Chapter 5: The Battle Between the King of Iran and the King of Mazandaran

On the eighth day the king announced: “The divs and sorcerers have now been punished for their crimes. It is time for a wise man to attempt to reason with the king of Mazandaran.” The son of Zal and the other nobles were pleased with these words, and so Kavus sent for a skilled scribe.

The scribe sharpened his pen to an arrow-fine point and wrote the king’s words on white silk in beautiful letters. Kavus said: “God the most just has created the heavens that turn and given men the power to do good or evil in this world. See how he has punished the wicked and thrown your divs and sorcerers into the dust. If you wish to keep your throne, pay me immediately the tribute I ask and become my vassal. If not, despair of your life!”

When the scribe had finished the letter, the king affixed his seal to it and sent for a messenger to convey it to the king of Mazandaran.

The king of Mazandaran was much moved by the letter, and his heart was filled with sadness at the death of his champion. He said to himself: “The sun has disappeared and the night of my life has come, yet there is no rest for me. This foolish young king will not leave me in peace. But my throne is higher than that of King Kavus and my army is more powerful. My lance will bring an end to his life!”