Following the demise of Garshasp and with the Iranian throne left vacant, the realm faced looming peril from foreign foes. In this critical hour, the wise champion Zal summoned his valiant son Rostam and entrusted him with a vital mission. Zal commanded Rostam to lift his formidable mace, assemble a chosen force of brave warriors, and ride without delay toward the high peaks of Mount Alborz. There he was to seek out Keyqobad, a noble scion of the Kayanid line, deliver the praises of the realm, and relay the solemn message that the host and elders of Iran had adorned the royal throne for him, recognizing none other as worthy to wear the Kayanid crown. Zal charged Rostam to ride day and night without rest, ensuring Keyqobad's return within two weeks. Hearkening to his father's command, the mighty Rostam touched his brow to the earth in deep reverence, girded his loins, and swept forth like a tempest toward Mount Alborz.
#1
به رستم چنین گفت فرخنده زال
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که برگیر کوپال و بفراز یال
“Blessed Zal spoke thus to Rostam: 'Grasp your heavy mace and lift your neck high in strength.'”
#2
برو تازیان تا به البرز کوه
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گزین کن یکی لشکر همگروه
“'Gallop with all speed toward Mount Alborz, and choose a companion force of elite warriors.'”
#3
ابر کیقباد آفرین کن یکی
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مکن پیش او بر درنگ اندکی
“'Offer praises unto Keyqobad, and tarry not for even a brief moment before him.'”
#4
به دو هفته باید که ایدر بوی
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گه و بیگه از تاختن نغنوی
“'Within two weeks you must return here; cease not your riding by night or day, nor succumb to rest.'”
#5
بگویی که لشکر ترا خواستند
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همی تخت شاهی بیاراستند
“'Tell him that the host of Iran has called for him, and they have prepared and adorned the royal throne in his honor.'”
#6
که در خورد تاج کیان جز تو کس
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نبینیم شاها تو فریادرس
“'"For we see no one worthy of the Kayanid crown save thee, O King, our ultimate savior and helper."'”
#7
تهمتن زمین را به مژگان برفت
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کمر برمیان بست و چون باد تفت
“The Mighty Tahamtan touched his eyelashes to the earth in reverence, girded his loins, and sped forth like the swift wind.”