His robe was white like milk,
His eyes love-heavy underneath blue lids.
His cheeks the shadow of wine-coloured silk
‘What modesty forbids?
Why do you pass me so?
I am as patient for your hand
As a white lamb is patient for the priest.’
‘You sing three whites and I have four at least:
A destiny which would be white without you,
A body white and bland,
A face of white,
A garment blanched and exquisite.
You did not count my white aright
And so I flout you.’
Abu Nuwas (756 - 814) Iran
Translated by Dr J. C. Mardrus (into French) and Powys Mathers (from the French into English)
Source: The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume II, Dorset Press, 1987
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