
Kavus Rejects Zal's Counsel
From B4.2, Zal Counsels Kay Kavus. It illustrates B4.2.29–40 (to B4.2.41):
- B4.2.29The Shah replied, his pride now sharpened high:“Your counsel has its worth; I cannot deny.
- B4.2.30In valor, strength, and wealth I far exceedBoth Jamshid and Fereydoon, all concede.
- B4.2.31Manuchehr and Qobad I too excel;They never sought Mazandaran’s dark spell.
- B4.2.32My army, heart, and treasure greater stand;The sharp sword holds the world beneath command.
- B4.2.33The world lies open to the knowing eye;No hidden realm shall from my purpose fly.
- B4.2.34I go to snare them one by one in fight,By kingly rule or by the sword’s own might.
- B4.2.35I shall impose my tribute on their land,Or leave no living foe who dares withstand.
- B4.2.36Their sorcerers and Divs I count as base;No terror in them do I see or trace.
- B4.2.37The Divs shall vanish from the face of earth,Their cursed breed be stripped of name and worth.
- B4.2.38You, Zal, with Rostam, guard Iran; beware;Let watchful strength be constant everywhere.
- B4.2.39The World-Creator stands with me today;The heads of male Divs shall be my prey.
- B4.2.40If you will not ride with me to the fight,Then do not counsel me to wait tonight.”
In the picture
Woodcut panels, identity sheets and banners © 2026 New Naqqali LLC, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0: share and adapt them for non-commercial use, with credit to New Naqqali. Rights & permissions.
New Naqqali
