New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Barzvi Reads the Kalila

Barzvi Reads the Kalila

From E2.4, The Kalila and Dimna Comes to Iran. It illustrates E2.4.81–87:

  • E2.4.81
    But you shall read it only in my sight,And set no words upon a page to write.
  • E2.4.82
    Let none learn what you write within your heart;Read here before me till you know each part.”
  • E2.4.83
    Barzvi replied, “O king, your words have shownThe very wish that I would call my own.”
  • E2.4.84
    The Raja’s minister brought Kalila out;Barzvi perused it, banishing all doubt.
  • E2.4.85
    As each new chapter opened to his view,He spent the day learning its order true.
  • E2.4.86
    He read no more than memory could retain,And kept each passage clear within his brain.
  • E2.4.87
    Each day he wrote a chapter out to sendIn secret to the Shah, his royal friend.

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.