"So much time has been spent in vain boasting, and extravagant self-praise," rejoined Isfendiyár, "that the day is nearly done, and I am hungry; let us therefore take some refreshment together." Rustem's appetite being equally keen, the board was spread, and every dish that was brought to him he emptied at once, as if at one swallow; then he threw aside the goblets, and called for the large flagon that he might drink his fill without stint. When he had finished several dishes and as many flagons of wine, he paused, and Isfendiyár and the assembled chiefs were astonished at the quantity he had devoured. He now prepared to depart, and the prince said to him, "Go and consult with thy father: if thou art contented to be bound, well; if not, thou wilt have cause to repent, for I will assuredly attend to the commands of Gushtásp."--"Do thou also consult with thy brethren and friends," replied Rustem, "whether thou wilt be our guest to-morrow, or not; if not, come to this place before sunrise, that we may decide our differences in battle." Isfendiyár said, "My most anxious desire, my wish to heaven, is to meet thee, for I shall have no difficulty in binding thee hand and foot. I would indeed willingly convey thee without fetters to my father, but if I did so, he would say that I was unable to put thee in bonds, and that would disgrace my name." Rustem observed that the immense number of men and demons he had contended against was as nothing in the balance of his mind compared with the painful subject of his present thoughts and fears. He was ready to engage, but afraid of meriting a bad name. "If in the battle thou art slain by me, Will not my cheek turn pale among the princes Of the Kaiánian race, having cut off A lovely branch of that illustrious tree? Will not reproaches hang upon my name When I am dead, and shall I not be cursed For perpetrating such a horrid deed? Thy father, too, is old, and near his end, And thou upon the eve of being crowned; And in thy heart thou knowest that I proffered, And proffer my allegiance and devotion, And would avoid the conflict. Sure, thy father Is practising some trick, some foul deception, To urge thee on to an untimely death, To rid himself of some unnatural fear, He stoops to an unnatural, treacherous act, For I have ever been the firm support Of crown and throne, and perfectly he knows No mortal ever conquered me in battle, None ever from my sword escaped his life."