Explore "Shahnameh" by Abolqasem Ferdowsi on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
After Hormozd the son of Nersi had reigned for nine years, the pomegranate color of his cheeks became like a yellow flower. His kingly mind felt the sorrows of death, and he died, leaving behind no son. This exalted and eloquent man passed from the fleeting world with a cry of anguish on his lips.
He was mourned for forty days; during this time the throne remained empty and lost its power and prestige, and the country's nobility were filled with anxiety. Then a priest discovered a beautiful young woman in the king's private quarters: her face was as splendid as the new moon, her cheeks glowed like tulips, her eyelashes were like daggers from Kabol, and her braided hair, gathered in a knot on the top of her head, was as curled and wavy as the script the Mongols use. This lovely young woman was pregnant, and the world rejoiced as soon as this became known. The celebrations, with feasting and music, lasted for forty days, and a royal couch was prepared for her. The crown was suspended above her belly, and gold coins were poured over it. Forty days passed, and a baby as splendid as the sun was born to her. The chief priest named him Shapur, and held festivities in his honor. The boy seemed blessed with wisdom and the royal farr.