How the king sent messengers to Samarcand to fetch the goldsmith.
The king sent thither one or two messengers, clever men and competent and very just.
To Samarcand came the two messengers for the goldsmith debonair and wanton [1],
Saying, "O fine master, perfect in knowledge, thou whose quality (of perfection in thy craft) is famous in (all) the lands,
Lo, such-and-such a king hath chosen thee for (thy skill in) the goldsmith's craft, because thou art eminent.
Look now, receive this robe of honour and gold and silver; when thou comest (to the king), thou wilt be a favourite and boon-companion."
The man saw the much wealth and the many robes: he was beguiled, he parted from his town and children.
Blithely the man came into the road, unaware that the king had formed a design against his life.
He mounted an Arab horse and sped on joyously: (what really was) the price of his blood he deemed a robe of honour.
O (fool), who with a hundred consents thyself with thine own foot didst enter on the journey to the fated ill!
In his fancy (were dreams of) riches, power, and lordship. Said Azrá'íl (the Angel of Death), "Go (thy way). Yes, thou wilt get (them)!"
When the stranger arrived (and turned) from the road, the physician brought him into the presence of the king.
Proudly and delicately they conducted him to the king of kings, that he might burn (like a moth) on that candle of Tiráz.
The king beheld him, showed great regard (for him), and entrusted to him the treasure-house (full) of gold.
Then the physician said to him: "O mighty Sultan, give the handmaiden to this lord,
In order that the handmaiden may be happy in union with him, and that the water of union with him may put out the fire (of passion)."
The king bestowed on him that moon-faced one and wedded those twain (who were) craving (each other's) company.
During the space of six months they were satisfying their desire, till the girl was wholly restored to health.
Thereafter he prepared for him a potion, so that when he drank it he began to dwindle away before her.
When because of sickness his beauty remained not, the soul of the girl remained not in his pestilence (deadly toils).
- ↑ Literally, "one who exceeds the due measure" or "one who busies himself with vain things."
