Ḥuṣn va dil - Ḥuṣn oo Dil (Beauty and Heart)

Gentlemen,

Having lately heard that it is your intention to encourage translations of oriental manuscripts, I presume to lay before you the present work. I made the translation several years ago, but was deterred from publishing it, from a conviction that the sale of oriental works seldom repays the expences attached to them. But gentlemen, under your auspices, I now venture to publish this singular production, and hope it will not be unacceptable to your honorable society. If my expectation be realized, I shall continue to translate other classical authors, with a degree of confidence in your support; and shall at all times, be happy in contributing my small mite to the general fount of oriental literature.

Worcester, February, 1828,

The lively conceptions of the author of this allegory, I have no doubt, will be read with the same pleasure in Europe, as they have been in Asia for several centuries past. The manuscript from which I translated it is a very beautiful one, on silky paper, powdered with gold dust, and highly ornamented by the hand of Abdurrahman in the year of the Hegira 896. (1491.)

I have rendered the translation perfectly literal, and, as far as different idioms would allow, I have conformed to the Persian order, that the young orientalist might more readily trace the words as they correspond with each other in the two languages. I believe I have preserved every idea of the author, the same as if he had written the book in the english language; and I trust that critical readers will recollect it is not an easy task to combine closeness of asiatic compositions with elegance of style in a european tongue.

PRAISE be to God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth; and peace and blessing on his people, Mohammed, and all his race: — BUT the story FOLLOWS.

The Author and inventor of the following tales relates, that in a city of the Grecians there was a king, named Wisdom, who subdued all the regions of the west; but his happiness was incomplete, because he had no son to take the active part in the government of the nation. The Almighty at length bestowed upon him a beautiful son, whom he called Heart. In process of time Heart grew in knowledge, and became prime-minister of state. Wisdom had a very strong fort, called Body’s castle, in which he stationed Heart as governor. Within this fort there was a palace, called the Palate, which, like a temple, was vaulted with a dome. After some time, having filled this exalted station with equity to all the world; he was one night in company with his privy councillors, who related some tales; in the course of which they stated, that the Almighty has in this world, an everlasting fountain from Paradise, named THE WATER OF LIFE, and those who drink of it, live for ever.

Heart, overcome with a thirst for that water, inquired about the fountain of life. All replied, “There is no road leading to it, nor account of any person having been at it.”

The ardent desire of tasting the water of life, brought on melancholy, and Heart resigned the affairs of the nation; shutting himself up in his closet, and locking the door of familiar conversation.

It happened that Heart had a spy called Vision, watch of the city of Body: who coming to Heart in his retirement, and kissing the ground of submission, asked the cause of his sadness. Heart made no concealment, but recounted to him the excessive desire he conceived for the water. Vision replied: — Be not uneasy my Lord, nor resign the affairs of the nation, for I will quickly go and trace out the water of life, be it ever so distant.

Rejoiced at this answer, Heart took courage; and Vision set out in search of the desired water; travelled by sea and land, and after some time, reached the most distant parts of the world, witnessing many wondrous sights: among the rest, he came to a city abounding in lofty structures, and encompassed with extensive fields: its environs were most charming; its edifices truly sumptuous.

He secretly inquired of a person the history of the country, and the name of the reigning king. This place, replied the person, is called Health and Youth, and the name of the king is Fame.

Vision paid his respects to Fame, and questioned him about the water. The tale of the water of life, said he, is a mere fable which requires an interpretation:—know then, that whoever desires the water of life, must gain it by renown; because the water of life centres in those only who gain renown. Whosoever is nourished with this water, will have his name flowing in the mouths of the living till the day of judgment.

Thus disappointed, Vision left Fame’s city, and made across the mountains; till one day coming to a certain hill, he asked a person the name of it. This hill, said he, is termed FALSE HERMIT’S MOUNT, because it contains the cave of an old recluse called Falsity.

