One day it happened that he made up his mind,

To stir and move in the realm of his kind.

He set out with his chosen, loyal band,

Whose creed and thoughts with his did stand.

Toward the land of the Indians he turned,

Toward Kabul, Dunbar, and Margh he yearned.

In every place, he adorned the scene,

With wine, music, and joyful players serene.

He opened his treasury, cast off his pain,

Following the custom of this fleeting domain.

From Zabol to Kabul he reached that hour,

Cheerful, smiling, his heart in full power.

There was a king named Mehrab by fame,

A mighty lord with wealth and noble aim.

Tall as a cypress, noble and free,

With a face like spring and grace like a dove’s spree.

He possessed the heart of the wise, the mind of the brave,

The shoulders of warriors, the insight of the sage.

From Zahhak, the Arab, his lineage came,

Over Kabul’s land and people, he held his claim.

Each year to Sam he gave his dues,

For in battle, none could his strength refuse.

When he heard of Sam’s noble intent,

From Kabul, at dawn, to meet him he went.

With treasure and horses, adorned for display,

Servants and riches of every array.

With gold, rubies, musk, and ambergris so rare,

With brocade of gold and silk from China’s care.

A crown with royal gems he bore,

A golden necklace with emeralds galore.

When news to Dastan Sam was brought,

That Mehrab arrived with such noble thought.

Zal welcomed him and gave him embrace,

According to custom, prepared him a place.

They returned to the turquoise throne

With open hearts and prepared for a feast

They set a table for a hero

They sat at the table with Farrokh

The wine server brought wine and a goblet

Sam's son looked at Mehrab

He enjoyed seeing him

His heart became more eager in his work

When Mehrab rose from Zal's table

Zal looked at that height and stature

Zal said to the nobles

Who is more fitting to don a belt than this one?

A famous one among the nobles

Said, 'O hero of the world

Behind his curtain is a daughter

Whose face is brighter than the sun

From head to toe, she is like ivory

Her face like paradise and her stature like teak

On her silver frame is a black musk cord

Her hair is like a looped shackle

Her cheeks like pomegranate blossoms and her lips like pomegranate seeds

From her silver bosom rise two pomegranates

Her eyes like two daffodils in a garden

Her eyelashes darker than a crow's feather

Her two eyebrows like an embroidered bow

Covered with soft musk

She is a paradise, completely adorned

Full of decoration, joy, and treasure

This made Zal's heart boil

So much that he lost his peace and mind

Night came, Zal sat full of thoughts

He returned unseen, without eating or resting

When the sun struck the mountain peak

The world's face became white like a ruby

Dastan Sam opened the royal gate,

The warriors departed in golden state.

They adorned the hall for the noble knight,

As fitting for one of the highest might.

Mehrab, lord of Kabul, went forth with pride,

Toward Zal's tent, Zabol's lord to abide.

When he came near the royal tent,

A call arose to clear his path and assent.

The warrior entered like a fruitful tree,

With branches laden, a sight to see.

Zal’s heart rejoiced, and he warmly embraced,

In that gathering, his honor was placed.

He asked, 'What is it you desire of me?

A throne, a crown, or love's decree?'

Mehrab replied, 'O mighty king,

Exalted, victorious, sovereign being.'

'In this world, I have but one desire,

A wish for you that is not so dire.'

'That you come with joy to my humble abode,

And light my soul like the sun bestowed.'

He answered, 'This choice is not for me,

Your house holds no place for my destiny.'

'Sam would not agree to this in his mind,

Nor would the king when this tale he’d find.'

'For we drink wine and in revels engage,

To enter the homes of idol worshippers, enraged.'

'But anything else, I will heed your plea,

And with joy, I’ll meet your wish with glee.'

When Mehrab heard, he gave his praise,

Though in his heart, he cursed Zal’s ways.

He gracefully left Zal’s royal throne,

And blessed Zal’s fortune as his own.

When Dastan Sam saw him depart in peace,

He praised him greatly, as was his lease.

From those who did not share the same religion and path

Their tongues were short in praising him

No one kept an eye on him

They considered him among the madmen

When the bright-hearted hero was with him

They saw him so engaged in conversation

One by one, the nobles praised him

Even those who were hidden behind the curtain

For his stature, appearance, and gentleness

For his competence and worthiness

Zal's heart suddenly became mad

Wisdom fled, and love became wise

The commander of the Arabs, the leader of the righteous

Will tell a story about this

That as long as I live, the white horse is my partner

The curve of the revolving sky is my secret

My bride should not be vain

I should not be disgraced before the wise

Zal's heart became weary from his thoughts

He committed his heart to that matter

His heart was troubled by the conversation

Unless his reputation becomes tarnished by this

He wandered for a while under the sky

Zal's heart was completely filled with love