Katayun Tears Her Hair

From C8.4, Katayun Counsels Esfandiyar. It illustrates C8.4.24–32:

C8.4.24
His mother’s eyes rained blood; she tore her hair,And cried, “O raging elephant, beware!
C8.4.25
Your strength has made you reckless with your life;Do not seek Rostam in unequal strife.
C8.4.26
You are no match for him; you cannot standAgainst him; do not go without a band.
C8.4.27
Do not go bearing life upon your ownShoulder before that elephant alone.
C8.4.28
Your will to go is Ahriman’s own snare;Pause now, and from this road your children spare.
C8.4.29
Do not lead children on their feet to hell;No sage would say that you have reasoned well.”
C8.4.30
The prince replied, “My sons must come with me;To leave them here is no choice I can see.
C8.4.31
When idleness becomes a young man’s way,His spirit darkens, and his thoughts decay.
C8.4.32
I need them in the fight; no mighty force,Just kin and some companions on this course.”