English
Part 14: The Meeting of Rostam and Esfandiar
He mounted Rakhsh like a maddened elephant, a bull-headed mace in his hand.
He came thundering up to the riverbank, and the army rushed to catch sight of him.
Every soldier who looked upon him felt his heart bind itself to him in love.
Everyone kept saying that this famous hero resembled no one but Sam the rider.
On that saddle-cantle of iron, Rakhsh himself seemed a very demon.
If a mighty war-elephant met him in battle, he would shake the dark dye from the beast's brow.
No one had ever seen such a man in the world, nor heard of his like among the famous men of old.
There is no sense in the king's head, that he should seek battle with this renowned man.
In this way, for the sake of crown and throne, he gives up to death a hero bright as the moon.
In old age he reaches more eagerly for treasure, and grows prouder of throne and diadem.
Rostam came from afar like a lion, and beneath him a bold dragon of a horse.
When he drew near to Esfandiar, the famous prince at once came out to meet him.
Rostam said to him: O warrior, fresh in ways, of new fashion, and fortunate young man,
your guest was not worth even a stroll to greet, so it was, and so your word has proven.
Take to heart every word I say: do not rise in reckless heat against an old man.
You think yourself great, and reckon yourself above these famous heroes.
You hold my manhood cheap, and count my judgment and knowledge as slight.
Know that in this world I am Rostam, the one who lights up the seed of Nariman.
The White Demon still gnaws his fingers in fear of me; I have crushed the hope of many a sorcerer.
The great men who saw me in battle, and saw my roaring Rakhsh, that raging lion of mine,
warriors like Kamus of the fight and the Khan of China, war-riders and men of vengeance,
these I plucked from their saddles with the curl of my lasso, and bound them head and foot.
I am the guardian of Iran and Turan; everywhere I am the backbone of the brave.
Do not think ill of this request of mine, and do not set yourself higher than the sky.
For the sake of your glory and majesty, I seek your goodwill and your friendship.
I do not want a king like you to have his days destroyed by my hand.
For I would call brave Sam the hero, the man from whom the fierce lion fled the forest.
Now I am his memorial left in the world, and the other is the hero-prince Esfandiar.
I have long been a champion of the world, and have heard tales of every kind.
I thank God that the years have passed and I have lived to see a fortunate king, my equal,
one who takes vengeance on the man of impure faith, so that a whole world calls down blessings on him.
You are the famous, gifted king, the very crown of battle in the fight.
Esfandiar laughed at Rostam and said: O son of Sam the rider,
you grew heavy-hearted that I did not come to greet you, but I sought no advantage or glory in this.
The day was so hot and the road so long; I did not mean to trouble you, so do not be harsh.
I kept saying: at early dawn I will make my way, with apology, toward what is just,
I will be gladdened by the sight of Dastan, and delight my soul for a while with you.
Now you have taken on this hardship, come out to the plain and left your home behind.
Sit at ease and lift a cup; speak no more of heat or sharp temper.
He set a place for him at his own left hand, arranging the gathering to honor Rostam.
The world-seasoned hero said: This is not my place; I will sit where my judgment tells me to sit.
The mighty-bodied one said: Prepare a seat at the right hand; that lower place is not fit for me.
He spoke to the prince in anger: Look at my custom, and open your eyes.
Behold my worth and this noble lineage of mine, for I am a warrior of the line of Sam.
A man must have merit, glory, and noble blood, a generous hand and a heart full of justice.
If you have no place worthy of me, I have victory, wisdom, and good judgment of my own.
After that the king's son gave the order to set a golden chair before the throne,
so that the famous champion, the great hero, might sit beside the young king.
He came and sat upon that golden chair, full of anger, a fragrant citron in his hand.