English
Section 25: After the Battle
When the shining sun lifted its head above the mountain, the crown of white day rose up.
The scattered troops gathered together, and each began to tell his story.
How many of the Iranians had been killed, and how the commander's fortune had turned against him.
The Turks had gained the upper hand in this fight; now the army has no time to linger.
We must go to the king without delay, and see what turn the times will take.
If the king's heart is not set on war, then neither you nor I have any cause to press on.
The son was left fatherless, the father sonless; some were slain, and the living were sick at heart.
If the king commands war, he will raise a renowned army.
We will come with hearts full of vengeance and battle, and make this world too narrow for the enemy.
With this resolve they turned back from that border, every heart full of blood, every soul burning.
Brother grieving over a brother's blood, their tongues full of memories of their kin.
They set off all together toward Kaseh Rud, their spirits saluting the dead they left behind.
The scouts came out ahead of the army, but saw no one in that place.
They quickly sent word to Piran that the land was emptied of Iranians.
When Piran heard this at once, he sent spies out in every direction.
When the retreat of the great men was confirmed, the commander washed the sorrow from his soul.
At dawn he came out with his army and circled around that battlefield.
The mountain and plain, the lowlands and meadows, were covered with pavilions and tents like a garden.
He distributed the spoils and took his own share, marveling at the ways of the world.
That one day brings rise, another day decline; sometimes it makes you glad, sometimes it strikes you with dread.
Better then to spend our days with a wine cup, and pass each day as it comes.
With this news he dispatched a swift camel to Afrasiab at the hour of sleep.
The commander rejoiced at that news, freed from grief and heartache.
All his soldiers, their spirits brightened, prepared to welcome the hero in state.
They hung up garments of finery and showered coins over his head.
When he drew near the king's city, the commander came out with his army to receive him.
He praised him greatly and said: among the heroes you have no equal.
For two weeks from Afrasiab's palace rose the sound of harp and lute.
In the third week Piran decided to return home in gladness.
Afrasiab prepared a robe of honor so lavish that counting it would take too long.
Gold coins and royal jewels, golden belts studded with gems,
Arabian horses with golden saddles, Indian swords in golden sheaths,
a splendid throne of ivory and teak, a cradle of turquoise and a crown of ruby,
Chinese servants and Byzantine slaves, two turquoise cups full of musk and amber.
He sent these gifts to Piran, and after that gave him much advice as well:
Stay with the wise counselors and be watchful; guard the army against the enemy.
Choose clever, discerning scouts and send them everywhere across the world.
For Kaykhosrow today has wealth and power, and has adorned the world with justice and generosity.
Lineage, greatness, throne, and crown: once dust settles over them, ask for nothing more.
Do not feel safe just because the enemy has withdrawn; keep asking for fresh news, hour by hour.
Where Rostam is the champion, if you sleep at ease your soul will writhe in regret.
Piran accepted all his advice, for Afrasiab was his lord and his kinsman.
The commander Piran and that whole company set out toward the road to Khotan.
This tale of Forud has come to its end; now the battle of Kamus must be sung.