How a Cavalier of Cæsar came to Khusrau Parwíz and how Khusrau Parwíz sent a Letter by Gusta-ham, Bálwí, Andiyán, Kharrád, Son of Barzín, and Shápúr to Cæsar

When he arrived there came from noble Cæsar
A cavalier to say: “Ask what thou wilt
Within our coasts and see that thou refrain not
Thy will from kings, for though this realm is mine
I hold thee as mine equal. Stay secure,
And happy in yon city, apprehending
No ill. All Rúmans, haughty though they are
And chiefs, shall serve thee, and I will not seek
Food, sleep or rest till I have furnished thee
With arms and troops.”

The Sháh heard and rejoiced;

His soul was eased; he bade call Gustaham,
Bálwí, aspiring Andiyán, Kharrád,
Son of Barzín, and lion Shápúr, and thus
Spake that brave monarch: “Saddle up at dawn
With golden saddles on the horses led,
Put on your tunics gold-inwoven from Chín,
Be one in heart and honesty, depart,
And parle with Cæsar. Be ye wary, shrewd,
Attentive, bland, and courteous. If he goeth
Upon the Ground for archery or polo
Exert you to the utmost 'gainst his chiefs,
For ye must not be worsted: let him know
That horsemanship proceedeth from Írán,
While from its Lions there come might and valour.”
The Sháh then bade Kharrád, son of Barzín:—
“Bring hither silk from Chín and black musk; I
Must write a letter like resplendent Sol
In jocund Paradise to Cæsar, brief

But to the purpose, such as all men's hearts
May recollect. He hath philosophers;
Be instant that they hear no foolishness.
They measure not their words in anything;
Let them not find a fault in our dispatch.
When he hath read the letter loose thy tongue;
None of them can compete with thee in speech.”
Then to Bálwí:* “If Cæsar speak of us
In public with regard to an alliance,
Oath, treaty or affinity, reply
As sweet as honey for thou art my tongue
Before that folk and mine interpreter
For good and ill. Endeavour by all means
To save us from defeat; be diligent;
Take mine assurances and bear in mind
My words.”

Those ardent, veteran warriors

Heard the instructions of that glorious youth,
And blessed him saying: “May none wear the crown
But thou.”

They fared with cheerful hearts to Cæsar,

Who when he heard: “Some nobles of Írán,
The envoys of the monarch of the world,
Have reached Yúnán,” sent many troops to meet them.
He decked a palace with brocade of Rúm,
The pattern jewelled on a ground of gold,
And sitting on the famous ivory throne
Assumed the heart-illuming crown and bade
Withdraw the curtain and to introduce
The envoys from the vestibule, rejoicing.
First came the noble Gustaham, behind
There were Bálwí and brave Shápúr, Kharrád,
Son of Barzín, and valiant Andiyán,
All crowned and girdle-girt. They came anear
To Cæsar and on seeing did obeisance,
With one consent called blessings down on him,
And on that golden throne besprinkled gems.
He first inquired about the Sháh, Írán,
The host and toilsome journey. Hearing this,
Kharrád, son of Barzín, approached the throne,
And brought the letter of the Sháh. They set,
By order of that noble sovereign,
Four golden seats, and of the envoys three,
Men of illustrious rank and well advised,
Sat down, but still Kharrád, son of Barzín,
Stood. Cæsar said: “A traveller should sit.”
“The Sháh hath not conferred on me the right,”
He answered, “in thy presence while I hold

His letter: mine abasement may commend
Itself to thee and aid mine embassage.”
Said Cæsar: “Speak. What said the prudent prince?”
Kharrád, son of Barzín, what while he spake
Observing what Khusrau Parwíz had said,
First praised the Maker and besought His help,
“Who is above all height, all wise, all mighty,
Who hath revealed heaven's host and given us
Soul, wisdom, love. He bade and heaven was,
For He is over space and time. The sphere
And stars revolving are His work. When He
Created servants out of worthless dust
He gave life first to Gaiúmart.* The race
Went on to Farídún whom God most favoured
Of all those noble chieftains. Once obscure
His stock became illustrious in the world,
And lasted up to Kai Kubád who donned
The crown of majesty. His race ne'er saw
Calamity and ever kept God's way;
But now a worthless slave hath come and sat
Upon the royal throne. I seek for justice
Against the unjust, not crown, throne, cap, and girdle.
Whoever sitteth on a throne hath need
Of wisdom, fortune, and nobility.
This man shall learn to whom the fortune, Grace,
And diadem of king of kings pertain.
Help me and quell this traitor for I roam
Despised by small and great.”

When Cæsar heard

His cheeks became like bloom of fenugreek;
That bloom of fenugreek grew charged with hail,
And from his tongue and soul there burst a wail.”