§ 29 How Faríburz asked a Truce of Pírán

So Faríburz, since he was paladin
As well as prince, assumed the casque and bade
Ruhhám display his name and native worth
By going from the mountain to Pírán
To treat with him: “Go to Pírán,” he said,
“Convey to him a friendly embassage,
And say: ‘The process of the turning sky
Hath been fraught ever thus with hate and love:
It lifteth one to heaven on high, another
It maketh vile, sad, and calamitous,
Him specially that seeketh warriors' hurt.
Now night-attacks are not the wont of heroes
And mighty men that brandish massive maces.
If thou wilt cease from arms we too will cease;
If thou preferrest war then we will fight,

V. 848
But let there be a one month's armistice
In order that the wounded may recruit.’”
The brave Ruhhám went out from Faríburz,
And took with him the message and the letter.
He went his way, the Turkman outposts saw him,
And asked him who he was and whence he came.
Ruhhám replied: “A warrior am I,
A man of prowess, weight, and watchfulness—
The bearer of a message to Pírán
From Faríburz the son of Sháh Káús.”
A horseman of the outpost went like dust
To tell the tidings, and thus spake: “Ruhhám,
Son of Gúdarz, hath come to see the chief.”
Pírán commanded him to be brought in,
And treated with all honour and respect.
The eloquent Ruhhám approached in dread
Of what the foe might purpose, but Pírán,
On seeing him, received him graciously,
And placed him on the throne. Ruhhám then told
His business, and Pírán said: “'Tis no trifle;
Ye stirred up strife; we marked no sloth in Tús;
He crossed the border like a savage wolf,
And slaughtered great and small remorselessly.
What multitudes he slew or carried off!
Our country's weal and woe were one to him.
Still now, although they took us unaware,
The Íránians are repaid for their ill deeds;
So if thou art the captain of the host
Demand of me according as thou needest.
If thou wilt have a month of armistice
None of our horsemen shall go forth to fight.
If thou wilt fight I too am fain for war;
Prepare and set the battle in array.
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If ye will use the month that we accord
In marching from the frontiers of Túrán,
And in a swift retreat to your own borders,
Ye will behold your reputation saved;
But if not we will close with you in fight;
Ask not for any armistice henceforth.”
He gave a robe of honour to Ruhhám,
One suited to a man of his repute,
And brave Ruhhám conveyed to Faríburz
A letter like the one that he had brought.
When Faríburz had gained a month's delay
He clutched in all directions like a lion.
They loosed the fastenings of the money-bags,
They gathered bows and lassos from all sides;
They went about, reorganised the host,
And partially regained what had been lost.