Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/139

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T is said that when Bahrâm succeeded to the kingdom of Persia after his father, he gave no heed to his government or his subjects, but devoted himself to amusement, and enjoyment, and pleasure, and sport; until at length the towns threw off his yoke and fell into ruin, and cultivation diminished, and the treasuries became empty.

And one moonlight night, he was riding out towards Seleucia and Ctesiphon, where he had certain pleasure and hunting-grounds. And he sent for the Maubadz—who is amongst the Magians as the High-priest amongst the Jews, and the Bishop amongst the