English
Section 17: Goshtasp Takes His Father's Crown
When the Caesar rose, he said to Goshtasp: why have you kept your answer hidden?
Goshtasp told him: before this, I served the king of the land of Iran.
All the king's army and that whole gathering know well the skills I have.
It is better that I go to them, speak my mind, and hear all they have to say.
I will win from them everything you desire, and I will spread your name bright across the world.
The Caesar told him: you know best, and you are more capable of this wish.
When Goshtasp heard his words, he mounted the swift traveling steed.
He came to Zarir's seat, a crown on his head and a wind-footed horse beneath him.
When the army saw Goshtasp, the proudest son of Lohrasp,
they came before him on foot, faces full of grief and streaming with tears.
They all bowed before him, glad that the long ordeals had been cut short.
The moment Zarir came before him, he dismounted, weary of war.
He held his dear brother tightly to his chest, and when he opened his lips he began to ask after him.
They sat upon the throne with the chieftains, the nobles of Iran and its warriors.
Blessed Zarir said to Goshtasp: may you be paired with good fortune every year of your life.
Our father has grown old, and you are young at heart; why cut yourself off from seeing your elders?
In old age fortune has smiled on him; he has become a pure worshipper of God.
He has sent you the crown and the treasure, so it is fitting that you no longer hold your heart in sorrow.
He said this: all of Iran is yours, the highest throne with the crown of the realm is yours.
One quiet corner of the world is enough for us; anyone but me may sit on the throne of kingship.
His brother brought the precious crown, along with the armlet, the collar, and the ivory throne.
When Goshtasp saw his father's throne, he sat on it joyfully and placed the crown upon his head.
The grandson of the world-seeking Kavus, and among the Godarzians whoever was of good stock,
such as Bahram and Saveh and Rivniz, and everyone else who stood proud,
they praised him as king and called him the lord of the land.
They stood ready with belts girded, every one who had been a fighter.
When Goshtasp saw that his heart's desire was won, he sent a message to the Caesar.
It said: all that you wished from Iran has been granted; things have gone beyond all measure.
Zarir and the army are watching, hoping you will come gracefully to this battlefield.
They will all, one and all, make a pact with you and pledge their souls to your love.
If it is no trouble, come out to the plain, for the turning world has bent to your will.
When the messenger reached the Caesar, he came to the plain and saw the array of the army.
When he saw Goshtasp on the ivory throne, a turquoise crown set upon his head,
he came and held him tightly to his chest and began to speak of old times.
The Caesar realized this was Goshtasp, the one who brightened Lohrasp's soul.
He praised him greatly and bowed before him, and from there they went back to the throne.
He apologized for what he had done and grieved over that strange time.
The king accepted his words and then embraced his head.
He told him: when the air turns dark, it is right to light the candle.
Send to us the one we chose, for he has borne much pain and hardship.
The Caesar went off carrying grief and shame, reproaching himself for his bad temper.
He sent treasure to Katayun: a crown and five red rubies,
a thousand Roman slaves and servants, and a collar studded with royal jewels.
Five camel-loads of Roman gold coins, and a philosopher to guard the treasure.
He gave weapons and money to his army and to the famed men of his realm.
Everyone who came from a great line, or was a mighty, renowned swordsman,
he adorned with fitting robes of honor and revived their withered fortunes.
With Arab horses and horse-armor, with mail coats and Indian garments,
with brocade and gold coins, crowns and gemstones, thrones and all kinds of Chinese silk,
the envoy carried these to Goshtasp and counted them out one by one to his treasurer.
Along with all this he spread abundant praise upon the One who created time and earth.
When Katayun came before the king, the roar of the war drums rose from the court.
The army set out toward Iran, and the sky began to hide behind the dust of the horses.
When the Caesar had come two stages along the road, the king turned the reins of his swift steed.
With an oath he sent him back from that border, and at his request let him return toward the West.
From there he went back toward the West, while Goshtasp set out on the long road.
He rode on until he reached Iran, until he reached the brave men and the lions of war.
When Lohrasp heard that Zarir had come, and his brother Goshtasp, that fierce lion,
he went out to welcome him with all the chieftains, the nobles of Iran and its heroes.
When he saw his son he held him to his chest, and struck his own head at the cruelty of fate.
Goshtasp quickly dismounted from his horse, blessed him, and wept before him.
When they went from the road into the royal palace, they were like the sun entering the house of the moon.
Lohrasp told him: do not blame me; such was the will of the world's Creator.
It was written thus upon your fate: that your kingdom would be left empty without you.
King Lohrasp grew joyful at him and seated him upon the throne and the seat of power.
He kissed him and placed the crown upon his head, offering blessings along with the crown.
Goshtasp said to him: O king, may no one see a single day without you.
As long as you are the elder, I am your servant; I will strive not to tread on your path.
May your ending be all good, and may we never be without your name.
For the world stays with no one forever; when it does linger, it lingers as bodily pain.
So is this fleeting world; as much as you can, do not sow the seed of evil in it.
I ask only of the one just God that I remain in this world long enough
to join this book of the kings before me with fine words of my own.
After that, the body of the living belongs to the dust, and the eloquent soul belongs to the pure mine of the spirit.