Ode 586

SHAH, out of heaven came now this sudden song,

Blazing with jewels as dread Rizwan's* throne,

So fair—I feared to keep it for my own,

Deeming it must to thee, great Shah, belong.

Rippling and bright and soft as Selsebil

That flows through Paradise his floating hair,

Sweet-tongued, pure-thoughted, grave yet debonair,

The Spirit of Song unfolded me his will.

Said I: “Why camest thou to such a place,

Under a roof so very poor as mine?”

Said he: “I seek another house than thine:

I come to sing before the great Shah's face.”

Now is he all awearied of poor me,

And would within thine august presence stand;

Great Shah, extend to him thy royal hand,

And call the eager visitant to thee.