Let the two armies rest to-day; but I
Will challenge forth the bravest Persian lords
To meet me, man to man: If I prevail,
Rustum will surely hear it; if I fall--
Old man, the dead need no one, claim no kin.
Dim is the rumor of a common fight,
Where host meets host, and many names are sunk;
But of a single combat fame speaks clear."[40]

Such was the reputation of Sorab, however, that none of the Persians
dared encounter him, and urged Rustem to undertake this task himself.
Fearing lest so youthful an opponent should withdraw if he heard the
name of his antagonist, or that he should pride himself too greatly on
the honor done him, Rustem went into battle in disguise.

On seeing a stalwart old warrior approach, Sorab felt strangely moved,
and, running to meet him, begged to know his name, for he had a
premonition that this was Rustem. The father, too, seized by a
peculiar feeling of tenderness for this youth, commented to himself
that had he a male descendant he would fain have had him look like
Sorab, and therefore tried to make him withdraw his challenge.
Notwithstanding Sorab's eager inquiries, Rustem obstinately refused to
divulge his name, and, seeing his opponent would not desist, bade him
begin the fight without further ado.

And then he turned and sternly spake aloud,--
"Rise! wherefore dost thou vainly question thus
Of Rustum? I am here whom thou hast called
By challenge forth; make good thy vaunt, or yield!
Is it with Rustum only thou wouldst fight?
Rash boy, men look on Rustum's face, and flee!
For well I know, that did great Rustum stand
Before thy face this day, and were revealed,
There would be then no talk of fighting more."

For three consecutive days the battle raged, father and son proving
of equal strength and skill. But, although Sorab once overthrew
Rustem, he generously stepped aside and allowed the aged warrior to
recover his footing. Several times, also, the young man proposed that
they sheathe their swords, for his heart continued to be attracted to
his opponent, who, fighting down similar emotions, always taunted his
antagonist into renewing the fight.

He spoke; and Sohrab kindled at his taunts,
And he too drew his sword; at once they rushed
Together, as two eagles on one prey
Come rushing down together from the clouds,
One from the east, one from the west; their skulls
Dashed with a clang together, and a din
Rose, such as that the sinew