Asfandiyár, on his return to camp,
Took counsel with the Sháh about Luhrásp,
And the revenge for Farshídward and all
Those men renowned upon the day of battle.
To him Gushtásp said: “Thou, O mighty man!
Rejoicest while thy sisters are in bondage.
Oh! happy they that died upon the field,
Not frantic with dishonour from the Turkmans!
When men behold me sitting on the throne
What will my subjects say? So long as life
Endureth I shall weep for this disgrace,
And burn within my brain. By most high God,
The Omnipotent, I pledge myself—if thou
Shalt go without disaster to Túrán,
Gushtásp invoked
A blessing on him, saying: “Now may wisdom
Be with thee ever, in thy going forth
May God protect thee, and the throne be thine
On thy return.”
He called the host together
From all parts where were warriors or archmages,
And from among them chose twelve thousand men,
All skilful cavaliers of high renown,
Distributing to them a donative
That well contented them. He furthermore
Bestowed upon Asfandiyár a throne,
And such a jewelled crown as monarchs use.
Then from the portal of the royal court
A shout rose: “Bring the princes' noble steeds.”
They bore the tent-enclosure to the plain,
They bore the eagle-standard, and the host
Marched out mid dust that gloomed the radiant sun.
From palace plainward went Asfandiyár,
And saw an army ready dight for war.