Rostam’s Beginnings · A9.2

Sahm Comes to Meet Rostam

The grandfather meets the living child whose image he has celebrated. Family pride, dangerous ancestral joking and a serious farewell occupy the same gathering.

F&R English · 66 couplets · 9 commentary entries

Parallel text ↓Commentary ↓

The chapter in five texts

Text	Chapter treatment and distinctive choices
F&R English	Sixty-six couplets retain the ceremonial meeting, fuller portrait, joking boast and ethical farewell.
Moscow	Pp 242–246 retain the meeting and farewell, with local bracketed expansions in reception and characterization.
Mohl	Pp 179–182 support five mil, fuller bow imagery, the explicit jest and three later escort stages.
Ganjoor	Sh27 has 63 couplets; it reads two later escort stages rather than three.
Khaleghi	Pp 270–275 carry the visit and farewell; p 275 prints three escort stages and begins the editorial record of the early-feat narratives.

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.

1–10+

The news reached valiant Sahm: “The son of Zal

Has grown in strength and stands a lion tall.

No child within the world has ever grown

Nor such a lion’s valor yet been known.”

At once Sahm’s heart leapt up to hear the tale;

He longed to see the child, and would not fail.

He left his army with its chief to lead,

And took world-seasoned men of proven deed.

His love drew him toward the son of Zal;

He led his company toward Zabul’s hall.

When Zal had heard the tidings, the koust beat;

The earth turned ebony beneath their feet.

Then Zal and Mehrab, Kabul’s ruling lord,

Rode out to welcome Sahm in one accord.

The signal sounded and a clamor grew;

From town and village people gathered too.

The army stretched from mountain ridge to hill;

Red shields and yellow ranked the valley still.

The Tazi steeds and elephants gave sound;

For five full mil their thunder rolled around.

چو آگاهی آمد به سام دلیر

که شد پور دستان همانند شیر

کس اندر جهان کودک نارسید

بدین شیر مردی و گردی ندید

بجنبید مرسام را دل ز جای

به دیدار آن کودک آمدش رای

سپه را به سالار لشکر سپرد

برفت و جهاندیدگان را ببرد

چو مهرش سوی پور دستان کشید

سپه را سوی زاولستان کشید

چو زال آگهی یافت بر بست کوس

ز لشکر زمین گشت چون آبنوس

خود و گرد مهراب کابل خدای

پذیره شدن را نهادند رای

بزد مهره در جام و برخاست غو

برآمد ز هر دو سپه دار و رو

یکی لشکر از کوه تا کوه مرد

زمین قیرگون و هوا لاژورد

خروشیدن تازی اسپان و پیل

همی رفت آواز تا چند میل

Ganjoor · m27:1-10

11–21+

A mighty elephant with trappings gold

Bore on its back a throne in royal mold.

Upon the golden throne sat Rostam, wide

Of shoulder, cypress-tall, with warrior’s pride.

A bow was set within his powerful hand,

A shield before him, firm at his command.

A crown above, a girdle round his waist,

With shield, bow, arrows all before him placed.

When Sahm from far beheld the youthful sign,

He drew his army up in double line.

Then Mehrab and Zal dismounted on the road,

With aged chiefs whose years in silver showed.

Each laid his head upon the earth below,

And blessings on brave Sahm began to flow.

Like springtime blossom Sahm’s face opened wide;

He laughed to see the lion-cub in pride.

A lion’s cub enthroned for all to see

Upon the elephant; Sahm laughed with glee.

He bade them bring the elephant, and gazed

Again upon the child and crown, amazed.

Then valiant Sahm, in blessing, raised this prayer:

“O mighty lion, live long, glad, and fair.”

یکی ژنده پیلی بیاراستند

برو تخت زرین بپیراستند

نشست از بر تخت زر پور زال

ابا بازوی شیر و با کتف و یال

به سر برش تاج و کمر بر میان

سپر پیش و در دست گرز گران

چو از دور سام یل آمد پدید

سپه بر دو رویه رده برکشید

فرود آمد از باره مهراب و زال

بزرگان که بودند بسیار سال

یکایک نهادند سر بر زمین

ابر سام یل خواندند آفرین

چو گل چهرهٔ سام یل بشکفید

چو بر پیل بر بچهٔ شیر دید

چنان همش بر پیل پیش آورید

نگه کرد و با تاج و تختش بدید

یکی آفرین کرد سام دلیر

که تهما هژبرا بزی شاد دیر

Ganjoor · m27:11-19

22–28+

Then Rostam stepped and kissed the royal seat,

And praised great Sahm in words both bold and sweet:

“O Pahlevan of all the world, take pride;

I am your branch, sprung from your root and side.

