
The Ram Leads Rostam to Water
From B5.2, Rostam Finds a Spring. It illustrates B5.2.11–18:
- B5.2.11Thus spoke the hero, faint with thirst and heat,Then sank upon the burning dust at his feet.
- B5.2.12His tongue was cracked, his breath had nearly flown,When sudden hope before his eyes was shown.
- B5.2.13A blessed ram moved lightly on the ground,Untouched by drought, in limb and body sound.
- B5.2.14Rostam beheld and thought: “This creature’s wayMust lead to water hidden from the day.
- B5.2.15In this I see the World-Creator’s grace;Some spring must lie beyond this burning place.”
- B5.2.16Through God’s own power he rose, though nearly dead,And followed where the blessed ram had led.
- B5.2.17With sword in hand, he held the reins drawn tight,And pressed ahead beneath the burning light.
- B5.2.18At last he reached the spring the ram had found,And life returned beside its waters’ sound.
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