When the King of Mazanderan heard of these things he called a messenger, and said:  “Go to the White Genius and say to him, ’The Persians have come with a great army and are destroying everything.  Make haste and help me, or there will be nothing left to preserve.’”

The White Genius said, “Tell the King not to be troubled; I will see to these Persians.”

That same night the whole army of King Kaoues was covered with a wonderful cloud.  The sky was dark as pitch, and there fell from it such a terrible storm of hailstones that no one could stand against them.  When the next morning came, lo! the King and all that had not fled—­for many fled to their own country—­or been killed by the hailstones, were blind.  Seven days they remained terrified and helpless.  On the eighth day they heard the voice, loud as a clap of thunder, of the White Genius.

“King,” said he, “you coveted the land of Mazanderan, you entered the city, you slew and took prisoners many of the people; but you did not know what I could do.  And now, see, you have your desire.  Your lot is of your own contriving.”

The White Genius then gave over the King and his companions to the charge of an army of twelve thousand Genii, and commanded that they should be kept in prison, and have just so much food given them as should keep them alive from day to day.  Kaoues, however, contrived to send by one of his warriors a message to Zal the White-haired, telling him of all the troubles that had come upon him.  When Zal heard the news he was cut to the heart, and sent without delay for Rustem.  “Rustem,” said he, “this is no time for a man to eat and drink and take his pleasure.  The King is in the hands of Satan, and we must deliver him.  As for me, I am old and feeble; but you are of the age for war.  Saddle Raksh, your horse, and set forth without a moment’s delay.  The White Genius must not escape the punishment of his misdeeds at your hands.”

“The way is long,” said Rustem; “how shall I go?”

“There are two ways,” answered Zal, “and both are difficult and dangerous.  The King went by the longer way.  The other is by far the shorter, a two-weeks’ march and no more; but it is full of lions and evil Genii, and it is surrounded by darkness.  Still, I would have you go by it.  God will be your helper; and difficult as the way may be, it will have an end, and your good horse Raksh will accomplish it.  And if it be the will of Heaven that you should fall by the hand of the White Genius, who can change the ordering of destiny?  Sooner or later we must all depart, and death should be no trouble to him who has filled the earth with his glory.”

“My father, I am ready to do your bidding,” said Rustem.  “Nevertheless, the heroes of old cared not to go of their own accord into the land of death; and it is only he who is weary of life that throws himself in the way of a roaring lion.  Still I go, and I ask for no help but from the justice of God.  With that on my side I will break the charm of the magicians.  The White Genius himself shall not escape me.”