How the Khán received Tidings of the Flight of Gurdya and how he sent Tuwurg* with an Army after her, and how Gurdya slew Tuwurg

A number of deserters from her force
Arrived to seek protection from the Khán.
His brother came and said: “O famous chief,
And lover of the fray! some valiant troops
Have made toward Írán, and many others
Have sought for my protection. Realm and host
Will laugh for ever at thy court's disgrace.”
The chieftain's cheek, when he had heard the words,

Grew white with anger, and he answered: “Haste,
And lead an army forth. Observe what road
Those troops have taken. When thou reachest them
Act not injuriously but first of all
Make use of honied words, for of them none
Hath any knowledge of our usages;
Their fear perchance hath turned us into foes.
Speak with all unction and entreat them well;
Encourage them by loving-kindliness;
But if they offer armed resistance play
The man and let there by no dallying;
Make one tomb for the whole of them at Marv
So that the earth may be like pheasant's plumes.”
He went forth with six thousand valiant horsemen,
Picked Turks, and on the fourth day overtook
The Íránians, but that lion-hearted dame
Was not concerned beholding them. She left
The army, visited as swift as wind
The cameleers, disposed the baggage-train
Behind the lines, and then surveyed the field.
She donned her brother's armour and bestrode
A fiery steed. The hosts were ranked. Each man
Took his own life in hand. Tuwurg came forth
Before his troops (the Khán was wont to call him
“Old Wolf”) and said to the Íránians:—
“Is not the virtuous dame in this great host?”
For Gurdya was arrayed in heavy mail,
And had her waist girt like a warrior's,
So that the valiant billman knew her not,
But spurring on his steed and coming near
Said to her: “Midst this army where shall I
Seek for the sister of the murdered Sháh,
For I have many things to say to her,
Respecting both the present and the past?”
She answered: “Here am I prepared to charge
A ravening lion.”

When he heard the voice

Of her that rode a lusty lion-steed
He was amazed and said: “The Khán of Chín
Of all the kingdom made a choice of thee
To keep him mindful of Bahrám Chúbína,
The Lion and the chosen cavalier.
He said: ‘I will requite the favour done
If only thou wilt listen to my words.’
He said to me: ‘Haste unto her and say:—
‘If what I spake was not acceptable
Know that my words were not imperative,
And that I have renounced what I proposed.
If is not well for thee to quit our coasts:
Attempt it not although thou wilt not wed.’
Join words together unto this effect,
And if she will not take advice use bonds
For her and all that have supported her.
This is too much!’”*

She answered: “Let us quit

The field and troops, and I will answer thee
Advisedly on all points.”

He approached

That famed and valiant dame who, seeing him
Alone, displayed to him her face beneath
Her sable casque, and said: “Thou hast beheld
“Bahrám Chúbína's horsemanship and courage
With admiration: his full sister I.
His day is done so I now will essay thee.
I long to fight with thee. If thou shalt find
That I am worthy of a husband say so.
Good sooth! thou mayst approve me as thy spouse!”
She spake, then spurred her steed. Ízid Gashasp
Rode close behind her. With her spear she struck
The girdle of Tuwurg and pierced his mail.
He tumbled headlong, and the sand beneath
Ran blood. With chosen warriors Yalán-sína
Charged and discomfited the host of Chín,
Slew, overthrew, and wounded many a man,
Pursued the foe two leagues and left few mounted.
The whole plain was a-stream with blood that day,
This man was headless, that head-downward lay.