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Ferdowsī
also spelled Firdawsī, Firdusi, or Firdousi, pseudonym of Abū Ol-qasem
Manṣūr
born c. 935, near Ṭūs, Iran
died c. 1020, –26, Ṭūs
Persian poet, author of the Shāh-nāmeh (“Book of Kings”),
the Persian national epic, to which he gave its final and
enduring form, although he based his poem mainly on an
earlier prose version.
Ferdowsī was born in a village on the outskirts of the
ancient city of Ṭūs. In the course of the centuries many
legends have been woven around the poet’s name but very
little is known about the real facts of his life. The only
reliable source is given by Neẓāmī-ye ʿArūẓī, a 12th-century
poet who visited Ferdowsī’s tomb in 1116 or 1117 and
collected the traditions that were current in his birthplace
less than a century after his death.
According to Neẓāmī, Ferdowsī was a dehqān (“landowner”),
deriving a comfortable income from his estates. He had only
one child, a daughter, and it was to provide her with a
dowry that he set his hand to the task that was to occupy
him for 35 years. The Shāh-nāmeh of Ferdowsī, a poem of
nearly 60,000 couplets, is based mainly on a prose work of
the same name compiled in the poet’s early manhood in his
native Ṭūs. This prose Shāh-nāmeh was in turn and for the
most part the translation of a Pahlavi (Middle Persian)
work, the Khvatāy-nāmak, a history of the kings of Persia
from mythical times down to the reign of Khosrow II
(590–628), but it also contained additional material
continuing the story to the overthrow of the Sāsānians by
the Arabs in the middle of the 7th century. The first to
undertake the versification of this chronicle of pre-Islāmic
and legendary Persia was Daqīqī, a poet at the court of the
Sāmānids, who came to a violent end after completing only
1,000 verses. These verses, which deal with the rise of the
prophet Zoroaster, were afterward incorporated by Ferdowsī,
with due acknowledgements, in his own poem.
The Shāh-nāmeh, finally completed in 1010, was presented
to the celebrated sultan Maḥmūd of Ghazna, who by that time
had made himself master of Ferdowsī’s homeland, Khūrāsān.
Information on the relations between poet and patron is
largely legendary. According to Neẓāmī-ye ʿArūẓī, Ferdowsī
came to Ghazna in person and through the good offices of the
minister Aḥmad ebn Ḥasan Meymandī was able to secure the
Sultan’s acceptance of the poem. Unfortunately, Maḥmūd then
consulted certain enemies of the minister as to the poet’s
reward. They suggested that Ferdowsī should be given 50,000
dirhams, and even this, they said, was too much, in view of
his heretical Shīʿīte tenets. Maḥmūd, a bigoted Sunnite, was
influenced by their words, and in the end Ferdowsī received
only 20,000 dirhams. Bitterly disappointed, he went to the
bath and, on coming out, bought a draft of foqāʿ (a kind of
beer) and divided the whole of the money between the bath
attendant and the seller of foqāʿ.
Fearing the Sultan’s wrath, he fled first to Herāt, where
he was in hiding for six months, and then, by way of his
native Ṭūs, to Mazanderan, where he found refuge at the
court of the Sepahbād Shahreyār, whose family claimed
descent from the last of the Sāsānians. There Ferdowsī
composed a satire of 100 verses on Sultan Maḥmūd that he
inserted in the preface of the Shāh-nāmeh and read it to
Shahreyār, at the same time offering to dedicate the poem to
him, as a descendant of the ancient kings of Persia, instead
of to Maḥmūd. Shahreyār, however, persuaded him to leave the
dedication to Maḥmūd, bought the satire from him for 1,000
dirhams a verse, and had it expunged from the poem. The
whole text of this satire, bearing every mark of
authenticity, has survived to the present.
It was long supposed that in his old age the poet had
spent some time in western Persia or even in Baghdad under
the protection of the Būyids, but this assumption was based
upon his presumed authorship of Yūsof o-Zalīkhā, an epic
poem on the subject of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, which, it
later became known, was composed more than 100 years after
Ferdowsī’s death. According to the narrative of Neẓāmī-ye
ʿArūẓī, Ferdowsī died inopportunely just as Sultan Maḥmūd
had determined to make amends for his shabby treatment of
the poet by sending him 60,000 dinars’ worth of indigo.
Neẓāmī does not mention the date of Ferdowsī’s death. The
earliest date given by later authorities is 1020 and the
latest 1026; it is certain that he lived to be more than 80.
The Persians regard Ferdowsī as the greatest of their
poets. For nearly a thousand years they have continued to
read and to listen to recitations from his masterwork, the
Shāh-nāmeh, in which the Persian national epic found its
final and enduring form. Though written about 1,000 years
ago, this work is as intelligible to the average, modern
Iranian as the King James version of the Bible is to a
modern English-speaker. The language, based as the poem is
on a Pahlavi original, is pure Persian with only the
slightest admixture of Arabic. European scholars have
criticized this enormous poem for what they have regarded as
its monotonous metre, its constant repetitions, and its
stereotyped similes; but to the Iranian it is the history of
his country’s glorious past, preserved for all time in
sonorous and majestic verse.
John Andrew Boyle
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Shahnameh
Shāhnāmé
(Persian: شاهنامه "The Book of Kings") is an
enormous poetic opus written by the Persian poet
Ferdowsi around 1000 AD and is the national epic of the
Persian-speaking world. Consisting of some 60,000
verses, the Shāhnāmeh tells the mythical and historical
past of (Greater) Iran from the creation of the world up
until the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century.
Aside from its literary importance, the Shāhnāmeh,
written in pure Persian unmixed with any foreign loan
words, has been pivotal for reviving the Persian
language after the Islamic conquest of Persia, and
subsequent influence of Arabic language. This voluminous
work, regarded by Persian speakers as a literary
masterpiece, also reflects Persia's history, cultural
values, ancient religion (Zoroastrianism), and profound
sense of ethno-national history of Iran. Ferdowsi
completed the Shâhnameh when Persia's political
independence had been compromised.
This book is also important to the remaining 200,000
Zoroastrians, because the Shâhnameh traces the history
of Zoroastrian religion from its beginnings up to the
defeat of the last Zoroastrian king by Arab conquerors.
Illustrated copies of the work are among the most
sumptuous examples of Persian miniature painting.
Several copies remain intact, although two of the most
famous, the Houghton Shahnameh and the Great Mongol
Shahnameh, were broken up for sheets to be sold
separately in the 20th century. A single sheet from the
former (now Aga Khan Museum) was sold for £904,000 in
2006. The Bayasanghori Shâhnâmeh, an illuminated
manuscript copy of the work (Golestan Palace, Iran), is
included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register of
cultural heritage items.
There is an ongoing controversy among scholars about the
sources of the Shâhnameh. Ferdowsi's epic is probably
based mainly on an earlier prose version which itself
was a compilation of old Persian stories and historical
facts and fables. However, there is without any doubt
also a strong influence of oral literature, since the
style of the Shahnameh shows characteristics of both
written and oral literature. Some claim that Ferdowsi
also used Zoroastrian nasks, such as the now-lost
Chihrdad as sources as well.
Some of the characters of the Epic are of
Indo-Iranian heritage, and are mentioned in sources as
old as the ancient Avesta and even the Rig Veda. The
Shâhnameh itself was written in New Persian, which at
the time was increasingly moribund.
The Shâhnameh, an epic poem of over 50,000 couplets,
is based mainly on a prose work of the same name
compiled in the Ferdowsi's earlier life in his native
Tus. This prose Shâhnameh was in turn and for the most
part the translation of a Pahlavi work, a compilation of
the history of the kings and heroes of Persia from
mythical times down to the reign of Khosrau II
(590-628), but it also contains additional material
continuing the story to the overthrow of the Sassanids
by the Arabs in the middle of the 7th century. The first
to undertake the versification of this chronicle of
pre-Islamic and legendary Persia was Daqīqī-e Balkhī, a
poet at the court of the Samanids, who came to a violent
end after completing only 1000 verses. These verses,
which deal with the rise of the prophet Zoroaster, were
afterward incorporated by Ferdowsi, with due
acknowledgments, in his own poem.
Ferdowsi started his composition of the Shahnameh in the
Samanid era in 977 A.D and completed it around 1010 A.D.
during the Ghaznavid era. The Shâhnameh recounts the
history of Persia, beginning with the creation of the
world and the introduction of the arts of civilization
(fire, cooking, metallurgy, law) to the Aryans and ends
with the Arab conquest of Persia. The work is not
precisely chronological, but there is a general movement
through time. Some of the characters live for hundreds
of years but most have normal life spans. There are many
shāhs who come and go, as well as heroes and villains,
who also come and go. The only lasting images are that
of Greater Persia itself, and a succession of sunrises
and sunsets, no two ever exactly alike, yet illustrative
of the passage of time.
Father Time, a Saturn-like image, is a reminder of
the tragedy of death and loss, yet the next sunrise
comes, bringing with it hope of a new day. In the first
cycle of creation, evil is external (the devil). In the
second cycle, we see the beginnings of family hatred,
bad behavior, and evil permeating human nature. Shāh
Fereydūn's two eldest sons feel greed and envy toward
their innocent younger brother and, thinking their
father favors him, they murder him. The murdered
prince's son avenges the murder, and all are immersed in
the cycle of murder and revenge, blood and more blood.
In the third cycle, we encounter a series of flawed
shahs. There is a Phaedra-like story of Shāh Kay Kāūs,
his wife Sūdābeh, and her passion and rejection by her
stepson, Sīyāvash.
In the next cycle, all the players are unsympathetic
and selfish and evil. This epic on the whole is darker
over all than most other epics, most of which have some
sort of resolution and catharsis. This tone seems
reflective of two things, perhaps: the conquest of the
Persians by the Arabs, and a reflection of the last days
of Persian Zoroastrianism. The old religion had been
fraught with heresies, and somehow Zoroaster's
optimistic view of man's ability to choose had become
life denying and negative of this world. There is an
enormous amount of bad luck and bad fate in the stories.
It is only in the characterizations of the work's
many figures, both male and female, that Zoroaster's
original view of the human condition comes through.
Zoroaster emphasized human free will. All of Ferdowsi's
characters are complex. No of them is an archetype or a
puppet. The best characters have bad flaws, and the
worst have moments of humanity.
Ferdowsi was grieved by the fall of the Persian
empire and its subsequent rule by Arabs and Turks. The
Shahnameh is largely his effort to preserve the memory
of Persia's golden days and transmit it to a new
generation so that they could learn and try to build a
better world. Though formally Muslim, the Shahnameh
nevertheless has a certain anti-Arab and anti-Turk bias.
After Ferdowsi's Shâhnameh, a number of other works
similar in nature surfaced over the centuries within the
cultural sphere of the Persian language. Without
exception, all such works were based in style and method
on Ferdowsi's Shâhnameh, but none of them could quite
achieve the same degree of fame and popularity.
Some experts believe the main reason the Modern
Persian language today is more or less the same language
as that of Ferdowsi's time over 1000 years ago is due to
the very existence of works like Ferdowsi's Shâhnameh
which have had lasting and profound cultural and
linguistic influence. In other words, the Shâhnameh
itself has become one of the main pillars of the modern
Persian language. Studying Ferdowsi's masterpiece also
became a requirement for achieving mastery of the
Persian language by subsequent Persian poets, as
evidenced by numerous references to the Shâhnameh in
their works.
The Shâhnameh has 62 stories, 990 chapters, and some
60,000 rhyming couplets, making it more than three times
the length of Homer's Iliad, and more than twelve times
the length of the German Nibelungenlied. According to
Ferdowsi, the final edition of the Shâhnameh contained
some sixty thousand distichs. But this is a round
figure; most of the relatively reliable manuscripts have
preserved a little over fifty thousand distiches.
Nezami-e Aruzi reports that the final edition of the
Shâhnameh sent to the court of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni
was prepared in seven volumes.
There have been a number of English translations,
almost all abridged. James Atkinson of the Honourable
East India Company's medical service was the first to
undertake a translation in to English in his 1832
publication for the Oriental Translation Fund of Great
Britain and Ireland, now part of the Royal Asiatic
Society. Matthew Arnold produced another early English
translation of the story of Rostam and Sohrab.
In 1925, the brothers Arthur & Edmond Warner
published the complete work in nine volumes, now out of
print. A recent translation by Dick Davis has made
this epic poem accessible for English speakers. The
translation is a combination of poetry and prose,
although it is not a complete translation of the
Shahnameh.
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The Epic of Kings
by Ferdowsi
1010 A.C.E.
Translated by Helen Zimmern
The Shahs of Old
Kaiumers first sat upon the throne of Persia, and was
master of the world. He took up his abode in the mountains,
and clad himself and his people in tiger-skins, and from him
sprang all kindly nurture and the arts of clothing, till
then unknown. Men and beasts from all parts of the earth
came to do him homage and receive laws at his hands, and his
glory was like to the sun. Then Ahriman the Evil, when he
saw how the Shah's honour was increased, waxed envious, and
sought to usurp the diadem of the world. So he bade his son,
a mighty Deev, gather together an army to go out against
Kaiumers and his beloved son Saiamuk and destroy them
utterly.
Now the Serosch, the angel who defendeth men from the
snares of the Deevs, and who each night flieth seven times
around the earth that he may watch over the children of
Ormuzd, when he learned this, appeared like unto a Peri and
warned Kaiumers. So when Saiamuk set forth at the head of
his warriors to meet the army of Ahriman, he knew that he
was contending against a Deev, and he put forth all his
strength. But the Deev was mightier than he, and overcame
him, and crushed him under his hands.
When Kaiumers heard the news of mourning, he was bowed to
the ground. For a year did he weep without ceasing, and his
army wept with him; yea, even the savage beasts and the
birds of the air joined in the wailing. And sorrow reigned
in the land, and all the world was darkened until the
Serosch bade the Shah lift his head and think on vengeance.
And Kaiumers obeyed, and commanded Husheng, the son of
Saiamuk, "Take the lead of the army, and march against the
Deevs." And the King, by reason of his great age, went in
the rear. Now there were in the host Peris; also tigers,
lions, wolves, and other fierce creatures, and when the
black Deev heard their roaring he trembled for very fear.
Neither could he hold himself against them, and Husheng
routed him utterly. Then when Kaiumers saw that his
well-beloved son was revenged he laid him down to die, and
the world was void of him, and Husheng reigned in his stead.
Now Husheng was a wise man and just, and the heavens
revolved over his throne forty years. justice did he spread
over the land, and the world was better for his reign. For
he first gave to men fire, and showed them how to draw it
from out the stone; and he taught them how they might lead
the rivers, that they should water the land and make it
fertile; and he bade them till and reap. And he divided the
beasts and paired them and gave them names. And when he
passed to a brighter life he left the world empty of a
throne of power. But Tahumers, his son, was not unworthy of
his sire. He too opened the eyes of men, and they learned to
spin and to weave; and he reigned over the land long and
mightily. But of him also were the Deevs right envious, and
sought to destroy him. Yet Tahumers overcame them and cast
them to earth. Then some craved mercy at his hands, and
sware how they would show him an art if he would spare them,
and Tahumers listened to their voice. And they taught him
the art of writing, and thus from the evil Deevs came a boon
upon mankind.
Howbeit when Tahumers had sat upon the golden throne for
the space of thirty years he passed away, but his works
endured; and Jemshid, his glorious son, whose heart was
filled with the counsels of his father, came after him. Now
Jemshid reigned over the land seven hundred years girt with
might, and Deevs, birds, and Peris obeyed him. And the world
was happier for his sake, and he too was glad, and death was
unknown among men, neither did they wot of pain or sorrow.
And he first parcelled out men into classes; priests,
warriors, artificers, and husbandmen did he name them. And
the year also he divided into periods. And by aid of the
Deevs he raised mighty works, and Persepolis was builded by
him, that to this day is called Tukht-e-Jemsheed, which
being interpreted meaneth the throne of Jemshid. Then, when
these things were accomplished, men flocked from all corners
of the earth around his throne to do him homage and pour
gifts before his face. And Jemshid prepared a feast, and
bade them keep it, and called it Neurouz, which is the New
Day, and the people of Persia keep it to this hour. And
Jemshid's power increased, and the world was at peace, and
men beheld in him nought but what was good.
Then it came about that the heart of Jemshid was uplifted
in pride, and he forgot whence came his weal and the source
of his blessings. He beheld only himself upon the earth, and
he named himself God, and sent forth his image to be
worshipped. But when he had spoken thus, the Mubids, which
are astrologers and wise men, hung their heads in sorrow,
and no man knew how he should answer the Shah. And God
withdrew his hand from Jemshid, and the kings and the nobles
rose up against him, and removed their warriors from his
court, and Ahriman had power over the land.
Now there dwelt in the deserts of Arabia a king named
Mirtas, generous and just, and he had a son, Zohak, whom he
loved. And it came about that Ahriman visited the palace
disguised as a noble, and tempted Zohak that he should
depart from the paths of virtue. And he spake unto him and
said-
"If thou wilt listen to me, and enter into a covenant, I
will raise thy head above the sun."
Now the young man was guileless and simple of heart, and
he sware unto the Deev that he would obey him in all things.
Then Ahriman bade him slay his father, "for this old man,"
he said, "cumbereth the ground, and while he liveth thou
wilt remain unknown." When Zohak heard this he was filled
with grief, and would have broken his oath, but Ahriman
suffered him not, but made him set a trap for Mirtas. And
Zohak and the evil Ahriman held their peace and Mirtas fell
into the snare and was killed. Then Zohak placed the crown
of Thasis upon his head, and Ahriman taught him the arts of
magic, and he ruled over his people in good and evil, for he
was not yet wholly given up to guile.
Then Ahriman imagined a device in his black heart. He
took upon himself the form of a youth, and craved that he
might serve the King as cook. And Zohak, who knew him not,
received him well and granted his request, and the keys of
the kitchen were given unto him. Now hitherto men had been
nourished with herbs, but Ahriman prepared flesh for Zohak.
New dishes did he put before him, and the royal favour was
accorded to his savory meats. And the flesh gave the King
courage and strength like to that of a lion, and he
commanded that his cook should be brought before him and ask
a boon at his hands. And the cook said-
"If the King take pleasure in his servant, grant that he
may kiss his shoulders."
