In front of this path stood our challengers.

Death was denounced; that frightful sound Which even the best can hardly bear, He took the summons void of fear; And unconcern'dly cast his eyes around; As if to find and dare the grisly challenger.

The truth is that you imagined a challenger.

He then called aloud for Rustem, but a Kábul hero, named Alwund, a pupil of Rustem's, asked his master's permission to oppose the challenger, which being granted, he rushed headlong to the combat.

What could he do? Quick as a flash he swung the gobbler around and struck his challenger a smashing blow with it, knocking him sprawling.