X.

Well, let it take them! What have we to do With Kaikobad the Great, or Kaikhosru? Let Zal[32] and Rustum bluster as they will, Or Hatim call to supper--heed not you.

The first two lines of this quatrain echo two fragments from the MSS. O. 139 (ll. 3 and 4), and C. 57 (ll. 1 and 2).

The cup is a hundred times better than the kingdom of Feridun,[33] The tile that covers the jar is better than the crown of Kai Khosru.

_Ref._: O. 136, L. 650, B. 642, S.P. 378, P. 246, B. ii. 511, P. v. 178.--N. 382, V. 609.

One draught of wine is better than the Empire of Kawus, And is better than the Throne of Kobad and the Empire of Tus.

_Ref._: C. 57, L. 122, B. 119, S.P. 61, P. 297.--W. 64, N. 61, V. 121.

The last two lines are translated from C. 503 (ll. 3 and 4).

Bow not thy neck though Rustum son of Zal be thy foe, Be not grateful though Hatim Tai befriend thee.[34]

_Ref._: C. 503, L. 746, B. 732. S.P. 411, P. 150, B. ii. 552, P. iv. 23.--W. 455, N. 416, V. 798.

With me along the strip of Herbage strown That just divides the desert from the sown, Where name of Slave and Sultan is forgot-- And Peace to Mahmud on his golden Throne!