When her preparations were complete, the noble and wise Sindokht clad herself in armor, strapped on a Roman helmet, and mounted a charger swift as the wind. Masking her identity like a seasoned champion, she traveled with fierce haste toward the encampment of Sam Nariman. Reaching the grand hall without uttering her name, she instructed the chamberlains to inform Zabulistan's supreme warlord that a envoy from Kabul had arrived bearing tidings from King Mehrab. The keeper of the curtain brought word to Sam, who granted immediate audience.
Sindokht dismounted and advanced with majestic grace. She kissed the earth before Sam, pouring lavish praises upon the King of Kings and the Supreme Champion of the realm. Outside, a grand procession stretched for miles—attendants, fine Arabian steeds, war-elephants, and chests bursting with rubies, gold, and royal garments. Seeing such astounding wealth brought by a woman envoy, Sam sat bewildered. He wrestled with his conscience: to accept these gifts would surely enrage King Manuchehr, yet to reject them would cause Zal to soar into a fiery fury like the Simorgh. Strategically, Sam ordered the treasures to be turned over to Zal's treasury in the name of Kabul.
Observing that her offerings had been accepted, Sindokht sensed the turning of tide. Attended by three cypress-tall maidens bearing golden goblets filled with jewels, she entered the inner chamber and scattered jewels before Sam. Once the hall was cleared of strangers, she raised her voice in eloquent speech, invoking the justice of Yazdan: 'If King Mehrab is at fault, why must the innocent souls of Kabul suffer? Why lay waste to a thriving realm that lives only to serve you? Fear the Lord who fashioned the sun and the stars!'
Astounded by her intellect and bravery, Sam demanded to know her true identity and asked her to describe the elusive Rudabeh, whose beauty had captivated Zal. Before answering, Sindokht extracted a binding oath from Sam that no harm would come to her or her loved ones. Clasping her hand, Sam swore a holy oath of protection. Only then did she reveal the truth: 'I am Sindokht, wife of valiant Mehrab and mother of moon-faced Rudabeh—she for whom Zal would yield his very soul!' She explained that though their lineage descended from Zahhak, their hearts were devoted to God, praying night and day for the prosperity of Sam and King Manuchehr.
Beholding her supreme elegance, wisdom, and striking demeanor, Sam's heart thawed completely. He reaffirmed his oath, promising that Kabul would remain untouched by sword or fire, and pledged his full support for the marriage of Zal and Rudabeh. He revealed that he had already sent Zal with a pleading letter to King Manuchehr to obtain royal consent. Overjoyed, Sindokht immediately dispatched a wind-swift courier to Kabul to inform Mehrab of the miraculous peace. The following morning, Sam bestowed upon Sindokht magnificent robes of honor, restored all lands of Kabul to her family, provided two hundred elite warriors as an escort, and sent her home triumphant—a queen whose wisdom had averted war and paved the way for the legendary union of Zal and Rudabeh.
#1
چو شد ساخته کار خود بر نشست
✦
چو گردی به مردی میان را ببست
“When her preparations were complete, she mounted her steed, girding her loins like a valiant knight in manhood.”
#2
یکی ترگ رومی به سر بر نهاد
✦
یکی باره زیراندرش همچو باد
“She placed a helmet of Roman steel upon her head, and beneath her was a swift warhorse like the blowing wind.”
#3
بیامد گرازان به درگاه سام
✦
نه آواز داد و نه برگفت نام
“She arrived proudly at Sam's court, neither raising her voice nor declaring her name.”
#4
به کار آگهان گفت تا ناگهان
✦
بگویند با سرفراز جهان
“She bade the court attendants to swiftly inform the exalted lord of the world,”
#5
که آمد فرستاده‌ای کابلی
✦
به نزد سپهبد یل زابلی
“That an envoy from Kabul had arrived before the heroic commander of Zabulistan,”
#6
ز مهراب گرد آوریده پیام
✦
به نزد سپهبد جهانگیر سام
“Bearing a message gathered from Mehrab the valiant, unto the world-conquering General Sam.”
