Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/360

 the whole force of the enemy. The proposal being agreed to, he advanced with fearless impetuosity to the contest.

With loosened rein he rushed along the field, And through opposing numbers hewed his path, Then pierced the Kulub-gah, the centre-host, Where many a warrior brave, renowned in arms, Fell by his sword. Like sheep before a wolf The harassed Rúmís fled; for none had power To cope with his strong arm. His wondrous might Alone, subdued the legions right and left; And when, unwearied, he had fought his way To where great Kaísar stood, night came, and darkness, Shielding the trembling emperor of Rúm, Snatched the expected triumph from his hands.

Rishnawád was so filled with admiration at his splendid prowess, that he now offered him the most magnificent presents; but when they were exposed to his view, a suit of armor was the only thing he would accept.

The Rúmís were entirely disheartened by his valor, and they said: "We understood that the sovereign of Persia was only a woman, and that the conquest of the empire would be no difficult task; but this woman seems to be more fortunate than a warrior-king. Even her general remains inactive with the great body of his army; and a youth, with a small force, is sufficient to subdue the legions of Rúm; we had, therefore, better return to our own country." The principal warriors entertained the same sentiments, and suggested to Kaísar the necessity of retiring from the field; but the king opposed this measure, thinking it cowardly and disgraceful, and said:--

"To-morrow we renew the fight, To-morrow we shall try our might;  To-morrow, with the smiles of Heaven,  To us the victory will be given."

Accordingly on the following day the armies met again, and after a sanguinary struggle, the Persians were again triumphant. Kaísar now despaired of success, sent a messenger to Rishnawád, in which he acknowledged the aggressions he had committed, and offered to pay him whatever tribute he might require. Rishnawád readily settled the terms of the peace; and the emperor was permitted to return to his own dominions.

After this event Rishnawád sent to Húmaí inte