Gersíwaz, who was but too ready an instrument, immediately directed
Karú-zíra, a kinsman of Afrásiyáb, who had been also one of the most
zealous in promoting the ruin of the Persian prince, to inflict the
deadly blow; and Saiáwush, whilst under the grasp of the executioner,
had but time to put up a prayer to Heaven, in which he hoped that a son
might be born to him to vindicate his good name, and be revenged on his
murderer. The executioner then seized him by the hair, and throwing him
on the ground, severed the head from the body. A golden vessel was ready
to receive the blood, as commanded by Afrásiyáb; but a few drops
happened to be spilt on the soil, and upon that spot a tree grew up,
which was afterwards called Saiáwush, and believed to possess many
wonderful virtues! The blood was carefully conveyed to Afrásiyáb, the
head fixed on the point of a javelin, and the body was buried with
respect and affection by his friend Pílsam, who had witnessed the
melancholy catastrophe. It is also related that a tremendous tempest
occurred at the time this amiable prince was murdered, and that a total
darkness covered the face of the earth, so that the people could not
distinguish each other's faces. Then was the name of Afrásiyáb truly
execrated and abhorred for the cruel act he had committed, and all the
inhabitants of Khoten long cherished the memory of Saiáwush.

Ferangís was frantic with grief when she was told of the sad fate of her
husband, and all her household uttered the loudest lamentations. Pílsam
gave the intelligence to Pírán and the proverb was then remembered: "It
is better to be in hell, than under the rule of Afrásiyáb!" When the
deep sorrow of Ferangís reached the ears of her father, he determined on
a summary procedure, and ordered Gersíwaz to have her privately made
away with, so that there might be no issue of her marriage with
Saiáwush.