The Speaking Tree Cries at Noon

From D5.31, Iskandar Sees Wonders and Omens. It illustrates D5.31.41–46:

• D5.31.41
  When sunbeams reached the center of the sky,A dreadful cry came echoing on high.
• D5.31.42
  It echoed through the leaves with mournful tone,And chilled the monarch’s heart as cold as stone.
• D5.31.43
  He asked the guide: “What does this tree declare?Its fearful accents tremble in the air.”
• D5.31.44
  The guide replied: “Why does Iskandar strayThrough all these lands and seek a further way?
• D5.31.45
  When fourteen years have marked his royal reign,He must depart his throne and great domain.”
• D5.31.46
  Iskandar wept blood, overcome by woe;Till midnight came, no words from him would flow.

In the picture

Previous · D5.31The Boar-Headed Corpse in the House of GemsNext · D5.32Iskandar, as Envoy, Before Faghfoor

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.