New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Zal Bound before Bahman

Zal Bound before Bahman

From D1.2, Bahman Humiliates Zal. It illustrates D1.2.26–35:

  • D1.2.26
    Zal went to meet him; with the elder cameThe chiefs of Sistan, men of noble name.
  • D1.2.27
    He reached the Shah, dismounted from his steed,And bowed before him as the court decreed.
  • D1.2.28
    He said, “This is the time to grant releaseFrom grief and rancor; let the heart find peace.
  • D1.2.29
    Here Dastan, son of Sahm, before you stands,Humbled, with walking staff in aged hands.
  • D1.2.30
    Remember how we guarded you in youth,And dealt with you in loyalty and truth.
  • D1.2.31
    Forgive; let bygone deeds be left unsaid;Seek virtue; seek no vengeance for the dead.”
  • D1.2.32
    But Bahman’s fury mounted at the plea;Zal’s former standing ebbed for all to see.
  • D1.2.33
    He bound Zal’s feet, and would not lend an earTo minister or treasurer standing near.
  • D1.2.34
    They loaded camel after camel, packedFrom Dastan’s palace, all its treasures sacked:
  • D1.2.35
    With gold coins, uncut gems, and thrones arrayed,And all the rugs that in the halls were laid;

In the picture

Woodcut panels, identity sheets and banners © 2026 New Naqqali LLC, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0: share and adapt them for non-commercial use, with credit to New Naqqali. Rights & permissions.