
Khosrow Prays Bareheaded to the Sun
From E6.5, Khosrow and Bahram Parley. It illustrates E6.5.101–112 (to E6.5.118):
- E6.5.101He spoke, dismounted from his ivory-gray,And took his costly crown off there to pray.
- E6.5.102He turned toward the sun with grievous cries,And placed his hope in God who rules the skies.
- E6.5.103“O glorious Judge, who brings hope’s tree to fruit,You know who wrongs Your slave with proud dispute.
- E6.5.104You know how shame now stains the royal crown,And how this rebel seeks to pull it down.
- E6.5.105If royalty must leave our ancient race,I will not strive to hold the royal place.
- E6.5.106I will become a servant in the Fire,And live on herbs and milk with no desire.
- E6.5.107I shall not hoard up coin of any kind,But wear coarse wool, to holy rites resigned.
- E6.5.108Yet if the crown by God is meant as mine,I will serve You with justice as my sign.
- E6.5.109Grant victory to my army in this fight;Keep crown and throne beyond that wretch’s might.
- E6.5.110If I prevail, this crown and steed shall goTo Azargashasp, where the fires glow.
- E6.5.111These armlets, earrings, torque, and robe, which shineWith gold and gems, I too shall give that shrine.
- E6.5.112Upon the lapis dome I shall let streamTen bags of dinars, yellow in their gleam.
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