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 do so on the promise of pardon for the alleged offence. When brought before Afrásiyáb, he was assailed with further opprobrium, and called a dog and a wicked remorseless demon. "Thou caitiff wretch, of monstrous birth, Allied to hell, and not of earth!" But he thus answered the king:-- "Listen awhile, if justice be thy aim, And thou wilt find me guiltless. I was sent From Persia to destroy herds of wild boars, Which laid the country waste. That labour done, I lost my way, and weary with the toil, Weary with wandering in a wildering maze, Haply reposed beneath a shady cypress; Thither a Peri came, and whilst I slept, Lifted me from the ground, and quick as thought Conveyed me to a summer-tent, where dwelt A princess of incomparable beauty. From thence, by hands unknown, I was removed, Still slumbering in a litter--still unconscious; And when I woke, I found myself reclining In a retired pavilion of thy palace, Attended by that soul-entrancing beauty! My heart was filled with sorrow, and I shed Showers of vain tears, and desolate I sate, Thinking of Persia, with no power to fly From my imprisonment, though soft and kind, Being the victim of a sorcerer's art. Yes, I am guiltless, and Maníjeh too, Both by some magic influence pursued, And led away against our will or choice!"