#7
بیامد بر سام یل پرده‌دار
✦
بگفت و بفرمود تا داد بار
“The curtain-bearer went before heroic Sam, delivered the message, and permission for entry was granted.”
#8
فرود آمد از اسپ سیندخت و رفت
✦
به پیش سپهبد خرامید تفت
“Sindokht dismounted from her steed and walked forward, walking swiftly and gracefully before the commander.”
#9
زمین را ببوسید و کرد آفرین
✦
ابر شاه و بر پهلوان زمین
“She kissed the ground and poured blessings upon the Shah and upon the world's chief paladin.”
#10
نثار و پرستنده و اسپ و پیل
✦
رده بر کشیده ز در تا دو میل
“Tributes, servants, horses, and elephants were lined up in ranks from the portal extending for two miles.”
#11
یکایک همه پیش سام آورید
✦
سر پهلوان خیره شد کان بدید
“She brought them all before Sam one by one; the chief champion was dazed when he beheld the sight.”
#12
پر اندیشه بنشست برسان مست
✦
بکش کرده دست و سرافگنده پست
“He sat full of deep thought, like one intoxicated, with hands folded and head bowed low,”
#13
که جایی کجا مایه چندین بود
✦
فرستادن زن چه آیین بود
“Pondering: 'Where such immense wealth is sent, what custom is it for a woman to be the envoy?”
#14
گراین خواسته زو پذیرم همه
✦
ز من گردد آزرده شاه رمه
“If I accept all this treasure from him, the King of the flock (Manuchehr) will be aggrieved with me;”
#15
و گر بازگردانم از پیش زال
✦
برآرد به کردار سیمرغ بال
“And if I turn it back from Zal, he will spread his wings in fury like the Simorgh!'”
#16
برآورد سر گفت کاین خواسته
✦
غلامان و پیلان آراسته
“He raised his head and said: 'Take these treasures, slaves, and adorned elephants,”
#17
برید این به گنجور دستان دهید
✦
به نام مه کابلستان دهید
“Deliver them to Dastan's treasurer, and record them in the name of the prince of Kabulistan.'”
#18
پری روی سیندخت بر پیش سام
✦
زبان کرد گویا و دل شادکام
“Fairy-faced Sindokht stood before Sam, her tongue growing eloquent and her heart filled with delight.”
#19
چو آن هدیه‌ها را پذیرفته دید
✦
رسیده بهی و بدی رفته دید
“When she saw those gifts accepted, she knew goodness had arrived and evil had departed.”
#20
سه بت روی با او به یک جا بدند
✦
سمن پیکر و سرو بالا بدند
“Three idol-faced maidens were with her in that place, jasmine-bodied and tall as cypresses.”
#21
گرفته یکی جام هر یک به دست
✦
بفرمود کامد به جای نشست
“Each holding a goblet in hand, she bade them step into the chamber.”
#22
به پیش سپهبد فرو ریختند
✦
همه یک به دیگر برآمیختند
“They poured jewels before the commander, mingling precious stones of every kind together.”
#23
چو با پهلوان کار بر ساختند
✦
ز بیگانه خانه بپرداختند
“When their courtly duty with the champion was completed, they cleared the hall of all strangers.”
#24
چنین گفت سیندخت با پهلوان
✦
که با رای تو پیر گردد جوان
“Thus spoke Sindokht to the warlord: 'Through thy wise judgment, the youth of elders is renewed.”
#25
بزرگان ز تو دانش آموختند
✦
به تو تیرگیها برافروختند
“The great ones have learned wisdom from thee; through thee, all dark uncertainties are illuminated.”
#26
به مهر تو شد بسته دست بدی
✦
به گرزت گشاده ره ایزدی
“By thy love, the hands of evil are bound; by thy mace, the divine path is cleared.”
#27
گنهکار گر بود مهراب بود
✦
ز خون دلش دیده سیراب بود
“If there was a sinner, it was Mehrab alone, whose eyes were quenched with his own heart's blood.”
#28
سر بیگناهان کابل چه کرد
✦
کجا اندر آورد باید بگرد
“What harm have the innocent of Kabul committed, that they must be crushed to dust?”
