132 THE WONDER-BOOK OF HORSES 



in pieces an army which the Shah had sent out 

 against them, and messengers had arrived in 

 ZabouHstan beseeching aid from Zal. Then Rus- 

 tem begged of his father that he might lead a 

 band of young men against the invaders. 



" It is true," said he, " that I am only a child 

 in years. But, although I am not quite so tall 

 as you, my stature is now equal to that of ordi- 

 nary men ; and I am skilled in the use of all kinds 

 of weapons. Give me therefore the steed that 

 was promised me, and the mace of my grandfa- 

 ther, and let me go to the succor of Iran." 



These words pleased Zal not a little, and he 

 answered : " O my son, thou art still very young, 

 and thy lips smell of milk, and thy days should 

 be given to play. But the times are full of dan- 

 ger, and Iran must look to thee for help." 



Then he at once sent out a proclamation into 

 all the Persian provinces, commanding that on 

 the first day of the approaching Festival of Roses 

 all the choicest horses, of whatsoever breed, 

 should be brought to ZabouHstan in order that 

 Rustem might select from among them his steed 

 of battle. For the one that was chosen, its owner 

 should receive mountains of gold in exchange; 

 but should any man conceal a steed of value, or 



