English
Part 6: Sohrab and Hojir
Word reached Afrasiab that Sohrab had launched his ship upon the water, that he had risen to war.
The smell of milk is still on his breath, yet already his thoughts turn to sword and arrow.
He washes the earth clean with his blade, and now he seeks battle with Kavus himself.
A great army has gathered around him, and he takes no account of any single foe.
Why draw this tale out at length? His skill has proven greater than his noble birth.
When Afrasiab heard these words, they pleased him; he laughed and showed his joy.
From his army he chose the boldest chiefs, men who could wield the heavy mace.
Twelve thousand valiant warriors he entrusted to Human and Barman.
The commander told the champions of his host: this secret must be kept hidden.
When the two face each other in battle, Rostam will surely look for some way out.
The son must not come to know his father, nor bind his heart and soul in a father's love.
So that this aged, mighty champion may be slain at the hands of this young lion.
After that, deal with Sohrab: one night, close his eyes in sleep forever.
The two vigilant champions set out toward Sohrab, the bright of spirit.
Before them went the king's gift: ten horses and ten mules, saddled and loaded.
A throne of turquoise and a crown of ruby, a golden crown and a footstool of ivory.
And a letter, full of flattery and charm, written to that noble youth.
It said: if you seize the throne of Iran, the world will find rest from its judgments.
The road from this land to that is not far; Samangan, Iran, and Turan are as one.
I will send you all the troops you need; you sit upon the throne and wear the crown.
In all Turan there were surely none braver or better as commanders than Human and Barman.
See, I send them here at your command, to be your guests for a while.
If you seek war, they will make war, and press the world hard on your enemies.
Such a letter and the king's robes of honor they carried, with many mounted riders.
Along the road, news came to Sohrab of Human and Barman and the army.
He went out to meet his grandfather like the wind; he saw so many troops, and his heart grew glad.
When Human saw his shoulders and mane of hair, he was struck dumb with wonder at him.
Then he gave him the king's letter, with the gift, the horses, and the loaded mules.
When the world-seeker had read the king's letter, from that place he swiftly drove his army on.
No one could stand against him in battle, whether a lion came at him or a leopard.
There was a fortress they called the White Castle; on it rested the hopes of the Iranians.
Its guardian was Hojir, seasoned in war, a man of strength, courage, and command.
In those days Gostaham was still a boy, but even in his youth quick and gallant.
He had a sister too, a brave rider, sharp-minded, proud, and renowned.
When Sohrab drew near the fortress, the valiant Hojir caught sight of the army.
He mounted his swift steed like a whirlwind and rode from the castle out to the field of battle.
When the war-loving Sohrab saw him, he flared up in anger and drew his sword of vengeance.
Like a lion he charged out from the ranks and came boldly against Hojir.
He said to the battle-tested Hojir: you have come to fight alone, rashly and for nothing.
What sort of man are you, and what is your name and lineage, that your mother must weep for you?
Hojir answered him: enough. I need no comrade among the Turks.
I am Hojir, brave and a commander; right now I will tear your head from your body.
I will send it to the king of the world, and bury your corpse deep beneath the clay.
Sohrab laughed when this talk reached his ears, and sharply turned his face to fight.
They clashed lance against lance so hard that they could no longer tell each other apart.
Hojir struck a lance at his waist, but the point could not find its mark in him.
Sohrab the lion drew his point back, then struck the butt of his lance at the brave man's waist.
Like the wind he lifted him from the saddle; Hojir could remember nothing of himself.
He came down from his horse and sat upon him, meaning to cut his head from his body.
Hojir twisted and rolled to the right; grieved, he begged Sohrab for mercy.
Sohrab let go his grip and spared him, and when he was appeased, gave him much advice.
Then the warrior bound him in chains and sent him off to Human.
When those in the fortress learned about Hojir, that he was captured and led away a prisoner,
A great cry rose, the lament of men and women, that Hojir was lost from among their company.