Zal and Rudabeh · A8.1

Zal Visits Mehrab of Kabul

Courtesy crosses an inherited boundary before love crosses it. Mehrab is both a descendant of Zahhak and a ruler whose wisdom Zal openly admires.

F&R English · 68 couplets · 8 commentary entries

Parallel text ↓Commentary ↓

The chapter in five texts

Text	Chapter treatment and distinctive choices
F&R English	Sixty-eight couplets move from provincial hospitality to private desire, retaining the religious and genealogical obstacles.
Moscow	Pp 155–159 preserve the visit and portrait, with numerous local brackets in the expanded courtly description.
Mohl	Pp 121–124 give a fuller praise-and-portrait sequence beside the continuous visit.
Ganjoor	Sh4 has 63 couplets; its shorter sequence is the numbered digital reference.
Khaleghi	The visit and portrait occur in the opening part of pp 182–187; apparatus alternatives remain separate from main-text wording.

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.

1–6+

One day young Zal set forth in royal state,

To stir beyond the borders of his gate.

With chosen chiefs who shared his faith and mind,

He rode with loyal comrades of one kind.

To view the lands of Hind and Kabul wide,

With Mai, Danbar, and Morgh on every side.

At every stage a splendid seat was laid,

With wine and harp, and festival arrayed.

He poured out treasure, gave himself to cheer,

Such is the custom of this transient sphere.

With open hand, a glad and carefree heart,

He reached fair Kabul, pleased to play his part.

چنان بد که روزی چنان کرد رای

که در پادشاهی بجنبد ز جای

برون رفت با ویژه‌گردان خویش

که با او یکی بودشان رای و کیش

سوی کشور هندوان کرد رای

سوی کابل و دنبر و مرغ و مای

به هر جایگاهی بیاراستی

می و رود و رامشگران خواستی

گشاده در گنج و افگنده رنج

بر آیین و رسم سرای سپنج

ز زابل به کابل رسید آن زمان

گرازان و خندان و دل شادمان

Ganjoor · m4:1-6

7–16+

There ruled a monarch, Mehrab was his name,

A lord of wealth, established power, and fame,

In form a cypress, tall and finely made,

His springlike bloom and stately step displayed.

A wise man’s heart, a noble’s mind refined,

A warrior’s shoulders, Mobad wit combined.

From Zahhak’s Tazi stock his lineage came,

He ruled Kabul and held its lands in name.

But lacking strength to stand with Sahm in might,

He sent his tribute yearly as was right.

When news arrived that Sahm’s own son drew near,

He rose at dawn and gathered treasures dear,

Fine steeds adorned, slave-boys and minted gold,

With musk and rubies, silks of broidered fold,

With ambergris and gold-brocaded ware,

And peridot set bright with jeweler’s care.

Rich furs and crowns with jewels all set in light,

And golden torques that shimmered full and bright.

With chiefs and troops in long and ordered line,

He came to greet young Zal in state benign.

یکی پادشا بود مهراب نام

زبر دست با گنج و گسترده کام

به بالا به کردار آزاده سرو

به رخ چون بهار و به رفتن تذرو

دل بخردان داشت و مغز ردان

دو کتف یلان و هش موبدان

ز ضحاک تازی گهر داشتی

به کابل همه بوم و برداشتی

همی داد هر سال مر سام ساو

که با او به رزمش نبود ایچ تاو

چو آگه شد از کار دستان سام

ز کابل بیامد به هنگام بام

ابا گنج و اسپان آراسته

غلامان و هر گونه‌ای خواسته

ز دینار و یاقوت و مشک و عبیر

ز دیبای زربفت و چینی حریر

یکی تاج با گوهر شاهوار

یکی طوق زرین زبرجد نگار

چو آمد به دستان سام آگهی

که مهراب آمد بدین فرهی

Ganjoor · m4:7-16

17–26+

The word reached Zal: “The lord of Kabul rides

With all his court and power on all sides.”

Then Zal went forth to meet him on the plain,

With courtesy that honored both their reigns.

In joy they came together, side by side,

And mounted to the throne in mutual pride.

