English
The Flight to Bahleh
Khosrow galloped on ahead, with no water, no grass, and no guide.
He gave his horse free rein and rode on, against his will, until he reached Bahleh.
The nobles of the city came out to meet him, everyone who had any decency in them.
When Khosrow drew near to them, he brought his army down to rest by that city.
The moment he had dismounted, a swift rider came racing from Iran.
He carried a letter from Bahram Chubin, hidden within his clothes.
It was written to the chief of Bahleh: if an army comes, do not let it pass free.
My troops are right behind, racing on, and will reach your city at any moment.
When the chief saw what the letter said, at once he ran to Khosrow.
When Khosrow looked and read the letter, he marveled at the ways of the world.
He feared the army was coming after him; that letter left the king heartsick.
At once he mounted and left that city, girding himself for a royal dash.
He rode until he reached the Euphrates, but found no green thing growing there.
Old and young grew hungry; then they saw a thicket and a running stream.
When Khosrow saw the thicket ahead, he led his men onto that green ground.
Hungry, unfed, and weary, he strung his bow and went hunting for game.
But nowhere did they see anything running; there were only trees, grass, and flowing water.
Then a caravan appeared: camels, with a driver walking ahead.
When that camel driver saw Khosrow's face, he showered praise on the noble man.
Khosrow asked him, what is your name? Where are you going, and what do you want?
He said, I am Qays, son of Harith, heir to the free-born of Arabia.
I came from Egypt with a caravan, and I am the driver of this caravan.
My camp is by the Euphrates; from there my road led me to this thicket.
Khosrow asked him, what food do you have, and what do you carry to spread for a meal?
For we are exhausted and hungry; we have no provisions, no baggage, no gear.
The Arab said, whatever you need is here; my goods, my body, and my life are yours.
When the Arab poured out his love for the king, he brought forward a plump young she-camel.
They slaughtered it and lit a fire, burning wood both wet and dry.
He scattered some cuts of meat over the fire, and the companions hurried to eat.
Those who studied the faith murmured their grace, while the rest rushed to their food.
They ate plenty of roast meat, without bread, and each noble arranged a place to sleep.
They slept a while, then rose again and offered up a fresh word of praise,
to the Just One who made the world, who created both the strong and the weak.
Then the king said to his companions: whoever carries the most guilt,
if he turns good, is dearer to me, and more renowned among the lowly.
Whoever holds fast to more evil has turned from me and from the path of wisdom.
Let him who repents place his hope in us; give him, in full, the promise of good.
The companions blessed him, saying: O pure-hearted Khosrow of pure faith.
He asked the Arab: which is the road, and how shall I travel it with my army?
He said, for more than seventy leagues, desert and mountain lie before you.
If you allow it, I will bring meat and water along the way, so long as you do not rush.
Khosrow said, there is no better plan than to go supplied and with a guide.
The Arab set a fast camel on the road to lead the way before the army.
He rode on through desert and mountain, full of hardship and sorrow, with that band.
Then yet another caravan appeared on the road, from afar, before the army.
A wealthy merchant came at once to the king.
The king asked him, tell me where you are from; where are you going in such a hurry?
He said, I am a merchant and a scribe from the province of Ardeshir.
The king asked, what did your parents name you? He answered, Mehran Setad.
The king then asked him for provisions, and the captain said, O renowned one,
there is food beyond measure, if the merchant's face does not turn sour.
Khosrow said, a guest met on the road will only add to your fortune.
The merchant opened up his packs; his silver coins outshone his gold.
He served the food and sat down on the ground, calling out blessings on the king.
When the hospitable man's meal was done, he came bearing a washing-ewer in his hand.
When Khorrad Borzin saw this from afar, he ran from his place toward Khosrow.
He took the warm water from the merchant, so that the king would feel no shame.
Then the merchant, in great haste, brought wine as clear as bright rosewater.
Again Khorrad Borzin took the cup from him on the way and carried it to the king.
Serving the king brought the servant reward; his rank rose ever higher for it.
After that the king asked the merchant: now which is the road for my army?
And where is your home in the province of Ardeshir, O hospitable man?
He said, O just and thoughtful king, I am the most honest of merchants.
He told Khosrow every detail, one by one, and unlocked all his secrets from hiding.
The king ordered his diligent scribe to write down the name of the young man and his village.
He said to the merchant, farewell; keep wisdom the very warp and weft of your heart.