
Piran Leads Turan's Host Out Again
From B14.21, Afrasiab Hears of Rostam’s Coming. It illustrates B14.21.90–100:
- B14.21.90The king grieved deeply at Farghar’s report;Then came a messenger before the court:
- B14.21.91“Piran has come like dust across the plain,With chiefs and troops advancing in his train.”
- B14.21.92The king told what Farghar had brought to light,Then asked, “Who now can match Rostam in fight?”
- B14.21.93Piran replied, “What choice is ours but claimOur place in war, and seek out name and shame?
- B14.21.94For land and children, for our kin, we wieldOur arms; their cause shall draw us to the field.”
- B14.21.95Afrasiab, when he had heard him speak,Made haste, resolved a fresh revenge to seek.
- B14.21.96He ordered Piran: “Take the troops and goTo meet the vengeful Rostam, our great foe.”
- B14.21.97They left the court and marched in full array,And sought the open battle-plain that day.
- B14.21.98The shouts rose high; the kousts marked out their way.Their dust made ebony of heaven’s ray.
- B14.21.99So vast the force, it seemed the whole broad sphereBeneath the dust of hooves would disappear.
- B14.21.100Tabira drummers raised their voices high,As elephants on elephants filed by.
In the picture
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