English
Rustam's Reply to Isfandiyar
When Rustam heard what Bahman had to say, the old man's mind grew heavy with thought.
He said: Yes, I have received the message, and my heart is glad at the thought of seeing you.
Carry back my answer to Isfandiyar: O lionhearted, renowned prince,
anyone whose soul holds wisdom looks first to the root of things.
When manhood, victory, and possessions are his, along with a well-stocked treasury,
and greatness, valor, and a lofty name, honored among the noble ones,
then, being what you now are in this world, you should not carry an ill temper in your head.
Let us stand by justice and the worship of God, and never take the hand of evil in our own.
Words that are not worth saying are like a tree that bears neither fruit nor fragrance.
If greed takes over your soul, a fruitless struggle will drag on for you.
It is better when a great man speaks measured words, and keeps his tongue clear of harmful talk.
This servant was gladdened by your words, when you said no mother has borne one like you;
that in manhood, courage, judgment, and wisdom you surpass your own ancestors.
Your name is known in India, in Rome, in China, and in the land of sorcerers.
I am grateful for this counsel; I will offer praise day and night through the three watches.
I have longed and prayed to God, and now I have set my heart on you.
To look upon your admirable face, your greatness, your valor, your affection;
to sit together in contentment and raise our cups in the king of kings' honor.
Now I have found everything I sought; I hurried eagerly to make my plea.
I will come to you now without an army, and hear from you all the king has commanded.
I will bring you the covenants of just kings, from Kaykhusraw back to Kayqubad.
Now, O prince, consider my situation, look at all I have done and all I have suffered.
The good deeds I have performed, and the hardships I have endured,
and my long service to sovereigns, the same today as in ages past,
if the reward for that toil is to be chains, if harm should come to me from Iran's king,
then it would be better that no one see this world; and having seen it, not linger long in it.
Let me come and tell all my secrets, and raise my voice for the whole world to hear.
I will fasten a halter on my arm, and let my feet hang bound in leopard hide,
just as I once tied down the raging elephant and hurled it into the river Nile.
If any fault of mine is proven, then after that my head may be cut off.
Keep such unpleasant words away from me; leave harm to grieve the devil's heart.
Do not say what no one has ever said; you cannot cage the wind by force of arms.
The great find their way through knowledge; there is no crossing the sea without a guide.
The blaze of the sun cannot be hidden, nor can a fox be mated with a lion.
Do not pour out strife upon my path, for I myself am a wellspring of battle.
No one has ever seen a chain on my foot, nor has a raging elephant taken my ground.
Do as befits kings: do not keep the demon of greed at your right hand.
With true manhood drive anger and spite from your heart; do not view the world with youth's rash eyes.
Keep joy in your heart and cross the river; may the greeting of holy God be upon you.
Honor our hall with a feast, and do not stay far from one who serves you.
Just as I was a servant to Kayqubad, now my heart and mind are glad because of you.
When you come to my hall with your army, stay here in gladness for two months.
Let man and beast rest from their toil, and let the eyes of enemies go blind with envy.
The whole plain is full of game, and birds upon the water; if you delay, they will scatter in flight.
Let me see in you the strength of warriors, whether with your sword you can bring down lion or leopard.
When you wish to lead your army back to Iran, to bring it before the king of the brave,
I will open my ancient treasuries, the ones I won here by the edge of the sword.
I will lay before you all that I possess, everything I gathered by the might of my own hand.
Take whatever you want and give the rest away; do not bring such a bitter day upon my heart.
Pay the army in silver and show no harshness; when you find goodness, do not turn sullen.
When the time to depart draws near, and you long to see the king,
I will ride rein to rein with you on the road, and come with dignity to the king's presence.
With apology I will soften his anger; I will kiss his head, his feet, and his eyes.
I will ask the wakeful, exalted king why my feet should be put in chains.
Keep in mind everything I have told you, and repeat it to the noble Isfandiyar.