#29
همه شهر زنده برای تواند
✦
پرستنده و خاک پای تواند
“All the city lives through thy grace; they are thy servants and the dust beneath thy feet.”
#30
ازان ترس کو هوش و زور آفرید
✦
درخشنده ناهید و هور آفرید
“Fear Him who created wisdom and strength, who fashioned the shining Venus and the bright Sun!”
#31
نیاید چنین کارش از تو پسند
✦
میان را به خون ریختن در مبند
“Such a deed is not worthy of thee; do not gird thy loins to shed innocent blood!'”
#32
بدو سام یل گفت با من بگوی
✦
ازان کت بپرسم بهانه مجوی
“Heroic Sam said to her: 'Tell me the truth of what I ask, and seek no excuses.”
#33
تو مهراب را کهتری گر همال
✦
مر آن دخت او را کجا دید زال
“Art thou a handmaid of Mehrab or his equal? And where did Zal behold his daughter?”
#34
به روی و به موی و به خوی و خرد
✦
به من گوی تا باکی اندر خورد
“Of her face, her hair, her character, and her wisdom—tell me, so it may be properly weighed.”
#35
ز بالا و دیدار و فرهنگ اوی
✦
بران سان که دیدی یکایک بگوی
“Describing her stature, countenance, and culture—tell it all exactly as thou hast seen.'”
#36
بدو گفت سیندخت کای پهلوان
✦
سر پهلوانان و پشت گوان
“Sindokht answered him: 'O hero of heroes, head of paladins, and backbone of champions!”
#37
یکی سخت پیمانت خواهم نخست
✦
که لرزان شود زو بر و بوم و رست
“First I require a solemn covenant from thee, one from which land and lineage may feel secure,”
#38
که از تو نیاید به جانم گزند
✦
نه آنکس که بر من بود ارجمند
“That no harm shall come to my life from thee, nor to anyone who is dear to my heart.”
#39
مرا کاخ و ایوان آباد هست
✦
همان گنج و خویشان و بنیاد هست
“I possess a prosperous palace and hall, as well as treasures, kinsmen, and ancestral roots.”
#40
چو ایمن شوم هر چه گویی بگوی
✦
بگویم بجویم بدین آب روی
“Once I am safe, whatever thou askest I shall reveal, seeking truth and honor in this.”
#41
نهفته همه گنج کابلستان
✦
بکوشم رسانم به زابلستان
“I shall strive to bring all the hidden treasures of Kabulistan to Zabulistan,”
#42
جزین نیز هر چیز کاندر خورد
✦
ببیند ز من مهتر پر خرد
“And whatever else is worthy shall be seen by thee, O wise and noble chief.'”
#43
گرفت آن زمان سام دستش به دست
✦
ورا نیک بنواخت و پیمان ببست
“Then Sam grasped her hand in his, comforted her gently, and bound himself with an oath.”
#44
چو بشنید سیندخت سوگند او
✦
همان راست گفتار و پیوند او
“When Sindokht heard his solemn oath, his truthful words, and his pledge of alliance,”
#45
زمین را ببوسید و بر پای خاست
✦
بگفت آنچه اندر نهان بود راست
“She kissed the ground, stood upon her feet, and spoke the hidden truth without reserve.”
#46
که من خویش ضحاکم ای پهلوان
✦
زن گرد مهراب روشن روان
“Know that I am of Zahhak's kin, O champion, and the wife of the valiant Mehrab of bright mind.”
#47
همان مام رودابهٔ ماه روی
✦
که دستان همی جان فشاند بروی
“I am also the mother of moon-faced Rudabeh, for whose sake Dastan is ready to surrender his soul.”
#48
همه دودمان پیش یزدان پاک
✦
شب تیره تا برکشد روز چاک
“Our whole lineage prays before the pure Lord, from the dark night until the dawn tears open the day,”
#49
همی بر تو بر خواندیم آفرین
✦
همان بر جهاندار شاه زمین
“Ever invoking blessings upon you, as well as upon the monarch who rules the earth.”
