Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/114

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FIRDUSI

Zál having taken great pains in the instruction of Rustem in warlike exercises, and the rules of battle, found infinite aptitude in the boy, and his activity and skill seemed to be superior to his own. He thanked God for the comfort it gave him, and was glad. Then Rustem asked his father for a suitable mace; and seeing the huge weapon which was borne by the great Sám, he took it up, and it answered his purpose exactly.

When the young hero saw the mace of SámHe smiled with pleasure, and his heart rejoiced;And paying homage to his father Zál,The champion of the age, asked for a steedOf corresponding power, that he might useThat famous club with added force and vigor.

Zál showed him all the horses in his possession, and Rustem tried many, but found not one of sufficient strength to suit him. At last his eyes fell upon a mare followed by a foal of great promise, beauty, and strength.

Seeing that foal, whose bright and glossy skinWas dappled o’er, like blossoms of the roseUpon a saffron lawn, Rustem preparedHis noose, and held it ready in his hand.

The groom recommended him to secure the foal, as it was the offspring of Abresh, born of a Díw, or Demon, and called Rakush. The dam had killed several persons who attempted to seize her young one.

Now Rustem flings the noose, and suddenlyRakush secures. Meanwhile the furious mareAttacks him, eager with her pointed teethTo crush his brain-but, stunned by his loud cry,She stops in wonder. Then with clenched handHe smites her on the head and neck, and downShe tumbles, struggling in the pangs of death.

Rakush, however, though with the noose round his neck, was not so easily subdued; but kept dragging and pulling Rustem, as if by a tether, and it was a considerable time before the animal could be reduced to to subjection. At last, Rustem thanked Heaven that he had obtained the very horse he wanted.

“Now am I with my horse prepared to joinThe field of warriors!” Thus the hero said,
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