A horseman from Kannúj sped with the tidings
Of Sháh Bahrám's departure, and Shangul,
Who heard it from that loyal servant, quitted
The chase as swift as fire. He hurried on
Until he reached the river where he saw
Both Sapínúd and brave Bahrám. He grieved,
Crossed o'er in dudgeon, and upbraided thus
His child: “O wicked wanton! thou hast passed,
Bold as a lioness, across the river
To go Írán-ward with this lusty knave,
To desert waste from cultured paradise,
Without my knowledge. Now thou shalt behold,
Since thou hast left my pillow seeretly,
The impact of my double-headed dart.”
Bahrám replied: “O thou of evil mark!
Why didst thou urge thy steed as madmen do?
Thou hast had testimony that in war
I am as with the cup and boon-companions.
A hundred thousand men of Hindústán
Before me would not equal, as thou knowest,
One horseman like me and my thirty comrades,
Famed, clad in mail, and wielding Persian swords.
I will fulfil the Indians' eyes with blood,
And will not spare a soul.”

Shangul was ware

That he had spoken sooth because his prowess
And valiancy could not be overlooked,
But answered him: “I have foregone my children,
My kindred, and allies, have held thee dearer
Than mine own eyes, and as the diadem
Upon my head, and given thee her whom thou
Thyself didst choose. The right is on my side,
The wrong on thine. Instead of good faith thou
Hast chosen outrage. Ever hast thou heard
Of good faith paid thereby? Shall I tell thee:—
‘One of my kin and wise in mine esteem
Hath gone off cavalierly, gone conceiving
Himself a king?’ What hath a Persian's heart
In common with good faith? He sayeth ‘yea’
And meaneth ‘nay’! Thou'rt such a lion's whelp,
In good sooth, as would bathe in their hearts' blood
Its nurses and, when fanged and sharp of claw,
Would purpose combat with its fosterer!”
Bahrám made answer: “When thou knowest me
How shalt thou call me ill in thought and deed?
I shall be unreproached for having gone,
Thou wilt not term my heart and conduct evil.

The king of kings am I both of Írán
And of Túrán, the leader of the folk,
The mainstay of the brave, and will requite
Hereafter thy deservings and behead
Thy foes, hold thee as father in Írán,
And vex thee not with tribute for thy realm.
Thy child shall be the Lustre of the West,
And Crown of dames.”

Astounded at his words

Shangul took off his Indian turban, spurred
His steed, and from the front of that great host
Approached the Sháh to make excuse, embraced
The king of kings with joy, and sought to amend
What had been said. He was rejoiced to see
Bahrám, prepared the board, and brought the cup.
Bahrám revealed the secret to Shangul,
Discoursed of the concernments of Írán,
And said: “Such circumstances and such thoughts
Were those that guided me in this affair.”
They both of them arose, the drinking done,
And each asked pardon of the other one.