I am the servant of renowned Sahm’s name;

Food, sleep, and idle rest are not my aim.

Give horse and saddle, jowshan, helmet strong;

My navak shafts shall fly against the throng.

By the exalted Maker’s high command,

My foes’ heads shall lie fallen where I stand.

My face resembles yours before my sight;

May courage make me like you too in fight.”

Then Rostam left the elephant; Sahm took his hand,

And kissed his head and eyes before the band.

ببوسید رستمش تخت ای شگفت

نیا را یکی نو ستایش گرفت

که ای پهلوان جهان شاد باش

ز شاخ توام من تو بنیاد باش

یکی بنده‌ام نامور سام را

نشایم خور و خواب و آرام را

همی پشت زین خواهم و درع و خود

همی تیر ناوک فرستم درود

به چهر تو ماند همی چهره‌ام

چو آن تو باشد مگر زهره‌ام

وزان پس فرود آمد از پیل مست

سپهدار بگرفت دستش بدست

Ganjoor · m27:20-25

29–39+

The elephants stood still; tabiras mute;

No beast cried out, no horn gave loud salute.

They turned together toward the palace way;

With talk and happiness they filled the day.

Through every palace golden thrones were laid;

They sat to feast, with wine and joy displayed.

A month went by in pleasure and repose;

No man for work his warrior’s girdle chose.

They drank their wine to music of the rud;

Each sang in turn a song of joyful mood.

At one throne-corner Dastan sat, sedate;

At the other Rostam bore his gorz’s weight.

Before them Sahm, the world-subduer, stayed,

The Homa feather from his crown displayed.

Sahm gazed at Rostam, wonder in his eyes,

And spoke the name of Yazdan in surprise.

He marked his arms, his shoulders, height and frame,

His reed-thin waist, broad chest, and warrior’s mane.

His thighs were thick, like those a hiyun shows;

A lion’s heart and tiger’s strength arose.

Such beauty, farr, and warrior bearing shone;

No Pahlevan his equal could be known.

همی بر سر و چشم او داد بوس

فروماند پیلان و آوای کوس

سوی کاخ ازان پس نهادند روی

همه راه شادان و با گفت‌وگوی

همه کاخها تخت زرین نهاد

نشستند و خوردند و بودند شاد

برآمد برین بر یکی ماهیان

به رنجی نبستند هرگز میان

بخوردند باده به آوای رود

همی گفت هر یک به نوبت سرود

به یک گوشهٔ تخت، دستان نشست

دگر گوشه رستمش گرزی به دست

به پیش اندرون سام گیهان گشای

فرو هشته از تاج پر همای

ز رستم همی در شگفتی بماند

برو هر زمان نام یزدان بخواند

بدان بازوی و یال و آن پشت و شاخ

میان چون قلم، سینه و بَر فراخ

دو رانش چو ران هیونان ستبر

دل شیر نر دارد و زور ببر

بدین خوب رویی و این فر و یال

ندارد کس از پهلوانان همال

Ganjoor · m27:26-36

40–44+

Then Sahm said, “Search a hundred generations;

None will recall his like among the nations:

A child brought living through his mother’s side,

With such a wondrous remedy supplied.

A thousand blessings on the Simorgh’s name;

For Yazdan showed her how the healing came.

Now in this happiness let wine be poured,

And let the heart of sorrow break at board.

This world is but a lodging, coming, going;

One grows old while another new is growing.”

به زال آنگهی گفت تا صد نژاد

بپرسی کس این را ندارد بیاد

که کودک ز پهلو برون آورند

بدین نیکویی چاره چون آورند

بسیمرغ بادا هزار آفرین

که ایزد ورا ره نمود اندرین

بدین شادمانی کنون می خوریم

به می جان اندوه را بشکریم

که گیتی سپنجست پر آی و رو

کهن شد یکی دیگر آرند نو

Ganjoor · m27:38-40, m27:37, m27:41

45–52+

They reached for wine and soon were drunk with cheer;

From Rostam turned to Dastan’s memory dear.

