
Sohrab Unhelms Gordafarid
From B8.9, Sohrab Fights with Gordafarid. It illustrates B8.9.31–37:
- B8.9.31He seized her helmet as he closed in fight,And tore it free, revealing her to sight.
- B8.9.32Her hair fell loose, her face shone clear and bright,Like sudden dawn that breaks the edge of night.
- B8.9.33Her head and loosened hair deserved a crown,He stared as shining tresses tumbled down.
- B8.9.34He paused and cried: “A woman rides to war!No field has shown me such a sight before.
- B8.9.35A daughter from Iran has joined the fray,And met me armed upon the field today.
- B8.9.36If maidens such as this ride out in arms,What warriors stand behind them in alarms?
- B8.9.37Their mounted chiefs must raise such dust on high,It darkens all the turning wheel of sky.”
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