بخش 15

The tidings of Zariir’s death reached Esfandiyar: the spear-bearing prince had fallen, and Goshtasp was wasting away with grief, seeking his revenge. A call went out that whoever would face the enemy and avenge Zariir would receive the king’s daughter, Homay, with God as witness to the pledge. Esfandiyar, the renowned, struck his hands together and lamented the evil of the times: I have always feared such a day, each time I saw him in the fray. Alas for that rider, that great one, whose fate tore the crown from his brow; he was like a stubborn black elephant, the one who could uproot an iron mountain. Esfandiyar entrusted the standard, the command, and his post to his brother and himself advanced; he took Zariir’s place in the center and stood in the ranks like a fierce lion. He girded his loins and grasped the auspicious banner. His five brothers—knowing the path, of royal blood, peers of the king—stood before him; and he, whose creed was to shatter armies, spoke to the freeborn and the lords: Hear my word and turn to the faith of the Lord of the world; fear not death nor any thing, for none dies before his appointed time; if fate seeks to kill a man, what is better than dying in battle? Know this altogether: today is the day when the infidel shows himself against the pure faith. Do not look back; seek no cries for help, and do not count your heads; let not the sight of flight enter your hearts, nor the fear of grappling; cast the spearheads into combat, strive for a while, and show your manhood. Even as Esfandiyar spoke, his father’s shout came from the mountains: These nobles and champions are my body and soul; fear not spear, mace, or blade, for there is no escape from the allotment of the Almighty. By God’s faith, O Esfandiyar, by the soul of Zariir, that battle rider—who now descends to paradise—I have written to Lohrasp and accepted the counsel of that aged king: if good fortune lends a hand, when I return from this battlefield I shall give crown and throne to Esfandiyar; I shall order the army forward and set the royal diadem upon his head, as my father gave kingship to me, so shall I give kingship to him.