Mihrab blew the horn and struck the drum,

Arrayed his army as colorful as a rooster’s eye.

With mighty elephants and joyous musicians,

The earth turned to paradise from end to end.

From the many silken banners of varied hues,

Be they red, white, yellow, or purple.

What melodies of flute and harp resounded,

Mixed with the blaring of horns and ringing of bells.

You’d think it was the world’s end day,

Or a resurrection if this is joy.

In this manner, they went toward Sam,

Dismounted his horse and took steps forward.

The world’s hero embraced him tightly,

And asked about the course of his days.

The king of Kabul praised him greatly,

And likewise praised Sam and Zal, the noble.

He mounted his swift steed once again,

Like a new moon rising above the mountains.

A golden crown adorned with gems,

Was placed upon Zal’s noble head.

They reached Kabul, smiling and joyful,

And reminisced about old stories.

The entire city echoed with Indian drums,

And the lamenting sounds of harp, lyre, and flute.

You’d think the beasts and birds were entertainers,

And the era was dressed in a new splendor.

The manes and tails of horses, from end to end,

Were scented with musk and saffron.

Sindokht came out with her servants,

Three hundred maids with girded waists followed her.

Each carried a golden goblet,

Filled with musk and gems in their hands.

They all praised Sam with admiration,

And scattered gems from their goblets.

At that feast, everyone who arrived,

Left fully satisfied and in abundance.

Sam laughed and spoke to Sindokht,

For how long will you hide Rudabeh?

Sindokht replied, 'Where is my gift?'

If you wish to behold your radiant sun.

Sam replied to Sindokht with these words,

Ask from me whatever your heart desires.

They went to the gilded house,

Where springtime joy always blossomed.

Sam gazed upon that moon-like face

And stood in awe, marveling at her grace

He knew not how to praise her fair

Nor how to look upon her, standing there

He summoned Mehrab to step ahead

A bond was made in custom and creed instead

Together they were seated on a joyful throne

With rubies and emeralds around them shown

The moon-like head adorned with a crown of fame

The king’s head with a jeweled diadem aflame

Then brought forth the ledger of wealth untold

A list of treasures, richly enrolled

He read from the treasures, all they contained

So vast, their hearing left ears strained

From there they went to the place of stay

And for a week, with wine, they spent the day

From the hall, they returned to the garden’s face

And for three weeks, celebrated with grace

The nobles of the land with clasped hands

Led them to the lofty palace that stands

The moon-headed Sam of Nariman set forth

To Sistan, with haste, he moved north

With Zal, his army, elephants, and drums of course

Time kissed his stirrup, bowing in remorse

A palanquin and canopy grand were made

A cradle for the moon, where she was laid

Sindokht, Mehrab, and their kin with pride

Set out for Sistan, with hearts open wide

They went with joyous hearts and cheerful air

Their lips full of praises, their deeds so fair

They arrived victorious by noon’s bright ray

So joyous and radiant, lighting the day

Then Sam prepared a grand feast that hour

For three days, the revels held sway with power

Afterward, Sindokht remained there still

While her army returned to Kabul by will

The kingship was then entrusted to Zal

He led the troops out with an auspicious call

Toward Gorgsaran and Bakhtar, he advanced

Raising the blessed banner high, it danced

He declared, ‘This kingship rightly is mine

Their hearts and eyes do not align

Manuchehr’s decree gave me this domain

He entrusted me to rule, its worth maintain

I fear rebellion from men of ill breed

Especially the warriors of Mazandaran, indeed

Sam departed swiftly, and Zal took his seat

Wine flowed, and the assembly turned elite