Mehrab drank wine till, everywhere he peered,

No man but his own mighty self appeared.

He cried, “I fear no Zal or Sahm today,

Nor crowned Shah’s farr that rules the world’s array!

Give me but Rostam, Shabdiz, and my blade;

What enemy would dare to make us afraid?

No cloud shall cast its shadow on our might;

No cloud above our heads shall cross our sight.

Zahhak’s old custom I shall bring to birth;

My charger’s hoof shall turn to musk the earth.

Now I shall have the weapons made for him!”

He spoke in jest, his wine-filled eyes grown dim.

At Mehrab’s words both Zal and Sahm laughed long;

Their hearts took pleasure in his drunken song.

به می دست بردند و مستان شدند

ز رستم سوی یاد دستان شدند

همی خورد مهراب چندان نبید

که چون خویشتن کس به گیتی ندید

همی گفت نندیشم از زال زر

نه از سام و نز شاه با تاج و فر

من و رستم و اسب شبدیز و تیغ

نیارد برو سایه گسترد میغ

کنم زنده آیین ضحاک را

به پی مشک سارا کنم خاک را

پر از خنده گشته لب زال و سام

ز گفتار مهراب دل شادکام

Ganjoor · m27:42-47

53–55+

When Mehr began, on Ormozd’s opening day,

Sahm chose his road and made to ride away.

Sahm made his preparations, took the road;

For one full stage Zal close beside him rode.

Young Rostam on an elephant rode near,

To bid Sahm farewell with loving cheer.

سر ماه نو هرمز مهرماه

بران تخت فرخنده بگزید راه

بسازید سام و برون شد به در

یکی منزلی زال شد با پدر

همی رفت بر پیل رستم دژم

به پدرود کردن نیا را به هم

Ganjoor · m27:48-50

56–62+

Then Sahm said, “Zal, my son, take heed from me:

Above all things be just in your decree.

Keep loyalty to Shahs within your breast;

Choose wisdom over wealth as what is best.

Throughout the year keep both your hands from ill;

Each day seek Yazdan’s path with steadfast will.

Know that this world remains with no one here;

Be one in public and when none are near.

Hold fast to this advice and do not stray;

Set foot on nothing but the rightful way.

For in my heart I feel my time run low;

The span before me shortens as I go.”

He bade both Zal and Rostam his farewell:

“Do not conceal the counsel that I tell.”

چنین گفت مر زال را کای پسر

نگر تا نباشی جز از دادگر

به فرمان شاهان دل آراسته

خرد را گزین کرده بر خواسته

همه ساله بر بسته دست از بدی

همه روز جسته ره ایزدی

چنان دان که بر کس نماند جهان

یکی بایدت آشکار و نهان

برین پند من باش و مگذر ازین

بجز بر ره راست مسپر زمین

که من در دل ایدون گمانم همی

که آمد به تنگی زمانم همی

دو فرزند را کرد پدرود و گفت

که این پندها را نباید نهفت

Ganjoor · m27:51-57

63–66+

From Zabul’s court the ringing bell was heard;

From elephants the answering karnay stirred.

Sweet-speaking, modest-hearted, Sahm took way;

Toward Bakhtar turned the seasoned chief that day.

Zal and young Rostam rode three stages more,

Then turned in tears while Sahm pressed on before.

Zal led the troops to Sistan, homeward bound;

With lion Rostam, wine and joy went round.

برآمد ز درگاه زخم درای

ز پیلان خروشیدن کرنای

سپهبد سوی باختر کرد روی

زبان گرم‌گوی و دل آزرم‌جوی

برفتند با او دو فرزند او

پر از آبْ رخ، دل پر از پند او

دو منزل برفتند و گشتند باز

کشید آن سپهبد براه دراز

وزان روی زال سپهبد به راه

سوی سیستان باز برد آن سپاه

شب و روز با رستم شیرمرد

همی کرد شادی و هم باده خورد

Ganjoor · m27:58-63

Narrative and poetic form

The English allows pride and moral unease to share the scene. The grandfather’s serious counsel does not erase Mehrab’s dangerous joke, and printed details defend several apparent departures from Ganjoor.

