Abu Jaafar the poet was in love with Hafsa, and sent her the following poem: God ever guard the memory Of that fair night, from censure free, Which hid two lovers, you and me, Deep in Mu'ammal's poplar-grove; And, as the happy hours we spent, There gently wafted a sweet scent From flowering Nejd, all redolent With the rare fragrance of the clove. High in the trees a turtle-dove Sang rapturously of our love, And boughs of basil swayed above A gently murmuring rivulet; The meadow quivered with delight Beholding such a joyous sight, The interclasp of bodies white, And breasts that touched, and lips that met. |