ABSTRACT
Are double-faced and hostile to our coast. They merit any ill that they may get, Although the Sháh is right to speak them fairly. Had we no grievance, nothing to avenge In their case save the blood of Sháh Pírúz, That noble man whom suddenly they slew, And such a king-the lustre of the world ! May they joy not one day, for right from wrong Resulteth never. Such is God’s requital : Ill cometh on the heads of all ill-doers. Now if the Sháh referreth to the Khán As one vindictive with an ancient grudge, It may be that he hath ill counsellorsSome tearful scions of Afrásiyáb. Success too may have heartened him : no marvel If thou dost fear him. As for the Haitálians, And for Ghátkar’s host, neither think nor trouble Concerning them, but let thy shrewd mind turn To what the kindred of Afrásiyáb And of Arjásp, and what the Khán, who now Is stablished on our bank, are doing. Thou art The world’s exalted king, both soul and wisdom Derive their light from thee, and he is blest Whom wisdom nourisheth. Thou art more wise Than this great concourse and thou hast no need Of sage or counsellor. The crown and throne Become thee best of all the world, for thou Hast Grace divine and might, thou fortunate ! Still if the Sháh shall go to Khurásán He will have cause to tremble for his realm. Hosts ever and anon will come from Rúm, On seeing that our land is left unkinged, Exact revenge upon the Íránians, And leave not to Írán or field or fell. None yet hath set his foot upon our land, Or meditated evil on this realm,
Yet if the Sháh show fight the crocodiles Will stir not in the streams for fear of him.”
