'Twas like the jocund spring—
A paradise all colour, scent, and beauty.
The captives taken in the towns of Rúm,
Whose hands and feet were galled with heavy bonds,
Were set at large by Núshírwán's command,
And sent to dwell in joy in that new city.
He said: “We have erected this new seat—
All gardens, rosaries, and palaces—
That each might have a dwelling to his mind
And worthy of his name.”
He gave to each
Goods, and the earth was decked like Paradise.
At sight of all the mansions, streets, and marts
Thou wouldst have said: “Each space is occupied.”
A clamorous cordwainer came and said:—
“O unjust Sháh! there was a mulberry
Within my dwelling at Kálíniyús
Before my courtyard; from Zíb-i-Khusrau
I have not any such advantages,
For there is no such tree before my door.”
So Núshírwán bade men to plant green trees
Before the door of that misfortuned one.
The Sháh then chose a Christian unto whom
He gave authority, wealth, troops, and said:—
“Zíb-i-Khusrau is thine and thine the charge
Of all the stranger-folk and their new home.
Be like a tree that beareth fruit and be
The city's sire at whiles, at whiles its son.
Be bountiful and beautify the place,
Not covetous, and keep the mean in all.”
The Sháh marched forth from Antákiya, leaving
A Christian and experienced man in charge.
Farfúriyús thereafter brought to Cæsar
Intelligence about Kálíniyús,
And said to him: “The experienced Núshírwán
Came in his state with troops and elephants.
So mighty is his host that seas and mountains
Are all confounded by the horses' dust.”
Then Cæsar writhed for that which he had spoken,
And called to him his prudent chiefs. His heart
Was full of fear because of Núshírwán;
All day and through three watches of the night
He canvassed what to do. Thus spake a priest:—