secure Byzun, and put him to death. The guilty retreat was first
surrounded by troops, and then Gersíwaz entered the private apartments,
and with surprise and indignation saw Byzun in all his glory, Maníjeh at
his side, his lips stained with wine, his face full of mirth and
gladness, and encircled by the damsels of the shubistán. He accosted him
in severe terms, and was promptly answered by Byzun, who, drawing his
sword, gave his name and family, and declared that if any violence or
insult was offered, he would slay every man that came before him with
hostile intentions. Gersíwaz, on hearing this, thought it prudent to
change his plan, and conduct him to Afrásiyáb, and he was permitted to
do so on the promise of pardon for the alleged offence. When brought
before Afrásiyáb, he was assailed with further opprobrium, and called a
dog and a wicked remorseless demon.

"Thou caitiff wretch, of monstrous birth,
Allied to hell, and not of earth!"

But he thus answered the king:--

"Listen awhile, if justice be thy aim,
And thou wilt find me guiltless. I was sent
From Persia to destroy herds of wild boars,
Which laid the country waste. That labour done,
I lost my way, and weary with the toil,
Weary with wandering in a wildering maze,
Haply reposed beneath a shady cypress;
Thither a Peri came, and whilst I slept,
Lifted me from the ground, and quick as thought
Conveyed me to a summer-tent, where dwelt
A princess of incomparable beauty.