Shahnameh by Abolqasem Ferdowsi — Read

As Hormozd established his power and was finally able to reign as he wished, his evil nature became apparent and he strayed from the paths of righteousness. One by one, he destroyed his father's confidants and advisors, men who had lived peacefully and with no fear of danger. There were three in particular who had been scholars at Nushin-Ravan's court-one old man and two younger men. The first was Izad-Goshasp; the second, the wise Bozorjmehr, a man blessed with the divine farr; and the third Mahazar, also wise and of a serene and cheerful character. These three had served Nushin-Ravan's throne as courtiers and viziers, but Hormozd feared that one day they would feel no gratitude toward him, and he was determined to bring each of them down into the dust.

He had Izad-Goshasp thrown into prison for no reason. The chief priest at that time-a man called Zardhesht-was filled with anxiety for Izad-Goshasp's fate. It was as if an arrow had wounded his heart, and this good and noble priest became pale with worry. After a day in which Izad-Goshasp had had neither a servant, food, clothing, or any companion, he sent a message to the chief priest: "You have always been as dear to me as my own marrow and skin; I am now friendless in the king's prison, and no one visits me. I'm hungry and my aching stomach longs for nourishment. Send me some food, some antidote to the pains that gnaw at me. " The priest's heart was moved to sympathy for his friend's situation, but he sent a cautious reply, "Despite your chains, be thankful you have not been physically harmed yet. " He grieved inwardly and pondered what to do.