The Sháh asked Rustam: “When wilt thou depart
For this campaign? Demand whate'er thou wilt—
Troops, treasure, and companions for the journey.

Malevolent Afrásiyáb, I fear me,
Will not long spare Bízhan. The king is headstrong,
And the injurious Dív, who taught him magic,
Anon will turn his heart aside and prompt him
To slay our swordsman.”

Rustam thus replied:—

“I will achieve this enterprise by stealth,
For only craft will loosen such a coil.
We must not give occasion for alarm,
But set off in the guise of merchantmen,
And tarry for a while within Túrán.
This is a case for drawing in the rein,
And not a time for maces, swords, and spear-points.
I shall require much silver, gold, and gems;
We start in hope but we shall stay in fear.
I shall need garments too and carpetings
For giving presents and as merchandise.”
On hearing Rustam's words Khusrau commanded
His treasurer to bring him whatsoever
His minister directed from the hoards
Laid up of yore. The royal treasurer
Undid the purses and bestrewed the throne
With jewels and dínárs. Came matchless Rustam,
Inspected all, and chose whate'er was needed.
He took ten camel-burdens of dínárs,
Five score of other ware; he next commanded
The chamberlain: “Choose out a thousand horse.
Some of the proud and noble lion-men
Must also gird themselves—Gurgín and Zanga,
The son of Sháwarán, next Gustaham,
The Falchion of the brave, and fourth Guráza,
The sentinel of warriors, throne, and crown,

To lead the host, Ruhhám, Farhád, two men
Of valour, and Ashkash that lion-hero.
These seven warriors must make them ready
To overlook the escort and the goods.”
These, every one in his allotted part,
Vied in their preparations for the start.