Píran, thus having learned the prince's wishes
On all points, rose, proceeded to the court
In merry pin, dismounted, was admitted,
And stood awhile before Afrásiyáb,
Until the king, who loved him well, spake thus:—
“Why standest thou before me this long while?
What wish hast thou on earth? What is thy purpose?
My host, my treasures, and my gold are thine,
For me thou profitest in every thing.
If I have any prisoner in bonds,
Whom 'twould be grief and danger to release,
Yet will I take from him my chains and wrath,
And for thy sake turn anger into wind.
Ask what thou wilt—a great thing or a small,
E'en sword or signet, throne or diadem.”
The sage replied: “May this world praise thee ever!
As for myself, I have wealth, treasure, host,
And, by thy fortune, sword and crown and throne.
I bring in private for the royal car
A long suit on behalf of Siyáwush,
Who said: ‘Say to the monarch of Túrán:—
“I have grown blithe of heart and covet fame.
Thou like a sire hast reared me on thy breast
Till joy hath caused my fortune to bear fruit.
Extend thy kindness, make a match for me,
For I depend on thee in weal and woe.

Thou hast a daughter now behind thy curtains
Well worthy of my palace and my throne:
Her mother named her Farangís, and I
Shall find my pleasure in deserving her.”’”
Afrásiyáb grew grave, tears filled his eyes.
He said: “Concerning this I have already
Told thee my views, and thou didst not approve them.
A sage of lofty rede once said to me:—
‘O thou that fosterest a lion's whelp!
Why lay upon thy soul a fruitless task?
Thou toilest to complete his excellence,
But at his fruiting thou wilt cease to bear.
His fosterer will be the first to feel
His claws when he is strong enough to fight.’
Again, in presence of the mighty men,
Archmages learnéd in astrology
Took observations with their astrolabes,
And all gave utterance to the same effect
That my child's son would do me wondrous hurt,
Destroy my throne, my treasure, provinces,
My host, and palace, and that I should find
No place of refuge; he would seize the realm,
And by his deeds bring evil on my head.
Why should mine own hand plant a tree whose fruit
Is bane with colocynth for leaves? A child
Sprung from Káús and from Afrásiyáb
Would prove a fierce flame or an ocean-wave.
I know not whether love will take the prince
Back to Írán, or fix all his regards
On us; but why drink poison wittingly?
One must not lightly take a serpent's breath.
While he remaineth he shall be a brother
To me, and if he goeth to Írán
I will dispatch him to his sire in state
On such wise as the All-just shall approve.”
Pírán replied: “O king! Let not thy heart
Be grieved hereat. Those born to Siyáwush
Will be possessed of wits, reserved, and shrewd.
Trust not what readers of the stars may say,
Deal with his case according to thy wisdom,
For from this noble pair a prince will spring,
Whose head will be exalted to the sun
As king both in Írán and in Túrán.
Then those two kingdoms will repose from strife.
The seed of Farídún and Kai Kubád
Will ne'er produce a more illustrious Plant,
While, if the sky shall purpose otherwise,
No taking thought will make it love him more.
What is to be will be beyond all doubt;
No caution minisheth what is to wax.
See what a glorious enterprise is this!
Ask what thou wilt of fortune and 'tis thine.”
Afrásiyáb replied: “Ill cometh never
Of thine advice. I order as thou wishest;
Depart and carry out thy kindly purpose.”
Pírán bent low, did reverence, gave great praise,
And so departed, came to Siyáwush,
And told him all. That night the joyful pair
Sat o'er their wine and from their souls washed care.