[50] It has long been the custom in Persia for persons to recite animating verses, from the Shâh-Nâmeh, at the commencement of, and during a battle. The late king, Aga Mahomed, was particularly fond of this usage, and bestowed marks of his favour on such minstrels.
[51] Iran is the ancient name of Persia, as Turan is of Tartary.
[52] The celebrated Ky-Khoosroo of the Persians is the Cyrus of the Greeks.
[53] Roostem Keeneh-Kh'âh. The hero has this epithet as he was desirous of avenging the death of Siyâvesh, murdered by Afrâsiâb.
[54] Tartary.
[55] "Their swords are a thousand, their bosoms are one."—Lochiel's Warning.
[56] Kâoos was at this time King of Iran or Persia.
[57] The term in the original is "Azâdigân," which means men free or independent, that are not subject to the authority of others: heroes who went more with the cause than the leader.
[58] This famous standard was a blacksmith's apron set in jewels, and was long the imperial standard of Persia. Gâveh was a blacksmith; he overthrew the cruel tyrant Zohâk, and placed Feridoon on the throne of Persia. When collecting followers, he carried his apron as the standard of revolt against Zohâk. This apron remained the standard of the empire till taken by Saad-ben-wakâs, who commanded the Mahomedan army that conquered Persia.
[59] The brother of Peerân-Weeseh, the favourite vizier and counsellor of Afrâsiâb.