known to them. Trembling with indignation he drew his dagger, and would
have instantly rushed to Rúdábeh's chamber to destroy her, had not
Síndokht fallen at his feet and restrained him. He insisted, however, on
her being brought before him; and upon his promise not to do her any
harm, Síndokht complied. Rúdábeh disdained to take off her ornaments to
appear as an offender and a supplicant, but, proud of her choice, went
into her father's presence, gayly adorned with jewels, and in splendid
apparel. Mihráb received her with surprise.

"Why all this glittering finery? Is the devil
United to an angel? When a snake
Is met with in Arabia, it is killed!"

But Rúdábeh answered not a word, and was permitted to retire with her
mother.

When Minúchihr was apprised of the proceedings between Zál and Rúdábeh,
he was deeply concerned, anticipating nothing but confusion and ruin to
Persia from the united influence of Zál and Mihráb. Feridún had purified
the world from the abominations of Zohák, and as Mihráb was a descendant
of that merciless tyrant, he feared that some attempt would be made to
resume the enormities of former times; Sám was therefore required to
give his advice on the occasion.

The conqueror of Karugsár and Mázinderán was received on his return with
cordial rejoicings, and he charmed the king with the story of his
triumphant success. The monarch against whom he had fought was
descended, on the mother's side, from Zohák, and his Demon army was more
numerous than ants, or clouds of locusts, covering mountain and plain.
Sám thus proceeded in his description of the conflict.