Of Ferdoosee. 37 
The vermil lip of Roodabah turned to a smile; 
She regarded the slave with a look full of 
pleasure : 
If, said she, thou wilt bring this thing to pass, 
Thou shalt cultivate a tall and fruitful tree, 
Which every day shall prodace rubies, 
And pour its fruit into thy lap. 
The slaves depart to execute their commis- 
sion. ‘They approach near enough to the 
camp, to attract the attention of Zaul, and 
employ themselves busily in gathering roses. 
Curious to know who they are, he sends his 
quiver-bearer to bring back an arrow which 
he shoots in that direction. The slaves 
enquire who the hero is, who draws the bow 
with such strength and skill. The boy dis- 
dainfully asks them how they can be ignorant 
that it is the renowned Zaul, the most perfect 
warrior whom the world had ever beheld. 
Piqued at hs tone they begin to vaunt the 
superior excellencies of Roodabah, and break 
out into an exaggerated description of her 
charms. Zaul repairs to the slaves, declares 
his passion, and requests them to procure him 
an interview with the object of bis affection, 
which they promise, if possible, to obtain. 
This little incident is, on the whole, well 
imagined; it is Zaul who is made to desire 
