Shah Nameh/The Heft-Khan; or, Seven Labors of Rustem

First Stage
He rapidly pursued his way, performing two days' journey in one, and soon came to a forest full of wild asses. Oppressed with hunger, he succeeded in securing one of them, which he roasted over a fire, lighted by sparks produced by striking the point of his spear, and kept in a blaze with dried grass and branches of trees. After regaling himself, and satisfying his hunger, he loosened the bridle of Rakush, and allowed him to graze; and choosing a safe place for repose during the night, and taking care to have his sword under his head, he went to sleep among the reeds of that wilderness. In a short space a fierce lion appeared, and attacked Rakush with great violence; but Rakush very speedily with his teeth and heels put an end to his furious assailant. Rustem, awakened by the confusion, and seeing the dead lion before him, said to his favorite companion:--

"Ah! Rakush, why so thoughtless grown, To fight a lion thus alone;  For had it been thy fate to bleed,  And not thy foe, my gallant steed!  How could thy master have conveyed  His helm, and battle-axe, and blade,  Kamund, and bow, and buberyán,  Unaided, to Mázinderán?

