Zal and the Simorgh · A7.6

Sahm Gives the Kingdom to Zal

Sahm’s military duty requires a new separation. Zal accepts rule without ceasing to feel the cost of losing his foster-mother and now his father.

F&R English · 51 couplets · 7 commentary entries

Parallel text ↓Commentary ↓

The chapter in five texts

Text	Chapter treatment and distinctive choices
F&R English	Fifty-one couplets give the confession and second separation emotional room, then end with learning and the reversal of the hair’s social meaning.
Moscow	Pp 152–155 retain the confession, parting and education, with portions of the expanded handoff and Zal’s complaint bracketed.
Mohl	Pp 119–121 print the fuller teaching, confession and final public wonder supporting the English’s larger chapter.
Ganjoor	Sh3.81–125 supplies 45 reference couplets. It ends with knowledge and cosmic favor rather than the English’s fuller appearance-focused close.
Khaleghi	Pp 179–182 retain the handoff, complaint, two-stage escort and learning. The closure centers on acquired knowledge before the next narrative begins.

Parallel text

English left · Persian right. Ganjoor is the reference except where a row names a printed source. Select a number to open the relevant note. G identifiers distinguish digital sections across chapter boundaries.

1–15+

Then Sahm set forth before his noble son

The kingly virtues that must all be won.

He summoned chiefs and elders, all his peers,

And spoke at length to fill their waiting ears:

“O wise Mobadan, whose counsel steadies all,

Whose hearts stand firm whatever may befall,

Our sovereign wills that I should take the field,

To march on Mazandaran, spear and shield.

Against Gorgasaran I now must go,

With gathered troops to meet the rising foe.

My son, my life, my blood, my heart’s own share,

Remains behind entrusted to your care.

In youth’s wild pride I judged him harshly then,

And cast him out, unworthy among men.

God gave this shining son; I turned away,

Blind to his worth, led by my pride astray.

The Simorgh bore him to her mountain height,

Yet Heaven never left him without light.

What I rejected, that great bird held dear,

And reared him strong, a cypress tall and clear.

When time for mercy came, Yazdan above

Restored him to me in enduring love.

So, know him as the memory I leave,

And as my trust, this charge from me receive.

Teach him all virtue, guide his growing mind,

And form his heart to be both wise and kind.

Honor him well, give counsel firm and wise,

And raise his spirit toward the highest prize.

For I must go, as royal duty binds,

With other chiefs to face what fate assigns.”

جهاندیدگان را ز کشور بخواند

سخن‌های بایسته چندی براند

چنین گفت با نامور بخردان

که ای پاک و بیدار دل موبدان

چنین است فرمان هشیار شاه

که لشکر همی راند باید به راه

سوی گرگساران و مازندران

همی راند خواهم سپاهی گران

بماند به نزد شما این پسر

که همتای جان است و جفت جگر

دل و جانم ایدر بماند همی

مژه خون دل برفشاند همی

به گاه جوانی و کند آوری

یکی بیهده ساختم داوری

پسر داد یزدان بیانداختم

ز بی‌دانشی ارج نشناختم

گرانمایه سیمرغ برداشتش

همان آفریننده بگماشتش

بپرورد او را چو سرو بلند

مرا خوار بد مرغ را ارجمند

چو هنگام بخشایش آمد فراز

جهاندار یزدان به من داد باز

بدانید کاین زینهار من است

به نزد شما یادگار من است

گرامیش دارید و پندش دهید

همه راه و رای بلندش دهید

Ganjoor · m3:81-93

16–20+

He turned to Zal and spoke in softer tone:

“Rule here in peace, let Zabul be your own.

Let justice guide you, let your bounty flow,

And make this land in beauty ever grow.

Let friends know joy, let strangers find their rest,

Let all live safe, in quiet plenty blest.

My treasury I give to you to keep,

Your gain is mine, your loss cuts just as deep.

In feast or war, let judgment lead your way;

Do what your spirit bids without delay.”

