Joy not in this world or the next.’
The brothers of my murdered boy,
Who could a father’s hopes destroy,
An equal punishment will reap,
And lasting vengeance o’er them sweep.
They rooted up my favourite tree,
But yet a branch remains to me.
Now the young lion comes apace,
The glory of his glorious race;
He comes apace, to punish guilt,
Where brother’s blood was basely spilt;
And blood alone for blood must pay;
Hence with your gold, depart, away!”
When the messenger heard these reproaches, mingled with poison, he immediately took leave, and trembling with fear, returned to Sílim and Túr with the utmost speed. He described to them in strong and alarming terms the appearance and character of Minúchihr, and his warriors; of that noble youth who with frowning eyebrows was only anxious for battle. He then communicated to them in what manner he had been received, and repeated the denunciations of Feridún, at which the brothers were exceedingly grieved and disappointed. But Sílim said to Túr:
He marshals his array. It follows not,
That he should be a hero bold and valiant,
Because he is descended from the brave;
But it becomes us well to try our power,—
For speed, in war, is better than delay.”
In this spirit the two brothers rapidly collected from both their kingdoms a large army, and proceeded towards Irán. On hearing of their progress, Feridún said: “This is well—they come of themselves. The forest game surrenders itself voluntarily at the foot of the sportsman.” Then he commanded his army to wait quietly till they arrived; for skill and patience, he observed, will draw the lion’s head into your toils.
As soon as the enemy had approached within a short distance, Minúchihr solicited Feridún to commence the engagement and the king having summoned his chief warriors before him, appointed them all, one by one, to their proper places.
