English
Part 3: The Messenger's Errand
He called the king's messenger before him
and spoke at length, with grace and care.
He said: I am a servant to your king;
whatever he commands, I obey.
Tell him that, high as your station is,
your three children are more precious to you still.
A son is dear to a king,
especially one who graces the throne.
Whatever you have said, I accept it;
but I measure it against my own daughters.
If the king asks my eyes of me,
or the wide plains and the throne of Yemen,
still I hold them cheaper than my three children,
whom I cannot bear to lose when I need them near.
So if this is what the king desires,
I dare not take a single step beyond his command.
By the king's own order these three children of mine
will then come forth, parted from me.
For then I will meet your three kings,
the splendor of your crown and throne.
Let all three come to me;
this dark city of mine will grow bright.
My heart will rejoice to see them;
I will look upon their wakeful souls.
I will see whether their hearts are full of justice,
and I will take their hands in trust and pledge.
Then my three bright, world-seeing daughters
I will entrust to them, in my own custom.
Once the longing to meet them is satisfied,
I will send them swiftly back to the king.
When Jandal the envoy heard this answer,
he kissed the throne, as was fitting.
With praise upon his lips, he left that hall
and turned his face toward the king of the world.
When he came and reached Fereydun,
he told what had been said and the answer he had heard.
The king of the world called his three children;
he brought forth what he had kept hidden.
About Jandal's journey and his own plan
he laid out every word plainly before them.
He said: This king of Yemen,
chief of the assembly, a cypress casting shade,
has three daughters, like unpierced pearls;
he has no son, his daughters are his crown.
If Soroush himself sought brides like them,
he would only be granted the honor of bowing at their feet.
For your sake I asked their father;
I arranged all the words that were needed.
Now you must go to him,
and in matters great and small give wise counsel.
Be eloquent and keen of mind;
keep both ears fixed on what he says.
Answer his words with grace;
when he asks, give wise and fortunate replies.
For one raised by a king
must be nothing less than virtuous.
Well spoken, bright of heart, pure of faith,
foresighted in whatever task comes his way,
his tongue adorned with truth,
his wisdom outshining any wealth.
Whatever I say, hear it from me;
if you act on it, you will thrive.
The king of Yemen sees deep;
no assembly holds his equal.
All three sons, worthy and pure,
set their hearts on their father's words.
They came out from Fereydun's presence,
full of knowledge and full of charm.
What else would suit a son
raised by such a father, but wisdom and knowledge?