The Silk Cord Proves the Wall

From E7.7, Khosrow Parviz Builds the City of Madain. It illustrates E7.7.52–57:

• E7.7.52
  The clever Roman took the measuring line,And with the Shah’s own man reviewed the sign.
• E7.7.53
  They measured; seven cubits less they foundThan when the cord first reached from wall to ground.
• E7.7.54
  They carried back the line in open sight;The expert’s comrade set the matter right.
• E7.7.55
  The Roman said, “Had I raised vault and wall,No work, O Shah, could have endured at all.
• E7.7.56
  No arch or roof or chamber would have stayed;And I would answer for the ruin made.”
• E7.7.57
  Khosrow perceived the truth within his speech,And saw that skill had justified its reach.

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