Shangul came forth before the host and shouted.
“I vanquish heroes and I love the fray,
And I will see,” he said, “what battle-gear
Of manliness this man of Sigz possesseth.”
The voice reached Rustam, who looked forth, beheld
him,
And said: “Mine one petition to the Maker,
Both publicly and privily, hath been
That of this mighty host some alien
Might have the pluck to challenge me to fight.
I will not leave Shangul, the Khán of Chín,
Or any warrior of Túrán alive.”
He came and shouted: “Base-born miscreant!
Zál named me Rustam; wherefore call'st thou me
‘The man of Sigz?’ Know that the man of Sigz
Will be thy death, thy mail and helm thy shroud.”
This said, he grasped a life-destroying spear,
And urged his heavy mountain of a steed.
He charged like wind, loosed his heroic arm,
And thrusting with his spear unhorsed Shangul,
Stretched o'er plain, height, and river, and they all
Were smitten by one man!
Then to Kulbád
Pírán turned, saying: “This battlefield hath lost
Its charms, for he is irresistible;
There is no leader like him in the world.
No sage would credit that one cavalier
O'erthrew three hundred thousand warriors.
This feud hath brought ill on Afrásiyáb;
Where will he find repose and rest from Rustam?
Good sooth! we shall be blamed when he inquireth
Concerning this campaign, and then if he
Is wroth our heads will be in jeopardy.”