The Words of Daqiqi

When word reached King Goshtasp that the lord of China, with all his army, had set out from his own land, sending his brave warrior Khashash ahead, and heard that he had marched with his troops to lay waste his fine kingdom, he told his commander: Tomorrow at dawn ready the war elephants and bring the army. He wrote to his frontier guardians: The Khaqan has abandoned the ways of noble men. Come, all of you, to my court, for my enemy has crossed the border. When the letter reached the noble men, saying the world-seeking foe had appeared, such an army came to the king's court that there was not room enough for grass on the ground. For the world-conquering king of the Kayanids the champions of the earth girded themselves for war. All the frontier guardians turned toward the king's court, obeying his command. Not much time had passed before the dust of thousands upon thousands of chosen men, had gathered before the king, that renowned and well-wishing ruler. He came to the camp and reviewed the army, selecting those fit and worthy for battle. The blessed king rejoiced at the sight, and his heart was dazzled by the countless host. The next day Goshtasp, with the priests, the nobles, the great ones, and the commanders, opened the treasury that Jamshid had filled and gave the troops two years' pay in coin. When he had distributed the pay and handed out armor, they sounded the trumpets and drums and loaded the baggage. He ordered the royal banner of the blessed king to be carried at the head of the army. He led his army toward battle with Arjasp, an army such as no one had ever seen. From the darkness and the dust raised by the marching host, no one could see the road in broad daylight. So loud were the neighing of horses and the shouting that the ear could not catch the beating of the drums. Countless banners were raised aloft, and the spears rose above the clouds. Like trees springing up over a mountainside, like a reed thicket in springtime. In this way King Goshtasp advanced, and the army moved on from land to land.