Zal and Rudabeh · A8.22

Zal Returns to Kabul, Sahm and Rudabeh

Return, hospitality and marriage convert threatened destruction into kinship. The close gives the couple a shared seat, while Sahm resumes the service that first separated father and son.

F&R English · 76 couplets · 10 commentary entries

Parallel text ↓Commentary ↓

The chapter in five texts

Text	Chapter treatment and distinctive choices
F&R English	Seventy-six couplets complete reception, wedding, travel and shared rule, retaining fuller variants in the arrival, departure and final crown.
Moscow	Pp 230–235 retain the public settlement and departure with substantial local bracketed material.
Mohl	Pp 172–175 support the forewarned reception, Zal’s additional week and Rudabeh’s final crown.
Ganjoor	Sh23 has 25 and sh24 46 couplets, total 71. Its unannounced arrival and joint departure differ from the fuller English sequence.
Khaleghi	Pp 257–264 carry the return and marriage; p 264 records the bride-crowning close in the apparatus. The next birth narrative begins at p 265.

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+

Zal rode in haste, a bird across the sky,

A ship upon the water speeding by.

All those who knew that Zal was drawing near

Rode out to greet him with auspicious cheer.

A cry rose from the curtained royal hall:

“Zal, blessed in counsel, has arrived!” the call.

Sahm came to meet him, joyful at the sight,

And held him in his arms with full delight.

When freed from his embrace, Zal kissed the ground,

And told what he had seen and heard all round.

Then Sahm sat on his rich and honored seat,

With Zal beside him, happiness complete.

همی راند دستان گرفته شتاب

چو پرنده مرغ و چو کشتی برآب

کسی را نبد ز آمدنش آگهی

پذیره نرفتند با فرهی

خروشی برآمد ز پرده سرای

که آمد ز ره زال فرخنده‌رای

پذیره شدش سام یل شادمان

همی داشت اندر برش یک زمان

فرود آمد از باره بوسید خاک

بگفت آن کجا دید و بشنید پاک

نشست از بر تخت پرمایه سام

ابا زال خرم دل و شادکام

Ganjoor · m23:1-6

7–14+

He spoke of Sindokht, smiling as he told

The words that she had brought from Kabul’s hold:

“A message came from Kabul to my hall;

A woman, Sindokht, bore and told it all.

She asked a pledge; I gave my word to her

That no ill thought toward her would ever stir.

Whatever good she asked, I pledged it true;

We set each term in friendship, firm and due.

First, Kabul’s moon shall wed with Zabul’s sun;

Their two great houses shall be joined as one.

And next, that we should journey as her guests

And heal all wounds that trouble hearts and breasts.

Again her messenger has reached our door:

All stands prepared, with color, scent, and store.

What answer shall we send upon the way?

What shall we tell Mehrab without delay?”

سخنهای سیندخت گفتن گرفت

لبش گشت خندان نهفتن گرفت

چنین گفت کامد ز کابل پیام

پیمبر زنی بود سیندخت نام

ز من خواست پیمان و دادم زمان

که هرگز نباشم بدو بدگمان

ز هر چیز کز من به خوبی بخواست

سخنها بران برنهادیم راست

نخست آنکه با ماه کابلستان

شود جفت خورشید زابلستان

دگر آنکه زی او به مهمان شویم

بران دردها پاک درمان شویم

فرستاده‌ای آمد از نزد اوی

که پردخته شد کار بنمای روی

کنون چیست پاسخ فرستاده را

چه گوییم مهراب آزاده را

Ganjoor · m23:7-14

15–24+

At this Zal’s body took a ruby hue;

From head to foot his joyful color grew.

He answered, “Pahlevan, if this seems right,

Then let us shape the journey in your sight.

Before the army let us ride apart,

And speak of this together, heart to heart.”

Sahm looked at Zal and laughed to see his face;

He knew at once what longing held its place.

Whatever speech was not of Mehrab’s maid

Was night to Zal, where sleep itself would fade.

He bade the bell and Indian daray sound,

And had the pavilion curtains opened round.

