The Crushing Handclasp

From C8.17, Rostam Boasts of His Valor. It illustrates C8.17.25–35:

C8.17.25
Prince Esfandiyar laughed at Rostam’s stand,Then firmly gripped the mighty hero’s hand.
C8.17.26
He said, “O Rostam, elephant in frame,All men have spoken truly of your fame.
C8.17.27
Your arm is thick as any lion’s limb;Your chest and neck, a dragon’s, strong and grim.
C8.17.28
Your leopard’s waist is narrow, lean and slight,And twists and turns upon the day of fight.”
C8.17.29
He squeezed the hand of Rostam as he spoke;The old man laughed at youth, as at a joke.
C8.17.30
From Rostam’s nails the yellow fluid ran;Yet all that pain could not stir such a man.
C8.17.31
Then Rostam took his hand and gripped it too:“O king who worships God, I speak to you:
C8.17.32
Blessed is famous Shah Goshtasb today,To have a son whose fame none can gainsay.
C8.17.33
Blessed is he who gains so fine a son;Through you the world has greater glory won.”
C8.17.34
He spoke and held the prince’s hand; the redOf blood across the prince’s features spread.
C8.17.35
The prince’s nails welled bloody water; painDrew tight his brows beneath the gripping strain.