University of Virginia Library

Farhád, who the shapeless mountain
Into human likeness moulded,
Under Shírín's eyes as slavish
Potters' earth himself became.
Then the secret fire of jealous
Frenzy, catching and devouring
Kai Khusrau, broke into flame.
With that ancient Hag of Darkness
Plotting, at the midnight Banquet
Farhád's golden cup he poison'd,
And in Shírín's eyes alone

238

Reign'd—But Fate that Fate revenges,
Arms Shírúyeh with the dagger
That at once from Shírín tore,
And hurl'd him lifeless from his throne.