How Bahrám Chúbína sent Troops after Khusrau Parwíz and how Bandwí contrived to rescue him from their Hands

When thus Hurmuzd’s days ended and the throne, That happy seat, remained unfilled, forthwith Arose a sound of drums ; those murderers’ cheeks Became like sandarac. Upon the road Bahrám Chúbína’s standard came in sight Amid his troops, and that outrageous pairBandwí and Gustaham-fled from the palace, And hasted till they reached Khusrau Parwíz, Who, seeing their wan looks, knew that their hearts Contained some secret, else would they have quitted The master of the world ? His cheeks became C. 1893 Like flowers of fenugreek but he revealed Naught to that savage pair. He bade his troops :— “ Turn from the highway for a host approacheth. Take the long route across the unwatered plain, And let your bodies grow inured to pain.”