سوی زال کرد آنگهی سام روی

که داد و دهش گیر و آرام جوی

چنان دان که زابلستان خان تست

جهان سر به سر زیر فرمان تست

تو را خان و مان باید آبادتر

دل دوستداران تو شادتر

کلید در گنج‌ها پیش تو است

دلم شاد و غمگین به کم بیش تو است

Ganjoor · m3:94-97

21–28+

Then Zal replied: “How shall I linger here?

My birth has branded me a thing of fear.

If ever one was flawed from life’s first breath,

I am the one cast out to shame and death.

Do not now keep me further from your side,

Now peace has come, and fate has turned its tide.

When I was reared beneath the bird’s embrace,

And fed on blood in that wild, lonely place,

With dust my bed, and sky my only dome,

That wondrous bird became my kin and home.

Men counted me no man, but beast or bird;

So fate pronounced its harsh and bitter word.

She that once raised me now is far away!

Such is the path that destiny did lay.

No rose is mine, its thorns alone I claim;

I bow beneath the burden and the shame.”

به سام آنگهی گفت زال جوان

که چون زیست خواهم من ایدر نوان

جدا پیش‌تر زین کجا داشتی

مدارم که آمد گه آشتی

کسی کو ز مادر گنه کار زاد

من آنم سزد گر بنالم ز داد

گهی زیر چنگال مرغ اندرون

چمیدن به خاک و چریدن ز خون

کنون دور ماندم ز پروردگار

چنین پروراند مرا روزگار

ز گل بهرهٔ من به جز خار نیست

بدین با جهاندار پیگار نیست

Ganjoor · m3:98-103

29–34+

Then Sahm replied: “Let grief depart your breast;

Speak what you wish; your heart shall be at rest.

The stars themselves have spoken in your name:

A crown awaits you, and enduring fame.

This land is yours, with army, throne, and reign;

Against the will of Heaven all strife is vain.

Your task is justice, spread it far and wide;

Let wisdom ever be your constant guide.

Draw near the wise and learn from all you hear;

Keep men of insight always standing near.

Be swift in bounty, open-handed, just;

In knowledge and in judgment place your trust.”

بدو گفت پرداختن دل سزاست

بپرداز و بر گوی هرچت هواست

ستاره شمر مرد اخترگرای

چنین زد تو را ز اختر نیک رای

که ایدر تو را باشد آرامگاه

هم ایدر سپاه و هم ایدر کلاه

گذر نیست بر حکم گردان سپهر

هم ایدر بگسترد بایدت مهر

کنون گرد خویش اندر آور گروه

سواران و مردان دانش پژوه

بیاموز و بشنو ز هر دانشی

که یابی ز هر دانشی رامشی

ز خورد و ز بخشش میاسای هیچ

همه دانش و داد دادن بسیچ

Ganjoor · m3:104-110

35–40+

He ceased. Tabiras sounded, deep and loud;

The earth turned iron beneath an ebony cloud.

The gong and Indian bell together rang

From the royal tent as marching columns sprang.

With ordered troops and banners raised on high,

Sahm rode beneath the darkened, brazen sky.

For two long stages Zal rode at his side,

To watch his father lead the men in pride.

At last, they parted, clasped in fierce embrace;

Grief surged, and tears ran down young Zal’s pale face.

Sahm sent him back: “The realm is in your care;

Take crown and throne and cast aside despair.”

بگفت این و برخاست آوای کوس

هوا قیرگون شد زمین آبنوس

خروشیدن زنگ و هندی درای

برآمد ز دهلیز پرده سرای

سپهبد سوی جنگ بنهاد روی

یکی لشکری ساخته جنگجوی

بشد زال با او دو منزل به راه

بدان تا پدر چون گذارد سپاه

پدر زال را تنگ در برگرفت

شگفتی خروشیدن اندر گرفت

بفرمود تا بازگردد ز راه

شود شادمان سوی تخت و کلاه

Ganjoor · m3:111-116

41–47+

Yet Zal went back with sorrow in his breast,

A joyless crown, a heart denied its rest.

He mounted then the ivory throne of state,

And set the shining crown of kingly weight.

He took the armlet, ox-head gorz in hand,

Gold torque and girdle, fitted as was planned.

He called Mobadan from each distant land,

To teach him all a king must understand.

