
Houman Whirls His Spear on the Height
From C3.11, Houman Challenges Gudarz. It illustrates C3.11.64–71:
- C3.11.64He laughed, turned from the chief, and spurred his steedToward the army’s guards with reckless speed.
- C3.11.65Within the meadow, Houman strung his bow,And shot four riders from their saddles low.
- C3.11.66The guards who saw his shots from far awayBeheld the proud Turanian’s deadly play.
- C3.11.67They gave him passage, fled across the plain,And would not face him or draw tight the rein.
- C3.11.68He climbed the heights as if with wine possessed,And roared as though to level every crest.
- C3.11.69He whirled his spear above his head to say,“Houman, son of Viseh, wins the day!”
- C3.11.70The brazen ney resounded from below,As on the height his spear swung to and fro.
- C3.11.71Turan’s bold warriors, joyful at the sight,Seemed with their helms to touch the moon’s great height.
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