And all with grateful feelings took
The Holy Zendavesta-book,
Proud their new worship to declare,
The worship of Isfendiyar.”
And now, having won the world unto Zerdusht, the young crusader again returned unto his father. But alas! one who hated Isfendiyar because of his valor and triumphs had succeeded in poisoning the mind of Gushtasp against his son, telling him that Isfendiyar, being ambitious, was plotting the overthrow of his father. So it came to pass that when the Hero presented himself before his sire, Gushtasp greeted him not, but, turning unto his courtiers, said:
“O Nobles of Iran! What think you should be done with that son who in the lifetime of his father usurps his authority and meditates his death?”
Then with one accord the nobles answered, saying: “O Lord of the World,
“Such a son should either be
Broken on the felon-tree,
Or in prison bound with chains,