Vision paid a visit to Falsity, and questioned him about the water. He replied, “The fountain of the water of life is in the garden of Paradise, and the signs of it in this world are the tears of the penetential: therefore, one must put on the garb of piety, to be able to sip the clear and delicious sherbet of the people’s faith.”

Vision gaining no satisfactory information from the deceitful reply of Falsity, issued from the mountain, like a torrent, and hastened to the plain, where some days after, he discovered a fort, flanked with towers and lofty battlements. He inquired of a person the name of the fort, and who was the king: this is the city of Direction said he: and the sovereign of the country is a stripling, named Attention.

Vision waited upon Attention, and having kissed the ground of submission, he inquired about the water of life. Young man, said Attention, the fountain of life is undoubtedly in the world, though difficult of access; because there is no road to it, nor person who knows in what direction it lies.

Vision replied, though it be difficult of access; it cannot injure your Majesty to impart some information on the subject; devise an expedient, and I will adopt it; impart your intelligence, and I will go in quest of the fountain.

Attention answered:—know that in the East there is a king, called Love; the influence of whose power extends to the geni as well as to mortals. He has a daughter, of matchless beauty, the celebrity of which is the theme throughout the East: her father therefore named her Beauty; built a noble city in honour of her at the foot of the Magic-mountain; and made a garden in it resembling Paradise. He called the city SIGHT; the garden, THE ROSE-GARDEN OF THE CHEEK.

In this garden there is a private fountain called Mouth, which contains the hidden water of life. Beauty, attended by her generals is constantly there with an innumerable army, immersed in pleasure and delight, and drinking the water of life out of the cup of desire. But it is difficult for man to reach the place, because there are many dangers in the way, beside the city of Monsters, the residence of a demon called Guardian, who has the control over it, and who is stationed by Love as Guardian of the city of Sight. There are many other obstacles, but if you pass this place and reach the city of Sight in safety; I have a brother there whose name is SHAPE, Generalissimo and Standard-bearer to Beauty, in countenance like an angel. Beyond the city of Monsters, near the end of the journey, the progress of the traveller is impeded by a race of scrpents with human heads.

In short, when Attention had given a representation of the water of life; Vision took leave, and at parting, Attention gave him a letter of introduction to his brother and bade him adieu.

Vision travelled towards the East, and after a long journey, reached the destined spot, and was taken by Guardian’s army and brought before him. Guardian demanded who he was and whence he came, who could presume to enter his territory. Vision told him he was a Chemist and a master of several arts. Guardian then asked him which he excelled in, and what was his most familiar art: he replied “By permission of Divine Providence I am in want of nothing that nature can bestow, because, by means of the Philosopher’s stone, I can change earth into gold.”

Guardian hankering much after gold, requested him to make some; but was answered by Vision, that Alchimy required several ingredients compounded, which ingredients might be obtained in the city of Sight, and in the Rose-garden of the cheek.

Guardian replied, “If you can make gold, the city of Sight and the Rose-garden of the cheek are yonder.” In fine, Guardian accompanied Vision, and when they arrived at Shape’s garden, they gathered the fruit of desire from the the tree of perception.

When Shape saw Vision in company with Guardian, he called him aside and inquired his business. Vision recounted to him that part of his history which related to himself, and confirmed it by producing Attention’s letter. Shape then placed him in the care of his servant LEG; and Guardian losing sight of Vision, returned to his own city.

When Vision had got rid of Guardian, and was going to leave Shape’s garden, to repair to the city of sight; he descried many wonderful objects: one was an arch of virgin silver,^* another, a globe^† suspended from hair. Unable to descend the declivity (of the globe), he stood helpless and amazed.

Beauty had an officer whose name was Ringlet, a native of Hindostan, whom she employed as night-watch to take such fugitives as got entangled in the snares he laid in Shape’s garden and about the city of Sight. Ringlet having walked that day in the shade, to avoid the influence of the sun-beams, had retired to rest, and was reposing within the arch (of the brow). Surprised by Vision’s sudden appearance, Ringlet ordered him to give an account of himself.