Now Zohak, who feared no evil, granted the request, and
Ahriman kissed him on his shoulders. And when he had done
so, the ground opened beneath his feet and covered the cook,
so that all men present were amazed thereat. But from his
kiss sprang hissing serpents, venomous and black; and the
King was afraid, and desired that they should be cut off
from the root. But as often as the snakes were cut down did
they grow again, and in vain the wise men and physicians
cast about for a remedy. Then Ahriman came once again
disguised as a learned man, and was led before Zohak, and he
spake, saying-
"This ill cannot be healed, neither can the serpents be
uprooted. Prepare food for them, therefore, that they may be
fed, and give unto them for nourishment the brains of men,
for perchance this may destroy them."
But in his secret heart Ahriman desired that the world
might thus be made desolate; and daily were the serpents
fed, and the fear of the King was great in the land. The
world withered in his thrall, the customs of good men were
forgotten, and the desires of the wicked were accomplished.
Now it was spread abroad in Iran that in the land of
Thasis there reigned a man who was mighty and terrible to
his foes. Then the kings and nobles who had withdrawn from
Jemshid because he had rebelled against God, turned to Zohak
and besought him that he would be their ruler, and they
proclaimed him Shah. And the armies of Arabia and Persia
marched against Jemshid, and he fled before their face. For
the space of twice fifty years no man knew whither he was
gone, for he hid from the wrath of the Serpent-King. But in
the fulness of time he could no longer escape the fury of
Zohak, whose servants found him as he wandered on the
sea-shore of Cathay, and they sawed him in twain, and sent
tidings thereof to their lord. And thus perished the throne
and power of Jemshid like unto the grass that withereth,
because that he was grown proud, and would have lifted
himself above his Maker.
So the beloved of Ahriman, Zohak the Serpent, sat upon
the throne of Iran, the kingdom of Light. And he continued
to pile evil upon evil till the measure thereof was full to
overflowing, and all the land cried out against him. But
Zohak and his councillors, the Deevs, shut ear unto this
cry, and the Shah reigned thus for the space of a thousand
years, and vice stalked in daylight, but virtue was hidden.
And despair filled all hearts, for it was as though mankind
must perish to still the appetite of those snakes sprung
from Evil, for daily were two men slaughtered to satisfy
their desire. Neither had Zohak mercy upon any man. And
darkness was spread over the land because of his wickedness.
But Ormuzd saw it and was moved with compassion for his
people, and he declared they should no longer suffer for the
sin of Jemshid. And he caused a grandson to be born to
Jemshid, and his parents called him Feridoun.
Now it befell that when he was born, Zohak dreamed he
beheld a youth slender like to a cypress, and he came
towards him bearing a cow-headed mace, and with it he struck
Zohak to the ground. Then the tyrant awoke and trembled, and
called for his Mubids, that they should interpret to him
this dream. And they were troubled, for they foresaw danger,
and he menaced them if they foretold him evil. And they were
silent for fear three days, but on the fourth one who had
courage spake and said-
"There will arise one named Feridoun, who shall inherit
thy throne and reverse thy fortunes, and strike thee down
with a cow-headed mace."
When Zohak heard these words he swooned, and the Mubids
fled before his wrath. But when he had recovered he bade the
world be scoured for Feridoun. And henceforth Zohak was
consumed for bitterness of spirit, and he knew neither rest
nor joy.
Now it came about that the mother of Feridoun feared lest
the Shah should destroy the child if he learned that he was
sprung from Jemshid's race. So she hid him in the thick
forest where dwelt the wondrous cow Purmaieh, whose hairs
were like unto the plumes of a peacock for beauty. And she
prayed the guardian of Purmaieh to have a care of her son,
and for three years he was reared in the wood, and Purmaieh
was his nurse. But when the time was accomplished the mother
knew that news of Purmaieh had reached the ears of Zohak,
and she feared he would find her son. Therefore she took him
far into Ind, to a pious hermit who dwelt on the Mount
Alberz. And she prayed the hermit to guard her boy, who was
destined for mighty deeds. And the hermit granted her
request. And it befell that while she sojourned with him
Zohak had found the beauteous Purmaieh and learned of
Feridoun, and when he heard that the boy was fled he was
like unto a mad elephant in his fury. He slew the wondrous
cow and all the living things round about, and made the
forest a desert. Then he continued his search, but neither
tidings nor sight could he get of Feridoun, and his heart
was filled with anguish.
In this year Zohak caused his army to be strengthened,
and he demanded of his people that they should certify that
he had ever been to them a just and noble king. And they
obeyed for very fear. But while they sware there arose
without the doorway of the Shah the cry of one who demanded
justice. And Zohak commanded that he should be brought in,
and the man stood before the assembly of the nobles.
Then Zohak opened his mouth and said, "I charge thee give
a name unto him who hath done thee wrong."
And the man, when he saw it was the Shah who questioned
him, smote his head with his hands. But he answered and
said-
"I am Kawah, a blacksmith and a blameless man, and I sue
for justice, and it is against thee, O King, that I cry out.
Seventeen fair sons have I called mine, yet only one
remaineth to me, for that his brethren were slain to still
the hunger of thy serpents, and now they have taken from me
this last child also. I pray thee spare him unto me, nor
heap thy cruelties upon the land past bearing."
And the Shah feared Kawah's wrath, beholding that it was
great, and he granted him the life of his son and sought to
win him with soft words. Then he prayed him that he would
also sign the testimony that Zohak was a just and noble
king.
But Kawah cried, "Not so, thou wicked and ignoble man,
ally of Deevs, I will not lend my hand unto this lie," and
he seized the declaration and tore it into fragments and
scattered them into the air. And when he had done so he
strode forth from the palace, and all the nobles and people
were astonished, so that none dared uplift a finger to
restrain him. Then Kawah went to the market-place and
related to the people all that which he had seen, and
recalled to them the evil deeds of Zohak and the wrongs they
had suffered at his hands. And he provoked them to shake off
the yoke of Ahriman. And taking off the leathern apron
wherewith blacksmiths cover their knees when they strike
with the hammer, he raised it aloft upon the point of a
lance and cried-
"Be this our banner to march forth and seek out Feridoun
and entreat him that he deliver us from out the hands of the
Serpent-King."
Then the people set up a shout of joy and gathered
themselves round Kawah, and he led them out of the city
bearing aloft his standard. And they marched thus for many
days unto the palace of Feridoun.
Now these things came about in the land of Iran after
twice eight years were passed over the head of Feridoun. And
when that time was accomplished, he descended from the Mount
Alberz and sought out his mother, questioning her of his
lineage. And she told him how that he was sprung from the
race of Jemshid, and also of Zohak and of his evil deeds.
Then said Feridoun, "I will uproot this monster from the
earth, and his palace will I raze to the dust."
But his mother spake, and said, "Not so, my son, let not
thine youthful anger betray thee; for how canst thou stand
against all the world?"
Yet not long did she suffer the hard task to hinder him,
for soon a mighty crowd came towards the palace led by one
who bare an apron uplifted upon a lance. Then Feridoun knew
that succour was come unto him. And when he had listened to
Kawah, he came into the presence of his mother with the
helmet of kings upon his head, and he said unto her-
"Mother, I go to the wars, and it remaineth for thee to
pray God for my safety."
Then he caused a mighty club to be made for him, and he
traced the pattern thereof upon the ground, and the top
thereof was the head of a cow, in memory of Purmaieh, his
nurse. Then he cased the standard of Kawah in rich brocades
of Roum, and hung jewels upon it. And when all was made
ready, they set forth towards the West to seek out Zohak,
for, they knew not that he was gone to Ind in search of
Feridoun. Now when they were come to Bagdad, which is upon
the banks of the Tigris, they halted, and Feridoun bade the
guardians of the flood convey them across. But these
refused, saying, the King bade that none should pass save
only those who bore the royal seal. When Feridoun heard
these words he was wroth, and he regarded not the rushing
river nor the dangers hidden within its floods. He girded
his loins and plunged with his steed into the waters, and
all the army followed after him. Now they struggled sore
with the rushing stream, and it seemed as though the waves
would bear them down. But their brave horses overcame all
dangers, and they stepped in safety upon the shore. Then
they turned their faces towards the city which is now called
Jerusalem, for here stood the glorious house that Zohak had
builded. And when they had entered the city all the people
rallied round Feridoun, for they hated Zohak and looked to
Feridoun to deliver them. And he slew the Deevs that held
the palace, and cast down the evil talisman that was graven
upon the walls. Then he mounted the throne of the idolater
and placed the crown of Iran upon his head, and all the
people bowed down before him and called him Shah.
Now when Zohak returned from his search after Feridoun
and learned that he was seated upon his throne, he
encompassed the city with his host. But the army of Feridoun
marched against him, and the desires of the people went with
them. And all that day bricks fell from the walls and stones
from the terraces, and it rained arrows and spears like to
hail falling from a dark cloud, until Feridoun had overcome
the might of Zohak. Then Feridoun raised his cow-headed mace
to slay the Serpent-King. But the blessed Serosch swooped
down, and cried-
"Not so, strike not, for Zohak's hour is not yet come."
Then the Serosch bade the Shah bind the usurper and carry
him far from the haunts of men, and there fasten him to a
rock. And Feridoun did as he was bidden, and led forth Zohak
to the Mount Demawend. And he bound him to the rock with
mighty chains and nails driven into his hands, and left him
to perish in agony. And the hot sun shone down upon the
barren cliffs, and there was neither tree nor shrub to
shelter him, and the chains entered into his flesh, and his
tongue was consumed with thirst. Thus after a while the
earth was delivered of Zohak the evil one, and Feridoun
reigned in his stead.
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Feridoun
Five hundred years did Feridoun rule the world, and might
and virtue increased in the land, and all his days he did
that which was good. And he roamed throughout the kingdom to
seek out that which was open and that which was hid, and
wrong was righted at his hands. With kindness did he curb
the sway of evil. He ordered the world like to a paradise,
he planted the cypress and the rose where the wild herb had
sprouted.
Now after many years were passed there were born to him
three sons, whose mother was of the house of Jemshid. And
the sons were fair of mien, tall and strong, yet their names
were not known to men, for Feridoun had not tested their
hearts. But when he beheld that they were come to years of
strength he called them about his throne and bade them
search out the King of Yemen, who had three daughters, fair
as the moon, that they should woo them unto themselves. And
the sons of Feridoun did according to the command of their
father. They set forth unto Yemen, and there went with them
a host countless as the stars. And when they were come to
Yemen, the King came forth to greet them, and his train was
like to the plumage of a pheasant. Then the sons of Feridoun
gained the hands of the daughters of Serv, King of Yemen,
and departed with them to their own land. And Serv gave to
his new sons much treasure laid upon the backs of camels,
and umbrellas too did he give unto them in sign of kingship.
Now it came about that when Feridoun learned that his
sons were returning, he went forth to meet them and prove
their hearts. So he took upon him the form of a dragon that
foamed at the mouth with fury, and from whose jaws sprang
mighty flames. And when his sons were come near unto the
mountain pass, he came upon them suddenly, like to a
whirlwind, and raised a cloud of dust about the place with
his writhings, and his roaring filled the air with noise.
Then he threw himself upon the eldest born, and the prince
laid down his spear and said, "A wise and prudent man
striveth not with dragons." And he turned his back and fled
before the monster, and left him to fall upon his brothers.
Then the dragon sprang upon the second, and he said, "An it
be that I must fight, what matter if it be a furious lion or
a knight full of valour?" So he took his bow and stretched
it. But the youngest came towards him, and seeing the
dragon, said, "Thou reptile, flee from our presence, and
strut not in the path of lions. For if thou hast heard the
name of Feridoun, beware how thou doest thus, for we are his
sons, armed with spears and ready for the fight. Quit
therefore, I counsel thee, thine evil path, lest I plant
upon thy head the crown of enmity."
Then the glorious Feridoun, when he had thus made trial
of their hearts, vanished from their sight. But presently he
came again with the face of their father, and many warriors,
elephants, and cymbals were in his train. And Feridoun bore
in his hand the cow-headed mace, and the Kawanee, the apron
of Kawah, the kingly standard, was waved above his head. Now
when the sons saw their father, they alighted from their
steeds and ran to greet him, and kissed the ground before
his feet. And the cymbals were clashed, and the trumpets
brayed, and sounds of rejoicing were heard around. Then
Feridoun raised his sons and kissed their foreheads, and
gave unto them honour according to their due. And when they
were come to the royal house he prayed to God that He would
bless his offspring, and calling them about him, he seated
them upon thrones of splendour. Then he opened his mouth and
said unto them-
"O my sons, listen unto the words that I shall speak. The
raging dragon whose breath was danger was but your father,
who sought to test your hearts, and having learned them gave
way with joy. But now will I give to you names such as are
fitting unto men. The first-born shall be called Silim (may
thy desires be accomplished in the world!) for thou
soughtest to save thyself from the clutches of the dragon,
nor didst thou hesitate in the hour of flight. A man who
fleeth neither before an elephant nor a lion, call him
rather foolhardy than brave. And the second, who from the
beginning showed his courage, which was ardent as a flame, I
will call him Tur, the courageous, whom even a mad elephant
cannot daunt. But the youngest is a man prudent and brave,
who knoweth both how to haste and how to tarry; he chose the
midway between the flame and the ground, as it beseemeth a
man of counsel, and he hath proven himself brave, prudent,
and bold. Irij shall he be called, that the gate of power
may be his goal, for first did he show gentleness, but his
bravery sprang forth at the hour of danger."
When Feridoun had thus opened his lips he called for the
book wherein are written the stars, and he searched for the
planets of his sons. And he found that Jupiter reigned in
the sign of the Archer in the house of Silim, and the sun in
the Lion in that of Tur, but in the house of Irij there
reigned the moon in the Scorpion. And when he saw this he
was sorrowful, for he knew that for Irij were grief and bale
held in store. Then having read the secrets of Fate,
Feridoun parted the world and gave the three parts unto his
sons in suzerainty. Roum and Khaver, which are the lands of
the setting sun, did he give unto Silim. Turan and Turkestan
did he give unto Tur, and made him master of the Turks and
of China, but unto Irij he gave Iran, with the throne of
might and the crown of supremacy.
For many years had the sons of Feridoun sat upon their
golden thrones in happiness and peace, but evil was hidden
in the bosom of Fate. For Feridoun had grown old, and his
strength inclined to the grave. And as his life waned, the
evil passions of his sons waxed stronger. The heart of Silim
was changed, and his desires turned towards evil; his soul
also was steeped in greed. And he pondered in his spirit the
parting of the lands, and he revolted thereat in his
thoughts, because that the youngest bore the crown of
supremacy. Then he bade a messenger mount him upon a
dromedary swift of foot, and bear this saying unto Tur-
"O King of Turan, thy brother greeteth thee, and may thy
days be long in the land. Tell unto me, I pray thee, for
thou hast might and wisdom, should we remain thus ever
satisfied, for surely unto us, not unto Irij, pertaineth the
throne of Iran, but now is our brother set above our heads,
and should we not strive against the injustice of our
father? "
Now. when Tur had listened to these words, his head was
filled with wind, and he spake unto the messenger and said-
"Say unto your master, O my brother, full of courage,
since our father deceived us when we were young and void of
guile, with his own hands hath he planted a tree whence must
issue fruit of blood and leaves that are poison. Let us
therefore meet and take counsel together how we may rid us
of our evil fate."
When Silim heard this he set forth from Roum, and Tur
also quitted China, and they met to counsel together how
they should act. Then they sent a messenger unto Feridoun
the glorious, and they said-
"O King, aged and great, fearest thou not to go home unto
thy God? for evil hast thou done, and injustice dost thou
leave behind thee. Thy realm hast thou allotted with
iniquity, and thine eldest born hast thou treated with
disfavour. But we thy sons entreat thee that ere it be too
late thou listen to our voice. Command thou Irij to step
down from the throne of Iran, and hide him in some corner of
the earth, that he be weak and forgotten like ourselves. Yet
if thou doest not our bidding, we will bring forth riders
from Turkestan and Khaver filled with vengeance, and will
utterly destroy Irij and the land of Iran."
When Feridoun had listened to these hard words he was
angered, and straightway said-
"Speak unto these men, senseless and impure, these sons
of Ahriman, perverse of heart, and say unto them, Feridoun
rejoiceth that ye have laid bare before him your hearts, for
now he knoweth what manner of men ye are. And he answereth
unto you that he hath parted his realm with equity. Many
counsellors did he seek, and night and day did they ponder
it, and gave unto each that which seemed best in their
sight. And he now speaketh unto you a word that he doth bid
you treasure in your hearts, As ye sow, so also shall ye
reap, for there is for us another, an eternal home. And this
is the rede sent unto you by an aged man, that he who
betrayeth his brother for greed is not worthy to be sprung
from a noble race. So pray unto God that He turn your hearts
from evil."
When the messenger had heard these words he departed.
Then Feridoun called Irij before him and warned him against
the craft of his brethren, and bade him prepare an army and
go forth to meet them. But Irij, when he had heard of the
evil thoughts of his brothers, was moved, and said-
"Not so, O my father, suffer that I go forth alone and
speak unto my brethren, that I may still the anger that they
feel against me. And I will entreat them that they put not
their trust in the glory of this world, and will recall unto
them the name of Jemshid, and how that his end was evil
because that he was uplifted in his heart."
Then Feridoun answered and said, "Go forth, my son, if
such be thy desire. The wish of thy brethren is even unto
war, but thou seekest the paths of peace. Yet I pray thee
take with thee worthy knights, and return unto me with
speed, for my life is rooted in thy happiness."
And he gave him a letter signed with his royal seal that
he should bear it unto the kings of Roum and China. And
Feridoun wrote how that he was old, and desired neither gold
nor treasures, save only that his sons should be united. And
he commended unto them his youngest born, who was descended
from his throne and come forth to meet them with peace in
his heart.
Now when Irij was come to the spot where his brethren
were encamped, the army saw him and was filled with wonder
at his beauty and at his kingly form, and they murmured
among themselves, saying, "Surely this one alone is worthy
to bear the sceptre." But when Silim and Tur heard this
murmur their anger was deepened, and they retreated into
their tents, and all night long did they hold counsel how
they might do hurt unto their brother.
Now when the curtain that hid the sun was lifted, the
brethren went forth unto the tents of Irij. And Irij would
have greeted them, but they suffered him not, but
straightway began to question him, and heap reproaches upon
his head. And Tur said-
"Why hast thou uplifted thyself above us, and is it meet
that thy elders bow down before thee?"
