
Saveh's Sorcerers Raise the Black Storm
From E5.11, Bahram Chubin Slays King Saveh. It illustrates E5.11.48–56:
- E5.11.48King Saveh cried, “Begin your spells and art,To cloud Iranian eyes and quell each heart.
- E5.11.49Let no disaster fall upon our own;Let all their courage fail, their ranks be thrown.”
- E5.11.50The sorcerers began their spells in air,And hurled wild fire through the murky glare.
- E5.11.51A wind arose; a black cloud filled the sky,And rained its arrows on the troops nearby.
- E5.11.52Bahram exclaimed, “Chiefs, nobles, men of war,Do not heed spells or fear their empty roar.
- E5.11.53Come on in anger. This is nothing trueBut trick and sorcery brought forth for you.
- E5.11.54The men who use such means deserve our tears;Stand firm in arms and cast aside your fears.”
- E5.11.55The Iranians shouted, heated for the fight,While Saveh watched the field from left to right.
- E5.11.56He saw the foe recoil not from his art,But press on harder with courageous heart.
In the picture
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