The Persian Literature, Comprising The Shah Nameh, The Rubaiyat, The Divan, and The Gulistan, Volume 1Omar Khayyam
GeneralSufism
The Persian Literature, Comprising The Shah Nameh, The Rubaiyat, The Divan, and The Gulistan, Volume 1
Omar Khayyam
Persian literature -- Translations into English
Barzú declared to Afrásiyáb that his extraordinary vigor and strength
had been of no account, for both his antagonist and his horse appeared
to be composed of materials as hard as flint. Every blow was without
effect; and "Heaven only knows," added he, "what may be the result of
to-morrow's conflict." On the other hand Rustem showed his lacerated arm
to Khosráu, and said: "I have escaped from him; but who else is there
now to meet him, and finish the struggle? Ferámurz, my son, cannot
fulfil my promise with Barzú, as he, alas! is fighting in Hindústán. Let
me, however, call him hither, and in the meanwhile, on some pretext or
other, delay the engagement." The king, in great sorrow and affliction,
sanctioned his departure, and then said to his warriors: "I will fight
this Barzú myself to-morrow;" but Gúdarz would not consent to it,
saying: "As long as we live, the king must not be exposed to such
hazard. Gíw and Byzun, and the other chiefs, must first successively
encounter the enemy."
When Rustem reached his tent, he told his brother Zúára to get ready a
litter, that he might proceed to Sístán for the purpose of obtaining a
remedy for his wound from the Símúrgh. Pain and grief kept him awake all
night, and he prayed incessantly to the Supreme Being. In the morning
early, Zúára brought him intelligence of the welcome arrival of
Ferámurz, which gladdened his heart; and as the youth had undergone
great fatigue on his long journey, Rustem requested him to repose
awhile, and he himself, freed from anxiety, also sought relief in a
sound sleep.
A few hours afterwards both armies were again drawn up, and Barzú, like
a mad elephant, full of confidence and pride, rode forward to resume the
combat; whilst Rustem gave instructions to Ferámurz how he was to act.
He attired him in his own armor, supplied him with his own weapons, and
mounted him on Rakush, and told him to represent himself to Barzú as the
warrior who had engaged him the day before. Accordingly Ferámurz entered
the middle space, clothed in his father's mail, raised his bow, ready
bent, and shot an arrow at Barzú, crying: "Behold thy adversary! I am
the man come to try thy strength again. Advance!" To this Barzú replied:
"Why this hilarity, and great flow of spirits? Art thou reckless of thy
life?" "In the eyes of warriors," said Ferámurz, "the field of fight is
the mansion of pleasure. After I yesterday parted from thee I drank wine
with my companions, and the impression of delight still remains on my
heart.
"Wine exhilarates the soul,
Makes the eye with pleasure roll;
Lightens up the darkest mien,
Fills with joy the dullest scene;
Hence it is I meet thee now
With a smile upon my brow,"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account