The Priest's Ruse

The priest said to himself: what a grim time, that such an order has come from the king. We are all bound for death, young and old alike, and King Ardeshir has no son of his own. Even if he lives out countless years, when he passes, the throne will fall to an enemy. Better than this useless deed, let me bravely arrange something great. Let me save this moon-faced woman from death, and perhaps make the king regret his order. Once her child is born and taken away, I will carry out this command of the king. It is no light matter to let pass through the heart; better that I act with wisdom than as a fool. He prepared a place within his own hall, one he would guard as his own body and soul. He told his wife: I will not allow even a breath of wind to catch sight of her. Then he reflected: enemies are many, and good and bad suspicions cling to everyone. Let me devise a scheme so my slanderer cannot pour filth into my stream. He went home and cut off his own testicles, applied a searing brand and medicine, then bound the wound. He quickly sprinkled salt over them, and packed them into a small box like smoke. At once he sealed the box shut, then came out groaning, his face gone pale. When he reached the high throne, he set down that box, sealed and locked. He said to the king: let the king entrust this pledge for safekeeping to his own treasurer. On the box its date was written, and its root and origin made plain.