For discussion of such 'liver' verses, see 30,2 . As we know, in ghazal physiology the liver is the source of fresh blood, and is the only means by which passion can be sustained over time-- since the heart with its bloody wounds, and the eyes with their bloody tears, are constantly shedding blood. Thus passion is described as 'pure-blood-drinking', and passion is naturally grateful and flattering in its address to the liver. The liver is thus a master of 'favor, blessing' (see the definition above)-- and also, with enjoyable aptness, of exquisite foods ('delicacy, dainty'). The irony is in the passion's addressing the liver as , when its own constant demands are exactly what will eventually wear the liver away and prevent it from remaining either 'safe' or 'healthy'. This is also what I would call a ' mushairah verse'; see 14,9 for more on this concept. We can't tell from the first line where the second is going; the 'punch' is withheld until the last possible moment; and once the first burst of pleasure has been experienced, there are no hidden depths that would require-- or reward-- further contemplation of the verse. All these qualities make for quick, effective impact during oral performance. graphics/blood.jpg