waving tree and the rose before her cheeks craved lenity; and the honey dew of her lips of wine made jeer, however old and clear, and she gladdened heart and beholder with joyous cheer, even as saith of her the poet,
Goodly of gifts is she, and charm those perfect eyes, ○ With lashes shaming Kohl and all the fair ones Kohl'd [2]
And from those eyne the glances pierce the lover's heart, ○ Like sword in Mír al-Muminína Ali's hold.
And (the relator continueth) as for Kanmakan, he became unique in loveliness and excelling in perfection no less; none could even him in qualities as in seemliness and the sheen of velour between his eyes was espied, testifying for him while against him it never testified. The hardest hearts inclined to his side; his eyelids bore lashes black as by Kohl; and he was of surpassing worth in body and soul. And when the down of lips and cheeks began to sprout bards and poets sang for him far and near,
Appeared not my excuse till hair had clothed his cheek, ○ And gloom o'ercrept that side-face (sight to stagger!)
A fawn, when eyes would batten on his charms, ○ Each glance deals thrust like point of Khanjar-dagger.