A valiant courier mounted with all speed,

Upon a swift hiyun, bred for such need.

“Great Sahm is coming, Zal beside his way,

With elephants and troops in full array.”

The courier reached Mehrab and gave his word,

Recounting everything he saw and heard.

Mehrab rejoiced; arghavan-red bloom

Came to his face and banished every gloom.

ز شادی چنان شد دل زال سام

که رنگش سراپای شد لعل فام

چنین داد پاسخ که ای پهلوان

گر ایدون که بینی به روشن روان

سپه رانی و ما به کابل شویم

بگوییم زین در سخن بشنویم

به دستان نگه کرد فرخنده سام

بدانست کورا ازین چیست کام

سخن هر چه از دخت مهراب نیست

به نزدیک زال آن جز از خواب نیست

بفرمود تا زنگ و هندی درای

زدند و گشادند پرده سرای

هیونی برافگند مرد دلیر

بدان تا شود نزد مهراب شیر

بگوید که آمد سپهبد ز راه

ابا زال با پیل و چندی سپاه

فرستاده تازان به کابل رسید

خروشی برآمد چنان چون سزید

چنان شاد شد شاه کابلستان

ز پیوند خورشید زابلستان

که گفتی همی جان برافشاندند

ز هر جای رامشگران خواندند

Ganjoor · m23:15-25

25–34+

The bronze pipe sounded, and the kousts replied;

His army gleamed like rooster’s eye, fire-dyed.

With mighty elephants and minstrels near,

The earth became a Paradise of cheer.

Silken standards of many colors flew;

Red, green, and yellow, violet in hue.

The pipe and harp rang out across the throng,

With roaring horn and bells that joined the song.

You might have thought the final day was here:

Was this resurrection, or a feast of cheer?

So Mehrab rode until he reached the train,

Then left his horse and stepped upon the plain.

Then Sahm embraced him, glad to meet that day,

And asked how turning Time had shaped his way.

Mehrab gave praise to father and to son,

And blessed them both when greeting rites were done.

He mounted on his swift horse, rising soon,

Like from a mountain crest the newborn moon.

A golden crown with jewels blazing bright

He placed on Zal before the people’s sight.

بزد نای مهراب و بربست کوس

بیاراست لشکر چو چشم خروس

ابا ژنده‌پیلان و رامشگران

زمین شد بهشت از کران تا کران

ز بس گونه گون پرنیانی درفش

چه سرخ و سپید و چه زرد و بنفش

چه آوای نای و چه آوای چنگ

خروشیدن بوق و آوای زنگ

تو گفتی مگر روز انجامش است

یکی رستخیز است گر رامش است

همی رفت ازین گونه تا پیش سام

فرود آمد از اسپ و بگذارد گام

گرفتش جهان پهلوان در کنار

بپرسیدش از گردش روزگار

شه کابلستان گرفت آفرین

چه بر سام و بر زال زر همچنین

نشست از بر بارهٔ تیزرو

چو از کوه سر برکشد ماه نو

یکی تاج زرین نگارش گهر

نهاد از بر تارک زال زر

Ganjoor · m24:1-10

35–42+

They reached Kabul, both laughing, spirits high,

Recalling ancient tales as they passed by.

The Indian bell, the barbat, harp, and flute

Made every street resound in loud salute.

It seemed each door and rooftop joined the song,

And Time itself was newly decked along.

The horses’ forelocks, manes from end to end,

With musk and saffron richly seemed to blend.

Then Sindokht came in ceremonial array,

Three hundred girded attendants led the way.

Each bore a golden cup, and every one

Held musk and jewels flashing like the sun.

They blessed great Sahm as all the cups were raised,

Then scattered gems before the chief they praised.

Each guest who came to share the festal cheer

Received such wealth that want could not draw near.

