Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/252

 time he was contented to be immersed in continual enjoyment--such pleasure as arises from the social banquet and the attractions of a fascinating woman.

"Grieve not my love--be not so sad, 'Tis now the season to be glad;  There is a time for war and strife,  A time to soothe the ills of life.  Drink of the cup which yields delight,  The ruby glitters in thy sight;  Steep not thy heart in fruitless care,  But in the wine-flask sparkling there."

At length, however, the love of the princess for a Persian youth was discovered, and the keepers and guards of the palace were in the greatest terror, expecting the most signal punishment for their neglect or treachery. Dreadful indeed was the rage of the king when he was first told the tidings; he trembled like a reed in the wind, and the color fled from his cheeks. Groaning, he exclaimed:--

"A daughter, even from a royal stock, Is ever a misfortune--hast thou one?  The grave will be thy fittest son-in-law!  Rejoice not in the wisdom of a daughter;  Who ever finds a daughter good and virtuous?  Who ever looks on woman-kind for aught  Save wickedness and folly? Hence how few  Ever enjoy the bliss of Paradise:  Such the sad destiny of erring woman!"

Afrásiyáb consulted the nobles of his household upon the measures to be pursued on this occasion, and Gersíwaz was in consequence deputed to secure Byzun, and put him to death. The guilty retreat was first surrounded by troops, and then Gersíwaz entered the private apartments, and with surprise and indignation saw Byzun in all his glory, Maníjeh at his side, his lips stained with wine, his face full of mirth and gladness, and encircled by the damsels of the shubistán. He accosted him in severe terms, and was promptly answered by Byzun, who, drawing his sword, gave his name and family, and declared that if any violence or insult was offered, he would slay every man that came before him with hostile intentions. Gersíwaz, on hearing this, thought it prudent to change his plan, and conduct him to Afrásiyáb, and he was permitted to