Astrologers and priests of sacred lore,

Brave warriors seasoned in the arts of war,

Stood by him daily, guiding every choice,

On all affairs of state they lent their voice.

So well, he learned that all who saw him said:

“A star has risen, shining overhead.”

بیامد پر اندیشه دستان سام

که تا چون زید تا بود نیک نام

نشست از بر نامور تخت عاج

به سر بر نهاد آن فروزنده تاج

ابا یاره و گُرزهٔ گاو سر

ابا طوق زرّین و زرّین کمر

ز هر کشوری موبدان را بخواند

پژوهید هر کار و هر چیز راند

ستاره‌شناسان و دین آوران

سواران جنگی و کین‌آوران

شب و روز بودند با او به هم

زدندی همی رای بر بیش و کم

چنان گشت زال از بس آموختن

تو گفتی ستاره است از افروختن

Ganjoor · m3:117-123

48–51+

In policy and judgment none could stand

To match the insight of his ruling hand.

In worldly rule he rose to heights of fame,

And great men spoke in wonder of his name.

Men, women thronged to gaze upon his frame,

And marveled at his beauty and his claim.

For though his hair was white as camphor’s thread,

It crowned him like a king’s most noble head.

به رای و به دانش به جایی رسید

که چون خویشتن در جهان کس ندید

بدین سان همی گشت گردان سپهر

ابر سام و بر زال گسترده مهر

ز خوبیش خیره شده مرد و زن

چو دیدندش اندر میان انجمن

Ganjoor m3:124–125 + selected Mohl p 121 closing description

Narrative and poetic form

The chapter’s strength is its refusal to make investiture an instant remedy for abandonment. Zal can govern and still grieve. The final ascent in knowledge supplies the capacity that ceremonial acceptance alone could not, while his unchanged appearance bears the altered judgment of society.

Couplet commentary

Quoted text · evidence · interpretation

1–15A public admission of parental wrong

1–15

Then Sahm set forth before his noble son

The kingly virtues that must all be won.

He summoned chiefs and elders, all his peers,

And spoke at length to fill their waiting ears:

“O wise Mobadan, whose counsel steadies all,

Whose hearts stand firm whatever may befall,

Our sovereign wills that I should take the field,

To march on Mazandaran, spear and shield.

Against Gorgasaran I now must go,

With gathered troops to meet the rising foe.

My son, my life, my blood, my heart’s own share,

Remains behind entrusted to your care.

In youth’s wild pride I judged him harshly then,

And cast him out, unworthy among men.

God gave this shining son; I turned away,

Blind to his worth, led by my pride astray.

The Simorgh bore him to her mountain height,

Yet Heaven never left him without light.

What I rejected, that great bird held dear,

And reared him strong, a cypress tall and clear.

When time for mercy came, Yazdan above

Restored him to me in enduring love.

So, know him as the memory I leave,

And as my trust, this charge from me receive.

Teach him all virtue, guide his growing mind,

And form his heart to be both wise and kind.

Honor him well, give counsel firm and wise,

And raise his spirit toward the highest prize.

For I must go, as royal duty binds,

With other chiefs to face what fate assigns.”

جهاندیدگان را ز کشور بخواند

سخن‌های بایسته چندی براند

چنین گفت با نامور بخردان

که ای پاک و بیدار دل موبدان

چنین است فرمان هشیار شاه

که لشکر همی راند باید به راه

سوی گرگساران و مازندران

همی راند خواهم سپاهی گران

بماند به نزد شما این پسر

که همتای جان است و جفت جگر

دل و جانم ایدر بماند همی

مژه خون دل برفشاند همی

به گاه جوانی و کند آوری

یکی بیهده ساختم داوری

پسر داد یزدان بیانداختم

ز بی‌دانشی ارج نشناختم

گرانمایه سیمرغ برداشتش

همان آفریننده بگماشتش

بپرورد او را چو سرو بلند

مرا خوار بد مرغ را ارجمند

چو هنگام بخشایش آمد فراز

جهاندار یزدان به من داد باز

بدانید کاین زینهار من است

به نزد شما یادگار من است

گرامیش دارید و پندش دهید

همه راه و رای بلندش دهید

Ganjoor · m3:81-93

Textual evidence

Sahm gathers counselors, announces the campaign to Gorgasaran and Mazandaran, acknowledges his ignorant rejection of God’s gift and entrusts the son to them. Mohl pp 119–120 gives the fuller introductory royal teaching and charge to form Zal’s mind.

