New NaqqaliZal and Rudabeh · A8.8
Sahm Seeks Counsel
Prediction gives Sahm a reason to reconsider, but his first undertaking remains mediation. The road to consent is neither immediate nor morally uncomplicated.
The chapter in five texts
| Text | Chapter treatment and distinctive choices |
|---|---|
| F&R English | Thirty-six couplets retain the favorable forecast, the qualified answer and the captive-laden march. |
| Moscow | Pp 181–183 carry the forecast and response, qualifying several amplified lines through brackets. |
| Mohl | Pp 141–142 support the fuller geographical horizon of the prediction and its signet image. |
| Ganjoor | Sh11 has 32 couplets; its shorter forecast omits some of the English’s transmitted expansion. |
| Khaleghi | The forecast and its transition can be consulted within pp 209–216; the wider range includes the surrounding letter and next household scene. |
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.
1–5+
When Sahm awoke, he called his sages round,
And asked what fate the stars above had bound.
“How shall this end? These two opposing sides
Stand far apart, where deep division lies.
Like fire and water locked in ceaseless strife,
Their natures clash and cannot share one life.
Such strife as on the final reckoning’s day
Set Zahhak and Fereydoon at deadly bay.
Search now the heavens, read what signs appear,
And make the road that I must travel clear.”
چو برخاست از خواب با موبدان
یکی انجمن کرد با بخردان
گشاد آن سخن بر ستاره شمر
که فرجام این بر چه باشد گذر
دو گوهر چو آب و چو آتش به هم
برآمیخته باشد از بن ستم
همانا که باشد به روز شمار
فریدون و ضحاک را کارزار
از اختر بجوئید و پاسخ دهید
همه کار و کردار فرخ نهید
Ganjoor · m11:1-5
6–13+
They spent the day in study of the skies,
Tracing the courses where the omen lies.
At last they came to Sahm with gladdened face,
Rejoicing in the fortune they could trace.
One wise astrologer stepped forth and said:
“O lord whose golden belt strikes awe and dread,
We bring you news to ease the anxious breast:
This union stands not cursed but doubly blessed.
From Zal and Mehrab’s daughter shall arise
A raging elephant before men’s eyes.
He will subdue all kingdoms in his sight,
And raise the royal throne to lofty heights.
He will strike down the roots of evil men
And leave no refuge for their brood again.
His heavy gorz shall cleanse the earth of stain;
No Sagzar nor Mazandaran shall remain.
ستاره‌شناسان به روز دراز
همی ز آسمان بازجستند راز
بدیدند و با خنده پیش آمدند
که دو دشمن از بخت خویش آمدند
به سام نریمان ستاره شمر
چنین گفت کای گرد زرین کمر
ترا مژده از دخت مهراب و زال
که باشند هر دو به شادی همال
ازین دو هنرمند پیلی ژیان
بیاید ببندد به مردی میان
جهان زیرپای اندر آرد به تیغ
نهد تخت شاه از بر پشت میغ
ببرد پی بدسگالان ز خاک
به روی زمین بر نماند مغاک
نه سگسار ماند نه مازندران
زمین را بشوید به گرز گران
Ganjoor · m11:6-13
14–19+
Through him Turan shall suffer endless woe,
Through him Iran shall rise in strength and glow.
Through him the weary heart shall find its peace,
And wars that rage beneath his hand shall cease.
The people shall take hope when he appears,
And joy shall follow after bitter years.
His battle steed shall charge across the field,
And grind the war-leopard till it must yield.
Blessed the Shah whose age shall share his fame;
Through kingship Time itself shall bear his name.
Rum, Hind, and all Iran shall know his worth;
His name on signet-rings shall circle earth.”
به خواب اندر آرد سر دردمند
ببندد در جنگ و راه گزند
بدو باشد ایرانیان را امید
ازو پهلوان را خرام و نوید
پی باره‌ای کو چماند به جنگ
بمالد برو روی جنگی پلنگ
خنک پادشاهی که هنگام او
زمانه به شاهی برد نام او
Ganjoor · m11:14-17
20–27+
Sahm heard the astrologer; his heart grew light,
And thanked him, freed from doubt and inward fright.
He gave them silver, gold beyond all count,
As fear gave way and hope began to mount.
He called the messenger and, choosing well,
Restrained by prudence, gave him words to tell.
“Go speak to Zal with gentle, tempered tone:
His wish finds little favor on its own.
Yet I have given word, and must remain
Bound to that pledge, nor break it for my gain.
Tomorrow I will leave this field and ride
To Iran’s court, where truth shall be my guide.
There I shall learn what judgment Shah may give,
And whether God will let this longing live.”