Vision’s father coming from Turkistan, his mother from Hindostan, his complexion had a favourable effect on the mind of Ringlet, who, conceiving him to be one of his own fellow-citizens, took pity on his forlorn situation, and ascending to the top of the arch and springing a noose, he disentangled his hands and feet, and released him out of the snare (into which he had fallen).

Vision being set at liberty, took his leave, and Ringlet giving him a hair from his own head, told him if he should be embarrassed in the way, to set it on fire and he would come to his assistance. Vision having set out, was taken by the serpent squadron of Ringlet’s army, but escaping from them, reached the city of Sight. This city comprised four districts, viz, GALANTRY, COQUETRY, BLANDISHMENT, VIRTUE.

When Vision had examined some remarkable scenes in the suburbs of the city, he directed his steps to the Rose-garden of the cheek; and having passed through the Court-yard of the Palace, he entered the garden, in which he saw several negro boys perambulating and gathering roses.

Vision asked them who they were and to whom they belonged; they replied, “As a black mole gives lustre to angelic beauty, so we are the slaves of lovely Beauty’s mole; we come from Ethiopia and Zenguebar; we are all slaves, in constant attendance.”

The historian relates that Vision had a brother of a capricious temper, his name was BEWICHING-GLANCE: in his infancy he was separated from Vision, having been carried away by robbers; but being taken into Beauty’s service, in the course of time became her chief archer.

Vision happened to be looking about the garden while Glance was reposing upon a narcissus bed,^* in a state of intoxication; but perceiving Vision, he recovered his senses, and brandishing a dart over his head he exclaimed “Who art thou? Where comest thou from? Thou appearest to be some stranger come from the road of perfidy, intending to commit depredations here.” It was Glance’s design indeed to have killed him that instant, having first stript him and placed a bandage over his eyes. Their mother, continues the historian, had two onyxes from Arabia felix, one of which she secretly bound on one arm of each of her sons as an antidote against danger.

No sooner had Glance stript Vision than he discovered the onyx on his arm, and having questioned him concerning it, he related the history of his mother and brother. Glance being convinced that Vision was his own brother, and that both their gems came off the same string, unbound his eyes and embraced him; bade him to unfold how they became separated, conducted him to his house, and treated him with brotherly affection.

Beauty hearing however that Glance had a brother arrived, gave order for Glance to repair to her presence on tbe morrow, to make her acquainted with the manner of his coming: she said to him “What is the name of thy brother lately come? What arts does he profess?” Glance answered, “My brother’s name is Vision, he is a perfect judge of jewels.” Beauty replied, “Long have I had a jewel in my treasury the love of which is treasured in my breast; it is a figure in stone, so exquisitely carved, that it is quite enchanting: I know not what species of gem it is, nor whose likeness it represents.

Glance, conformably to his order, next day conducted Vision into Beauty’s presence: Beauty tried him on various subjects, and Vision gave a just explanation to each question. At length she called her treasurer and ordered him to bring the stone figure (alluded to,) which was no sooner beheld by Vision than he perceived the exact likeness of Heart from head to foot, and addressing Beauty, he said, “This is the likeness of a Prince in the West, whose name is Heart, and whose beauty and accomplishments are universally spoken of.”

Vision having given this description of Heart, Beauty fell violently in love with him, though she had never seen his person. In short, she was so captivated, that calling Vision to her retire apartments she said, “Since thou hast given such a pleasing description of Heart’s elegance, thou must show me the road of union; having surmounted difficulties, thou mightest the more readily open the way of attachment between Heart and myself.” Vision replied, “It would be very difficult to bring Heart here, because he is confined as Governor in the castle of Body, under the strict eye of his father; both night and day: but for some time he has had a thirst for the water of life; and has made every possible inquiry after it; therefore if one of your Highness’s ministers could go with me and take a taste of the water of life, we might probably withdraw the veil that hangs between you, and induce Heart to come with us.

