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Rostam Carries the Bound Kamus

Rostam Carries the Bound Kamus

From B13.32, Rostam Slays Kamus. It illustrates B13.32.18–29:

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

In the picture

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