
Siavash's Last Prayer
From B9.55, Siavash Falls by Gurvi’s Hand. It illustrates B9.55.3–14 (to B9.55.15):
- B9.55.3He seized his hair and dragged him through the dust,While Siavash raised his voice in prayer and trust:
- B9.55.4“O Lord beyond all place, all time, all change,Let not my line be lost in lands so strange.
- B9.55.5Let from my seed a radiant branch arise,A son whose glory shines beneath the skies.
- B9.55.6Let him avenge the wrongs that here are done,And make my name renewed beneath the sun.
- B9.55.7Beneath his feet let all the world be laid,And let true manhood through his deeds be displayed.”
- B9.55.8Behind them Pilsam followed, sick with dread,His eyes ran blood; his grieving heart seemed dead.
- B9.55.9The prince cried out: “Farewell; go with my prayer,And take to Piran word of my despair.
- B9.55.10Go speak to Piran; tell him what you see:‘The world has turned from all it promised me.
- B9.55.11My hope in Piran scattered, fled, and died;Like willow now I tremble, terrified.
- B9.55.12He promised horsemen, armored rank on rank,A hundred thousand strong upon my flank,
- B9.55.13To stand beside me when my fortune turned,And aid me when the fires of danger burned.
- B9.55.14But now on foot before Garsivaz I go,Abased and dark of heart beneath this woe.
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