How the Chiefs demanded from Shirwi the Death of Khusrau Parwiz
From the Shahnameh
Shirwi, a timid, inexperienced youth,
Found that the throne beneath him was a snare,
While readers of mankind saw that 'twas time
For men of might. those that had done the ill,
And had produced that coil, went from the hall
Of audience to the presence of Kubád
To mind him of their infamous designs:-
'We said before and now we say again
Thy thoughts are not on government alone.
There are two Sháhs now seated in one room,
One on the throne and one on its degree,
And when relations grow 'twixt sire and son
They will behead the servants one and all.
It may not be, so speak of it no more.'
Shirwi was frightened and he played poltroon
Because in their hands he was as a slave.
He answered: 'None will bring him to the toils
Except a man whose name is infamous.
Ye must go homeward and advise thereon.
Inquire: 'What man is there that will abate
Our troubles secretly?''
The Sháh's ill-wishers
Sought for a murderer to murder him
By stealth, but none possessed the pluck or courage
To shed the blood of such a king and hang
A mountain round his own neck. Everywhere
The Sháh's foes sought until they met with one
Blue-eyed, pale-cheeked, his body parched and hairy,
With lips of lapis-lazuli, with feet
All dust, and belly ravenous; the head
Of that ill-doer was bare. None knew his name
Midst high and low. This villain (may he never
See jocund Paradise!) sought Farrukhzád,
And undertook the deed. 'This strife is mine,'
He said. 'If ye will make it worth my while
This is my quarry.'
'Go and do it then
If thou art able,' Farrukhzád replied.
'Moreover open not thy lips herein.
I have a purse full of dinárs for thee,
And I will look upon thee as my son.'
He gave the man a dagger keen and bright,
And then the murderer set forth in haste.
The miscreant, when he approached the Sháh,
Saw him upon the throne, a slave attending.
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poem by Hakim Abu'l-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi Firdowsi
Added by Poetry Lover
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