#50
کنون آمدم تا هوای تو چیست
✦
ز کابل ترا دشمن و دوست کیست
“Now I have come to discover your true desire: who among Kabul's people do you hold as foe or friend?”
#51
اگر ما گنهکار و بدگوهریم
✦
بدین پادشاهی نه اندر خوریم
“If indeed we are sinners and of evil lineage, unworthy to rule this realm,”
#52
من اینک به پیش توام مستمند
✦
بکش گر کشی ور ببندی ببند
“Here I stand before you in helpless plight; slay me if you will, or bind me in chains if you so choose.”
#53
دل بیگناهان کابل مسوز
✦
کجا تیره روز اندر آید به روز
“But burn not the hearts of the innocent in Kabul, whose days have already turned into dark night.”
#54
سخنها چو بشنید ازو پهلوان
✦
زنی دید با رای و روشن روان
“When the champion heard these words from her, he beheld a woman of high wisdom and illuminated soul.”
#55
به رخ چون بهار و به بالا چو سرو
✦
میانش چو غرو و به رفتن تذرو
“Her face was like spring, her stature like a cypress, her waist slender as a reed, and her gait like a pheasant.”
#56
چنین داد پاسخ که پیمان من
✦
درست است اگر بگسلد جان من
“He answered her: 'My pledge shall remain true and unbroken, even though my life itself should be severed.”
#57
تو با کابل و هر که پیوند تست
✦
بمانید شادان دل و تن‌درست
“'May you, together with Kabul and all who are linked to you, abide joyful of heart and sound of body.”
#58
بدین نیز همداستانم که زال
✦
ز گیتی چو رودابه جوید همال
“'Moreover, I agree that Zal should seek a soulmate like Rudabeh from all the world.”
#59
شما گرچه از گوهر دیگرید
✦
همان تاج و اورنگ را در خورید
“'Though you are of a different lineage, yet are you worthy of the crown and throne.”
#60
چنین است گیتی وزین ننگ نیست
✦
ابا کردگار جهان جنگ نیست
“'Such is the way of the world, and in this there is no shame; none can wage war against the Creator of the universe.”
#61
چنان آفریند که آیدش رای
✦
نمانیم و ماندیم با های های
“'He creates as it pleases His will; we shall not remain forever, though we linger in turmoil and sorrow.”
#62
یکی بر فراز و یکی در نشیب
✦
یکی با فزونی یکی با نهیب
“'One is raised on high, another cast down below; one enjoys abundance, while another suffers terror.”
#63
یکی از فزایش دل آراسته
✦
ز کمی دل دیگری کاسته
“'One’s heart is gladdened by increase, while another's heart is diminished by loss.”
#64
یکی نامه با لابهٔ دردمند
✦
نبشتم به نزدیک شاه بلند
“'I have written a letter with painful entreaties to the high King Manuchehr.”
#65
به نزد منوچهر شد زال زر
✦
چنان شد که گفتی برآورده پر
“Zal of the golden hair went to Manuchehr, flying swiftly as though he had grown wings.”
#66
به زین اندر آمد که زین را ندید
✦
همان نعل اسپش زمین را ندید
“He mounted his saddle so swiftly it seemed he didn't even touch it, and his steed's horseshoes scarcely touched the earth.”
#67
بدین زال را شاه پاسخ دهد
✦
چو خندان شود رای فرخ نهد
“'The King will give his answer to Zal; when he smiles, he will grant a fortunate judgment.”
#68
که پروردهٔ مرغ بی‌دل شدست
✦
از آب مژه پای در گل شدست
“'For he who was raised by the Bird has lost his heart, and his feet are stuck in the mud of tears.”
#69
عروس ار به مهر اندرون همچو اوست
✦
سزد گر برآیند هر دو ز پوست
“'If the bride matches him in devotion, it is right for both to burst out of their skins with joy.'”
#70
یکی روی آن بچهٔ اژدها
✦
مرا نیز بنمای و بستان بها
“'Now show me the face of that offspring of the dragon, and take your reward from me!'”
