I lay the foundation of this word by naming the One
by the name of the giving almighty, creator of the skies and heavens
creator of what is and what is not, all-knowing of the speech of birds
aware of what is written on an empty board, a flame in the sad hearts of lovers

A flower arising from thorn blossoms, but soon
withers no flower grows in the garden of naught, lest it weeps upon itself

Shahin rise in the middle like a falcon, live like the rook, and not the queen
lay out a pleasant verse from king Ardashir’s deed
seek victory from the all-giving, and bring the divine word to your lips
so the forlorn can see Him, and harvest from the crop of this bond
like the enchanted they weep, ecstatic, intoxicated, and eager
when Hegai saw the king in pursuit of charm
with the courage of a lion he told the tale of Esther

when the tranquil dawn arrives, the stars lose their luster
as one bright flame burns, a hundred other flames fade

what is more pleasant than the kind companion, and how could one live without it?
Life with the beloved companion is greater than eternal life
Esther appears like the morning star, shining bright as the moon and the sun
the eager king sat at his bed, drinking wine in the memory of the moon
intoxicated he fell like a tired stranger at the end of an arduous road
he marveled at the luminecesne of Esther, and praised her beauty
he took his heart’s desire from her beauty, with a bond and an engagement

with whom can I share my heart’s secret, as I wipe my face with my blood
so the king may hear of my condition and free me from this pain
the evil Haman who just arrived through the door
my heart aches from his wrong-doing through day and night
he fights my kind with sharp blades and claws
as Esther revealed the adversary to the king, Ardashir was overcome with anger
“does he not fear me, or does he assume himself king?”
towards Haman’s tribe, they rushed one by one
As they followed Esther’s order, they invaded the enemy

see the seashell, the treasures it holds from the fallen drop of rain
it wears the garment of patience and tolerates the world’s adversary

Translation by Iman Habibi