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Homahyi Knows Her Brother's Voice

Homahyi Knows Her Brother's Voice

From C7.10, The Sisters Recognize Esfandiyar. It illustrates C7.10.16–27:

  • C7.10.16
    Beneath his robe he gave a sudden shout;Both sisters shook with fear as it rang out.
  • C7.10.17
    “May Esfandiyar die, and perish tooWhoever speaks his name, as now you do.
  • C7.10.18
    May unjust Goshtasb also meet that end;May crown and belt no king like him attend.
  • C7.10.19
    Do you not see I trade to earn my bread?I work to keep myself supplied and fed.”
  • C7.10.20
    Homahyi knew his voice; the sound brought peace,And gave her anxious heart a brief release.
  • C7.10.21
    Yet though she knew him by his voice alone,She kept that knowledge hidden and unknown.
  • C7.10.22
    She stood before him stricken by her pain,And let her tears descend like pouring rain.
  • C7.10.23
    Her clothes were torn, her feet were in the dust,Her soul afraid of Arjasp’s wrath unjust.
  • C7.10.24
    The watchful prince perceived that Homahyi knew,And from beneath his veil his face he drew.
  • C7.10.25
    His eyes were wet, his heart with blood oppressed;His sunlike face revealed his soul’s unrest.
  • C7.10.26
    He marveled at the world’s relentless grip,And in his bitter anger bit his lip.
  • C7.10.27
    He said, “My sisters, keep our secret sealed;For these few days, let nothing be revealed.

In the picture

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