A feast was spread, befitting men of name,

And wine flowed freely as the minstrels came.

While cups were passed and music filled the air,

Young Zal beheld Mehrab with measured care;

He gazed with wonder, stirred by what he saw,

And felt both admiration and deep awe.

At Mehrab’s wisdom Zal was satisfied:

“The father of such a man has never died.”

When Mehrab rose, Zal watched his noble frame,

And spoke before the chiefs in loud acclaim:

“Who matched his grace when girded for the field?

What equal frame has ever armor sealed?

In look and carriage who could rival him?

What warrior stands his equal, life and limb?”

پذیره شدش زال و بنواختش

به آیین یکی پایگه ساختش

سوی تخت پیروزه باز آمدند

گشاده دل و بزم ساز آمدند

یکی پهلوانی نهادند خوان

نشستند بر خوان با فرخان

گسارندهٔ می می آورد و جام

نگه کرد مهراب را پور سام

خوش آمد هماناش دیدار او

دلش تیز تر گشت در کار او

چو مهراب برخاست از خوان زال

نگه کرد زال اندر آن برز و یال

چنین گفت با مهتران زال زر

که زیبنده‌تر زین که بندد کمر

یکی نامدار از میان مهان

چنین گفت کای پهلوان جهان

Ganjoor · m4:17-24

27–36+

A noble standing near then raised his voice,

And made Zal’s listening heart at once rejoice:

“My lord, he has a daughter fair of face,

A wonder formed of beauty, form, and grace.

More radiant than sunlight after rain,

From head to foot like ivory without stain.

Her stature is a saj-tree, straight and high,

Her face a paradise beneath the sky.

Two musk-black kamands deck her shoulders white,

Their ends like anklet-rings curl close and tight.

Her mouth a pomegranate blossom’s flame,

Her lips the fruit that puts red gems to shame.

Two pomegranates swell upon her breast,

Her narcissus eyes give every heart unrest.

Her lashes borrow darkness from the night,

Her brows are bows drawn firm in perfect height.

Seek out the moon: it shines upon her face;

Seek musk: it breathes from every darkened trace.

From head to foot a marvel past all price,

A living, breathing, earthly paradise.”

پس پردهٔ او یکی دخترست

که رویش ز خورشید روشن‌ترست

ز سر تا به پایش به کردار عاج

به رخ چون بهشت و به بالا چو ساج

بر آن سفت سیمنش مشکین کمند

سرش گشته چون حلقهٔ پای‌بند

رخانش چو گلنار و لب ناردان

ز سیمین برش رسته دو ناروان

دو چشمش به سان دو نرگس به باغ

مژه تیرگی برده از پر زاغ

دو ابرو به سان کمان طراز

بر او توز پوشیده از مشک ناز

بهشتیست سرتاسر آراسته

پر آرایش و رامش و خواسته

برآورد مر زال را دل به جوش

چنان شد کزو رفت آرام وهوش

Ganjoor · m4:25-32

37–46+

These words stirred tumult in young Zal’s own soul,

And robbed his reason, spurning all control.

He thought: “If such the father’s noble grace,

What must be hers, what light must fill her face?”

Night fell; he sat in troubled, silent care,

Consumed by one unseen, yet called most fair.

When dawn struck bright upon the mountain’s crest,

The world in crystal-white was newly dressed.

The warriors gathered, golden swords arrayed,

And stood before young Zal, their homage paid.

The Pahlevan’s court stood ordered that day,

As fit for chiefs who came in proud array.

Then Mehrab, Kabul’s lord, resumed his way,

Toward Zal’s pavilion at the dawn’s first ray.

Before the tent the herald’s cry rang clear:

“Make way! The lord of all Kabul draws near!”

Fresh as a laden tree in bloom he came,

And Zal received him warmly, praised his name.

Zal’s heart grew glad; in honor of his guest,

He seated Mehrab high above the rest.