به کابل رسیدند خندان و شاد

سخنهای دیرینه کردند یاد

همه شهر ز آوای هندی درای

ز نالیدن بربط و چنگ و نای

تو گفتی دد و دام رامشگرست

زمانه به آرایشی دیگرست

بش و یال اسپان کران تا کران

بر اندوده پر مشک و پر زعفران

برون رفت سیندخت با بندگان

میان بسته سیصد پرستندگان

مر آن هر یکی را یکی جام زر

به دست اندرون پر ز مشک و گهر

همه سام را آفرین خواندند

پس از جام گوهر برافشاندند

بدان جشن هر کس که آمد فراز

شد از خواسته یک به یک بی‌نیاز

Ganjoor · m24:11-18

43–49+

Sahm smiled and asked, half jesting, half in grace:

“How long will you conceal this moon-bright face?”

Sindokht replied: “If you would see the sun,

What price will you bestow when sight is won?”

Sahm answered: “Ask whatever pleases you;

Of all I own, your chosen gift is due.

Whatever I possess; my crown and throne,

My royal girdle; you may call your own.”

They passed into a chamber worked in gold,

Where spring itself seemed living to behold.

There Sahm looked on the moon-faced maiden’s grace,

And wonder held him as he viewed her face.

He knew not how to praise that radiant sight,

Nor how to open eyes against such light.

بخندید و سیندخت را سام گفت

که رودابه را چند خواهی نهفت

بدو گفت سیندخت هدیه کجاست

اگر دیدن آفتابت هواست

چنین داد پاسخ به سیندخت سام

که ازمن بخواه آنچه آیدت کام

برفتند تا خانهٔ زرنگار

کجا اندرو بود خرم بهار

نگه کرد سام اندران ماه روی

یکایک شگفتی بماند اندروی

ندانست کش چون ستاید همی

برو چشم را چون گشاید همی

Ganjoor · m24:19-24

50–55+

By Sahm’s command, Mehrab appeared that night;

They bound the marriage by the faith and rite.

They seated both together on one throne,

With agate bright and emeralds all their own.

A famed diadem adorned the moon-bright bride;

A jeweled royal crown shone at Zal’s side.

Mehrab then brought the written wealth account,

A copy of the treasure’s full amount.

He read each treasure written in the scroll;

The ear could scarcely bear to hear the whole.

Sahm saw such wealth and wonder filled his gaze;

He spoke the name of Yazdan then in praise.

بفرمود تا رفت مهراب پیش

ببستند عقدی برآیین و کیش

به یک تختشان شاد بنشاندند

عقیق و زبرجد برافشاندند

سر ماه با افسر نام دار

سر شاه با تاج گوهرنگار

بیاورد پس دفتر خواسته

یکی نسخت گنج آراسته

برو خواند از گنجها هر چه بود

که گوش آن نیارست گفتی شنود

Ganjoor · m24:25-29

56–62+

They went to feast and took the cup in hand;

For one full week the wine flowed through the band.

The city rang with cries of joyful sound;

Sahm’s palace boiled like Paradise around.

For one full week no sleep their eyelids knew;

By day and night their waking pleasures grew.

For three more weeks they lived in festal cheer,

With feast and pleasure ringing in each ear.

The nobles of the realm stood rank on rank,

Before the lofty palace, flank by flank.

At month’s end Sahm set out from Kabul’s gate,

And turned toward Sistan at a rapid rate.

After Sahm had gone, Zal feasted seven days,

Then turned his thoughts toward Sistan’s distant ways.

برفتند از آنجا به جای نشست

ببودند یک هفته با می به دست

وز ایوان سوی باغ رفتند باز

سه هفته به شادی گرفتند ساز

بزرگان کشورش با دست بند

کشیدند بر پیش کاخ بلند

سر ماه سام نریمان برفت

سوی سیستان روی بنهاد تفت

ابا زال و با لشکر و پیل و کوس

زمانه رکاب ورا داد بوس

Ganjoor · m24:30-34

63–68+

They readied ammari and hodaj for the road,

A bridal mahd to bear the moon in royal mode.

With Sindokht, Mehrab, and their kindred near,

They took the Sistan road in festive cheer.

They journeyed happy-hearted on their way,

Their lips full of blessings for each generous day.

Victorious, they reached Nimruz’s gate,

All smiling, for the journey’s joy was great.

