The Khalif El-Mamoun was sitting one day in his palace，surrounded by his grandees and officers of stateand there were present also before him all his poets and minionsamongst the rest one named Mohammed of Bassora. Presentlythe Khalif turned to the latter and said to him'O MohammedI wish thee to tell me something that I have never before heard.'O Commander of the Faithful，'answered Mohammed'shall I tell thee a thing that I have heard with my ears of a thing that I have seen with my eyes？'Tell me whichever is the rarer，'said El Mamoun.
'Know thenO Commander of the Faithful，'began Mohammed'that there lived once a wealthy manwho was a native of Yemen；but he left his native land and came to this city of Baghdadwhose sojourn so pleased him that he transported hither his family and possessions. Now he had six slave-girlsthe first fairthe second darkthe third fatthe fourth thinthe fifth yellow and the sixth blackall fair of face and perfectly accomplished and skilled in the arts of singing and playing upon instruments of music. One day he sent for them all and called for meat and drink；and they ate and drank and made merry. Then he filled the cup and taking it in his handsaid to the blonde'O new-moon-facelet us hear somewhat pleasing.'So she took the lute and tuning itmade music thereon with such melodious trills and modulations that the place danced to the rhythm；after which she played a lively measure and sang the following verses：
I have a friendwhose form is mirrored in mine eyeAnd deep within my breasthis name doth buried lie.
Whenas I call him back to mindI am all heartAnd when on him I gazeall eyes indeed am I.
'Forswear the love of him，'my censor says；and I'That which is not to behow shall it be？'reply.
'Go forth from me，'quoth I'and leave mecensor mine： Feign not that eath and lightthat's grievous to aby.'