#71
بدو گفت سیندخت اگر پهلوان
✦
کند بنده را شاد و روشن روان
“Sindokht replied to him: 'If the champion would make his servant happy and joyful of soul,”
#72
چماند به کاخ من اندر سمند
✦
سرم بر شود به آسمان بلند
“'And ride his steed into my palace, my head shall reach up to the high heavens.”
#73
به کابل چنو شهریار آوریم
✦
همه پیش او جان نثار آوریم
“'When we bring such a monarch to Kabul, we shall all offer our lives before him.'”
#74
لب سام سیندخت پرخنده دید
✦
همه بیخ کین از دلش کنده دید
“Sindokht saw Sam's lips filled with laughter, and realized all roots of malice were pulled from his heart.”
#75
نوندی دلاور به کردار باد
✦
برافگند و مهراب را مژده داد
“She dispatched a brave courier swift as the wind, to convey the joyful news to Mehrab.”
#76
کز اندیشهٔ بد مکن یاد هیچ
✦
دلت شاد کن کار مهمان بسیچ
“Saying: 'Think no more of evil thoughts; make your heart glad and prepare for the noble guest!'”
#77
من اینک پس نامه اندر دمان
✦
بیایم نجویم به ره بر زمان
“'Here I come rushing close behind the letter; I shall waste no time along the road.'”
#78
دوم روز چون چشمهٔ آفتاب
✦
بجنبید و بیدار شد سر ز خواب
“On the second day, as the fountain of the sun stirred and awoke from its slumber,”
#79
گرانمایه سیندخت بنهاد روی
✦
به درگاه سالار دیهیم جوی
“The noble Sindokht made her way to the court of the crown-seeking leader.”
#80
روارو برآمد ز درگاه سام
✦
مه بانوان خواندندش به نام
“Calls of 'make way!' echoed from Sam's court, and they addressed her by name as the chief of noble ladies.”
#81
بیامد بر سام و بردش نماز
✦
سخن گفت بااو زمانی دراز
“She came before Sam and bowed low in homage, speaking with him at great length.”
#82
به دستوری بازگشتن به جای
✦
شدن شادمان سوی کابل خدای
“She requested leave to return to her realm, that she might journey back in joy to the ruler of Kabul,”
#83
دگر ساختن کار مهمان نو
✦
نمودن به داماد پیمان نو
“To make ready for their new guest's arrival, and to present the fresh covenant unto the bridegroom.”
#84
ورا سام یل گفت برگرد و رو
✦
بگو آنچه دیدی به مهراب گو
“Sam the heroic warrior said to her, "Return and go thy way; tell Mehrab all that thou hast witnessed here."”
#85
سزاوار او خلعت آراستند
✦
ز گنج آنچه پرمایه‌تر خواستند
“They prepared a grand robe of honor fitting for her rank, drawing forth the most precious gifts from the treasury.”
#86
بکابل دگر سام را هر چه بود
✦
ز کاخ و زباغ و زکشت و درود
“Moreover, all that Sam owned within Kabul—palaces, gardens, cultivated fields, and harvests—”
#87
دگر چارپایان دوشیدنی
✦
ز گستردنی هم ز پوشیدنی
“Along with milch livestock, fine carpets, and sumptuous garments,”
#88
به سیندخت بخشید و دستش بدست
✦
گرفت و یکی نیز پیمان ببست
“He bestowed upon Sindokht, taking her hand in his as he sealed the solemn covenant.”
#89
پذیرفت مر دخت او را بزال
✦
که باشند هر دو بشادی همال
“He accepted her daughter in marriage for Zal, so that both might abide as joyous companions.”
#90
سرافراز گردی و مردی دویست
✦
بدو داد و گفتش که ایدر مایست
“He assigned her two hundred proud knights and men-at-arms, saying, "Tarry no longer in this place;”
#91
به کابل بباش و به شادی بمان
✦
ازین پس مترس از بد بدگمان
“Dwell in Kabul and abide in joy; fear no harm from the malice of ill-wishers henceforth."”
#92
شگفته شد آن روی پژمرده ماه
✦
به نیک اختری برگرفتند راه
“The moon-like face of the dame, once withered with anxiety, bloomed with delight, and under a fortunate star they set out on their journey.”