Bahman, when he had heard what Rustam said,
Departed with the holy archimages,
But Rustam—peerless chieftain—stayed awhile
Upon the road and, having called Zawára
And Farámarz, said thus: “Depart to Zál
And to the fair Moon of Zábulistán,*

And say to them: “One who ambitioneth
The world hath come—Asfandiyár. Set up
Within our halls a golden throne, and place
For him apparel such as monarchs wear,
As on the occasion with Sháh Kai Káús,*

But let the audience-hall be grander still.
Prepare ye somewhat too by way of food:
There must not be a lack of things to eat,

For the Sháh's son hath come to us, hath come
In a revengeful mood intent on war.
He is a famous warrior and brave prince,
And heedeth not a wilderness of lions.
I go to him, and if he will accept
Mine invitation there is hope for all.
If I shall find him well disposed toward me
I will present him with a crown of rubies,
And not withhold from him my treasures, jewels,
Bards, mace, and sword. If I return despondent,
Because I have not a white day with him,
Thou knowest that my twisted lasso bringeth
The heads of savage elephants to bonds.”
Zawára said to him: “Have no such thought:
Men do not seek to fight without a cause.
I know not any king in all the world
For rede and courage like Asfandiyár;
Ill deeds proceed not from a man of wisdom,
And he hath not received a wrong from us.”
Zawára went to Zál. For his part Rustam,
Bestirred himself and hurried to the Hírmund,
His head all dazed with fear of coming ill,
Drew rein and waited for Bahman to greet him.
Now when Bahman had reached the tent-enclosure,
And stood before the presence of his father,
The glorious Asfandiyár inquired:—
“What answer did the famous hero give thee?”
Bahman, on hearing, sat before his sire,
Narrated all his tidings point by point??
And, having given Rustam's greeting first,
Told all about the message and reply
Before his father, told what he had seen,
Or noted privily. “I never saw,”
He said, “in any company a man
Like elephantine Rustam. He possesseth
A lion's heart, the bulk of elephant,
And haleth from the Nile the crocodiles.
He now is on the bank of Hírmund,
Without his armour, helmet, mace, or lasso,
And fain would see the Sháh. I do not know
His purpose as to thee.”

Asfandiyár,

Wroth with Bahman, disgraced him in full court,
And said to him: “Men of exalted rank
Should not confide in women; furthermore
The employ of children in affairs of moment
As messengers is neither brave nor valiant.
Where ever hast thou looked on warriors,
Who hast heard not a charger's tramp? By making
An elephant of war of Rustam thou
Wilt break the spirit of our famous host.”
In private he spake much to Bishútan,
And said: “This noble Lion of the fight
Will act the youngster and, I will engage,
Hath not a wrinkle yet in spite of age!”