The Young King and the Bridge

They blessed him as king, and all the nobles scattered jewels in his honor. There was a high priest named Shahru, wise, worthy, and content. He came and sat on the golden throne, and bound his waist in service before it. He ruled the world with justice and good sense, guiding the army through every good and ill. He organized the scattered treasury and troops, and adorned the palace and the throne. So it went until five years had passed, and that small child grew strong and tall. One night the king was seated in Ctesiphon, with the wise high priest before him. At the hour the sun turned pale and set, that dark blue canopy of night appeared. A clamor rose from the road by the Arvand River; the priest said, 'This is what greets us.' The high priest spoke to the young, wise king: 'O pure hearted, fortunate, valiant king, now the merchants and those seeking their livelihood turn from their stalls toward home. When they cross over the Tigris past one another, they tread on so narrow a bridge on foot, so that everyone trembles as if in fear of the war drum, and their cries ring out like its beating.' Shapur spoke to the priests: 'O skilled and renowned wise men, another bridge must be built now, one road for going and one for coming back, so that our subjects, whether soldiers or those who serve us, will not suffer like this in their travels. Ample coin must be given from the treasury.' All the priests grew deeply glad, for the young, unripe tree had turned green with promise. By the command of that crowned child, the priest ordered another bridge to be raised. His mother's heart rejoiced at him, and she brought tutors of learning to his side. Soon he reached such a level in his studies that he surpassed his teachers themselves. When he turned seven he took up the ways of the field, and learned combat and the game of polo. By the eighth year he took on the manner of throne and crown; you would say Bahram Shah had girded his belt for rule. He carried himself with pride and honor, and made Estakhr his seat of rule. He followed the noble ways of his blessed ancestors, his chosen, proud, and pure forebears.