When seventy and four years had passed over the life of King Khosrow Anushirvan, the shadow of mortality weighed upon the wise monarch's heart, turning his thoughts toward the ultimate fate of his realm. He sought a sovereign who would, above all else, don the mantle of pure justice, extend profound kindness unto the poor and destitute, and rule with a luminous, unblemished spirit. Six noble sons had been born unto the King—each magnanimous, clear-sighted, and radiant with royal majesty, well-versed in valour, moral virtue, chastity, and counsel. Yet among these prince-born gems, Hormozd, the eldest and wisest, stood peerless. He was an exalted prince of fair countenance and profound wisdom, who had poured out his deep affection upon all the free-born nobles of Iran.
#1
چوسال اندر آمد بهفتاد و چار
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پراندیشهٔ مرگ شد شهریار
“When seventy and four years had passed over the monarch's life, his mind became consumed with thoughts of death.”
#2
جهان راهمی کدخدایی بجست
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که پیراهن داد پوشد نخست
“He sought a lord to govern the realm who would first clothe himself in the mantle of justice,”
#3
دگر کو بدرویش بر مهربان
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بود راد و بی‌رنج روشن‌روان
“One who would be compassionate to the poor, magnanimous, free from grief, and bright of soul.”
#4
پسر بد مر او را گرانمایه شش
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همه راد وبینادل وشاه فش
“Now six noble sons had been born to him, all generous, insightful, and bearing the stature of kings;”
#5
بمردی و فرهنگ و پرهیز و رای
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جوانان با دانش و دلگشای
“Distinguished in valour, wisdom, righteousness, and counsel—youths of deep knowledge and uplifting spirit.”
#6
از ایشان خردمند و مهتر بسال
✦
گرانمایه هرمزد بد بی‌همال
“Among them, the wisest and eldest in years was the noble Hormozd, a prince without peer;”
#7
سر افراز و بادانش و خوب چهر
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بر آزادگان بر بگسترده مهر
“Exalted, learned, and of noble countenance, he bestowed his warm affection upon all free-born souls.”