Rustem continued fighting with the people of the fort all night, and just as morning dawned, he discovered the chief and slew him. Those who survived, then escaped, and not one of the inhabitants remained within the walls alive. Rustem's next object was to enter the governor's mansion. It was built of stone, and the gate, which was made of iron, he burst open with his battle-axe, and advancing onward, he discovered a temple, constructed with infinite skill and science, beyond the power of mortal man, and which contained amazing wealth, in jewels and gold. All the warriors gathered for themselves as much treasure as they could carry away, and more than imagination can conceive; and Rustem wrote to Zál to know his further commands on the subject of the capture. Zál, overjoyed at the result of the enterprise, replied:
Thou hast illumed the soul of Narímán, Now in the blissful bowers of Paradise, By punishing his foes with fire and sword.
He then recommended him to load all the camels with as much of the invaluable property as could be removed, and bring it away, and then burn and destroy the whole place, leaving not a single vestige; and the command having been strictly complied with, Rustem retraced his steps to Zábulistán.
On his return Zál pressed him to his heart, And paid him public honors. The fond mother Kissed and embraced her darling son, and all Uniting, showered their blessings on his head.
To Minúchihr we now must turn again, And mark the close of his illustrious reign.
The king had flourished one hundred and twenty years, when now the astrologers ascertained that the period of his departure from this life was at hand.
They told him of that day of bitterness, Which would obscure the splendour of his throne; And said--"The time approaches, thou must go, Doubtless to Heaven. Think what thou hast to do; And be it done before the damp cold earth Inshrine thy body. Let not sudden death O'ertake thee, ere thou art prepared to die!" Warned by the wise, he called his courtiers round him, And thus he counselled Nauder:--"O, my son! Fix not thy heart upon a regal crown, For this vain world is fleeting as the wind; The pain and sorrows of twice sixty years Have I endured, though happiness and joy Have also been my portion. I have fought In many a battle, vanquished many a foe; By Feridún's commands I girt my loins, And his advice has ever been my guide. I hurled just vengeance on the tyrant-brothers Sílim and Túr, who slew the gentle Irij; And cities have I built, and made the tree Which yielded poison, teem with wholesome fruit. And now to thee the kingdom I resign, That kingdom which belonged to Feridún, And thou wilt be the sovereign of the world! But turn not from the worship of thy God, That sacred worship Moses taught, the best Of all the prophets; turn not from the path Of purest holiness, thy father's choice.