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Tokhvar Names the Iranian Banners

Tokhvar Names the Iranian Banners

From B12.4, Forood and Tokhvar Survey the Troops. It illustrates B12.4.13–24 (to B12.4.37):

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

In the picture

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