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"From Nauder certainly thou are descended, Not from a stranger, not from foreign loins; But though thy ancestor was wise and mighty Art thou of equal merit? No, not thou! Regarding Khosráu, thou hast neither shown Reason nor sense but most surprising folly!" To this contemptuous speech, Tús thus replied: "Ungenerous warrior! wherefore thus employ Such scornful words to me? Who art thou, pray!
Khosráu then proposed to give him assistance; but Gíw said he wanted no assistance, not even from Rustem; "for," he added, "in art and strength we are equal, having frequently tried our skill together." Rustem had given his daughter in marriage to Gíw, he himself being married to Gíw's sister. "Be of good cheer," resumed he, "get upon some high place, and witness the battle between us.
Upon this occasion, Khosráu insisted on acting his part, instead of being left ignominiously idle; but Gíw was still resolute and determined to preserve him from all risk, at the peril of his own life.
Khosráu accordingly deputed Tús and Gúdarz with a large army, and the two hostile powers were soon placed in opposition to each other. It is said that they were engaged seven days and nights, and that on the eighth Húmán came forward, and challenged several warriors to fight singly, all of whom he successively slew.
Gíw rejoiced at this, and both repaired without delay to the royal residence, where Khosráu gratified the champion with the most cordial welcome, placing him on a throne before him. The king asked him what force he would require, and he replied that he did not require any army; he preferred going in disguise as a merchant.
When Afrásiyáb was informed of the result of this battle, he sent presents and honorary dresses to his officers, saying, "We must not be contented with this triumph; you have yet to obscure the martial glory of Rustem and Khosráu." Pírán replied, "No doubt that object will be accomplished with equal facility."
Every blow was without effect; and "Heaven only knows," added he, "what may be the result of to-morrow's conflict." On the other hand Rustem showed his lacerated arm to Khosráu, and said: "I have escaped from him; but who else is there now to meet him, and finish the struggle? Ferámurz, my son, cannot fulfil my promise with Barzú, as he, alas! is fighting in Hindústán.
"For is he not the son of Kai-káús, And worthy of the regal crown and throne? I want not any of the race of Poshang None of the proud Túránian dynasty Fruitless has been thy peril, Gíw, to bring A silly child among us, to defraud The rightful prince of his inheritance!" Gíw, in reply, vindicated the character and attainments of Khosráu, but Tús was not to be appeased.
Káús replied: "The father has no choice among his children, He loves them all alike his only care Is to prevent disunion; to preserve Brotherly kindness and respect among them." After a pause, he requested the attendance of Fríburz and Khosráu, and told them that there was a demon-fortress in the vicinity of his dominions called Bahmen, from which fire was continually issuing.
Last night a mysterious voice whispered in my ear: The time of thy departure is nigh, prepare the load for thy journey, and neglect not thy warning angel, or the opportunity will be lost." When Zál and Rustem saw that Khosráu was resolved, and solemnly occupied in his devotions, they were for some time silent.
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