And thus the warrior Zál to Rustem spoke-- "Strong as an elephant thou art, my son, Surpassing thy companions, and I now Forewarn thee that a difficult emprize, Hostile to ease or sleep, demands thy care. 'Tis true, of battles thou canst nothing know, But what am I to do? This is no time For banquetting, and yet thy lips still breathe The scent of milk, a proof of infancy; Thy heart pants after gladness and the sweet Endearments of domestic life; can I Then send thee to the war to cope with heroes Burning with wrath and vengeance?" Rustem said-- "Mistake me not, I have no wish, not I, For soft endearments, nor domestic life, Nor home-felt joys. This chest, these nervous limbs, Denote far other objects of pursuit, Than a luxurious life of ease and pleasure." Zál having taken great pains in the instruction of Rustem in warlike exercises, and the rules of battle, found infinite aptitude in the boy, and his activity and skill seemed to be superior to his own. He thanked God for the comfort it gave him, and was glad. Then Rustem asked his father for a suitable mace; and seeing the huge weapon which was borne by the great Sám, he took it up, and it answered his purpose exactly. When the young hero saw the mace of Sám He smiled with pleasure, and his heart rejoiced; And paying homage to his father Zál, The champion of the age, asked for a steed Of corresponding power, that he might use That famous club with added force and vigor. Zál showed him all the horses in his possession, and Rustem tried many, but found not one of sufficient strength to suit him. At last his eyes fell upon a mare followed by a foal of great promise, beauty, and strength. Seeing that foal, whose bright and glossy skin Was dappled o'er, like blossoms of the rose Upon a saffron lawn, Rustem prepared His noose, and held it ready in his hand. The groom recommended him to secure the foal, as it was the offspring of Abresh, born of a Díw, or Demon, and called Rakush. The dam had killed several persons who attempted to seize her young one. Now Rustem flings the noose, and suddenly Rakush secures. Meanwhile the furious mare Attacks him, eager with her pointed teeth To crush his brain--but, stunned by his loud cry, She stops in wonder. Then with clenched hand He smites her on the head and neck, and down She tumbles, struggling in the pangs of death. Rakush, however, though with the noose round his neck, was not so easily subdued; but kept dragging and pulling Rustem, as if by a tether, and it was a considerable time before the animal could be reduced to subjection. At last, Rustem thanked Heaven that he had obtained the very horse he wanted.