Sahm held a feast that lasted three full days,

With wine and music and resounding praise.

Then Sindokht stayed behind at Sahm’s abode;

Mehrab and all his army homeward rode.

عماری و بالای و هودج بساخت

یکی مهد تا ماه را در نشاخت

چو سیندخت و مهراب و پیوند خویش

سوی سیستان روی کردند پیش

برفتند شادان دل و خوش منش

پر از آفرین لب ز نیکی کنش

رسیدند پیروز تا نیمروز

چنان شاد و خندان و گیتی فروز

یکی بزم سام آنگهی ساز کرد

سه روز اندران بزم بگماز کرد

پس آنگاه سیندخت آنجا بماند

خود و لشکرش سوی کابل براند

Ganjoor · m24:35-40

69–76+

Then Sahm entrusted Zal with kingdom’s care,

And marched beneath good omens through the air.

Toward Gorgasaran and Bakhtar he sped,

His blessed standard lifted overhead.

He said, “That kingdom is my charge to hold,

Yet hearts and eyes there turn from me grown cold.

Manuchehr gave the charter of that land,

And told me, ‘Hold and rule it in your hand.’

I fear revolt from those of evil birth;

Mazandaran’s Divs most dangerous on earth.

To you, my Zal, I give this royal seat,

This kingship and its fortunate crown complete.”

Then Sahm One Blow rode outward from the hall;

Zal sat to rule, with wine and feast for all.

When Rudabeh sat shining at his side,

He placed a gold crown on his loving bride.

سپرد آن زمان پادشاهی به زال

برون برد لشکر به فرخنده فال

سوی گرگساران شد و باختر

درفش خجسته برافراخت سر

شوم گفت کان پادشاهی مراست

دل و دیده با ما ندارند راست

منوچهر منشور آن شهر بر

مرا داد و گفتا همی دار و خوار

بترسم ز آشوب بد گوهران

به ویژه ز گردان مازنداران

بشد سام یکزخم و بنشست زال

می و مجلس آراست و بفراخت یال

چو رودابه بنشست با زال زر

به سر بر نهادش یکی تاج زر

Ganjoor m24:41–46 + Mohl p 175 bride-crowning close

Narrative and poetic form

The English earns its expansive conclusion by bringing private vows into public forms: an oath, a visit, a marriage contract, a wealth record and a shared seat. The fuller-tradition variants are stated locally so that celebration does not erase textual precision.

Couplet commentary

Quoted text · evidence · interpretation

1–6An announced welcome differs between presentationsPrinted reception variant

1–6

Zal rode in haste, a bird across the sky,

A ship upon the water speeding by.

All those who knew that Zal was drawing near

Rode out to greet him with auspicious cheer.

A cry rose from the curtained royal hall:

“Zal, blessed in counsel, has arrived!” the call.

Sahm came to meet him, joyful at the sight,

And held him in his arms with full delight.

When freed from his embrace, Zal kissed the ground,

And told what he had seen and heard all round.

Then Sahm sat on his rich and honored seat,

With Zal beside him, happiness complete.

همی راند دستان گرفته شتاب

چو پرنده مرغ و چو کشتی برآب

کسی را نبد ز آمدنش آگهی

پذیره نرفتند با فرهی

خروشی برآمد ز پرده سرای

که آمد ز ره زال فرخنده‌رای

پذیره شدش سام یل شادمان

همی داشت اندر برش یک زمان

فرود آمد از باره بوسید خاک

بگفت آن کجا دید و بشنید پاک

نشست از بر تخت پرمایه سام

ابا زال خرم دل و شادکام

Ganjoor · m23:1-6

Textual evidence

Ganjoor says no one knew of the approach and no ceremonial reception went out. Mohl p 172 instead gives those who knew hurrying to meet him, supporting English 2. Sahm’s embrace follows in both sequences.

Interpretation

This is a definite local narrative variant. The English need not be corrected to Ganjoor’s surprise arrival when the fuller printed reading supports its welcome. The embrace is a renewed bond, now relieved of the earlier dispute.

