When night came, Isfendiyár opened the lids of the chests, and let out the hundred and sixty warriors, whom he supplied with swords and spears, and armor, and also the hundred who were disguised as camel-drivers and servants. With this bold band he sped, Whither Arjásp had fled; And all who fought around, To keep untouched that sacred ground; (Resistance weak and vain,) By him were quickly slain. The sisters of Isfendiyár now arrived, and pointed out to him the chamber of Arjásp, to which place he immediately repaired, and roused up the king, who was almost insensible with the fumes of wine. Arjásp, however, sprang upon his feet, And grappled stoutly with Isfendiyár, And desperate was the conflict: head and loins Alternately received deep gaping wounds From sword and dagger. Wearied out at length, Arjásp shrunk back, when with one mighty blow, Isfendiyár, exulting in his power, Cleft him asunder. Two of the wives, two daughters, and one sister of Arjásp fell immediately into the hands of the conqueror, who delivered them into the custody of his son, to be conveyed home. He then quitted the palace, and turning his steps towards the gates of the fortress, slew a great number of the enemy. Kahram, in the meantime, had been fiercely engaged with Bashútan, and was extremely reduced. At the very moment too of his discomfiture, he heard the watchmen call out aloud that Arjásp had been slain by Kherád. Confounded and alarmed by these tidings, he approached the fort, where he heard the confirmation of his misfortune from every mouth, and also that the garrison had been put to the sword. Leading on the remainder of his troops he now came in contact with Isfendiyár and his two hundred and sixty warriors, and a sharp engagement ensued; but the coming up of Bashútan's force on his rear, placed him in such a predicament on every side, that defeat and destruction were almost inevitable. In short, Kahram was left with only a few of his soldiers near him, when Isfendiyár, observing his situation, challenged him to personal combat, and the challenge was accepted. So closely did the eager warriors close, They seemed together joined, and but one man. At last Isfendiyár seized Kahram's girth, And flung him to the ground, and bound his hands; And as a leaf is severed from its stalk, So he the head cleft from its quivering trunk; Thus one blow wins, and takes away a throne, In battle heads are trodden under hoofs, Crowns under heads. After the death of Kahram, Isfendiyár issued a proclamation, offering full pardon to all who would unite under his banners. They had no king.