Justice in the Trampled Field

From E5.3, Hormizd Renounces Tyranny. It illustrates E5.3.19–28:

E5.3.19
A horseman from Prince Khosrow’s favored trainRode roughshod through a farmer’s standing grain;
E5.3.20
The rider laughed: “Complain to whom you will:I serve Parviz! Who cares what crops I kill?”
E5.3.21
“Dock tail and ears,” the Shah in wrath decreed,“And give the peasant this disfigured steed!
E5.3.22
The rider too shall serve him bound and chained,Until the value of his crop is gained;
E5.3.23
From Khosrow’s treasury let gold be weighed,Till every stalk of damage is repaid!
E5.3.24
Pay in the field, before the owner’s eyes;Let justice stand where royal judgment lies.”
E5.3.25
The prince asked chiefs to plead before the throneThat ears and tail should stay the horse’s own.
E5.3.26
But royal wrath remained in firm command;The Shah dismissed the pleas on every hand.
E5.3.27
The groom, afraid of what the king might do,Cut ears and tail where ruined grasses grew.
E5.3.28
Khosrow then paid the owner what was due,And thus the Shah Hormizd’s decree went through.