your wishes; she was afraid that you would not be able to quench her flame after having fanned it.
But what is the name of this woman, O Djoaidi?
"Fadehat el Djemal (the sunrise of beauty)," I replied.
"Return to her," said the sage, "and take her these verses and your affair will come to a happy issue, please God! You will then come back to me, and inform me of what will have come to pass between you two."
I gave my promise, and Abou Nouass recited to me the following lines:
"Have patience now, O Fadehat el Djemal,
I understand your words, and all shall see how I obey them.
O you! beloved and cherished by whoever
Can revel in your charms and glory in them!
O apple of my eye! You thought I was embarrassed
About the answer which I had to give you.
Yes, certainly! It was the love I bore you
Made me look foolish in the eyes of all you know.
They thought I was possessed of a demon;
Called me a Merry Andrew and buffoon.
For God! What of buffoonery I've got,
Should it be, that
No other member is like mine? Here! see it, measure it!
What woman tastes it falls in love with me,
In violent love. It is a well known fact
That you from far may see it like a column.
If it erects itself it lifts my robe and shames me.
Now take it kindly, put it in your tent,
Which is between the well-known mountains placed.
It will be quite at home there, you will find it
Not softening while inside, but sticking like a nail;
Take it to form a handle to your vase.
Come and examine it, and notice well
How vigorous it is and long in its erection!
If you but want a proper medeleuk,
A medeleuk to use between your thighs.
Take this to stir the centre of your kettle.
It will do good to you, O mistress mine!
Your kettle be it plated will be satisfied![1]
- ↑ Note in the autograph edition.—The Arabs have a vulgar saying of a man who is not easily satisfied that he is mokeus deur, plated. Doubtless it refers in a similar sense to the vulva.