He gave the envoy gifts and told him, “Go:
Delay no more, ride hard and do not slow.”
چو بشنید گفتار اخترشناس
بخندید و پذرفت ازیشان سپاس
ببخشیدشان بی‌کران زر و سیم
چو آرامش آمد به هنگام بیم
فرستادهٔ زال را پیش خواند
زهر گونه با او سخنها براند
بگفتش که با او به خوبی بگوی
که این آرزو را نبد هیچ روی
ولیکن چو پیمان چنین بد نخست
بهانه نشاید به بیداد جست
من اینک به شبگیر ازین رزمگاه
سوی شهر ایران گذارم سپاه
فرستاده را داد چندی درم
بدو گفت خیره مزن هیچ دم
Ganjoor · m11:18-24
28–32+
He sent him off and readied for the way;
His army cheered to march without delay.
A thousand Gorgasaran they bound that day,
And drove them, wretched, on their feet away.
When two parts of the darkened night had passed,
The riders’ cries rose where the ranks were massed.
The koust and karnay thundered loud and clear,
Their voices rising from the royal gear.
Then Sahm set out toward Iran’s domain,
And led his army onward from the plain.
گسی کردش و خود به راه ایستاد
سپاه و سپهبد از آن کار شاد
ببستند از آن گرگساران هزار
پیاده به زاری کشیدند خوار
دو بهره چو از تیره شب درگذشت
خروش سواران برآمد ز دشت
همان نالهٔ کوس با کره نای
برآمد ز دهلیز پرده‌سرای
سپهبد سوی شهر ایران کشید
سپه را به نزد دلیران کشید
Ganjoor · m11:25-29
33–36+
The messenger returned with joyful speed,
Bearing the answer that fulfilled the need.
He came to Zal and told what had occurred;
The prince found comfort in the words he heard.
He raised his praise to God with grateful voice,
And blessed the turn that made his heart rejoice.
He gave the poor both silver and bright gold,
And gifts of kindness no account could hold.
فرستاده آمد دوان سوی زال
ابا بخت پیروز و فرخنده فال
گرفت آفرین زال بر کردگار
بران بخشش گردش روزگار
درم داد و دینار درویش را
نوازنده شد مردم خویش را
Ganjoor · m11:30-32
Narrative and poetic form
The English does not turn foreknowledge into instant permission. Its political procedure remains credible within the tale: hopeful prediction changes Sahm’s outlook, while a sworn word and royal authority still require action.
Couplet commentary
Quoted text · evidence · interpretation1–5A feared union described as elemental conflict
1–5
When Sahm awoke, he called his sages round,
And asked what fate the stars above had bound.
“How shall this end? These two opposing sides
Stand far apart, where deep division lies.
Like fire and water locked in ceaseless strife,
Their natures clash and cannot share one life.
Such strife as on the final reckoning’s day
Set Zahhak and Fereydoon at deadly bay.
Search now the heavens, read what signs appear,
And make the road that I must travel clear.”
چو برخاست از خواب با موبدان
یکی انجمن کرد با بخردان
گشاد آن سخن بر ستاره شمر
که فرجام این بر چه باشد گذر
دو گوهر چو آب و چو آتش به هم
برآمیخته باشد از بن ستم
همانا که باشد به روز شمار
فریدون و ضحاک را کارزار
از اختر بجوئید و پاسخ دهید
همه کار و کردار فرخ نهید
Ganjoor · m11:1-5
Textual evidence
Sahm compares the two lines to fire and water and invokes Zahhak and Fereydoon at the day of reckoning.
G m11 1 ↗ G m11 2 ↗ G m11 3 ↗ G m11 4 ↗ G m11 5 ↗ Moscow p 181 ↗ Moscow p 182 ↗ Moscow p 183 ↗ Mohl p 141 ↗ Mohl p 142 ↗ Khaleghi p 209 ↗ Khaleghi p 210 ↗ Khaleghi p 211 ↗ Khaleghi p 212 ↗ Khaleghi p 213 ↗ Khaleghi p 214 ↗ Khaleghi p 215 ↗ Khaleghi p 216 ↗
Interpretation
The reckoning image is part of the story’s mythic future, not a claim that the old antagonists are currently fighting another historical battle. The English keeps the father’s fear in his own question.
6–13The anticipated child transforms the calculation
6–13
They spent the day in study of the skies,
Tracing the courses where the omen lies.
At last they came to Sahm with gladdened face,
Rejoicing in the fortune they could trace.
One wise astrologer stepped forth and said:
“O lord whose golden belt strikes awe and dread,
We bring you news to ease the anxious breast:
This union stands not cursed but doubly blessed.