When Irij heard their words, he answered, "O Kings greedy
of power, I say unto you, if ye desire happiness, strive
after peace. I covet neither the royal crown nor the hosts
of Iran; power that endeth in discord is an honour that
leadeth to tears. And I will step down from the throne of
Iran if it shall foster peace between us, for I crave not
the possession of the world if ye are afflicted by the
sight. For I am humble of heart, and my faith bids me be
kind."
Now Tur heard these words, but they softened not his
spirit, for he knew only that which is evil, and wist not
that Irij spoke truly. And he took up the chair whereon he
sat and threw it at his brother in his anger. Then Irij
called for mercy at his hands, saying-
"O King, hast thou no fear of God, no pity for thy
father? I pray thee destroy me not, lest God ask vengeance
for my blood. Let it not be spoken that thou who hast life
takest that gift from others. Do not this evil. Crush not
even the tiny ant that beareth a grain of corn, for she hath
life, and sweet life is a boon. I will vanish from thy
sight, I will live in solitude and secrecy, so thou grant
that I may yet behold the sun."
But these words angered Tur only the more, and he drew
from his boot a dagger that was poisoned and sharp, and he
thrust it into the breast of Irij, the kingly cedar. And the
young lord of the world paled and was dead. Then Tur cut the
head from the trunk, and filled it with musk and ambergris,
and sent it unto the old man his father, who had parted the
world, saying-
"Behold the head of thy darling, give unto him now the
crown and the throne."
And when they had done this evil deed the brethren furled
their tents, and turned them back again unto the lands of
Roum and Cathay.
Now Feridoun held his eyes fastened upon the road whither
Irij was gone, and his heart yearned after him. And when he
heard that the time of his return was come, he bade a host
go forth to meet him, and he himself went in the wake. Now
when they were gone but a little way they beheld a mighty
cloud of dust upon the sky. And the cloud neared, and there
came thence a dromedary whereon was seated a knight clad in
the garb of woe. And he bare in his arms a casket of gold,
and in the casket were rich stuffs of silk, and in the
stuffs was wrapped the head of Irij. And when Feridoun
beheld the face of the messenger his heart was smote with
fear, but when he saw the head of his son he fell from his
horse with sorrow. Then a cry of wailing rent the air, and
the army shouted for grief, and the flags were torn, and the
drums broken, and the elephants and cymbals hung with the
colours of mourning, because that Irij was gone from the
world. And Feridoun returned on foot unto the city, and all
the nobles went with him, and they retraced their steps in
the dust. Now when they were come to the garden of Irij,
Feridoun faltered in his sorrow, and he pressed the head of
the young King, his son, unto his breast. And he cast black
earth upon his throne, and tore his hair, and shed tears,
and his cries mounted even unto the seventh sphere. And he
spake in his grief and said-
"O Master of the world, that metest out justice, look
down, I pray thee, upon this innocent whom his brethren have
foully murdered! Sear their hearts that joy cannot enter,
and grant unto me my prayer. Suffer that I may live until a
hero, a warrior mighty to avenge, be sprung from the seed of
Irij. Then when I shall have beheld his face I will go hence
as it beseemeth me and the earth shall cover my body."
Thus wept Feridoun in the bitterness of his soul, neither
would he take comfort day and night, nor quit the garden of
his son. And the earth was his couch and the dust his bed,
and he watered the ground with his tears. And he rested in
this spot till that the grass was grown above his bosom, and
his eyes were blinded with weeping. Yet his tongue did not
cease from plaining and his heart from sorrow. And he cried
continually-
"O Irij, O my son, my son, never prince died a death like
thine! Thy head was severed by Ahriman, thy body torn by
lions."
Thus mourned Feridoun, and the voice of lamentation was
abroad.
Then it came about that after many years had passed Feridoun
bethought him of the daughter of Irij, and how that men said
she was fair. And he sought for her in the house of the
women; and when he learned that she was fair indeed, he
desired that a husband be found for her, and he wedded her
unto Pescheng, who was a hero of the race of Jemshid. And
there was born unto them a son fair and strong, worthy the
throne. And when he was yet but a tender babe they brought
him to Feridoun and cried-
"O Lord of earth, let thy soul rejoice, behold this
Irij!"
Then the lips of Feridoun were wreathed with smiles, and he
took up the infant in his arms and cried unto God, saying-
"O God, grant that my sight be restored unto me, that I
may behold the face of this babe."
And as he prayed his eyes were opened, and his sight
rested upon his son. Then Feridoun gave thanks unto God. And
he called down blessings upon the child, and prayed that the
day might be blessed also, and the heart of his enemies be
torn with anguish. And he named him Minuchihr, saying, "A
branch worthy of a noble stock hath borne fruit." And the
child was reared in the house of Feridoun, and he suffered
not that ill came near unto him, and though the years passed
above his head the stars brought him no evil. And when he
was of a ripe age Feridoun gave to Minuchihr a throne of
gold, and a mace, and a crown of jewels, and the key to all
his treasures. Then he commanded his nobles that they should
do him reverence and salute him king. And there were
gathered about the throne Karun, the son of Kawah, and Serv,
King of Yemen, and Guerschasp the victorious, and many other
mighty princes more than tongue can name. But the young Shah
outshone them in strength and beauty, and joy was once more
in the land.
But tidings of the splendour that surrounded Feridoun
pierced even unto the lands of Roum and China, and the kings
thereof were troubled and downcast in their hearts. Then
they conferred how they should regain the favour of the
Shah, for they feared Minuchihr when he should be come unto
years of might. So they sent a messenger unto Feridoun
bearing rich gifts, and bade him speak unto their father and
say-
"O Shah, live for ever I bear a message from the humblest
of thy slaves, who are bowed unto the earth with contrition,
wherefore they have not ventured into thy presence. And they
pray that thou pardon their evil deed, for their hearts are
good, and they did it not of themselves, but because it was
written that they should do this wrong, and that which is
written in the stars surely it is accomplished. And
therefore, O King, their eyes are filled with tears, and
they pray thee incline unto them thine ear. And as a sign of
thy grace send unto them Minuchihr thy son, for their hearts
yearn to look upon his face and do him homage."
Now when Feridoun had listened to the words of his sons,
he knitted his brows in anger, for he knew that they sought
only to beguile him. And he said unto the messenger-
"Go, say unto your masters that their false-hearted words
shall avail them nothing. And ask them if they be not shamed
to utter white words with tongues of blackness. I have heard
their message, hear now the answer that I send. Ye say unto
me that ye desire the love of Minuchihr, and I ask of you,
What did ye for Irij? And now that ye are delivered of him
ye seek the blood of his son. Verily I say unto you, never
shall ye look upon his face save when he leadeth a mighty
army. Then shall be watered with blood the leaves and fruits
of the tree sprung from the vengeance that is due. For unto
this day hath vengeance slumbered, since it became me not to
stretch forth mine hand in battle upon my sons; but now is
there sprung a branch from the tree which the enemy
uprooted, and he shall come as a raging lion, girt with the
vengeance of his sire. And I say unto you, take back the
treasures ye have sent me, for think ye that for coloured
toys I will abandon my vengeance, and efface for baubles the
blood that ye have spilled, or sell for gold the head of
mine offspring? And say yet again that while the father of
Irij lives he will not abandon his intent. And now that thou
hast listened unto my message, lay it up in thy heart and
make haste from hence."
When the messenger had heard these words he departed with
speed. And when he was come unto Silim and Tur he told them
thereof, and how he had seen Minuchihr sitting upon a throne
of gold, and how for strength he was like unto Tahumers, who
had bound the Deevs. And he told how heroes bearing names
that filled the world with wonder stood round about him,
Kawah the smith, and Karun his son, and Serv, the King of
Yemen, and next in might unto the Shah was Saum, the son of
Neriman, the unvanquished in fight, and Guerschasp the
victorious, his treasurer. Then he spake of the treasures
that filled the house of Feridoun, and of the army great in
number, so that the men of Roum and China could not stand
against them. And he told how their hearts were filled with
hatred of the Kings because of Irij.
The Kings, when they heard this and the message of their
father, trembled for fear. And Tur said unto Silim-
"Henceforth we must forego pleasure, for it behoveth us
to hasten, and not tarry till the teeth of this young lion
be sharpened, and he be waxed tall and strong."
Then they made ready their armies, and the number of
their men was past the counting. Helmet was joined to
helmet, and spear to spear, and jewels, baggage, and
elephants without number went with them, and you would have
said it was a host that none could understand. And they
marched from Turan into Iran, and the two Kings rode before
them, their hearts filled with hate. But the star of these
evil ones was sinking. For Feridoun, when he learned that an
army had crossed the Jihun, called unto him Minuchihr his
son, and bade him place himself at the head of the warriors.
And the host of the Shah was mighty to behold, great and
strong, and it covered the land like unto a cloud of
locusts. And they marched from Temmische unto the desert,
and Minuchihr commanded them with might. And on his right
rode Karun the Avenger, and on his left Saum, the son of
Neriman, and above their heads waved the flag of Kawah, and
their armour glistened in the sun. Like as a lion breaketh
forth from the jungle to seize upon his prey, so did this
army rush forth to avenge the death of Irij. And the head of
Minuchihr rose above the rest like to the moon or the sun
when it shineth above the mountains. And he exhorted them in
words of fire that they rest not, neither weary, until they
should have broken the power of these sons of Ahriman.
Now Tur and Silim, when they saw that the Iranians were
come out against them, set in order their army. And when the
day had torn asunder the folds of night, the two armies met
in battle, and the fight waged strong until the setting of
the sun. And the earth was a sea of blood, and the feet of
the elephants were like to pillars of coral. And when the
sun was sunk to his rest, Tur and Silim consulted how they
might seize upon Minuchihr by fraud, for they saw that his
arm was strong and his courage undaunted. So Tur set forth
at the head of a small band to surprise him in his tents.
But Minuchihr was aware of his evil plans, and sprang upon
him. And when Tur would have fled Minuchihr followed after
him and struck a lance into his back. And when he had killed
him he cut his head from his trunk, and the body did he give
unto the wild beasts, but the head he sent to Feridoun. And
he wrote to him and sent him greeting, and told him all that
was come about, and how he should neither rest nor tarry
until the death of Irij be avenged.
Now Silim, when he learned the fate of his brother, was
sore afraid, and cast about him for an ally. And there came
unto him Kakoui, of the seed of Zohak. But Minuchihr
wrestled with him for a morning's space and overcame him
also, though the Deev was strong and powerful in fight. Then
Silim was cast down yet more, and he sought to hide him by
the sea-shore. But Minuchihr cut off his path and overtook
him, and with his own hand he slew him, and cut his head
from his trunk. And he raised the head upon his lance. And
when the army of Silim saw this they fled into the hills,
and vanished like cattle whom the snow hath driven from
their pasture. Then they took counsel and chose out a man
from among their midst, one that was prudent and gentle of
speech. And they bade him go before the Shah and say-
"Have mercy upon us, O Shah, for neither hate nor
vengeance drove us forth against thee, but only this, that
we obeyed the wills of our lords. But we ourselves are
peaceful men, tillers of the earth and keepers of cattle,
and we pray thee that thou let us return in safety whence we
are come. And we acknowledge thee our Shah, and we pray thee
make thy servants acquainted with thy desires."
When Minuchihr had heard these words he spake and said-
"My desire is not after these men, neither is my longing
after blood but mercy. Let every man lay down his arms and
go his ways, and let peace be in the land, and joy wait upon
your feet."
When the men heard this they praised the Shah, and called
down blessings upon his head. And they came before him,
every man bearing his armour and the weapons of battle. And
they laid them at his feet, and of weapons there was reared
a mighty mountain, and the blue steel glistened in the sun.
Then Minuchihr dismissed them graciously. And when the army
was dispersed he sent a messenger unto Feridoun bearing the
head of Silim and a writing. And when he had ordered all
things he set out at the head of his warriors unto the city
of Feridoun. And his grandsire came forth to meet him, and
there came with him many elephants swathed in gold, and
warriors arrayed in rich attire, and a large multitude clad
in garments of bright hue. And flags waved above them, and
trumpets brayed, and cymbals clashed, and sounds of
rejoicing filled the air. But when Minuchihr saw that his
grandsire came towards him, he got from his horse and ran to
meet him, and fell at his feet and craved his blessing. And
Feridoun blessed Minuchihr and raised him from the dust. And
he bade him sit again upon his horse and took his hand, and
they entered the city in triumph. And when they were come to
the King's house, Feridoun seated Minuchihr upon a throne of
gold. Then he called unto him Saum, the son of Neriman, and
said-
"I pray thee bring up this youth and nourish him for the
kingdom, and aid him with thy might and mind."
And he took the hand of Minuchihr and put it into that of
Saum, and said-
"Thanks be unto God the merciful, who hath listened unto
my voice, and granted the desires of His servant. For now
shall I go hence, and the world will I cumber no more."
Then when he had given gifts unto his servants he
withdrew into solitude, and gazed without cease upon the
heads of his sons, neither refrained he from bewailing their
evil fate, and the sorrow they had brought upon him. And
daily he grew fainter, and at last the light of his life
expired, and Feridoun vanished from the earth, but his name
remained behind him. And Minuchihr mourned for his grandsire
with weeping and lamentation, and raised above him a stately
tomb. But when the seven days of mourning were ended, he put
upon his head the crown of the Kaianides, and girt his loins
with a red sash of might. And the nation called him Shah,
and he was beloved in the land.
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Zal
Seistan, which is to the south of Iran, was ruled by
Saum, the Pehliva, girt with might and glory, and, but for
the grief that he was childless, his days were happy. Then
it came to pass that a son was born unto him, beautiful of
face and limb, who had neither fault nor blemish save that
his hair was like unto that of an aged man. Now the women
were afraid to tell Saum, lest he be wroth when he should
learn that his child was thus set apart from his fellow-men.
So the infant had gazed upon the light eight days ere he
knew thereof. Then a woman, brave above the rest, ventured
into his presence. She bowed herself unto the dust and
craved of Saum the boon of speech. And he suffered her, and
she spake, saying-
"May the Lord keep and guard thee. May thine enemies be
utterly destroyed. May the days of Saum the hero be happy.
For the Almighty hath accomplished his desire. He hath given
to him an heir, a son is born unto the mighty warrior behind
the curtains of his house, a moon-faced boy, beautiful of
face and limb, in whom there is neither fault nor blemish,
save that his hair is like unto that of an aged man. I
beseech thee, O my master, bethink thee that this gift is
from God, nor give place in thine heart to ingratitude."
When Saum had listened to her words he arose and went
unto the house of the women. And he beheld the babe that was
beautiful of face and limb, but whose head was like unto
that of an aged man. Then Saum, fearing the jeers of his
enemies, quitted the paths of wisdom. He lifted his head
unto heaven and murmured against the Lord of Destiny, and
cried, saying-
"O thou eternally just and good, O source of happiness,
incline thine ear unto me and listen to my voice. If I have
sinned, if I have strayed in the paths of Ahriman, behold my
repentance and pardon me. My soul is ashamed, my heart is
angered for reason of this child, for will not the nobles
say this boy presageth evil? They will hold me up to shame,
and what can I reply to their questions? It behoveth me to
remove this stain, that the land of Iran be not accursed."
Thus spake Saum in his anger, railing against fate, and
he commanded his servants to take the child and cast it
forth out of the land.
Now there standeth far from the haunts of men the Mount
Alberz, whose head toucheth the stars, and never had mortal
foot been planted upon its crest. And upon it had the
Simurgh, the bird of marvel, builded her nest. Of ebony and
of sandal-wood did she build it, and twined it with aloes,
so that it was like unto a king's house, and the evil sway
of Saturn could not reach thereto. And at the foot of this
mount was laid the child of Saum. Then the Simurgh, when she
spied the infant lying upon the ground, bereft of clothes
and wherewithal to nourish it, sucking its fingers for very
hunger, darted to earth and raised him in her talons. And
she bare him unto her nest, that her young might devour him.
But when she had brought him her heart was stirred within
her for compassion. Therefore she bade her young ones spare
the babe and treat him like to a brother. Then she chose out
tender flesh to feed her guest, and tended the infant
forsaken of his sire. And thus did the Simurgh, nor ever
wearied till that moons and years had rolled above their
heads, and the babe was grown to be a youth full of strength
and beauty. And his renown filled the land, for neither good
nor evil can be hidden for ever. And his fame spread even
unto the ears of Saum, the son of Neriman.
Then it came to pass that Saum dreamed a dream, wherein
he beheld a man riding towards him mounted upon an Arab
steed. And the man gave him tidings of his son, and taunted
him, saying-
"O thou who hast offended against every duty, who
disownest thy son because that his hair is white, though
thine own resembleth the silver poplar, and to whom a bird
seemeth fit nurse for thine offspring, wilt thou abjure all
kinship with him for ever?"
Now when Saum awoke he remembered his dream, and fear
came upon him for his sin. And he called unto him his
Mubids, and questioned them concerning the stripling of the
Mount Alberz, and whether this could be indeed his son, for
surely frosts and heat must long since have destroyed him.
Then the Mubids answered and said-
"Not so, thou most ungrateful unto God, thou more cruel
than the lion, the tiger, and the crocodile, for even savage
beasts tend their young, whilst thou didst reject thine own,
because thou heldest the white hair given unto him by his
Creator for a reproach in the sight of men. O faint of
heart, arise and seek thy child, for surely one whom God
hath blessed can never perish. And turn thou unto him and
pray that he forgive thee."
When Saum had heard these words he was contrite, and
called about him his army and set forth unto the mountains.
And when they were come unto the mount that is raised up to
the Pleiades, Saum beheld the Simurgh and the nest, and a
stripling that was like unto himself walking around it. And
his desire to get unto him was great, but he strove in vain
to scale the crest. Then Saum called upon God in his
humility. And God heard him, and put it into the heart of
the Simurgh to look down and behold the warrior and the army
that was with him. And when she had seen Saum she knew
wherefore the chief was come, and she spake and said-
"O thou who hast shared this nest, I have reared thee and
been to thee a mother, for thy father cast thee out; the
hour is come to part us, and I must give thee again unto thy
people. For thy father is Saum the hero, the Pehliva of the
world, greatest among the great, and he is come hither to
seek his son, and splendour awaiteth thee beside him."
When the youth had heard her words his eyes were filled
with tears and his heart with sorrow, for he had never gazed
upon men, though he had learned their speech. And he said-
"Art thou then weary of me, or am I no longer fit to be
thy house-fellow? See, thy nest is unto me a throne, thy
sheltering wings a parent. To thee I owe all that I am, for
thou wast my friend in need."
