بخش 1

After King Kavus returned to Iran, Rustam waited for Zavareh to return with the army. Once Zavareh arrived at dawn, they set off for Zabolstan. When news of their approach reached Zal, he and all the people of Sistan came out to meet them in mourning. Zal dismounted when he saw the coffin, and Rustam, walking on foot with torn clothes and a broken heart, led the procession. The nobles unfastened their belts and bowed their heads in grief. Zal marveled at the tragedy, praising Sohrab's strength and lamenting that no mother would ever bear such a son again. When they reached Rustam's palace, he opened the coffin to show Sohrab's body to Zal and the nobles. The sight of the young hero, who looked just like his grandfather Sam, caused a fresh wave of wailing and grief. Rustam covered his son again in yellow brocade and sealed the coffin. He realized that no golden tomb or musk-filled chamber would last forever, so he built a simple tomb for Sohrab shaped like a horse's hoof, while the whole world seemed to go blind with weeping. The poet concludes by reflecting on the transient nature of life, advising not to become too attached to the dead, as everyone must eventually follow them. The mystery of death remains unsolved, and seeking its key is a waste of life. Thus ends the tragic tale of Rustam and Sohrab, and the poet turns his attention to the story of Siyavash.