
Barzin's Daughters Play for the Shah
From D10.13, Bahram Weds the Daughters of Noble Barzin. It illustrates D10.13.57–67:
- D10.13.57Now drunk, he told his daughters, “Hear me, all:No common chief has entered through our wall.
- D10.13.58Shah Bahram has adorned this garden bright;Now bring your harps and songs for his delight.”
- D10.13.59All three drew near the Shah with crowns ablaze,Their jeweled brows a marvel to the gaze.
- D10.13.60One danced, one played upon the harp with art,The third sang sweetly to delight his heart.
- D10.13.61While they made music, filling him with cheer,The king drained every cup they offered near.
- D10.13.62He turned to old Barzin: “Who are these three,That feast beside you, fair as moons to see?”
- D10.13.63Barzin replied, “O Shah, may no age beWithout your light, which blesses land and sea.
- D10.13.64These are my daughters and my heart’s delight,Three moons that fill this garden with their light.
- D10.13.65One is a singer; one the harp can sound;The third, a dancer, treads the measured round.
- D10.13.66I lack no riches, Shah; enough is mine:Domains, this garden, stores of grain and vine.
- D10.13.67My daughters bloom like gardens in the spring;O moon-faced singer, praise the world’s great king.”
In the picture
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