My crown is the Íránian king of kings. Not for my daughter’s sake have I desired A league with him, but hearing from the wise, The great men and the wary-hearted priests, About his Grace, his majesty, and throne, I sought for intercourse and league with him Because so just a ruler girdeth not His loins in all the world, or one so great In manhood, victory, and mastery, In Grace, mien, throne, and crown, while holy God Sustaineth him with justice and with knowledge, With Faith and wisdom. Lo ! we have dispatched, According to our rites, our very Eye To Núshírwán the Sháh, commanding her To serve him as his slave when she shall pass Behind his curtains. From his Grace and insight She will learn wisdom and acquire his ways And usages. May wit and fortune guide thee, Be majesty and knowledge thy supports.” They set the seal upon that musk of Chín, And gave the letter to the ambassador

C. 1705 With compliments. The Khán prepared for him A robe of honour past all precedent As given by the great ones of the world In public or in private to an envoy. The Khan gave presents also to the suite, And made them happy with dínárs and musk. He travelled with his daughter and the goods, The beasts and elephants caparisoned, Until he reached the bank of the Jíhún, And poured his heart’s blood from his eyes the

while ; He thence betook him homeward with full heart And, in his daughter’s stead, had pain for comrade ; Howbeit he delayed till they had crossed, And reached dry land upon the further side.