When Prince Bahram and Khosrow arrived upon the open plain, they beheld two fierce lions bound near the heart of the field, with the radiant crown of Iran set between them. Khosrow, observing the ravenous beasts and weighing his own advanced years against Bahram's youth and strength, addressed the high priests: 'The royal crown belongs to him who dares to seek it through valor. I am old and frail against the talons of these fierce lions, whereas Bahram is young, robust, and worthy to step forward first.'
Bahram accepted the challenge, raising his legendary bull-headed mace. The High Mobad warned him against risking his precious life merely for earthly sovereignty, but Bahram declared that he alone was the fit antagonist for such beasts. Seeing his unshakeable resolve, the Mobad instructed him to wash all sin from his heart and seek refuge in Almighty Yazdan. Bahram offered sincere repentance, purified his soul, and advanced with his mighty mace.
As he approached, one of the furious lions snapped its chains and charged. Bahram swung his ox-headed mace with immense force, crushing its skull and extinguishing the light from its eyes. The second lion bounded forward, only to meet the same violent end as Bahram brought down his weapon, spilling its blood upon the earth. Victory won, the Prince seated himself upon the ivory throne and placed the heart-delighting crown upon his head.
Khosrow stepped forward, bowed in homage, and acclaimed Bahram as the rightful King of Iran, offering the loyalty of himself and all the Iranian nobles. The magnates showered jewels upon the sovereign, praising the crown on the auspicious Day of Surosh in the month of Azar. The poet Ferdowsi then transitions into a vivid reflection on the harsh winter snows enveloping the land, seeking the favor of his patron Hossein Qoteyb before embarking upon the next marvelous cycle of Bahram's reign.