In 1817, the poet Thomas Moore, inspired by exotic stories European travelers were bringing back from the Orient, published Lala Rokh, a romance. The title character is a beautiful young princess whose name means "tulip cheeks," a term of endearment still used in the Persian language today.
Her story is truly an enchanting one. Lala Rokh is betrothed to a prince in a distant kingdom, who sends a grand procession of palanquins and elephant-borne thrones to meet her and bring her back to him. During the journey, she is entertained each evening by the poet Feramorz, who recites a series of magical, fantastic tales. In spite of herself, she falls in love with the handsome young poet, and as they near the end of their travels, knowing they must soon part, she descends into a state of deep melancholy. Only then does Feramorz reveal himself to be the prince in disguise. Of course, they marry and live happily ever after.
Experience the spices of LaLa Rokh in Boston at http://www.lalarokh.com/index.htm
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