standard-bearer dead, and snatching up the Derafsh Gávahní, conveyed it
to Gúdarz, who, raising it on high, directed his troops against the
enemy; and so impetuous was the charge, that the carnage on both sides
was prodigious. Only eight of the sons of Gúdarz remained alive, seventy
of his kindred having been slain on that day, and many of the family of
Káús were also killed. Nor did the relations of Afrásiyáb and Pírán
suffer in a less degree, nine hundred of them, warriors and cavaliers,
were sent out of the world; yet victory remained with the Túránians.

When Afrásiyáb was informed of the result of this battle, he sent
presents and honorary dresses to his officers, saying, "We must not be
contented with this triumph; you have yet to obscure the martial glory
of Rustem and Khosráu." Pírán replied, "No doubt that object will be
accomplished with equal facility."

After the defeat of the Persian army, Fríburz retired under the cover of
night, and at length arrived at the court of Khosráu, who was afflicted
with the deepest sorrow, both on account of his loss in battle and the
death of his brother Ferúd. Rustem was now as usual applied to for the
purpose of consoling the king, and extricating the empire from its
present misfortunes. Khosráu was induced to liberate Tús from his
confinement, and requested Rustem to head the army against Pírán, but
Tús offered his services, and the champion observed, "He is fully
competent to oppose the arms of Pírán; but if Afrásiyáb takes the field,
I will myself instantly follow to the war." Khosráu accordingly deputed
Tús and Gúdarz with a large army, and the two hostile powers were soon
placed in opposition to each other. It is said that they were engaged
seven days and nights, and that on the eighth Húmán came forward, and
challenged several warriors to fight singly, all of whom he successively
slew. He then called upon Tús, but Gúdarz not permitting him to accept