Luhrásp mused long, then called Zarír, and said:—
“This man must be thy brother, therefore take
Thy measures instantly and tarry not.
If thou delayest all is over with us;
Rest not and order out no halting steed.
Take throne, a led horse, and the golden boots,
Take Káwa's standard and the crown withal,
For I will give to him the sovereignty,
And lay no obligation on his head.
March on thy saving mission to Halab,
But speak before the troops of battle only.”
The worshipful Zarír said to Luhrásp:—
“I will discover all the mystery;
If 'tis Gushtásp he is both liege and lord,
And all the other lords are but his lieges.”
This said, he chose a noble company,
The great, illustrious grandsons of Káús
And of Gúdarz, son of Kishwád, as well
As those who were descended from Zarasp—
Bahrám the lion-queller and Rívníz—

And those exalted grandsons of brave Gív
The athelings Shírúya and Ardshír,
Two doughty Lions, offspring of Bízhan,
Both haughty warriors of stainless birth.
These chieftains went, each with two steeds, and shone
Bright as Ázargashasp. None stopped to rest
Until they reached the marches of Halab,
And filled the world with trumpets, gongs, and tumult.
They raised the glorious standard, pitched the tents
And tent-enclosures, then Zarír committed
The host to proud Bahrám, and journeyed on
As one that is the bearer of a message,
Or bringeth monarchs tidings of great joy,
With five wise, prudent warriors of his meiny,
And when he had arrived at Cæsar's court,
The chamberlain descried him from the gate.
Now Cæsar with the wise Gushtásp was sitting
In dudgeon in the palace and, on hearing
The chamberlain's announcement, granted audience.
Gushtásp joyed at the coming of Zarír,
Who at his entry seemed a lofty cypress,
And sitting by the throne gave Cæsar greeting,
And complimented all the Rúmans present.
Then Cæsar said: “Thou slightest Farukhzád,
And heedest not the rules of courtesy.”
The blest Zarír replied: “He is a slave,
Who, weary of his service, left our court,
And now he hath attained position here.”
Gushtásp made no reply, but of a truth
His thoughts were on Írán. Shrewd-minded Cæsar
Grew serious as he heard the young man's words,
And thought: “He must be speaking truth and yet
The truth alone is hidden.”

Then Zarír

Declared to him the message of Luhrásp,
Which ran thus: “If just judges grow unjust
I will make Rúm my seat, and leave behind
A scanty population in Írán.
Set forth, O warrior! prepare for battle,
And tarry not when thou hast heard my words.
Írán is not Khazar and I myself
Am no Ilyás, whose people thou hast robbed
Of him.”

Then Cæsar answered: “I am ready

For battle always. Since thou art an envoy,
Depart. We will prepare to take the field.”
The glorious Zarír was sore distrest
At hearing this, and stayed not long to rest.