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Rostam Hurls Pilsam from the Saddle

Rostam Hurls Pilsam from the Saddle

From B10.8, The Death of Pilsam. It illustrates B10.8.43–53:

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

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