Farúd said to Tukhár: “Another chief
Hath come! Look forth, see who he is, and who
Will weep for him.”

That man of words replied:—

“There is not one to match him in Írán,
For he is Gív's son and a valiant hero
Victorious like a lion in all combats.
Gív hath no other son, and this is dearer
To him than life and wealth. Direct thy hand
Against the steed, and break not the Sháh's heart.
Bízhan too hath the mail, and Gív hath linked
The gorget of the helm, of Siyáwush
Thereto. These neither double-headed dart
Nor shaft can pierce. Bízhan may fight afoot.
Thou wilt not shine as his antagonist;
He graspeth, look! a sword of adamant.”
Farúd's shaft struck the charger of Bízhan:
Thou wouldst have said: “It had no life.” It fell,
And when Bízhan had disengaged himself
He made toward the summit, sword in hand,
And shouted: “O thou valiant cavalier!
Remain and see now how a Lion fighteth,
And realise how heroes though unhorsed
Will still advance to battle with the sword.
Thou shalt behold it if thou wilt await me,
For thou shalt never think of fighting more.”

Farúd above was angered too because
Bízhan withdrew not, and again that Lion
Discharged a shaft. Bízhan the brave held up
His shield above his head. The arrow pierced
The shield but missed the mail. Bízhan sped on,
And, when he reached the summit, drew his sword.
Farúd the noble turned away from him;
The ramparts rang with cries. Bízhan pursued
Apace, sharp sword in hand, and gashed the bards
Upon the noble steed which came to dust.
Farúd howbeit gained the castle-gate,
The garrison secured it with all speed,
And showered many stones down from the walls
Upon Bízhan, who knew that 'twas no spot
To loiter at. He cried: “O famous one!
Hast thou—a warrior and cavalier—
Thus turned from one on foot and felt no shame?
Woe for the heart and hand of brave Farúd!”
He left the scene of combat, came to Tús,
And said: “To fight so brave a warrior
Would need a famous lion of the desert,
And if a mount of flint should turn to water
In strife with him the chieftain need not marvel:
Imagination boggleth at such prowess!”
The general Tús swore by the Lord of all:—
“I will send up this hold's dust to the sun.
To avenge beloved Zarásp the cavalier
I will attack without delay, will make
This Turkman wretch a corpse, and with his gore
Engrain the stones like coral to the core.”