
Rostam Chooses Treasure for His Merchant Guise
From C2.20, Rostam Arms His Men. It illustrates C2.20.6–16:
- C2.20.6Then Rostam answered: “Stealth must win the day;Craft is the key that opens the right way.
- C2.20.7We must not give Turan a cause for fear,But go as merchants, clothed in merchant gear.
- C2.20.8We must remain in Turan for a while;This task requires deception, care, and guile.
- C2.20.9It is no time for gorz or blade or spear;I need much silver, gold, and jewels here.
- C2.20.10We leave in hope yet may be long delayed;Bring robes and carpets, finest goods of trade.
- C2.20.11Some will be gifts, and some our merchandise.”Khosrow approved the plan, both shrewd and wise.
- C2.20.12He ordered then the treasurer: “Bring allThat Rostam asks from ancient hoard and hall.”
- C2.20.13The treasurer opened chests beside the throne,And gems and heaps of minted gold were shown.
- C2.20.14Then matchless Rostam viewed the gathered prize,And chose what best would suit his merchant guise.
- C2.20.15He took ten camel-loads of minted gold,And five score loads of goods from stores of old.
- C2.20.16He told the chamberlain: “Choose, man by man,A thousand horsemen for the caravan.
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