he resemble in
feature any person in this assembly?" Kabus looked round about him, and
pointed to Zarir, from which Lohurasp concluded that it must be his own
son, and sat silent. But he soon determined on what answer to send, and
it was contained in the following words: "Do not take me for an Alias,
nor think that one hero of thine is competent to oppose me. I have a
hundred equal to him. Continue, therefore, to pay me tribute, or I will
lay waste thy whole country." With this letter he dismissed Kabus; and
as soon as the messenger had departed, addressed himself to Zarir,
saying: "Thou must go in the character of an ambassador from me to the
king of Rum, and represent to him the justice and propriety of
preserving peace. After thy conference with him repair to the house of
Gushtasp, and in my name ask his forgiveness for what I have done. I was
not before aware of his merit, and day and night I think of him with
repentance and sorrow. Tell him to pardon his old father's infirmities,
and come back to Iran, to his own country and home, that I may resign to
him my crown and throne, and like Kai-khosrau, take leave of the world.
It is my desire to deliver myself up to prayer and devotion, and to
appoint Gushtasp my successor, for he appears to be eminently worthy of
that honor." Zarir acted scrupulously, in conformity with his
instructions; and having first had an interview with the king, hastened
to the house of his brother, by whom he was received with affection and
gladness. After the usual interchange of congratulations and enquiry, he
stated to him the views and the resolutions of his father, who on the
faith of his royal word promised to appoint him his successor, and
thought of him with the most cordial attachment. Gushtasp was as much
astonished as delighted with this information, and his anxiety being
great to return to his own country, he that very night, accompanied by
his wife Kitabun, and Zarir, set out for Iran. Approaching the city, he
was met by an istakbal, or honorary deputation of warriors, sent by the
king; and when he arrived at court, Lohurasp descended from his throne
and embraced him with paternal affection, shedding tears of contrition
for having previously treated him not only with neglect but severity.
However he now made him ample atonement, and ordering a golden chair of
royalty to be constructed and placed close to his own, they both sat
together, and the people by command tendered to him unani