New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Malika Sees the Rider in Black
Book D8 · The Shapur Zul-Aktaf Cycle and Later Early Sasanian Reigns

Malika Sees the Rider in Black

From D8.1.2, Shapur’s Vengeance and Malika’s Love. It illustrates D8.1.2.23–27:

  • D8.1.2.23
    At early dawn Shapur took up his bow,And rode with ardor out to meet the foe.
  • D8.1.2.24
    The rider wore black armor on his breast;A black flag flew above his helmet’s crest.
  • D8.1.2.25
    Then Malika looked down from fortress height,And saw the flag and rider armed for fight.
  • D8.1.2.26
    His cheeks were rose-leaves; musk perfumed his hair;His lips like jujubes, crimson-ripe and fair.
  • D8.1.2.27
    From Malika all sleep and peace had flown,For love had made her heart no more her own.

In the picture

Shapur Zul-Aktaf
Read it in the poemIn the Illustrated PoemAll panels of Book D8
Previous · D8.1.1Young Shapur Hears the Crowded BridgeNext · D8.1.2Malika's Nurse Kneels in the Royal Tent

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