Page:The Celebrated Romance of the Stealing of the Mare.djvu/75

Have we not sworn an oath to keep this matter secret ?*
And wilt thou blazon it round with these tongue-wagging damsels ?
A secret is for two, or four at the most, for keeping.
But what and where is it laid bare among a thousand ? "
And she bade him cease his doubt nor thus mistrust the- damsels.
And she led me, and I went shamefaced and in amazement.
The damsels watching near and whispering to each other,
With their veils drawn to their faces. And Alia stood before them,
And with her Abu Zeyd, and she bade me straight be seated.
And she sat down by my side, a wild roe from the desert..
And we seemed a bridal pair, on thrones of gold, new-wedded.
And we watched the sport and play, the festival of rejoicing.
And the damsels each at each looked and at us, in whispers
Asking, and half aloud, " Who then may be this stranger,,
A prince ? a noble born ? a man of race and lineage ?
Watch well his garments, ye, his bearing, his demeanour,.
Surely he something hath of king-like in his gesture."
And one cried, " Hearken all, and I will read the riddle..
This is a holy man, one unacquainted with women.
Strange to the wearers of plaits." And another, " Nay,, I tell ye,