
Rostam Hurls Pilsam from the Saddle
From B10.8, The Death of Pilsam. It illustrates B10.8.43–53:
- B10.8.43He took a weighty spear and gripped the rein,Set firm his helm and faced the battle plain.
- B10.8.44He braced his feet and leveled out the spear;Its polished point flashed cold as he drew near.
- B10.8.45He weighted both his stirrups, reins let go,The shining spearpoint leveled at the foe.
- B10.8.46Foam touched his lips; he wheeled from battle’s core,And rode at speed toward Pilsam at the fore.
- B10.8.47He cried: “O Pilsam, called to breathe out flame,You summoned me; now answer for your claim.
- B10.8.48You shall behold the nahang face to face,And never turn your rein to war’s embrace.
- B10.8.49Your youth has set my grieving heart aflame;Alas for all your valor and your name!”
- B10.8.50He spoke and spurred his swift steed, vengeance high,And swept against him like the wheeling sky.
- B10.8.51He struck the belt with one tremendous blow,And like a ball from saddle made him go.
- B10.8.52He bore him through Turan’s warring array,And cast him where Afrasiab held the day.
- B10.8.53He cried, “Now cover Pilsam where he lay,In yellow diba bright against the clay.”
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