OP NADIR SHAH, &C. 537 



FERSE. 



Let tl.e c. p-bearer tell our enemy, the worshipper of fire. 



To cover his head with dust ; 



For the water, that had departed, is returned into its channel. 



Such of the tribe o( Shtahs, as are backward on this 

 great occasion, and are reconciled to this shameful 

 peace, should be expelled from the faithful seat ; and 

 for ever counted among its enemies. To slaughter 

 them will be meritorious ; to permit their existence, 

 impious. 



" I have heard, that, durlag the reign of Mutasim, 



" A woman of Ajim was taken by the foe : 



" Her eyes became channels for torrents of blood. .v 



" She thus complained of her wretched state. 



'* Oh MuTAsiM ! why art thou supine ? I call for justice! 



" Thy subject is a prisoner in the hands of thine enemy, 



*' Thou art the flame in the lamp of the country, 



*' On thee depends the shame and glory of the nation. 



'*■ Thou art the protector of the poor and wretched : 



** All their children are the children of their sovereign ! 



" Her masters, astonished at these exclamations, 



" In rage struck her on the face ; 



" And said, " now let your monarch Mutasim, , ..' 



" With all the renowned heroes of Persia, 



*' Collect an innumerable army, 



" And come, if they chose, to thy rescue," 



•' This speech soon reached the great Mutasim, 



" Who immediately published throughout Persia, 



"■ That all, who pretended to the name of men, 



" Should instantly assemble in arms. 



" When the monarch had completed his mighty preparations. 



" He soo» heaped destruction on the heads of his enemies *. 



" To release one prisoner Irom the hand of the foe, 



* -This story is related by historians, of Muta'sim, the son of 

 Ha RUNAL Ha'shid, ar.d eighth K /i a iij of the house of Abas. 

 D'Hcrbeht Bibl. Or. 630. 



