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Pilsam Holds Off Four Champions

Pilsam Holds Off Four Champions

From B7.3, Pilsam Battles the Iranians and Alkus’ Battle. It illustrates B7.3.30–38:

  • B7.3.30
    Then Giv beheld how dim the field had grown,And roared like thunder crashing over stone.
  • B7.3.31
    He came, a lion raging in the fray,And forced a path through fighters in his way.
  • B7.3.32
    He joined the others pressing hard as one,And four closed round that chief beneath the sun.
  • B7.3.33
    Yet Pilsam did not yield nor once give ground,But met them headlong where they closed him round.
  • B7.3.34
    Now sword, now heavy gorz, Pilsam struck on,Till strength from all four champions’ arms was gone.
  • B7.3.35
    Then Piran saw his brother in distress,And rushed from center through the battle’s press.
  • B7.3.36
    He came to aid him, shouting as he flew,Boiling and roaring, closer still he drew.
  • B7.3.37
    He cried: “O Giv, no honor can be won;What fame is gained when four assail but one?
  • B7.3.38
    What glory lies in four against one man,A lion-hearted champion in the van?”

In the picture

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