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