The historian mentions, that Beauty had a servant who could take likenesses by sleight of hand as he walked in the night, his name was FANCY; he was Beauty’s reflector, and chief of her household.

Beauty had a seal of clear ruby^* which possessed the virtue of tracing the fountain MOUTH: having given this seal into the care of Fancy and Vision, she dispatched them for the purpose of bringing Heart back with them, and, after travelling some time, they reached the city in which Heart resided. In fine, Vision gave Heart an account of his adventures, and introduced Fancy to him. Heart having looked upon Fancy with the eye of favour, asked him what was his profession. Fancy replied “I am a limner, and I am Beauty’s Confident.” Heart said, “Show me a specimen of your art that I might judge of your talents, and be enabled to read an ornamental page of your skill.”

Fancy taking a pencil, quickly drew the portrait of Beauty upon a sheet of paper. When Heart beheld the picture, he was enraptured with it, and after consulting with Fancy and Vision, he determined to accompany them to the city of Sight.

But, continues the historian, Heart had a Minister called CONJECTURE who lived in the vicinity of Wisdom’s residence; having heard of Heart’s intention, he hastened to inform Wisdom that Vision had been from Body, had returned, and had brought a limner with him from the kingdom of Love, for the purpose of enticing Heart away to the city of Sight: no one, said he, knows the stratagems of Love’s host; they are made up of charms tinctured with deceit; our country, continued he, is upon an even surface, but the kingdom of Love is inexplorable.

When Wisdom heard Conjecture’s observations, he ordered Heart, Fancy, and Vision to be put in close confinement. Again the historian remarks, that the ruby seal sent by Beauty to Heart, had by the latter, been committed to the care of Vision. This seal possessed the property of rendering the person who held it in the mouth, invisible to the eye of man, besides the virtue of discovering the fountain of the water of life to the person who carried it.

Vision having put the seal into his mouth, set out for the city of Sight, and in a short time arrived at the Rose-garden of the cheek; and perceiving there, the fountain MOUTH between some bowers of roses, he intended to drink a draught of its water and live for ever; but unfortunately, when opening his mouth, the seal dropped into the fountain, and to his astonishment, the seal was no sooner out of his mouth than the fountain disappeared!

At this juncture, while in a fit of distraction, Guardian came up, and, in a very uncivil manner, seized and dragged him away to his own house, and cast him into prison.

Vision being lodged in the prison of injustice, one night recollected that Ringlet had given him a hair, which hair he set on fire, and Ringlet was instantly in his presence, loosed his fetters, and put him into the road leading to the Rose-garden of the cheek.

When Vision reached the city of sight, he went to Beauty, and having kissed the ground, he described the manner in which Fancy and Heart had been confined. Beauty was greatly insensed, and calling Glance, told him of the disaster and said, “To remedy the evil, thou and Vision must go secretly to the city of Body and bring Heart and Fancy away by enchantment.”

Glance and Vision, conformably to Beauty’s command, set out with a train of charming, harassing, plundering damsels, and marched against the city of Body, travelling each day double stages.

But, says the historian, when Vision escaped from confinement, Wisdom anticipating a rupture, dispatched letters to the chief officers of his kingdom, to this effect,

LET THE COMMANDERS KEEP VISION OUT OF WISDOM’S DOMINIONS: LET THEM REPEL HIM WHEREVER THEY MEET HIM.

Among other incidents, the hermit Falsity had a son, named REPENTANCE, who held a castle upon False-hermit’s mount; this officer also received a letter from Wisdom with injunctions to capture Vision.

It happened that Glance and Vision arrived early one morning at the foot of the hermit’s hill; it was a delightful spot, the ground was covered with grass intermixed with the sweetest flowers, on which they lay extended to repose.

When the watchman at the dawn of day, looked out of the castle, he discovered Vision and the damsels; and going to Repentance he said, “Vision and a vast train of beautiful girls have arrived at the foot of the hill and are sleeping there undisturbed.” Repentance drew up a formidable army, and rushed upon Vision and Glance, who, being awakened by the troops, arose and gave him battle, and breaking his line, instantly threw his army into disorder.

