sed to oppose the progress of Afrasiyab, immediately assembled
his army. Mihrab, the ruler of Kabul, was appointed to one wing, and
Gustahem to the other--the centre was given to Karun and Kishwad, and
Rustem was placed in front, Zal with Kai-kobad remaining in the rear.
The glorious standard of Kavah streamed upon the breeze.

On the other side, Afrasiyab prepared for battle, assisted by his heroes
Akbas, Wisah, Shimasas, and Gersiwaz; and so great was the clamor and
confusion which proceeded from both armies, that earth and sky seemed
blended together.[8] The clattering of hoofs, the shrill roar of
trumpets, the rattle of brazen drums, and the vivid glittering of spear
and shield, produced indescribable tumult and splendor.

Karun was the first in action, and he brought many a hero to the ground.
He singled out Shimasas; and after a desperate struggle, laid him
breathless on the field. Rustem, stimulated by these exploits, requested
his father, Zal, to point out Afrasiyab, that he might encounter him;
but Zal endeavored to dissuade him from so hopeless an effort, saying,

"My son, be wise, and peril not thyself;
Black is his banner, and his cuirass black--
His limbs are cased in iron--on his head
He wears an iron helm--and high before him
Floats the black ensign; equal in his might
To ten strong men, he never in one place
Remains, but everywhere displays his power.
The crocodile has in the rolling stream
No safety; and a mountain, formed of steel,
Even at the mention of Afrasiyab,
Melts into water. Then, beware of him."
Rustem replied:--"Be not alarmed for me--
My heart, my arm, my dagger, are my castle,
And Heaven befriends me--let him but appear,
Dragon or Demon, and the field is mine."

Then Rustem valiantly urged Rakush towards the Turanian army, and called
out aloud. As soon as Afrasiyab beheld him, he inquired who he could be,
and he was told, "This is Rustem, the son of Zal. Seest thou not in his
hand the battle-axe of Sam? The youth has come in search of renown."
When the combatants closed, they struggled for some time together, and
at length Rustem seized the girdle-belt of his antagonist, and threw him
from his saddle. He wished to drag the captive as a trophy to Kai-kobad,
that his first great victory might be remembered, but unfortunately the
belt gave way, and Afrasiyab fell on the ground. Immediately the fallen
chief was surrounded and rescued by his own warriors, but