to take refuge in a mountain fort, and requested a further reinforcement
to complete the victory, and make them all prisoners. Afrásiyáb in
consequence despatched three illustrious confederates from different
regions. There was Shinkul of Sugsar, the Khakán of Chín, whose crown
was the starry heavens, and Kámús of Kushán, a hero of high renown and
wondrous in every deed.

For when he frowned, the air grew freezing cold;
And when he smiled, the genial spring showered down
Roses and hyacinths, and all was brightness!

Pírán went first to pay a visit to Kámús, to whom he, almost trembling,
described the amazing strength and courage of Rustem: but Kámús was too
powerful to express alarm; on the contrary, he said:

"Is praise like this to Rustem due?
And what, if all thou say'st be true?
Are his large limbs of iron made?
Will they resist my trenchant blade?
His head may now his shoulders grace,
But will it long retain its place?
Let me but meet him in the fight,
And thou shalt see Kamus's might!"

Pírán's spirits rose at this bold speech, and encouraged by its effects,
he repaired to the Khakán of Chín, with whom he settled the necessary
arrangements for commencing battle on the following day. Early in the
morning the different armies under Kámús, the Khakán, and Pírán-wísah,
were drawn out, and Rustem was also prepared with the troops under his
command for the impending conflict. He saw that the force arrayed