They pillaged the fort, destroyed Falsity’s cave, and marched towards the city of Health; and, as wandering Colinders who clothe themselves with skins, they changed their figure.

In short, in their way through the city of Health, they met Fame under the disguise of Colinders: thence as they approached the city of Body, they conceived it expedient to change their whole appearance and assume another form. Glance uttered an incantation, and breathing on the damsels, they were changed into an assemblage of fawns.

But again, says the historian, when Repentance was subdued by Glance’s plundering army, he fled to the city of Body, went to Wisdom, and after paying his homage, gave him an account of the wicked exploits of Glance’s army.

When Wisdom had heard his tale, he was much alarmed, and sending for Heart, loosed his fetters and invested him with a royal robe. Beauty’s army, said he, is composed of a people devoid of principle, false in affection and faithless: though thou hast been deceived by their machinations, do not abandon the kingdom of thy inheritance.

If, however thou art determined to go to the city of Sight, and wouldst form an alliance with Beauty, take a large army with thee from BODY, and march against the city of Sight. If thou go and be victorious, thou mayest accomplish thy desire; but if on the other hand thou be worsted, the world might excuse thee.

Heart consented reluctantly to the proposal of his father, though absorbed in grief: he had a general, named PATIENCE, remarkable for intrepidity, whom he ordered to muster the army and march against the city of Sight.

But the historian mentions, that when Heart set out for the city of Sight, Wisdom accompanied him a stage or two, attended by his courtiers, and it being reported that a flock of fawns were pasturing in the vicinity; Heart, armed with bow and arrow, went into the wilderness in pursuit of them.

The fawns, headed by Glance, when Heart appeared at a distance, seemed neither terrified nor inclined to start, till he drew nigh: then they bounded away like rays of light in seeming agitation and made another stand. In this manner they tempted Heart’s army to pursue them, now standing still, then starting off.

When Wisdom perceived Heart had entered the wilderness in chase of the fawns, and not returning after a lapse of some days, he mustered the remnant of the army, returned to the city of Body, and left Heart and the fawns wandering in the wilderness.

But, observes the historian, when Vision and Glance had enticed Heart and Wisdom into the wilderness by enchantment, in the course of a few days they reached the suburbs of the city of Sight, and went to inform Beauty of the manner in which they had brought Heart.

When Beauty understood that Heart’s army was near, and had heard all that was said respecting its coming, and judging it prudent to acquaint her father of the case, that he might devise means of repulsing it; she sent him a letter to this purport.

I HAVE A SERVANT WHO IN THE ART OF DRAWING HAS NO EQUAL; HIS NAME IS FANCY. HE LEFT ME SOME TIME AGO, AND HAVING STOPPED AT BODY, THE KING OF THAT COUNTRY DETAINED HIM AND WOULD NOT SUFFER HIM TO RETURN TO THE CITY OF SIGHT. I SENT TO DEMAND HIS RELEASE, AND THE CITY OF BODY, IN A FRENZY, HAS SENT A NUMEROUS ARMY AGAINST THE CITY OF SIGHT, WITH A VIEW OF TAKING THE COUNTRY.

When Love understood this, the fire of his wrath was enkindled; he commanded SEAL, his general, to muster the army, saying, “Take the army of the East to the city of Sight, assemble Beauty’s army; then attack the forces of Wisdom and Heart, and block up the field of the world upon them.”

Seal, conformably to Love’s command, assembled the army and marched against Wisdom. When Wisdom perceived he had stepped into an ambuscade, he had no choice but that of giving battle. The first day Glance fought. The second day Shape engaged in the field of combat. The third night Ringlet surprised Wisdom’s army, and Zephyr who animated Heart, scattered his troops. Next day Beauty finding she had gained no victory, became pensive, and calling OPINION she consulted him.

