Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/304

 Is to rebel against his generous father. This is the sum of my intelligence; But thou'rt the king, I speak but what I hear."

These malicious accusations by Gurzam insidiously made, produced great vexation in the mind of Gushtásp. The banquet went on, and for three days he drank wine incessantly, without sleep or rest because his sorrow was extreme. On the fourth day he said to his minister: "Go with this letter to Isfendiyár, and accompany him hither to me." Jamásp, the minister, went accordingly on the mission, and when he arrived, the prince said to him, "I have dreamt that my father is angry with me."--"Then thy dream is true," replied Jamásp, "thy father is indeed angry with thee."--"What crime, what fault have I committed?

"Is it because I have with ceaseless toil Spread wide the Zendavesta, and converted  Whole kingdoms to that faith? Is it because  For him I conquered those far-distant kingdoms,  With this good sword of mine? Why clouds his brow  Upon his son--some demon must have changed  His temper, once affectionate and kind,  Calling me to him thus in anger! Thou  Hast ever been my friend, my valued friend  Say, must I go? Thy counsel I require."

"The son does wrong who disobeys his father, Despising his command," Jamásp replied.

"Yet," said Isfendiyár, "why should I go? He is in wrath, it cannot be for good."

"Know'st thou not that a father's wrath is kindness? The anger of a father to his child  Is far more precious than the love and fondness  Felt by that child for him. 'Tis good to go,  Whatever the result, he is the king,  And more--he is thy father!"

Isfendiyár immediately consented, and appointed Bahman, his eldest son, to fill his place in the army during his absence. He had four sons: the name of the second was Mihrbús; of the third, Avir; and of the fourth, Núsháhder; and these three he took along with him on his journey.

Before he had arrived at Balkh, Gushtásp had concerted measures to secure him as a prisoner, with an appearance of