So they took leave of one another and departedeach for his own countryKing Dirbas's Vizier carrying with him Uns el Wujoudwho was still insensible. They bore him with them on mulebackunknowing if he were carried or notfor three days,at the end of which time he came to himself and said'Where am I?'Thou art in company with King Dirbas's Vizier,'answered they and went and told the latterwho sent him rose-water and sherbet of sugarof which they gave him to drink and restored him. Then they fared on till they drew near King Dirbas's capital and the Kingbeing advised of his Vizier's coming,wrote to himsaying'An Uns el Wujoud be not with theecome not to me ever.'
When the Vizier read the royal mandateit was grievous to him,for he knew not that Rose-in-bud was with the King nor why he had sent him in quest of Uns el Wujoudneither knew he that the fakir he had with him was Uns el Wujoud himself;and the latter in like manner knew not whither they were bound nor that the Vizier had been despatched in quest of himself. Sowhen he saw him thus chagrinedhe said to him'What ails thee?'And he answered'I was sent by the King on an errandwhich I have not been able to accomplish. Sowhen he heard of my returnhe wrote to me? saying'Enter not my cityexcept thou have fulfilled my need.''And what is the King's need?'asked Uns el Wujoud. So the Vizier told him the caseand he said,'Fear nothingbut go boldly to the King and take me with thee;and I will be surety to thee for the coming of Uns el Wujoud.'
At this the Vizier rejoiced and said'Is this true that thou sayest?'Yes,'answered he;whereupon the Vizier mounted and carried him to King Dirbaswho said to him'Where is Uns el Wujoud?'O King,'answered the young man'I know where he is.'So the King called him to him and said'Where?'Near at handreplied Uns d Wujoud. 'Tell me what thou wouldst with himand I will fetch him to thee.'With all my heart,'answered the King;'but the case calls for privacy.'
So he bade the folk withdraw andcarrying Uns el Wujoud into his closettold him the whole story;whereupon quoth the youth'Clothe me in rice appareland I will eftsoons bring Uns el Wujoud to thee.'So they brought him a sumptuous dress,and he donned it and said'I am the Delight of the Worldand the Mortification of the Envious.'So sayinghe transfixed ail hearts with his glances and recited the following verses:
My loved one's memory cheers me still in this my solitude And doth wanhope from me awayas I in absence brood.
I have no helper but my tears;yetwhen from out mine eyes They flowthey lighten my despair and ease my drearihood.
Sore is my longing;yeait hath no like and my affair In love and passion's marvellousbeyond all likelihood.
I lie the night longwakeiul-eyed,--no sleep is there for me,--And passfor lovefrom heaven to hellaccording to my mood.
Yeapatience fair some time I hadbut have it now no more;And longing and chagrin increase upon melike a flood.
Indeedmy body's worn to noughtfor severance from her;Yearnings my aspect and my form to change have all subdued.
Mine eyelids ulcerated are with weepingnor can I Avail to stay the constant tearswherewith they're still bedewed.
IndeedI can no more;my strengthmy very vitals fail. How many sorrows have I borneon sorrows still renewed!
My heart and head are grizzled grownfor loss of a princess In beautysurethe fairest maid that ever lover wooed.
In her despiteour parting wasfor no desire hath she Save to be joined with me and feed once more on lovers'food.
I wonderwill my fate to me union vouchsafe with her I cherishafter absence long and stress of lonelihood,And shut the book of severance upthat now is open wideAnd blot out troubles from my thought with love's supremest good?
Shall my belovedin my landmy cup-companion be And sorrow and affliction be by pure delight ensued?
'By Allah,'exclaimed the King'ye areindeeda pair of true lovers and in the heaven of beauty two shining stars! Your story is marvellous and your case extraordinary.'Then he told him all that had befallen Rose-in-bud;and Uns el Wujoud said,'Where is sheO King of the age?'She is with me now,'answered Dirbas and sending for the Cadi and the witnesses,drew up the contract of marriage between her and him. Then he loaded Uns el Wujoud with favours and bounties and sent to King Shamikhadvising him of what had befallenwhereat the latter rejoiced with an exceeding joy and wrote back to himsaying,'Since the marriage contract hath been drawn up at thy court! it behoves that the wedding and consummation be at mine.'And he made ready camels and horses and men and sent them in quest of the lovers.