48 Life and Writings 
For there is no one among the illustrious like 
the hero Zaul: 
He is mighty, and the son of the most re- 
nowned warrior in the world ; 
He is wise and prudent, and of a noble soul. 
But I fear that the king of the earth will be 
enraged, 
And will raise the dust of Caubul to the sun ; 
For never will he suffer one of our seed, 
To place his foot in the stirrup. 
King Mihraub came joyfully from the hall of 
audience, 
For Zaul had spoken much in his praise. 
He beheld, reclined, the illustrious Seendocht, 
Her face pale and her heart agitated ; 
And he said,—What ailest thou ? 
And why are the roses of thy cheeks faded ? 
Then Seendocht answered and said,— 
My heart is filled with anxious cares. 
This collection of presents and treasure ; 
These Arabian horses superbly arrayed ; 
This palace and these beautiful gardens, 
And this company of faithful friends ; 
This band of slaves attached to their master ; 
This crown and imperial throne, 
And all our reputation for wisdom and pru- 
dence ; 
All now is wasting away: 
