When the wise and affectionate words of Dastan reached the ears of Kay Khosrow, the king offered a response steeped in profound wisdom and royal grace. Addressing Zal as a noble and pure-minded elder, the monarch recalled how, from the era of King Manuchehr to the present day, Zal had walked only the path of virtue, wishing nothing but peace and good for the realm. Kay Khosrow then turned his devotion to the elephant-bodied Rostam, celebrating him as the pillar of the Kianian dynasty, the mentor who had lovingly nurtured Prince Siyavash, and a champion whose very helm, posture, and heavy mace struck such terror into enemy hosts that they fled the battlefield before a single arrow was loosed.
Having honored the endless sacrifices of the house of Sam, Khosrow unveiled the mystery of his prolonged seclusion. He assured Dastan that denying audience to his chieftains stemmed from no grievance or ill will, but from a soul-consuming desire before Yazdan God. For thirty-five straight days, the king had stood in continuous prayer and supplication before the Divine Judge, begging for the remission of his shortcomings, the purification of his spirit, and a peaceful passage out of this transient world—lest the toxic arrogance that ruined previous monarchs corrupt his own heart. His prayer was answered at dawn: as a light slumber touched his eyes, the blessed angel Surosh appeared with divine tidings, announcing that Khosrow’s earthbound sorrow and sleepless vigils were complete, and that the time had come to relinquish the throne, crown, and earthly cares in preparation for his heavenly journey.
#1
چو بشنید خسرو ز دستان سخن
✦
یکی دانشی پاسخ افگند بن
“When Khosrow heard the words of Dastan, he laid the foundation for a response full of wisdom.”
#2
بدو گفت کای پیر پاکیزه مغز
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همه رای و گفتارهای تو نغز
“He said to him: 'O pure-minded elder, all your counsel and words are splendid and fine.”
#3
ز گاه منوچهر تا این زمان
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نه‌ای جز بی‌آزار و نیکی گمان
“From the reign of Manuchehr until this hour, you have brought nothing but peace and benevolent intent.'”
#4
همان نامور رستم پیلتن
✦
ستون کیان نازش انجمن
“'Likewise, renowned Rostam of elephant-like frame, the pillar of Kianians and the pride of every assembly.”
#5
سیاووش را پروراننده اوست
✦
بدو نیکویها رساننده اوست
“He was the true foster father of Siyavash, bestowing upon him every virtue and goodness.”
#6
سپاهی که دیدند گوپال او
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سر ترگ و برز و فر و یال او
“Whenever enemy armies caught sight of his mace, his helmet, stature, glory, and mane,”
#7
بسی جنگ ناکرده بگریختند
✦
همه دشت تیر و کمان ریختند
“They fled before striking a single blow, scattering their bows and arrows across the plain.'”
#8
به پیش نیاکان من کینه‌خواه
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چو دستور فرخ نماینده راه
“'Before my ancestors, he stood as an avenger of blood, a blessed minister showing the righteous path.”
#9
وگر نام و رنج تو گیرم به یاد
✦
بماند سخن تازه تا صد نژاد
“If I recount your name and labor, the story will remain fresh for a hundred generations.”
#10
ز گفتار چرب ار پژوهش کنم
✦
ترا این ستایش نکوهش کنم
“Yet were I to seek to praise you through sweet words, my tribute would fall short and seem an insult to your worth.'”
#11
دگر هرچه پرسیدی از کار من
✦
ز نادادن بار و آزار من
“'As for all that you asked concerning my actions—my denying royal audience and causing distress—”
#12
به یزدان یکی آرزو داشتم
✦
جهان را همه خوار بگذاشتم
“I held a single, deep wish before God (Yazdan), holding all the realm of the world in light esteem.”
#13
کنون پنج هفتست تا من به پای
✦
همی خواهم از داور رهنمای
“Now for five weeks I have stood upon my feet, seeking guidance continuously from the Supreme Judge,”
#14
که بخشد گذشته گناه مرا
✦
درخشان کند تیره گاه مرا
“That He might forgive my past sins and illuminate my darkened spiritual realm,”
#15
برد مر مرا ز این سپنجی سرای
✦
بود در همه نیکوی رهنمای
“And take me away from this transient home, serving as my guide in all manner of goodness.”
#16
نماند کز این راستی بگذرم
✦
چو شاهان پیشین یپیچد سرم
“Lest I stray away from this righteousness, and my mind turn arrogant like monarchs of the past.'”
#17
کنون یافتم هرچه جستم ز کام
✦
بباید پسیچید کآمد خرام
“'Now I have attained all that my heart desired; one must prepare, for the time of departure has come.”
#18
سحرگه مرا چشم بغنود دوش
✦
ز یزدان بیامد خجسته سروش
“At dawn yesterday, as my eyes briefly closed in slumber, the blessed Surosh came to me from God,”
#19
که برساز کآمد گه رفتنت
✦
سرآمد نژندی و ناخفتنت
“Saying: Prepare yourself, for the moment of your leaving has arrived; your grief and sleeplessness have ended.”
#20
کنون بارگاه من آمد به سر
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غم لشکر و تاج و تخت و کمر
“Now my royal court has come to its close, along with the care of armies, crown, throne, and belt.'”