Mehrab Praises Zal Before Rudabeh

From A8.2, Rudabeh and Her Handmaidens. It illustrates A8.2.1–12 (to A8.2.21):

A8.2.1
At dawn one day, when morning light was new,Mehrab came back from Zal’s court as dawn grew.
A8.2.2
And toward the women’s chamber made his way,Where two bright suns outshone the dawning day.
A8.2.3
One was Rudabeh, radiant was her face,Mehrab’s fair daughter, bright as heaven’s grace,
A8.2.4
The other, Sindokht, in her counsel wise,His cherished queen, the light before his eyes.
A8.2.5
Both lay adorned like gardens rich in bloom,With scent and color filling all the room.
A8.2.6
He gazed at Rudabeh in deep delight,And blessed her beauty, shining soft and bright.
A8.2.7
She seemed a cypress in the moonlight fair,With ambergris-dark locks and silken wear.
A8.2.8
A living treasure, gleaming to the view,A hoard that gladdened every eye it drew.
A8.2.9
Then Sindokht smiled, her teeth like pearls revealed,Her purpose hidden, and her thoughts concealed:
A8.2.10
“How went your visit? Tell me what you saw.May fortune shine on you without a flaw.
A8.2.11
What kind of man is Zal, with snow-white hair?More fit for throne, or for the mountain lair?
A8.2.12
Does he behave as men of honor should,And walk the path of chiefs both brave and good?”