بخش 22
Prose Version
One day, the Iranian king sat at a festive court, drinking sweet wine. Among the courtiers was a battle-tried, fame-seeking warrior named Garzam who bore a long-held grudge against Esfandiyār. He spoke ill of the prince and warned that a powerful son, once elevated, can darken his father’s days; any vassal who raises his head against his lord must be checked. The king’s heart clouded; the revel ended, and he passed a sleepless night, chilled by anger toward his son. At dawn he summoned Jamāsp—the world-wise sage who had served Lohrāsp—and dispatched him to Esfandiyār with a firm letter: rise without delay, gird your loins, mount a swift steed, and come to court, for a great task lies ahead, one that cannot be undertaken without you. Jamāsp took the royal missive and sped across mountains and desert to deliver the urgent summons. Beneath the formal words lingered the king’s anxiety: reports that Esfandiyār was gathering troops, that many had turned toward him, and the fear of being bound by his famed lasso; the final judgment, however, remained the king’s to make.