Opinion said, “Know that there is a fairy, a twin-sister of your own, who is possessed of mighty power and is invisible to the sons of Adam; nobody being able to trace her, she is called BEAUTY’S-DISPLAY; if any one can conquer Heart, she is the person, no other on earth being capable of the undertaking: be the armies of Wisdom and Heart ever so intrepid, she can defeat the whole.”

Beauty replied, “We are now in front of the enemy in the field, how can she assist us? She is upon the Magic-mountain!” Opinion answered, “Be not uneasy about that, for I have a roll of dust which when thrown upon fire will make her appear to you in splendour.”

Beauty’s countenance beamed with gladness at this (reply), and Opinion having consumed the roll upon fire, she was instantly present, according to Beauty’s wish: Beauty related to her the particulars concerning Heart’s army, and she engaged to settle the affair.

Beauty desired Seal to put the army in order that day, and he immediately rose with gallantry; she had a porter a perfect archer, his name was EYE-BROW curved like the new moon; holding a bow and placing in it an arrow of the eye-lid, he discharged it at Heart’s army: the arrow chanced to hit Heart in the breast, and as he was falling off his steed, the valiant fairy wafted him through the air into Beauty’s presence. When Heart was captivated, his army retrograded with Wisdom’s forces, and Beauty dispatched Ringlet in pursuit of them that he might bring Wisdom and the other Commanders to battle.

But, says the historian, when Heart was struck with the arrow, and was conveyed into Beauty’s presence, he was in a state of delirium. Beauty had a nurse called ENDEARMENT, her confident and bosom friend; having consulted her respecting Heart, she proposed to have him confined for a few days till he should recover himself, and to dispatch a messenger to Love, for further orders. Beauty dispatched Seal to her father, and ordered Heart into confinement.

But, continues the historian, there was a well in the Rose-garden of the cheek, lined with virgin silver, the name of it was THE DIMPLE OF THE CHIN; they placed Heart in this well, under the care of the ruby-lipped cup-bearer SMILE who engaged to dress his wound and hand him sherbet.

When Seal came before Love, and Love had heard the account of the taking of Heart, he ordered Ringlet to attack Wisdom and put him in chains, having secured him, to proceed to BODY and cast him into prison. When Love understood the issue of the case, he departed from the East and hastened to the West, took possession of the throne of Body, and shook the foundations of most of the city.

Again, says the historian, when Heart had been confined in the well nearly a month, Beauty had a great desire for an interview with him. Seal had a daughter called SINCERITY, in whom Beauty ever placed the strictest confidence; Beauty called her into her closet, and they entered into conversation respecting Heart; Sincerity thus advised her saying, “I have a garden in the skirts of the city of Sight; it is called THE GARDEN OF PLEASURE; there is a fountain in it called FRIENDSHIP; and a Palace named MUTUAL-ATTACHMENT, encircled by its water; the interior of this palace affords relief to sorrow. You might send Heart secretly to the garden and fountain of Friendship; sometimes direct your steps thither, and, in the palace of Mutual-attachment, enjoy the sight of Heart’s elegant figure.

Beauty approved of this suggestion, and the same night she desired Ringlet to draw Heart out of the well of THE DIMPLE, and to take him to the garden and fountain of Friendship. Ringlet went to the well of the Dimple, drew Heart out, and in the course of the night having placed him in a vehicle, he conveyed him to the garden and fountain.

In short, when Heart arrived at the garden, after his imprisonment in the well, he winded about it like a rivulet, and coming among fragrant herbs, he suddenly fell asleep.

It also happened that Beauty, accompanied by Sincerity and Endearment, set out for the garden, after Heart; when she had walked about the garden a little while, she came unexpectedly to the spot where Heart was lying; and placing his head on her bosom, tears flowed from her eyes, which trickling upon Heart’s face, he awoke, and finding his head upon Beauty’s bosom, he screamed and fell flat on the ground in a swoon: Beauty then gave him into the care of Fancy and Vision and went herself to the Palace of Mutual-attachment.

