“But, then, thy father, Zal, is a sorcerer,

And he by charm and spell

Hath cured all the wounds of the warrior,

And now he is safe and well.

For the wounds I gave could never be

Closed up except by sorcery.

Yea, the wounds I gave thee in every part

Could never be cured but by magic art.”

Then Rustem, replying unto Isfendiyar, said:

“O Royal Archer! Know that if thou wert to shoot at me a thousand arrows, they would all drop harmless unto the ground. Therefore, let us be friends, and not only shalt thou be placed upon the throne, but all the treasure of the house of Zal shall be thine.”