which was sent to Sám, who was then fighting in Mázinderán, and it made
the old champion almost delirious with joy. At Kábul and Zábul there was
nothing but feasting and rejoicing, as soon as the tidings were known,
and thousands of dínars were given away in charity to the poor. When
Rustem was five years of age, he ate as much as a man, and some say that
even in his third year he rode on horseback. In his eighth year he was
as powerful as any hero of the time.

In beauty of form and in vigour of limb,
No mortal was ever seen equal to him.

Both Sám and Mihráb, though far distant from the scene of felicity, were
equally anxious to proceed to Zábulistán to behold their wonderful
grandson. Both set off, but Mihráb arrived first with great pomp, and a
whole army for his suite, and went forth with Zál to meet Sám, and give
him an honorable welcome. The boy Rustem was mounted on an elephant,
wearing a splendid crown, and wanted to join them, but his father kindly
prevented him undergoing the inconvenience of alighting. Zál and Mihráb
dismounted as soon as Sám was seen at a distance, and performed the
ceremonies of an affectionate reception. Sám was indeed amazed when he
did see the boy, and showered blessings on his head.

Afterwards Sám placed Mihráb on his right hand, and Zál on his left, and
Rustem before him, and began to converse with his grandson, who thus
manifested to him his martial disposition.

"Thou art the champion of the world, and I
The branch of that fair tree of which thou art
The glorious root: to thee I am devoted,
But ease and leisure have no charms for me;