[43] griffin.  A mythical creature, half-lion, half-eagle, which was supposed to keep guard over hidden treasure.  Just as in Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus were reared by a she-wolf, so in Persian mythology, Zal was reared by a griffin.

[44] Helmund.  A river in Afghanistan.

[45] Sir.  Another name for the river Jaxartes.

[46] silt.  A deposit of mud or fine earth.

[47] This prophecy waa not fulfilled.  Rustum, according to the legend, met his death by treachery at the hand of his half-brother Shughad.

[48] Kai Khosroo.  The King of Persia, see line 220.

[49] imperious. demanding relief.

[50] Persepolis.  An ancient city supposed to have been built by Jemshid, or Jamshid, a mythical king of Persia.

[51] Chorasmian waste.  A desert land, on the lower Oxus.

[52] Orgunje.  A village on the Oxus.

[53] home of waters.  The Aral Sea, or “Sea of Islands.”