He spoke with studied phrase, intent to hide, Or mitigate the horror of their crime; And with excuses plausible and bland His speech was dressed. The brothers, he observed, Desired to see their kinsman Minúchihr, And with the costliest gems they sought to pay The price of kindred blood unjustly shed-- And they would willingly to him resign Their kingdoms for the sake of peace and friendship. The monarch marked him scornfully, and said: "Canst thou conceal the sun? It is in vain Truth to disguise with words of shallow meaning. Now hear my answer. Ask thy cruel masters, Who talk of their affection for the prince, Where lies the body of the gentle Irij? Him they have slain, the fierce, unnatural brothers, And now they thirst to gain another victim. They long to see the face of Minúchihr! Yes, and they shall, surrounded by his soldiers, And clad in steel, and they shall feel the edge Of life-destroying swords. Yes, they shall see him!" After uttering this indignant speech, Feridún showed to the messenger his great warriors, one by one. He showed him Kavah and his two sons, Shahpúr, and Shírúeh, and Kárun, and Sám,[3] and Narímán, and other chiefs--all of admirable courage and valor in war--and thus resumed: "Hence with your presents, hence, away, Can gold or gems turn night to day? Must kingly heads be bought and sold, And shall I barter blood for gold? Shall gold a father's heart entice, Blood to redeem beyond all price? Hence, hence with treachery; I have heard Their glozing falsehoods, every word; But human feelings guide my will, And keep my honour sacred still. True is the oracle we read: 'Those who have sown oppression's seed Reap bitter fruit; their souls, perplext, Joy not in this world or the next.' The brothers of my murdered boy, Who could a father's hopes destroy, An equal punishment will reap, And lasting vengeance o'er them sweep. They rooted up my favourite tree, But yet a branch remains to me. Now the young lion comes apace, The glory of his glorious race; He comes apace, to punish guilt, Where brother's blood was basely spilt; And blood alone for blood must pay; Hence with your gold, depart, away!" When the messenger heard these reproaches, mingled with poison, he immediately took leave, and trembling with fear, returned to Sílim and Túr with the utmost speed. He described to them in strong and alarming terms the appearance and character of Minúchihr, and his warriors; of that noble youth who with frowning eyebrows was only anxious for battle. He then communicated to them in what manner he had been received, and repeated the denunciations of Feridún, at which the brothers were exceedingly grieved and disappointed. But Sílim said to Túr: