The Uncles Strangle the Blind Hormizd

From E6.8, Khosrow Leaves His Father and Flees. It illustrates E6.8.47–55:

E6.8.47
When Khosrow rode ahead, the uncles turned,While in their breasts a ruthless hatred burned:
E6.8.48
They sought the darkened chamber of the king,And from a war-bow loosed the braided string;
E6.8.49
They cast the hempen cord around his head,And choked his royal breath until he lay dead!
E6.8.50
Without a wound to spill imperial blood,They quenched his spirit in a silent flood.
E6.8.51
His throne and crown had vanished with his breath;As though he had not lived, he passed in death.
E6.8.52
Such is the turning world: its fruits may growNow sweet, now poisonous, bringing bitter woe.
E6.8.53
Seek no sure profit from a stock like this;Its quest brings pain, not certainty or bliss.
E6.8.54
When Hormizd’s life was ended, spent and flown,The throne and crown were left to stand alone.
E6.8.55
Tabiras boomed; pale with fear, the killers eyedBahram’s approaching flag, his troops beside.