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Ardeshir's Arrow and the Prince's Claim

Ardeshir's Arrow and the Prince's Claim

From D6.4, Ardeshir Babakan and His Rival. It illustrates D6.4.44–53:

  • D6.4.44
    A Gur-e-Khar appeared upon the plain;A clamor rose from all the hunting train.
  • D6.4.45
    They urged their steeds; the dust rose thick and high,And mingled with the sweat as they sped by.
  • D6.4.46
    Ardeshir rode ahead and neared the game,And set an arrow, taking careful aim.
  • D6.4.47
    He struck the male Gur-e-Khar’s rump; straight throughIts body went the point and feathers too.
  • D6.4.48
    Then Ardavan arrived upon the plain,And saw the fallen Gur-e-Khar lie slain.
  • D6.4.49
    He asked, “Whose arrow felled this quarry grand?May life remain united with that hand!”
  • D6.4.50
    Then Ardeshir addressed the king to say:“It was my arrow, Shah, that felled this prey.”
  • D6.4.51
    One prince replied, “I brought it to its fate,And now I am in search of its own mate.”
  • D6.4.52
    Ardeshir answered, “See, the plain is wide;With game and arrows here, let skill decide.
  • D6.4.53
    Then strike another with the selfsame art;A lie brings shame upon a noble heart.”

In the picture

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