Bahman, or ever he had heard the words
Of that illustrious prince, went on his way.
He donned a robe of royal cloth of gold,
And placed the crown of greatness on his head,
Then set forth proudly from the camp-enclosure
With standard raised and fluttering behind him.
The atheling went over the Hírmund—
A noble youth upon a mighty steed.
Immediately the watchman sighted him,
And sent a cry toward Zábulistán:—
“A gallant, warlike cavalier hath come
Upon a sable steed with golden trappings.
Behind him are attendant cavaliers,
And he hath passed in safety o'er the stream.”
Zál mounted on his saddle instantly,
With lasso in the straps and mace in hand,
Then coming to the watch-tower saw Bahman,
And from his liver drew a deep, cold sigh.
He said: “This is a famous paladin
Of noble rank clad in a royal robe.
In sooth he is a kinsman of Luhrásp,
And may his advent prove our country's weal.”
Departing from the watch-tower he approached
The gate and paused distracted on his saddle.
It was not long before Bahman, whose head
Was higher than the turning sky, appeared
And, having no acquaintance yet with Zál,
Waved with his royal arm, and then approaching
Cried: “Noble thane! where is the son of Zál,
This people's lord, the backbone of our times,
For great Asfandiyár hath reached Zábul,
And pitched his tents upon the river-bank?”
Zál said to him: “O mine impetuous son!
Dismount, take wine, and rest, for Rustam now
Is coming from the chase with Farámarz,
Zawára, and their retinue. Come then
With these thy cavaliers as honoured guests,
And cheer thy heart with many a draught of wine.”
Bahman made answer thus: “Asfandiyár
Enjoined not minstrelsy and boon-companions.
Give me a guide to take me to the chase.”
Zál said: “What is thy name? Thou art in haste!
What is thy will? Methinketh that thou art
A scion of Gushtásp or Sháh Luhrásp.”
Bahman replied to him: “I am Bahman,
Son of the world-lord of the brazen body.”
Then noble Zál dismounted and did homage.
Bahman alighted smiling, and the twain
Exchanged their greetings. Earnestly Zál pleaded:—
‘Wait here, there is no colour for such haste.”
Bahman rejoined: “Not thus must we delay,
And slight the mission of Asfandiyár.”
Zál chose a warrior that knew the road,
And sent him with Bahman forth to the chase.
That veteran, hight Shírkhún, went first as guide,
Just pointed to the spot and homeward hied.