بخش 5

Kay Kavus, after his fall in the forest of Amol, was remorseful and prayed for forgiveness. His army searched for him everywhere. Rustam, Giv, and Tus heard of his location and went to retrieve him with a large army. Gudarz, the wise elder, complained to Rustam, saying that in all his life, he had never seen a king as foolish and lacking in judgment as Kavus. He listed Kavus's blunders: the disastrous expedition to Mazandaran, getting captured by the King of Hamaveran, and now trying to fly to the sky. When the heroes found Kavus, they scolded him harshy. Gudarz told him that a hospital (madhouse) suited him better than a palace. He rebuked him for constantly putting his kingdom at risk and acting on whims. He mocked him, saying, "You conquered the earth, and now you wanted the sky too? Future generations will tell the story of the king who flew to the sky to count the stars." Gudarz advised him to act like a wise king, to be humble before God, and to stop seeking trouble. Kavus admitted his fault, acknowledging that Gudarz spoke the truth. He was ashamed and humiliated before his warriors. He returned to his capital in a litter, filled with regret. For forty days, he secluded himself, praying and weeping before God, asking for forgiveness. He was too ashamed to leave his palace or hold court. He distributed great wealth to the poor as penance. Finally, God forgave him. Kavus re-established justice in the world, and his rule became glorious once more. Kings and nobles from all lands came to pay him homage. The world returned to order, and everyone submitted to his rule. The narrator concludes this story and prepares to tell the tale of Rustam's battle.