to complain of the insult offered him by the king of Kábul. Rustem received him with demonstrations of affection, and hearing his complaint, declared that he would immediately proceed to Kábul, depose the king for his insolence, and place Shughad himself on the throne of that country. In a short time they arrived at the city, and were met by the king, who, with naked feet and in humble guise, solicited forgiveness. Rustem was induced to pardon the offence, and was honored in return with great apparent respect, and with boundless hospitality. In the meantime, however, the pits were dug, and the work of destruction in progress, and Rustem was now invited to share the sports of the forest. The champion was highly gratified by the courtesy which the king displayed, and mounted Rakush, anticipating a day of excellent diversion. Shughad accompanied him, keeping on one side, whilst Rustem, suspecting nothing, rode boldly forward. Suddenly Rakush stopped, and though urged to advance, refused to move a step. At last the champion became angry, and struck the noble animal severely; the blows made him dart forward, and in a moment he unfortunately fell into one of the pits. It was a place, deep, dark, and perilous, All bristled o'er with swords, leaving no chance Of extrication without cruel wounds; And horse and rider sinking in the midst, Bore many a grievous stab and many a cut In limb and body, ghastly to the sight. Yet from that depth, at one prodigious spring, Rakush escaped with Rustem on his back; But what availed that effort? Down again Into another pit both fell together, And yet again they rose, again, again; Seven times down prostrate, seven times bruised and maimed, They struggled on, till mounting up the edge Of the seventh pit, all covered with deep wounds, Both lay exhausted. When the champion's brain Grew cool, and he had power to think, he knew Full well to whom he owed this treachery, And calling to Shughad, said: "Thou, my brother! Why hast thou done this wrong? Was it for thee, My father's son, by wicked plot and fraud To work this ruin, to destroy my life?" Shughad thus sternly answered: "'Tis for all The blood that thou hast shed, God has decreed This awful vengeance--now thy time is come!" Then spoke the king of Kábul, as if pity Had softened his false heart: "Alas! the day That thou shouldst perish, so ignobly too, And in my kingdom; what a wretched fate! But bring some medicine to relieve his wounds-- Quick, bring the matchless balm for Rustem's cure; He must not die, the champion must not die!" But Rustem scorned the offer, and in wrath, Thus spoke: "How many a mighty king has died, And left me still triumphant--still in power, Unconquerable; treacherous thou hast been, Inhuman, too, but Ferámurz, the brave, Will be revenged upon thee for this crime."