Shangul, misdoubting of Bahrám, thought thus:—
“This stature, Grace, and skill in archery
Resemble not a mere ambassador's
Of Hindústán, of Turkistán, or Persia,
But, be he of the Sháh's race or a noble,
'Twere well I call him brother,” smiled and said

Thus to Bahrám: “Famed, high-born prince! thou
art
No doubt the Sháh's own brother, being dowered
With vigour, strength, and skill in archery,
Because the Grace of kings, the might of lions,
Are thine. Art thou then but a gallant chief?”
Bahrám said: “King of Hind! discredit not
Ambassadors. I am not of the seed
Of Yazdagird or Sháh. To call him brother
Would be a crime in me. A stranger I,
Come from Irán, no seeker after knowledge,
No sage. Dismiss me for the way is long,
And I must not incur the Sháh's displeasure.”
Shangul replied: “Be not importunate,
For I have somewhat still to say to thee.
Thou must not be so eager to depart,
For hasty going prospereth not. Abide
With us and set thy heart at ease. If thou
Wilt have not mellowed wine then take it crude.”*

He said thereafter to his own adept:—
“I have a secret for thee. If this man
Be not sib to Bahrám, or in degree
Above his paladins, 'twill prove a marvel
To wise men's hearts. We must not trust his words.
Address him courteously and say: ‘Abide;
There is no cause for thee to leave Kannúj.’
Sayst thou: ‘He will detect deceit herein?’
If words of mine may terrify his heart
It will be better far for thee to speak,
And talk to him in convenable terms.
Say thus to him: ‘'Tis well for thee to gain
More estimation with the king of Hind.
Now if thou will abide with him, and further
His subtle policy, thou shalt possess
The goodliest march of Hind because the king
Hath thee in high esteem. 'Twill be a land
Of never ending springtide where the streams
Breathe of the rose. The fortunate ne'er quit
Kannúj where twice a year the fruit-trees bear,
Where there are treasures, gems, dínárs, and drachms,
And where drachms can be had hearts are not sad.
The king is gracious and for love of thee
He smileth when he looketh on thy face.’
What time ye meet speak thou whate'er thou knowest
To this effect and then inquire his name,
For that will joy my heart. Should our land please
him
Our favours would surpass his excellence,
We would appoint him captain of the host
Anon, in favour highest in the land.”

The king's experienced minister departed,
Informed Bahrám, and pointed him his way,
Then asked his name because without his name
No answer would suffice. Bahrám changed colour,
On hearing this, perplexed for his reply.
At length he said: “O man of eloquence!
Make me not wan of visage in two realms.
I will quit not the Sháh for any treasure
However much I may be pinched by want.
The teachings of our Faith are otherwise,
As are our estimations, wonts, and ways,
And every one that turneth from his king
Is lost by such revolt. No man of wisdom
Is eager for addition; bad and good
Are transient with us. Where is Farídún,
The master of the crown, he that restored
The age? Where are those chiefs of royal race,
The world-lords Kai Khusrau and Kai Kubád?
Thou hast withal some knowledge of Bahrám,
The young, ambitious, and imperious,
Who, if I cross his purpose, will avail
To bring the world in ruins on my head,
Leave Hindústán not field or fell but bear
Off to Irán the dust of Wizard-land.*

My better plan is to return to court,
And to the purview of the conquering Sháh.
If thou wouldst have my name it is Barzwí;
My monarch and my parents call me so.
Communicate mine answer to Shangul,
For I have stayed long in an alien realm.”
The minister, on hearing this reply,
Told all that he had heard before the king,
Who frowned and said: “He holdeth him aloof,
But I will take such order that this Light
Of hosts shall end his days.”

There was a wolf*

Within the monarch's coasts of bulk so vast
That it withstood the wind. The lions fled
The woods before it, and the swift-winged vultures
The sky. Thereat all Hind was full of fear:
Its howlings deafened those most keen of ear.