When he who wore the crown of Kai-Qubād exalted to the moon Kai-Khusrau’s crown*¹¹⁶²,

He from the centre of the realm upraised a Bīstūn*¹¹⁶³ from which that of Farhād fled*¹¹⁶⁴.

In such a Bīstūn, which seven columns had*¹¹⁶⁵, he raised up to the heavens seven domes.

And in those walls*¹¹⁶⁶, which touched upon the sky, he saw a rampart round the lofty spheres*¹¹⁶⁷;

(He saw) seven domes within those walls built up after the nature of the planets seven*¹¹⁶⁸.

The astrologer had made each dome in hue like to the planet after which ’twas formed.

The dome which was of Saturn’s temperament*¹¹⁶⁹ was hidden (all) in blackness like the musk.

And that whose essence*¹¹⁷⁰ was of Jupiter was with the hue of sandal-wood adorned.

The one encompassed by (the planet) Mars*¹¹⁷¹—a red complexion was attached to it.

That which imparted knowledge of the sun (in hue) was yellow like a golden belt.

That which of Venus’ grace had happy news—its hue was like the face of Venus white.

The one which had from Mercury its lot was turquoise-hued from its felicity*¹¹⁷².

And that one by whose tower*¹¹⁷³ the moon went forth through the moon’s aspect throve in verdancy*¹¹⁷⁴.

(So) with the nature of the planets seven the seven domes in this mode raised their forms.

The Seven Climes had covenants from them*¹¹⁷⁵; the seven kings’ daughters there remained as brides*¹¹⁷⁶.

With (all her) grace and wisdom each of them in one of these seven domes had her abode.

After the house’s pattern she’d made all, even to seats, the colour of the dome.

Day after day the happy king would take his place each day within a different dome*¹¹⁷⁷.

On Saturday the place prescribed for it, and on the other days as it was meet.

When using his distinguished will he held a festive meeting in a certain dome;—

Where’er he drank of wine he was attired in dress of the same colour as the dome.

The lady of the dome would drink of wine; each moment show her charm in some new light;

(Seeking) how she should ravish the king’s heart, (and) how the king should in her sweetness*¹¹⁷⁸ joy.

(So) she would tell him love-exciting tales, should sharpen those in whom desire was blunt.—

Although Bahrām raised castles in this mode, he did not save his life from death at last.—

Nizāmī flee the rose-garden whose rose is only as the thorn, whose thorn is sharp*¹¹⁷⁹!

See to what came Bahrām, with all his power, through this two days’ abiding-place at last*¹¹⁸⁰!