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...”