As the night receded and dawn cast its golden banners across the mountain crests, the master of the garden approached his noble guest. With words of profound humility, the gardener offered his morning blessings, lamenting the modesty of his humble cottage and the poverty of his table. Yet King Shapur smiled, declaring that he prized this peaceful sanctuary far above the splendor of crowns and thrones. He then requested sacred Barsam twigs and the holy Zand and Avesta, that he might perform the Zoroastrian prayers of low chant.
Under the cover of his sacred recitation, Shapur quietly inquired about the residence of the Mobadan-Mobad, the High Priest of Iran. The gardener pointed out the Priest's mansion, visible right from his doorway. Shapur then secretly asked for scented clay, pressed his royal signet ring into it, and entrusted the sealed clay to the gardener, instructing him to hand it directly to the High Priest at first light and carefully observe his reaction.
At break of day, the gardener hastened to the High Priest's residence. Entering the quiet courtyard, he bowed low and presented the sealed clay. The moment the High Priest's eyes fell upon the imperial signet, his heart surged with boundless joy, and tears of relief welled in his eyes, knowing the lost sovereign had returned. He eagerly asked the gardener who possessed such a ring. The gardener recounted that a magnificent knight, accompanied by a moon-faced lady of divine majesty, was currently staying beneath his roof. When the Priest pressed for a description of the stranger, the gardener portrayed a warrior of majestic cypress stature, with arms like elephant thighs, a chest like a lion, and a countenance radiating royal glory worthy of the Iranian crown.