
Manijeh Lights the Signal Fire
From C2.23, Bijan Learns Rostam Is Coming. It illustrates C2.23.76–82:
- C2.23.76Manijeh rushed for wood; with eager treadShe climbed like birds where spreading branches led.
- C2.23.77She watched the sun, the wood upon her breast:When would night raise its head above the crest?
- C2.23.78The sun withdrew, its shining face concealed;Night spread its skirts across the open field.
- C2.23.79It was the hour when all the world lay still,And what was seen grew hidden, field and hill.
- C2.23.80When night led armies over hill and height,The sun that lit the world withdrew its light.
- C2.23.81To pierce the pitch-black darkness, keen and bright,She lit the blaze that scorched the eyes of night.
- C2.23.82A brazen tabira in her heart beat clear:“Now steel-hoofed Rakhsh is coming; he draws near!”
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