Melek the sultan, tired and wan,
Nodded at noon on the divan.
Beside the fountain lingered near
Jamil the bard, and the vizier ---
Old Yusuf, cross and hard to please;
Then Jamil sang, in words like these:
Slim is Butheina -- slim is she
As boughs of the Araka-tree!
"Nay," quoth the other, teeth between,
"Learn, if you will -- I call her lean."
Sweet is Butheina -- sweet as wine,
With smiles that like red bubbles shine!
"True. -- by the Prophet!" Yusuf said.
"She makes men wander in the head!"
Dear is Butheina -- ah! more dear
Than all the maidens of Kashmeer!
"Dear," came the answer, quick as thought,
"Dear . . and yet always to be bought."
So Jamil ceased. But still Life's page
Shows diverse unto Youth and Age:
And, be the song of Ghouls or Gods,
Time, like the Sultan, sits . . and nods.
