Gushtásp, the atheling, with tearful eyes
Fared onward wrathfully before his men
In haste until he reached Kábul, and looked
Upon its trees and blossoms, grass and streams.

Alighting at that jocund place they stayed
One day and breathed themselves. The mountain-tops
Were full of game, the streams like wine and milk.
At night he bade the drawers bring forth wine,
And carry lights down to the river-side;
But when the world-illuming sun o'ershone
The mountains they departed from the woods
With hawk and cheetah.

In hot haste Zarír

Went in pursuit, with scarcely halts for rest,
Till, as the warriors with Gushtásp returned
From hunting, rose the neigh of steeds. He heard,
And said: “'Tis from the charger of Zarír—
None other—for it hath a lion's voice.
If he hath come he hath not come alone,
But with a gallant host in company.”
Now as he spake dust azure-dim appeared,
A standard too charged with an elephant,
And leading all the rest Zarír the chief
Came onward as it were a rushing wind.
He saw and hurried weeping toward Gushtásp
Afoot with thanks and praises to the Maker.
The brothers clasped each other tenderly,
And as they fared along the field they wept.
Then prince Gushtásp, the warrior, called the captains,
Who sitting with him canvassed all the case,
And one said: “Hero of the golden girdle!
The readers of the stars, all whom we know
To be expert among the Íránians,
Foretell in thee another Kai Khusrau
Predestined to ascend the royal throne.

We cannot then consent that thou shouldst be
The subject of the king of Hindústán.
His people are not worshippers of God,
And thou and they will ne'er be in accord,
Consider then if wisdom could consent
To make the Sháh the subject of the Rája!
Thou hast the fairest treatment from thy father;
I know not wherefore thou shouldst feel aggrieved.”
Gushtásp replied: “O seeker of renown!
I am not held in honour by my sire,
Who keepeth for the offspring of Káús
His kindness, majesty, and royal crown.
There is no place with him for us; he meaneth
No better for us than complete subjection,
Yet for thy sake will I return although
My heart is full of choler at Luhrásp.
If he shall give to me the Íránian crown
I will adore him as idolaters
Adore their idols, but if otherwise
I will desert his court, no moon of his
Shall light my heart. I will elude his search,
And will abandon everything to him—
Both land and wealth.”

This said, he left that land,

And went back to the noble Sháh. Now when
Luhrásp had news thereof he with the chiefs
And many followers went to meet Gushtásp.
The atheling beheld his father's face
Again and, having lighted from his steed,
Did reverence. Luhrásp embraced him warmly,
And readily accepted his excuses,
Exclaiming: “May the moon's crown be thine own,
The Dív's hands shortened that they may not reach
thee,
For, like a bad king's evil minister,
He is for ever teaching thee bad ways.
As for the kingship—crown and throne are mine
In name, but love and fealty, rule and fortune
Are thine.”

Gushtásp replied: “My sovereign!

I am but as a servant at thy gate.
If thou abasest me I will obey,
And stake my heart upon my fealty.”

The great men that were with him on his journey
Went to the palace of the Sháh rejoicing.
He had his jewelled banquet-hall prepared,
They spread the board and served delicious wines;
They made a feast so splendid that the stars
Rained from the firmament upon the throne,
And every chieftain was bemused and wore
A coronal of roses on his head.
Yet still Luhrásp found pleasure in the race
Of Kai Káús, remembering Kai Khusrau,
And still Gushtásp aggrieved shed tears of blood,
Consulting on all points with his adviser,
To whom he said: “Strive wisely as I may
I cannot find a remedy herefor.
If I depart with horsemen then my father
Will send a chieftain after me with troops,
Will in some way divert me from my journey,
And ply me with appeals and with advice,
While if I go alone I shall be shamed,
And have besides a grudge against Luhrásp,
Who joyeth in the offspring of Káús,
And loveth not his own. If I depart
Without an escort, and a questioning
Arise, will any take me for a king?”