Poshang, considering the luckless state of affairs, and the loss of so many valiant warriors, thought it prudent to acquiesce in the wishes of Afrásiyáb, and sue for peace. To this end Wísah was intrusted with magnificent presents, and the overtures which in substance ran thus: "Minúchihr was revenged upon Túr and Sílim for the death of Irij. Afrásiyáb again has revenged their death upon Nauder, the son of Minúchihr, and now Rustem has conquered Afrásiyáb. But why should we any longer keep the world in confusion--Why should we not be satisfied with what Feridún, in his wisdom, decreed? Continue in the empire which he appropriated to Irij, and let the Jihún be the boundary between us, for are we not connected by blood, and of one family? Let our kingdoms be gladdened with the blessings of peace." When these proposals of peace reached Kai-kobád, the following answer was returned: "Well dost thou know that I was not the first To wage this war. From Túr, thy ancestor, The strife began. Bethink thee how he slew The gentle Irij--his own brother;--how, In these our days, thy son, Afrásiyáb, Crossing the Jihún, with a numerous force Invaded Persia--think how Nauder died! Not in the field of battle, like a hero, But murdered by thy son--who, ever cruel, Afterwards stabbed his brother, young Aghríras, So deeply mourned by thee. Yet do I thirst not For vengeance, or for strife. I yield the realm Beyond the Jihún--let that river be The boundary between us; but thy son, Afrásiyáb, must take his solemn oath Never to cross that limit, or disturb The Persian throne again; thus pledged, I grant The peace solicited." The messenger without delay conveyed this welcome intelligence to Poshang, and the Túránian army was in consequence immediately withdrawn within the prescribed line of division, Rustem, however, expostulated with the king against making peace at a time the most advantageous for war, and especially when he had just commenced his victorious career; but Kai-kobád thought differently, and considered nothing equal to justice and tranquillity. Peace was accordingly concluded, and upon Rustem and Zál he conferred the highest honors, and his other warriors engaged in the late conflict also experienced the effects of his bounty and gratitude in an eminent degree.