
The Shah's Hunting Train
From E7.2, Khosrow’s Love for Shirin. It illustrates E7.2.6–17 (to E7.2.29):
- E7.2.6One day the Shah resolved to hunt the plain,As kings had done through many an ancient reign.
- E7.2.7The hunt was furnished with imperial care,With pomp and servants gathered everywhere.
- E7.2.8Three hundred steeds, all decked in beaten gold,Were led before the king, high-necked and bold.
- E7.2.9Eleven hundred sixty servants came,On foot, with javelins, to serve his name.
- E7.2.10A thousand forty men bore club and blade,With jowshans worn beneath their rich brocade.
- E7.2.11Seven hundred falconers came in train,With hawks and falcons for the hunting plain.
- E7.2.12Sparrow-hawks too they carried for the prey,While mounted keepers followed on the way.
- E7.2.13Three hundred men who tended cheetahs rode,Behind the hawks along the hunting road.
- E7.2.14They led full seventy lions, pards in train,All trained, their mouths restrained by golden chain.
- E7.2.15Each beast in Chinese brocade showed royal pride,With folds of silk drawn tightly round its hide.
- E7.2.16Seven hundred hounds for deer were kept in line,Their golden collars cast a radiant shine.
- E7.2.17Behind them, borne on camels, rode a throngOf minstrels, full two thousand, skilled in song.
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