purpose of strengthening his political interest and power, and this was
with Ferangis, the daughter of Afrasiyab. But Saiawush was so devoted to
Gulshaher that he first consulted with her on the subject, although the
hospitality and affection of the king constituted such strong claims on
his gratitude that refusal was impossible. Gulshaher, however, was a
heroine, and willingly sacrificed her own feelings for the good of
Saiawush, saying she would rather condescend to be the very handmaid of
Ferangis than that the happiness and prosperity of her lord should be
compromised. The second marriage accordingly took place, and Afrasiyab
was so pleased with the match that he bestowed on the bride and her
husband the sovereignty of Khoten, together with countless treasure in
gold, and a great number of horses, camels, and elephants. In a short
time they proceeded to the seat of the new government.

Meanwhile Kaus suffered the keenest distress and sorrow when he heard of
the flight of Saiawush into Turan, and Rustem felt such strong
indignation at the conduct of the king that he abruptly quitted the
court, without permission, and retired to Sistan. Kaus thus found
himself in an embarrassed condition, and deemed it prudent to recall
both Tus and the army from Balkh, and relinquish further hostile
measures against Afrasiyab.

The first thing that Saiawush undertook after his arrival at Khoten, was
to order the selection of a beautiful site for his residence, and Piran
devoted his services to fulfil that object, exploring all the provinces,
hills, and dales, on every side. At last he discovered a beautiful spot,
at the distance of about a month's journey, which combined all the
qualities and advantages required by the anxious prince. It was situated
on a mountain, and surrounded by scenery of exquisite richness and
variety. The trees were fresh and green, birds warbled on every spray,
transparent rivulets murmured through the meadows, the air was neither
oppressively hot in summer, nor cold in winter, so that the temperature,
and the attractive objects which presented themselves at every glance,
seemed to realize the imagined charms and fascinations of Paradise. The
inhabitants enjoyed perpetual health, and every breeze was laden with
music and perfume. So lovely a place could not fail to yield pleasure to
Saiawush, who immediately set about building a palace there, and
garden-temples, in which he had pictures painted of the most