Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/222

 When suddenly the red fires died away, And all the world was darkness, Khosráu's troops Following the orders of their prince, then shot Thick clouds of arrows from ten thousand bows, In the direction of the enchanted tower. The arrows fell like rain, and quickly slew A host of demons--presently bright light Dispelled the gloom, and as the mist rolled off In sulphury circles, the surviving fiends Were seen in rapid flight; the fortress, too, Distinctly shone, and its prodigious gate, Through which the conquerors passed. Great wealth they found, And having sacked the place, Khosráu erected A lofty temple, to commemorate His name and victory there, then back returned Triumphantly to gladden king Káús, Whose heart expanded at the joyous news.

The result of Kai-khosráu's expedition against the enchanted castle, compared with that of Fríburz, was sufficient of itself to establish the former in the king's estimation, and accordingly it was announced to the princes and nobles and warriors of the land, that he should succeed to the throne, and be crowned on a fortunate day. A short time afterwards the coronation took place with great pomp and splendor; and Khosráu conducted himself towards men of every rank and station with such perfect kindness and benevolence, that he gained the affections of all and never failed daily to pay a visit to his grandfather Káús, and to familiarize himself with the affairs of the kingdom which he was destined to govern.

Justice he spread with equal hand, Rooting oppression from the land; And every desert, wood, and wild, With early cultivation smiled; And every plain, with verdure clad, And every Persian heart was glad.