Couplet commentary

Quoted text · evidence · interpretation

1–10A desired meeting becomes a public reception

1–10

The news reached valiant Sahm: “The son of Zal

Has grown in strength and stands a lion tall.

No child within the world has ever grown

Nor such a lion’s valor yet been known.”

At once Sahm’s heart leapt up to hear the tale;

He longed to see the child, and would not fail.

He left his army with its chief to lead,

And took world-seasoned men of proven deed.

His love drew him toward the son of Zal;

He led his company toward Zabul’s hall.

When Zal had heard the tidings, the koust beat;

The earth turned ebony beneath their feet.

Then Zal and Mehrab, Kabul’s ruling lord,

Rode out to welcome Sahm in one accord.

The signal sounded and a clamor grew;

From town and village people gathered too.

The army stretched from mountain ridge to hill;

Red shields and yellow ranked the valley still.

The Tazi steeds and elephants gave sound;

For five full mil their thunder rolled around.

چو آگاهی آمد به سام دلیر

که شد پور دستان همانند شیر

کس اندر جهان کودک نارسید

بدین شیر مردی و گردی ندید

بجنبید مرسام را دل ز جای

به دیدار آن کودک آمدش رای

سپه را به سالار لشکر سپرد

برفت و جهاندیدگان را ببرد

چو مهرش سوی پور دستان کشید

سپه را سوی زاولستان کشید

چو زال آگهی یافت بر بست کوس

ز لشکر زمین گشت چون آبنوس

خود و گرد مهراب کابل خدای

پذیره شدن را نهادند رای

بزد مهره در جام و برخاست غو

برآمد ز هر دو سپه دار و رو

یکی لشکر از کوه تا کوه مرد

زمین قیرگون و هوا لاژورد

خروشیدن تازی اسپان و پیل

همی رفت آواز تا چند میل

Ganjoor · m27:1-10

Textual evidence

Sahm leaves his army with its commander and travels with experienced men; Zal and Mehrab prepare a large welcome. Ganjoor says the sound travels several mil; Mohl p 179 specifies five, supporting English 10.

Interpretation

The English gives the reception measured scale without changing its purpose. The shared welcome by both sides of the family shows the political settlement continuing into the next generation.

Return to parallel text

11–21A lion-cub enthroned on an elephant

11–21

A mighty elephant with trappings gold

Bore on its back a throne in royal mold.

Upon the golden throne sat Rostam, wide

Of shoulder, cypress-tall, with warrior’s pride.

A bow was set within his powerful hand,

A shield before him, firm at his command.

A crown above, a girdle round his waist,

With shield, bow, arrows all before him placed.

When Sahm from far beheld the youthful sign,

He drew his army up in double line.

Then Mehrab and Zal dismounted on the road,

With aged chiefs whose years in silver showed.

Each laid his head upon the earth below,

And blessings on brave Sahm began to flow.

Like springtime blossom Sahm’s face opened wide;

He laughed to see the lion-cub in pride.

A lion’s cub enthroned for all to see

Upon the elephant; Sahm laughed with glee.

He bade them bring the elephant, and gazed

Again upon the child and crown, amazed.

Then valiant Sahm, in blessing, raised this prayer:

“O mighty lion, live long, glad, and fair.”

یکی ژنده پیلی بیاراستند

برو تخت زرین بپیراستند

نشست از بر تخت زر پور زال

ابا بازوی شیر و با کتف و یال

به سر برش تاج و کمر بر میان

سپر پیش و در دست گرز گران

چو از دور سام یل آمد پدید

سپه بر دو رویه رده برکشید

فرود آمد از باره مهراب و زال

بزرگان که بودند بسیار سال

یکایک نهادند سر بر زمین

ابر سام یل خواندند آفرین

چو گل چهرهٔ سام یل بشکفید

چو بر پیل بر بچهٔ شیر دید

چنان همش بر پیل پیش آورید

نگه کرد و با تاج و تختش بدید

یکی آفرین کرد سام دلیر

که تهما هژبرا بزی شاد دیر

Ganjoor · m27:11-19

Textual evidence

The child sits on a golden throne carried by an elephant, with crown, girdle, shield and a heavy mace in Ganjoor. English 13–14 equips him with bow and arrows instead; Mohl p 180 also gives bow imagery in the fuller display.

