The Sháh then called a scribe that was at court,
And bade to write a letter unto Cæsar:—*

“From Núshírwán, the Sháh of glorious birth,
The world-lord and successor of Kubád,*

To Cæsar, the exalted lord of Rúm—
Guard of the marches of that prosperous land.”
The letter opened with the praise of God
From whom alone all greatness must be sought—
“The Master of the circling sun and moon,
The Source of victory and mastery,

Who is above the will of turning heaven
As touching justice, love, and strife. Though thou
Art Cæsar and the lord of Rúm dispute not
Aught with the Arabs, for if thou shalt take
The sheep out of the clutches of the wolf
Thou wilt, as thou art ware, have grievous toil;
While if thou sendest troops against Munzir
I will not leave thee host or crown or throne.
If any underling grow masterful
He shall be punished by our scimitar.
Step not a single cubit past thy bounds
If thou desirest that our pact shall stand.
If thou shalt pass thy bounds we will pass ours,
And trample under foot thy head and throne.
The greeting of the lord of diadem
And might to those that seek not to cause trouble
By their injustice.”

Unto this they set

The Sháh's seal and then chose a cavalier,
Such as was needful, from the court, a man
Persuasive, valiant, shrewd, and veteran.