
Goshtasb Gives Zarir the Standard
From C6.11, Goshtasb and Arjasp Prepare for Battle. It illustrates C6.11.9–19:
- C6.11.9Goshtasb, high-born and valiant, called Zarir,His glorious sepahbod and brother dear.
- C6.11.10He gave the standard: “Go, and do not wait;Array the elephants in ordered state.
- C6.11.11Arm all the troops.” The sepahbod went ahead,And ranged the line where battle’s dust would spread.
- C6.11.12To Esfandiyar Goshtasb gave one flank,With fifty thousand horsemen, rank on rank.
- C6.11.13His chest was broad, an elephant’s in size;A lion’s courage kindled in his eyes.
- C6.11.14Upon the other wing he set a bandOf chosen warriors ready at command.
- C6.11.15He gave it to his cherished son to lead,A warrior equal to the Shah in deed.
- C6.11.16He gave Zarir, the chief his foemen dread,Full fifty thousand valiant horse to head.
- C6.11.17The rear he gave to Nastur, strong and bold,Zarir’s bright son, of pure and noble mold.
- C6.11.18The army thus arrayed, he climbed the height,Worn out with grief and labor for the fight.
- C6.11.19He sat upon his splendid, shining throne,He viewed his troops; their marshaled splendor shone.
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