worked effectually on the mind of Tus, and he at once
entered into the notion of escorting her to Kai-khosrau. But he was
immediately supplied with charmed viands and goblets of rich wine, which
he had not the power to resist, till his senses forsook him, and then
Pilsam appeared, and, binding him with cords, conveyed him safely and
secretly into the interior of the fort. In a short time Gudarz arrived,
and he too was received and treated in the same manner. Then Giw and
Byzun were seized and secured; and after them came Zal: but
notwithstanding the enticements that were used, and the attractions that
presented themselves, he would neither enter the enchanted apartment,
nor taste the enchanted food or wine.

The bewitching cup was filled to the brim,
But the magic draught had no charms for him.

A person whispered in his ear that the woman had already wickedly got
into her power several warriors, and he felt assured that they were his
own friends. To be revenged for this treachery he rushed forward, and
would have seized hold of the sorceress, but she fled into the fort and
fastened the gate. He instantly sent a messenger to Rustem, explaining
the perplexity in which he was involved, and exerting all his strength,
broke down the gate that had just been closed against him as soon as the
passage was opened, out rushed Pilsam, who with his mace commenced a
furious battle with Zal, in which he nearly overpowered him, when
Feramurz reached the spot, and telling the venerable old warrior to
stand aside, took his place, and fought with Pilsam without intermission
all day, and till they were parted by the darkness of night.

Early in the morning Rustem, accompanied by Barzu, arrived from Sistan,
and entering the fort, called aloud for Pilsam. He also sent Feramurz to
Kai-khosrau to inform him of what had occurred. Pilsam at length issued
forth, and attacked the champion. They first fought with bows and
arrows, with javelins next, and then successively with maces, and
swords, and daggers. The contest lasted the whole day; and when at night
they parted, neither had gained the victory. The next morning immense
clouds of dust were seen, and they were found to be occasioned by
Afrasiyab and his army marching to the spot. Rustem appointed Barzu to
proceed with his Zabul troops against him, whilst he himself encountered
Pilsam. The strife between the two was dreadful. Rustem struck him
several times furiously upon the head, and