شب آمد پر اندیشه بنشست زال

به نادیده برگشت بی‌خورد و هال

چو زد بر سر کوه بر تیغ شید

چو یاقوت شد روی گیتی سپید

در بار بگشاد دستان سام

برفتند گردان به زرین نیام

در پهلوان را بیاراستند

چو بالای پرمایگان خواستند

برون رفت مهراب کابل خدای

سوی خیمهٔ زال زابل خدای

چو آمد به نزدیکی بارگاه

خروش آمد از در که بگشای راه

بر پهلوان اندرون رفت گو

به سان درختی پر از بار نو

دل زال شد شاد و بنواختش

از آن انجمن سر برافراختش

Ganjoor · m4:33-40

47–56+

Then Zal spoke warmly, honoring his renown:

“Ask what you will; my throne, seal, sword, or crown.”

Mehrab replied: “O king whose word is law,

Victorious lord whom all behold with awe,

One wish alone I cherish in this life,

And granting it would bring you little strife:

That you would visit me and light my hall,

And make my spirit rise beyond its wall.”

But Zal said: “No, this cannot come to pass;

Such paths are not for us to tread, alas.

My father would not sanction such a deed,

Nor would the Shah approve where it might lead.

They would hear we drink our wine till drunk we grow,

Then to the idol-worshippers we go.

Ask anything but this; I shall comply,

And gladly look on you with favoring eye.”

Mehrab spoke blessings, outwardly serene;

Within, he judged Zal faithless and unclean.

Then Mehrab left the throne with measured pace,

And blessed Zal’s fortune as he left the place.

بپرسید کز من چه خواهی بخواه

ز تخت و ز مهر و ز تیغ و کلاه

بدو گفت مهراب کای پادشا

سرافراز و پیروز و فرمان روا

مرا آرزو در زمانه یکیست

که آن آرزو بر تو دشوار نیست

که آیی به شادی سوی خان من

چو خورشید روشن کنی جان من

چنین داد پاسخ که این رای نیست

به خان تو اندر مرا جای نیست

نباشد بدین سام همداستان

همان شاه چون بشنود داستان

که ما می گساریم و مستان شویم

سوی خانهٔ بت پرستان شویم

جز آن هر چه گویی تو پاسخ دهم

به دیدار تو رای فرخ نهم

چو بشنید مهراب کرد آفرین

به دل زال را خواند ناپاک دین

خرامان برفت از بر تخت اوی

همی آفرین خواند بر بخت اوی

Ganjoor · m4:41-50

57–63+

Zal watched him go and praised him to the crowd,

And Mehrab’s worth before the chiefs avowed.

For long had many deemed him strange, apart,

An outland being, distant in his heart;

Because he did not share their path or creed,

Their tongues withheld the praise his worth might need.

But when Zal spoke with warmth and open praise,

The courtiers too began their tongues to raise,

Then one by one the nobles praised his name,

And every chief acknowledged Mehrab’s fame.

They lauded now his stature, speech, and grace,

His polished manners and his measured pace.

But Zal himself was lost in inward fire,

His reason dimmed by newly waked desire.

چو دستان سام از پسش بنگرید

ستودش فراوان چنان چون سزید

از آن کو نه هم دین و هم راه بود

زبان از ستودنش کوتاه بود

بر او هیچکس چشم نگماشتند

مر او را ز دیوانگان داشتند

چو روشن دل پهلوان را بدوی

چنان گرم دیدند با گفت‌وگوی

مر او را ستودند یک یک مهان

همان کز پس پرده بودش نهان

ز بالا و دیدار و آهستگی

ز بایستگی هم ز شایستگی

دل زال یکباره دیوانه گشت

خرد دور شد عشق فرزانه گشت

Ganjoor · m4:51-57

64–68+

An Arab chief once spoke in caution thus:

“A horse and open sky suffice for us.

I need no bride, lest vanity arise,

And bring me shame before the learned wise.”

Yet Zal, now pierced and restless in his mind,

Could neither peace nor former wisdom find.

He feared the tongues that scandal sets in play,

To stain the honor that had come his way.

So turned the heavens slowly overhead,

While love and doubt within his spirit spread.

