Thus Zál to Rustem spoke, "Go forth, my son, And speedily perform this pressing duty, To linger would be dangerous. Say to him, 'The army is prepared--the throne is ready, And thou alone, of the Kaiánian race, Deemed fit for sovereign rule.'"
Rustem accordingly mounted Rakush, and accompanied by a powerful force, pursued his way towards the mountain Alberz; and though the road was infested by the troops of Afrásiyáb, he valiantly overcame every difficulty that was opposed to his progress. On reaching the vicinity of Alberz, he observed a beautiful spot of ground studded with luxuriant trees, and watered by glittering rills. There too, sitting upon a throne, placed in the shade on the flowery margin of a stream, he saw a young man, surrounded by a company of friends and attendants, and engaged at a gorgeous entertainment. Rustem, when he came near, was hospitably invited to partake of the feast: but this he declined, saying, that he was on an important mission to Alberz, which forbade the enjoyment of any pleasure till his task was accomplished; in short, that he was in search of Kai-kobád: but upon being told that he would there receive intelligence of him, he alighted and approached the bank of the stream where the company was assembled. The young man who was seated upon the golden throne took hold of the hand of Rustem, and filling up a goblet with wine, gave another to his guest, and asked him at whose command or suggestion he was in search of Kai-kobád. Rustem replied, that he was sent by his father Zál, and frankly communicated to him the special object they had in view. The young man, delighted with the information, immediately discovered himself, acknowledged that he was Kai-kobád, and then Rustem respectfully hailed him as the sovereign of Persia.
The banquet was resumed again-- And, hark, the softly warbled strain, As harp and flute, in union sweet, The voices of the singers meet. The black-eyed damsels now display Their art in many an amorous lay; And now the song is loud and clear, And speaks of Rustem's welcome here. "This is a day, a glorious day, That drives ungenial thoughts away; This is a day to make us glad, Since Rustem comes for Kai-kobád; O, let us pass our time in glee, And talk of Jemshíd's majesty, The pomp and glory of his reign, And still the sparkling goblet drain.-- Come, Sakí, fill the wine-cup high, And let not even its brim be dry; For wine alone has power to part The rust of sorrow from the heart. Drink to the king, in merry mood, Since fortune smiles, and wine is good; Quaffing red wine is better far Than shedding blood in strife, or war; Man is but dust, and why should he Become a fire of enmity? Drink deep, all other cares resign. For what can vie with ruby wine?"