Charged with unfilial language. "Give," he said, "This stripling Irij a more humble portion, Or we will, from the mountains of Túrán, From Rúm, and Chín, bring overwhelming troops, Inured to war, and shower disgrace and ruin On him and Persia."
When the messenger arrived at the court of Feridún, and had obtained permission to appear in the presence of the king, he kissed the ground respectfully, and by command related the purpose of his journey. Feridún was surprised and displeased, and said, in reply:
"Have I done wrong, done evil? None, but good. I gave ye kingdoms, that was not a crime; But if ye fear not me, at least fear God. My ebbing life approaches to an end, And the possessions of this fleeting world Will soon pass from me. I am grown too old To have my passions roused by this rebellion; All I can do is, with paternal love, To counsel peace. Be with your lot contented; Seek not unnatural strife, but cherish peace."
After the departure of the messenger Feridún called Irij before him, and said: "Thy two brothers, who are older than thou art, have confederated together and threaten to bring a large army against thee for the purpose of seizing thy kingdom, and putting thee to death. I have received this information from a messenger, who further says, that if I take thy part they will also wage war upon me." And after Irij had declared that in this extremity he was anxious to do whatever his father might advise, Feridún continued: "My son, thou art unable to resist the invasion of even one brother; it will, therefore, be impossible for thee to oppose both. I am now aged and infirm, and my only wish is to pass the remainder of my days in retirement and repose. Better, then, will it be for thee to pursue the path of peace and friendship, and like me throw away all desire for dominion.
"For if the sword of anger is unsheathed, And war comes on, thy head will soon be freed From all the cares of government and life. There is no cause for thee to quit the world, The path of peace and amity is thine."
Irij agreed with his father, and declared that he would willingly sacrifice his throne and diadem rather than go to war with his brothers.
"Look at the Heavens, how they roll on; And look at man, how soon he's gone. A breath of wind, and then no more; A world like this, should man deplore?"