English
Part 13
Bahram and his counselor sat alone and talked, away from the crowd.
They agreed that they would march from Yemen into Iran with their host.
He chose thirty thousand of the Arabs, all spearmen skilled with the dagger.
He made them wealthy with gold coins, and filled the heads of the great men with pride.
When word of this reached Iran, the news came before its brave men.
The nobles grew grieved at this affair and turned to the sacred fire of Borzin.
They begged God that the war might turn back into joy and feasting.
When Monzer reached the outskirts of Jahrom, he led his army onto that waterless plain.
Noble King Bahram pitched his royal tent, and the troops gathered around it on every side.
He said to Monzer: O my counselor, you have come to Jahrom all the way from Yemen.
Now let us prepare for war, if only talk, once army faces army head to head.
Monzer said to him: summon the great ones; when they come to you, set out a feast for them.
Speak, and listen to what they say; if someone grows hot with anger, do not answer with anger.
Let us find out what they hide within, and whom they wish to call king of the world.
Once we know, we will find the remedy; if it can be done gently, we will keep our grudge hidden.
But if they choose enmity and war, and turn fierce, taking on the temper of a leopard,
then I will turn this plain of Jahrom into a sea, and from the blazing sun make it the Pleiades.
I am certain that once they see your face, this stature of yours, and your kindness,
your wisdom, your judgment and culture, your patience, your knowledge and your steadiness,
they will want no one but you for the throne, for the crown, and for the beauty of good fortune.
And if by chance they have lost their way and try to take the throne from you,
then I, with these horsemen and sharp swords, will raise up a day of judgment in the world.
You will see my frowning brows in battle; may my body and faith be sacrificed for you.
When they behold my countless army, and my custom, my code and my way,
they will see that this kingship, which is your inheritance, passed rightly from father to father to you.
And thirdly, that shedding blood is our trade, and the just God himself is our ally.
They will want no king but you, for you are worthy of the crown and worthy of the throne.
When the king heard these words from Monzer, he smiled and his heart bloomed with joy.
When the sun raised its head above the mountain's edge, the chiefs and nobles of Iran gathered.
They made ready to receive him and called for a wise assembly.
They set Bahram upon an ivory throne, with the royal crown placed on his head.
He sat in the manner of the kings of kings; he made it clear that he was king of the world.
On one side of Bahram sat Monzer, on the other Noman, sword in hand.
And all around the royal tent the great Arab lords stood on their feet.
Those Iranians of pure judgment came to the entrance of the royal tent.
He ordered the curtain lifted, and they were called in from the door with a summons.
They blessed the king of the world and, weeping, scattered tears like drops of blood from their lashes.
They drew near to King Bahram and beheld a splendid crown and throne.
With one voice they cried: may you live long, and may the hand of evil be forever far from you.
The king of kings asked after them and welcomed them, giving each a place according to his rank.