سپهدار تازی سر راستان

بگوید بر این بر یکی داستان

که تا زنده‌ام چرمه جفت منست

خم چرخ گردان نهفت منست

عروسم نباید که رعنا شوم

به نزد خردمند رسوا شوم

از اندیشگان زال شد خسته دل

بر آن کار بنهاد پیوسته دل

همی بود پیچان دل از گفت‌وگوی

مگر تیره گردد از این آبروی

همی گشت یک چند بر سر سپهر

دل زال آگنده یکسر به مهر

Ganjoor · m4:58-63

Narrative and poetic form

The English’s strongest feature is the sequence of recognition: Zal admires the father before hearing of the daughter. Love enters a political world already capable of prejudice and generosity.

Couplet commentary

Quoted text · evidence · interpretation

1–6Travel as an exercise of rank

1–6

One day young Zal set forth in royal state,

To stir beyond the borders of his gate.

With chosen chiefs who shared his faith and mind,

He rode with loyal comrades of one kind.

To view the lands of Hind and Kabul wide,

With Mai, Danbar, and Morgh on every side.

At every stage a splendid seat was laid,

With wine and harp, and festival arrayed.

He poured out treasure, gave himself to cheer,

Such is the custom of this transient sphere.

With open hand, a glad and carefree heart,

He reached fair Kabul, pleased to play his part.

چنان بد که روزی چنان کرد رای

که در پادشاهی بجنبد ز جای

برون رفت با ویژه‌گردان خویش

که با او یکی بودشان رای و کیش

سوی کشور هندوان کرد رای

سوی کابل و دنبر و مرغ و مای

به هر جایگاهی بیاراستی

می و رود و رامشگران خواستی

گشاده در گنج و افگنده رنج

بر آیین و رسم سرای سپنج

ز زابل به کابل رسید آن زمان

گرازان و خندان و دل شادمان

Ganjoor · m4:1-6

Textual evidence

The journey names Hind, Kabul, Danbar, Morgh and Mai, with staged hospitality and open-handed expenditure.

Interpretation

The English retains the regional names and the connection between movement, generosity and authority. This is epic political geography, not a modern itinerary whose every stop can be fixed from the verse alone.

Return to parallel text

7–16Ancestry does not exhaust character

7–16

There ruled a monarch, Mehrab was his name,

A lord of wealth, established power, and fame,

In form a cypress, tall and finely made,

His springlike bloom and stately step displayed.

A wise man’s heart, a noble’s mind refined,

A warrior’s shoulders, Mobad wit combined.

From Zahhak’s Tazi stock his lineage came,

He ruled Kabul and held its lands in name.

But lacking strength to stand with Sahm in might,

He sent his tribute yearly as was right.

When news arrived that Sahm’s own son drew near,

He rose at dawn and gathered treasures dear,

Fine steeds adorned, slave-boys and minted gold,

With musk and rubies, silks of broidered fold,

With ambergris and gold-brocaded ware,

And peridot set bright with jeweler’s care.

Rich furs and crowns with jewels all set in light,

And golden torques that shimmered full and bright.

With chiefs and troops in long and ordered line,

He came to greet young Zal in state benign.

یکی پادشا بود مهراب نام

زبر دست با گنج و گسترده کام

به بالا به کردار آزاده سرو

به رخ چون بهار و به رفتن تذرو

دل بخردان داشت و مغز ردان

دو کتف یلان و هش موبدان

ز ضحاک تازی گهر داشتی

به کابل همه بوم و برداشتی

همی داد هر سال مر سام ساو

که با او به رزمش نبود ایچ تاو

چو آگه شد از کار دستان سام

ز کابل بیامد به هنگام بام

ابا گنج و اسپان آراسته

غلامان و هر گونه‌ای خواسته

ز دینار و یاقوت و مشک و عبیر

ز دیبای زربفت و چینی حریر

یکی تاج با گوهر شاهوار

یکی طوق زرین زبرجد نگار

چو آمد به دستان سام آگهی

که مهراب آمد بدین فرهی

Ganjoor · m4:7-16

Textual evidence

The description combines Zahhak ancestry, tribute to Sahm, martial strength and a wise mind. The greeting includes enslaved attendants as well as costly objects.

