English
Ardeshir at the Sea and the Call to War
From this side Ardeshir came down to the sea and spoke to God: 'You who take my hand,
You kept me safe from the man of evil deeds. May his body never see a single good thing.'
He rested, then called the sailor forward and spoke at length about all that had passed.
The wise old sailor studied Ardeshir, his stature, his face, his bearing.
He knew this man was of royal blood, and the glory and majesty of him made him glad.
He hurried down to the sea and launched his boats in every direction across the water.
When word spread of the famous Ardeshir, an army gathered by that shore.
Everyone who was of Babak's house in Estakhr took pride in the king becoming known.
And all who came from the line of Dara, renowned men in every province,
when the news came of King Ardeshir, the old man's heart grew young with joy.
People came from sea and mountain to the young man, group after group.
From every city a wise counselor gathered around the world-seeker.
The young Ardeshir opened his lips: 'You famous men of enlightened souls,
there is no one in this noble assembly, no sage or counselor among you,
who has not heard what the treacherous Alexander did in his baseness to the world.
He killed our forefathers one by one and seized the whole earth through injustice.
Since I am of the seed of Esfandiar, and Ardavan rules as king within this land,
it is fitting that we do not call this justice, and that we not let this old tale be forgotten.
If you stand with me in this and help me, I will leave no one else a great name or a high throne.
What do you say, and what answer will you give? Let your answer be a blessed cry.'
Everyone in that assembly, the swordsmen and the counselors alike,
when they heard his words rose to their feet and spoke honestly all that was in their hearts:
'All of us who are of Babak's line rejoice at the sight of your face.
And more, we are the Sasanians; we gird our waists to avenge this wrong.
Our bodies and souls, all of them, are yours. Our sorrow and joy rise and fall with you.
By two virtues you stand above all others: kingship and heroism suit you well.
At your command we will level mountains into plains and turn the sea's water all to blood with our blades.'
When Ardeshir heard such an answer, his head rose higher than Venus and Mercury.
He showered blessings on those chiefs, while in his heart he spread the thought of vengeance.
Near the sea he laid the foundation of a city, and that city became a great work.
A high priest said to Ardeshir: 'O king of good fortune and pleasing heart,
you are renewing the seat of kingship; you should first make yourself at home in Pars,
and only then make war on Ardavan, for your fortune is young and you, the prince, are young.
He surpasses the petty kings in treasure, and from him you have seen hardship and pain.
Once you have removed him from his throne, no one after this will stand against you.'
When the proud Ardeshir heard these fitting, pleasing words,
as the sun lifted its head over the mountain peak, he set out from the shore toward Estakhr.
News reached the young Ardavan, and his heart filled with pain and his soul grew dark.
He did not linger at all on his royal throne, but brought out an army equipped for war.