So Zanga, with a hundred noble horsemen,
Bore from the prince's court the hostages,
And all the goods that Garsíwaz had brought.
When Zanga reached the Turkman monarch's city
A shout ascended and the watch espied him.
A noble warrior Tuwurg by name
Went forth to welcome him. At audience
Afrásiyáb arose, embraced him warmly,
And set him by the throne, where he presented
The letter and delivered all the message.
Afrásiyáb was much disquieted
And, having ordered fitting entertainment
For Zanga, called his captain of the host,

Who came like smoke. Now when Pírán arrived*

The monarch cleared the room and spake with him
About Káús and his intemperate words,
His evil nature and his warlike projects.
Afrásiyáb looked grave, his heart was full
For Siyáwush. He told of Zanga's coming,
And asked: “What remedy shall I employ,
How make a league in this embarrassment?”
Pírán replied: “O king! live happily
While time shall be. Thou art more wise than we are,
In treasure and in manhood mightier,
In apprehension, kindness, understanding,
And counsel, none hath wit to supersede thee.
All that have power to benefit this prince
Will grudge not toil and treasure. I have heard
That there is no chief like him in the world
In stature, countenance, and gentleness,
In culture, counsel, and propriety.
His prowess and his wisdom too exceed
His noble birth. No monarch hath begotten
Another such; words cannot do him justice.
He is a prince illustrious and right royal.
If he possessed no virtue but this one—
That he hath quarrelled with his sire to save
Our hundred nobles' lives, given up the throne
And crown to meaner men, and gone his way,
'Twould not be politic to let him pass
From us. Besides Káús is hoary now;
The time hath come for him to quit the throne;

But Siyáwush is youthful, hath the Grace,
And will succeed. The nobles would condemn thee,
And Siyáwush himself would be aggrieved.
If now the king in wisdom shall see fit
Let him dispatch to this wise youth a letter
Entreating him as men entreat their children;
Prepare him here a dwelling, entertain him
With fitting honour, give him a princess
To wife, and let him be esteemed and cherished.
If he remain thy realm will be in peace,
If he go home thy fortune will be bettered,
For he will be in favour with the Sháh,
And honoured by the nobles; both the hosts
May rest, God making him the instrument.
It would be worthy of the Maker's justice
To rectify the age in this regard.”
The monarch listened to Pírán and, seeing
What would result, took time to estimate
The good and ill thereof; he then rejoined:—
“Thou counsellest well. Among the chosen chiefs
And veterans thou art incomparable;
Yet have I heard an adage to the point:—
‘If thou shouldst make a lion's whelp thy pet,
And foster it however tenderly,
Still, when its teeth and claws are grown, regret
Will be thy lot. The brute will turn on thee.’”
Pírán said: “Let the king of warriors look
With wisdom on this matter. Can ill nature
Befit one who hath not inherited
The ill nature and perverseness of his sire?
Dost thou not see that Kai Káús is old
And must depart? Then Siyáwush will take
The wide world, wealth untoiled for, hall and palace;
Thus wilt thou gain both realms, their crown and state:
The man that getteth them is fortunate.”