The Birth of Manuchehr

After some more time had passed, the king looked into Iraj's chambers. He saw a beautiful, graceful servant whose name was Mah-Afrid. Iraj had loved her deeply, and by fate the girl was carrying his child. This lovely woman secretly bore a child, and the king of the world rejoiced at this. His heart filled with hope because of her, and he promised his heart revenge through this son. When the time of birth arrived, a daughter was born to Mah-Afrid. A whole world took up her raising, and she grew up in comfort and greatness. That moon-faced girl, from head to toe, you would think was Iraj himself come back. When she grew up and the time for marriage came, her face was like the Pleiades and her hair like musk. Her grandfather betrothed her to Pashang; he gave her to him, and some time went by. That gifted, moon-like woman bore a son, one truly worthy of the throne and crown. When he was parted from his loving mother, they quickly carried him to his great-grandfather. The high priest said to him: Crowned king, gladden your heart, look upon this image of Iraj. The lips of the world-giver filled with a smile; you would think Iraj had come alive again for him. He held that precious child in his arms and offered his prayers to the Creator. He said: May this day be blessed, and may the hearts of our enemies be torn out. As soon as he remembered the Creator of the world, God forgave him and gave his eyesight back. When Fereydun saw the world clearly, he quickly gazed at the newborn's face. He said: From a pure mother and father a worthy branch has borne its fruit. Clear wine has come from a precious cup; this new face shall bear the name Manuchehr. He raised him so tenderly that not even the passing breeze was allowed to touch him. Any servant who held him in her arms would not let his feet touch the ground. Pure musk lay beneath his feet, and a silken canopy moved above his head. So the years passed over him, and no harm ever came to him from the stars. All the skills a king needs, the famous ruler taught him. When the king's eyes and heart had opened wide, the army too joined its voice with his. His great-grandfather gave him a golden throne, a heavy mace, and the turquoise crown of chiefs, a royal pavilion of seven-colored silk, and inside it tents adorned with leopard skin, Arabian horses with golden bridles, and Indian swords in golden scabbards. They untied the bundles of armor, helmets, and Roman mail, loosening every knot. Bows from Chach and arrows of white poplar, shields of China and javelins of war, treasures arranged in this fashion, gathered together through all his labors. He saw all of it fit for Manuchehr, and found his own heart full of love for him. He gave the keys to his adorned treasury, along with all its wealth, to his treasurer for him. All the champions of his army, all the famous men of his land, he commanded to come before him, and they all came with hearts set on revenge. They blessed him as king and scattered emeralds over his crown. That great time was like a festival; in the world the sheep now stood safe from the wolf. The commander was one like Qaren son of Kaveh, the general one like Shiruy and like Awgan. When the whole army's affairs were set in order, the king rose above the flock.