English
Ardavan and Golnar
Ardavan had a lofty palace, and inside it lived a treasured servant.
Her name was Golnar, that moon-faced beauty, a lovely woman full of grace, color, and fragrance.
She was like a minister to Ardavan, and she kept the keys to his wealth as well.
She was dearer to him than his own life; the sight of her filled him with joy and laughter.
It happened one day that she went up to the roof, and her heart grew glad with that delight.
She glanced at Ardashir, whose lips were smiling; the young man took a firm place in her heart.
She stayed until the daylight faded, until night drew close upon the day.
She fastened a rope to the battlement, tied several knots in it, and steadied it with her hand.
Boldly she climbed down from the wall, giving thanks to the giver of good things.
She came gracefully to Ardashir, adorned with jewels and the scent of musk and perfume.
She lifted his head from the silken pillow; when he woke, she held him close in her arms.
The young man looked at that beautiful face, at that hair, that face, that color and scent.
He said to that moon: Where have you come from, you who have adorned my grieving heart?
She answered: I am a servant, and in this world I live only for the sight of you.
I am Delaram, keeper of King Ardavan's treasure; he was happy and light of soul because of me.
Now, if you will accept me, I am your servant; my heart and soul are filled with love for you.
Whenever you wish, I will come to you and turn your dark days into radiant ones.
When some time had passed in this way, a break came upon the old teacher.
The world-wise, watchful Babak died, and left the ancient dwelling to another.
When the news reached Ardavan, he was filled with grief and his spirit turned dark.
Each nobleman remembered Pars; the commander gave Pars to his eldest son.
He ordered the war drums to be brought out, and the army marched from the court onto the plain.
The world went dark for Ardashir at losing that clear-hearted, supporting old man.
He turned his heart away from Ardavan's army, and after that news he made another plan.
For his heart was full of struggle from that pain, and he searched everywhere for a way to escape.
After that it happened that King Ardavan summoned some of the bright-minded astrologers.
He brought a number of them to his court and sought to learn his star and his fate.
He wanted to know how the wheel of fortune would turn, and who would rule as guide after him.
He sent them to Golnar, the king's keeper, so they could study the stars.
Three days passed in that work, and the king's horoscope was examined.
When the keeper heard their voices speaking of the horoscope and their secret,
On the third day, three watches after nightfall, the girl finished with the astrologers.
Her heart full of longing, her lips full of sighs, she kept their words in her memory.
On the fourth day the bright-souled man went to reveal that secret to Ardavan.
They set out with their astrolabes in hand, from the girl's chamber to the king.
They told him the secret of the high heavens, its ruling on the what, the how, and the how much:
That from now on, before too long, the famous king's heart would be twisted by something,
That a lesser man would flee from a greater one, a man of commanders' blood and full of courage,
And after that he would rise as a great king, a world-ruler, fortunate and beneficent.
The renowned, lucky lord's heart grew heavy and sick from their words.