
Surkha Bound before Rostam
From B10.6, Surkha Marches against Rostam. It illustrates B10.6.54–65 (to B10.6.67):
- B10.6.54Then Rostam looked on Surkha where he stood,A noble youth, upright as cypress wood.
- B10.6.55His chest was broad, a lion’s strength and grace;The bloom of spring was written on his face.
- B10.6.56Black musk lay patterned on the youthful rose,Across the bloom where springtime beauty glows.
- B10.6.57He said: “Bring him before me on the plain,And summon those who deal in death and pain.
- B10.6.58Bring basin, khanjar; bind the captive’s hands,And coil the kamand round him in its bands.
- B10.6.59Lay him like sheep upon the bloodied ground,As Siavash lay helpless, closely bound.
- B10.6.60Strike off his head as Siavash was slain,And let the vulture shroud him on the plain.”
- B10.6.61When Tus the great chief heard the order given,He went at once, by duty sternly driven.
- B10.6.62Then Surkha said: “What wrong, what bloody deed?Why must I die for another’s misdeed?
- B10.6.63Siavash was my equal and my friend;My grief for him has known no pause nor end.
- B10.6.64My eyes have never ceased to weep his fate,And curse the blade that struck him down in hate.
- B10.6.65I curse the man who brought the bowl and knife,Who took the prince’s head and quenched his life.”
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