
Rostam Carries the Bound Kamus
From B13.32, Rostam Slays Kamus. It illustrates B13.32.18–29:
- B13.32.18He bound Kamus within the kamand’s bands,And said, “You pose no danger in these strands.
- B13.32.19Your charms and spells have lost their former sway;Your soul now serves the Div and takes his pay.”
- B13.32.20He bound the prisoner’s hands behind his back,As firm as stone upon a mountain track.
- B13.32.21He grasped the coils and bore him to the band,On foot, beneath his arm, across the land.
- B13.32.22He told the warriors, “This lover of the frayPresumed to match my strength in war today.
- B13.32.23This world deceives: its joy and grief abound;Now in the clouds we stand, now on the ground.
- B13.32.24This famous warrior, who on many a fieldHad strength to force a male lion to yield,
- B13.32.25Set forth to ravage Iran’s fields and glens,And turn our fertile country into lions’ dens.
- B13.32.26He meant to leave no palace, no rose-bowerIn Kabul or Zabul beneath his power.
- B13.32.27He would not set his mighty gorz asideTill Rostam, son of Zal, himself had died.
- B13.32.28His helm and jowshan are his shroud instead;Dust clothes his body, crowns his fallen head.
- B13.32.29Now tell me how this captive chief should die,Since all his former glory has passed by.”
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