Rostam donned his magnificent armor, slipping into the imperious Babr-e Bayan over his breastplate and fastening his heavy war helmet. Invoking the almighty name of Yazdan, he mounted Rakhsh, whose mighty strides shook the very foundations of the earth and darkened the horizon with dust. War horns blared from both hosts, darkening the skies with thunder. Kamus of Kashan aligned his fierce forces on the right flank backed by war elephants, the Indian commander arrayed the left, and the Khagan of China anchored the center. Opposing them, the Iranian commanders—Fariburz, Tus, and Goudarz—stood ready in steel.
Kamus rode forth like a maddened elephant, brandishing a bull-headed mace and roaring for a warrior to face him. The Iranian champions—even Tus, Rohham, and Giv—hesitated, knowing the devastating prowess of the Kashani warlord. Then, Alva'i of Zabulistan—Rostam's loyal spear-bearer who had learned the martial arts from the Titan himself—drew his blade and charged. Though Rostam warned him against overestimating his strength against such a formidable foe, Alva'i engaged Kamus. With ruthless efficiency, Kamus unhorsed Alva'i with a single spear thrust and trampled him beneath his steed's hooves until the earth ran red.
Anguished and enraged by the loss of his follower, Rostam loosed his sixty-coiled lasso and rushed into the fray like a ravenous lion. Kamus scoffed at the leather rope and swung his brilliant sword, striking the neck of Rakhsh, but the enchanted horse armor absorbed the blow unharmed. In an instant, Rostam cast the lasso around Kamus, dragging him from his saddle and slamming him hard to the earth. Bound tight like stone, Kamus was brought back to the Iranian lines. Rostam reminded his men of the fleeting nature of mortal pride before throwing Kamus to the ground, where the Iranian champions cut the fallen warlord to pieces, ending his reign.
#1
بپوشید رستم سلیح نبرد
✦
به آوردگه رفت با داروبرد
“Rostam put on his battle armor and advanced to the field ready for martial trial.”
#2
زره زیر بد جوشن اندر میان
✦
ازان پس بپوشید ببربیان
“Beneath was his mail, with cuirass in the middle, and over it he donned the Babr-e Bayan.”
#3
گرانمایه مغفر بسر بر نهاد
✦
همی کرد بدخواهش از مرگ یاد
“He set the glorious helmet upon his head, while reminding his foes of imminent death.”
#4
بنیروی یزدان میان را ببست
✦
نشست از بر رخش چون پیل مست
“Through God's divine power he girt his loins and mounted Rakhsh like an enraged elephant.”
#5
ز بالای او آسمان خیره گشت
✦
زمین از پی رخش او تیره گشت
“The sky marveled at his stature, and the ground grew dark under Rakhsh's hoofs.”
#6
برآمد ز هر دو سپه بوق و کوس
✦
زمین آهنین شد سپهر آبنوس
“From both armies raised the sound of horns and drums; the earth turned to iron, the sky to ebony.”
#7
جهان لرز لرزان شد و دشت و کوه
✦
زمین شد ز نعل ستوران ستوه
“The world trembled, plain and mountain alike; the earth grew weary under the hooves of chargers.”
#8
وزین روی کاموس بر میمنه
✦
پس پشت او ژنده پیل و بنه
“On this side stood Kamus upon the right wing, backed by massive war elephants and baggage.”
#9
ابر میسره لشکر آرای هند
✦
زره‌دار با تیغ و هندی پرند
“Upon the left stood the commander of India, armored and wielding an Indian steel blade.”
#10
بقلب اندرون جای خاقان چین
✦
شده آسمان تار و جنبان زمین
“In the center was the place of the Khagan of China; the sky grew dark and the earth shook.”
#11
وزین رو فریبرز بر میسره
✦
چو خورشید تابان ز برج بره
“And on the Iranian side, Fariburz held the left wing, shining like the sun in the constellation Aries.”
#12
سوی میمنه پور کشواد بود
✦
که کتفش همه زیر پولاد بود
“Upon the right wing was the son of Keshvad, whose shoulders were entirely clad in steel.”
#13
بقلب اندرون طوس نوذر بپای
✦
به پیش سپه کوس با کرنای
“In the center stood Tus, son of Nowzar, before the army with drum and trumpets.”
#14
همی دود آتش برآمد ز آب
✦
نبیند چنین رزم جنگی بخواب
“It was as if smoke of fire rose from the waters; no warrior had ever seen such a battle even in dreams.”
#15
برآمد ز هر سوی لشکر خروش
✦
همی پیل را زان بدرید گوش
“Shouts arose from every corner of the hosts, deafening the ears of war elephants.”
#16
نخستین که آمد میان دو صف
✦
ز خون جگر بر لب آورده کف
“The first who stepped between the two lines had foam of liver-blood upon his lips.”
#17
سپهبد سرافراز کاموس بود
✦
که با لشکر و پیل و با کوس بود
“It was the exalted commander Kamus, leading his army, elephants, and drums.”
