The Story of Khosrow and Shirin (III)

Let me tell you one of the most beautiful love stories ever written in Persian Literature. It will be summarized. If you would like to read more or in Farsi, let me know and we will figure out a way to make sure you get to see this gem of an Iranian tale. Remember this story. Tell it to your children. They will always remember that they heard about love from you first. Celebrate love Persian style. (Part I here. Part II here. Part III here. Part IV here. Part V here. Part VI here.)

Khosrow went to Roman territory. In Constantinopole, asking for the Roman Caesar's assitance to beat Bahram Choobin, he married Caesar's daughter, Maryam, promising not to marry another. With the help of Caesar's army, he fought Bahram Choobin, beat him and crowned himself King of Iran. Having entered a marriage of political convenience, he continued to miss and pine for Shirin. Shirin's aunt, Mahin Banoo, who had fallen ill, left her territory to Shirin before she died. Shirin's rule over Arman brought release of prisoners, and a betterment of life for the Armenian people. Though she was a beloved ruler, she could not forget Khosrow; however, she couldn't forgive him for his decision to marry Maryam. She spent time thinking about the now King of Iran, Khosrow, the love of her life, until one day she decided she could not bear it anymore. Entrustring her kingdom to others, she got on Golgoon and left Arman for Madaen with a few companions. She settled in a dark and sad residence, far from Khosrow's palace.

Khosrow was not able to see Shirin, as his wife Maryam was jealous of Shirin, keeping Khosrow away from her. Khosrow and Shirin continued to send messages to each other through Shapour. One day Khosrow asked Shapour to tell Shirin to come to a secret meeting place. Shirin was angry at this request, telling Shapour to tell Khosrow that she would not carry on in private with a married man.

اگر شه گوید او را دوست دارم...........بگو کاین عشوه ها ناید به کارم وگر گوید به آن صبحم نیاز است.........بگو بیدار بنشین شب دراز است وگر گوید کشم تنگش در آغوش...........بگو این آرزو بادت فراموش ..... که شیرین گوید ای بد مهر بد عهد.........کجا آن صحبت شیرین تر از شهد مرا ظن بود کز من برنگردی..............خریدار کس دیگر نگردی هزار از بهر می خوردن بود یار.................. یکی از بهر غم خوردن نگهدار