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