The Bakhtyār Nāma: A Persian Romance
by William Ouseley (1767–1842)
- Free to read
- 5 hours to read
- 13 chapters
- Reading level: 8th & 9th grade
"The Bakhtyār Nāma: A Persian Romance" by William Ouseley and W. A. Clouston is a collection of Persian romantic tales written in the late 19th century, specifically aimed at English readers. This engaging work of fiction introduces readers to the story of Bakhtyār, a young man of noble birth raised by robbers, who faces wrongful accusations and strives to prove his innocence while navigating the intrigues of royal court life. The narrative intricately weaves themes of fate, loyalty, and the quest for justice amidst compelling character developments and challenges. The opening of "The Bakhtyār Nāma" sets the stage for a dramatic tale of royalty and treachery. It begins with the backstory of King Āzādbakht, who is forced to flee his kingdom with his pregnant queen due to a usurper, ultimately abandoning their newborn son at a well in the desert. The child is adopted by a band of robbers and grows into a formidable youth named Bakhtyār. As Bakhtyār proves his valor and is eventually placed in a position of trust within the royal court, he is targeted by jealous viziers who plot his downfall. From the outset, the narrative builds tension as Bakhtyār faces grave accusations, propelling him into a series of challenges that unveil deeper insights into honor, deception, and the trials of both fate and fortune.
- Persian poetry · Translations into English
Read the opening
Chapter I: History of King ĀZĀDbakht and the Vizier’s Daughter
Thus it is recorded by the authors of remarkable histories, and the narrators of delightful tales, that there was once in the country of Sīstān, a certain King, possessing a crown and a throne, whose name was Āzādbakht; and he had a Vizier entitled Sipahsālār, a person of such bravery and skill that the moon concealed herself among the clouds from fear of his scimitar. This Vizier had a daughter endowed with such exquisite beauty that the rose of the garden and the moon of the heavenly spheres were confounded at the superior lustre of her cheeks. Sipahsālār loved this daughter with excessive fondness, so that he could scarcely exist an hour without her. Having gone on an expedition to inspect the state of the country, it happened that he found himself under a necessity of passing some time from home. He immediately despatched confidential persons with orders to bring his daughter to him from the capital. These persons, having arrived at the Vizier’s palace, paid their obeisance to the damsel, who ordered her attendants to prepare for the journey to her father. The horses were instantly caparisoned, and a litter provided with magnificence suitable to a princely traveller. The damsel, seated in this, commenced her journey, and went forth from the city.
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About this edition
This free edition of The Bakhtyār Nāma: A Persian Romance by William Ouseley comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #60316, released 2019-09-17. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Historical Novels, Romance, Mythology, Legends & Folklore.
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