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Pirooz Khosrow on the Unbroken Colt

Pirooz Khosrow on the Unbroken Colt

From E9.4, The Reign of Poorandokht. It illustrates E9.4.7–17:

  • E9.4.7
    She sought for Pirooz Khosrow; then there cameA trusty man with tidings of that name.
  • E9.4.8
    She chose renowned men from the ranks that day;They brought Pirooz to hear what she would say.
  • E9.4.9
    She cried, “Foul-hearted villain, face your fate;Receive the dark reward your crimes create.
  • E9.4.10
    Now you shall pay for all the wrong you sow;I shall make a stream of blood from your neck flow.”
  • E9.4.11
    She bade them lead a wild colt from its stall,That never yet had felt the saddle’s gall.
  • E9.4.12
    They bound him, firm as stone, upon its back,A noose about his neck that held no slack.
  • E9.4.13
    The untamed colt was led, with Pirooz bound,Into the open, on the riding-ground.
  • E9.4.14
    She sent some riders out across the course,Each with a kamand strapped upon his horse.
  • E9.4.15
    The wild steed plunged and reared in frantic flight,And dashed the traitor down in all men’s sight.
  • E9.4.16
    His skin was torn; the blood began to flowOut of his body, seeping soft and slow.
  • E9.4.17
    Pirooz at last surrendered breath in pain,And died in shame upon that dreadful plain.

In the picture

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