created by
Hakim Abol-Ghasem Ferdowsi Toosi (940-1020)
World famous Persian (Iranian) poet
Chapter 2 Part 4:
Now Tur and Silim, when they saw that the Iranians were come out against them, set in order their
army. And when the day had torn asunder the folds of night, the two armies met in battle, and the
fight waged strong until the setting of the sun. And the earth was a sea of blood, and the feet of the
elephants were like to pillars of coral. And when the sun was sunk to his rest, Tur and Silim
consulted how they might seize upon Minuchihr by fraud, for they saw that his arm was strong and
his courage undaunted. So Tur set forth at the head of a small band to surprise him in his tents. But
Minuchihr was aware of his evil plans, and sprang upon him. And when Tur would have fled
Minuchihr followed after him and struck a lance into his back. And when he had killed him he cut his
head from his trunk, and the body did he give unto the wild beasts, but the head he sent to
Feridoun. And he wrote to him and sent him greeting, and told him all that was come about, and
how he should neither rest nor tarry until the death of Irij be avenged.
Now Silim, when he learned the fate of his brother, was sore afraid, and cast about him for an ally.
And there came unto him Kakoui, of the seed of Zohak. But Minuchihr wrestled with him for a
morning's space and overcame him also, though the Deev was strong and powerful in fight. Then
Silim was cast down yet more, and he sought to hide him by the sea-shore. But Minuchihr cut off his
path and overtook him, and with his own hand he slew him, and cut his head from his trunk. And he
raised the head upon his lance. And when the army of Silim saw this they fled into the hills, and
vanished like cattle whom the snow hath driven from their pasture. Then they took counsel and
chose out a man from among their midst, one that was prudent and gentle of speech. And they bade
him go before the Shah and say-
"Have mercy upon us, O Shah, for neither hate nor vengeance drove us forth
against thee, but only this, that we obeyed the wills of our lords. But we
ourselves are peaceful men, tillers of the earth and keepers of cattle, and we
pray thee that thou let us return in safety whence we are come. And we
acknowledge thee our Shah, and we pray thee make thy servants acquainted
with thy desires."
When Minuchihr had heard these words he spake and said-
"My desire is not after these men, neither is my longing after blood but mercy.
Let every man lay down his arms and go his ways, and let peace be in the land,
and joy wait upon your feet."
