
Kavus Refuses the Nush-Daru
From B8.22, Rostam Seeks the Elixir. It illustrates B8.22.8–19 (to B8.22.22):
- B8.22.8Then Gudarz sped like wind to bear the word,And told to Kavus all that he had heard.
- B8.22.9The Shah replied: “Who stands in higher placeThan Rostam, who has never known disgrace?
- B8.22.10No harm to Rostam would I ever choose;His honor in my sight I will not lose.
- B8.22.11But if I send the healing draft I own,That elephant-bodied youth would rise full-grown.
- B8.22.12He then would rise, his father’s strength to crown;Together they would strike my fortunes down.
- B8.22.13If harm should come from one I chose to mend,I would repay the wrong from end to end.
- B8.22.14You heard him cry, ‘Who is Kavus to me?If he is Shah, then what can Tus still be?’
- B8.22.15Where could a man so vast find room at all,With such great shoulders, farr, and stature tall?
- B8.22.16How could he bow before my sovereign claim,Or curb such farr beneath another’s name?
- B8.22.17He counted insults out before my men,And stripped my honor from me there and then.
- B8.22.18If such a son should live beside his sire,I would be dust within their hands entire.
- B8.22.19Have you not heard what Sohrab dared proclaim?You know the world and should recall his claim:
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