Return to parallel text

7–14Sahm retells the successful embassy

7–14

He spoke of Sindokht, smiling as he told

The words that she had brought from Kabul’s hold:

“A message came from Kabul to my hall;

A woman, Sindokht, bore and told it all.

She asked a pledge; I gave my word to her

That no ill thought toward her would ever stir.

Whatever good she asked, I pledged it true;

We set each term in friendship, firm and due.

First, Kabul’s moon shall wed with Zabul’s sun;

Their two great houses shall be joined as one.

And next, that we should journey as her guests

And heal all wounds that trouble hearts and breasts.

Again her messenger has reached our door:

All stands prepared, with color, scent, and store.

What answer shall we send upon the way?

What shall we tell Mehrab without delay?”

سخنهای سیندخت گفتن گرفت

لبش گشت خندان نهفتن گرفت

چنین گفت کامد ز کابل پیام

پیمبر زنی بود سیندخت نام

ز من خواست پیمان و دادم زمان

که هرگز نباشم بدو بدگمان

ز هر چیز کز من به خوبی بخواست

سخنها بران برنهادیم راست

نخست آنکه با ماه کابلستان

شود جفت خورشید زابلستان

دگر آنکه زی او به مهمان شویم

بران دردها پاک درمان شویم

فرستاده‌ای آمد از نزد اوی

که پردخته شد کار بنمای روی

کنون چیست پاسخ فرستاده را

چه گوییم مهراب آزاده را

Ganjoor · m23:7-14

Textual evidence

The father reports Sindokht’s request, his promise, the agreed marriage and invitation, then asks what answer to give the waiting messenger.

Interpretation

The English keeps the retrospective report even though readers have seen the negotiation. Repetition has a different audience and function here: the son learns that the father has committed himself to a reconciled public course.

Return to parallel text

15–24Desire hastens the military party

15–24

At this Zal’s body took a ruby hue;

From head to foot his joyful color grew.

He answered, “Pahlevan, if this seems right,

Then let us shape the journey in your sight.

Before the army let us ride apart,

And speak of this together, heart to heart.”

Sahm looked at Zal and laughed to see his face;

He knew at once what longing held its place.

Whatever speech was not of Mehrab’s maid

Was night to Zal, where sleep itself would fade.

He bade the bell and Indian daray sound,

And had the pavilion curtains opened round.

A valiant courier mounted with all speed,

Upon a swift hiyun, bred for such need.

“Great Sahm is coming, Zal beside his way,

With elephants and troops in full array.”

The courier reached Mehrab and gave his word,

Recounting everything he saw and heard.

Mehrab rejoiced; arghavan-red bloom

Came to his face and banished every gloom.

ز شادی چنان شد دل زال سام

که رنگش سراپای شد لعل فام

چنین داد پاسخ که ای پهلوان

گر ایدون که بینی به روشن روان

سپه رانی و ما به کابل شویم

بگوییم زین در سخن بشنویم

به دستان نگه کرد فرخنده سام

بدانست کورا ازین چیست کام

سخن هر چه از دخت مهراب نیست

به نزدیک زال آن جز از خواب نیست

بفرمود تا زنگ و هندی درای

زدند و گشادند پرده سرای

هیونی برافگند مرد دلیر

بدان تا شود نزد مهراب شیر

بگوید که آمد سپهبد ز راه

ابا زال با پیل و چندی سپاه

فرستاده تازان به کابل رسید

خروشی برآمد چنان چون سزید

چنان شاد شد شاه کابلستان

ز پیوند خورشید زابلستان

که گفتی همی جان برافشاندند

ز هر جای رامشگران خواندند

Ganjoor · m23:15-25

Textual evidence

Zal flushes with joy, urges the Kabul journey and cares for little speech outside the beloved. A courier announces the approaching party and Mehrab rejoices.

Interpretation

The English compresses Ganjoor’s repeated musical joy at the end of m23 into the transition to the next scene. Its private-sounding consultation is an expansion of the request to lead the force toward Kabul, not evidence of a separate marriage bargain concealed from Sindokht.

