A cameleer bore blast-like to Pírán
This message: “I have reached the river Shahd
In arms and ready to contend with thee.”
Pírán, on hearing this, was sorely grieved
That, 'gainst his will, he needs must pack the loads,
And went forth with his chiefs—choice cavaliers
And brave—to learn about the Íránian host,
How many chiefs, and who, were there with Tús.
He drew his troops up on his side the stream,
And sent a greeting to the Íránian chief.
He said: “I everywhere showed kindliness
To Farangís and to the Sháh. I cried,
And seethed as on fierce fire, for Siyáwush;
But now the antidote doth bear the bane,
I share in all these ills.”

Tús was distressed,

Grieved at the words and sufferings of Pírán,

And said: “Go to Pírán of ardent soul,
And say: ‘If thou speak'st sooth we have no quarrel.
Drop fealty, abandon thy surroundings,
And bar this door of fear and road of loss.
Go to the Sháh alone, he will requite thee,
Give thee a royal crown and paladinship.
When he recalleth thy good deeds thy pangs
Will pain him to the heart. Gúdarz and Gív
And other chieftains, nobles shrewd of heart,
Agree herein.’”

The envoy went like wind

Back to Pírán and told what he had heard
From Tús and from Gúdarz of ardent soul.
Pírán made answer: “I by night and day
Will ope my lips to praise the chieftain Tús.
I will go over, taking of my kin
Those who are wise and list to mine advice,
And send them, bag and baggage, to Írán.
An honoured head is more than crown and throne.”
He did not purpose acting in this way,
But sought to gain occasion by delay.