Interpretation

The English preserves the tension on which the story depends: inherited enmity coexists with recognizable merit. Neither the ancestry nor the praise should be suppressed to simplify the later argument about marriage.

Return to parallel text

17–26Zal recognizes Mehrab’s worth

17–26

The word reached Zal: “The lord of Kabul rides

With all his court and power on all sides.”

Then Zal went forth to meet him on the plain,

With courtesy that honored both their reigns.

In joy they came together, side by side,

And mounted to the throne in mutual pride.

A feast was spread, befitting men of name,

And wine flowed freely as the minstrels came.

While cups were passed and music filled the air,

Young Zal beheld Mehrab with measured care;

He gazed with wonder, stirred by what he saw,

And felt both admiration and deep awe.

At Mehrab’s wisdom Zal was satisfied:

“The father of such a man has never died.”

When Mehrab rose, Zal watched his noble frame,

And spoke before the chiefs in loud acclaim:

“Who matched his grace when girded for the field?

What equal frame has ever armor sealed?

In look and carriage who could rival him?

What warrior stands his equal, life and limb?”

پذیره شدش زال و بنواختش

به آیین یکی پایگه ساختش

سوی تخت پیروزه باز آمدند

گشاده دل و بزم ساز آمدند

یکی پهلوانی نهادند خوان

نشستند بر خوان با فرخان

گسارندهٔ می می آورد و جام

نگه کرد مهراب را پور سام

خوش آمد هماناش دیدار او

دلش تیز تر گشت در کار او

چو مهراب برخاست از خوان زال

نگه کرد زال اندر آن برز و یال

چنین گفت با مهتران زال زر

که زیبنده‌تر زین که بندد کمر

یکی نامدار از میان مهان

چنین گفت کای پهلوان جهان

Ganjoor · m4:17-24

Textual evidence

Ganjoor gives the reception, feast, admiration and praise of Mehrab’s fighting frame. The English gives the admiration a separate ancestral maxim at 23. Mohl pp 122–123 carries the fuller praise sequence.

Interpretation

The maxim makes noble character a continuation of the father’s life through the son. It is praise spoken in a social setting, not a new genealogical fact. The English also prepares the report of Rudabeh by first establishing the excellence of her father.

Return to parallel text

27–36A portrait built out of living and precious forms

27–36

A noble standing near then raised his voice,

And made Zal’s listening heart at once rejoice:

“My lord, he has a daughter fair of face,

A wonder formed of beauty, form, and grace.

More radiant than sunlight after rain,

From head to foot like ivory without stain.

Her stature is a saj-tree, straight and high,

Her face a paradise beneath the sky.

Two musk-black kamands deck her shoulders white,

Their ends like anklet-rings curl close and tight.

Her mouth a pomegranate blossom’s flame,

Her lips the fruit that puts red gems to shame.

Two pomegranates swell upon her breast,

Her narcissus eyes give every heart unrest.

Her lashes borrow darkness from the night,

Her brows are bows drawn firm in perfect height.

Seek out the moon: it shines upon her face;

Seek musk: it breathes from every darkened trace.

From head to foot a marvel past all price,

A living, breathing, earthly paradise.”

پس پردهٔ او یکی دخترست

که رویش ز خورشید روشن‌ترست

ز سر تا به پایش به کردار عاج

به رخ چون بهشت و به بالا چو ساج

بر آن سفت سیمنش مشکین کمند

سرش گشته چون حلقهٔ پای‌بند

رخانش چو گلنار و لب ناردان

ز سیمین برش رسته دو ناروان

دو چشمش به سان دو نرگس به باغ

مژه تیرگی برده از پر زاغ

دو ابرو به سان کمان طراز

بر او توز پوشیده از مشک ناز

بهشتیست سرتاسر آراسته

پر آرایش و رامش و خواسته

برآورد مر زال را دل به جوش

چنان شد کزو رفت آرام وهوش

Ganjoor · m4:25-32

Textual evidence

The daughter is described through ivory, saj, musk, the pomegranate blossom, lips, breasts, narcissus eyes and bow-shaped brows.

