Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/104

66 A shiver runs through the deep corn for joy,—

So, when they heard what Peran-Wisa said,

A thrill through all the Tartar squadrons ran

Of pride and hope for Sohrab, whom they loved.

But as a troop of pedlers from Cabool

Cross underneath the Indian Caucasus,

That vast sky-neighboring mountain of milk snow;

Crossing so high, that, as they mount, they pass

Long flocks of travelling birds dead on the snow,

Choked by the air, and scarce can they themselves

Slake their parched throats with sugared mulberries;

In single file they move, and stop their breath,

For fear they should dislodge the o'erhanging snows,—

So the pale Persians held their breath with fear.

And to Ferood his brother chiefs came up

To counsel; Gudurz and Zoarrah came,

And Feraburz, who ruled the Persian host

Second, and was the uncle of the king;

These came and counselled, and then Gudurz said,—

"Ferood, shame bids us take their challenge up,

Yet champion have we none to match this youth.

He has the wild stag's foot, the lion's heart.

But Rustum came last night; aloof he sits

And sullen, and has pitched his tents apart.

Him will I seek, and carry to his ear

The Tartar challenge, and this young man's name;

Haply he will forget his wrath, and fight.

Stand forth the while, and take their challenge up."

So spake he; and Ferood stood forth and cried,—

"Old man, be it agreed as thou hast said!

Let Sohrab arm, and we will find a man."

He spake; and Peran-Wisa turned, and strode

Back through the opening squadrons to his tent.

But through the anxious Persians Gudurz ran,