Note 467
TALE OF NUR AL-DIN AND HIS SON. (continued 2)
Alluding to the τήρατα ("minor miracles which cause surprise") performed by Saints' tombs, the mildest form of thaumaturgy. One of them gravely recorded in the Dabistan (ii. 226) is that of the holy Jamen, who opened the Sámran or bead- bracelet from the arm of the beautiful Chistápá with member erect, "thus evincing his manly strength and his command over himself"(!)
"Thou hast some art the hearts of men to clip; * Close-veiled, far-hidden mystery dark and deep: O thou whose beauties shame the lustrous moon, * Wherewith the saffron Morn fears rivalship! Thy beauty is a shrine shall ne'er decay; * Whose signs shall grow until they all outstrip; [FN#467] Must I be thirst-burnt by that Eden-brow * And die of pine to taste that Kausar-lip?" [FN#468]
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