
Faramarz Seizes Surkha by the Belt
From B10.6, Surkha Marches against Rostam. It illustrates B10.6.29–40:
- B10.6.29When Surkha saw the champion through the fight,He marked his spear advancing into sight.
- B10.6.30Then Surkha spurred his steed and took his spear,And cast his bow aside as he drew near.
- B10.6.31Then Faramarz broke forward from the line,And met him spear to spear in harsh design.
- B10.6.32He struck like Azargashasp, fierce and fast,Across his charger’s neck the prince was cast.
- B10.6.33The Turan chiefs advanced to stem the blow,And pressed the fight in rage against the foe.
- B10.6.34So hard they closed around him in the fray,His spear-shaft shattered and was swept away.
- B10.6.35Then Surkha saw he could not hold the field,Nor make the charging Faramarz yield.
- B10.6.36Defeated, he turned back in sudden dread,And from the field in bitter anguish fled.
- B10.6.37Like a maddened elephant he gave chase,His Indian sword flashed bright before his face.
- B10.6.38The Iranian riders followed in his wake,Their battle-cries made all the valley shake.
- B10.6.39Like a fierce leopard Faramarz sprang beside,He seized his belt and tore him from his ride.
- B10.6.40He drove the captive onward from the fight,On foot to camp, disgraced before their sight.
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