§ 16 How Zarásp was slain by Farúd

Then Tús said to Zarásp: “Let thy heart flame
As 'twere Ázargashasp, don horsement's armour,
And take good heed of thine own life and person.
Thou mayst perchance avenge this noble chief,
Or if not I myself will seek for vengeance.”
Zarásp departed and assumed his helm.
With vengeful heart and windy pate he went
Toward Mount Sapad, like some fierce, vengeful lion,

V. 811
And scaled the mountain, with uplifted head,
Loud shouts, fierce gestures, and impetuous heart.
Farúd, that raging Lion, told Tukhár:—
“Another challenger is on his way;
See now who this Íránian horseman is
That cometh galloping upon the mountain.”
Tukhár declared at once: “It is the son
Of Tús, by name Zarásp, who wheeleth not
His charger from an elephant of war.
His sister was the consort of Rívníz.
This atheling hath come for vengeance too!
As soon as he can see thine arm and casque
Let loose a poplar shaft that he may come
Down from his charger headlong to the dust.
Sure am I that the heart of Tús will be
As 'twere a leaf in winter at his death,
And that insensate chief will understand
That we are not here to be sport for him.”
When in the sight of all the Íránian host
Zarásp drew near upon the mountain-top,
The valorous Farúd urged on his charger,
Shot at Zarásp and pinned him through the mail
And loins against the saddle. His spirit flamed
Upon the point. He fell. His windfoot steed
Abandoned him and galloped back full speed.