lted fortune,
That he would be prodigious in his might,
Outshining every warrior of the age.

Delighted with this information, Minuchihr, seated upon his throne, with
Karun on one side and Sam on the other, presented Zal with Arabian
horses, and armor, and gold, and splendid garments, and appointed Sam to
the government of Kabul, Zabul, and Ind. Zal accompanied his father on
his return; and when they arrived at Zabulistan, the most renowned
instructors in every art and science were collected together to
cultivate and enrich his young mind.

In the meantime Sam was commanded by the king to invade and subdue the
Demon provinces of Karugsar and Mazinderan;[6] and Zal was in
consequence left by his father in charge of Zabulistan. The young
nursling of the Simurgh is said to have performed the duties of
sovereignty with admirable wisdom and discretion, during the absence of
his father. He did not pass his time in idle exercises, but with zealous
delight in the society of accomplished and learned men, for the purpose
of becoming familiar with every species of knowledge and acquirement.
The city of Zabul, however, as a constant residence, did not entirely
satisfy him, and he wished to see more of the world; he therefore
visited several other places, and proceeded as far as Kabul, where he
pitched his tents, and remained for some time.

RUDABEH

The chief of Kabul was descended from the family of Zohak. He was named
Mihrab, and to secure the safety of his state, paid annual tribute to
Sam. Mihrab, on the arrival of Zal, went out of the city to see him, and
was hospitably entertained by the young hero, who soon discovered that
he had a daughter of wonderful attractions.

Her name Rudabeh; screened from public view,
Her countenance is brilliant as the sun;
From head to foot her lovely form is fair
As polished ivory. Like the spring, her cheek
Presents a radiant bloom,--in stature tall,
And o'er her silvery brightness, richly flow
Dark musky ringlets clustering to her feet.
She blushes like the rich pomegranate flower;
Her eyes are soft and sweet as the narcissus,
Her lashes from the raven's jetty plume
Have stolen their blackness, and her brows are bent
Like archer's bow. Ask ye to see the moon?
Look at her face. Seek ye for musky fragrance?
She is all sweetness. Her long fingers seem
Pencils of silver, and so beautiful
Her presence, that she breathes of Heaven and love.

Such