SELECTIONS IN ENGLISH POETRY
Cross underneath the Indian Caucasus,
That vast sky-neighbouring mountain of milk snow;
Crossing so high, that, as they mount, they pass
Long flocks of tra\elling birds dead on the snow.
Choked by the air, and scarce can they themselves 165
Slake their parch'd throats with sugar'd mulberries—
In single file they move, and stop their breath,
For fear they should dislodge the overhanging snows—
So the pale Persians held their breath with fear.
And to Ferood his brother chiefs came up *7°
To counsel; Gudurz and Zoarrah came.
And Feraburz, who ruled the Persian host
Second, and was the uncle of the King;
These came and counselTd, and then Gudurz said: —
"Ferood, shame bids us take their challenge up, J75
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 pitch'd his tents apart.
Him will I seek, and carry to his ear iSo
That 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! 185
Let Sohrab arm, and we will find a man."
He spake: and Peran-Wisa turn'd, and strode
Back through the opening squadrons to his tent.
But through the anxious Persians Gudurz ran,
And cross'd the camp which lay behind, and reach'd, IQO
Out on the sands beyond it, Rustumfs tents.
Of scarlet cloth they were, and glittering gay,
Just pitch'd; the high pavilion in the midst
Was Rustum's, and his men lay camp'd around.
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