pted. The Simurgh, hearing the lamentations of Sam
among his people, knew that he had come in quest of his son, and thus
said to Zal:--"I have fed and protected thee like a kind nurse, and I
have given thee the name of Dustan, like a father. Sam, the warrior, has
just come upon the mountain in search of his child, and I must restore
thee to him, and we must part." Zal wept when he heard of this
unexpected separation, and in strong terms expressed his gratitude to
his benefactor; for the Wonderful Bird had not omitted to teach him the
language of the country, and to cultivate his understanding, removed as
they were to such a distance from the haunts of mankind. The Simurgh
soothed him by assuring him that he was not going to abandon him to
misfortune, but to increase his prosperity; and, as a striking proof of
affection, gave him a feather from his own wing, with these
instructions:--"Whenever thou art involved in difficulty or danger, put
this feather on the fire, and I will instantly appear to thee to ensure
thy safety. Never cease to remember me.

"I have watched thee with fondness by day and by night,
And supplied all thy wants with a father's delight;
O forget not thy nurse--still be faithful to me--
And my heart will be ever devoted to thee."

Zal immediately replied in a strain of gratitude and admiration; and
then the Simurgh conveyed him to Sam, and said to him: "Receive thy
son--he is of wonderful promise, and will be worthy of the throne and
the diadem."

The soul of Sam rejoiced to hear
Applause so sweet to a parent's ear;
And blessed them both in thought and word,
The lovely boy, and the Wondrous Bird.

He also declared to Zal that he was ashamed of the crime of which he had
been guilty, and that he would endeavor to obliterate the recollection
of the past by treating him in future with the utmost respect and honor.

When Minuchihr heard from Zabul of these things, and of Sam's return, he
was exceedingly pleased, and ordered his son, Nauder, with a splendid
istakbal,[5] to meet the father and son on their approach to the city.
They were surrounded by warriors and great men, and Sam embraced the
first moment to introduce Zal to the king.

Zal humbly kissed the earth before the king,
And from the hands of Minuchihr received
A golden mace and helm. Then those who knew
The stars and planetary signs, were told
To calculate the stripling's destiny;
And all proclaimed him of exa