MULEYEEG. 68

“ He was hunger-bitten, I heard: I tempted with half
my store,

And a gibe was all my thanks. Is he generous like.
Spring dew ?

Account the fault to me who chaffered with such an
one!

He has killed, to feast chance comers, the creature he
rode: nay, more —

For a couple of singing-girls his robe has he torn in
two:

I will beg! Yet I nowise gained by the tale of my
wife and son.

“T swear by the Holy House, my head will I never
wash

Till I filech his Pearl away. Fair dealing I tried, then
guile,

And now I resort to force. He said we must live or
die:

Let him die, then, —let me live! Be bold — but not
too rash !

I have found me a peeping-place: breast, bury your
breathing while

I explore for myself! Now, breathe! He deceived
me not, the spy !

“As he said—there lies in peace Héseyn— how
happy! Beside