46 Life and Writings 
She closed the door of the apartment, 
And was as one that is insane from the tu- 
mult of her thoughts. 
She commanded that her daughter should 
appear before her ; 
And she strack her hand upon her own face, 
And the tears flowed from her radiant eyes, 
Till her cheeks became inflamed like the 
crimson rose. 
Then she said,—O illustrious maid! 
Why hast thou approached so near the pre- 
cipice! 
What is there desirable in this world, 
Which I have not been careful to point out 
to thee? 
Why then art thou so unjust to me ? 
Tell all thy secrets to thy mother : 
Who isthis maid, and wherefore is she come; 
And for whom are intended the ring and tur- 
ban? 
Roodabah fixed her eyes on the ground ; 
She remained abashed at the sight of her 
mother : 
The tear of affection gushed from her eye, 
And her cheeks were crimsoned with the 
falling drops. 
Then she said,—O prudent parent! 
Love chaces away the repose of my soul : 
