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And is it not a glorious thing to say This is the son of Zál, or this of Sám, The heir of his renowned progenitor? He then related to them the story of his love and affection for the daughter of Mihráb; but the Múbids, well knowing that the chief of Kábul was of the family of Zohák, the serpent-king, did not approve the union desired, which excited the indignation of Zál.
Zohák, therefore, stimulated to further cruelty by the prophecy, issued an order that every person belonging to the family of the Kais, wherever found, should be seized and fettered, and brought to him. Abtín had long avoided discovery, continuing to reside in the most retired and solitary places; but one day his usual circumspection forsook him, and he ventured beyond his limits.
Next day he brought delicious fare, and dressed In manner exquisite to please the eye, As well as taste; partridge and pheasant rich, A banquet for a prince. Zohák beheld Delighted the repast, and eagerly Relished its flavor; then in gratitude, And admiration of the matchless art Which thus had ministered to his appetite, He cried: "For this, whatever thou desirest, And I can give, is thine."
Iblís was glad, And, little anxious, had but one request One unimportant wish it was to kiss The monarch's naked shoulder a mere whim. And promptly did Zohák comply, for he Was unsuspicious still, and stripped himself, Ready to gratify that simple wish. Iblís then kissed the part with fiendish glee, And vanished in an instant. From the touch Sprang two black serpents!
Zohák was delighted with the dishes, made from every variety of bird and four-footed animal. Every day something new and rare was brought to his table, and every day Iblís increased in favor. But an egg was to him the most delicate of all! "What can there be superior to this?" said he. "To-morrow," replied Iblís, "thou shalt have something better, and of a far superior kind."
So fierce his bearing, that he seems to be A bold confederate of this Feridún." Zohák replied: "I know not what o'ercame me, But when I saw him with such vehemence Of grief and wild distraction, strike his forehead, Lamenting o'er his children, doomed to death, Amazement seized my heart, and chained my will. What may become of this, Heaven only knows, For none can pierce the veil of destiny."
The conqueror of Karugsár and Mázinderán was received on his return with cordial rejoicings, and he charmed the king with the story of his triumphant success. The monarch against whom he had fought was descended, on the mother's side, from Zohák, and his Demon army was more numerous than ants, or clouds of locusts, covering mountain and plain. Sám thus proceeded in his description of the conflict.
At this bold speech the monarch was dismayed, And scarcely knowing what he did, released The blacksmith's sons. How leapt the father's heart, How warmly he embraced his darling boys! But now Zohák directs that Kavah's name Shall be inscribed upon the register.
At this, Zohák Trembled with wrath the words were death to him; And sternly thus he spoke: "What hast thou fled Through fear, betraying thy important trust? No longer shalt thou share my confidence, No longer share my bounty and regard." To this the keeper tauntingly replied: "Thy kingdom is overthrown, and nothing now Remains for thee to give me; thou art lost."
The Múbids declared, with fear and trembling, "it was the apparition of Feridún himself, who is destined to smite thee on the head." "But why," rejoined Zohák, "does he wish to injure me?" "Because, his father's blood being spilt by thee, vengeance falls into his hands."
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