Khosrow Sends the Women Home

From C4.23, Khosrow Spares Afrasiab’s Family. It illustrates C4.23.59–68:

C4.23.59
Khosrow was deeply moved when he had heardThose fallen women’s grief in every word.
C4.23.60
The women’s ruby cheeks, in grief’s fierce glow,Shone bright as lamps amid their bitter woe.
C4.23.61
The sages grieved; their thoughts began to roam,For each remembered child and wife at home.
C4.23.62
The captains and the mighty chiefs gave praise,And blessed the Shah for his forbearing ways;
C4.23.63
For he would not pursue revenge or blameAgainst these women, in their Maker’s name.
C4.23.64
Then prudent Khosrow spoke: “What we would rueIf done to us, we must not do to you.
C4.23.65
I will not bring such grief on any head,Though vengeful anger in my heart is fed.
C4.23.66
When I reflect upon that monarch’s deed,I find no worthy pattern there to heed.
C4.23.67
He wronged my noble mother; I shall spareAll others from the wrong she had to bear.”
C4.23.68
He sent them home and said: “Abide in peace;No hand shall harm you; let your terrors cease.