hee." But
the king was angry, and said, "The monarch who does not fight for
himself, is unworthy of the crown." Upon hearing this, Rustem wept tears
of blood. Barzu now took hold of the king's stirrup, and knocked his
forehead against it, and drawing his dagger, threatened to put an end to
himself, saying, "My blood will be upon thy neck, if thou goest;" and he
continued in a strain so eloquent and persuasive that Khosrau relaxed in
his determination, and observed to Rustem: "There can be no doubt that
Barzu is descended from thee." Barzu now respectfully kissed the ground
before the king, and vaulting on his saddle with admirable agility,
rushed onwards to the middle space where Afrasiyab was waiting, and
roared aloud. Afrasiyab burned with indignation at the sight, and said
in his heart: "It seems that I have nurtured and instructed this
ingrate, to shed my own blood. Thou wretch of demon-birth, thou knowest
not thy father's name! and yet thou comest to wage war against me! Art
thou not ashamed to look upon the king of Turan after what he has done
for thee?" Barzu replied: "Although thou didst protect me, thou spilt
the blood of Saiawush and Aghriras unjustly. When I ate thy salt, I
served thee faithfully, and fought for thee. I now eat the salt of
Kai-khosrau, and my allegiance is due to him."

He spoke, and raised his battle-axe, and rushed,
Swift as a demon of Mazinderan,
Against Afrasiyab, who, frowning, cried:--
"Approach not like a furious elephant,
Heedless what may befall thee--nor provoke
The wrath of him whose certain aim is death."
Then placed he on the string a pointed dart,
And shot it from the bow; whizzing it flew,
And pierced the armor of the wondering youth,
Inflicting on his side a painful wound,
Which made his heart with trepidation throb;
High exultation marked the despot's brow,
Seeing the gush of blood his loins distain.

Barzu was now anxious to assail Afrasiyab with his mace, instead of
arrows; but whenever he tried to get near enough, he was disappointed by
the adroitness of his adversary, whom he could not reach. He was at last
compelled to lay aside the battle-axe, and have recourse to his bow, but
every arrow was dexterously received by Afrasiyab on his shield; and
Barzu, on his part, became equally active and successful. Afrasiyab soon
emptied his quiver, and then he grasped his mace with the intention of
extinguishing his antagonist at once, but at the momen