English
Section 20
When Rostam stepped out of the royal tent, he stood at the doorway for a while.
He said to the entrance hall: 'O house of hope, blessed was the day when Jamshid dwelt in you.'
You were auspicious in the reign of King Kavus, and just as fortunate in the days of good Kaykhosrow.
But now glory has shut its gate on you, since one unworthy sits upon your throne.
The hero Esfandiar heard these words and came on foot toward the famous champion.
He said to Rostam: 'You who wander in your thoughts, why have you turned so bitter at the royal tent?'
It would suit this land of Zabolestan if the wise gave it the name 'the land of complaints,'
for when a guest grows tired of his host, he slanders the keeper of the garden.
You called the royal pavilion cursed, though once it sheltered Jamshid at its side,
and in those days it was the curtain and the shade of King Kavus's court,
when he sought the path of God and wished to set the very stars aright.
The whole earth was in turmoil because of him, full of daggers, plunder, and the club.
Now your patron and support is Goshtasp, and beside him is a counselor like Jamasp,
with Zoroaster seated at one hand, who came from paradise bearing the Zend and Avesta.
At the other hand is Peshotan, a good man who has tasted much of the world's warmth and cold,
and before them the fortunate Esfandiar, through whom the turning of the age grew glad.
The hearts of good men came alive through him, and the wicked bowed in fear of his sword.
The champion rode out through the gate, and Esfandiar watched him from behind.
When he turned back, he said to Peshotan: 'Manliness and valor cannot be hidden.'
I have never seen such a horse and rider; I cannot guess how he will fare in battle.
He is like a great war-elephant on Mount Gang if he enters the fight in full armor.
If he fights in that armor, then that surely is the very way of manhood.
His splendor and grace rise above all others; I fear that tomorrow he will meet his fall.
My heart burns with love for his glory, yet I will not break from the Creator's command.
When tomorrow comes and he reaches the field, I will turn the bright day black upon him.
Peshotan said to him: 'Hear my words. I tell you, my brother, do not do this.'
I have told you, and I will say it again: I will not turn my heart away from what is right.
Do not harm anyone, for a free and noble man will not stoop to cause suffering or pain.
Sleep tonight, and early tomorrow morning go to his palace, without any army,
and there we will spend a happy day, answering with words whatever words they speak.
Everything he does in this world is good, among both the humble and the great.
He will not turn his head from your command; I see his heart true to his pledge with you.
Why do you speak to him with spite and anger? Wash the hatred from your heart and the rage from your eyes.
Esfandiar gave him an answer: 'A thorn has sprung up at the edge of the rose garden.'
He said: 'From a man of pure faith it hardly befits one to speak like this.'
If you are the vizier of Iran, the heart and ear and eye of the brave,
and you approve of such a path, then you scorn wisdom and offend the king.
Then all our toil and care have been for nothing, and the very faith of Zoroaster has become injustice,
the faith that says whoever defies the king's command will have his place in hell.
How long will you tell me to become a sinner, to renounce the words of Goshtasp?
You say this, but when would I ever act so as to abandon his judgment and command?
If you are afraid for my life, today I will break that fear of yours.
No one in this world has died before their time; the one who won a great name never truly dies.
Tomorrow you will see what I do on the field of war, facing that clawed leopard.
Peshotan said to him: 'O famous one, how long will you keep talking of battle?'
Until the moment you took up bow and arrow, even the devil had no such thoughts of you.
Now you have given the demon a path into your heart, and you will not hear the advice of this guide.
I see your heart blind and full of strife; now all that I have said is shattered to pieces.
How can I drive fear from my heart in this way, and cut myself off from these anxieties?
Two fighters, two lions, two brave men, how can I know whose back will be pressed to the ground?
The famous hero gave him no reply; his heart filled with pain and his head with wind.