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Khosrow Strikes Down King Ila

Khosrow Strikes Down King Ila

From C4.10, The Armies Meet in Battle. It illustrates C4.10.104–115 (to C4.10.116):

  • C4.10.104
    As he withdrew, Ustukila came fast,To challenge Khosrow as the king rode past.
  • C4.10.105
    King Ila rushed, a nahang in the fight,And Burzuyala, eminent in might.
  • C4.10.106
    Three ruthless horsemen of the Turks were knownFor blood and battle, merciless as stone.
  • C4.10.107
    The Shah perceived them, spurred from out the throng,And charged, a mountain, resolute and strong.
  • C4.10.108
    He struck Ustukila with his long spear,And hurled him from the saddle, falling clear.
  • C4.10.109
    King Ila struck Khosrow upon the belt,But Khosrow’s breastplate turned the blow he dealt.
  • C4.10.110
    The spear could plant no terror in his heart;The Shah stood fearless, ready for his part.
  • C4.10.111
    When Khosrow saw his courage and his might,He drew his sharpened sword to end the fight.
  • C4.10.112
    He struck across King Ila’s waist and slew,And with that stroke he cut the man in two.
  • C4.10.113
    Then Burzuyala’s heart was seized with dread;He saw the force that laid his comrade dead.
  • C4.10.114
    He saw Khosrow’s great courage and the blow,And knew the strength and splendor of his foe.
  • C4.10.115
    He fled into the dark with trembling heart,As though his very skin were torn apart.

In the picture

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