Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/281

 e scene; For thou art still to treachery prone, Though gentle now in word and tone; But that imperial crown thou wearest, That mace which thou in battle bearest, Thy kingdom, all, thou must resign; Thy army too--for all are mine! Thou talk'st of strength, and might, and power, When revelling in a prosperous hour; But know, that strength of nerve and limb We owe to God--it comes from Him! And victory's palm, and regal sway, Alike the will of Heaven obey. Hence thy lost throne, no longer thine, Will soon, perfidious king! be mine!"

In giving this letter to Kárun, Kai-khosráu directed him, in the first place, to deliver a message from him to Shydah, to the following effect:--

"Driven art thou out from home and life, Doomed to engage in mortal strife,  For deeply lours misfortune's cloud;  That gay attire will be thy shroud;  Blood from thy father's eyes will gush,  As Káús wept for Saiáwush."

In the morning Khosráu went to the appointed place, and when he approached Shydah, the latter said, "Thou hast come on foot, let our trial be in wrestling;" and the proposal being agreed to, both applied themselves fiercely to the encounter, at a distance from the troops.

The youth appeared with joyous mien, And bounding heart, for life was new; By either host the strife was seen, And strong and fierce the combat grew.

Shydah exerted his utmost might, but was unable to move his antagonist from the ground; whilst Khosráu lifted him up without difficulty, and, dashing him on the plain,

He sprang upon him as the lion fierce Springs on the nimble gor, then quickly drew His deadly dagger, and with cruel aim, Thrust the keen weapon through the stripling's heart.