Interpretation

The English keeps the bodily specificity of the Persian rather than reducing it to generic beauty. Kamand makes the hair a snare before a real rope becomes part of the lovers’ meeting. “Earthly paradise” gathers the portrait’s imagery into a closing judgment.

Return to parallel text

37–46Desire begins through a report

37–46

These words stirred tumult in young Zal’s own soul,

And robbed his reason, spurning all control.

He thought: “If such the father’s noble grace,

What must be hers, what light must fill her face?”

Night fell; he sat in troubled, silent care,

Consumed by one unseen, yet called most fair.

When dawn struck bright upon the mountain’s crest,

The world in crystal-white was newly dressed.

The warriors gathered, golden swords arrayed,

And stood before young Zal, their homage paid.

The Pahlevan’s court stood ordered that day,

As fit for chiefs who came in proud array.

Then Mehrab, Kabul’s lord, resumed his way,

Toward Zal’s pavilion at the dawn’s first ray.

Before the tent the herald’s cry rang clear:

“Make way! The lord of all Kabul draws near!”

Fresh as a laden tree in bloom he came,

And Zal received him warmly, praised his name.

Zal’s heart grew glad; in honor of his guest,

He seated Mehrab high above the rest.

شب آمد پر اندیشه بنشست زال

به نادیده برگشت بی‌خورد و هال

چو زد بر سر کوه بر تیغ شید

چو یاقوت شد روی گیتی سپید

در بار بگشاد دستان سام

برفتند گردان به زرین نیام

در پهلوان را بیاراستند

چو بالای پرمایگان خواستند

برون رفت مهراب کابل خدای

سوی خیمهٔ زال زابل خدای

چو آمد به نزدیکی بارگاه

خروش آمد از در که بگشای راه

بر پهلوان اندرون رفت گو

به سان درختی پر از بار نو

دل زال شد شاد و بنواختش

از آن انجمن سر برافراختش

Ganjoor · m4:33-40

Textual evidence

The praise unsettles Zal before he has seen Rudabeh. Dawn restores the public court and Mehrab’s arrival.

Interpretation

The English’s question about the daughter’s beauty given her father’s grace supplies a psychological link. The abrupt return to courtly ceremony keeps private desire under public discipline rather than placing the lovers in a world without political obligations.

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47–56An invitation refused across a religious divide

47–56

Then Zal spoke warmly, honoring his renown:

“Ask what you will; my throne, seal, sword, or crown.”

Mehrab replied: “O king whose word is law,

Victorious lord whom all behold with awe,

One wish alone I cherish in this life,

And granting it would bring you little strife:

That you would visit me and light my hall,

And make my spirit rise beyond its wall.”

But Zal said: “No, this cannot come to pass;

Such paths are not for us to tread, alas.

My father would not sanction such a deed,

Nor would the Shah approve where it might lead.

They would hear we drink our wine till drunk we grow,

Then to the idol-worshippers we go.

Ask anything but this; I shall comply,

And gladly look on you with favoring eye.”

Mehrab spoke blessings, outwardly serene;

Within, he judged Zal faithless and unclean.

Then Mehrab left the throne with measured pace,

And blessed Zal’s fortune as he left the place.

بپرسید کز من چه خواهی بخواه

ز تخت و ز مهر و ز تیغ و کلاه

بدو گفت مهراب کای پادشا

سرافراز و پیروز و فرمان روا

مرا آرزو در زمانه یکیست

که آن آرزو بر تو دشوار نیست

که آیی به شادی سوی خان من

چو خورشید روشن کنی جان من

چنین داد پاسخ که این رای نیست

به خان تو اندر مرا جای نیست

نباشد بدین سام همداستان

همان شاه چون بشنود داستان

که ما می گساریم و مستان شویم

سوی خانهٔ بت پرستان شویم

جز آن هر چه گویی تو پاسخ دهم

به دیدار تو رای فرخ نهم

چو بشنید مهراب کرد آفرین

به دل زال را خواند ناپاک دین

خرامان برفت از بر تخت اوی

همی آفرین خواند بر بخت اوی

Ganjoor · m4:41-50

Textual evidence

Zal offers gifts and honors, but refuses to enter Mehrab’s house because Sahm and the Shah would object to drinking with idol-worshippers. Mehrab privately judges Zal’s faith in return.

