Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/207

 Is she not Thy own fair daughter, given in happier time To him who won thy favour and affection? Think but of that, and from thy heart root out This demon wish, which leads thee to a crime, Mocking concealment; vain were the endeavour To keep the murder secret, and when known, The world's opprobrium would pursue thy name. And after death, what would thy portion be! No more of this--honour me with the charge, And I will keep her with a father's care, In my own mansion." Then Afrásiyáb Readily answered: "Take her to thy home, But when the child is born, let it be brought Promptly to me--my will must be obeyed."

Pírán rejoiced at his success; and assenting to the command of Afrásiyáb, took Ferangís with him to Khoten, where in due time a child was born, and being a son, was called Kai-khosráu. As soon as he was born, Pírán took measures to prevent his being carried off to Afrásiyáb, and committed him to the care of some peasants on the mountain Kalún. On the same night Afrásiyáb had a dream, in which he received intimation of the birth of Kai-khosráu; and upon this intimation he sent for Pírán to know why his commands had not been complied with. Pírán replied, that he had cast away the child in the wilderness. "And why was he not sent to me?" inquired the despot. "Because," said Pírán, "I considered thy own future happiness; thou hast unjustly killed the father, and God forbid that thou shouldst also kill the son!" Afrásiyáb was abashed, and it is said that ever after the atrocious murder of Saiáwush, he had been tormented with the most terrible and harrowing dreams. Gersíwaz now became hateful to his sight, and he began at last deeply to repent of his violence and inhumanity.

Kai-khosráu grew up under the fostering protection of the peasants, and showed early marks of surprising talent and activity. He excelled in manly exercises; and hunting ferocious animals was his peculiar delight. Instructors had been provided to initiate him in all the arts and pursuits cultivated by the warriors of those days, and even in his twelfth year accounts were forwarded to Pírán of several wonderful feats which he had performed.

Then smiled the good old man, and joyful said: "'Tis ever thus--the youth of royal blood Will not disgrace his lineage, but betray