Mohammed Khoiruzm Shah

In the same year that Sultan Mohammed Khoiruzm Shah, for some weighty reason, made peace ith the King of Khatai, I entered the mosque of ashghur, where I saw a boy of incomparable beauty id remarkably elegant in his form, such as those ho have been thus described : ‘ The master perfect- l you in bold and captivating manners, in tyranny, blandishment, forwardness, and severity: I never saw any mortal possessed of such beauty, such temper, such stature, and accomplishments ; but you may have been instructed by a fairy.’

He held in his hand the instruction to the syntax of Zemukslxery, and was repeating, “Zeid struck Omar, and became the injurer of Omar.” I said, “Young man, Khovaruzm and Khatai have made peace ; and does there still continue the contention between Omar and Zeid? ” He laughed, and asked where I was born? I answered, “At Shiraz.” He asked, “What have you of S&dy’s compositions?” I replied, in Arabic, “I am enamoured with the student of syntax, who attacks me as furiously as Zeid does Omar, and is so intent on repeating his lesson that he lifts not up his head; for how can the disdainful person look upon others?” He replied, “ The greater part of his verses to be met with in this country are in the Persian language; if you would repeat some of those we should more readily comprehend them.

Speak to men according to their capacity.” Whilst you fix your attention on syntax, our minds are bereft of reason; alas, thou ravisher of hearts, I am thinking on you only, and you are engrossed by Omar and Zeid. Probably some of the caravan had told him that I was SMy, for on the morning of our departure I saw him come running. He showed kindness and lamented my departure, saying, “How was it that you should have been so long without telling me that you are Sady, in order that I might have rendered you every service in my power? ” I answered, that I had not power to discover myself in his presence.

He added, “What objection can there be to your remaining here, and favouring us with your company a few days longer? ” I replied, “ I cannot, on account of the following incident which once befel me :I saw in the mountain a wise man, who, having retired from the world, dwelt in a cave. I asking why he did not frequent the city to relieve his mind? He replied, There dwell many of exquisite beauty: and where there is much clay, the elephants lose their footing.’ ” After making this speech, we mutually kissed and bid each other adieu. What benefit is there in kissing the cheek of a friend at the instant that you are bidding him adieu? It is like an apple with one cheek red and the other yellow. If I die not of grief on the day that I bid adieu, you will not consider me faithful in friendship.