New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Rostam Chooses Treasure for His Merchant Guise

Rostam Chooses Treasure for His Merchant Guise

From C2.20, Rostam Arms His Men. It illustrates C2.20.6–16:

  • C2.20.6
    Then Rostam answered: “Stealth must win the day;Craft is the key that opens the right way.
  • C2.20.7
    We must not give Turan a cause for fear,But go as merchants, clothed in merchant gear.
  • C2.20.8
    We must remain in Turan for a while;This task requires deception, care, and guile.
  • C2.20.9
    It is no time for gorz or blade or spear;I need much silver, gold, and jewels here.
  • C2.20.10
    We leave in hope yet may be long delayed;Bring robes and carpets, finest goods of trade.
  • C2.20.11
    Some will be gifts, and some our merchandise.”Khosrow approved the plan, both shrewd and wise.
  • C2.20.12
    He ordered then the treasurer: “Bring allThat Rostam asks from ancient hoard and hall.”
  • C2.20.13
    The treasurer opened chests beside the throne,And gems and heaps of minted gold were shown.
  • C2.20.14
    Then matchless Rostam viewed the gathered prize,And chose what best would suit his merchant guise.
  • C2.20.15
    He took ten camel-loads of minted gold,And five score loads of goods from stores of old.
  • C2.20.16
    He told the chamberlain: “Choose, man by man,A thousand horsemen for the caravan.

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.