with a jealous and malignant eye, being afraid of his interfering with
his own prospects in Túrán, was the person sent on this occasion. But he
hid his secret thoughts under the veil of outward praise and
approbation. Saiáwush was pleased with the intelligence and the
presents, but failed to pay the customary respect to Gersíwaz on his
arrival, and, in consequence, the lurking indignation and hatred
formerly felt by the latter were considerably augmented. The attention
of Saiáwush respecting his army and the concerns of the state, was
unremitting, and noted by the visitor with a jealous and scrutinizing
eye, so that Gersíwaz, on his return to the court of Afrásiyáb, artfully
talked much of the pomp and splendor of the prince, and added: "Saiáwush
is far from being the amiable character thou hast supposed; he is artful
and ambitious, and he has collected an immense army; he is in fact
dissatisfied. As a proof of his haughtiness, he paid me but little
attention, and doubtless very heavy calamity will soon befall Túrán,
should he break out, as I apprehend he will, into open rebellion:--

"For he is proud, and thou has yet to learn
The temper of thy daughter Ferangís,
Now bound to him in duty and affection;
Their purpose is the same, to overthrow
The kingdom of Túrán, and thy dominion;
To merge the glory of this happy realm
Into the Persian empire!"

But plausible and persuasive as were the observations and positive
declarations of Gersíwaz, Afrásiyáb would not believe the imputed
ingratitude and hostility of Saiáwush. "He has sought my protection,"
said he; "he has thrown himself upon my generosity, and I cannot think
him treacherous. But if he has meditated anything unmerited by me, and