Nashta

The King disengaged his hand and leaned it over to Nashta, who began playing with it, and fitting on it a ring, giggling.

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

Bhanavar paced from him to a mirror, and frowned at the reflection of her fairness, thinking, 'Such had he spoken to the girl Nashta, or another, this King!'

The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete George Meredith 1868

The King continued his fondling with the girl, saying to her, 'Was there no destiny foretold of thy coming to the palace of the King to rule it, O Nashta, starbeam in the waters! and hadst thou no dream of it?'

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

The King replied languidly, still looking on Nashta, ''Tis a command that the voice of none that are crabbed and hideous be heard in the harem, and

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

Bhanavar struck the King's arm, but he noticed her not, and Nashta laughed.

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

The King bellowed in wrath, and ran to Nashta, crying to the Queen,

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

She pointed to Nashta, and the King chid the girl, and sent her forth lean with his shifted displeasure, as a kitten slinks wet from a fish-pond where it had thought to catch a great fish.

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

Then the King seized her violently, and flung her over the marble floor to the very basin of the fountain, and the crown that was on her brow fell and rolled to the feet of Nashta.

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

I find comfort in it, O Nashta! but speak thou, my fountain of sweet-dropping lute-notes! '

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

Bhanavar paced from him to a mirror, and frowned at the reflection of her fairness, thinking, 'Such had he spoken to the girl Nashta, or another, this King!'

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868