
Rostam's Pavilion Given to the Fire
From B8.23, Rostam’s Lament for Sohrab. It illustrates B8.23.24–33:
- B8.23.24He bade them bring rich brocade for the dead,And veil the face from which all life had fled.
- B8.23.25All hopes and cities once before him spreadWere narrowed now to one small coffin’s bed.
- B8.23.26They bore him from the field with solemn tread,And toward his father’s pavilion led.
- B8.23.27The whole army cast dust upon each head,And mourned the cypress lying cold and dead.
- B8.23.28They set the royal pavilion aflame,And fed the fire with splendor in his name.
- B8.23.29Seven-colored brocades fed the pyre;The throne and leopard saddle joined the fire.
- B8.23.30A cry rose up, and Rostam’s tears would pour:“No horseman like you shall be seen in war.
- B8.23.31Woe for your strength, your wisdom, and your grace!Woe for your form, your stature, and your face!
- B8.23.32Torn from your mother, you lie dead apart;Your father bears the mark upon his heart.”
- B8.23.33He tore the earth with both his nails, and weptDown tears of blood, and rent the robes he kept.
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