Zál humbly kissed the earth before the king,
And from the hands of Minúchihr received
A golden mace and helm. Then those who knew
The stars and planetary signs, were told
To calculate the stripling's destiny;
And all proclaimed him of exalted fortune,
That he would be prodigious in his might,
Outshining every warrior of the age.

Delighted with this information, Minúchihr, seated upon his throne, with
Kárun on one side and Sám on the other, presented Zál with Arabian
horses, and armor, and gold, and splendid garments, and appointed Sám to
the government of Kábul, Zábul, and Ind. Zál accompanied his father on
his return; and when they arrived at Zábulistán, the most renowned
instructors in every art and science were collected together to
cultivate and enrich his young mind.

In the meantime Sám was commanded by the king to invade and subdue the
Demon provinces of Karugsár and Mázinderán;[6] and Zál was in
consequence left by his father in charge of Zábulistán. The young
nursling of the Símúrgh is said to have performed the duties of
sovereignty with admirable wisdom and discretion, during the absence of
his father. He did not pass his time in idle exercises, but with zealous
delight in the society of accomplished and learned men, for the purpose
of becoming familiar with every species of knowledge and acquirement.
The city of Zábul, however, as a constant residence, did not entirely
satisfy him, and he wished to see more of the world; he therefore
visited several other places, and proceeded as far as Kábul, where he
pitched his tents, and remained for some time.