ruthless host,
His savage country's widely-rumoured boast.
The Barrier-fortress sinks beneath his sway,
Hujir is vanquished, ruin tracks his way;
Strong as a raging elephant in fight,
No arm but thine can match his furious might.
Mazinderan thy conquering prowess knew;
The Demon-king thy trenchant falchion slew,
The rolling heavens, abash'd with fear, behold
Thy biting sword, thy mace adorned with gold!
Fly to the succour of a King distress'd,
Proud of thy love, with thy protection blest.
When o'er the nation dread misfortunes lower,
Thou art the refuge, thou the saving power.
The chiefs assembled claim thy patriot vows,
Give to thy glory all that life allows;
And while no whisper breathes the direful tale,
O, let thy Monarch's anxious prayers prevail."

Closing the fragrant page[19] o'ercome with dread,
The afflicted King to Giw, the warrior, said:--
"Go, bind the saddle on thy fleetest horse,
Outstrip the tempest in thy rapid course,
To Rustem swift his country's woes convey,
Too true art thou to linger on the way;
Speed, day and night--and not one instant wait,
Whatever hour may bring thee to his gate."

Followed no pause--to Giw enough was said,
Nor rest, nor taste of food, his speed delayed.
And when arrived, where Zabul's bowers exhale
Ambrosial sweets and scent the balmy gale,
The sentinel's loud voice in Rustem's ear,
Announced a messenger from Persia, near;
The Chief himself amidst his warriors stood,
Dispensing honours to the brave and good,
And soon as Giw had joined the martial ring,
(The sacred envoy of the Persian King),
He, with becoming loyalty inspired,
Asked what the monarch, what the state required;
But Giw, apart, his secret mission told--
The written page was speedily unrolled.

Struck with amazement, Rustem--"Now on earth
A warrior-knight of Sam's excelling worth?
Whence comes this hero of the prosperous star?
I know no Turk renowned, like him, in war;
He bears the port of Rustem too, 'tis said,
Like Sam, like Nariman, a warrior bred!
He cannot be my son, unknown to me;
Reason forbids the thought--it cannot be!
At Samengan, where once affection smiled,
To me Tahmineh bore her only child,
That was a daughter?" Pondering thus he spoke,
And then aloud--"Why fear the invader's yoke?
Why trembling shrink, by coward thoughts dismayed,
Must we not all in dust, at length, be laid?