How Shápúr was born to Ardshír by the Daughter of Ardawán, and how after seven Years Ardshír heard of his Son and acknowledged him

Then " I have," he thought, " Foes and to spare, and doubts for good or ill Attach to every one, so I will take Such order that no slanderer shall foul My stream."

He went his way and gelt himself, Used cautery and drugs and bandages, Then put his genitals in salt forthwith, As swift as smoke enclosed them in a casket, And sealed it up. With pallid face and groaning He came before the lofty throne, laid down The casket closed and sealed, and said : " Now let The Shah entrust this to his treasurer With an inscription thereupon to state The matters appertaining and the date."