Interpretation

These are reciprocal judgments within the scene. The commentary does not adopt either insult as its own description of a modern religion. The English preserves the distinction between gracious public speech and inward resentment.

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57–63Public praise changes the room

57–63

Zal watched him go and praised him to the crowd,

And Mehrab’s worth before the chiefs avowed.

For long had many deemed him strange, apart,

An outland being, distant in his heart;

Because he did not share their path or creed,

Their tongues withheld the praise his worth might need.

But when Zal spoke with warmth and open praise,

The courtiers too began their tongues to raise,

Then one by one the nobles praised his name,

And every chief acknowledged Mehrab’s fame.

They lauded now his stature, speech, and grace,

His polished manners and his measured pace.

But Zal himself was lost in inward fire,

His reason dimmed by newly waked desire.

چو دستان سام از پسش بنگرید

ستودش فراوان چنان چون سزید

از آن کو نه هم دین و هم راه بود

زبان از ستودنش کوتاه بود

بر او هیچکس چشم نگماشتند

مر او را ز دیوانگان داشتند

چو روشن دل پهلوان را بدوی

چنان گرم دیدند با گفت‌وگوی

مر او را ستودند یک یک مهان

همان کز پس پرده بودش نهان

ز بالا و دیدار و آهستگی

ز بایستگی هم ز شایستگی

دل زال یکباره دیوانه گشت

خرد دور شد عشق فرزانه گشت

Ganjoor · m4:51-57

Textual evidence

The courtiers hesitate to praise Mehrab because his creed differs; Zal’s praise releases their own. English redistributes the explanations around the act of praise.

Interpretation

Zal’s conduct has force beyond private attraction. He makes an unpopular recognition speakable. The passage supports a defense of the English’s emphasis on social exclusion without requiring Mehrab’s tribute relationship to become political equality.

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64–68A cautionary maxim beside an irresistible attachment

64–68

An Arab chief once spoke in caution thus:

“A horse and open sky suffice for us.

I need no bride, lest vanity arise,

And bring me shame before the learned wise.”

Yet Zal, now pierced and restless in his mind,

Could neither peace nor former wisdom find.

He feared the tongues that scandal sets in play,

To stain the honor that had come his way.

So turned the heavens slowly overhead,

While love and doubt within his spirit spread.

سپهدار تازی سر راستان

بگوید بر این بر یکی داستان

که تا زنده‌ام چرمه جفت منست

خم چرخ گردان نهفت منست

عروسم نباید که رعنا شوم

به نزد خردمند رسوا شوم

از اندیشگان زال شد خسته دل

بر آن کار بنهاد پیوسته دل

همی بود پیچان دل از گفت‌وگوی

مگر تیره گردد از این آبروی

همی گشت یک چند بر سر سپهر

دل زال آگنده یکسر به مهر

Ganjoor · m4:58-63

Textual evidence

The Arab chief’s refusal of marriage and the fear of dishonor stand beside Zal’s inability to recover composure.

Interpretation

The maxim is introduced as somebody’s saying. It is neither a universal law endorsed by every voice nor a stable declaration of Zal’s own policy. Its position heightens the irony of desire overcoming the supposed security of avoiding attachment.

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Chapter source record

English original ↗ Ganjoor m4 ↗ Moscow p 155 ↗ Moscow p 156 ↗ Moscow p 157 ↗ Moscow p 158 ↗ Moscow p 159 ↗ Mohl p 121 ↗ Mohl p 122 ↗ Mohl p 123 ↗ Mohl p 124 ↗ Khaleghi p 182 ↗ Khaleghi p 183 ↗ Khaleghi p 184 ↗ Khaleghi p 185 ↗ Khaleghi p 186 ↗ Khaleghi p 187 ↗