from which hung a noose, he inquired for whom it was intended. Gersíwaz
heard the question, and replied that it was for a Persian, an enemy of
Túrán, a son of Gíw, and related to Rustem. Pírán straightway rode up to
the youth, who was standing in deep affliction, almost naked, and with
his hands bound behind his back, and he said to him:--

"Why didst thou quit thy country, why come hither,
Why choose the road to an untimely grave?"

Upon this Byzun told him his whole story, and the treachery of Girgín.
Pírán wept at the recital, and remembering the circumstances under which
he had encountered Gíw, and how he had been himself delivered from death
by the interposition of Ferangís, he requested the execution to be
stayed until he had seen the king, which was accordingly done. The king
received him with honor, praised his wisdom and prudence, and
conjecturing from his manner that something was heavy at his heart,
expressed his readiness to grant any favor which he might have come to
solicit. Pírán said: "Then, my only desire is this: do not put Byzun to
death; do not repeat the tragedy of Saiáwush, and again consign Túrán
and Irán to all the horrors of war and desolation. Remember how I warned
thee against taking the life of that young prince; but malignant and
evil advisers exerted their influence, were triumphant, and brought upon
thee and thy kingdom the vengeance of Káús, of Rustem, and all the
warriors of the Persian empire. The swords now sleeping in their
scabbards are ready to flash forth again, for assuredly if the blood of
Byzun be spilt the land will be depopulated by fire and sword. The honor
of a king is sacred; when that is lost, all is lost." But Afrásiyáb
replied: "I fear not the thousands that can be brought against me. Byzun
has committed an offence which can never be pardoned; it covers me with
shame, and I shall be universally despised if I suffer him to live.