
Night Raid on the Garden Feast
From E5.13, Bahram Chubin Overcomes Parmudeh. It illustrates E5.13.20–31 (to E5.13.37):
- E5.13.20Between both camps there lay a garden fair,Beside the field, in pleasant morning air;
- E5.13.21When Wednesday dawned, he sought that shady space:“Let wine and harp make glad this peaceful place!”
- E5.13.22They spread fine carpets and prepared a feast,With wine and food, while songs and joy increased.
- E5.13.23He feasted in the garden without fear,While battle’s shadow still was drawing near.
- E5.13.24When one watch of dark night had passed away,The outposts came to where Parmudeh lay.
- E5.13.25They said, “Bahram is feasting in the close.”Parmudeh’s anger like a night-wind rose.
- E5.13.26He chose six thousand horsemen, brave in fight,With swords and spears, but not a lamp for light.
- E5.13.27He sent them out to ring the garden wall,And hold the ground about it, one and all.
- E5.13.28When Bahram learned the purpose of their raid,He called Yalan-sina and sought his aid:
- E5.13.29“O chief, break through this wall and clear our way,Before the Turks close in and win the day.”
- E5.13.30Brave Bahram mounted with Gashasp again,Accompanied by tested fighting men;
- E5.13.31They poured out through the breach to meet the foe,And dealt the raiding Turks a crushing blow.
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