
Homahyi Knows Her Brother's Voice
From C7.10, The Sisters Recognize Esfandiyar. It illustrates C7.10.16–27:
- C7.10.16Beneath 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.
- C7.10.18May unjust Goshtasb also meet that end;May crown and belt no king like him attend.
- C7.10.19Do you not see I trade to earn my bread?I work to keep myself supplied and fed.”
- C7.10.20Homahyi knew his voice; the sound brought peace,And gave her anxious heart a brief release.
- C7.10.21Yet though she knew him by his voice alone,She kept that knowledge hidden and unknown.
- C7.10.22She stood before him stricken by her pain,And let her tears descend like pouring rain.
- C7.10.23Her clothes were torn, her feet were in the dust,Her soul afraid of Arjasp’s wrath unjust.
- C7.10.24The watchful prince perceived that Homahyi knew,And from beneath his veil his face he drew.
- C7.10.25His eyes were wet, his heart with blood oppressed;His sunlike face revealed his soul’s unrest.
- C7.10.26He marveled at the world’s relentless grip,And in his bitter anger bit his lip.
- C7.10.27He said, “My sisters, keep our secret sealed;For these few days, let nothing be revealed.
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