Interpretation

The English rightly keeps the confession public. Sahm does not say the child deserved exposure; he says he failed to recognize worth. The counselors inherit an obligation of care and education, not permission to repeat his first judgment. The campaign’s regions remain epic geography.

Return to parallel text

16–20Provincial rule within royal service

16–20

He turned to Zal and spoke in softer tone:

“Rule here in peace, let Zabul be your own.

Let justice guide you, let your bounty flow,

And make this land in beauty ever grow.

Let friends know joy, let strangers find their rest,

Let all live safe, in quiet plenty blest.

My treasury I give to you to keep,

Your gain is mine, your loss cuts just as deep.

In feast or war, let judgment lead your way;

Do what your spirit bids without delay.”

سوی زال کرد آنگهی سام روی

که داد و دهش گیر و آرام جوی

چنان دان که زابلستان خان تست

جهان سر به سر زیر فرمان تست

تو را خان و مان باید آبادتر

دل دوستداران تو شادتر

کلید در گنج‌ها پیش تو است

دلم شاد و غمگین به کم بیش تو است

Ganjoor · m3:94-97

Textual evidence

The source grants Zabulistan as Zal’s home, commands justice and giving, and places the treasury key before him. English adds an explicit freedom of judgment in feast and war, supported by Mohl p 120’s fuller counsel.

G m3 94 ↗ G m3 95 ↗ G m3 96 ↗ G m3 97 ↗ Moscow p 152 ↗ Moscow p 153 ↗ Moscow p 154 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Mohl p 119 ↗ Mohl p 120 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Khaleghi p 179 ↗ Khaleghi p 180 ↗ Khaleghi p 181 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗

Interpretation

The chapter title’s “kingdom” names the sphere Sahm entrusts to his son, under the Shah’s authority established in the preceding charter. It does not make Zal a rival Shah of Iran. The father binds his own joy and grief to the son’s gain and loss.

Return to parallel text

21–28Zal names the cost of two separationsContextual sense of nurturer

21–28

Then Zal replied: “How shall I linger here?

My birth has branded me a thing of fear.

If ever one was flawed from life’s first breath,

I am the one cast out to shame and death.

Do not now keep me further from your side,

Now peace has come, and fate has turned its tide.

When I was reared beneath the bird’s embrace,

And fed on blood in that wild, lonely place,

With dust my bed, and sky my only dome,

That wondrous bird became my kin and home.

Men counted me no man, but beast or bird;

So fate pronounced its harsh and bitter word.

She that once raised me now is far away!

Such is the path that destiny did lay.

No rose is mine, its thorns alone I claim;

I bow beneath the burden and the shame.”

به سام آنگهی گفت زال جوان

که چون زیست خواهم من ایدر نوان

جدا پیش‌تر زین کجا داشتی

مدارم که آمد گه آشتی

کسی کو ز مادر گنه کار زاد

من آنم سزد گر بنالم ز داد

گهی زیر چنگال مرغ اندرون

چمیدن به خاک و چریدن ز خون

کنون دور ماندم ز پروردگار

چنین پروراند مرا روزگار

ز گل بهرهٔ من به جز خار نیست

بدین با جهاندار پیگار نیست

Ganjoor · m3:98-103

Textual evidence

The son objects to renewed separation, ironically calls himself guilty from birth, recalls bird-claws and blood-fed nurture, and says he is now distant from his parvardegar. Mohl p 120 additionally expands his unstable place among human and bird. English identifies the lost nurturer as “She that once raised me.”

