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Goshtasb Gives Zarir the Standard

Goshtasb Gives Zarir the Standard

From C6.11, Goshtasb and Arjasp Prepare for Battle. It illustrates C6.11.9–19:

  • C6.11.9
    Goshtasb, high-born and valiant, called Zarir,His glorious sepahbod and brother dear.
  • C6.11.10
    He gave the standard: “Go, and do not wait;Array the elephants in ordered state.
  • C6.11.11
    Arm all the troops.” The sepahbod went ahead,And ranged the line where battle’s dust would spread.
  • C6.11.12
    To Esfandiyar Goshtasb gave one flank,With fifty thousand horsemen, rank on rank.
  • C6.11.13
    His chest was broad, an elephant’s in size;A lion’s courage kindled in his eyes.
  • C6.11.14
    Upon the other wing he set a bandOf chosen warriors ready at command.
  • C6.11.15
    He gave it to his cherished son to lead,A warrior equal to the Shah in deed.
  • C6.11.16
    He gave Zarir, the chief his foemen dread,Full fifty thousand valiant horse to head.
  • C6.11.17
    The rear he gave to Nastur, strong and bold,Zarir’s bright son, of pure and noble mold.
  • C6.11.18
    The army thus arrayed, he climbed the height,Worn out with grief and labor for the fight.
  • C6.11.19
    He sat upon his splendid, shining throne,He viewed his troops; their marshaled splendor shone.

In the picture

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