English
Part 2: Goshtasp Leaves His Father's Court
He had two sons, radiant as the moon,
both worthy of the throne, the crown, and kingship.
One was named Goshtasp, the other Zarir,
who could bring the head of a fierce lion low.
Each surpassed his father in every branch of learning,
and rose above the whole army in valor.
Two proud princes, both of noble step,
grandsons of the world-ruler, King Kavus.
Their father Lohrasp's heart was gladdened by them,
yet he never spoke fondly of Goshtasp.
For Goshtasp's head was full of restless dreams,
and this displeased Lohrasp deeply.
As the days went by in this way,
Goshtasp grew full of grief because of the king.
One day it happened that in Fars they set the throne
beneath a tree that scattered blossoms.
Lohrasp gave the order, and the nobles came,
several chieftains of the army gathered.
At the banquet they called for a cup of wine,
and cheered the heart of the king of the world.
When Goshtasp had drunk, he rose to his feet
and said: O king of justice and of truth,
may your reign upon the throne be blessed,
and may your name live on forever.
God gave you the crown and the belt of power,
as he gave it to the just King Kai Khosrow.
Now I am only a servant at your door,
devoted to your star and your crown.
I count no warrior a true match for me
if they came against me on the day of battle,
except Rostam, the horseman, son of Zal and Sam,
with whom no one can wage war.
Since Kai Khosrow grew anxious about you,
he gave you the throne and then passed on.
If indeed I am among the deserving,
then let my name too be linked to crown, throne, and royalty.
Otherwise I will remain as I am, like a servant
before you, and will call you my king.
He said to Goshtasp: My son, listen well,
for harshness does not suit a king.
When I recall Kai Khosrow's counsel to you,
listen, and take care not to turn from justice.
The unjust king told me: there is a nature
like a stream beside a spring garden,
which, when it finds water, grows strong,
and the whole garden turns to ruin because of it.
You are still young; do not seek such heights.
Weigh your words and speak with measure.
When Goshtasp heard this, he was filled with pain
and left his father's presence, his face gone pale.
He kept saying: he favors strangers,
is kind to them, but never to his own son.
He had three hundred horsemen from the army,
all brave and fit for battle.
He dismounted, summoned his men of lower rank,
and shared all his secrets with them.
Tonight prepare yourselves to leave,
and tear your hearts and eyes away from this court.
One of them asked: which way is your road,
and where will you find rest when you set out?
He answered: among the people of India
they will welcome me and gladden my soul.
I hold a letter from the king of India,
written in black musk upon fine silk,
saying: if you come to me, I am your servant;
I will not go against your command or your will.
When the dark night came, he mounted with his troops
and rode off in fury, a mace in his hand.
At daybreak Lohrasp learned of it;
he grew grieved, and his joy was cut short.
He summoned the seasoned men of the army
and told them all that had happened.
See, he said, what Goshtasp has done;
he has filled my heart with pain, my head with dust.
I raised him until his shoulders broadened,
and he grew famous in the world, without equal.
Just when I thought he had come to fruit,
the famed one fled away from my garden.
He was gone, and Lohrasp brooded long,
then ordered Zarir to come before him.
He told him: choose a thousand from the army,
brave horsemen ready for war.
Go swiftly toward India,
lest that be a land of sorcerers.
Gostaham, son of Nozar, set off toward Rome,
and Gorazeh marched briskly toward China.