He struck the gem in the cup on the elephant's back

From it arose a sound that traveled far and slack

The sound of trumpets and horns did rise

Just like the old elephants and Indian cries

From Zabulistan, a great upheaval arose

The earth, asleep, was roused by a call to arise

In the lead was Rustam, the mighty hero true

And behind him, the old warrior Gowan in view

The army surged forth from the fields and plain

Not even a crow dared to fly across the domain

The dust rose as they marched, covering all in sight

The world seemed to have no head, no foot in sight

At the time the garden bloomed, full of grace

He brought forth the army from Zabulistan's place

Afraasiab heard of Zal’s great fame

He rose from his rest, his sleep, and his game

He brought his forces to Khorasan’s side

To the marshlands where water and reeds abide

The Iranian army marched without delay

Through the desert, they made their way to the fray

Two farsangs behind the army came the call

The general called the wise from among them all

He said to them, 'O wise and learned men'

You who have seen the world and worked within'

I have assembled this army here today

For glory and honor, I have led the way

The king’s throne was left unsteady by the thought

All deeds lacked leadership, and order was sought

When he sat on the throne, blessed and bright

The world sent forth a new blessing in sight

A king must now come from the royal line

He must rise on the throne with might divine

A king who holds the truth in his trust

For without a head, man’s body turns to dust

The priest showed me in his sacred time

A king of fortune, with glory sublime

From the seed of Fereydun, the hero Kiavand

He who is strong in wisdom, with justice at hand