Rozbeh Finds the Elder in the Ruins

From D10.8, Rozbeh Ruins and Restores a Village. It illustrates D10.8.35–46 (to D10.8.51):

D10.8.35
The Mobad bowed, departed, spurred his horse,And for the ruined township set his course.
D10.8.36
He hurried through each quarter, searching round,Until an elder, lacking work, was found.
D10.8.37
Dismounting, he saluted him, and badeThe elder sit beside him in the shade.
D10.8.38
He said, “Old honored man, explain to me:Who wrecked this district, once so fair to see?”
D10.8.39
The old man answered, “Once our monarch passedThrough these parts, and ruin followed fast.
D10.8.40
A witless Mobad came along our way,With foolish counsel and a proud display.
D10.8.41
He said to us, ‘You all are lords and free;Defer to none, whoever he may be.
D10.8.42
Be masters all, each woman, man, and slave,And rank as great among the great and brave.’
D10.8.43
Such were his words; the township shook with strife,With rapine, murder, blows, and wasted life.
D10.8.44
May God reward him as his deeds are due,And send him grief and hardship through and through.
D10.8.45
Our case grows worse; whoever sees our lotMust weep for what has vanished and is not.”
D10.8.46
Then Rozbeh, grieved to hear the old man’s tale,Asked, “Who is chief here, where all things now fail?”