objected to it, not wishing that so valuable a hero should run the
hazard of discomfiture. At this Afrásiyáb was very indignant and
directed Bármán to follow the bent of his own inclinations.

"'Tis not for us to shrink from Persian foe,
Put on thy armour, and prepare thy bow."

Accordingly the challenge was given. Kárun looked round, and the only
person who answered the call was the aged Kobád, his brother. Kárun and
Kobád were both sons of Kavah, the blacksmith, and both leaders in the
Persian army. No persuasion could restrain Kobád from the unequal
conflict. He resisted all the entreaties of Kárun, who said to him--

"O, should thy hoary locks be stained with blood,
Thy legions will be overwhelmed with grief,
And, in despair, decline the coming battle."
But what was the reply of brave Kobád?
"Brother, this body, this frail tenement,
Belongs to death. No living man has ever
Gone up to Heaven--for all are doomed to die.--
Some by the sword, the dagger, or the spear,
And some, devoured by roaring beasts of prey;
Some peacefully upon their beds, and others
Snatched suddenly from life, endure the lot
Ordained by the Creator. If I perish,
Does not my brother live, my noble brother,
To bury me beneath a warrior's tomb,
And bless my memory?"

Saying this, he rushed forward, and the two warriors met in desperate