The Letter to Roshanak

He ordered the scribe to come before him, and called for a Chinese pen and Roman silk. The writer sharpened his reed like a fine quill and composed a letter to Roshanak's mother. May God grant you the reward of the good, and pierce the ill wisher with the pain of an arrow. I wrote you a letter before this one, and it carried even more sorrows than these. When your husband's days had turned against him, he was slain at the hand of a servant. I prepared a shroud for him in the manner of kings, and swiftly sent him from this world with honor. I sought peace many times before the war, but he would not make peace and left no room for delay. Even his enemy grieved over his blood; may God carry his body to paradise. No one can escape the grip of death; it is the autumn wind, and we are like leaves. Now the whole world lies before you, and there are many witnesses to Dara's last counsel. For he gave Roshanak to me and said that she must be kept close and cared for. So now, along with her nurse and guardians, send the noble and worthy elders of Iran, and send her quickly to my side, that she might perhaps brighten my darkened soul. Keep Isfahan as it was before, with watchful agents spread out on every side. Let all the officials, honest and just, keep the posts that Dara son of Darab had given them. Ask for no further command from there; the whole land of Iran lies before you. Fill your heart with patience and mercy, and make my name in the world a name of ruling worth. In the same way, a letter went to Roshanak from the world ruling king who followed his own will. First he offered praise to the Creator, the ruler of the world, the wise and the sustainer. Then he said that from the lineage of a king only a pure and virtuous person is born, graceful, of good name, wisdom, and modesty, with fair speech and a gentle voice. Your father entrusted you to my keeping, then departed and left behind a good name. When you come to my chamber and my hall, you will see that you are the one I seek in all the world. You will be first among ladies, worthy of the crown, radiant with jeweled bracelets and the ivory throne. We have written a letter to your mother, that she send you here in a manner fitting you, in the custom of a child of kings, with the chief priest of Isfahan leading the way, with attendants, the crown of kings, and the litter, along with the nurse who fed you milk and honey. Be in my palace with a bright and joyful spirit; you shall be first among the ladies of the harem. May modesty forever be the companion of your heart, and the palace of kings be your hidden home. A philosopher came swift as the dust and recited the words of the king of the world.