to Minuchihr. The letter was accordingly
written and despatched, and when Sam received it, he immediately
referred the question to his astrologers, to know whether the nuptials,
if solemnized between Zal and Rudabeh, would be prosperous or not. They
foretold that the nuptials would be prosperous, and that the issue would
be a son of wonderful strength and power, the conqueror of the world.
This announcement delighted the heart of the old warrior, and he sent
the messenger back with the assurance of his approbation of the proposed
union, but requested that the subject might be kept concealed till he
returned with his army from the expedition to Karugsar, and was able to
consult with Minuchihr.

Zal, exulting at his success, communicated the glad tidings to Rudabeh
by their female emissary, who had hitherto carried on successfully the
correspondence between them. But as she was conveying an answer to this
welcome news, and some presents to Zal, Sindokht, the mother of Rudabeh,
detected her, and, examining the contents of the packet, she found
sufficient evidence, she thought, of something wrong.

"What treachery is this? What have we here!
Sirbund and male attire? Thou, wretch, confess!
Disclose thy secret doings."

The emissary, however, betrayed nothing; but declared that she was a
dealer in jewels and dresses, and had been only showing her merchandise
to Rudabeh. Sindokht, in extreme agitation of mind, hastened to her
daughter's apartment to ascertain the particulars of this affair, when
Rudabeh at once fearlessly acknowledged her unalterable affection for
Zal,

"I love him so devotedly, all day,
All night my tears have flowed unceasingly;
And one hair of his head I prize more dearly
Than all the world beside; for him I live;
And we have met, and we have sat together,
And pledged our mutual love with mutual joy
And innocence of heart."

Rudabeh further informed her of Sam's consent to their nuptials, which
in some degree satisfied the mother. But when Mihrab was made acquainted
with the arrangement, his rage was unbounded, for he dreaded the
resentment of Sam and Minuchihr when the circumstances became fully
known to them. Trembling with indignation he drew his dagger, and would
have instantly rushed to Rudabeh's chamber to destroy her, had not
Sindokht fallen at his feet and restrained him. He insisted, however, on
her being brought before him; and upon his promise not to do her any
harm,