And the Simurgh answered him saying, "I do not send thee
away for enmity, O my son; nay, I would keep thee beside me
for ever, but another destiny is better for thee. When thou
shalt have seen the throne and its pomp my nest will sink in
thine esteem. Go forth, therefore, my son, and try thy
fortune in the world. But that thou mayst remember thy nurse
who shielded thee, and reared thee amid her little ones,
that thou mayst remain under the shadow of her wings, bear
with thee this feather from her breast. And in the day of
thy need cast it into the fire, and I will come like unto a
cloud and deliver thee from danger."
Thus she spake, and raised him in her talons and bore him
to the spot where Saum was bowed to the dust in penitence.
Now when Saum beheld his son, whose body was like unto an
elephant's for strength and beauty, he bent low before the
Simurgh and covered her with benison. And he cried out and
said-
"O Shah of birds, O bird of God, who confoundest the
wicked, mayst thou be great for ever."
But while he yet spake the Simurgh flew upwards, and the
gaze of Saum was fixed upon his son. And as he looked he saw
that he was worthy of the throne, and that there was neither
fault nor blemish in him, save only his silvery locks. Then
his heart rejoiced within him, and he blessed him, and
entreated his forgiveness. And he said-
"O my son, open thine heart unto the meanest of God's
servants, and I swear unto thee, in the presence of Him that
made us, that never again will I harden my heart towards
thee, and that I will grant unto thee all thy desires."
Then he clothed him in rich robes and named him Zal,
which being interpreted meaneth the aged. And he showed him
unto the army. And when they had looked on the youth they
saw that he was goodly of visage and of limb, and they
shouted for very joy. Then the host made them ready to
return unto Seistan. And the kettle-drummers rode at their
head, mounted upon mighty elephants whose feet raised a
cloud of dust that rose unto the sky. And the tabors were
beat, and the trumpets brayed, and the cymbals clashed, and
sounds of rejoicing filled the land because that Saum had
found his son, and that Zal was a hero among men.
Now the news spread even unto Minuchihr that Saum was
returning from the mountains with great pomp and joy. And
when he had heard it he bade Nuder go forth to meet the
Pehliva and bid him bring Zal unto the court. And when Saum
heard the desires of his master he obeyed and came within
his gates. Then he beheld the Shah seated upon the throne of
the Kaianides, bearing his crown upon his head, and on his
right hand sat Karun the Pehliva, and he bade Saum be seated
on his left. And the Shah commanded Saum that he should
speak. Then Saum unbosomed himself before the Shah and spake
concerning his son, neither did he hide his evil deed. And
Minuchihr commanded that Zal be brought before him. So the
chamberlains brought him into the presence of the King, and
he was clad in robes of splendour, and the King was amazed
at his aspect. And he turned and said unto Saum-
"O Pehliva of the world, the Shah enjoineth you have a
care of this noble youth, and guard him for the land of
Iran. And teach him forthwith the arts of war, and the
pleasures and customs of the banquet, for how should one
that hath been reared in a nest be familiar with our ways?
Then the Shah bade the Mubids cast Zal's horoscope, and
they read that he would be a brave and prudent knight. Now
when he had heard this the Pehliva was relieved of all his
fears, and the Shah rejoiced and covered Saum with gifts.
Arab horses did he give unto him with golden saddles, Indian
swords in scabbards of gold, brocades of Roum, skins of
beasts, and carpets of Ind, and the rubies and pearls were
past the numbering. And slaves poured musk and amber before
him. And Minuchihr also granted to Saum a throne, and a
crown and a girdle of gold, and he named him ruler of all
the lands that stretch from the Sea of China to that of
Sind, from Zaboulistan to the Caspian. Then he bade that the
Pehliva's horse be led forth, and sent him away from his
presence. And Saum called down blessings upon the Shah, and
turned his face towards home. And his train followed after
him, and the sound of music went before them.
Then when the tidings came to Seistan that the great hero
was drawing nigh, the city decked itself in festive garbs,
and every man called down the blessings of Heaven upon Zal,
the son of Saum, and poured gifts at his feet. And there was
joy in all the land for that Saum had taken back his son.
Now Saum forthwith called about him his Mubids, and bade
them instruct the youth in all the virtues of a king.
And daily Zal increased in wisdom and strength, and his
fame filled the land. And when Saum went forth to fight the
battles of the Shah, he left the kingdom under his hands,
and Zal administered it with judgment and virtue.
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Zal and Rudabeh
Anon it came about that Zal desired to see the kingdom.
And he set forth, and there followed after him a goodly
train, and when they had journeyed a while they marched with
pomp into Cabul. Now Mihrab, who was descended from Zohak
the Serpent, reigned in Cabul, yet he was worthy, prudent,
and wise. When he heard that the son of Saum, to whom he
paid tribute, drew nigh unto the city, he went out to meet
him, and his nobles went with him, and slaves bearing costly
gifts. And Zal, hearing that Mihrab was at hand, prepared a
feast in his tents, and Mihrab and his train feasted with
him until the night was far spent. Now, after the King was
gone, Zal praised his beauty. Then a noble rose up and said
unto him-
"O Zal, thou knowest not beauty since thou hast not
beheld the daughter of this man. For she is like unto the
slender cypress, her face is brighter than the sun, her
mouth is a pomegranate flower."
When Zal heard these words he was filled with longing,
and sleep would not visit his eyelids for thinking of her
beauty.
Now, when the day dawned, he opened the doors of his
court, and the nobles stood about him, each man according to
his rank. And presently there came from Cabul Mihrab the
King to tender morning greeting to the stranger without his
gates. And Zal desired that Mihrab should crave a boon at
his hands. Then spake Mihrab unto him saying-
"O ruler mighty and great, I have but one desire, and to
bring it to pass is easy. For I crave thee that thou dwell
as guest beneath my roof, and let my heart rejoice in thy
presence."
Then Zal said unto him, "O King, ask not this boon at my
hands, I pray thee, for it can in nowise be accomplished.
The Shah and Saum would be angered should they learn that I
had eaten under the roof of Zohak. I beg of thee ask aught
but this."
When Mihrab heard these words he was sorrowful, and bent
low before Zal, and departed from out the tents. And the eye
of Zal looked after him, and yet again he spake his praises.
Then he bethought him of the King's daughter, and how that
she was fair, and he was sunk in brooding and desire, and
the days passed unheeded over his head.
Now it came to pass that on a certain morning Mihrab
stepped forth from his palace to the house of the women to
visit Sindokht his wife, and her daughter Rudabeh. Truly the
house was like to a garden for colour and perfume, and over
all shone those moons of beauty. Now when Mihrab had greeted
Rudabeh he marvelled at her loveliness, and called down the
blessings of Heaven upon her head. Then Sindokht opened her
lips and questioned Mihrab concerning the stranger whose
tents were without their gates. And she said-
"I pray thee tell unto me what manner of man is this
white-haired son of Saum, and is he worthy the nest or the
throne? "
Then Mihrab said unto her, "O my fair cypress, the son of
Saum is a hero among men. His heart is like unto a lion's,
his strength is as an elephant's, to his friends he is a
gracious Nile, unto his enemies a wasting crocodile. And in
him are even blemishes turned to beauties, his white locks
but enhance his glory."
When Rudabeh had listened to these words her heart burned
with love for Zal, so that she could neither eat nor rest,
and was like unto one that hath changed her shape. And after
a while, because that she could bear the burden thereof no
longer, she told her secret to the slaves that loved and
served her. And she charged them tell no man, and entreated
of them that they would aid her to allay the troubles of her
heart. And when the slaves had listened to her story, they
were filled with fear, and with one accord entreated her
that she would dismiss from her heart one branded among men,
and whom his own father had cast out. But Rudabeh would not
listen to their voice. And when they beheld that she was
firm in her spirit, and that their words were vain, they
cast about how they might serve her. And one among them who
was wise above the rest opened her lips and spake-
"O moon-faced beauty, slender cypress, it shall be done
at thy desire. Thy slaves will neither rest nor slumber
until the royal youth shall have become the footstool to thy
feet."
Then Rudabeh was glad and said-
"An the issue be happy, there shall be planted for thee a
noble tree, and it shall bear riches and jewels, and wisdom
shall cull its fruits."
Then the slaves pondered in their hearts how they should
compass their end, for they knew that only by craft could it
be brought about. Straightway they clothed themselves in
costly raiment, and went forth blithely into the garden of
flowers that was spread beside the river's bank without the
city. And they gathered roses, and decked their hair with
blossoms, and threw them into the stream for sooth-telling;
and as they gathered they came unto the spot over against
which were pitched the tents of Zal. Now Zal beheld them
from his tent, and he questioned them concerning these
rose-gatherers. And one uprose and said unto him-
"They are slaves sent forth by the moon of Cabul into the
garden of flowers."
Now when Zal heard this his heart leaped for joy, and he
set forth unto the river's bank with only one page to bear
him company. And seeing a water-bird fly upwards, he took
his bow and shot it through the heart, and it fell among the
rose-gatherers. Then Zal bade the boy cross the water and
bring him the bird. And when he had landed, the moon-faced
women pressed about him and questioned him, saying-
"O youth, tell us the name of him who aimeth thus surely,
for verily he is a king among men."
Then the boy answering said, "What! know ye not the son
of Saum the hero? The world hath not his equal for strength
and beauty."
But the girls reproved him, and said, "Not so, boast not
thus vainly, for the house of Mihrab holdeth a sun that
o'ershines all besides."
And the page smiled, and the smile yet lingered on his
lips when he came back to Zal. And Zal said-
"Why smilest thou, boy? What have they spoken unto thee
that thou openest thy lips and showest thy ivory teeth? "
Then the boy told unto him the speech of the women. And
Zal said-
"Go over yet again and bid them tarry, that they may bear
back jewels with their roses."
And he chose forth from among his treasures trinkets of
pearl and gold, and sent them to the slaves. Then the one
who had sworn to serve Rudabeh above the rest craved that
she might look upon the face of the hero, for she said-
"A secret that is known to three is one no longer."
And Zal granted her desire, and she told him of Rudabeh and
of her beauty, and his passion burned the more. And he
spake-
"Show unto me, I pray thee, the path by which I may
behold this fair one, for my heart is filled with longing."
Then the slave said, "Suffer that we go back to the house
of the women, and we will fill the ears of Rudabeh with
praises of the son of Saum, and will entangle her in the
meshes of our net, and the lion shall rejoice in his chase
of the lamb."
Then Zal bade her go forth, and the women returned to the
house rejoicing and saying-
"The lion entereth the snare spread forth to entrap him,
and the wishes of Rudabeh and Zal will be accomplished."
But when they were come to the gates the porter chid them
that they were gone without while the stranger sojourned in
Cabul, and they were troubled and sore afraid for their
secret. But they stilled his wrath and came unto where
Rudabeh awaited them. And they told her of Zal, the son of
Saum, and of his beauty and his prowess. And Rudabeh smiled
and said-
"Wherefore have ye thus changed your note? For a while
back ye spake with scorn of this bird-reared youth, on whose
head hang the locks of a sage, but now are ye loud in his
praises."
Then Rudabeh began privily to deck her house that it
might be worthy a guest. With brocades of Roum and carpets
of Ind did she hang it, and she perfumed it with musk and
ambergris, and flowers did she cause to bloom about the
rooms. And when the sun was sunk, and the doors of the house
were locked and the keys withdrawn, a slave went forth unto
Zal, the son of Saum. And she spake unto him in a low voice-
"Come now, for all is ready."
And Zal followed after her. And when they were come to the
house of the women Zal beheld the daughter of the King
standing upon the roof, and her beauty was like unto a
cypress on which the full moon shineth. And when she beheld
him, she spake and said-
"I bid thee welcome, O young man, son of a hero, and may
the blessing of Heaven rest upon thee."
And Zal answered her benison, and prayed that he might
enter into nearer converse, for he was on the ground and she
was on the roof. Then the Peri-faced loosened her tresses,
and they were long, so that they fell from the battlements
unto the ground. And she said unto Zal-
"Here hast thou a cord without flaw. Mount, O Pehliva,
and seize my black locks, for it is fitting that I should be
a snare unto thee."
But Zal cried, "Not so, O fair one, it would beseem me
ill to do thee hurt."
And he covered her hair with kisses. Then he called for a
cord and made a running knot, and threw it upwards and
fastened it to the battlements. And with a bound he swung
himself upon the roof. Then Rudabeh took his hand and they
stepped down together into the golden chambers, and the
slaves stood round about them. And they gazed upon each
other and knew that they excelled in beauty, and the hours
slipped by in sweet talk, while love was fanned in their
hearts. Then Zal cried-
"O fair cypress, musk-perfumed, when Minuchihr shall
learn of this he will be angered and Saum also will chide.
And they will say I have forgotten my God, and will lift
their hands against me. But I swear unto thee that this life
is to me vile if it be not spent in thy presence. And I call
upon Heaven to hear me that none other but thee will I call
my bride."
And Rudabeh said, "I too will swear unto thee this oath."
So the hours sped, and there arose from out the tents of the
King the sound of drums that announce the coming of the day.
Then cried Zal and Rudabeh of one accord-
"O glory of the world, tarry yet a while, neither arrive
so quickly."
But the sun gave no ear to their reproaches, and the hour
to part was come. Then Zal swung himself from the
battlements unto the ground, and quitted the house of his
beloved.
Now when the earth was flooded with light, and the nobles
and chiefs had tendered unto Zal their morning greetings as
was their wont, he called about him his Mubids, and laid
before them how that he was filled with love for a daughter
of the Serpent. And the Mubids when they heard it were
troubled, and their lips were closed, and the words were
chained upon their tongues. For there was none of them that
listed to mingle poison in the honey of this love. Whereupon
Zal reproved them, and said that he would bestow on them
rich gifts if they would open their mouths. Then they spake
and said unto him that the honour of a king could not suffer
by a woman, and though Mihrab be indeed of Zohak's race, he
was noble and valiant. And they urged him to write unto his
father and crave Saum to wait upon the Shah.
Then Zal called unto him a scribe and bade him write down
the words that he spake. And he told unto Saum his love and
his fears. And he recalled unto him how that he had cast him
out, and how that he had lived in a nest, and a bird had
reared him, and the sun had poured down upon his head, and
raw flesh had been his nourishment the while his father had
sat within a goodly house clothed in silk. And he recalled
the promise given to him by Saum. Neither did he seek to
justify that which was come about. Then he gave the letter
to a messenger, and bade him ride until he should be come
into the presence of Saum.
When Saum had heard the words of his son his spirit was
troubled, and he cried-
"Woe unto me, for now is clear what hath so long been
hidden. One whom a wild bird hath reared looketh for the
fulfilment of wild desires, and seeks union with an accursed
race."
And he pondered long what he should answer. For he said,
"If I say, Abandon this desire, sow no discord, return to
reason, I break my oath and God will punish me. Yet if I
say, Thy desire is just, satisfy the passions of thy heart,
what offspring can come to pass from the union of a Deev and
the nursling of a bird?"
And the heart of Saum was heavy with care. So he called
unto him his Mubids that they should search the stars, for
he said-
"If I mingle fire and water I do ill, and ill will come
of it."
Then all that day the Wise Men searched the secrets of Fate,
and they cast the horoscope of Zal and Rudabeh, and at even
they returned to the King rejoicing. And they found him torn
with anguish. Then they said-
"Hail unto thee, O Saum, for we have followed the
movement of the stars and counted their course, and we have
read the message of the skies. And it is written, 'A clear
spring shall issue into the day, a son shall be born to Zal,
a hero full of power and glory, and there shall not be his
like in Iran.' "
Now when Saum had drunk in these words, his soul was
uplifted, and he poured gifts upon the Mubids. Then he
called to him the messenger of Zal, and he gave him pieces
of silver, and bade him return unto his master and say-
"I hold thy passion folly, O my son, but because of the
oath that I have sworn to thee it shall be done at thy
desire. I will hie me unto Iran and lay thy suit before the
Shah."
Then Saum called together his army and set forth for
Iran, and the sound of trumpets and cymbals went before him.
Now when the messenger was come back to Zal, he rejoiced
and praised God, and gave gold and silver to the poor, and
gifts unto his servants. But when night was come he could
not close his eyes in slumber, nor could he rest during the
day. Neither did he drink wine nor demand the singers, for
his soul was filled with longing after his love. And
presently there came out to him a slave, and he gave unto
her Saum's letter that she might bear it to Rudabeh. And
Rudabeh rejoiced also, and chose from among her treasures a
costly crown and a ring of worth, and bade the woman bear
them unto Zal. Now as she quitted the chamber she met
Sindokht. And the Queen questioned her and said-
"Whence comest thou? Reply to all my questions, neither
seek thou to deceive me, for already a long time do I
suspect thy passing to and fro."
And the woman trembled as she heard these words, and fell
down and kissed the feet of the Queen, and said-
"Have pity on thine handmaiden, who is poor and gaineth
her bread as she can. I go into the houses of the rich and
sell to them robes and jewels. And Rudabeh hath this day
bought of me a tiara and a bracelet of gold."
Then said Sindokht, "Show unto me the money thou hast
received for the same, that my anger be appeased."
And the woman answered and said, "Demand not that I show
unto thee that which I have not, for Rudabeh will pay me
to-morrow."
Now Sindokht knew that these words were feigned, and she
searched the sleeve of the woman, and lo! she found therein
the tiara that Rudabeh had broidered with her hands. Then
she was angered, and commanded that the slave should be
bound in chains. And she desired that her daughter be
brought into her presence. And when she was come, Sindokht
opened her mouth and spake, saying-
"O moon of noble race, to whom hath been taught naught
but that which is good, how hast thou gone astray upon the
paths of evil? O my daughter, confide unto thy mother thy
secrets. From whom cometh this woman? For what man are
destined thy gifts?"
When she had heard, Rudabeh was abashed, but after a
while she told all unto Sindokht. Now when the Queen had
heard she was confounded, for she feared the wrath of the
Shah, and that he would raze Cabul to the dust for this
mischance. And she went into her rooms and wept in her
sorrow. Then presently Mihrab the King came in to Sindokht,
and he was of joyful mind, for Zal had received him
graciously. But when he beheld her tears he questioned of
her grief. Then she told him how that his daughter was
filled with love for Zal, the son of Saum. And when Mihrab
had heard her to an end, his heart also was troubled, for he
knew that Cabul could not stand before the Shah.
Minuchihr, too, when he had heard these things, was
troubled, for he beheld in them the device of Ahriman, and
feared lest this union should bring evil upon Iran. And he
bade Nauder call Saum before him. Now when Saum heard the
desire of the Shah, he spake and said-
"I obey, and the sight of the King will be a banquet.
unto my soul."
