Rostam Arrives at Samangan

When he drew near the city of Samangan, word of him reached the king and the nobles. News came that the crown-bestowing champion had arrived on foot, for his horse Rakhsh had bolted from him at the hunting ground. The king and the nobles went out to welcome him, every man who wore a crown upon his head. The king of Samangan asked him: what happened? Who dared to test himself in battle against you? In this city of ours we are your well-wishers, ready at your command and at your service. Our bodies and our wealth are under your command; the lives of our nobles are yours to dispose of. When Rostam considered his words, his suspicion of any treachery grew slight. He told him: my Rakhsh, out in this meadow, ran off from me without bridle or rein. There are hoofprints leading toward Samangan, and beyond it, toward the streams and the reeds. If you search him out, you will have my gratitude, and I will repay your kindness in kind. But if he stays lost from me, many a noble head will have to be cut off. The king said to him: worthy man, no one would dare do such a thing to you. Be my guest and set aside your anger; everything will turn out as you wish. Tonight let us gladden our hearts with wine and free our minds of every worry. The trail of blessed Rakhsh will not stay hidden; a mount so famous throughout the world cannot vanish. The mighty Rostam was cheered by his words, and his soul was freed from worry. He thought it fitting to go to his house, and the good news made him a glad guest. The commander gave him a place in his palace and stood before him in attendance. He summoned the leading men of city and army and seated them worthily beside him in joy. The cupbearer prepared the wine, dark-eyed, rose-cheeked, lovely idols of Taraz. They sat together with the musicians, so that the mighty Rostam would not be downcast. When he grew drunk and the time for sleep came, he rose from the gathering in haste. They prepared for him a fitting place to rest and sleep, and laid out musk and rosewater.