Return to parallel text

25–34The day of reckoning becomes a feast image

25–34

The bronze pipe sounded, and the kousts replied;

His army gleamed like rooster’s eye, fire-dyed.

With mighty elephants and minstrels near,

The earth became a Paradise of cheer.

Silken standards of many colors flew;

Red, green, and yellow, violet in hue.

The pipe and harp rang out across the throng,

With roaring horn and bells that joined the song.

You might have thought the final day was here:

Was this resurrection, or a feast of cheer?

So Mehrab rode until he reached the train,

Then left his horse and stepped upon the plain.

Then Sahm embraced him, glad to meet that day,

And asked how turning Time had shaped his way.

Mehrab gave praise to father and to son,

And blessed them both when greeting rites were done.

He mounted on his swift horse, rising soon,

Like from a mountain crest the newborn moon.

A golden crown with jewels blazing bright

He placed on Zal before the people’s sight.

بزد نای مهراب و بربست کوس

بیاراست لشکر چو چشم خروس

ابا ژنده‌پیلان و رامشگران

زمین شد بهشت از کران تا کران

ز بس گونه گون پرنیانی درفش

چه سرخ و سپید و چه زرد و بنفش

چه آوای نای و چه آوای چنگ

خروشیدن بوق و آوای زنگ

تو گفتی مگر روز انجامش است

یکی رستخیز است گر رامش است

همی رفت ازین گونه تا پیش سام

فرود آمد از اسپ و بگذارد گام

گرفتش جهان پهلوان در کنار

بپرسیدش از گردش روزگار

شه کابلستان گرفت آفرین

چه بر سام و بر زال زر همچنین

نشست از بر بارهٔ تیزرو

چو از کوه سر برکشد ماه نو

یکی تاج زرین نگارش گهر

نهاد از بر تارک زال زر

Ganjoor · m24:1-10

Textual evidence

Colored standards, instruments, elephants and the surprising resemblance to resurrection precede the embrace and Mehrab’s crown for Zal. Ganjoor lists white where English 27 gives green.

Interpretation

The rhetorical question magnifies the collective noise; it does not announce that the epic’s actual last judgment has arrived. The crown marks the honored son-in-law within a ceremonial welcome, not the deposition of the Shah of Iran.

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35–42The city shares the reconciliation

35–42

They reached Kabul, both laughing, spirits high,

Recalling ancient tales as they passed by.

The Indian bell, the barbat, harp, and flute

Made every street resound in loud salute.

It seemed each door and rooftop joined the song,

And Time itself was newly decked along.

The horses’ forelocks, manes from end to end,

With musk and saffron richly seemed to blend.

Then Sindokht came in ceremonial array,

Three hundred girded attendants led the way.

Each bore a golden cup, and every one

Held musk and jewels flashing like the sun.

They blessed great Sahm as all the cups were raised,

Then scattered gems before the chief they praised.

Each guest who came to share the festal cheer

Received such wealth that want could not draw near.

به کابل رسیدند خندان و شاد

سخنهای دیرینه کردند یاد

همه شهر ز آوای هندی درای

ز نالیدن بربط و چنگ و نای

تو گفتی دد و دام رامشگرست

زمانه به آرایشی دیگرست

بش و یال اسپان کران تا کران

بر اندوده پر مشک و پر زعفران

برون رفت سیندخت با بندگان

میان بسته سیصد پرستندگان

مر آن هر یکی را یکی جام زر

به دست اندرون پر ز مشک و گهر

همه سام را آفرین خواندند

پس از جام گوهر برافشاندند

بدان جشن هر کس که آمد فراز

شد از خواسته یک به یک بی‌نیاز

Ganjoor · m24:11-18

Textual evidence

The music, scented horses, Sindokht’s three hundred attendants and distributions give the event a civic scale. Ganjoor imagines wild and tame creatures as musicians; English 37 substitutes doors and rooftops joining the song.

Interpretation

The English transfers the all-encompassing animation from creatures to city fabric. The effect is comparable but the objects differ. Material giving makes the peace visible to people outside the two royal households.

