saddle to the ground.

He grasped the foe-man by the girth,
And thundering drove him to the earth;
By wound of spear, and gory brand,
He died upon the burning sand.

The siege was continued for some time with the view of weakening the
power of Sílim; at last Minúchihr sent a message to him, saying: "Let
the battle be decided between us. Quit the fort, and boldly meet me
here, that it may be seen to whom God gives the victory." Sílim could
not, without disgrace, refuse this challenge: he descended from the
fort, and met Minúchihr. A desperate conflict ensued, and he was slain
on the spot. Minúchihr's keen sword severed the royal head from the
body, and thus quickly ended the career of Sílim. After that, the whole
of the enemy's troops were defeated and put to flight in every
direction.

The leading warriors of the routed army now sought protection from
Minúchihr, who immediately complied with their solicitation, and by
their influence all the forces of Sílim and Túr united under him. To
each he gave rank according to his merits. After the victory, Minúchihr
hastened to pay his respects to Feridún, who received him with praises
and thanksgivings, and the customary honors. Returning from the battle,
Feridún met him on foot; and the moment Minúchihr beheld the venerable
monarch, he alighted and kissed the ground. They then, seated in the
palace together, congratulated themselves on the success of their arms.
In a short time after, the end of Feridún approached; when recommending
Minúchihr to the care of Sám and Narímán, he said: "My hour of departure
has arrived, and I place the prince under your protection." He then