Their severed heads shall be my sport!

When Zál became convinced of the unalterable resolution of Kai-káús, he
ceased to oppose his views, and expressed his readiness to comply with
whatever commands he might receive for the safety of the state.

May all thy actions prosper--may'st thou never
Have cause to recollect my warning voice,
With sorrow or repentance. Heaven protect thee!

Zál then took leave of the king and his warrior friends, and returned to
Sístán, not without melancholy forebodings respecting the issue of the
war against Mázinderán.

As soon as morning dawned, the army was put in motion. The charge of the
empire, and the keys of the treasury and jewel-chamber were left in the
hands of Mílad, with injunctions, however, not to draw a sword against
any enemy that might spring up, without the consent and assistance of
Zál and Rustem. When the army had arrived within the limits of
Mázinderán, Kai-káús ordered Gíw to select two thousand of the bravest
men, the boldest wielders of the battle-axe, and proceed rapidly towards
the city. In his progress, according to the king's instructions, he
burnt and destroyed everything of value, mercilessly slaying man, woman,
and child. For the king said:

Kill all before thee, whether young or old,
And turn their day to night; thus free the world
From the magician's art.

Proceeding in his career of desolation and ruin, Gíw came near to the