At that period there lived a man named Kavah, a blacksmith, remarkably strong and brave, and who had a large family. Upon the day on which it fell to the lot of two of his children to be killed to feed the serpents, he rose up with indignation in presence of the king, and said: "Thou art the king, but wherefore on my head Cast fire and ashes? If thou hast the form Of hissing dragon, why to me be cruel? Why give the brains of my beloved children As serpent-food, and talk of doing justice?" At this bold speech the monarch was dismayed, And scarcely knowing what he did, released The blacksmith's sons. How leapt the father's heart, How warmly he embraced his darling boys! But now Zohák directs that Kavah's name Shall be inscribed upon the register. Soon as the blacksmith sees it written there, Wrathful he turns towards the chiefs assembled, Exclaiming loud: "Are ye then men, or what, Leagued with a Demon!" All astonished heard, And saw him tear the hated register, And cast it under foot with rage and scorn. Kavah having thus reviled the king bitterly, and destroyed the register of blood, departed from the court, and took his children along with him. After he had gone away, the nobles said to the king: "Why should reproaches, sovereign of the world, Be thus permitted? Why the royal scroll Torn in thy presence, with a look and voice Of proud defiance, by the rebel blacksmith? So fierce his bearing, that he seems to be A bold confederate of this Feridún." Zohák replied: "I know not what o'ercame me, But when I saw him with such vehemence Of grief and wild distraction, strike his forehead, Lamenting o'er his children, doomed to death, Amazement seized my heart, and chained my will. What may become of this, Heaven only knows, For none can pierce the veil of destiny." Kavah, meanwhile, with warning voice set forth What wrongs the nation suffered, and there came Multitudes round him, who called out aloud For justice! justice! On his javelin's point He fixed his leathern apron for a banner, And lifting it on high, he went abroad To call the people to a task of vengeance. Wherever it was seen crowds followed fast, Tired of the cruel tyranny they suffered. "Let us unite with Feridún," he cried, "And from Zohák's oppression we are free!" And still he called aloud, and all obeyed Who heard him, high and low. Anxious he sought For Feridún, not knowing his retreat: But still he hoped success would crown his search. The hour arrived, and when he saw the youth, Instinctively he knew him, and thanked Heaven For that good fortune. Then the leathern banner Was splendidly adorned with gold and jewels, And called the flag of Kavah. From that time It was a sacred symbol; every king In future, on succeeding to the throne, Did honor to that banner, the true sign Of royalty, in veneration held.