§ 39

How Khusrau Parwíz had Tidings of the Slaying of Bahrám Chúbína and honoured Kharrád, Son of Barzín

C. 1972

Now when Kharrád, son of Barzín, approached
Khusrau Parwíz and told what he had done,
And seen and heard, the Sháh's heart joyed for he
Was quit of that opponent worshipful.
He showered many drachms, robes, and much else
Upon the poor. They wrote to every king
And chief a letter in the ancient tongue
To tell what God almighty, the All-just,
Had brought to pass and how He had sent up
Dust from that foe. The Sháh too wrote a letter
In royal wise to Cæsar. For a se'nnight
They held festivities and called for harp
And wine in every quarter of the city.
The Sháh sent offerings to the fanes of Fire,
And robes of honour to the Great. He told
Kharrád, son of Barzín: “Thou hast deserved
To have the crown and throne,” and filled his mouth
With royal gems; the treasurer poured dínárs,
Some hundred thousand, out before his feet
On such wise that they grew as high as he.
The Sháh said: “Whoso turneth from the way
* Shall have his day bedimmed although he be
In battle like the brave Bahrám Chúbína
From whom an ancient Turk hath raised the dust.”
The chiefs all blessed Khusrau Parwíz and said:—
“Without thee never be the crown and signet,
And if, in spite of all thy loving-kindness,
A man would have thy face lack radiancy
Then let him as Bahrám Chúbína be.”