Then Saum went into the presence of Minuchihr, and he
kissed the ground, and called down blessings upon the head
of the Shah. But Minuchihr raised him and seated him beside
him on the throne, and straightway began to question him
concerning the war, and the Deevs of Mazinderan. Then Saum
told him all the story of his battles. And Minuchihr
listened with joy though the tale was long, and when Saum
had ended he praised his prowess. And he lifted his crown
unto heaven and rejoiced that his enemies were thus
confounded. Then be bade a banquet be spread, and all night
long the heroes feasted and shortened the hours with wine.
But when the first rays of morn had shed their light, the
curtains of the Shah's house were opened, that he might hold
audience and grant the petitions of his people. And Saum the
Pehliva came the first to stand before the King, for he
desired to speak to him of Zal. But the Shah of the world
would not suffer him to open his lips, but said unto him-
"Go hence, O Saum, and take with thee thine army, for I
command thee to go yet again to battle. Set forth unto Cabul
and burn the house of Mihrab the King, and utterly destroy
his race and all who serve him, nor suffer that any of the
seed of Zohak escape destruction, for I will that the earth
be delivered of this serpent brood."
When Saum heard these words he knew that the Shah was
angered, and that speech would avail him naught. So he
kissed the throne and touched the earth with his forehead,
and said, "Lord, I am thy servant, and I obey thy desires."
And he departed, and the earth trembled under the stamping
of footmen and of hoofs, and the air of the city was
darkened with his spears.
Now the news of Saum's intent reached even unto Cabul,
and the land was sunk in woe, and weeping filled the house
of the King. But Zal was wroth, and he went forth to meet
his father. And when he was come to the spot where he had
encamped his army, he craved an audience. And Saum granted
it, and Zal reminded him yet again of his oath, and desired
that he would spare the land of Cabul, nor visit his
judgments upon the innocent. When Saum had listened, his
heart was moved, and he said-
"O my son, thou speakest that which is right. To thee
have I been unjust from the day of thy birth. But stay thy
wrath, for surely I will find a remedy, and thy wishes shall
yet be accomplished. For thou shalt bear a letter unto the
Shah, and when he shall have looked on thy face, he will be
moved with compassion and cease to trouble thee."
Then Zal kissed the ground before his father and craved
the blessings of God upon his head. And Saum dictated a
letter to the Shah, and he spoke therein of all he had done
for Minuchihr, and how he had killed the dragon that had
laid waste the land, how he had ever subdued the foes of
Iran, and how the frontiers were enlarged by his hands. Yet
now was he waxing old, and could no longer do doughty deeds.
But a brave son was his, worthy and true, who would follow
in his footsteps. Only his heart was devoured of love, and
perchance he would die if his longing were unsatisfied. And
therewith he commended to the wisdom of the Shah the affairs
of Zal.
When the letter was ended Zal set forth with it unto the
court, and the flower of his army went with him.
But the fear of Minuchihr was great in Cabul, and Mihrab
pondered how he should quench the wrath of the King of
kings. And he spake to Sindokht and said-
"For that the King is angered against me because of thee
and thy daughter, and because I cannot stand before him, I
will lead Rudabeh unto his court and kill her before his
eyes. Perchance his anger may be thus allayed."
Sindokht listened to his words in silence, and when he
had ended she cast about her for a plan, for she was quick
of wit. And when she had found one she came again into the
presence of Mihrab, and she craved of him that he should
give her the key of his treasury. For she said-
"This is not the hour to be strait-handed; suffer that I
take what seemeth good unto me and go before Saum, it may be
that I move him to spare the land."
And Mihrab agreed to her demand because of the fear that
devoured him. Then Sindokht went out to the house of Saum,
and she took with her three hundred thousand pieces of gold,
and sixty horses caparisoned in silver, bearing sixty slaves
that held cups filled to the brim with musk and camphor, and
rubies, and turquoise, and precious stones of every kind.
And there followed two hundred dromedaries and four tall
Indian elephants laden with carpets and brocades of Roum,
and the train reached for two miles beyond the King's gates.
Now when Sindokht was come to Seistan she bade the guardians
of the door say unto Saum that an envoy was come from Cabul
bearing a message. And Saum granted an audience, and
Sindokht was brought into his presence. Then she kissed the
ground at his feet and called upon Heaven to shower down
blessings on his head. And when she had done so, she caused
her gifts to be laid before Saum, and when Saum beheld these
treasures, he marvelled and thought within himself, "How
cometh it that a woman is sent as envoy from a land that
boasteth such riches? If I accept them the Shah will be
angered, and if I refuse perchance Zal will reproach me that
I rob him of his heritage." So he lifted his head and said-
"Let these treasures be given unto the treasurer of my
son."
When Sindokht beheld that her gifts were accepted, she
rejoiced and raised her voice in speech. And she questioned
Saum, saying-
"Tell me, I pray thee, what wrong have the people of
Cabul done unto thee that thou wouldst destroy them?"
Then answered Saum the hero, "Reply unto my questions and
lie not. Art thou the slave or the wife of Mihrab, and is it
thy daughter whom Zal hath seen? If indeed it be so, tell
me, I pray, of her beauty, that I may know if she be worthy
of my son."
Then Sindokht said, "O Pehliva, swear to me first a great
oath that thou wilt spare my life and the lives of those
dear unto me. And when I am assured of thy protection I will
recount all that thou desirest."
Then Saum took the hand of Sindokht, and he sware unto
her a great oath, and gave her his word and his promise. And
when she had heard it she was no longer afraid, and she told
him all her secrets. And she said-
"I am of the race of Zohak, and wife unto the valiant
Mihrab, and mother of Rudabeh, who hath found favour in the
eyes of thy son. And I am come to learn of thy desire, and
who are thine enemies in Cabul. Destroy the wicked, and
those who merit chastisement, but spare, I pray thee, the
innocent, or thy deeds will change day into night."
Then spake Saum, "My oath is sacred, and if it cost my
life, thou and thine and Cabul may rest assured that I will
not harm them. And I desire that Zal should find a wife in
Rudabeh, though she be of an alien race."
And he told her how that he had written to the Shah a
letter of supplication such as only one in grief could pen,
and how Zal was absent with the message, and he craved her
to tell him of Rudabeh.
But Sindokht replied, "If the Pehliva of the world will
make the hearts of his slaves rejoice, he will visit us and
look with his own eyes upon our moon."
And Saum smiled and said, "Rest content and deliver thine
heart of cares, for all shall end according unto thy
desires."
When Sindokht heard this she bade him farewell and made
all haste to return. And Saum loaded her with gifts and bade
her depart in peace. And Sindokht's face shone brightly,
like unto the moon when she hath been eclipsed, and hope
once more reigned in her breast.
Now listen to what happened to Zal while these things
were passing in Seistan. When he was come to the court of
Minuchihr he hastened into his presence, and kissed the
ground at his feet, and lay prostrate before him in the
dust. And when the Shah saw this he was moved, and bade his
servants raise Zal, and pour musk before him. Then Zal drew
nigh unto the throne and gave to the King the letter written
by Saum the son of Neriman. And when Minuchihr had read it
he was grieved, and said-
"This letter, written by Saum thy father in his sorrow,
hath awakened an old pain within me. But for the sake of my
faithful servant I will do unto thee that which is thy
desire. Yet I ask that thou abide with me a little while
that I may seek counsel about thee."
Then the cooks brought forth a table of gold, and Zal was
seated beside the Shah and all the nobles according to their
rank, and they ate flesh and drank wine together. Then when
the mantle of night was fallen over the earth Zal sprang
upon his steed and scoured the land in the unrest of his
spirit, for his heart was full of thoughts and his mouth of
words. But when morning was come he presented himself before
the Shah in audience. And his speech and mien found favour
in the eyes of the Shah, and he called unto him his Wise Men
and bade them question the stars of this matter. Three days
and three nights did the Mubids search the heavens without
ceasing, and on the fourth they came before the Shah and
spake. And they said unto him-
"Hail to thee, hero of the golden girdle, for we bring
unto thee glad tidings. The son of Saum and the daughter of
Mihrab shall be a glorious pair, and from their union shall
spring a son like to a war-elephant, and he shall subdue all
men by his sword and raise the glory of Iran even unto the
skies. And he shall uproot the wicked from the earth so that
there shall be no room for them. Segsars and Mazinderan
shall feel the weight of his mace, and he shall bring much
woe upon Turan, but Iran shall be loaded with prosperity at
his hands. And he will give back sleep to the unhappy, and
close the doors of discord, and bar the paths of
wrong-doing. The kingdom will rejoice while he lives; Roum,
Ind, and Iran will grave his name upon their seals."
When the Shah had heard this he charged the Mubids that
they keep secret that which they had revealed unto him. And
he called for Zal that he might question him and test his
wisdom. And the Wise Men and the Mubids were seated in a
circle, and they put these questions to the son of Saum.
And the first opened his mouth and said-
"Twelve trees, well grown and green, Fair and lofty, have
I seen; Each has sprung with vigorous sprout, Sending thirty
branches out; Wax no more, nor wane, they can In the kingdom
of Iran."
And Zal pondered a while and then answered and said-
'Twelve moons in the year, and each I praise As a
new-made king on a new throne's blaze: Each comes to an end
in thirty days."
Then the second Mubid questioned him and said-
"Thou whose head is high in air, Rede me now of coursers
twain; Both are noble, swift to speed; Black as storms in
the night one steed, The other crystal, white and fair, They
race for ever and haste in vain, Towards a goal they never
gain."
And Zal thought again yet a while and answered-
"Two shining horses, one black, one white. That run for
ever in rapid flight; The one is the day, the other the
night, That count the throbs of the heavens height, Like the
hunted prey from the following chase They flee, yet neither
wins the race."
Then the third Mubid questioned him and said-
"Thirty knights before the king Pass along. Regard the
thing Closely; one is gone. Again Look- the thirty are in
train."
And Zal answered and spake-
"Thirty knights of whom the train Is full, then fails,
then fills again, Know, each moon is reckoned thus, So
willed by God who governs us, And thy word is true of the
faint moon's wane, Now failing in darkness, now shining
plain."
Then the fourth Mubid questioned him and said-
"See a green garden full of springs; A strong man with a
sickle keen Enters, and reaps both dry and green; No word
thine utmost anguish wrings."
And Zal bethought him and replied-
"Thy word was of a garden green, A reaper with a sickle
keen, Who cuts alike the fresh and the dry Nor heedeth
prayer nor any cry: Time is the reaper, we the grass; Pity
nor fear his spirit has, But old and young he reaps alike.
No rank can stay his sickle's strike, No love, but he will
leave it lorn, For to this end all men are born. Birth opes
to all the gate of Life, Death shuts it down on love and
strife, And Fate, that counts the breath of man, Measures to
each a reckoned span."
Then the fifth Mubid questioned him and said-
"Look how two lofty cypresses Spring up, like reeds, from
stormy seas, There builds a bird his dwelling-place; Upon
the one all night he stays, But swift, with the dawn, across
he flies; The abandoned tree dries up and dies, While that
whereon he sets his feet Breathes odours out, surpassing
sweet. The one is dead for ever and aye, The other lives and
blooms alway."
Then Zal yet again bethought him before he said-
"Hear of the sea-born cypresses, Where builds a bird, and
rests, and flees. From the Ram to the Scales the earth
o'erpowers, Shadows obscure of the night that lowers, But
when the Scales' sign it must quit, Darkness and gloom
o'ermaster it; The sides of heaven thy fable shows Whence
grief to man or blessing flows, The sun like a bird flies to
and fro, Weal with him bringing, but leaving woe."
Then the sixth Mubid questioned him, and it was the last
question that he asked, and he deemed it the hardest of all
to answer. And all men hung upon his words and listened to
the answer of Zal. And the Mubid said-
"Builded on a rock I found A town. Men left the gate and
chose A thicket on the level ground. Soon their soaring
mansions rose Lifting roofs that reach the moon, Some men
slaves, some kings, became, Of their earlier city soon The
memory died in all. Its name None breathed. But hark! an
earthquake; down, Lost in the chasm lies the land- Now long
they for their rock-built town, Enduring things they
understand. Seek in thy soul the truth of this; This before
kings proclaim, I was, If rightly thou the riddle rede,
Black earth to musk thou hast changed indeed."
And Zal pondered this riddle but a little while, and then
opened his mouth and said-
"The eternal, final world is shown By image of a
rock-built town; The thicket is our passing life, A place of
pleasure and of pain, A world of dreams and eager strife, A
time for labour, and loss, and gain; This counts thy
heart-beats, at its will Prolongs their pulse or makes it
still. But winds and earthquake rouse: a cry Goes up of
bitterness and woe, Now we must leave our homes below And
climb the rocky fastness high. Another reaps our fruit of
pain, That yet to another leaves his gain; So was it aye,
must so remain. Well for us if our name endure, Though we
shall pass, beloved and pure, For all the evil man hath
done, Stalks, when he dies, in the sight of the sun; When
dust is strown on breast and head, Then desolation reigns
with dread."
When Zal had spoken thus the Shah was glad, and an the
assembly were amazed, and lauded the son of Saum. And the
King bade a great banquet be prepared, and they drank wine
until the world was darkened, and the heads of the drinkers
were troubled. Then when morn was come Zal prayed that the
Shah would dismiss him. But Minuchihr said-
"Not so, abide with me yet another day," and he bade the
drums be beaten to call together his heroes, for he desired
to test Zal also in feats of strength. And the Shah sat upon
the roof of his house and looked down upon the games, and he
beheld Zal, the son of Saum, do mighty deeds of prowess.
With his arrow did he shoot farther and straighter than the
rest, and with his spear he pierced all shields, and in
wrestling he overcame the strongest who had never known
defeat. When the nobles beheld these doughty deeds they
shouted and clapped their hands, and Minuchihr loaded Zal
with gifts. Then he prepared a reply unto the letter of
Saum. And he wrote-
"O my Pehliva, hero of great renown, I have listened to
thy desires, and I have beheld the youth who is worthy to be
thy son. And he hath found favour in my sight, and I send
him back to thee satisfied. May his enemies be impotent to
harm him."
Then when the Shah had given him leave to go, Zal set
forth, and he bare his head high in the joy of his heart.
And when he came before his father and gave to him the
letter of the Shah, Saum was young again for happiness. Then
the drums sounded the signal to depart, and the tents were
prepared, and a messenger, mounted on a fleet dromedary, was
sent unto Mihrab to tell him that Saum and Zal were setting
forth for Cabul. And when Mihrab heard the tidings his fears
were stilled, and he commanded that his army be clad in
festal array. And silken standards of bright colour decked
the city, and the sounds of trumpets, harps, and cymbals
filled the air. And Sindokht told the glad tidings to
Rudabeh, and they made ready the house like unto a paradise.
Carpets broidered with gold and precious stones did they lay
down upon its floors, and set forth thrones of ivory and
rich carving. And the ground they watered with rose-water
and wine.
Then when the guests were come near unto Cabul, Mihrab
went forth to meet them, and he placed upon the head of Zal
a crown of diamonds, and they came into the city in triumph.
And all the people did homage before them, and Sindokht met
them at the doors of the King's house, and poured out musk
and precious stones before them. Then Saum, when he had
replied to their homage, smiled, and turned to Sindokht and
said-
"How much longer dost thou think to hide Rudabeh from our
eyes?"
And Sindokht said, "What wilt thou give me to see the sun?"
Then Saum replied, "All that thou wilt, even unto my slaves
and my throne, will I give to thee."
Then Sindokht led him within the curtains, and when Saum
beheld Rudabeh he was struck dumb with wonder, for her
beauty exceeded dreams, and he knew not how he could find
words to praise her. Then he asked of Mihrab that he would
give unto him her hand, and they concluded an alliance
according to custom and the law. And the lovers were seated
upon a throne, and Mihrab read out the list of the gifts,
and it was so long the ear did not suffice to hear them.
Then they repaired unto the banquet, and they feasted seven
days without ceasing. And when a month had passed Saum went
back to Seistan, and Zal and Rudabeh followed after him. And
speedily did he set forth again to battle, and left the
kingdom in the hands of his son, and Zal administered it
with wisdom and judgment. And Rudabeh sat beside him on the
throne, and he placed a crown of gold upon her head.
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Rustem
Now ere the son of Zal was born, Rudabeh was sore
afflicted, and neither by day nor night could she find rest.
Then Zal in his trouble bethought him of the Simurgh, his
nurse, and how she had given unto him a feather that he
might use it in the hour of his need. And he cast the
feather into the fire as she had commanded, and straightway
a sound of rushing wings filled the air, and the sky was
darkened and the bird of God stood before Zal. And she said
unto him-
"O my son, wherefore art thou troubled, and why are the
eyes of this lion wet with tears?"
Then he told her of his sorrow, and she bade him be of
good cheer, "For verily thy nurse who shielded thee, and
reared thee when thy father cast thee out, is come yet again
to succour thee."
And she told him how he should act, and when she had done
speaking she turned her once more towards her nest. But Zal
did as she had commanded, and there was born to him a son
comely of limb. And when Rudabeh beheld the babe, she smiled
and said-
"Verily he shall be called Rustem (which, being
interpreted, meaneth delivered), for I am delivered of my
pains."
And all the land was glad that a son was come unto Zal
the hero, and the sounds of feasting and joy were heard
throughout its breadth.
Then fleet messengers brought the sweet tidings unto
Saum. And they bare with them an image of Rustem sewn of
silk, whereon were traced the features of this lion's whelp,
and a club was put into its hands, and it was mounted upon a
dromedary. Now when Saum beheld the image his heart leaped
up within him. He poured mountains of gold before the
messengers, and gave thanks unto Ormuzd that he had suffered
his eyes to look upon this child.
And when eight summers had rolled above their heads, Saum
learned that Rustem was mighty of stature and fair of mien,
and his heart yearned towards him. He therefore made ready a
mighty host and passed unto Zaboulistan, that he might look
upon his son. And Rustem rode forth to meet his sire,
mounted upon an elephant of war, and when he beheld Saum he
fell upon his face and craved his blessing. And Saum blessed
Rustem, the son of Zal.
Then Rustem spake unto Saum and said, "O Pehliva, I
rejoice in that I am sprung from thee, for my desires are
not after the feast, neither do I covet sleep or rest. My
heart is fixed upon valour, a horse do I crave and a saddle,
a coat of mail and a helmet, and my delight is in the arrow.
