The trumpet's clang, on fragrant breezes borne, Now loud salutes the fifth revolving morn; The softer tones which charm'd the jocund feast, And all the noise of revelry, had ceased, The generous horse, with rich embroidery deckt, Whose gilded trappings sparkling light reflect, Bears with majestic port the Champion brave, And high in air the victor-banners wave. Prompt at the martial call, Zúára leads His veteran troops from Zábul's verdant meads.[21] Ere Rustem had approached his journey's end, Tús, Gúdarz, Gushwád, met their champion-friend With customary honours; pleased to bring The shield of Persia to the anxious King. But foaming wrath the senseless monarch swayed; His friendship scorned, his mandate disobeyed, Beneath dark brows o'er-shadowing deep, his eye Red gleaming shone, like lightning through the sky And when the warriors met his sullen view, Frowning revenge, still more enraged he grew:-- Loud to the Envoy thus he fiercely cried:-- "Since Rustem has my royal power defied, Had I a sword, this instant should his head Roll on the ground; but let him now be led Hence, and impaled alive."[22] Astounded Gíw Shrunk from such treatment of a knight so true; But this resistance added to the flame, And both were branded with revolt and shame; Both were condemned, and Tús, the stern decree Received, to break them on the felon-tree. Could daring insult, thus deliberate given, Escape the rage of one to frenzy driven? No, from his side the nerveless Chief was flung, Bent to the ground. Away the Champion sprung; Mounted his foaming horse, and looking round-- His boiling wrath thus rapid utterance found:-- "Ungrateful King, thy tyrant acts disgrace The sacred throne, and more, the human race; Midst clashing swords thy recreant life I saved, And am I now by Tús contemptuous braved?[23] On me shall Tús, shall Káús dare to frown? On me, the bulwark of the regal crown? Wherefore should fear in Rustem's breast have birth, Káús, to me, a worthless clod of earth! Go, and thyself Sohráb's invasion stay, Go, seize the plunderers growling o'er their prey! Wherefore to others give the base command? Go, break him on the tree with thine own hand. Know, thou hast roused a warrior, great and free, Who never bends to tyrant Kings like thee! Was not this untired arm triumphant seen, In Misser, Rúm, Mázinderán, and Chín! And must I shrink at thy imperious nod! Slave to no Prince, I only bow to God. Whatever wrath from thee, proud King! may fall, For thee I fought, and I deserve it all. The regal sceptre might have graced my hand, I kept the laws, and scorned supreme command. When Kai-kobád and Alberz mountain strayed, I drew him thence, and gave a warrior's aid; Placed on his brows the long-contested crown, Worn by his sires, by sacred right his own; Strong in the cause, my conquering arms prevailed,