Now when Sol rose in Leo, and the night
Was turned beneath, came Faríburz and Tús
In haste before the Sháh, and Tús spake thus:—
“Now will I take the drums, host, elephants,
With Káwa's flag, and turn the ruddy cheeks
Of foemen pale. The Grace of Faríburz,
And royal might, shall gird me royally.”
The Sháh replied: “When men go forth to war
Their number more or less importeth not,
But by the purpose of the Lord of sun
And moon they may have triumph and success:
So if it seemeth good to Faríburz,
Array thine army and be diligent.”

Tús with the golden boots upon his feet
Went forth with Káwa's standard. Faríburz,
Son of Káús, was at the army's centre,
While Tús went first with troops and elephants.
When he drew near the castle of Bahman
The ground seemed breathing fire, the lances' points
Flamed in the heat, the men of war were scorched
Beneath their mail. Thou hadst said: “Earth is
burning,
Air is a net of rebel Áhriman's!”
The ramparts rose to heaven: none knew a way
To battle there. Tús said to Faríburz:—
“A man of mettle going into fight
With lasso, falchion, and artillery.
Will strive to wreck his foes, but to this castle
Is no approach, at least we know it not.
Our loins are scorching underneath our mail,
The bodies of our beasts of burden burn.
Have no anxiety within thy heart:
Thou hast not ta'en, and none can take, this hold.”
They went about the castle seven days,
And found no entrance, then turned back again
Despairing; their long journey proved in vain.