G m3 100 ↗ G m3 101 ↗ G m3 102 ↗ G m3 103 ↗ G m3 98 ↗ G m3 99 ↗ Moscow p 152 ↗ Moscow p 153 ↗ Moscow p 154 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Mohl p 119 ↗ Mohl p 120 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Khaleghi p 179 ↗ Khaleghi p 180 ↗ Khaleghi p 181 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗

Interpretation

Here parvardegar can carry the sense of nurturer or fosterer as well as its familiar divine sense; the Simorgh is the compelling local referent after the account of her care. The English’s maternal identification is a defensible contextual reading. “Flawed” softens the source’s bitter “born guilty”: both articulate internalized blame, not the narrator’s judgment.

Return to parallel text

29–34Consolation must become education

29–34

Then Sahm replied: “Let grief depart your breast;

Speak what you wish; your heart shall be at rest.

The stars themselves have spoken in your name:

A crown awaits you, and enduring fame.

This land is yours, with army, throne, and reign;

Against the will of Heaven all strife is vain.

Your task is justice, spread it far and wide;

Let wisdom ever be your constant guide.

Draw near the wise and learn from all you hear;

Keep men of insight always standing near.

Be swift in bounty, open-handed, just;

In knowledge and in judgment place your trust.”

بدو گفت پرداختن دل سزاست

بپرداز و بر گوی هرچت هواست

ستاره شمر مرد اخترگرای

چنین زد تو را ز اختر نیک رای

که ایدر تو را باشد آرامگاه

هم ایدر سپاه و هم ایدر کلاه

گذر نیست بر حکم گردان سپهر

هم ایدر بگسترد بایدت مهر

کنون گرد خویش اندر آور گروه

سواران و مردان دانش پژوه

بیاموز و بشنو ز هر دانشی

که یابی ز هر دانشی رامشی

ز خورد و ز بخشش میاسای هیچ

همه دانش و داد دادن بسیچ

Ganjoor · m3:104-110

Textual evidence

The father invokes the forecast, tells Zal to gather wise and martial companions, and commands learning, generosity and justice.

G m3 104 ↗ G m3 105 ↗ G m3 106 ↗ G m3 107 ↗ G m3 108 ↗ G m3 109 ↗ G m3 110 ↗ Moscow p 152 ↗ Moscow p 153 ↗ Moscow p 154 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Mohl p 119 ↗ Mohl p 120 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Khaleghi p 179 ↗ Khaleghi p 180 ↗ Khaleghi p 181 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗

Interpretation

The speech offers an active program rather than a cure for grief by rank alone. English “Be swift in bounty” emphasizes giving; the source’s wider injunction also includes eating or enjoying sustenance without neglecting generosity. This is a modest narrowing within a preserved program of rule.

Return to parallel text

35–40Two stages together before parting

35–40

He ceased. Tabiras sounded, deep and loud;

The earth turned iron beneath an ebony cloud.

The gong and Indian bell together rang

From the royal tent as marching columns sprang.

With ordered troops and banners raised on high,

Sahm rode beneath the darkened, brazen sky.

For two long stages Zal rode at his side,

To watch his father lead the men in pride.

At last, they parted, clasped in fierce embrace;

Grief surged, and tears ran down young Zal’s pale face.

Sahm sent him back: “The realm is in your care;

Take crown and throne and cast aside despair.”

بگفت این و برخاست آوای کوس

هوا قیرگون شد زمین آبنوس

خروشیدن زنگ و هندی درای

برآمد ز دهلیز پرده سرای

سپهبد سوی جنگ بنهاد روی

یکی لشکری ساخته جنگجوی

بشد زال با او دو منزل به راه

بدان تا پدر چون گذارد سپاه

پدر زال را تنگ در برگرفت

شگفتی خروشیدن اندر گرفت

بفرمود تا بازگردد ز راه

شود شادمان سوی تخت و کلاه

Ganjoor · m3:111-116

Textual evidence

The music and marching army lead into Zal accompanying Sahm for two manzils, their tight embrace and the father’s order to return. Mohl p 121 gives earth turned iron and sky ebony, supporting English 35 against Ganjoor’s pitch-black sky and ebony earth. English “stages” accurately avoids silently turning the travel measure into a fixed number of days.

