§ 23 How Faríburz reached Mount Hamáwan

Whenas the sun had pitched a camp-enclosure
Of gold brocade upon the azure realm
A loud cry from the look-out reached Gúdarz:—
“O captain of the host! the troops have come!
They are at hand! Their dust hath dimmed the day!”
Gúdarz sprang up, had his swift charger brought,
And rode toward that dark dust with anxious heart.
He came. When near to them he spied the flag

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Of Faríburz the chief, who led the van,
The well approven and the new Sháh's kinsman.*


Then old Gúdarz alighted as withal*


Did Faríburz the wise, the army's Lustre.
The twain embraced. Gúdarz wept tears of blood
Upon his breast. “Old chief,” said Faríburz,
“Still forced to fight! revenge for Siyáwush
Hath cost thee dear! Alas! those cavaliers
Gúdarzian! May much good news of them
Still reach thee, may the fortune of the foe
Be over-turned! Praise to the Lord of sun
And moon that I have seen thee safe and sound.”
Gúdarz wept blood for those that slept in dust.
“Observe,” he made reply, “how evil fortune
Is ever bringing evil on my head!
No son or grandson hath survived this strife,
No soldiers, flags, and kettledrums are left!
But I dismiss all thought of conflicts past;
Now is the time for fighting and emprise.
The troops on plain and dale have made earth like
A raven's wing, so many are they, and all
The host of Tús is as the one black hair
Upon a white bull by comparison!
The wastes and settlements of Chín, Sakláb,
Of Rúm and Hind, can have no creature left!
All must have girt themselves to fight with us!
But till thou tellest me where Rustam is
My back will not be straightened from its griefs.”
“He is behind me,” Faríburz replied,
“Intent on war. All through the night till dawn
He marcheth with all speed. Now where shall I
Encamp and whither lead this little band?”
Gúdarz made answer: “What did Rustam say?
His words should be reported.”

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Faríburz

Replied: “Illustrious one! the peerless Rustam
Bade us not fight. ‘Stay on the field,’ he said.
‘Ye must not show yourselves before the host,
But take your ease until my flag appeareth.’”
Then Faríburz, Gúdarz in company,
Marched toward Mount Hamáwan right speedily.