English
The Words of Daqiqi
In those days Esfandiar had gone out to the plain to hunt.
Someone called out to him from that plain: the king has sent Jamasp away.
When he heard that cry he was amazed; he turned and began to laugh.
He had four chosen sons, all warriors, all skilled with the spear.
The first was named Bahman, the second Mehrnush, the third was called the bold-hearted Tush.
The fourth was named Nushazar, wherever the fire temple's dome was raised.
His son Bahman said to the king of the world: may your head stay ever green with life.
The king gave a deep laugh: I can find no way through this.
He said to him: my son, in these days a messenger will come to me from the king's court.
For I suddenly heard a voice, and I fear it is because of the words of those who lead astray.
The king holds a grudge against me; his heart bears resentment toward his servant.
His noble son asked: why? What have you done to the king of the land?
That chief of kings said: my son, I know of no offense I have committed against my father.
Except that, ever since I learned the faith, I have kindled its fire throughout the world.
I cleansed the world with a cutting sword; why then does the king's heart darken like a cloud against me?
Surely a demon has deceived his heart, so that he is set on killing me.
While the king was still speaking of this, black dust appeared in the distance.
The king's minister, a lamp to the world, was the king's messenger sent to the king's son.
When he saw the dust rising from the mountains far off, he knew a messenger was coming.
The king's son went out to meet him and waited until he arrived by the road.
They dismounted from their gliding steeds; both hero and old man went on foot.
The fortunate Esfandiar asked him: how is the king, that renowned lord?
The wise man said: he is well and glad; he kissed his chest and handed over the letter.
He told him truly of all that had happened: how a demon had led the king astray.
Esfandiar said to the wise man: what do you think of my position in this matter?
If I come with you to the court, my father will not treat me well.
But if I do not come in obedience, I will have broken the bounds of a subject's duty.
Find a solution, wise old man; things cannot be left hanging like this in vain.
The wise man said: warrior king, old in wisdom and young in fortune,
You know that a father's anger against his son is better than a son's cruelty against a father.
You must go; that is the way, for whatever he does, he is the king.
On this they agreed and turned back, the messenger and the son of Khosrow the needy.
He brought him to a fine lodging; both took wine in hand.
They burned aloeswood before him; you would think they were kindling a fire.
The next day he sat upon his throne, and many came before him from the army.
He handed all his troops over to Bahman, and from there set off with a few warriors.
He came to the court of the noble king, his belt fastened and his crown upon his head.