"Let us be first upon the field, before He marshals his array. It follows not, That he should be a hero bold and valiant, Because he is descended from the brave; But it becomes us well to try our power,-- For speed, in war, is better than delay." In this spirit the two brothers rapidly collected from both their kingdoms a large army, and proceeded towards Irán. On hearing of their progress, Feridún said: "This is well--they come of themselves. The forest game surrenders itself voluntarily at the foot of the sportsman." Then he commanded his army to wait quietly till they arrived; for skill and patience, he observed, will draw the lion's head into your toils. As soon as the enemy had approached within a short distance, Minúchihr solicited Feridún to commence the engagement--and the king having summoned his chief warriors before him, appointed them all, one by one, to their proper places. The warriors of renown assembled straight With ponderous clubs; each like a lion fierce, Girded his loins impatient. In their front The sacred banner of the blacksmith waved; Bright scimitars were brandished in the air; Beneath them pranced their steeds, all armed for fight, And so incased in iron were the chiefs From top to toe, their eyes were only seen. When Kárun drew his hundred thousand troops Upon the field, the battle-word was given, And Minúchihr was, like the cypress tall, Engaged along the centre of the hosts; And like the moon he shone, amid the groups Of congregated clouds, or as the sun Glittering upon the mountain of Alberz. The squadrons in advance Kabád commanded, Garshásp the left, and Sám upon the right. The shedders of a brother's blood had now Brought their innumerous legions to the strife, And formed them in magnificent array: The picket guards were almost thrown together, When Túr sprung forward, and with sharp reproach, And haughty gesture, thus addressed Kabád: "Ask this new king, this Minúchihr, since Heaven To Irij gave a daughter, who on him Bestowed the mail, the battle-axe, and sword?" To this insulting speech, Kabád replied: "The message shall be given, and I will bring The answer, too. Ye know what ye have done; Have ye not murdered him who, trusting, sought Protection from ye? All mankind for this Must curse your memory till the day of doom; If savage monsters were to fly your presence, It would not be surprising. Those who die In this most righteous cause will go to Heaven, With all their sins forgotten!" Then Kabád Went to the king, and told the speech of Túr: A smile played o'er the cheek of Minúchihr As thus he spoke: "A boaster he must be, Or a vain fool, for when engaged in battle, Vigour of arm and the enduring soul, Will best be proved. I ask but for revenge-- Vengeance for Irij slain. Meanwhile, return; We shall not fight to-day."