" But Piran was inflamed with love for the boy...

" But Piran was inflamed with love for the boy, so he pondered not his words, but said- "O heir of kings, thou art not the son of a shepherd." Then he told him of his birth, and clad him in robes befitting his station, and took him back with him unto his house. And henceforward was Kai Khosrau reared in the bosom of Piran and of Ferangis his mother. And the days rolled above their heads in happiness. Then it came about one night that Piran was awakened by a messenger from Afrasiyab the King.

And the King bade Piran come before him. And when he was come unto him, he said- "My heart is disquieted because of the child of Saiawush, and I repent me of my weakness which kept him alive; for in my dreams I have beheld that he will do much evil unto Turan.

Wherefore I would now slay him to avert calamity." Then Piran, wise in counsel, opened his mouth before Afrasiyab and spake, saying- "O King, disquiet not thyself because of this boy, for he is devoid of wit; and though his face be like unto that of a Peri, his head, which should bear a crown, is empty of reason.

Commit, therefore, no violence, but suffer that this innocent continue to dwell among the flocks." Afrasiyab, when he had listened to these words of wile, was comforted; yet he said- "Send Kai Khosrau before me, that I may behold with mine eyes his simplicity." And Piran assented to his request, because he ventured not to gainsay it. So he returned him unto his house and sought out the boy, and told him how he should disguise his wit before the King.

Then he led him unto the court mounted upon a goodly charger, and all the people shouted when they beheld his beauty and his kingly mien. And Afrasiyab too was confounded at his aspect, and he gazed with wonder at his limbs of power, and he strove to remember the promise that he had given unto Piran that he would not hurt a hair of the head of this boy. Then he began to question him that he might search his spirit. And he said- "Young shepherd, how knowest thou the day from the night?

What doest thou with thy flocks? How countest thou thy sheep and thy goats?" And Kai Khosrau replied- "There is no game, and I have neither cords nor bow and arrows." Then the King questioned him concerning the milk that was given of the herds.