Upon a day, on Yaman’s hunting-ground, in company with brave men of that land*⁶³⁸,

The prince whose name had Bahrām Gūr become, whose Bahrām bore the ball off from the sky*⁶³⁹,

Was breathing in the pleasure of the chase*⁶⁴⁰—Munẕir preceding, and Nu‘mān behind.

Lost in amazement at the majesty his form from head to foot displayed were all.

A cloud of dust rose suddenly afar, such that the sky united with the earth*⁶⁴¹.

The monarch of the world urged on his steed, like flowing water towards that dust he rode*⁶⁴².

A lion, with aggressive claws*⁶⁴³ stretched out, on a wild ass’s back and neck he saw.

(So) from above*⁶⁴⁴ to bring it to the ground the prince took out (his) bow and lay in wait.

Sought from the quiver a sharp-pointed shaft, then put it to the string and drew it back.

The sharp point struck the shoulders of the two, (and) having pierced (them) passed through both the holes*⁶⁴⁵;

Then to (its) notch ’twas buried in the ground—What profits mail or shield before such shaft?

When from the thumbstall he had sent the shaft, the prince stood holding in (his) hand the bow.

The onager and lion fell and died; the shaft lay in the ground’s heart to its plumes.

The Arabs seeing such a shot approved the ruler of the Persians he should be.

Whoever cast his eyes upon that prey kissed (with all reverence) the prince’s hand.

From that time forth they called him Lion-strong; (thenceforth) entitled him King Bahrām Gūr.

When they had reached the town they told the tale in full of onager and lion slain*⁶⁴⁶.

Munẕir gave orders to his ministers that painters should with their materials come,

That they should in Khavarnaq paint in gold the lion crouching on the onager;

The prince in pose, the arrow to its notch in the earth when he’d shot and pierced the two.

The picture*⁶⁴⁷ by the painter painted, all who saw it thought the animals were real.

They praised the Almighty Maker of the world upon the hand so mighty of its king.