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Arezu Sings Before the Disguised Shah

Arezu Sings Before the Disguised Shah

From D10.14, Bahram Slays Lions and Weds Arezu. It illustrates D10.14.98–109 (to D10.14.123):

  • D10.14.98
    He told that cypress, “Bring your harp in here;Before Gushasp, our Pahlevan, appear.”
  • D10.14.99
    The harpist came before the monarch’s face,Like Yemen’s star Suhayl in stately grace.
  • D10.14.100
    She said, “O mighty Pahlevan, whose frameBefits a man who bears a kingly name,
  • D10.14.101
    Know that this feasting house belongs to you;My father is host and treasurer too.
  • D10.14.102
    May all your darkest nights be blessed instead;Above the rain-cloud may you raise your head.”
  • D10.14.103
    He said to her, “Sit down, take up the harp;Let song begin at once, both sweet and sharp.
  • D10.14.104
    Tonight old Mahiyar shall be a youth,And pledge his soul to fellowship and truth.”
  • D10.14.105
    The harpist clasped her harp and, with rare skill,Played the Magians’ chant, and all grew still.
  • D10.14.106
    As silken chords rang out through all the room,An odor came as jasmine comes in bloom.
  • D10.14.107
    She sang to Mahiyar, her noble sire,And plaintive music trembled from the wire:
  • D10.14.108
    “You stand, a cypress by the flowing stream;Your locks, once musk-dark, now like camphor gleam.
  • D10.14.109
    Your tongue is warm, your heart has love of peace;May hardship never from your foeman cease.

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