From Zal and Mehrab’s daughter shall arise
A raging elephant before men’s eyes.
He will subdue all kingdoms in his sight,
And raise the royal throne to lofty heights.
He will strike down the roots of evil men
And leave no refuge for their brood again.
His heavy gorz shall cleanse the earth of stain;
No Sagzar nor Mazandaran shall remain.
ستاره‌شناسان به روز دراز
همی ز آسمان بازجستند راز
بدیدند و با خنده پیش آمدند
که دو دشمن از بخت خویش آمدند
به سام نریمان ستاره شمر
چنین گفت کای گرد زرین کمر
ترا مژده از دخت مهراب و زال
که باشند هر دو به شادی همال
ازین دو هنرمند پیلی ژیان
بیاید ببندد به مردی میان
جهان زیرپای اندر آرد به تیغ
نهد تخت شاه از بر پشت میغ
ببرد پی بدسگالان ز خاک
به روی زمین بر نماند مغاک
نه سگسار ماند نه مازندران
زمین را بشوید به گرز گران
Ganjoor · m11:6-13
Textual evidence
The astrologers predict a mighty champion who strengthens royal rule and defeats hostile forces, naming Sagsar and Mazandaran.
G m11 10 ↗ G m11 11 ↗ G m11 12 ↗ G m11 13 ↗ G m11 6 ↗ G m11 7 ↗ G m11 8 ↗ G m11 9 ↗ Moscow p 181 ↗ Moscow p 182 ↗ Moscow p 183 ↗ Mohl p 141 ↗ Mohl p 142 ↗ Khaleghi p 209 ↗ Khaleghi p 210 ↗ Khaleghi p 211 ↗ Khaleghi p 212 ↗ Khaleghi p 213 ↗ Khaleghi p 214 ↗ Khaleghi p 215 ↗ Khaleghi p 216 ↗
Interpretation
The raging elephant is a heroic comparison. The prophecy does not say the child will be an animal or an independent rival Shah. The English’s extra assurance that the union is blessed draws out the reassuring force of the prediction.
14–19A fuller horizon of heroic fame
14–19
Through him Turan shall suffer endless woe,
Through him Iran shall rise in strength and glow.
Through him the weary heart shall find its peace,
And wars that rage beneath his hand shall cease.
The people shall take hope when he appears,
And joy shall follow after bitter years.
His battle steed shall charge across the field,
And grind the war-leopard till it must yield.
Blessed the Shah whose age shall share his fame;
Through kingship Time itself shall bear his name.
Rum, Hind, and all Iran shall know his worth;
His name on signet-rings shall circle earth.”
به خواب اندر آرد سر دردمند
ببندد در جنگ و راه گزند
بدو باشد ایرانیان را امید
ازو پهلوان را خرام و نوید
پی باره‌ای کو چماند به جنگ
بمالد برو روی جنگی پلنگ
خنک پادشاهی که هنگام او
زمانه به شاهی برد نام او
Ganjoor · m11:14-17
Textual evidence
Ganjoor promises relief, Iranian hope, warlike mastery and a fortunate kingly age. Mohl p 141 adds Turan’s suffering and fame in Rum, Hind and Iran, with a signet-name image.
G m11 14 ↗ G m11 15 ↗ G m11 16 ↗ G m11 17 ↗ Moscow p 181 ↗ Moscow p 182 ↗ Moscow p 183 ↗ Mohl p 141 ↗ Mohl p 142 ↗ Khaleghi p 209 ↗ Khaleghi p 210 ↗ Khaleghi p 211 ↗ Khaleghi p 212 ↗ Khaleghi p 213 ↗ Khaleghi p 214 ↗ Khaleghi p 215 ↗ Khaleghi p 216 ↗
Interpretation
The English’s broader prediction has printed support beyond the short digital text. Its “peace” is the heroic promise of suppressing warfare and injury, not a forecast that the entire subsequent epic will contain no conflict.
20–27Relief does not erase a reservation
20–27
Sahm heard the astrologer; his heart grew light,
And thanked him, freed from doubt and inward fright.
He gave them silver, gold beyond all count,
As fear gave way and hope began to mount.
He called the messenger and, choosing well,
Restrained by prudence, gave him words to tell.
“Go speak to Zal with gentle, tempered tone:
His wish finds little favor on its own.
Yet I have given word, and must remain
Bound to that pledge, nor break it for my gain.
Tomorrow I will leave this field and ride
To Iran’s court, where truth shall be my guide.
There I shall learn what judgment Shah may give,
And whether God will let this longing live.”
He gave the envoy gifts and told him, “Go:
Delay no more, ride hard and do not slow.”
