When Sol had issued from his bower, and mounted
Upon the throne of Sagittarius,
The realm of Rúm became like sandarach,
The roar of trump and drum and clash of arms
Rose from the armies on both sides, the field
Of battle was as 'twere a stream of blood;
Then Cæsar came on quickly on the right,
Set his two sons-in-law to guard the baggage,
And his own son Sakíl upon the left:
The elephants and drums remained with Cæsar.
The din of battle went up from both hosts:
Thou wouldst have said: “The sun and moon contend.”
Gushtásp kept moving up and down the line,
His steed a Crocodile, his sword a Dragon;
Thereat Ilyás said to his warriors:—
“This is why Cæsar hath demanded tribute;
He hath a Dragon such as this at court,
And therefore is thus minded.”

When Gushtásp

Beheld Ilyás he said: “Now is the time
To show accomplishment.”

Both cavaliers

Rushed on with lances and mail-piercing shafts.
No sooner had Ilyás discharged an arrow,
In hope to give the first wound, than Gushtásp
Struck at his foeman's hawberk with a spear,
And in a moment pierced his warrior-form,
Dismounted him like one bemused, reached out,
And, having clutched his hand, haled him along,
Bore him away before the cavaliers,
And gave him up to Cæsar. Then Gushtásp
Led on the host in mass against the foe,
Advancing like a blast. What multitudes
He slew and captured, while the world looked on

Astound! Perceiving all the Rúman forces
In full pursuit he turned and came with triumph
And exaltation into Cæsar's presence,
Who, seeing him approaching, went attended
To welcome him, right gladly kissed the hero
On head and eyes, and greatly thanked the Maker.
Thence they returned with joy. The general
Assumed the crown of greatness while all Rúm
Came gladly to the presence of the king,
And brought him many a gift and offering.