English
Section 19
Full of bitter hatred, the commander of Turan's army came roaring to the battlefield.
When he saw Gudarz, son of Keshvad, he spoke at length and heard replies.
He said to him: 'You wise and noble warrior, how long will you torment your soul in this suffering?
What good does it do the spirit of Siyavash if you send smoke rising over the city of Turan?
In that other world he chose a place among the good; he found his peace, but you will find none.
Two whole armies against each other, heads struck from bodies like fallen elephants.
The forces of both lands are wholly ruined; the time has come to set aside this feud.
The whole world has been emptied of men; over this hatred our battle has grown cold.
But if you still nurse such a grudge, then bring your army down from that mountainside.
Step out alone, away from your troops; perhaps this vengeance will finally be satisfied for you.
Just you and I, on this field of hatred, let us fight it out, and the vengeance-seekers do the same.
Whichever of us is favored by fortune will reach his aim and sit upon the throne.
If I fall by your hand, Turan's army will seek no more revenge.
They will come before you and obey your commands, and by oath they will pledge their lives as hostages.
And if you are killed by my hand, I will harm no one among your people.
I have no quarrel with your army; from me they need fear no grief.'
When Gudarz heard Piran's words, he saw his fortune turned upside down by the stars.
First he gave praise to the Creator, then he remembered the renowned king.
He said to Piran: 'You famous man, I have heard your words from first to last.
What benefit did Afrasiyab gain from Siyavash's blood? Do not turn your face from justice.
For he cut off Siyavash's head like a sheep's, his heart full of blood and his liver wounded with pain.
After that a cry rose up from Iran, with all this killing, plunder, war, and turmoil.
Siyavash surrendered on the strength of your oath, and you cast him needlessly to the wind.
After that, when my son came to you, you turned your head away from my counsel.
You rushed to make war and charged forward like fire.
My prayer to the world's Creator, both openly and in secret, was for this:
that one day you would come to face me in battle. Now you have come, and there is no room for delay.
So, Piran, now to the battlefield, let us face each other, one against one, with no armies.'