The banquet was resumed again-- And, hark, the softly warbled strain, As harp and flute, in union sweet, The voices of the singers meet. The black-eyed damsels now display Their art in many an amorous lay; And now the song is loud and clear, And speaks of Rustem's welcome here. "This is a day, a glorious day, That drives ungenial thoughts away; This is a day to make us glad, Since Rustem comes for Kai-kobád; O, let us pass our time in glee, And talk of Jemshíd's majesty, The pomp and glory of his reign, And still the sparkling goblet drain.-- Come, Sakí, fill the wine-cup high, And let not even its brim be dry; For wine alone has power to part The rust of sorrow from the heart. Drink to the king, in merry mood, Since fortune smiles, and wine is good; Quaffing red wine is better far Than shedding blood in strife, or war; Man is but dust, and why should he Become a fire of enmity? Drink deep, all other cares resign. For what can vie with ruby wine?" In this manner ran the song of the revellers. After which, and being rather merry with wine, Kai-kobád told Rustem of the dream that had induced him to descend from his place of refuge on Alberz, and to prepare a banquet on the occasion. He dreamt the night before that two white falcons from Persia placed a splendid crown upon his head, and this vision was interpreted by Rustem as symbolical of his father and himself, who at that moment were engaged in investing him with kingly power. The hero then solicited the young sovereign to hasten his departure for Persia, and preparations were made without delay. They travelled night and day, and fell in with several detachments of the enemy, which were easily repulsed by the valor of Rustem. The fiercest attack proceeded from Kelún, one of Afrásiyáb's warriors, near the confines of Persia, who in the encounter used his spear with great dexterity and address. But Rustem with his javelin soon transfixed The Tartar knight--who in the eyes of all Looked like a spitted chicken--down he sunk, And all his soldiers fled in wild dismay. Then Rustem turned aside, and found a spot Where verdant meadows smiled, and streamlets flowed, Inviting weary travellers to rest. There they awhile remained--and when the sun Went down, and night had darkened all the sky, The champion joyfully pursued his way, And brought the monarch to his father's house. --Seven days they sat in council--on the eighth Young Kai-kobád was crowned--and placed upon The ivory throne in presence of his warriors, Who all besought him to commence the war Against the Tartar prince, Afrásiyáb. KAI-KOBÁD