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Saveh's Sorcerers Raise the Black Storm

Saveh's Sorcerers Raise the Black Storm

From E5.11, Bahram Chubin Slays King Saveh. It illustrates E5.11.48–56:

  • E5.11.48
    King Saveh cried, “Begin your spells and art,To cloud Iranian eyes and quell each heart.
  • E5.11.49
    Let no disaster fall upon our own;Let all their courage fail, their ranks be thrown.”
  • E5.11.50
    The sorcerers began their spells in air,And hurled wild fire through the murky glare.
  • E5.11.51
    A wind arose; a black cloud filled the sky,And rained its arrows on the troops nearby.
  • E5.11.52
    Bahram exclaimed, “Chiefs, nobles, men of war,Do not heed spells or fear their empty roar.
  • E5.11.53
    Come on in anger. This is nothing trueBut trick and sorcery brought forth for you.
  • E5.11.54
    The men who use such means deserve our tears;Stand firm in arms and cast aside your fears.”
  • E5.11.55
    The Iranians shouted, heated for the fight,While Saveh watched the field from left to right.
  • E5.11.56
    He saw the foe recoil not from his art,But press on harder with courageous heart.

In the picture

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