G m3 111 ↗ G m3 112 ↗ G m3 113 ↗ G m3 114 ↗ G m3 115 ↗ G m3 116 ↗ Moscow p 152 ↗ Moscow p 153 ↗ Moscow p 154 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Mohl p 119 ↗ Mohl p 120 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Khaleghi p 179 ↗ Khaleghi p 180 ↗ Khaleghi p 181 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗

Interpretation

The son’s grief is not ingratitude for his promotion. The earlier oath has restored a bond he fears losing again. The English allows military necessity and filial hurt to remain simultaneously true.

Return to parallel text

41–47Learning supplies what rank alone cannot

41–47

Yet Zal went back with sorrow in his breast,

A joyless crown, a heart denied its rest.

He mounted then the ivory throne of state,

And set the shining crown of kingly weight.

He took the armlet, ox-head gorz in hand,

Gold torque and girdle, fitted as was planned.

He called Mobadan from each distant land,

To teach him all a king must understand.

Astrologers and priests of sacred lore,

Brave warriors seasoned in the arts of war,

Stood by him daily, guiding every choice,

On all affairs of state they lent their voice.

So well, he learned that all who saw him said:

“A star has risen, shining overhead.”

بیامد پر اندیشه دستان سام

که تا چون زید تا بود نیک نام

نشست از بر نامور تخت عاج

به سر بر نهاد آن فروزنده تاج

ابا یاره و گُرزهٔ گاو سر

ابا طوق زرّین و زرّین کمر

ز هر کشوری موبدان را بخواند

پژوهید هر کار و هر چیز راند

ستاره‌شناسان و دین آوران

سواران جنگی و کین‌آوران

شب و روز بودند با او به هم

زدندی همی رای بر بیش و کم

چنان گشت زال از بس آموختن

تو گفتی ستاره است از افروختن

Ganjoor · m3:117-123

Textual evidence

Zal returns troubled, takes throne and insignia, summons Mobads and keeps astrologers, religious teachers and warriors near him. His learning makes him blaze like a star.

G m3 117 ↗ G m3 118 ↗ G m3 119 ↗ G m3 120 ↗ G m3 121 ↗ G m3 122 ↗ G m3 123 ↗ Moscow p 152 ↗ Moscow p 153 ↗ Moscow p 154 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Mohl p 119 ↗ Mohl p 120 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Khaleghi p 179 ↗ Khaleghi p 180 ↗ Khaleghi p 181 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗

Interpretation

The English’s “joyless crown” interprets the immediate sorrow; the source also gives him concern for how to live with a good name. The educational climax is source-based: the fostered outsider becomes capable through study and counsel, not through a change in his hair.

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48–51The conspicuous feature becomes a sign of distinction

48–51

In policy and judgment none could stand

To match the insight of his ruling hand.

In worldly rule he rose to heights of fame,

And great men spoke in wonder of his name.

Men, women thronged to gaze upon his frame,

And marveled at his beauty and his claim.

For though his hair was white as camphor’s thread,

It crowned him like a king’s most noble head.

به رای و به دانش به جایی رسید

که چون خویشتن در جهان کس ندید

بدین سان همی گشت گردان سپهر

ابر سام و بر زال گسترده مهر

ز خوبیش خیره شده مرد و زن

چو دیدندش اندر میان انجمن

Ganjoor m3:124–125 + selected Mohl p 121 closing description

Textual evidence

Ganjoor closes with unrivaled knowledge and the turning sky’s favor to father and son. Mohl p 121 adds the wonder of men and women and the camphor comparison behind the fuller English closing.

G m3 124 ↗ G m3 125 ↗ Moscow p 152 ↗ Moscow p 153 ↗ Moscow p 154 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Mohl p 119 ↗ Mohl p 120 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Khaleghi p 179 ↗ Khaleghi p 180 ↗ Khaleghi p 181 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗

Interpretation

English 51’s hair as a noble crown is an interpretive culmination of the scene rather than a separate literal crown named by that final Mohl comparison. The feature that caused exclusion remains visible and now accompanies recognized worth; no physical normalization is required.

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Chapter source record

English original ↗ Ganjoor m3 ↗ Moscow p 152 ↗ Moscow p 153 ↗ Moscow p 154 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Mohl p 119 ↗ Mohl p 120 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Khaleghi p 179 ↗ Khaleghi p 180 ↗ Khaleghi p 181 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