20
FERISHTAH'S FANCIES.
I loved the lady — I, who needs must laugh
To hear a snake boasts nine heads : they have three ! "
" Thanks for the well-timed help that's born, behold,
Out of thy words, my son, — belief and love !
Hast heard of Ishak son of Absal ? Ay,
The very same we heard of, ten years since,
Slain in the wars : he comes back safe and sound, —
Though twenty soldiers saw him die at Yezdt, —
Just as a single mule-and-baggage boy
Declared was like he some day would, — for why?
The twenty soldiers lied, he saw him stout,
Cured of all wounds at once by smear of salve,
A Mubid's manufacture : such the tale.
Now, when his pair of sons were thus apprised.
