I have heard that Zal, thy father, was of demon
extraction, and that Sam cast him into the desert because of his
disgusting and abominable appearance; that even the hungry Simurgh, on
the same account, forebore to feed upon him, but conveyed him to her
nest among her own young ones, who, pitying his wretched condition,
supplied him with part of the carrion they were accustomed to devour.
Naked and filthy, he is thus said to have subsisted on garbage, till Sam
was induced to commiserate his wretchedness, and take him to Sastan,
where, by the indulgence of his family and royal bounty, he was
instructed in human manners and human science." This was a reproach and
an insult too biting for Rustem to bear with any degree of patience, and
frowning with strong indignation, he said, "Thy father knows, and thy
grandfather well knew that Zal was the son of Sam, and Sam of Nariman,
and that Nariman was descended from Husheng. Thou and I, therefore, have
the same origin. Besides, on my mother's side, I am descended from
Zohak, so that by both parents I am of a race of princes. Knowest thou
not that the Iranian empire was for some time in my hands, and that I
refused to retain it, though urged by the nobles and the army to
exercise the functions of royalty? It was my sense of justice, and
attachment to the Kais and to thy family, which have enabled thee to
possess thy present dignity and command. It is through my fidelity and
zeal that thou art now in a situation to reproach me. Thou hast slain
one king, Arjasp, how many kings have I slain? Did I not conquer
Afrasiyab, the greatest and bravest king that ever ruled over Turan? And
did I not also subdue the king of Hamaveran, and the Khakan of Chin?
Kaus, thy own ancestor, I released from the demons of Mazinderan. I slew
the White Demon, and the tremendous giant, Akwan Diw. Can thy
insignificant exploits be compared with mine? Never!" Rustem's
vehemence, and the disdainful tone of his voice, exasperated still more
the feelings of Isfendiyar, who however recollected that he was under
his roof, otherwise he would have avenged himself instantly on the spot.
Restraining his anger, he then said softly to him, "Wherefore dost thou
raise thy voice so high? For though thy head be exalted to the skies,
thou wert, and still art, but a dependent on the Kais. And was thy
Heft-khan equal in terrible danger to mine? Was the capture of
Mazinderan equal in valorous exertion to the capture of the Brazen