a reply, which was to this effect:--"I settled the terms of peace with thee, not with thy father. With him I have nothing to do. If thy choice be retirement and tranquillity, thou shalt have a peaceful and independent province allotted to thee; but if war be thy object, I will furnish thee with a large army: thy father is old and infirm, and with the aid of Rustem, Persia will be an easy conquest." Having thus obtained the promised favor and support of Afrásiyáb, Saiáwush gave in charge to Báhrám the city of Balkh, the army and treasure, in order that they might be delivered over to Tús on his arrival; and taking with him three hundred chosen horsemen, passed the Jihún, in progress to the court of Afrásiyáb. On taking this decisive step, he again wrote to Káús, saying:-- "From my youth upward I have suffered wrong. At first Súdáveh, false and treacherous, Sought to destroy my happiness and fame; And thou hadst nearly sacrificed my life To glut her vengeance. The astrologers Were all unheeded, who pronounced me innocent, And I was doomed to brave devouring fire, To testify that I was free from guilt; But God was my deliverer! Victory now Has marked my progress. Balkh, and all its spoils, Are mine, and so reduced the enemy, That I have gained a hundred hostages, To guarantee the peace which I have made; And what my recompense! a father's anger, Which takes me from my glory. Thus deprived Of thy affection, whither can I fly? Be it to friend or foe, the will of fate Must be my only guide--condemned by thee." The reception of Saiáwush by Afrásiyáb was warm and flattering. From the gates of the city to the palace, gold and incense were scattered over his head in the customary manner, and exclamations of welcome uttered on every side. "Thy presence gives joy to the land, Which awaits thy command; It is thine! it is thine! All the chiefs of the state have assembled to meet thee, All the flowers of the land are in blossom to greet thee!"