Explore "Shahnameh" by Abolqasem Ferdowsi on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Hum Captures Afrasyab
Meanwhile, Afrasyab wandered everywhere without food, supplies, or rest, knowing neither peace in his soul nor health in his body. He searched the world for a place where his soul could be safe and his body could regain its strength. Near Barda, high on a mountainside, he found a cave unknown to the world; there was nowhere above it for a hawk to alight, and beneath it was the spoor of neither lions nor wild boar. He took victuals there, and fearing for his soul he constructed a high platform inside the cave. The place was far from every city and close to a water source; now it is known as "Afrasyab's Cavern. " He stayed for a while in this cavern, regretting his past deeds and with his heart steeped in sorrow. When a highborn person's heart becomes bloodthirsty, he will not sit on his royal throne for long.