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Bijan Finds Rostam's Ring in the Pit

Bijan Finds Rostam's Ring in the Pit

From C2.23, Bijan Learns Rostam Is Coming. It illustrates C2.23.12–22:

  • C2.23.12
    Bijan unfolded all the wholesome bread,With hope at times, at times with fear and dread.
  • C2.23.13
    He reached to eat and found the hidden ringAmid the food that she had come to bring.
  • C2.23.14
    He read the name and marveled at the sight;He laughed aloud in wonder and delight.
  • C2.23.15
    A turquoise seal bore Rostam’s name; each lineWas cut with iron, like a hair so fine.
  • C2.23.16
    He saw the fruit of faithfulness appear,And knew the key to grief at last was here.
  • C2.23.17
    He laughed in royal gladness from the pit,Until Manijeh heard, amazed by it.
  • C2.23.18
    She marveled at his laughter from that gloom,Where chains and darkness wrapped him like a tomb.
  • C2.23.19
    She spoke a proverb, puzzled by his glee:“A madman laughs at his own acts,” said she.
  • C2.23.20
    She stood bewildered by the sound below:“O fortunate one, why does your laughter flow?
  • C2.23.21
    How can your lips spread open with delight,When night is day to you, and day is night?
  • C2.23.22
    What mystery is this? Reveal it now.Does better fortune show a brighter brow?”

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