How Bahrám called before him the Envoy of Cæsar, and how the Envoy questioned and answered the Archmages

Which closely partnered me, withheld me from thee ; Now all our case is altered, and thy sojourn Exceedeth bounds. To that which thou shalt say We will reply, deriving from thy words Good rede.”

The ancient envoy praised him, saying :— “ May time and earth ne’er lose thee. Every king Possessed of wisdom joyeth in the words Of sages ; sages are more nigh to God ; Those that think evil have the darker day. Midst this world’s chieftains thou art chief, who art At once Sháh, chief, and best. Thy tongue’s a balance, Thy words are jewels, and who e’er will see Gems weighed ’gainst gold ? Thou art possessed of

knowledge, Of counsel, sense, and Grace, and all the methods Of conquering kings ; thou art possessed of wisdom And holy rede, and master of the wise. Though Cæsar’s envoy I am thy slave’s slave. I carry Cæsar’s greeting to the Sháh :— ‘ May this head, throne, and crown for ever be.’ And furthermore I have it in command To ask seven questions of thy men of lore.”