
Parmudeh Overtaken at Dawn
From E5.13, Bahram Chubin Overcomes Parmudeh. It illustrates E5.13.46–57 (to E5.13.62):
- E5.13.46Their leader fled like dust, his mouth gone dry,His lips turned blue beneath the darkened sky.
- E5.13.47So passed the night until the dawn drew breath,And somber darkness drew its skirts from death.
- E5.13.48The Iranian chief then overtook the foe,And roared up like a lion from below:
- E5.13.49“O runaway, you shame the brave today;You are no man of battle; ride away.
- E5.13.50It fits you still to suck your mother’s milk,Not wear a jowshan or a robe of silk.”
- E5.13.51The prince replied, “Fierce lion, how long stillWill you pursue this slaughter with such will?
- E5.13.52Nahang and desert leopard sated grow;Is there no end to blood you cause to flow?
- E5.13.53You struck King Saveh’s head from off its place,A man whose farr the circling skies embrace.
- E5.13.54You slaughtered troops; the sun and moon looked onIn pity for the lives that now are gone.
- E5.13.55I am the remnant of my father’s reign;Regard me now as one already slain.
- E5.13.56Both Turk and Iranian are born to die;No birth beneath this heaven can pass death by.
- E5.13.57I flee, you follow, yet you cannot takeMy life until its destined hour shall wake.
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