
Bijan Finds Rostam's Ring in the Pit
From C2.23, Bijan Learns Rostam Is Coming. It illustrates C2.23.12–22:
- C2.23.12Bijan unfolded all the wholesome bread,With hope at times, at times with fear and dread.
- C2.23.13He reached to eat and found the hidden ringAmid the food that she had come to bring.
- C2.23.14He read the name and marveled at the sight;He laughed aloud in wonder and delight.
- C2.23.15A turquoise seal bore Rostam’s name; each lineWas cut with iron, like a hair so fine.
- C2.23.16He saw the fruit of faithfulness appear,And knew the key to grief at last was here.
- C2.23.17He laughed in royal gladness from the pit,Until Manijeh heard, amazed by it.
- C2.23.18She marveled at his laughter from that gloom,Where chains and darkness wrapped him like a tomb.
- C2.23.19She spoke a proverb, puzzled by his glee:“A madman laughs at his own acts,” said she.
- C2.23.20She stood bewildered by the sound below:“O fortunate one, why does your laughter flow?
- C2.23.21How can your lips spread open with delight,When night is day to you, and day is night?
- C2.23.22What mystery is this? Reveal it now.Does better fortune show a brighter brow?”
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