Interpretation

The apparent doubling of lion and elephant is source-based heroic comparison. The additional bow is part of the fuller martial portrait, not proof that the infant effigy and the older living child are the same scene.

Return to parallel text

22–28Rostam asks for the equipment of service

22–28

Then Rostam stepped and kissed the royal seat,

And praised great Sahm in words both bold and sweet:

“O Pahlevan of all the world, take pride;

I am your branch, sprung from your root and side.

I am the servant of renowned Sahm’s name;

Food, sleep, and idle rest are not my aim.

Give horse and saddle, jowshan, helmet strong;

My navak shafts shall fly against the throng.

By the exalted Maker’s high command,

My foes’ heads shall lie fallen where I stand.

My face resembles yours before my sight;

May courage make me like you too in fight.”

Then Rostam left the elephant; Sahm took his hand,

And kissed his head and eyes before the band.

ببوسید رستمش تخت ای شگفت

نیا را یکی نو ستایش گرفت

که ای پهلوان جهان شاد باش

ز شاخ توام من تو بنیاد باش

یکی بنده‌ام نامور سام را

نشایم خور و خواب و آرام را

همی پشت زین خواهم و درع و خود

همی تیر ناوک فرستم درود

به چهر تو ماند همی چهره‌ام

چو آن تو باشد مگر زهره‌ام

وزان پس فرود آمد از پیل مست

سپهدار بگرفت دستش بدست

Ganjoor · m27:20-25

Textual evidence

The youth calls himself Sahm’s branch and servant, rejects mere eating and sleeping, and asks for saddle, armor, helmet and arrows.

Interpretation

The English preserves his active self-presentation rather than making him only an object of adult wonder. His wish for likeness in courage distinguishes visible resemblance from the conduct still required to earn it.

Return to parallel text

29–39The gaze moves from procession to kinship

29–39

The elephants stood still; tabiras mute;

No beast cried out, no horn gave loud salute.

They turned together toward the palace way;

With talk and happiness they filled the day.

Through every palace golden thrones were laid;

They sat to feast, with wine and joy displayed.

A month went by in pleasure and repose;

No man for work his warrior’s girdle chose.

They drank their wine to music of the rud;

Each sang in turn a song of joyful mood.

At one throne-corner Dastan sat, sedate;

At the other Rostam bore his gorz’s weight.

Before them Sahm, the world-subduer, stayed,

The Homa feather from his crown displayed.

Sahm gazed at Rostam, wonder in his eyes,

And spoke the name of Yazdan in surprise.

He marked his arms, his shoulders, height and frame,

His reed-thin waist, broad chest, and warrior’s mane.

His thighs were thick, like those a hiyun shows;

A lion’s heart and tiger’s strength arose.

Such beauty, farr, and warrior bearing shone;

No Pahlevan his equal could be known.

همی بر سر و چشم او داد بوس

فروماند پیلان و آوای کوس

سوی کاخ ازان پس نهادند روی

همه راه شادان و با گفت‌وگوی

همه کاخها تخت زرین نهاد

نشستند و خوردند و بودند شاد

برآمد برین بر یکی ماهیان

به رنجی نبستند هرگز میان

بخوردند باده به آوای رود

همی گفت هر یک به نوبت سرود

به یک گوشهٔ تخت، دستان نشست

دگر گوشه رستمش گرزی به دست

به پیش اندرون سام گیهان گشای

فرو هشته از تاج پر همای

ز رستم همی در شگفتی بماند

برو هر زمان نام یزدان بخواند

بدان بازوی و یال و آن پشت و شاخ

میان چون قلم، سینه و بَر فراخ

دو رانش چو ران هیونان ستبر

دل شیر نر دارد و زور ببر

بدین خوب رویی و این فر و یال

ندارد کس از پهلوانان همال

Ganjoor · m27:26-36

Textual evidence

Sahm kisses head and eyes, the instruments fall silent, the company goes to the palace and a month of feasting follows. Dastan and Rostam occupy the throne’s corners, with Sahm’s Homa-feathered crown before them.

