
Afrasiab Wakes from the Dream
From B9.19, Afrasiab Is Troubled by a Dream. It illustrates B9.19.3–11:
- B9.19.3One watch had passed beneath the darkened sky,When Afrasiab woke with dreadful cry.
- B9.19.4The startled slaves leapt up and raised a shout,And through the palace panic spread about.
- B9.19.5News reached Garsivaz: “The royal throneHas darkened; haste; the Shah lies overthrown.”
- B9.19.6He found the monarch prostrate on the ground,Then clasped him close and wrapped his arms around.
- B9.19.7“Come, tell your brother what has shaken you;Reveal the cause, and tell me what is true.”
- B9.19.8The king replied: “Ask nothing of me here;Until my reason clears, do not draw near.
- B9.19.9But take me now and hold me to your breast,Until my troubled senses come to rest.”
- B9.19.10At last his reason came to him; the dinOf cries and tumult at the door rolled in.
- B9.19.11They lit the lamps; he mounted up his throne,Still trembling like a branch by tempest blown.
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