ly
worked in silk, representing him upon a horse, and armed like a warrior,
which was sent to Sam, who was then fighting in Mazinderan, and it made
the old champion almost delirious with joy. At Kabul and Zabul there was
nothing but feasting and rejoicing, as soon as the tidings were known,
and thousands of dinars were given away in charity to the poor. When
Rustem was five years of age, he ate as much as a man, and some say that
even in his third year he rode on horseback. In his eighth year he was
as powerful as any hero of the time.

In beauty of form and in vigour of limb,
No mortal was ever seen equal to him.

Both Sam and Mihrab, though far distant from the scene of felicity, were
equally anxious to proceed to Zabulistan to behold their wonderful
grandson. Both set off, but Mihrab arrived first with great pomp, and a
whole army for his suite, and went forth with Zal to meet Sam, and give
him an honorable welcome. The boy Rustem was mounted on an elephant,
wearing a splendid crown, and wanted to join them, but his father kindly
prevented him undergoing the inconvenience of alighting. Zal and Mihrab
dismounted as soon as Sam was seen at a distance, and performed the
ceremonies of an affectionate reception. Sam was indeed amazed when he
did see the boy, and showered blessings on his head.

Afterwards Sam placed Mihrab on his right hand, and Zal on his left, and
Rustem before him, and began to converse with his grandson, who thus
manifested to him his martial disposition.

"Thou art the champion of the world, and I
The branch of that fair tree of which thou art
The glorious root: to thee I am devoted,
But ease and leisure have no charms for me;
Nor music, nor the songs of festive joy.
Mounted and armed, a helmet on my brow,
A javelin in my grasp, I long to meet
The foe, and cast his severed head before thee."

Then Sam made a royal feast, and every apartment in his palace was
richly decorated, and resounded with mirth and rejoicing. Mihrab was the
merriest, and drank the most, and in his cups saw nothing but himself,
so vain had he become from the countenance he had received. He kept
saying:--

"Now I feel no alarm about Sam or Zal-zer,
Nor the splendour and power of the great Minuchihr;
Whilst aided by Rustem, his sword, and his mace,
Not a cloud of misfortune can shadow my face.
All the laws of Zohak I will quickly restore,
And the world shall be fragrant and blest as befor