Justice he spread with equal hand,
Rooting oppression from the land;
And every desert, wood, and wild,
With early cultivation smiled;
And every plain, with verdure clad,
And every Persian heart was glad.



KAI-KHOSRÁU

The tidings of Khosráu's accession to the throne were received at Sístán
by Zál and Rustem with heartfelt pleasure, and they forthwith hastened
to court with rich presents, to pay him their homage, and congratulate
him on the occasion of his elevation. The heroes were met on the road
with suitable honors, and Khosráu embracing Rustem affectionately, lost
no time in asking for his assistance in taking vengeance for the death
of Saiáwush. The request was no sooner made than granted, and the
champion having delivered his presents, then proceeded with his father
Zál to wait upon Káús, who prepared a royal banquet, and entertained
Khosráu and them in the most sumptuous manner. It was there agreed to
march a large army against Afrásiyáb; and all the warriors zealously
came forward with their best services, except Zál, who on account of his
age requested to remain tranquilly in his own province. Khosráu said to
Káús:

"The throne can yield no happiness for me,
Nor can I sleep the sleep of health and joy
Till I have been revenged on that destroyer.