بخش 14

When the sun turned yellow upon the mountain-tops, the day’s battle came to its close, and night, like an ebony curtain, veiled the world. At dawn the next day, the blare of horns and drums rose on every side, and the field ran with blood beneath the clash of blades. The Caesar moved swiftly on the right wing and set his two sons-in-law at the fore; on one flank his son led armored men, and on the other the Caesar himself, with elephants and kettledrums, arrayed his ranks. The two armies met as moon and sun entwined; Goshtasp stirred at the head of the line, urging his eager steed and showing the heart of a dragon. In council, Elyas said that the Caesar demands tribute of him, and with such a dragon at his gate he holds a thousand claims. Seeing Elyas, Goshtasp declared: this is no hour to hide one’s skill. The two horsemen spurred forward with lances and arrows, armor-piercing. Elyas loosed his shot to cast Goshtasp down; but Goshtasp struck his corselet with the lance and wounded his battle-hardened body. He hurled him from the saddle like a drunkard, seized his hand, dragged him through the ranks, and delivered him to the Caesar. Then he led the host like the wind against the enemy, taking many and striking down any who came within grasp. When the Romans rallied in chorus and Goshtasp withdrew from that place, the army charged the Caesar’s front victorious and high-headed. The Caesar, seeing him on the road, came out in joy to receive him—he kissed the champion’s head and eyes and gave thanks to the Creator. From there they returned delighted; the commander set the Kayanid crown upon his head, and all of Rome, with gifts and offerings, went gladly to honor the renowned hero.