Interpretation

The feather is Homa’s, not the Simorgh’s surgical or summoning plume. Keeping the named birds distinct preserves two different symbolic roles. The English’s bodily portrait sustains delight in the living grandson after the earlier surrogate image.

Return to parallel text

40–44An extraordinary birth remembered in gratitude

40–44

Then Sahm said, “Search a hundred generations;

None will recall his like among the nations:

A child brought living through his mother’s side,

With such a wondrous remedy supplied.

A thousand blessings on the Simorgh’s name;

For Yazdan showed her how the healing came.

Now in this happiness let wine be poured,

And let the heart of sorrow break at board.

This world is but a lodging, coming, going;

One grows old while another new is growing.”

به زال آنگهی گفت تا صد نژاد

بپرسی کس این را ندارد بیاد

که کودک ز پهلو برون آورند

بدین نیکویی چاره چون آورند

بسیمرغ بادا هزار آفرین

که ایزد ورا ره نمود اندرین

بدین شادمانی کنون می خوریم

به می جان اندوه را بشکریم

که گیتی سپنجست پر آی و رو

کهن شد یکی دیگر آرند نو

Ganjoor · m27:38-40, m27:37, m27:41

Textual evidence

Sahm recalls a child brought from the mother’s side, blesses the Simorgh because God showed her the remedy, and urges wine against sorrow. English puts the birth recollection before the invitation to drink; Ganjoor places that invitation earlier.

Interpretation

This local reordering makes gratitude lead naturally into celebration. Human skill, the bird’s guidance and divine source are explicitly connected in the Persian; the English need not choose one agency by deleting the others.

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45–52Mehrab’s dangerous boast is heard as drunken joking

45–52

They reached for wine and soon were drunk with cheer;

From Rostam turned to Dastan’s memory dear.

Mehrab drank wine till, everywhere he peered,

No man but his own mighty self appeared.

He cried, “I fear no Zal or Sahm today,

Nor crowned Shah’s farr that rules the world’s array!

Give me but Rostam, Shabdiz, and my blade;

What enemy would dare to make us afraid?

No cloud shall cast its shadow on our might;

No cloud above our heads shall cross our sight.

Zahhak’s old custom I shall bring to birth;

My charger’s hoof shall turn to musk the earth.

Now I shall have the weapons made for him!”

He spoke in jest, his wine-filled eyes grown dim.

At Mehrab’s words both Zal and Sahm laughed long;

Their hearts took pleasure in his drunken song.

به می دست بردند و مستان شدند

ز رستم سوی یاد دستان شدند

همی خورد مهراب چندان نبید

که چون خویشتن کس به گیتی ندید

همی گفت نندیشم از زال زر

نه از سام و نز شاه با تاج و فر

من و رستم و اسب شبدیز و تیغ

نیارد برو سایه گسترد میغ

کنم زنده آیین ضحاک را

به پی مشک سارا کنم خاک را

پر از خنده گشته لب زال و سام

ز گفتار مهراب دل شادکام

Ganjoor · m27:42-47

Textual evidence

Mehrab drinks, professes fear of neither Shah nor Sahm, invokes Rostam and Shabdiz and threatens to restore Zahhak’s custom. Zal and Sahm laugh. Mohl p 181 further marks the words as jest.

Interpretation

The English’s explanation of joking has printed support. It does not make the boast politically innocent: it voices exactly the dynastic possibility the king had feared. Laughter contains that possibility within this family feast rather than establishing an actual plan of restoration. Shabdiz is the horse named locally; the name alone does not identify a later royal horse.

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53–55A named calendar day begins the farewell

53–55

When Mehr began, on Ormozd’s opening day,

Sahm chose his road and made to ride away.

Sahm made his preparations, took the road;

For one full stage Zal close beside him rode.

Young Rostam on an elephant rode near,

To bid Sahm farewell with loving cheer.

سر ماه نو هرمز مهرماه

بران تخت فرخنده بگزید راه

بسازید سام و برون شد به در

یکی منزلی زال شد با پدر

همی رفت بر پیل رستم دژم

به پدرود کردن نیا را به هم

Ganjoor · m27:48-50

Textual evidence

The departure is on Hormozd, the first day of Mehr, followed by a stage of escort and Rostam riding an elephant.

