
Tokhvar Names the Iranian Banners
From B12.4, Forood and Tokhvar Survey the Troops. It illustrates B12.4.13–24 (to B12.4.37):
- B12.4.13Then Tokhvar scanned the army from the height:“I shall name every chief and standard right.
- B12.4.14That elephant-banner rises broad and high,With violet swords of horsemen passing by.
- B12.4.15It marks great Tus, the fiercest chief in fight,Whose fury puts the boldest men to flight.
- B12.4.16Behind him streams a standard with the sun;It marks Prince Fariborz, Kavus’s son.
- B12.4.17Your uncle is a man of noble grace,A prudent chief of honorable place.
- B12.4.18Beside him waves a banner with the moon,Surrounded by fierce warriors, fighting soon.
- B12.4.19That chief is Gostaham, Gazhdaham’s heir,Whose might can make an elephant beware.
- B12.4.20Next rose a falcon on a banner wide,With fierce and warlike horsemen at its side.
- B12.4.21It flies above brave Zangeh’s battle-band,The son of Shavaran, with sword in hand.
- B12.4.22Behind it stands a maiden, moonlike, fair,Ruby-bright, with black-silk curling hair.
- B12.4.23That banner marks Bijan, whose courage glows,Who sprays the heavens with the blood of foes.
- B12.4.24The tiger-banner leaping fierce and wide,As though to tear a lion’s flank aside,
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