When Aghirith came from Amol to Ray

And heard the news of those events that day

He asked, what is this that you have gathered

That you mixed with the bitter juice of the rue?

I commanded you, O brother, to be strong

For this is no time for reason, but a call to action.

Knowledge does not bring the head of a warrior

One should not bring shame into battle with no glory.

A warrior’s head should never yield to reason

For it is never right for anger to mix with wisdom.

This was the reply given to Afrasiab

That a little shame and water are needed to stop the flood.

Whenever the evil comes into reach

Fear God and do not harm anyone with your speech.

For many will see a crown and a waist like yours

But will not easily bow before just anyone.

One is filled with fire, the other with wisdom

How can wisdom ever mix with the head of a demon?

The general became enraged like a drunken elephant

And in response, he drew his sword with a sharp zest.

He split the brother’s head in two

A heartless, reckless and cruel man, he grew.

When the deeds of the famed Aghirith reached the ear

The news reached Zal, the rider, with great fear.

He said, now his fate has turned cold

His throne will be darkened and destroyed in the fold.

He blew the brass horn and rang the drum

He adorned the army, as bright as the rooster’s sun.

The general set his face toward Pars

His heart filled with rage and bitter scars.

From sea to sea, the men were fierce

Their faces, like the moon and sun, were veiled with fear.

When Afrasiab heard these words clear

He realized that Dastan, the warrior, had come near.

He brought his army to the plains of Khawar Ray

He set the battlefield and prepared for the fray.

The vanguard of night and day fought fierce

You would think that the world was narrow, they pierced.

Many combatants fell, their lives lost in vain

All the brave heroes, full of anger and pain.