larm and irritation of the
chiefs, and engaging to be a mediator upon the unhappy occasion, brought
them to a more pacific tone of thinking. After this he immediately
repaired to Nauder, who received him with great favor and kindness. "O
king," said he, "only keep Feridun in remembrance, and govern the empire
in such a manner that thy name may be honored by thy subjects; for, be
well assured, that he who has a just estimate of the world, will never
look upon it as his place of rest. It is but an inn, where all
travellers meet on their way to eternity, but must not remain. The wise
consider those who fix their affections on this life, as utterly devoid
of reason and reflection:

"Pleasure, and pomp, and wealth may be obtained--
And every want luxuriously supplied:
But suddenly, without a moment's warning,
Death comes, and hurls the monarch from his throne,
His crown and sceptre scattering in the dust.
He who is satisfied with earthly joys,
Can never know the blessedness of Heaven;
His soul must still be dark. Why do the good
Suffer in this world, but to be prepared
For future rest and happiness? The name
Of Feridun is honoured among men,
Whilst curses load the memory of Zohak."

This intercession of Sam produced an entire change in the government of
Nauder, who promised, in future, to rule his people according to the
principles of Husheng, and Feridun, and Minuchihr. The chiefs and
captains of the army were, in consequence, contented, and the kingdom
reunited itself under his sway.

In the meantime, however, the news of the death of Minuchihr, together
with Nauder's injustice and seventy, and the disaffection of his people,
had reached Turan, of which country Poshang, a descendant from Tur, was
then the sovereign. Poshang, who had been unable to make a single
successful hostile movement during the life of Minuchihr, at once
conceived this to be a fit opportunity of taking revenge for the blood
of Silim and Tur, and every appearance seeming to be in his favor, he
called before him his heroic son Afrasiyab, and explained to him his
purpose and views. It was not difficult to inspire the youthful mind of
Afrasiyab with the sentiments he himself cherished, and a large army was
immediately collected to take the field against Nauder. Poshang was
proud of the chivalrous spirit and promptitude displayed by his son, who
is said to have been as strong as a lion, or an elephant, and whose
shadow extende