§ 4 How Siyáwush arrived from Zábulistán

When news reached Sháh Káús that “Siyáwush
Is coming in great state,” both Gív and Tús
Went forth right joyously at his command
With escort, trump, and drum. The chiefs assembled,
With Rustam on this hand and Tús on that,
To come in triumph to the Sháh, for they
Came with that fruiting Sapling. When he reached
The palace of the Sháh a shout was raised,
And access given. Slaves with censers charged
With goodly perfumes gazed upon the prince
With folded arms. Three hundred filled the court
To every corner, and the noble Cypress
Was in the midst. They showered gold and gems,
And called down blessings on him. Siyáwush,
When he beheld Káús upon his throne
Of ivory and crowned with brilliant rubies,
First offered praise, did reverence, and whispered
To earth awhile. He then approached the Sháh,
Who clasped him closely. Kai Káús saluted
And welcomed Rustam warmly, seated him
Upon the turquoise throne and, lost in wonder,
Called many blessings down upon his son,

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For in that height, that stature, and that Grace
The Sháh foresaw a future and much fame.
Thou wouldst have said of one so young yet wise:—
“His soul is fed on wisdom.” So the Sháh,
With face upon the ground, gave many praises
To God and said: “Great Ruler of the sky,
The Lord of understanding and of love!
All good things come from Thee, but most of all
I thank Thee for my child.”

The Íránian chiefs,

Each with his gift, came to the Sháh rejoicing;
They marvelled at the Grace of Siyáwush,
And called a wealth of blessings down on him.
Then by the Sháh's command the noblemen
And captains of the host attended court,
While all the world resorted to his gardens,
His palace, and his hall, with right good cheer.
Men called for wine and harp and minstrelsy.
The Sháh's festivities were such as none
Had held before. A sennight passed in joy.
Upon the eighth day he unlocked his treasures,
And gave command to bring all manner forth,
As swords and signet-rings, with thrones and casques,
And Arab steeds with poplar-wooden saddles,
Bards, coats of mail for war, dínárs, and purses
Of drachms, brocade, and jewels great and small,
Except the crown, it was not time for that,
But all the rest Káús gave Siyáwush
With many promises of good to come.
Seven years' probation proved his noble birth
By all his acts, the eighth the monarch bade him
Assume a golden crown and torque and girdle,

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And had a patent writ on painted silk
As royal Grace and precedent required.
Since Siyáwush was worthy of a throne,
And majesty, the Sháh bestowed on him
All Kuhistán, so called of yore, the same
As Má wara 'u'n-Nahr its modern name.