The Poisoned Cup and the Hens

From D7.2, Ardeshir and the Daughter of Ardavan. It illustrates D7.2.19–27:

D7.2.19
He sought his bride; she saw him drawing near,And ran to meet her husband, Ardeshir.
D7.2.20
She brought a topaz cup, its contents sweet:Cold water, sugar, meal for him to eat.
D7.2.21
To please Bahman, she mixed the deadly baneWith meal and sugar, hoping for his gain.
D7.2.22
The Shah received the cup, but from his holdIt fell and broke; its contents outward rolled.
D7.2.23
The queen shook hard beneath the sudden fear;Her heart seemed torn in two as he stood near.
D7.2.24
The Shah grew doubtful when he saw her shake,And feared what turn the heavens now might take.
D7.2.25
He bade a servant fetch four household hens,And bring the birds before him from their pens.
D7.2.26
The birds were set before the poisoned fare;Those watching thought suspicion idle air.
D7.2.27
The fowls ate of the meal and swiftly died;No kindly reading could the poison hide.