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Caesar Watches the Merchant from Iran

Caesar Watches the Merchant from Iran

From D8.1.4, Shapur Goes to Rum and Is Captured by Caesar. It illustrates D8.1.4.44–51:

  • D8.1.4.44
    He bade them set the board and bring the wine;They decked the hall and made the palace shine.
  • D8.1.4.45
    In Rum there lived a man of Iran’s kind,World-traveled, but unjust and harsh of mind.
  • D8.1.4.46
    He said, “Great Caesar, hear my secret word;I bring you news that you have never heard.
  • D8.1.4.47
    He takes our gold for silks and costly things,But he is Shapur, lord of Iran’s kings.
  • D8.1.4.48
    In speech, in face, in grace, in every sign,I know Shapur, the Shah of Iran’s line.”
  • D8.1.4.49
    When Caesar heard, amazement darkened him;He stared at Shapur, troubled, stern, and grim.
  • D8.1.4.50
    He set a guard, but told no other ear,And kept the secret hidden from all here.
  • D8.1.4.51
    When Shah Shapur rose drunken from the wine,Still Caesar watched his face for every sign.

In the picture

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