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43–49The requested gift accompanies a playful unveiling

43–49

Sahm smiled and asked, half jesting, half in grace:

“How long will you conceal this moon-bright face?”

Sindokht replied: “If you would see the sun,

What price will you bestow when sight is won?”

Sahm answered: “Ask whatever pleases you;

Of all I own, your chosen gift is due.

Whatever I possess; my crown and throne,

My royal girdle; you may call your own.”

They passed into a chamber worked in gold,

Where spring itself seemed living to behold.

There Sahm looked on the moon-faced maiden’s grace,

And wonder held him as he viewed her face.

He knew not how to praise that radiant sight,

Nor how to open eyes against such light.

بخندید و سیندخت را سام گفت

که رودابه را چند خواهی نهفت

بدو گفت سیندخت هدیه کجاست

اگر دیدن آفتابت هواست

چنین داد پاسخ به سیندخت سام

که ازمن بخواه آنچه آیدت کام

برفتند تا خانهٔ زرنگار

کجا اندرو بود خرم بهار

نگه کرد سام اندران ماه روی

یکایک شگفتی بماند اندروی

ندانست کش چون ستاید همی

برو چشم را چون گشاید همی

Ganjoor · m24:19-24

Textual evidence

Sahm smiles and asks to see Rudabeh; Sindokht asks for the gift; he offers whatever she wants and is astonished when he sees the bride.

Interpretation

The English’s half-jesting tone has support in the smile and expansive answer. Material exchange remains real within the ceremony, but the passage should not be flattened into an account in which the woman’s own earlier choice never mattered.

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50–55A public marriage and a written wealth record

50–55

By Sahm’s command, Mehrab appeared that night;

They bound the marriage by the faith and rite.

They seated both together on one throne,

With agate bright and emeralds all their own.

A famed diadem adorned the moon-bright bride;

A jeweled royal crown shone at Zal’s side.

Mehrab then brought the written wealth account,

A copy of the treasure’s full amount.

He read each treasure written in the scroll;

The ear could scarcely bear to hear the whole.

Sahm saw such wealth and wonder filled his gaze;

He spoke the name of Yazdan then in praise.

بفرمود تا رفت مهراب پیش

ببستند عقدی برآیین و کیش

به یک تختشان شاد بنشاندند

عقیق و زبرجد برافشاندند

سر ماه با افسر نام دار

سر شاه با تاج گوهرنگار

بیاورد پس دفتر خواسته

یکی نسخت گنج آراسته

برو خواند از گنجها هر چه بود

که گوش آن نیارست گفتی شنود

Ganjoor · m24:25-29

Textual evidence

The contract is bound according to faith and custom; both sit on one throne and a written treasure account is read.

Interpretation

The English retains legal and ritual publicness after the earlier private vow. The single shared throne is an important visual completion of the pair’s equality as a couple; the document is a wealth schedule, not a new copy of the poem.

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56–62The fuller sequence separates two departuresFuller chronology and departure variant

56–62

They went to feast and took the cup in hand;

For one full week the wine flowed through the band.

The city rang with cries of joyful sound;

Sahm’s palace boiled like Paradise around.

For one full week no sleep their eyelids knew;

By day and night their waking pleasures grew.

For three more weeks they lived in festal cheer,

With feast and pleasure ringing in each ear.

The nobles of the realm stood rank on rank,

Before the lofty palace, flank by flank.

At month’s end Sahm set out from Kabul’s gate,

And turned toward Sistan at a rapid rate.

After Sahm had gone, Zal feasted seven days,

Then turned his thoughts toward Sistan’s distant ways.

برفتند از آنجا به جای نشست

ببودند یک هفته با می به دست

وز ایوان سوی باغ رفتند باز

سه هفته به شادی گرفتند ساز

بزرگان کشورش با دست بند

کشیدند بر پیش کاخ بلند

سر ماه سام نریمان برفت

سوی سیستان روی بنهاد تفت

ابا زال و با لشکر و پیل و کوس

زمانه رکاب ورا داد بوس

Ganjoor · m24:30-34

Textual evidence

Ganjoor gives one week inside, three weeks in the garden, then Sahm departing with Zal. Mohl p 174 additionally lets Zal stay a week after Sahm’s departure. English follows the latter sequence. Its repeated one-week phrasing at 56 and 58 can describe the same first week rather than two consecutive weeks.

