
Rostam Drains the Great Cup
From C8.18, Rostam and Esfandiyar Drink Together. It illustrates C8.18.4–15 (to C8.18.16):
- C8.18.4When food was spread and Rostam took his seat,They watched amazed at how the chief could eat.
- C8.18.5Esfandiyar and all his heroes laidBefore him lambs in lavish spread displayed.
- C8.18.6He ate them all, while prince and people stared;The prince’s wonder all his people shared.
- C8.18.7The prince said, “Bring a cup; let raw wine pourIn place of cooked wine served to us before.
- C8.18.8Now see what Rostam seeks in wine today,And what of Kay Kavus he has to say.”
- C8.18.9The cupbearer brought wine; the cup was wideEnough to let a ship sail on its tide.
- C8.18.10He drank to the king of kings; that spring of redHe drained till dust rose from its empty bed.
- C8.18.11The young cupbearer turned again and boreThe royal wine, replenished as before.
- C8.18.12Then Rostam spoke to Bishutan aside:“Why must your water in this wine reside?
- C8.18.13Why pour in water, weakening the biteOf ancient wine and robbing it of might?”
- C8.18.14Then Bishutan gave orders: “Fill the bowlWith wine and let no water spoil the whole.”
- C8.18.15Wine came; they called the minstrels to the feast,And still their wonder at him had not ceased.
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