This insult to the Shāh was duly reported and exaggerated by the prime minister, and while the monarch was furious with rage, the poet, at the suggestion of the vizier, was condemned to be trampled to death by elephants. His apartments, however, being close to the royal residence, he took advantage of that fact and threw himself at the king’s feet, suing for pardon, and this was granted upon the condition of his immediate departure from the city. Sick at heart, and burning with indignation, he sought the apartment of the king’s favorite attendant, Ayaz, who had always been a faithful friend to the bard. To him Firdusī related his story, and from him received the fullest sympathy. Here he wrote a bitter poetic invective against the Shāh, and having sealed it up, requested Ayaz to deliver it to him after the poet’s departure, and also to choose the time for doing so when some defeat had rendered the Shāh more low-spirited than usual. INVECTIVE. “In Mahmūd shall we hope to find One virtue to redeem his mind? A mind no generous transports fill, To truth, to faith, to justice chill. “Son of a slave. His diadem In vain may glow with many a gem. Exalted high in power and place, Outbursts the meanness of his race. “Place thou within the spicy nest, Where the bright phœnix loves to rest A raven’s egg—and mark it well, When the vile bird has chipped its shell, Though fed with grains from trees that grow Where Salesbel’s[236] sweetest waters flow— Though airs from Gabriel’s wings may rise To fan the cradle where he lies; Though long these patient cares endure, It proves at last a bird impure. “A viper nurtured in a bed Where roses all their beauties spread, Though nourished with the drops alone Of waves that spring from Allah’s throne, Is still a poisonous reptile found, And with its venom taints the ground. “This truth our holy prophet sung— All things return from whence they sprung. Pass near the merchant’s fragrant wares, Thy robe the scent of amber bears; Go where the smith his trade pursues, Thy mantle’s folds have dusky hues. “Let not those deeds thy mind amaze A mean and worthless man displays. An Ethiop’s skin becomes not white, Thou canst not change the clouds of night. What poet shall attempt to sing The praises of a vicious king?