The intelligence of Káús's imprisonment was very soon spread through the
world, and operated as a signal to all the inferior states to get
possession of Irán. Afrásiyáb was the most powerful aspirant to the
throne; and gathering an immense army, he hurried from Túrán, and made a
rapid incursion into the country, which after three months he succeeded
in conquering, scattering ruin and desolation wherever he came.
Some of those who escaped from the field bent their steps towards
Zábulistán, by whom Rustem was informed of the misfortunes in which Káús
was involved; it therefore became necessary that he should again
endeavor to effect the liberation of his sovereign; and accordingly,
after assembling his troops from different quarters, the first thing he
did was to despatch a messenger to Hámáverán, with a letter, demanding
the release of the prisoners; and in the event of a refusal, declaring
the king should suffer the same fate as the White Demon and the
magician-monarch of Mázinderán. Although this threat produced
considerable alarm in the breast of the king of Hámáverán, he arrogantly
replied, that if Rustem wished to be placed in the same situation as
Káús, he was welcome to come as soon as he liked.
Upon hearing this defiance, Rustem left Zábulistán, and after an arduous
journey by land and water, arrived at the confines of Hámáverán. The
king of that country, roused by the noise and uproar, and bold aspect of
the invading army, drew up his own forces, and a battle ensued, but he
was unequal to stand his ground before the overwhelming courage of
Rustem. His troops fled in confusion, and then almost in despair he
anxiously solicited assistance from the chiefs of Berber and Misser,
which was immediately given. Thus three kings and their armies were
opposed to the power and resources of one man. Their formidable array
covered an immense space.
Each proud his strongest force to bring,
The eagle of valour flapped his wing.
But when the King of Hámáverán beheld the person of Rustem in all its
pride and strength, and commanding power, he paused with apprehension
and fear, and intrenched himself well behind his own troops. Rustem, on
the contrary, was full of confidence.
"What, though there be a hundred thousand men
Pitched against one, what use is there in numbers
When Heaven is on my side: with Heaven my friend,
The foe will soon be mingled with the dust."
Having ordered the trumpets to sound, he rushed on the enemy, mounted on
Rakush, and committed dreadful havoc among them.
It would be difficult to tell
How many heads, dissevered, fell,
Fighting his dreadful way;
On every side his falchion gleamed,
Hot blood in every quarter streamed
On that tremendous day.
The chief of Hámáverán and his legions were the first to shrink from the
conflict; and then the King of Misser, ashamed of their cowardice,
rapidly advanced towards the champion with the intention of punishing
him for his temerity, but he had no sooner received one of Rustem's hard
blows on his head, than he turned to flight, and thus hoped to escape
the fury of his antagonist. That fortune, however, was denied him, for
being instantly pursued, he was caught with the kamund, or noose, thrown
round his loins, dragged from his horse, and safely delivered into the
hands of Báhrám, who bound him, and kept him by his side.
Ring within ring the lengthening kamund flew,
And from his steed the astonished monarch drew.
Having accomplished this signal capture, Rustem proceeded against the
troops under the Sháh of Berberistán, which, valorously aided as he was,
by Zúára, he soon vanquished and dispatched; and impelling Rakush
impetuously forward upon the sháh himself, made him and forty of his
principal chiefs prisoners of war. The King of Hámáverán, seeing the
horrible carnage, and the defeat of all his expectations, speedily sent
a messenger to Rustem, to solicit a suspension of the fight, offering to
deliver up Káús and all his warriors, and all the regal property and
treasure which had been plundered from him. The troops of the three
kingdoms also urgently prayed for quarter and protection, and Rustem
readily agreed to the proffered conditions.
"Káús to liberty restore,
With all his chiefs, I ask no more;
For him alone I conquering came;
Than him no other prize I claim."