The Story of the GULNARE of the Sea (8)

The Story of the GULNARE of the Sea (8)

  One day he said to her, when his passion was excessive : " O desire of souls, verily the love that I have for thee is great, and I have relinquished for thy sake all my worldly portion, and been patient with thee a whole year.
  I beg God that He will, in His grace, soften thy heart toward me, and that thou mayest speak to me. Or, if thou be dumb, inform me by a sign, that I may give up hope of thy speaking.
  I also beg of God that He will bless thee with a son that may inherit my kingdom after me : for I am solitary, having none to be my heir, and my age has become great.
  I conjure thee, then, by Allah, if thou love me, that thou return me a reply. "

  And upon this, the damsel hung her head toward the ground, meditating.

  Then she raised her head, and smiled in the face of the King, whereat it appeared to the King that lightning filled the private chamber.

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