The fourth day they prepared to go, 'twas time;
So Rustam bade to pack the loads and make
All ready for the journey to Írán,
While at his gate his noble horsemen gathered,
Dight for the road. He came forth, mounted Rakhsh,
Girt up his loins, put on a Rúman vest,
And hung his grandsire's mace beside the saddle,
Intent on feats of arms and strategy.
Rakhsh struck the sky above him, but the head
Of crown-bestowing Rustam topped the sun.
They took their loads up, leaving Farámarz
Within Zábul, and Rustam, Gív, and troops—
Picked Zábulís, a hundred thousand strong—
Set forth upon the march toward Írán:
All hurried on with vengeance in their hearts.
When Rustam reached Írán, and when the throne
Of Kai Khusrau was coming into sight,

A sweet breeze wafted to him in its love
And gaiety the welcome of the sky.
Then Gív drew near to Rustam saying thus:—
“'Tis fit that I go first and tell the Sháh
That matchless Rakhsh hath measured all the road.”
Said Rustam: “Go rejoicing, say to him:—
‘Be quit of thy distress.’”

When Gív approached

The royal presence with much praise and homage
The Sháh demanded: “Where was Rustam left?
How have ye sped?”

Gív answered: “Sháh renowned!

Thy fortune bringeth all things to success.
He disobeyed thee not, I found his heart
Devoted to thee. When I gave thy letter
He pressed it to his face and eyes, and hitched
His reins to mine as should a faithful liege.
I have pushed on that I might tell the Sháh
That matchless Rustam is upon the road.”
“But,” said Khusrau, “where is that Prop of chiefs,
That Seed of loyalty? We needs must honour
One both so good and faithful.”

Gív replied:—

“Two stages back; I came on first to tell thee.”
Then Kai Khusrau gave orders to the sages,
The royal princes, and the mighty men,
To go forth with the host to welcome Rustam,
Who came obedient to the Sháh's command.
They told Gúdarz son of Kishwád, Farhád,
And Tús—chief of the offspring of Naudar.
The more part of the warriors and nobles,
Mace-bearers and foe-slayers, then arose

And dight themselves to go and meet the guest,
According to the usance of Káús.
The world was azure-dim with horsemen's dust,
The standards fluttered, and the chargers neighed.
When they drew near to Rustam they dismounted
And did obeisance. That chief paladin,
Alighting, greeted all the veterans,
And asked about the Sháh and how things went
Beneath resplendent sun and shining moon;
Then swiftly as the bright Ázargashasp
The warriors and Rustam all remounted.
He came before that Sháh, who loved his lieges,
With measured tread and offered reverence,
For 'twas his duty to revere and love,
Then raised his head, gave praise, and said: “Be
thou
Associate with the throne throughout thy years,
Urmuzd himself be present in this court,
Bahman be guardian of thy throne and crown,
May good Ardíbihisht, Bahrám, and Tír
Watch over thee, and may Shahrír endow thee
With triumph, fame, Grace, majesty, and prowess.
Be thine own sentinel Sapandármad,
May wisdom be the life of thy bright soul;
May Dai and Farwardín bless thee, the door
Of ill be barred, and may Ázar make night
As bright as day to thee, thyself rejoice,
Thy crown illume the world, and may Ábán
Make all thine undertakings glorious;
Be turning heaven before thee as a slave,
And may Murdád protect thy flocks and herds
Be ever glad in person and in fortune,
May ancestor and issue smile on thee,
And may Khurdád spread joy o'er field and fell.”
When Rustam standing there had offered praise
The king of kings accorded him a seat
Upon the throne, and said: “Thou art well come;
Far be the hand of evil from thy life.
Thou art the paladin of this world's Kaians,
Who readest others but art read of none,
The Kaians' choice, the backbone of the host,
The warden of Írán, the army's refuge.
Thou hast rejoiced me by the sight of thee,
Who art so vigilant and worshipful!
Zawára, Farámarz, and Zál—are they
Hale, happy, and content?”

And Rustam answered,

Descending from the throne and kissing it:—
“O Sháh most honoured and of sleepless fortune!
Thereby all three are well and happy: blest
Indeed is he whom thou rememberest.”