“Having watched thee with fondness by day and by night,
And supplied all thy wants with a mother’s delight,
Oh, forget not thy nurse—still be faithful to me,
And my heart will be ever devoted to thee.”
And now right sorrowfully the Simurgh bade the youth mount for the last time into his golden chariot; then in graceful circles she swept slowly down unto the wondering father. And behold! having reached the ground, the Bird of Marvel placed the youth in the outstretched arms of his father, saying unto Saum:
“O contrite Pehliva, receive thy son, and know that never royal youth was more worthy of diadem and throne. Let thy heart rejoice in him, therefore, for great glory shall he bring unto thy house.”
Then Saum, when he beheld his son, with body like unto an elephant’s for strength, and glorious in his youthful beauty, bowed low before the Bird of God, covering her with benison. And he said:
“O Shah of Birds, dwelling so near unto Heaven’s gate, truly thou art the Bird of Marvel as well as the Bird of God! Mayest thou be ever safe from thy enemies! mayest thou be great forever!”
Then in graceful circles she swept slowly down unto the wondering father.