Interpretation

The extra stay is transmitted narrative. The note distinguishes versions of the departure instead of silently forcing every witness onto a single itinerary or adding the repeated first-week descriptions into an unnecessary extra week.

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63–68Travel and the people who stay behind

63–68

They readied ammari and hodaj for the road,

A bridal mahd to bear the moon in royal mode.

With Sindokht, Mehrab, and their kindred near,

They took the Sistan road in festive cheer.

They journeyed happy-hearted on their way,

Their lips full of blessings for each generous day.

Victorious, they reached Nimruz’s gate,

All smiling, for the journey’s joy was great.

Sahm held a feast that lasted three full days,

With wine and music and resounding praise.

Then Sindokht stayed behind at Sahm’s abode;

Mehrab and all his army homeward rode.

عماری و بالای و هودج بساخت

یکی مهد تا ماه را در نشاخت

چو سیندخت و مهراب و پیوند خویش

سوی سیستان روی کردند پیش

برفتند شادان دل و خوش منش

پر از آفرین لب ز نیکی کنش

رسیدند پیروز تا نیمروز

چنان شاد و خندان و گیتی فروز

یکی بزم سام آنگهی ساز کرد

سه روز اندران بزم بگماز کرد

پس آنگاه سیندخت آنجا بماند

خود و لشکرش سوی کابل براند

Ganjoor · m24:35-40

Textual evidence

Bridal conveyances carry the party to Sistan/Nimruz; Sahm holds a three-day feast; Sindokht stays while Mehrab and his force return to Kabul.

Interpretation

The English makes the subject of the return explicit where a reader can otherwise lose track among several rulers. Sindokht’s staying is the local scene’s statement; it does not authorize an unrecorded permanent separation from her husband.

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69–76A shared seat before renewed service

69–76

Then Sahm entrusted Zal with kingdom’s care,

And marched beneath good omens through the air.

Toward Gorgasaran and Bakhtar he sped,

His blessed standard lifted overhead.

He said, “That kingdom is my charge to hold,

Yet hearts and eyes there turn from me grown cold.

Manuchehr gave the charter of that land,

And told me, ‘Hold and rule it in your hand.’

I fear revolt from those of evil birth;

Mazandaran’s Divs most dangerous on earth.

To you, my Zal, I give this royal seat,

This kingship and its fortunate crown complete.”

Then Sahm One Blow rode outward from the hall;

Zal sat to rule, with wine and feast for all.

When Rudabeh sat shining at his side,

He placed a gold crown on his loving bride.

سپرد آن زمان پادشاهی به زال

برون برد لشکر به فرخنده فال

سوی گرگساران شد و باختر

درفش خجسته برافراخت سر

شوم گفت کان پادشاهی مراست

دل و دیده با ما ندارند راست

منوچهر منشور آن شهر بر

مرا داد و گفتا همی دار و خوار

بترسم ز آشوب بد گوهران

به ویژه ز گردان مازنداران

بشد سام یکزخم و بنشست زال

می و مجلس آراست و بفراخت یال

چو رودابه بنشست با زال زر

به سر بر نهادش یکی تاج زر

Ganjoor m24:41–46 + Mohl p 175 bride-crowning close

Textual evidence

Sahm entrusts rule to Zal and departs toward Gorgasaran and Bakhtar under the charter’s obligation. Mohl p 175 adds the closing Rudabeh crown couplet retained in English 76; Khaleghi p 264 preserves that couplet in the apparatus; the English also makes Sahm’s handoff explicit in direct address.

Interpretation

The translation’s fuller close is supported. The bride’s crown recognizes her place beside Zal; it is not evidence that she has been installed as the supreme Shah. The story ends with a household established and service resumed, not with all future danger abolished.

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The chapter in five texts

Parallel text

Narrative and poetic form

Couplet commentary

Chapter source record