
Gordafarid Mocks Sohrab from the Rampart
From B8.9, Sohrab Fights with Gordafarid. It illustrates B8.9.64–75 (to B8.9.78):
- B8.9.64She laughed, then climbed the rampart’s lofty height,And saw Sohrab still mounted for the fight.
- B8.9.65She cried: “O Shah of Turks and Chin, why stay?Turn back your army; ride from here away.”
- B8.9.66Sohrab replied: “Fair-faced one, hear me swearBy crown and throne, by sun and moon; beware:
- B8.9.67I mean to raze these walls and claim my prize;You will repent those words and mocking eyes.
- B8.9.68When helpless in my grasp you writhe in pain,What then becomes of vows? What will remain?
- B8.9.69Repentance then will bring you no relief,When turning heaven strips your crown in grief.”
- B8.9.70She laughed again and scornfully replied:“No Turk can win himself an Iran bride.
- B8.9.71It was not fated I should fall to you;Take no offense; there is no more to do.
- B8.9.72Among the Pahlevans you stand alone;Your arms and shoulders make your prowess known.
- B8.9.73But when the Shah receives the news one dayThat Turan’s army marches in array,
- B8.9.74He will bring Rostam, whom you cannot fight,And all your troops will fall before his might.
- B8.9.75What fate will fall upon your head, who knows?Yet pity for your neck and shoulders grows.
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