The March and the Word to Rostam

At dawn, when the rooster crowed, from the palace gate the war drum's roar rose up. Like an elephant he set his foot in the stirrup and swept the army off like the wind. They marched on until two roads met before him, and elephant and army came to a halt. One road led to the fortress of Gonbadan, the other bent a little toward Zabol. The camel that walked ahead lay down to sleep; you would think it had wedded itself to the dust. The driver struck its head with his staff, and at that moment the caravan stopped moving. The world-seeking prince took this as an omen, and ordered its head and neck cut off, so that the evil would turn back upon it, and nothing remain but the divine glory. The battle-hungry men cut off its head, and at that moment its ill fate returned to it. Esfandiar was grieved over that camel, and just then he made light of the sinister star. He said: whoever comes out victorious, the crown of his fortune becomes a light to the world. Both good and ill come from God alone; a man's lips should stay smiling. From there he came toward the Helmand, still fearful of the harm that might come. By custom they pitched the royal tent, and the great men of the army chose their places. He quickly raised a canopy and set up a throne, and the fortunate hero mounted that throne. He called for wine and summoned the musicians, and showered gold and jewels upon them. He gladdened his own heart with music, and filled the hearts of noble men with memories. From the aged wine the faces of the famous and the warring king bloomed like a rose. He said to his companions: I did not defy the king's command, nor did I stray from the path. He told me: set to work on Rostam, and do not rest at all from putting him in chains and shame. I set out to do it for my father's sake; now this chosen old warrior, he has borne great toil in the place of chiefs, and set the world right with his heavy mace. All the people of Iran are alive because of him, whether they be kings or servants. We need a sharp-witted envoy, eloquent, wise, and quick to remember. A rider of splendor and grace, one whom Rostam cannot deceive. If it happens that he comes to us and brightens our darkened mind, and graciously offers his hands for my binding, and by wisdom lets me spare him from harm, I want nothing for him but kindness, if he keeps himself far from stubborn temper. Peshotan said to him: this is the right way; hold to this, and show respect for good men.