cended to the sky. Bashutan saw the looked-for sign, and hastened
with two thousand horsemen to the gates of the fortress, where he slew
every one that he met, calling himself Isfendiyar. Arjasp had enjoyed
the banquet exceedingly; the music gave him infinite pleasure, and the
wine had intoxicated him; but in the midst of his hilarity and
merriment, he was told that Isfendiyar had reached the gates, and
entered the fort, killing immense numbers of his people. This terrible
intelligence roused him and quitting the festive board of Kherad, he
ordered his son Kahram, with fifty thousand horsemen, to repel the
invader. He also ordered forty thousand horsemen to protect different
parts of the walls, and ten thousand to remain as his own personal
guard. Kahram accordingly issued forth without delay, and soon engaged
in battle with the force under Bashutan.

When night came, Isfendiyar opened the lids of the chests, and let out
the hundred and sixty warriors, whom he supplied with swords and spears,
and armor, and also the hundred who were disguised as camel-drivers and
servants.

With this bold band he sped,
Whither Arjasp had fled;
And all who fought around,
To keep untouched that sacred ground;
(Resistance weak and vain,)
By him were quickly slain.

The sisters of Isfendiyar now arrived, and pointed out to him the
chamber of Arjasp, to which place he immediately repaired, and roused up
the king, who was almost insensible with the fumes of wine. Arjasp,
however, sprang upon his feet,

And grappled stoutly with Isfendiyar,
And desperate was the conflict: head and loins
Alternately received deep gaping wounds
From sword and dagger. Wearied out at length,
Arjasp shrunk back, when with one mighty blow,
Isfendiyar, exulting in his power,
Cleft him asunder.

Two of the wives, two daughters, and one sister of Arjasp fell
immediately into the hands of the conqueror, who delivered them into the
custody of his son, to be conveyed home. He then quitted the palace, and
turning his steps towards the gates of the fortress, slew a great number
of the enemy.

Kahram, in the meantime, had been fiercely engaged with Bashutan, and
was extremely reduced. At the very moment too of his discomfiture, he
heard the watchmen call out aloud that Arjasp had been slain by Kherad.
Confounded and alarmed by these tidings, he approached the fort, where
he heard the confirmation of his misfortune from every mouth, and a