
Khosrow Strikes Down King Ila
From C4.10, The Armies Meet in Battle. It illustrates C4.10.104–115 (to C4.10.116):
- C4.10.104As he withdrew, Ustukila came fast,To challenge Khosrow as the king rode past.
- C4.10.105King Ila rushed, a nahang in the fight,And Burzuyala, eminent in might.
- C4.10.106Three ruthless horsemen of the Turks were knownFor blood and battle, merciless as stone.
- C4.10.107The Shah perceived them, spurred from out the throng,And charged, a mountain, resolute and strong.
- C4.10.108He struck Ustukila with his long spear,And hurled him from the saddle, falling clear.
- C4.10.109King Ila struck Khosrow upon the belt,But Khosrow’s breastplate turned the blow he dealt.
- C4.10.110The spear could plant no terror in his heart;The Shah stood fearless, ready for his part.
- C4.10.111When Khosrow saw his courage and his might,He drew his sharpened sword to end the fight.
- C4.10.112He struck across King Ila’s waist and slew,And with that stroke he cut the man in two.
- C4.10.113Then Burzuyala’s heart was seized with dread;He saw the force that laid his comrade dead.
- C4.10.114He saw Khosrow’s great courage and the blow,And knew the strength and splendor of his foe.
- C4.10.115He fled into the dark with trembling heart,As though his very skin were torn apart.
In the picture
Woodcut panels, identity sheets and banners © 2026 New Naqqali LLC, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0: share and adapt them for non-commercial use, with credit to New Naqqali. Rights & permissions.
New Naqqali
