hree months he succeeded
in conquering, scattering ruin and desolation wherever he came.

Some of those who escaped from the field bent their steps towards
Zabulistan, by whom Rustem was informed of the misfortunes in which Kaus
was involved; it therefore became necessary that he should again
endeavor to effect the liberation of his sovereign; and accordingly,
after assembling his troops from different quarters, the first thing he
did was to despatch a messenger to Hamaveran, with a letter, demanding
the release of the prisoners; and in the event of a refusal, declaring
the king should suffer the same fate as the White Demon and the
magician-monarch of Mazinderan. Although this threat produced
considerable alarm in the breast of the king of Hamaveran, he arrogantly
replied, that if Rustem wished to be placed in the same situation as
Kaus, he was welcome to come as soon as he liked.

Upon hearing this defiance, Rustem left Zabulistan, and after an arduous
journey by land and water, arrived at the confines of Hamaveran. The
king of that country, roused by the noise and uproar, and bold aspect of
the invading army, drew up his own forces, and a battle ensued, but he
was unequal to stand his ground before the overwhelming courage of
Rustem. His troops fled in confusion, and then almost in despair he
anxiously solicited assistance from the chiefs of Berber and Misser,
which was immediately given. Thus three kings and their armies were
opposed to the power and resources of one man. Their formidable array
covered an immense space.

Each proud his strongest force to bring,
The eagle of valour flapped his wing.

But when the King of Hamaveran beheld the person of Rustem in all its
pride and strength, and commanding power, he paused with apprehension
and fear, and intrenched himself well behind his own troops. Rustem, on
the contrary, was full of confidence.

"What, though there be a hundred thousand men
Pitched against one, what use is there in numbers
When Heaven is on my side: with Heaven my friend,
The foe will soon be mingled with the dust."

Having ordered the trumpets to sound, he rushed on the enemy, mounted on
Rakush, and committed dreadful havoc among them.

It would be difficult to tell
How many heads, dissevered, fell,
Fighting his dreadful way;
On every side his falchion gleamed,
Hot blood in every quarter streamed
On that tremendous day.

The chief of Hamaveran and his legion