When Rustam drew near Samangán the king
And nobles heard: “The Crown-bestower cometh
Afoot for Rakhsh escaped him in the chace.”
The king's chief nobles, who wore crowns themselves,
Went forth to welcome Rustam, and all said:—
“Can this be Rustam or the rising sun?”
The monarch went to him afoot attended,
And asked: “Who dared to meet thee in the fight?
We of this city are thy friends and servants,
We and our goods are both at thy disposal,
The heads and lives most dear to us are thine.”
Then Rustam, seeing that the words were honest,
Replied: “In yonder meads my Rakhsh while ranging
Without a rein or halter strayed from me,
And I have traced him from the river-side

To Samangán. If thou recoverest him
My thanks are thine besides the recompense
Of one that doth aright; should he be lost
I will behead no few among thy chiefs.”
The king made answer: “O exalted man!
None will presume to thwart thee. Come and be
My guest and be not wroth; all will be well.
Let us refresh our hearts with wine to-night
And keep them free from care, for wrath and passion
Advantage not while gentleness will draw
The snake out of its hole, and Rustam's Rakhsh—
A steed so known—will not continue hidden.
We will seek out thy Rakhsh and bring him quickly,
Thou doughty veteran!”

Rustam heard with joy,

And easy in his mind agreed to pay
A visit to the king who, greatly pleased,
Bestowed him in the palace and stood slave-like
Before him, then invited from the city
And army chiefs to entertain with Rustam,
And bade the cooks to spread the board. The guests
And minstrels strove to banish Rustam's gloom,
While black-eyed, rose-cheeked Idols of Taráz
Gave wine and feast and music greater charm.
At length bemused and drowsy Rustam went
To where the king had furnished for his guest
Musk and rose-water, and a place of rest.