Section 19

Then the warrior said to Gudarz: leave here at once, bright of soul, and carry a message from me to Kavus. Tell him what has come upon us. With a dagger I have torn open the liver of my brave son; may Rostam not linger long after him. If you hold any memory of what I have done, then trouble your heart a little with grief for me. Of that healing balm kept in your treasury, the one that makes the wounded whole again, it would be right if you sent some to me at once, along with a cup of wine. Perhaps, through your good fortune, he will recover, and remain a humble servant before your throne. The commander came swift as the wind and delivered the whole message to Kavus. Kavus said to him: from this gathering, if that giant of a man stays alive, Rostam's power will grow to back him, and he will surely bring about my ruin. If for a single moment harm comes to me from him, I will give him no reward but harm in return. How could this wide world hold him, with all that glory, that stature, that strength, that mighty frame? Did you hear him say: who is Kavus? If he is king, then who is Tus? When did he ever stand on his feet before my throne? When has he ever ridden beneath the royal shadow? When Gudarz heard this, he turned back at once and came to Rostam swift as rising smoke. He said to him: the king's evil temper is a tree that is forever heavy with poisoned fruit. You must go to him yourself and light up his darkened soul.