The Shahnama of Firdausi by Arthur George Warner Edmond Warner

Author:Arthur George Warner, Edmond Warner [Arthur George Warner, Edmond Warner]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780415865890
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2013-07-09T00:00:00+00:00

§ 8

How Tabák helped Ardshír, fought with Bahman, and conquered him

C. 1376 There was a noble hight Tabák, possessed

Of arms, of soldiery, and prudent counsels,

The ruler of the city of Jahram,

A veteran sage and one whose word was law.

He had seven noble sons, and at the news

About Ardshír went from Jahrám to him,

With tymbals and a host, prepared for battle,

Abandoning Bahman. When he beheld

Ardshír he lighted as the custom was,

Kan to him, kissed his feet, and spake at large

Of the Sásánians. The atheling

Showed him much favour, setting store upon

That speedy coming, yet suspected somewhat,

And dreaded that old man and watched him well

Upon the march because his force was great.

The veteran was shrewd, knew what Ardshír

Thought, and came with the Zandavasta, saying :—

“ May God cut off Tabák’s all worthless life

If in my heart be aught but honesty.

As soon as I heard news of Sháh Ardshír,

How he had reached the water with his host,

I loathed king Ardawán as young men loathe

An agéd spouse. Know that I am thy slave

To love and prosper thee, to serve thee well,

And keep thy secrets.”

Thereupon Ardshír

Began to estimate him differently,

And treat him like a sire, appointing him

Chief of the men of name, ceased to suspect,

Went to the temples of Kharrád and Rám,

And prayed to God to guide him to all good,

To give him all success and make his tree

Of majesty bear fruit, then sought his tent

Where both the counsellors and muster-master

Appeared before him, and he numbered all

The host, both horse and foot, and ascertained

Who were the leaders and the warriors,

Became acquaint with each, inquired his name,

And was rejoiced at such a mighty host.

C. 1377 He gave his soldiers pay, accoutred them,

Called on the just Bestower of all good

And, when the host was like a fierce pard, went

To fight Bahman, the son of Ardawán.

The armies met, the heroes sought the fray,

The troops drew up, lance, sword, and dart in hand.

Whenas the Azure was unveiled the host

Led by Tabák advanced, like warrior-lions

Closed with the foe, and poured blood streamlike. Thus

Dust filled the air, and men the earth, till sunset.

Arose a blast with pitchy clouds of dust,

And from the army’s centre came Ardshír.

Whereat Bahman, the son of Ardawán,

Fled pierced with arrows and his soul all gloom,

While Sháh Ardshír was instant in pursuit,

With blaring trumpets and with arrow-rain,

Until they reached the city of Istakhr,

Seat of the fame and glory of Bahman.

The Sháh’s fame filled the world, and countless troops

Flocked to him. He was shown the many hoards

Of treasure that Pápak had toiled to gather.

Ardshír gave them in largess. When at length

He marched from Párs it was with growing strength.

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