#18
همی برخروشید چون پیل مست
✦
یکی گُرزهٔ گاو پیکر بدست
“He roared like a frantic elephant, holding a bull-headed mace in his grip.”
#19
که آن جنگجوی پیاده کجاست
✦
که از نامداران چنین رزم خواست
“He shouted: 'Where is that dismounted warrior who dared challenge renowned heroes to battle?'”
#20
کنون گر بیاید به آوردگاه
✦
تهی ماند از تیر او جایگاه
“'Now if he enters the field of fight, his seat will soon be left vacant by his arrows!'”
#21
ورا دیده بودند گردان نیو
✦
چو طوس سرافراز و رهام و گیو
“The brave champions had seen his terror—exalted heroes like Tus, Rohham, and Giv.”
#22
کسی را نیامد همی رزم رای
✦
ز گردان ایران تهی ماند جای
“None dared step forth to fight him; the place stood empty of Iranian champions.”
#23
که با او کسی را نبد تاو جنگ
✦
دلیران چو آهو و او چون پلنگ
“For none possessed the strength to combat him; the brave were like deer before his leopard-like rage.”
#24
یکی زابلی بود الوای نام
✦
سبک تیغ کین برکشید از نیام
“There was a warrior of Zabulistan named Alva'i, who swiftly drew his sword of vengeance.”
#25
کجا نیزهٔ رستم او داشتی
✦
پس پشت او هیچ نگذاشتی
“It was he who held Rostam's spear, and never fell behind his shadow in battle.”
#26
بسی رنج برده بکار عنان
✦
بیاموخته گُرز و تیر و سنان
“He had endured great toil in mastering the reins, and had learned the arts of mace, arrow, and lance.”
#27
برنج و بسختی جگر سوخته
✦
ز رستم هنرها بیاموخته
“Through hardship and suffering he had honed his spirits, acquiring arts directly from Rostam.”
#28
بدو گفت رستم که بیدار باش
✦
بآورد این ترک هشیار باش
“Rostam said to him: 'Be vigilant! Be cautious in engaging this wise Turk warrior.'”
#29
مشو غرق ز آب هنرهای خویش
✦
نگه‌دار بر جایگه پای خویش
“'Do not drown in pride of your own skills; hold firm to your ground and posture.'”
#30
چو قطره بر ژرف دریا بری
✦
بدیوانگی ماند این داوری
“'For a drop to challenge the deep sea is sheer folly and madness.'”
#31
شد الوای آهنگ کاموس کرد
✦
که جوید بآورد با او نبرد
“Yet Alva'i rode forth toward Kamus, seeking to engage him in direct single combat.”
#32
نهادند آوردگاهی بزرگ
✦
کشانی بیامد بکردار گرگ
“They set a great arena of battle, and the lord of Kashan approached like a fierce wolf.”
#33
بزد نیزه و برگرفتش ز زین
✦
بینداخت آسان بروی زمین
“He struck with his lance, lifted Alva'i from the saddle, and cast him easily to the ground.”
#34
عنان را گران کرد و او را بنعل
✦
همی کوفت تا خاک او کرد لعل
“He tightened his reins and crushed him with his horse's hooves, turning the dirt crimson with his blood.”
#35
تهمتن ز الوای شد دردمند
✦
ز فتراک بگشاد پیچان کمند
“Rostam grieved deeply for Alva'i, and unfastened his coiled lasso from the saddle-bow.”
#36
چو آهنگ جنگ سران داشتی
✦
کمندی و گُرزی گران داشتی
“Whenever he intended to fight great commanders, he carried both heavy mace and lasso.”
#37
بیامد بغرید چون پیل مست
✦
کمندی به بازو و گُرزی به دست
“He came roaring like a furious elephant, a lasso upon his arm and a heavy mace in hand.”
#38
بدو گفت کاموس چندین مدم
✦
بنیروی این رشتهٔ شصت خم
“Kamus said to him: 'Boast not so loudly of the strength of this sixty-ringed rope!'”
#39
چنین پاسخ آورد رستم که شیر
✦
چو نخچیر بیند بغرد دلیر
“Rostam replied: 'When a lion beholds his prey, he roars boldly and valiantly!'”
#40
نخستین برین کینه بستی کمر
✦
ز ایران بکشتی یکی نامور
“'First in this vengeance you girded your loins and slew a renowned hero of Iran.'”
#41
کنون رشته خوانی کمند مرا
✦
ببینی همی تنگ و بند مرا
“'Now you mock my lasso as a mere string; soon shall you feel its tight coils binding you!'”
#42
زمانه ترا از کشانی براند
✦
چو ایدر بدت خاک جایت نماند
“'Fate has driven you from Kashan; since your death is destined here, no place remains for you!'”
#43
برانگیخت کاموس اسپ نبرد
✦
هم آورد را دید با دارو برد
“Kamus spurred his battle steed, seeing his adversary prepared with mighty war gear.”
#44
بینداخت تیغ پرند آورش
✦
همی خواست از تن بریدن سرش
“He swung his bright steel sword, aiming to sever Rostam's head from his body.”