G m27 48 ↗ G m27 49 ↗ G m27 50 ↗ Moscow p 242 ↗ Moscow p 243 ↗ Moscow p 244 ↗ Moscow p 245 ↗ Moscow p 246 ↗ Mohl p 179 ↗ Mohl p 180 ↗ Mohl p 181 ↗ Mohl p 182 ↗ Khaleghi p 270 ↗ Khaleghi p 271 ↗ Khaleghi p 272 ↗ Khaleghi p 273 ↗ Khaleghi p 274 ↗ Khaleghi p 275 ↗

Interpretation

The English preserves a Persian calendar date instead of treating Ormozd as an additional traveler. The sequence links festival time to renewed public duty.

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56–62Counsel against the excesses of power

56–62

Then Sahm said, “Zal, my son, take heed from me:

Above all things be just in your decree.

Keep loyalty to Shahs within your breast;

Choose wisdom over wealth as what is best.

Throughout the year keep both your hands from ill;

Each day seek Yazdan’s path with steadfast will.

Know that this world remains with no one here;

Be one in public and when none are near.

Hold fast to this advice and do not stray;

Set foot on nothing but the rightful way.

For in my heart I feel my time run low;

The span before me shortens as I go.”

He bade both Zal and Rostam his farewell:

“Do not conceal the counsel that I tell.”

چنین گفت مر زال را کای پسر

نگر تا نباشی جز از دادگر

به فرمان شاهان دل آراسته

خرد را گزین کرده بر خواسته

همه ساله بر بسته دست از بدی

همه روز جسته ره ایزدی

چنان دان که بر کس نماند جهان

یکی بایدت آشکار و نهان

برین پند من باش و مگذر ازین

بجز بر ره راست مسپر زمین

که من در دل ایدون گمانم همی

که آمد به تنگی زمانم همی

دو فرزند را کرد پدرود و گفت

که این پندها را نباید نهفت

Ganjoor · m27:51-57

Textual evidence

Sahm requires justice, loyalty to kings, wisdom over wealth, restraint from wrongdoing and consistency in public and private. He senses his remaining time is short.

Interpretation

The English retains the practical ethical program without turning the farewell into abstract sentiment. The acknowledgment of mortality prepares Manuchehr’s final counsel and also measures the triumphant grandfather against his own history of paternal failure.

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63–66Two or three further stagesPrinted journey variant

63–66

From Zabul’s court the ringing bell was heard;

From elephants the answering karnay stirred.

Sweet-speaking, modest-hearted, Sahm took way;

Toward Bakhtar turned the seasoned chief that day.

Zal and young Rostam rode three stages more,

Then turned in tears while Sahm pressed on before.

Zal led the troops to Sistan, homeward bound;

With lion Rostam, wine and joy went round.

برآمد ز درگاه زخم درای

ز پیلان خروشیدن کرنای

سپهبد سوی باختر کرد روی

زبان گرم‌گوی و دل آزرم‌جوی

برفتند با او دو فرزند او

پر از آبْ رخ، دل پر از پند او

دو منزل برفتند و گشتند باز

کشید آن سپهبد براه دراز

وزان روی زال سپهبد به راه

سوی سیستان باز برد آن سپاه

شب و روز با رستم شیرمرد

همی کرد شادی و هم باده خورد

Ganjoor · m27:58-63

Textual evidence

Ganjoor gives two manzils for the later escort. Mohl p 182 and Khaleghi p 275 give three, supporting English 65. The earlier one-stage escort is already mentioned in all the surrounding narrative.

Interpretation

“Stages” is preferable to silently fixing a number of travel days. The numerical variant has printed support; the text should not be harmonized by changing it to Ganjoor merely because the digital form is convenient.

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Chapter source record

English original ↗ Ganjoor m27 ↗ Moscow p 242 ↗ Moscow p 243 ↗ Moscow p 244 ↗ Moscow p 245 ↗ Moscow p 246 ↗ Mohl p 179 ↗ Mohl p 180 ↗ Mohl p 181 ↗ Mohl p 182 ↗ Khaleghi p 270 ↗ Khaleghi p 271 ↗ Khaleghi p 272 ↗ Khaleghi p 273 ↗ Khaleghi p 274 ↗ Khaleghi p 275 ↗