But, observes the historian, when Heart recovered from the swoon, Smile and Vision, conformably to Beauty’s command, removed him to the brink of the fountain of friendship, and when it was night, Fancy lighted a taper before him. Beauty, Sincerity, and Endearment assembled on the Palace; Heart, Smile, and Fancy, on the brink of the fountain; and began to enter into society.

In this manner several nights passed; Beauty upon the Palace of Mutual-attachment; Heart by the side of the fountain accompanied by Smile and Fancy, banqueting and cultivating the seed of mirth. At length, however, Beauty could no longer bear the absence of Heart, and calling Sincerity and Endearment to another consultation, and reasoning in various ways they came at length to this conclusion;—That Smile should prepare an inebriating draught in a portion of wine and administer it to Heart by the side of the fountain to put him in a state of intoxication; that Ringlet might carry him up to the terrace of the Palace without his being sensible of it, that Beauty might enjoy his company till morning, and then Ringlet might convey him back to the side of the water.

Beauty approved of this contrivance, and Smile having given him a dose he became stupified, and Beauty enjoyed his company till daylight. Beauty having passed several nights in this way in the Palace of Mutual-attachment, she was delighted in drinking with Heart out of the cup of gladness.

Guardian had a daughter called JEALOUSY of a wretched temper and much addicted to slander, she generally obtruded her disagreeable figure before Beauty under the form of diligence. Now when Beauty went to the garden, she took no notice of it to Jealousy, and therefore did not take her with her; Jealousy being vexed at this slight, anxiously kept prying into the case, till one night she followed Beauty to the top of the Palace of Mutual-attachment, and hid herself. In short, when she had discovered the intimacy of Beauty and Heart, she hastened home and reasoned within herself thus;—Beauty knows not that I have discovered this secret, therefore she has all the pleasure of Heart to herself: the fact is this; I must devise means of sharing the pleasure of meeting Heart, or engross him to myself.

One night, Heart being on the solitary side of the water, and Beauty asleep in the city, Jealousy taking with her a set of little waiting-maids repaired to the Palace of Mutual-attachment, and finding Heart and Fancy inebriated at the water side, by a magic spell she assumed Beauty’s dress and figure, spread a carpet of delight in the Palace of Mutual-attachment, and ordered Heart and Vision to be brought secretly upon the terrace of the Palace without disturbing Fancy. Jealousy taking Heart to her bosom, reposed on Beauty’s throne, and sank in pleasing slumber.

But the historian relates, that when Beauty’s (servant) Fancy awoke and missed Heart, he sought for him, and coming to the top of the Palace of Mutual-attachment he beheld Jealousy clasping Heart, and Vision tipsy and senseless: he set out instantly to the city of Sight, and informed Beauty of the transaction.

Beauty came to the garden the same night, and ascending to the terrace of the Palace of Mutual-attachment, she saw Jealousy sleeping on her royal couch with Heart in her wanton embrace. Beauty screamed at the shock, and dropped into the recess of a window.

When Jealousy heard Beauty’s voice, she was conscious that an arrow of her perfidy had hit the mark, and leaving the Palace of Mutual-attachment and the city of Sight, she set out for the city of Monsters.

When Beauty had recovered herself upon the terrace of the Palace, she broiled with the fire of indignation on account of Heart, whom she ordered to be taken out of the garden and carried to a valley in which there was a prison named REPROOF.

But when Jealousy had raised this disturbance and had fled from the city of Sight to her own town, she made known to Guardian the circumstance respecting Beauty and Heart. Guardian having heard (the case), hastened to the city of Sight, and finding Heart, Vision, and Smile in the valley of Reproof, he seized and forced them away to the city of Monsters, in the vicinity of which, there was a desert called THE SANGUINARY DESERT OF SEPARATION: in this desert there was a castle named SEPARATION, and in this castle Guardian imprisoned them and caused them to despair of life. Now Jealousy sent a letter to Beauty at the city of Sight, and informed her of her treachery. Beauty repented that she had chastised Heart, and was distracted at Guardian’s taking him away; she wrote a letter in verse, each distich comprehending some artificial mystery; and giving it to Fancy, she dispatched him by night to the castle of Separation. Heart read the letter which throughout alluded to Vision’s seeing jewels.