#45
سر تیغ بر گردن رخش خورد
✦
ببرید برگستوان نبرد
“The edge of the blade struck Rakhsh's neck, but severed only his battle armor.”
#46
تن رخش را زان نیامد گزند
✦
گو پیلتن حلقه کرد آن کمند
“Rakhsh's body suffered no harm from that blow, as the elephant-bodied hero looped his lasso.”
#47
بینداخت و افگندش اندر میان
✦
برانگیخت از جای پیل ژیان
“He cast the lasso and looped it around him, then stirred his furious elephant-steed into action.”
#48
بزین اندر آورد و کردش دوال
✦
عقابی شده رخش با پر و بال
“He pulled the lasso tight to his saddle-bow, while Rakhsh became like a winged eagle in flight.”
#49
سوار از دلیری بیفشارد ران
✦
گران شد رکیب و سبک شد عنان
“Out of bravery, the rider pressed his thighs; heavy grew the stirrups and swift sped the reins.”
#50
همی خواست کان خم خام کمند
✦
بنیرو ز هم بگسلاند ز بند
“He sought to break the untamed loop of the lasso by force and free himself from its bind.”
#51
شد از هوش کاموس و نگسست خام
✦
گو پیلتن رخش را کرد رام
“Kamus lost consciousness, yet the raw leather did not snap; the elephant-bodied hero reined in Rakhsh.”
#52
عنان را بیچید و او را ز زین
✦
نگون اندر آورد و زد بر زمین
“He turned his reins, pulled Kamus down from the saddle, and slammed him headlong onto the earth.”
#53
بیامد ببستش بخم کمند
✦
بدو گفت کاکنون شدی بی‌گزند
“He came forward, bound him tightly in the loop of the lasso, and mockingly said to him: 'Now you are safe from harm!'”
#54
ز تو تنبل و جادوی دور گشت
✦
روانت بر دیو مزدور گشت
“'Your trickery and sorcery have fled from you; your soul has become a mercenary to the demon!'”
#55
سرآمد بتو بر همه روز کین
✦
نبینی زمین کشانی و چین
“'Your days of battle have come to an end; never again shall you see the lands of Kushan and China!'”
#56
گمان تو آن بد که هنگام جنگ
✦
کسی چون تو نگرفت خنجر بچنگ
“'You thought that in the hour of battle, none could wield a dagger in hand like you.'”
#57
مبادا که کین آورد سرفراز
✦
که بس زود بیند نشیب و فراز
“'May no proud chief harbor vengeance, for all too soon he shall taste the turns of fortune.'”
#58
دو دست از پس پشت بستش چو سنگ
✦
بخم کمند اندر آورد چنگ
“He bound both Kamus's hands behind his back like stone, clutching firmly the loop of the lasso.”
#59
بیامد خرامان بایران سپاه
✦
بزیر کش اندر تن کینه‌خواه
“Proudly he rode toward the Iranian army, tucking the vengeful warrior beneath his arm.”
#60
بگردان چنین گفت کین رزمجوی
✦
ز بس زور و کین اندر آمد بروی
“He said to the warriors: 'This seeker of battle has fallen on his face through excess of pride and malice.'”
#61
چنین است رسم سرای فریب
✦
گهی در فراز و گهی در نشیب
“'Such is the way of this abode of deceit: at times exalted high, at times cast down low.'”
#62
بایران همی شد که ویران کند
✦
کنام پلنگان و شیران کند
“'He marched upon Iran to lay it waste, intending to make it a lair for leopards and lions.'”
#63
به زابلستان و به کابلستان
✦
نه ایوان بود نیز و نه گلستان
“'So that in Zabulistan and Kabulistan, no palace nor rose garden should remain.'”
#64
نیندازد از دست گوپال را
✦
مگر گم کند رستم زال را
“'He swore never to set down his mace until he had brought low Rostam, son of Zal!'”
#65
کفن شد کنون مغفر و جوشنش
✦
ز خاک افسر و گرد پیراهنش
“'Now his helmet and coat of mail have become his shroud; earth is his crown and dust his shirt.'”
#66
شما را بکشتن چگونست رای
✦
که شد کار کاموس جنگی ز پای
“'What is your counsel regarding his slaying, now that warlike Kamus has been brought down?'”
#67
بیفگند بر خاک پیش سران
✦
ز لشکر برفتند کنداوران
“He cast him onto the earth before the chiefs, and forth stepped the brave champions from the host.”
#68
تنش را بشمشیر کردند چاک
✦
بخون غرقه شد زیر او سنگ و خاک
“They hacked his body to pieces with their swords, till the stones and earth beneath him were soaked in blood.”
#69
بمردی نباید شد اندر گمان
✦
که بر تو درازست دست زمان
“Never be blinded by pride in your manhood, for the hand of Fate reaches far over you.”
#70
بپایان شد این رزم کاموس گرد
✦
همی شد که جان آورد جان ببرد
“Thus ended the battle of Kamus the champion; he who came to take life ended by yielding his own.”