چو بشنید گفتار اخترشناس
بخندید و پذرفت ازیشان سپاس
ببخشیدشان بی‌کران زر و سیم
چو آرامش آمد به هنگام بیم
فرستادهٔ زال را پیش خواند
زهر گونه با او سخنها براند
بگفتش که با او به خوبی بگوی
که این آرزو را نبد هیچ روی
ولیکن چو پیمان چنین بد نخست
بهانه نشاید به بیداد جست
من اینک به شبگیر ازین رزمگاه
سوی شهر ایران گذارم سپاه
فرستاده را داد چندی درم
بدو گفت خیره مزن هیچ دم
Ganjoor · m11:18-24
Textual evidence
Sahm rewards the astrologers, says the wish lacked an acceptable course, but acknowledges the promise and prepares to go toward Iran.
G m11 18 ↗ G m11 19 ↗ G m11 20 ↗ G m11 21 ↗ G m11 22 ↗ G m11 23 ↗ G m11 24 ↗ Moscow p 181 ↗ Moscow p 182 ↗ Moscow p 183 ↗ Mohl p 141 ↗ Mohl p 142 ↗ Khaleghi p 209 ↗ Khaleghi p 210 ↗ Khaleghi p 211 ↗ Khaleghi p 212 ↗ Khaleghi p 213 ↗ Khaleghi p 214 ↗ Khaleghi p 215 ↗ Khaleghi p 216 ↗
Interpretation
The English preserves the qualified message. A delighted recipient may hear hope, yet the father has not bypassed the Shah’s authority or supplied a final marriage decree.
28–32The campaign travels with captives
28–32
He sent him off and readied for the way;
His army cheered to march without delay.
A thousand Gorgasaran they bound that day,
And drove them, wretched, on their feet away.
When two parts of the darkened night had passed,
The riders’ cries rose where the ranks were massed.
The koust and karnay thundered loud and clear,
Their voices rising from the royal gear.
Then Sahm set out toward Iran’s domain,
And led his army onward from the plain.
گسی کردش و خود به راه ایستاد
سپاه و سپهبد از آن کار شاد
ببستند از آن گرگساران هزار
پیاده به زاری کشیدند خوار
دو بهره چو از تیره شب درگذشت
خروش سواران برآمد ز دشت
همان نالهٔ کوس با کره نای
برآمد ز دهلیز پرده‌سرای
سپهبد سوی شهر ایران کشید
سپه را به نزد دلیران کشید
Ganjoor · m11:25-29
Textual evidence
A thousand Gorgasaran are bound and driven on foot before the army’s departure at two parts of the night.
G m11 25 ↗ G m11 26 ↗ G m11 27 ↗ G m11 28 ↗ G m11 29 ↗ Moscow p 181 ↗ Moscow p 182 ↗ Moscow p 183 ↗ Mohl p 141 ↗ Mohl p 142 ↗ Khaleghi p 209 ↗ Khaleghi p 210 ↗ Khaleghi p 211 ↗ Khaleghi p 212 ↗ Khaleghi p 213 ↗ Khaleghi p 214 ↗ Khaleghi p 215 ↗ Khaleghi p 216 ↗
Interpretation
The captives are source-based people in a coercive procession, not decorative details of a triumph. Retaining their misery makes the world of the heroic father more ethically complicated than the celebratory instruments alone would suggest.
33–36News becomes charity
33–36
The messenger returned with joyful speed,
Bearing the answer that fulfilled the need.
He came to Zal and told what had occurred;
The prince found comfort in the words he heard.
He raised his praise to God with grateful voice,
And blessed the turn that made his heart rejoice.
He gave the poor both silver and bright gold,
And gifts of kindness no account could hold.
فرستاده آمد دوان سوی زال
ابا بخت پیروز و فرخنده فال
گرفت آفرین زال بر کردگار
بران بخشش گردش روزگار
درم داد و دینار درویش را
نوازنده شد مردم خویش را
Ganjoor · m11:30-32
Textual evidence
The envoy returns; Zal praises the Creator and gives money to the poor.
G m11 30 ↗ G m11 31 ↗ G m11 32 ↗ Moscow p 181 ↗ Moscow p 182 ↗ Moscow p 183 ↗ Mohl p 141 ↗ Mohl p 142 ↗ Khaleghi p 209 ↗ Khaleghi p 210 ↗ Khaleghi p 211 ↗ Khaleghi p 212 ↗ Khaleghi p 213 ↗ Khaleghi p 214 ↗ Khaleghi p 215 ↗ Khaleghi p 216 ↗
Interpretation
The English’s extra transitional space converts private relief into public giving. It prepares the circulation of gifts and messages through which the larger settlement will eventually be made.