Heart then sent an answer to Beauty by the hand of Fancy, and in each verse he gave a distinct explanation of an enigma.

But, continues the historian, when Beauty’s army brought Heart to battle, and Ringlet dispersed his troops; Patience, who was Wisdom’s general, escaped from Love’s army, and having sheltered at the city of Direction, he communicated to Attention the defeat of Heart’s forces.

Attention said, “I have plenty of troops, and stores in abundance, at Wisdom’s service; for since I was the cause of this tumult by directing Vision to the water of life, I will now march to the city of Sight.” In fine, he had no sooner spoken than he mustered the army and marched towards SIGHT, and some time after, having arrived at Shape’s garden, he had an interview with his brother of whom he inquired respecting Heart. Shape answered,—It is now nearly a twelvemonth that Heart has been imprisoned and bound in fetters of anguish in the castle of Separation, and absent from the Palace of Mutual-attachment.

When Attention heard this narative from his brother, and reflected upon the means of releasing (Heart), he conceived it would be a difficult undertaking otherwise than by submitting it to Love: having led his army to his brother’s, he set out for the castle of Body. When Attention came before Love, he kissed the ground of Submission; Love treated him with much kindness, and conducted him into sumptuous apartments; when he had taken repose after the fatigue of the journey, Love invited him into his private room and inquired his business.

Attention related the sad history concerning Wisdom and Heart: the discourse had a favourable effect, for Love dispatched Seal with orders to recall Heart, and sent Attention with an immense army to the castle of Separation to liberate him from bondage, to imprison Guardian in his stead, and to proceed thence to the city of Sight and Rose-garden of the cheek and endeavour to promote an alliance between Beauty and Heart. In short, Seal released Wisdom, and sent him to the city of Body. Attention having concentrated the army at the castle of Separation, Love replaced Wisdom on the throne, and having set Heart at liberty, he imprisoned Guardian in his place, kindled the fire of wrath and burnt the sourceress Jealousy, and departing thence, hastened to the city of Sight and bound the chain of union between Beauty and Heart.

But, says the historian, when Attention and Heart arrived at the city of Sight they rested in the garden of friendship: each day one of Beauty’s generals, upon Heart’s arrival, made an entertainment. The first day Seal spread the table of invitation, and in its folds formed flowers with the drum of conversation. The second day Shape did the honours of the table and strove for contention between the palm^* and the flute. The third day Ringlet spread the table and rivalled between the violet and harp^†. The fourth day Glance made a banquet, and vied with the narcissus and china goblet.

When the concerns of the marriage were over, and Heart had attained to perfect felicity from the mutual affection of Beauty; one day he, Attention, and Vision, went by way of a pleasant walk, round the Rose-garden of the cheek; when Heart came to the borders of the fountain Mouth, he discovered a small blooming space called HAPPINESS round the fountain, and in the middle of that space, bordering upon the water of life, he saw an old man clad in green shining as the light. Attention exclaimed to Heart, “Hasten! Know that this is the prophet Elias!” Heart kissed the hand of the aged man, and placed himself before him in profound respect; then the venerable sage drew up the veil of explanation from the path of knowledge, and initiated Heart into some of the mysteries of these tales. Heart being directed by Elias, on whom be peace, to the road of humility, he found grace and spent a life agreeable to rich and poor, and his good name rendered him eminent.

There are many sons whose actions will remain memorable records in the annals of time; and one of those sons has formed the subject of this pleasing allegory; the first fruit of the garden of eloquence and a memorial of friends.

It is time, the book is finished by divine favour.