English
Part 22: Sam's Reply and the Feast at Kabul
Then Sam wrote back an answer to that letter, marveling at the fine news of Farrokh's deeds.
He wrote: You famous, brave champion, victorious as a lion in every task.
The turning heavens have seen no one like you, in battle, in feasting, in wisdom, and in face.
And the blessed son of Zal the horseman, who will leave his memory behind in the world.
Your letter came, and from it I learned his wish, his desire, his counsel, and his peace of mind.
Everything you longed for has come to pass, and Zal too has found his counsel and his rest.
I have handed all my hopes over to him, and I count the days ahead as blessed because of him.
From a lion whose prey is the leopard itself, what can be born but a fierce lion in war?
I sent him off with a joyful heart; may the evil of the malicious stay far from him.
Zal the golden-haired set out in good fortune, his head raised high above the army's champions.
He sent a swift rider ahead to Sam: I have returned from the king, my heart content.
With royal robes of honor and a crown, and armlets, a torque, and a throne of ivory.
The champion grew so glad at that news that, old as he was, he felt young again.
He quickly sent a rider off to Kabul, to tell Mehrab where matters had gone.
Of the world-king's kindness, and of the joy that the great ones had shown.
He said: As soon as Zal reaches me, we two will settle everything as is fitting.
The king of Kabul grew so glad at this bond with the sun of Zabulistan,
that it was as if they would give their very lives; from everywhere they summoned musicians.
When Mehrab grew happy and bright in spirit, his lips broke into a smile and his heart rejoiced.
He called the precious Sindokht before him and spoke many kind words to her.
He said: My wife of blessed judgment, this dark place has been lit by your wisdom.
You have grasped a branch on which the kings of the earth bestow their blessings.
Just as you first arranged everything, so now you must see this matter through to its end.
The whole treasury lies ready before you, whether it be the ivory throne or whatever you wish.
When Sindokht heard him, she came back and went to her daughter, bearing the secret news.
She brought her the good tidings of seeing Zal: You have found a match, just as one should.
For a man or woman of noble spirit, it is right to lift the head above all reproach.
You rushed eagerly toward your heart's desire, and now you have found all that you sought.
Rudabeh said to her: My royal mother, worthy of praise in every gathering,
I will make the dust of your feet my pillow; at your command I will adorn my very faith.
May the eyes of demons stay far from you; may your heart and soul be a house of joy.
When Sindokht heard her words, she turned to the adorning of the palace.
She decked the halls like paradise, with rosewater, wine, musk, and blended amber.
She spread out a carpet figured in gold, woven end to end with emeralds.
Its other patterns were of lustrous pearls, each grain like a shining drop of water.
In one hall she set thrones all of gold, arranged in the style and splendor of China.
Every figure was crusted with jewels, and among the gems were carved designs.
The throne's legs were of ruby, for it was a throne of kings, rich and precious.
One hall held nothing but robes, lutes, and wine, brought from Fars, Ahvaz, and Rey.
She adorned Rudabeh like a painting, dressed in fine garments, color, and the scent of spring.
All of Kabulistan was decked out, full of color and fragrance and abundant wealth.
They adorned the backs of all the elephants and summoned servants from Kabul.
The musicians rode upon the elephants, golden crowns set upon their heads.
They made ready to go out and greet him, gathering musk and gold to scatter in his honor.