The Mesnevi

*...A prince there was, long since in time it is.Of Church and State the power and wealth were his.The chase on horse one day to follow, bent;With pompous courtier-train afield he went.A handmaid58 fair was wand’ring near a grove.Her he espied, and straightway fell in love.His heart was snared; her form its cage, its stall.He lavished gold; and made her thus his thrall.But now, behold the wayward spite of fate!The maid fell sick, this prince’s joy to bate.An ass had Hodge; no saddle to the fore.A saddle bought; a wolf straight Jacky tore.A jug had Dick; the well, alas, was dry.The well then filled; the jug was broke hard by.Now leeches called the prince, from left, from right.*Two lives,* quoth he, *depend upon your might.My health is naught; she’s life of life to me.I’m sad at heart; my sov’reign balm is she.Who finds a remedy to save her life,Much gold, with jewels, his; and thanks more rife.*All promised marvels; each, to use his skill;To search the case; to ease the maiden’s ill...*