Thine enemies will I vanquish, and may my courage be like
unto thine."
And Saum, when he had heard these words, was astonished,
and blessed Rustem yet again. And his eyes could not cease
from gazing upon the face of the boy, and he lingered in the
land until a moon had run her course.
Now it befell that when yet two springs had passed,
Rustem was awakened from his slumber by a mighty roaring
that shook the walls of the house, even unto the foundation,
and a cry went forth that the white elephant of the King had
broken its chain in fury, and that the housemates were in
danger. And Rustem, when he learned it, sprang from his bed,
and desired of the guards that they should suffer him to
pass into the court that he might conquer the beast. But the
guards barred the way from him, saying-
"How can we answer for it before the King if thou run
into danger?"
But Rustem would not listen to their voice. He forced a
passage for himself with his mighty arms, with his strong
fists he broke down the barriers of the door. And when he
was without he beheld how that all the warriors were sore
afraid of the elephant, because that he was mad with rage.
And Rustem was ashamed for them in his soul, and he ran
towards the beast with a loud cry. Then the elephant, when
he saw him, raised his trunk to strike him, but Rustem beat
him upon the head with his club, and smote him that he died.
And when he had done this deed, he returned unto his bed and
slept until the morning. But the news of his prowess spread
throughout the house of the King and far into the land, even
unto the realms of Saum. And Zal, and all men with him,
rejoiced because a hero was arisen in Iran.
Now, while these things were passing in the house of Zal,
in the land of Zaboulistan, Minuchihr made him ready to pass
from the world, for he had reached twice sixty years. He
called before him Nauder his son, and gave him wise
counsels, and exhorted him that he should ever walk in the
paths of wisdom. And he bade him rest his throne upon the
strength of Saum and Zal, and the child that was sprung from
their loins. Then when he had spoken, Minuchihr closed his
eyes and sighed, and there remained of him only a memory in
the world.
But Nauder forgot the counsels of his father. He vexed
the land and reigned in anger, and cruel deeds were
committed in his name, so that the people rose up and cried
against the King. And men of might came unto Saum and laid
before him their plaints, and the petitions of the people,
and they prayed that he would wrest the crown from the head
of Nauder, and place it upon his own. But Saum was sore
grieved when he had heard these words, and he spake, saying-
"Not so, for it beseemeth me not to put out my hand after
the crown, for Nauder is of the race of the Kaianides, and
unto them is given majesty and might."
Then he girt his sword about his loins, and took with him
a host, and rode before the face of the Shah. And when he
was come unto him, Saum exhorted him with prayers and tears
that he would turn him from the paths of evil. And Nauder
listened unto the voice of Saum the Pehliva, and joy was
abroad once more.
But the tidings spread, even into Turan, that Minuchihr
the just was departed, and that the hand of Nauder was heavy
upon the land. And Poshang, who was of the race of Tur,
heard the news thereof with gladness, for he deemed that the
time was ripe to remember the vengeance that was due unto
the blood of his sire. Therefore he called about him his
warriors, and bade them go forth to war against Iran, saying
the time was come to avenge his father and draw unto himself
the heritage. And while his son Afrasiyab made ready the
host to fulfil the desire of his father, there spread the
news that Saum the Pehliva had been gathered unto the dust,
and that Zal tarried in his house to build him a tomb. And
the news gave courage unto Afrasiyab and his men, and they
made haste to gain the frontier.
But the grandson of Feridoun had learned of their coming,
and he prepared him to meet the foes of his land. Then he
sent forth an army that overshadowed the earth in its
progress. But the army of Afrasiyab was great also, and it
covered the ground like unto ants and locusts. And both
hosts pitched their tents in the plains of Dehstan, and made
them ready for the fight. And the horses neighed loud, and
the pawing of their hoofs shook the deep places of the
earth, and the dust of their trampling uprose even unto
heaven. Then when they had put their men into array, they
fell upon each other, and for two days did they rage in
fierce combat, neither did the victory lean to either side.
And the clamour and confusion were mighty, and earth and sky
seemed blended into one. And the carnage was great, and
blood flowed like water, and heads fell from their trunks
like unto autumn leaves that are withered. But on the third
day it came about that the upper hand was given unto the men
of Turan, and Nauder the King, and the flower of his army
with him, fell into the hands of the foe.
Then Afrasiyab cut off the head of Nauder the Shah, and
sat himself down upon the throne of light. And he proclaimed
himself lord of Iran, and required of all men that they
should do him homage, and pour gifts before his face. But
the people would not listen unto his voice, and they sent
messengers into Seistan, and craved counsel of the Pehliva
in their distress. And Zal, when he heard their tidings,
cast aside the sorrow for Saum his father, and girded his
loins in enmity against the son of Tur. And he bade the
Iranians choose out Zew, the son of Thamasp, of the blood of
Feridoun, of wisdom in speech, that he should rule over them
on the throne of the Kaianides. And the people did as Zal
commanded.
Now the throne of Feridoun grew young again under the
sway of Zew. With power did he beat back the host of Turan,
a covenant of peace did he wring from their hands. And it
was written that the Jihun should divide the lands, and that
the power of Zal the Pehliva should end where men take up
their abode in tents. And Zew ruled rightly in the sight of
Ormuzd, and God gave unto the land the key of abundance. Yet
few were the years that he commanded with equity, and
Garshasp his son reigned in his stead. But neither to him
was it given to reign long with glory, and bitter fruit
sprouted yet again from the tree of misfortune. For the
throne of the Kaianides was empty, and Afrasiyab, when he
learned thereof, followed the counsels of Poshang his
father, and hurried him unto the land of Iran, that he might
place himself upon the seat of power. And all the men of
Iran, when they learned thereof, were sore afraid, and they
turned them once again unto the son of Saum. And they spake
unto him hard words, and heaped reproaches upon him that he
had not averted these dangers from their heads. And Zal in
his heart smiled at their ingratitude and lipwisdom, but he
also sorrowed with them and with his land. And he spake,
saying-
"I have ever done for you what was fitting and right, and
all my life have I feared no enemy save only old age. But
that enemy is now upon me, therefore I charge you that ye
look unto Rustem to deliver you. Howbeit he shall be backed
by the counsels of his father."
Then he called before him his son, who was yet of tender
age, and he said unto him-
"O my son, thy lips still smell of milk, and thy heart
should go out to pleasure. But the days are grave, and Iran
looketh unto thee in its danger. I must send thee forth to
cope with heroes."
And Rustem answered and said, "Thou knowest, O my father,
that my desires are rather after war than pleasures. Give
unto me, therefore, a steed of strength and the mace of Saum
thy father, and suffer that I go out to meet the hosts of
Ahriman."
Then Zal's heart laughed within him when he heard these
words of manhood. And he commanded that all the flocks of
horses, both from Zaboulistan and Cabul, be brought before
his son, that he might choose from their midst his steed of
battle. And they were passed in order before Rustem, and he
laid upon the backs of each his hand of might to test them
if they could bear his weight of valour. And the horses
shuddered as they bent beneath his grasp, and sank upon
their haunches in weakness. And thus did he do with them all
in turn, until he came unto the flocks of Cabul. Then he
perceived in their midst a mare mighty and strong, and there
followed after her a colt like to its mother, with the chest
and shoulders of a lion. And in strength it seemed like an
elephant, and in colour it was as rose leaves that have been
scattered upon a saffron ground. Now Rustem, when he had
tested the colt with his eyes, made a running knot in his
cord and threw it about the beast. And he caught the colt in
the snare, though the mare defended it mightily. Then the
keeper of the flock came before Rustem and said-
"O youth puissant and tall, take not, I counsel thee, the
horse of another."
And Rustem answered him and asked, "To whom then
pertaineth this steed? I see no mark upon its flanks."
And the keeper said, "We know not its master, but rumours
are rife anent it throughout the land, and men name it the
Rakush of Rustem. And I warn thee, the mother will never
permit thee to ride on it. Three years has it been ready for
the saddle, but none would she suffer to mount thereon."
Then Rustem, when he heard these words, swung himself
upon the colt with a great bound. And the mare, when she saw
it, ran at him and would have pulled him down, but when she
had heard his voice she suffered it. And the rose-coloured
steed bore Rustem along the plains like unto the wind. Then
when he was returned, the son of Zal spake and said to the
keeper-
"I pray thee, tell unto me what is the price of this
dragon?"
But the keeper replied, "If thou be Rustem, mount him, and
retrieve the sorrows of Iran. For his price is the land of
Iran, and seated upon him thou wilt save the world."
And Rustem rejoiced in Rakush (whose name, being
interpreted, meaneth the lightning), and Zal rejoiced with
him, and they made them ready to stand against Afrasiyab.
Now it was in the time of roses, and the meadows smiled
with verdure, when Zal led forth his hosts against the
offspring of Tur. And the standard of Kawah streamed upon
the breeze, and Mihrab marched on the left, and Gustahem
marched on the right, and Zal went in the midst of the men,
but Rustem went at the head of all. And there followed after
him a number like to the sands of the sea, and the sounds of
cymbals and bells made a noise throughout the land like unto
the day of judgment, when the earth shall cry unto the dead,
"Arise." And they marched in order even unto the shores of
the river Rai, and the two armies were but some farsangs
apart.
Albeit, when Afrasiyab heard that Rustem and Zal were
come out against him, he was in nowise dismayed, for he
said, "The son is but a boy, and the father is old; it will
not, therefore, be hard for me to keep my power in Iran."
And he made ready his warriors with gladness of heart.
But Zal, when he had drawn up his army in battle array,
spake unto them, saying-
"O men valiant in fight, we are great in number, but
there is wanting to us a chief, for we are without the
counsels of a Shah, and verily no labour succeedeth when the
head is lacking. But rejoice, and be not downcast in your
hearts, for a Mubid hath revealed unto me that there yet
liveth one of the race of Feridoun to whom pertaineth the
throne, and that he is a youth wise and brave."
And when he had thus spoken, he turned him to Rustem and
said-
"I charge thee, O my son, depart in haste for the Mount
Alberz, neither tarry by the way. And wend thee unto Kai
Kobad, and say unto him that his army awaiteth him, and that
the throne of the Kaianides is empty."
And Rustem, when he had heard his father's command,
touched with his eyelashes the ground before his feet, and
straightway departed. In his hand he bare a mace of might,
and under him was Rakush the swift of foot. And he rode till
he came within sight of the Mount Alberz, whereon had stood
the cradle of his father. Then he beheld at its foot a house
beauteous like unto that of a king. And around it was spread
a garden whence came the sounds of running waters, and trees
of tall stature uprose therein, and under their shade, by a
gurgling rill, there stood a throne, and a youth, fair like
to the moon, was seated thereon. And round about him leaned
knights girt with red sashes of power, and you would have
said it was a paradise for perfume and beauty.
Now when those within the garden beheld the son of Zal
ride by, they came out unto him and said-
"O Pehliva, it behoveth us not to let thee go farther
before thou hast permitted us to greet thee as our guest. We
pray thee, therefore, descend from off thy horse and drink
the cup of friendship in our house."
But Rustem said, "Not so, I thank you, but suffer that I
may pass unto the mountain with an errand that brooketh no
delay. For the borders of Iran are encircled by the enemy,
and the throne is empty of a king. Wherefore I may not stay
to taste of wine."
Then they answered him, "If thou goest unto the mount,
tell us, we pray thee, thy mission, for unto us is it given
to guard its sides."
And Rustem replied, "I seek there a king of the seed of
Feridoun, who cleansed the world of the abominations of
Zohak, a youth who reareth high his head. I pray ye,
therefore, if ye know aught of Kai Kobad, that ye give me
tidings where I may find him."
Then the youth that sat upon the throne opened his mouth
and said, "Kai Kobad is known unto me, and if thou wilt
enter this garden and rejoice my soul with thy presence I
will give thee tidings concerning him."
When Rustem heard these words he sprang from off his
horse and came within the gates. And the youth took his hand
and led him unto the steps of the throne. Then he mounted it
yet again, and when he had filled a cup with wine, he
pledged the guest within his gates. Then he gave a cup unto
Rustem, and questioned him wherefore he sought for Kai
Kobad, and at whose desire he was come forth to find him.
And Rustem told him of the Mubids, and how that his father
had sent him with all speed to pray the young King that he
would be their Shah, and lead the host against the enemies
of Iran. Then the youth, when he had listened to an end,
smiled and said-
"O Pehliva, behold me, for verily I am Kai Kobad of the
race of Feridoun!"
And Rustem, when he had heard these words, fell on the
ground before his feet, and saluted him Shah. Then the King
raised him, and commanded that the slaves should give him
yet another cup of wine, and he bore it to his lips in
honour of Rustem, the son of Zal, the son of Saum, the son
of Neriman. And they gave a cup also unto Rustem, and he
cried-
"May the Shah live for ever!"
Then instruments of music rent the air, and joy spread over
all the assembly. But when silence was fallen yet again, Kai
Kobad opened his mouth and said-
"Hearken, O my knights, unto the dream that I had
dreamed, and ye will know wherefore I called upon you this
day to stand in majesty about my throne. For in my sleep I
beheld two falcons white of wing, and they came out unto me
from Iran, and in their beaks they bare a sunny crown. And
the crown they placed upon my head. And behold now is Rustem
come out unto me like to a white bird, and his father, the
nursling of a bird, hath sent him, and they have given unto
me the crown of Iran."
And Rustem, when he had heard this dream, said, "Surely
thy vision was given unto thee of God! But now, I pray thee,
up and tarry no longer, for the land of Iran groaneth sore
and awaiteth thee with much travail."
So Kai Kobad listened to the desires of Rustem, and swung
him upon his steed of war; and they rode day and night,
until they came down from the hills unto the green plains
that are watered by murmuring streams. And Rustem brought
the King safely through the outposts of the enemy; and when
the night was fallen, he led him within the tents of Zal,
and none knew that he was come save only the Mubids. For
seven days did they hold counsel together, and on the eighth
the message of the stars was received with joy. And Zal made
ready a throne of ivory and a banquet, and the crown of Iran
was placed upon the head of the young Shah. Then the nobles
came and did homage before him, and they revelled in wine
till the night was far spent. And they prayed him that he
would make him ready to lead them against the Turks. And Kai
Kobad mustered the army and did as they desired.
And soon the battle raged hot and strong many days, and
deeds of valour were done on either side; but the men of
Turan could not stand against the men of Iran, neither could
the strength of Rustem be broken. For he put forth the power
of a lion, and his shadow extended for miles. And from that
day men named him Tehemten (which being interpreted, meaneth
the strong-limbed), for he did deeds of prowess in the sight
of men. And Afrasiyab was discomfited, and fled before him,
and his army followed after, and their hearts were bruised
and full of care.
But the Iranians, when they beheld that their foes had
vanished before them, turned them unto Kai Kobad and did
homage before his throne. And Kai Kobad celebrated the
victory with much pomp, as is the manner of kings; and he
placed Rustem upon his right hand and Zal upon his left, and
they feasted and made them merry with wine.
In the meantime Afrasiyab returned him unto Poshang his
father, who was of the race of Tur. And he came before him
right sorrowful and spake, saying-
"O King, whose name is glorious, thou didst evil to
provoke this war. The land which Feridoun the great did give
in ancient time unto Tur the valiant, it hath been delivered
unto thee, and the partition was just. Why, therefore,
seekest thou to enlarge thy border? Verily I say, if thou
haste not to make peace with Iran, Kai Kobad will send out
against us an army from the four quarters of the earth, and
they will subdue us, and by our own act we shall make the
land too narrow for us. For the world is not delivered of
the race of Irij, and the noxious poison hath not been
converted into honey. For when one dieth another taketh his
place, and never do they leave the world without a master.
And there is arisen of the race of Saum a warrior called
Rustem, and none can withstand him. He hath broken the power
of thine host, and the world hath not seen his like for
stoutness; and withal he is but little more than a weanling.
Ponder therefore, O King, how shall it be when he may be
come to years of vigour. Surely I am a man who desireth to
possess the world, the stay of thine army, and thy refuge in
danger, but before this boy my power fadeth like unto the
mists that rise above the hills."
When the King of Turan had listened to these words, the
tears of bitterness fell from his eyes. Then he called
before him a scribe and he bade him write a letter unto Kai
Kobad, the Shah. And the scribe adorned it with many colours
and fair designs. And the scribe wrote-
"In the name of Ormuzd, the ruler of the sun and moon,
greeting and salutation unto Kai Kobad the gracious from the
meanest of his servants. Listen unto me, O valiant Shah, and
ponder the words that I shall write. May grace fall upon the
soul of Feridoun, who wove the woof of our race! Why should
we any longer hold the world in confusion? That which he
fixed, surely it was right, for he parted the world with
equity, and we do wrong before him when we depart from the
grooves that he hath shaped. I pray thee, therefore, let us
no longer speak of Tur and his evil acts unto Irij, for if
Irij was the cause of our hates, surely by Minuchihr hath he
been avenged. Let us return, then, within the bounds that
Feridoun hath blest, and let us part the world anew, as it
was parted for Tur, and Selim, and Irij. For wherefore
should we seek the land of another, since in the end each
will receive in heritage a spot no larger than his body? If
then Kai Kobad will listen unto my prayer, let the Jihun be
the boundary between us, and none of my people shall behold
its waters, nay, not even in a dream, neither shall any
Iranian cross its floods, save only in amity."
And the King put his seal upon the letter and sent it
unto Kai Kobad, and the messenger bare with him rich gifts
of jewels and steeds of Araby. And when Kai Kobad had read
the letter he smiled in his spirit and said-
"Verily not my people sought out this war but Afrasiyab,
who deemed that he could wrest unto himself the crown of
Iran, and could subdue the masterless land unto his will.
And he hath but followed in the footsteps of Tur his father,
for even as he robbed the throne of Irij, so did Afrasiyab
take from it Nauder the Shah. And I say to you that I need
not make peace with you because of any fear, but I will do
it because war is not pleasing unto me. I will give unto
you, therefore, the farther side of the river, and it shall
be a boundary between us, and I pray that Afrasiyab may find
rest within his borders."
And Kai Kobad did according to his word. He drew up a
fresh covenant between them, and planted a new tree in the
garden of power. And the messenger took the writing unto
Poshang, King of Turan, and Kai Kobad proclaimed that there
was peace throughout the land.
Now for the space of an hundred years did Kai Kobad rule
over Iran, and he administered his realm with clemency, and
the earth was quiet before him, and he gat his people great
honour, and I ask of you what king can be likened unto him?
