"I do remember in my early youth, It was in Rúm, thou didst perform a feat Of gallant daring; for thou didst destroy A dragon and a wolf, but thou didst bear Thyself most proudly, thinking human arm Never before had done a deed so mighty; Yes, thou wert proud and vain, and seemed exalted Up to the Heavens; and for that noble act What did thy father do? The king for that Gave thee with joyous heart his crown and throne. Now mark the difference; think what I have done, What perils I sustained, and for thy sake! Thy foes I vanquished, clearing from thy mind The gnawing rust of trouble and affliction. Monsters I slew, reduced the Brazen Fortress, And laid Arjásp's whole empire at thy feet, And what was my reward? Neglect and scorn. Did I deserve this at a father's hands?" Gushtásp remained unmoved by this sharp rebuke, though he readily acknowledged its justice. "The crown shall be thine," said he, "but consider my position. Think, too, what services Zál and Rustem performed for Kai-khosráu, and shall I expect less from my own son, gifted as he is with a form of brass, and the most prodigious valor? Forbid it, Heaven! that any rumor of our difference should get abroad in the world, which would redound to the dishonor of both! Nearly half of Irán is in the possession of Rustem." "Give me the crown," said Isfendiyár, "and I will immediately proceed against the Zabúl champion." "I have given thee both the crown and the throne, take with thee my whole army, and all my treasure.--What wouldst thou have more? He who has conquered the terrific obstacles of the Heft-khan, and has slain Arjásp and subdued his entire kingdom, can have no cause to fear the prowess of Rustem, or any other chief." Isfendiyár replied that he had no fear of Rustem's prowess; he was now old, and therefore not equal to himself in strength; still he had no wish to oppose him:-- "For he has been the monitor and friend Of our Kaiánian ancestors; his care Enriched their minds, and taught them to be brave; And he was ever faithful to their cause. Besides," said he, "thou wert the honoured guest Of Rustem two long years; and at Sístán Enjoyed his hospitality and friendship, His festive, social board; and canst thou now, Forgetting that delightful intercourse, Become his bitterest foe?" Gushtásp replied:-- "Tis true he may have served my ancestors; But what is that to me? His spirit is proud, And he refused to yield me needful aid When danger pressed; that is enough, and thou Canst not divert me from my settled purpose. Therefore, if thy aim be still To rule, thy father's wish fulfil; Quickly trace the distant road; Quick invade the chiefs abode; Bind his feet, and bind his hands In a captive's galling bands; Bring him here, that all may know Thou hast quelled the mighty foe." But Isfendiyár was still reluctant, and implored him to relinquish his design.