,
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i
NIZAMI
90
Shireen, although he did not neglect any of This is the popular traditions of Persia.
acknowledged as
his chef tfceuvre.
THE STORY OF KHOSRU TARVIZ Khosru Parviz
lived A.D. 590
:
he was a
prince of exalted virtues and great magnificence he fought against the Greek emperors :
with success,but was at last defeated by Heraclius. He is said to have married a daughter
Emperor Maurice, named Irene, called the Persians Shireen, or Sweet. by Ferhad's history forms a tragical episode of the
in this
romance.
He was
a statuary, cele-
brated throughout the East for his great genius, but was daring enough to fix his affec-
on the beloved of a king. The jealousy of Khosru was excited, and he lamented to his courtiers the existence of a passion which was so violent as not to be contions
and which gave him great uneasiness. to employ Ferhad in such a manner as to occupy his whole life, and divert him from his dangerous dream accordingly, as on one occasion the fair Shireen had, somewhat unreasonably, required of her royal lover a river of Milk, he cealed,
He was recommended
:
made her
desire a pretext for the labours he
imposed on his presumptuous rival. Ferhad was summoned to the presence of Khosru, and commissioned by the king to