§ 46 The Birth of Farúd the Son of Siyáwush

At that time came to Siyáwush like wind
A cavalier who brought good tidings, saying:—
“The daughter of the captain of the host
Hath borne a babe as 'twere the shining moon—
A glorious child, whom they have named Farúd,
And when Pírán at night received the news

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He bade me and another cavalier:—
‘Go bear the joyful tidings to the prince.’
The mother also of the precious babe—
Jaríra, chief among the high-born dames—
Commanded from her couch the slaves to smear
The infant's hand with saffron, and to take
The impression on this letter's back, and said:—
‘Bear this to Siyáwush, whose wish is granted,
And tell him: “Stricken though I be in years,
Yet notwithstanding God hath made me glad.”’”
Then Siyáwush thus answered: “May this babe
Ne'er leave the seat of majesty unfilled!”
And gave the messenger so many drachms
That he who bare them wearied of the weight.
When Garsíwaz had heard the news he said:—
“Pírán to-day is equal to a king.”
They sought the house of Farangís with joy
And told her those glad tidings. Garsíwaz
Beheld her sitting on her ivory throne,
A crown set with turquoise was on her head,
While many slaves with golden caps were standing
With moon-like cheeks in presence of the Moon.
She came down from her throne and, greeting him,
Inquired about his longsome journey's toil;
But Garsíwaz was wroth, was wholly changed,
And thus he thought: “Let but a year pass thus
And Siyáwush will care for nobody;
Throne, kingdom, host, and treasure will be his.”
He writhed but hid his feelings, and exclaimed
With pallid cheeks to Siyáwush: “Thou hast
The fruit of toil, enjoy the gains for life!”
They took their seats within the golden hall
Upon two jewelled thrones of gold, rejoicing
In fortune; minstrels and cup-bearers came,
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And Garsíwaz, amid the joy and din
Of minstrelsy, forgot his own chagrin.