But when this time had passed, his strength waned, and he
knew that a green leaf was about to fade. So he called
before him Kai Kaous his son, and gave unto him counsels
many and wise. And when he had done speaking he bade them
make ready his grave, and he exchanged the palace for the
tomb. And thus endeth the history of Kai Kobad the glorious.
It behoveth us now to speak of his son.
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The March into Mazinderan
Kai aous seated him on the crystal throne, and the world
was obedient to his will. But Ahriman was angry that his
power was so long broken in Iran, and he sware unto himself
that happiness should no longer smile upon the land. And he
imagined guile in his black heart.
Now it came about one day that the Shah sat in his
trellised bower in the garden of roses, drinking wine and
making merry with his court. Then Ahriman, when he beheld
that they were thus forgetful of care, saw that the time
served him. So he sent forth a Deev clad as a singer, and
bade him ask for audience before the Shah. And the Deev did
as he was bidden. And he came before the servants of the
King, and begged for entrance into the arbour of flowers.
"For verily," he said, "I am a singer of sweet songs, and
I come from Mazinderan, and desire to pour my homage at the
throne of my lord."
Now when Kai Kaous learned that a singer waited without,
he commanded that he should be brought in. Then he gave him
wine and permitted him to open his mouth before him. Now the
Deev, when he had done homage before the Shah, warbled unto
his lyre words of deep cunning. And he sang how that no land
was like unto his own for beauty and riches, and he inflamed
the desires of the Shah after Mazinderan. And Ahriman fanned
the flame within the mind of the King, and when the Deev had
ended, Kai Kaous was become uplifted in his heart, like unto
Jemshid. So he turned him unto his warriors and said-
"O my friends, mighty and brave, we have abandoned
ourselves unto feasting, we have revelled in the arms of
peace. But it behoveth not men to live long in this wise,
lest they grow idle and weak. And above all it behoveth not
me that am a Shah, for the Shah is called to be a hero among
men, and the world should be his footstool. Now verily the
power and splendour of Jemshid was lower than mine, and my
wealth surpasseth that of Zohak and Kai Kobad. It beseemeth
me therefore to be greater also than they in prowess, and to
be master of Mazinderan, which ever resisted their might. I
bid you therefore make ready for combat, and I will lead you
into the land whereof this singer hath sung so sweetly."
Now the nobles, when they had heard these words, grew
pale with fear, for there was not one among them who listed
to combat with Deevs. But none durst open their lips in
answer, yet their hearts were full of fear and their mouths
of sighs. But at last, when they could keep silence no
longer, some spake and said-
"Lord, we are thy servants, and that which thou biddest
surely we must do."
But among themselves they took counsel how they should
act if the Shah held firm by his desire. And they recalled
how not even Jemshid in his pride had thought to conquer the
Deevs of Mazinderan, before whom the sword hath no power and
wisdom no avail, neither had Feridoun, learned in magic, or
Minuchihr the mighty, ventured on this emprise. Then they
bethought them of Zal the son of Saum, and they sent forth a
wind-footed dromedary and a messenger. And they said unto
Zal-
"Haste, we pray thee, neither tarry to cleanse thine head
though it be covered with dust; for Ahriman hath strown evil
seed in the heart of Kai Kaous, and it ripeneth to fruit
already, and already it hath borne fruit, and Iran is
threatened with danger. But we look to thee that thou speak
words of good counsel unto the Shah, and avert these sorrows
from our heads."
Now Zal was sore distressed when he learned that a leaf
on the tree of the Kaianides was thus faded. And he said-
"Kai Kaous is void of knowledge, and the sun must revolve
yet oft above his head before he learneth the wisdom of the
great. For unto true wisdom alone is it given to know when
to strike and when to tarry. But he is like unto a child who
deemeth the world will tremble if it but upraiseth its
sword. And but for my duty unto God and unto Iran, I would
abandon him to his folly."
Then Zal revolved in his mind this trouble even until the
sun was set. But when the glory of the world was arisen yet
again, he girt his sash about his loins, and took in his
hand the mace of might and set forth unto the throne of the
Shah. And he craved for audience, and prostrated himself
before the King. And when Kai Kaous permitted it, Zal opened
his mouth and spake words of wisdom. And he said-
"O King powerful and great, word is come unto me, even
unto Seistan, of thy device. But it seemeth unto me that
mine ears have not heard aright. For Mazinderan is the abode
of Deevs, and no man can overcome their skill. Give not,
therefore, unto the wind thy men and thy treasures. Turn, I
pray thee, from this scheme, neither plant in the garden of
Iran the tree of folly, whose leaves are curses and whose
fruits are evil, for thus did not the kings before thee."
Then Kai Kaous, when he had listened, said, "I despise
not thy counsel, nor do I bid thee hold thy peace, for thou
art a pillar unto Iran. But neither shall thy words divert
me from my desire, and Mazinderan shall pay tribute to my
hands. For thou considerest not how that my heart is bolder
and my might more great than that of my fathers before me. I
go, therefore, and the kingdom will I leave between thy
hands and those of Rustem thy son."
When Zal heard these words, and beheld that Kai Kaous was
firm in his purpose, he ceased from opposing. Then he bowed
him unto the dust, and spake, saying-
"O Shah, it is thine to command, and whether it be just
or unjust, thy servants serve thee even unto death. I have
spoken the words that weighed upon my heart. Three things it
is not given to do, even unto a king: to elude death, to
bind up the eye of destiny, to live without nurture. Mayst
thou never repent thee of thy resolve, mayst thou never
regret my counsels in the hour of danger, may the might of
the Shah shine for ever!"
And when he had ended, Zal went out of the presence of
the King, and he was right sorrowful, and the nobles mourned
with him when they learned how nought had been accomplished.
Then, ere the day succeeded unto the night, Kai Kaous set
forth with his horsemen unto Mazinderan.
Now when they were come within its borders, Kai Kaous
commanded Gew that he should choose forth a strong band from
out their midst, and go before the city with mighty clubs.
And he bade him destroy the dwellers of the town, neither
should they spare the women nor the young, because that they
too were the children of Deevs. And Gew did as the Shah
commanded. Then clubs rained down upon the people like to
hail, and the city that resembled a garden was changed into
a desert, and all the inmates thereof perished at the hands
of the enemy, neither did they find any mercy in their eyes.
But when the men of Iran had ceased from killing, they sent
news thereof unto the Shah, and told him of the riches that
were hidden within the palaces.
And Kai Kaous said, "Blessed be he who sang to me of the
glories of this realm."
And he marched after Gew with the rest of his host, and
seven days did they never cease from plundering, neither
could they be sated with the gold and jewels that they
found. But on the eighth the tidings of their deeds pierced
unto the King of Mazinderan, and his heart was heavy with
care. He therefore sent a messenger unto the mountains where
dwelt the White Deev, who was powerful and strong, and he
entreated him that he would come unto his succour, or verily
the land would perish under the feet of Iran.
The White Deev, when he heard the message, uprose like to
a mountain in his strength, and he said-
"Let not the King of Mazinderan be troubled, for surely
the hosts of Iran shall vanish at my approach."
Then, when the night was fallen, he spread a dark cloud,
heavy and thick, over the land, and no light could pierce
it, neither could fires be seen across its midst, and you
would have said the world was steeped in pitch. And the army
of Iran was wrapt in a tent of blackness. Then the Deev
caused it to rain stones and javelins, and the Iranians
could not behold their source, neither could they defend
themselves or stand against the arts of magic. And they
wandered astray in their distress, and no man could find his
fellow, and their hearts were angered against the Shah for
this emprise. But when the morning was come, and glory was
arisen upon the world, they could not see it, for the light
of their eyes was gone out. And Kai Kaous too was blinded,
and he wept sore, and the whole army wept with him in their
anguish. And the Shah cried in his distress-
"O Zal, O my Pehliva wise and great, wherefore did I shut
mine ear unto thy voice!"
And the army echoed his words in their hearts, but their
lips were silent for boundless sorrow.
Then the White Deev spake unto Kai Kaous with a voice of
thunder, and he said-
"O King, thou hast been struck like to a rotten trunk, on
thine own head alone resteth this destruction, for thou hast
attained unto Mazinderan, and entered the land after which
thy heart desired."
And he bade his legion guard the Shah and all his army,
and he withheld from them wine and good cheer, and gave unto
them but enough for sustenance, for he desired not that they
should die, but gloried in their wretchedness. Then when he
had so done he sent tidings thereof unto the King of
Mazinderan. And he bade the King take back the booty and
rejoice in the defeat of Iran. And he counselled him that he
suffer not Kai Kaous to perish, that he might learn to know
good fortune from ill. And the White Deev bade the King sing
praises unto Ahriman the mighty, who had sent him unto his
aid. And having spoken thus he returned him unto his home in
the mountains, but the King of Mazinderan rejoiced in his
spoils.
Now Kai Kaous remained in the land after which he had
yearned, and his heart was heavy with bitterness. And the
eyes of his soul were opened, and he cried continually,
"This fault is mine;" and he cast about in his spirit how he
might release his host from the hands of the Deevs. But the
Deevs guarded him straitly, and he could send no messenger
into Iran. Howbeit it came about that a messenger escaped
their borders, and bore unto Zal the writing of Kai Kaous
the afflicted. And Kai Kaous bowed himself in his spirit
unto the dust before Zal, and he wrote to him all that was
come about, and how that he and his host were blind and
captive, and he poured forth his repentance, and he said-
"I have sought what the foolish seek, and found what they
find. And if thou wilt not gird thy loins to succour me, I
perish indeed."
When Zal heard this message he gnawed his hands in
vexation. Then he called before him Rustem, and said-
"The hour is come to saddle Rakush and to avenge the
world with thy sword. As for me, I number two hundred years,
and have no longer the strength to fight with Deevs. But
thou art young and mighty. Cast about thee, therefore, thy
leopard-skin and deliver Iran from bondage."
And Rustem said, "My sword is ready, and I will go hence
as thou dost bid. Yet of old, O my father, the mighty did
not go forth of their own will to fight the powers of hell,
neither doth one who is not weary of this world go into the
mouth of a hungry lion. But if God be with me I shall
overcome the Deevs and gird our army anew with the sashes of
might. And I pray that His blessing rest upon me."
Then Zal, when he heard these noble words, blessed his
son, and prayed that Ormuzd too would give him his blessing.
And he bestowed on him wise counsel, and told him how he
could come unto the land of Mazinderan. And he said-
"Two roads lead unto this kingdom, and both are hard and
fraught with danger. The one taken of Kai Kaous is the
safest, but it is long, and it behoveth vengeance to be
fleet. Choose therefore, I charge thee, the shorter road,
though it be beset with baleful things, and may Ormuzd
return thee safe unto mine arms."
When Rustem had drunk in the counsels of his father he
seated him on Rakush the fleet of foot. But when he would
have departed, his mother came out before him, and she made
great wailing that Rustem should go before the evil Deevs.
And she would have hindered him, but Rustem suffered her
not. He comforted her with his voice, and bade her be of
good cheer. He showed unto her how that he had not of his
own choice chosen this adventure. And he bade her rest her
hopes in God. And when he had done speaking she let him
depart, but the heart of Rudabeh yearned after her son, and
her eyes were red with weeping many days.
In the meanwhile the young hero of the world sped forth
to do his duty unto the Shah. And Rakush caused the ground
to vanish under his feet, and in twelve hours was a two
days' journey accomplished. Then when eve was fallen, Rustem
ensnared a wild ass, and made a fire and roasted it for his
meal. And when he had done he released Rakush from the bonds
of his saddle and prepared for himself a couch among the
reeds, neither was he afraid of wild beasts or of Deevs.
But in the reeds was hidden the lair of a fierce lion,
and the lion when he returned unto his haunt beheld the tall
man and the horse that watched beside him. And he rejoiced
at the fat meal that he held was in store. And he thought
within his mind, "I will first subdue the steed, then the
rider will be an easy prey." And he fell upon Rakush. But
Rakush defended himself mightily. With his hoofs did he
trample upon the forehead of the lion, with his sharp teeth
did he tear his skin, and he trampled upon him till he died.
But the noise of the struggle had wakened Rustem, and when
he beheld the body of the lion, and Rakush standing beside
it, he knew what had been done. Then he opened his mouth in
reproof, and said-
"O thoughtless steed, who bade thee combat lions?
Wherefore didst thou not wake me? for if thou hadst been
overcome, who, I pray thee, could have borne my weight into
Mazinderan, whither I must hie me to deliver the Shah?
When he had thus spoken he turned again to sleep, but
Rakush was sorrowful and downcast in his spirit.
Now when morn was come they set forth once again upon
their travels. And all day long they passed through a
desert, and the pitiless sun burned down upon their heads,
and the sand was living fire, and the steed and rider were
like to perish of thirst, and nowhere could Rustem find the
traces of water. So he made him ready to die, and commended
his soul unto God, and prayed Him to remember Kai Kaous, His
servant, nor abandon him in his distress. Then he laid him
down to await the end. But lo! when he thought it was come,
there passed before him a ram, well nourished and fat. And
Rustem said unto himself-
"Surely the watering-place of this beast cannot be
distant."
Then he roused him and led Rakush and followed in the
footsteps of the ram, and behold, it led him unto a spring
of water, cool and clear. And Rustem drank thereof with
greed, and he gave unto Rakush, and bathed him in the
waters, and when they were both refreshed he sought for the
traces of the ram. And they were nowhere to be found. Then
Rustem knew that Ormuzd had wrought a wonder for his sake,
and he fell upon the ground and lifted up his soul in
thankfulness. Then when he had caught and eaten a wild ass,
he laid him down to slumber. And he spake and said unto
Rakush-
"I charge thee, O my steed, that thou seek no strife
during my slumbers. If an enemy cometh before thee, come
unto me and neigh beside mine ear, and verily I will waken
and come to thine aid."
And Rakush listened, and when he saw that Rustem
slumbered, he gambolled and grazed beside him. But when some
watches of the night were spent, there came forth an angry
dragon whose home was in this spot, a dragon fierce and
fiery, whom even the Deevs dared not encounter. And when he
beheld Rakush and Rustem he was astonished that a man should
slumber softly beside his lair. And he came towards them
with his breath of poison. Then Rakush, when he saw it,
stamped his hoofs upon the ground and beat the air with his
tail, so that the noise thereof resounded wide, and Rustem
was awakened with the din. And he was angry with Rakush that
he had wakened him, for the dragon had vanished, and he
could see no cause for fear. And he said-
"It is thy fault, O unkind steed, that slumber is fled
from me."
Then he turned him to sleep once again. But when the dragon
saw it he came forth once more, and once more did Rakush
wake Rustem, and once more did the dragon vanish ere the
eyes of Rustem were opened. And when Rakush had thus
awakened the hero yet three times, Rustem was beside him
with anger, and wisdom departed from its dwelling. He piled
reproaches upon the horse, and hurled bitter words upon his
head, and he sware that if he acted thus again he would slay
him with his arm of power, and would wander on foot unto
Mazinderan. And he said-
"I bade thee call upon me if dangers menaced, but thou
sufferest me not to slumber when all is well."
Then Rustem drew his leopard-skin about him and laid him
down again to sleep. But Rakush was pained in his spirit,
and pawed the ground in his vexation. Then the dragon came
forth yet again, and was about to fall upon Rakush, and the
steed was sore distressed how he should act. But he took
courage and came beside Rustem once more, and stamped upon
the ground and neighed and woke him. And Rustem sprang up in
fury, but this time it was given unto him to behold the
dragon, and he knew that Rakush had done that which was
right. And he drew his armour about him and unsheathed his
sword, and came forth to meet the fiery beast. Then the
dragon said-
"What is thy name, and who art thou that dost venture
against me? for verily the woman that bore thee shall weep."
And the Pehliva answered, "I am Rustem, of the seed of
Zal, and in myself I am an host, and none can withstand my
might."
But the dragon laughed at his words, and held them to be
vain boasting. Then he fell upon Rustem, the son of Zal, and
he wound himself about his body, and would have crushed him
with his writhings, and you would have said that the end of
this hero was come. But Rakush, when he beheld the straits
of his master, sprang upon the dragon from the rear, and he
tore him as he had torn the lion, and Rustem pierced the
beast with his sword, and between them the world was
delivered of this scourge. Then Rustem was glad, and he
praised Rakush, and washed him at the fountain, and gave
thanks to God who had given unto him the victory. And when
he had so done he sprang into his saddle, and rode until
they were come unto the land of the magicians.
Now when evening was fallen over the land they came unto
a green and shady vale, and a brook ran through it, and cool
woods clothed its sides. And beside a spring there was
spread a table, and wine and all manner of good cheer stood
thereon. And Rustem, when he saw it, loosened his saddle and
bade Rakush graze and drink, and he seated him beside the
table and enjoyed its fare. And his spirit laughed with
pleasure that he had found a table ready dressed within the
desert, for he knew not that it was the table of the
magicians, who were fled on his approach. And he ate and
drank, and when he had stilled his hunger he took up a lyre
that lay beside him, and he lilted to it in his ease of
heart. And he sang-
"Rustem is the scourge of the base, Not for him were
pleasures meant; Rare are his feasts and holidays, His
garden is the desert place, The battlefield his tournament.
"There the sword of Rustem cleaves Not the armour of
jousting knights, But the skulls of dragons and Deevs; Nor
shall Rustem, as he believes, Ever be quit of the foes he
fights.
"Cups of wine and wreaths of rose, Gardens where cool
arbours stand, Fortune gave such gifts as those Not to
Rustem, but hurtling foes, Strife, and a warrior's heart and
hand."
Now the song of Rustem was come to the ears of one of the
witches, and she changed herself into a damsel with a face
of spring. And she came before Rustem and asked him his
name, and toyed with him, and he was pleased with her
company. And he poured out wine and handed it unto her, and
bade her drink unto Ormuzd. But the magician, when she heard
the name of God, fell into a tremble and her visage changed,
and Rustem beheld her in all her vileness. Then his quick
spirit knew her for what she was, and he made a noose and
caught her in his snare, and severed her in twain. And all
the magicians, when they saw it, were afraid, and none durst
come forth to meet the hero. But Rustem straightway departed
from this spot.
And Rustem rode till that he was come unto a land where
the sun never shineth, neither stars lighten the blackness,
and he could not see his path. So he suffered Rakush to lead
him at his will. And they stumbled along amid the blackness,
but at the end they came out again into the light. And
Rustem beheld a land that was swathed in verdure, and fields
wherein the crops were sprouting. Then he loosened Rakush
and bade him graze, and laid himself down to slumber awhile.
