
Arrows Rain on Bahram's White Elephant
From E6.25, Soroush Saves Khosrow from Bahram. It illustrates E6.25.25–33:
- E6.25.25Bahram heard Khosrow’s words and knew the snare;Wrath seized his heart; his shame blazed to a flare.
- E6.25.26In fury he would fight without his men,The usurper trusted sword and strength again.
- E6.25.27Upon his elephant he charged the heartOf Khosrow’s center, breaking rank apart.
- E6.25.28The Shah to Andiyan cried, “Lion of might,Make bows a storm and darken all his sight.
- E6.25.29Pour arrows on that elephant like rain;Make springtime clouds of bows across the plain.”
- E6.25.30Iran’s men, blessed by Fortune, strung their bows,And arrow-clouds flew thick against their foes.
- E6.25.31The elephant’s trunk was riddled through and through;Its wounds had turned its hide to indigo-blue.
- E6.25.32Bahram, down from his wounded beast, decreedA helm, and kingly arms, and a fresh steed.
- E6.25.33The arrows showered on his horse like rain;His fury mounted on the battle plain.
In the picture
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