Now Rakush went forth to graze in a field that had been
sown, and the guardian thereof, when he saw it, was angry,
and ran unto the spot where Rustem was couched, and beat the
soles of his feet with a stick and woke him. And he flung
reproaches and evil words upon him for that his horse was
broken into the pastures. Then Rustem was angry, and fell
upon the man, and took him by the ears and tore them from
his body. And the man fled, howling in his agony, and came
before Aulad, the ruler of the land, and laid his plaints
before him. And Aulad also was angry, and went forth to seek
Rustem, and demand his name and mission, and wherefore he
had thus disturbed their peace. And Aulad sware that he
would destroy him for this deed.
Then Rustem answered, "I am the thunder-cloud that
sendeth forth lightnings, and none can stand before my
strength. But if thou shouldest hear my name, the blood
would stand still within thy veins. Thou art come against me
with an host, see therefore how I shall scatter them like
the wind."
And when he had thus spoken, Rustem fell upon the
warriors of Aulad, and he beat them down before him, and
their heads fell under the blows of his sword of death. And
the army was routed at the hands of one man. Now Aulad, when
he saw it, wept and fled; but Rustem pursued him, and threw
his noose about him, and caught him in the snare. And the
world became dark unto Aulad. Then Rustem bound him, and
threw him on the ground, and said-
"If thou speak unto me that which is true, verily I will
release thee; and when I shall have overcome the Deevs, I
will give the land of Mazinderan into thy hands. Tell me,
therefore, where dwelleth the White Deev, and where may I
find the Shah and his men, and how can I deliver them from
bondage?"
Then Aulad answered and told Rustem how it was an hundred
farsangs unto the spot where Kai Kaous groaned in his
bondage, and how it was yet another hundred unto the
mountain pass where dwelt the Deev. And he told him how the
passes were guarded by lions and magicians and mighty men,
and how none had ever pierced thereunto. And he counselled
him to desist from this quest.
But Rustem smiled, and said, "Be thou my guide, and thou
wilt behold an elephant overcome the might of evil."
And when he had thus spoken he sprang upon Rakush, and
Aulad in his bonds ran after him, and they sped like the
wind, neither did they halt by night or day till they were
come unto the spot where Kai Kaous had been smitten by the
Deevs. And when they were come there they could behold the
watch-fires of Mazinderan. Then Rustem laid him down to
sleep, and he tied Aulad unto a tree that he should not
escape him. But when the sun was risen he laid the mace of
Saum before his saddle, and rode with gladness towards the
city of the Deevs.
Now when Rustem was come nigh unto the tents of Arzang,
that led the army of Mazinderan, he uttered a cry that rent
the mountains. And the cry brought forth Arzang from out his
tent, and when he perceived Rustem he ran at him, and would
have thrown him down. But Rustem sprang upon Arzang, and he
seemed an insect in his grasp. And he overcame him, and
parted his head from his body, and hung it upon his
saddlebow in triumph. And fear came upon the army of
Mazinderan when they saw it, and they fled in faintness of
spirit, and so great was the confusion that none beheld
whither he bent his steps. And fathers fell upon sons, and
brothers upon brothers, and dismay was spread throughout the
land.
Then Rustem loosened the bonds of Aulad, and bade him
lead him into the city where Kai Kaous pined in his bondage.
And Aulad led him. Now when they neared the city, Rakush
neighed so loud that the sound pierced even unto the spot
where Kai Kaous was hidden. And the Shah, when he heard it,
rejoiced, for he knew that succour was come. And he told it
unto his comrades. But they refused to listen unto these
words, and deemed that grief had distraught his wits. In
vain therefore did Kai Kaous insist unto them that his ears
had heard the voice of Rakush. But not long did he combat
their unbelief, for presently there came before him
Tehemten, the stout of limb, and when the nobles heard his
voice and his step they repented them of their doubts. And
Kai Kaous embraced Rustem and blessed him, and questioned
him of his journey and of Zal. Then he said-
"O my Pehliva, we may no longer waste the moments with
sweet words. I must send thee forth yet again to battle. For
when the White Deev shall learn that Arzang is defeated, he
will come forth from out his mountain fastness, and bring
with him the whole multitude of evil ones, and even thy
might will not stand before them. Go therefore unto the
Seven Mountains, and conquer the White Deev ere the tidings
reach him of thy coming. Unto thee alone can Iran look for
her succour, for I cannot aid thee, neither can my warriors
assist thee with their arms, for our eyes are filled with
darkness, and their light is gone out. Yet I grieve to send
thee into this emprise alone, for I have heard it spoken
that the dwelling of the Deevs is a spot of fear and terror,
but alas! my grief is of no avail. And I conjure thee, slay
the Deev, and bring unto me the blood of his heart, for a
Mubid hath revealed unto me that only by this blood can our
sight be restored. And go forth now, my son, and may Ormuzd
be gracious unto thee, and may the tree of gladness sprout
again for Iran!
Then Rustem did as Kai Kaous commanded, and he rode
forth, and Aulad went beside him to lead him in the way. And
when they had passed the Seven Mountains and were come unto
the gates of hell, Rustem spake unto Aulad, and said-
"Thou hast ever led me aright, and all that thou hast
spoken I have surely found it true. Tell me, therefore, now
how I shall vanquish the Deevs."
And Aulad said, "Tarry, I counsel thee, till that the sun
be high in the heavens. For when it beateth fierce upon the
earth the Deevs are wont to lay them down to slumber, and
when they are drunk with sleep they shall fall an easy prey
into thine hands."
Then Rustem did as Aulad bade him, and he halted by the
roadside, and he bound Aulad from head to foot in his snare,
and he seated himself upon the ends. But when the sun was
high he drew forth his sword from out its sheath, and
shouted loud his name, and flung it among the Deevs like to
a thunderbolt. Then before they were well awakened from
their sleep, he threw himself upon them, and none could
resist him, and he scattered their heads with his sword. And
when he had dispersed the guards he came unto the lair of
the White Deev.
Then Rustem stepped within the rocky tomb wherein the
Deev was hidden, and the air was murky and heavy with evil
odours, and the Pehliva could not see his path. But he went
on void of fear, though the spot was fearful and dangers
lurked in its sides. And when he was come unto the end of
the cave he found a great mass like to a mountain, and it
was the Deev in his midday slumber. Then Rustem woke him,
and the Deev was astonished at his daring, and sprang at the
hero, and threw a great stone like a small mountain upon
him. And Rustem's heart trembled, and he said unto himself,
"If I escape to-day, I shall live for ever." And he fell on
the Deev, and they struggled hot and sore, and the Deev tore
Rustem, but Rustem defended himself, and they wrestled with
force till that the blood and sweat ran down in rivers from
their bodies. Then Rustem prayed to God, and God heard him
and gave him strength, and in the end Rustem overcame the
White Deev and slew him. And he severed his head from his
trunk, and cut his heart from out his midst.
Then Rustem returned him unto Aulad and told him what he
had done. And Aulad said-
"O brave lion, who hast vanquished the world with thy
sword, release now, I pray thee, this thy servant, for thy
snare is entered into my flesh. And suffer that I recall to
thee how that thou hast promised to me a recompense, and
surely thou wilt fulfil thy word."
And Rustem answered and said, "Ay, verily; but I have yet
much to do ere that my mission be ended. For I have still to
conquer the King of Mazinderan; but when these things shall
be accomplished, in truth I will fulfil my words unto thee."
Then he bade Aulad follow him, and they retraced their
steps until they were come unto the spot where Kai Kaous was
held in bondage. And when Kai Kaous learned that Rustem was
returned with victory upon his brow he shouted for joy, and
all the host shouted with him, and they could not contain
themselves for happiness. And they called down the blessings
of Heaven upon the head of Rustem. But when the hero came
before them, he took of the blood of the White Deev and
poured it into their eyes, and the eyes of Kai Kaous and his
men were opened, and they once again beheld the glory of the
day. Then they swept the ground around them with fire, with
swords they overcame their gaolers. But when they had
finished, Kai Kaous bade them desist from further bloodshed.
Then Kai Kaous wrote a letter unto the King of
Mazinderan, and he counselled him that he should conclude a
peace. And he related to him how that his mainstay was
broken, for Rustem had overcome Arzang and slain the White
Deev. And he said that Rustem would slay him also if he
should not submit unto Iran and pay tribute to its Shah.
Then Kai Kaous sent a messenger with this writing unto the
King of Mazinderan.
Now the King, when he had read the letter, and learned
how that Arzang and the White Deev and all his train were
slain, was sore troubled, and he paled in his spirit, and it
seemed to him that the sun of his glory was about to set.
Howbeit he suffered not the messenger to behold his
distress, but wrote haughty words unto Kai Kaous, and dared
him to come forth to meet him. And he boasted of his might
and reproached Kai Kaous with his folly. And he threatened
that he would raze Iran unto the dust.
When Kai Kaous had read this answer he was wroth, and his
nobles with him. And Rustem spake and said-
"Permit me, O my Shah, that I go forth before the King of
Mazinderan, and intrust unto me yet another writing."
Then Kai Kaous sent for a scribe, and the scribe cut a
reed like to the point of an arrow, and he wrote with it the
words that Kai Kaous dictated. And Kai Kaous made not many
words. He bade the King lay aside his arrogance, and he
warned him of the fate that would await his disobedience,
and he said unto him that if he listened not he might hang
his severed head on the walls of his own city. Then he
signed the letter with his royal seal, and Rustem bore it
forth from the camp.
Now when the King of Mazinderan learned that Kai Kaous
sent him yet another messenger, he bade the flower of his
army go forth to meet him. And Rustem, when he saw them come
near, laid hold upon a tree of great stature and spreading
branches that grew by the wayside. And he uprooted the tree
from the earth, and brandished it in his hands like to a
javelin. And those that saw it were amazed at his strength.
Then Rustem, when he beheld their awe, flung the tree among
them, and many a brave man was dismounted by this mace. Then
there stepped forth from the midst of the host one of the
giants of Mazinderan, and he begged that he might grasp
Rustem by the hand. And when he had hold of the hand of the
Pehliva he pressed it with all his might, for he thought
that he could wring off this hand of valour. But Rustem
smiled at the feebleness of his grasp, and he grasped him in
return, and the giant grew pale, and the veins started forth
upon his hands.
Then one set off to tell the King what he had seen. And
the King sent forth his doughtiest knight, and bade him
retrieve the honour of their strength. And Kalahour the
knight said-
"Verily so will I do, and I will force the tears of pain
from the eyes of this messenger."
And he came towards Rustem and wrung his hand, and his
gripe was like to a vise, and Rustem felt the pang thereof,
and he winced in his suffering. But he would not let the men
of Mazinderan glory in his triumph. He took the hand of
Kalahour in his own, and grasped it and crushed it till that
the blood issued from its veins and the nails fell from off
its fingers. Then Kalahour turned him and went before the
Shah and showed unto him his hand. And he counselled him to
make peace with the land that could send forth such
messengers whose might none could withstand. But the King
was loath to sue for peace, and he commanded that the
messenger be brought before him.
Then the elephant-bodied stood before the King of
Mazinderan. And the King questioned him of his journey, and
of Kai Kaous, and of the road that he was come. And while he
questioned he took muster of him with his eyes, and when he
had done speaking he cried-
"Surely thou art Rustem, for thou hast the arms and
breast of a Pehliva."
But Rustem replied, "Not so, I am but a slave who is not
held worthy to serve even in his train; for he is a Pehliva
great and strong, whose like the earth hath not seen." Then
he handed unto the King the writing of his master. But when
the King had read it he was wild with anger, and he said to
Rustem-
"Surely he that hath sent thee is mad that he addresseth
such words unto me. For if he be master in Iran, I am lord
of Mazinderan, and never shall he call me his vassal. And
verily it was his own overweening that let him fall between
my hands, yet hath he learned no lesson from his disasters,
but deemeth he can crush me with haughty words. Go, say unto
him that the King of Mazinderan will meet him in battle, and
verily his pride shall learn to know humility."
And when the King had thus spoken he dismissed Rustem
from his presence, but he would have had him bear forth rich
gifts. But Rustem would not take them, for he too was
angered, and he spurred him unto Kai Kaous with a heart
hungry for vengeance.
And Kai Kaous made ready his army, and the King of
Mazinderan did likewise. And they marched forth unto the
meeting-place, and the earth groaned under the feet of the
war-elephants. And for seven days did the battle rage fast
and furious, and all the earth was darkened with the black
dust; and the fire of swords and maces flashed through the
blackness like to lightning from a thundercloud. And the
screams of the Deevs, and the shouts of the warriors, and
the clanging of the trumpets, and the beating of drums, and
the neighing of horses, and the groans of the dying made the
earth hideous with noise. And the blood of the brave turned
the plain into a lake, and it was a combat such as none hath
seen the like. But victory leaned to neither side. Then on
the eighth day Kai Kaous took from his head the crown of the
Kaianides and bowed him in the dust before Ormuzd. And he
prayed and said-
"O Lord of earth, incline thine ear unto my voice, and
grant that I may overcome these Deevs who rest not their
faith in Thee. And I pray Thee do this not for my sake, who
am unworthy of Thy benefits, but for the sake of Iran, Thy
kingdom."
Then he put the crown once more upon his head, and went
out again before the army.
And all that day the hosts fought like lions, and pity
and mercy were vanished from the world, and heaven itself
seemed to rain maces. But Ormuzd had heard the prayer of His
servant, and when evening was come the army of Mazinderan
was faded like a flower. Then Rustem, perceiving the King of
Mazinderan, challenged him to single combat. And the King
consented, and Rustem overcame him, and raised his lance to
strike him, saying-
"Perish, O evil Deev! for thy name is struck out of the
lists of those who carry high their heads."
But when he was about to strike him, the King put forth
his arts of magic, and he was changed into a rock within
sight of all the army. And Rustem was confounded thereat,
and he knew not what he should do. But Kai Kaous commanded
that the rock should be brought before his throne. So those
among the army who were strong of limb meshed it with cords
and tried to raise it from the earth. But the rock resisted
all their efforts and none could move it a jot. Then Rustem,
the elephant-limbed, came forward to test his power, and he
grasped the rock in his mighty fist, and he bore it in his
hands across the hills, even unto the spot that Kai Kaous
had named, and all the army shouted with amazement when they
saw it.
Now when Rustem had laid down the stone at the feet of
the Shah, he spake and said unto it-
"Issue forth, I command thee, O King of Mazinderan, or I
will break thee into atoms with my mace."
When the King heard this threat he was afraid, and came
out of the stone, and stood before Rustem in all his
vileness. And Rustem took his hand and smiled and led him
before Kai Kaous, and said-
"I bring thee this piece of rock, whom fear of my blows
hath brought into subjection."
Then Kai Kaous reproached the King with all the evil he
had done him, and when he had spoken he bade that the head
of this wicked man should be severed from its trunk. And it
was done as Kai Kaous commanded. Then Kai Kaous gave thanks
unto God, and distributed rich gifts unto his army, to each
man according to his deserts. And he prepared a feast, and
bade them rejoice and make merry with wine. And at last he
called before him Rustem, his Pehliva, and gave to him
thanks, and said that but for his aid he would not have sat
again upon his throne. But Rustem said-
"Not so, O King, thy thanks are due unto Aulad, for he it
was who led me aright, and instructed me how I could
vanquish the Deevs. Grant, therefore, now that I may fulfil
my promise unto him, and bestow on him the crown of
Mazinderan."
When Kai Kaous heard these words he did as Rustem
desired, and Aulad received the crown and the land, and
there was peace yet again in Iran. And the land rejoiced
thereat, and Kai Kaous opened the doors of his treasures,
and all was well within his borders. Then Rustem came before
the Shah and prayed that he might be permitted to return
unto his father. And Kai Kaous listened to the just desires
of his Pehliva, and he sent him forth laden with rich gifts,
and he could not cease from pouring treasure before him. And
he blessed him, and said-
"Mayst thou live as long as the sun and moon, and may thy
heart continue steadfast, mayst thou ever be the joy of
Iran!"
Then when Rustem was departed, Kai Kaous gave himself up
unto delights and to wine, but he governed his land right
gloriously. He struck the neck of care with the sword of
justice, he caused the earth to be clad with verdure, and
God granted unto him His countenance, and the hand of
Ahriman could do no hurt.
Thus endeth the history of the march into Mazinderan.
|
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Kai Kaous Committeth
More Follies
Whilom the fancy seized upon the
Shah of Iran that he would visit his empire, and look face
to face upon his vassals, and exact their tribute. So he
passed from Turan into China, and from Mikran into
Berberistan. And wheresoever he passed men did homage before
him, for the bull cannot wage battle with the lion. But it
could not remain thus for ever, and already there sprang
forth thorns in the garden of roses. For while the fortunes
of the world thus prospered, a chieftain raised the standard
of revolt in Egypt, and the people of the land turned them
from the gates of submission unto Iran. And there was joined
unto them the King of Hamaveran, who desired to throw off
the yoke of Persia. But Kai Kaous, when the tidings thereof
came unto him, got ready his army and marched against the
rebels. And when he came before them, their army, that had
seemed invincible, was routed, and the King of Hamaveran was
foremost to lay down his arms and ask pardon of his Shah.
And Kai Kaous granted his petition, and the King departed
joyously from out his presence. Then one of those who stood
about the Shah said unto him-
"Is it known to thee, O Shah, that
this King hideth behind his curtains a daughter of beauty?
It would beseem my lord that he should take this moon unto
himself for wife."
And Kai Kaous answered, "Thy counsel
is good, and I will therefore send messengers unto her
father, and demand of him that he give me his daughter as
tribute, and to cement the peace that hath been made between
us."
When the King of Hamaveran heard
this message his heart was filled with gall, and his head
was heavy with sorrow, and he murmured in his spirit that
Kai Kaous, who owned the world, should desire to take from
him his chiefest treasure. And he hid not his grief from the
Shah in his answer, but he wrote also that he knew it
behoved him to do the thing that Kai Kaous desired. Then in
his distress he called before him Sudaveh his daughter, whom
he loved, and he told her all his troubles, and bade her
counsel him how he should act. For he said-
"If I lose thee, the light of my
life is gone out. Yet how may I stand against the Shah?"
And Sudaveh replied, "If there be no
remedy, I counsel thee to rejoice at that which cannot be
changed."
Now when her father heard these
words he knew that she was not afflicted concerning that
which was come about. So he sent for the envoy of Kai Kaous
and assented unto his demands, and they concluded an
alliance according to the forms of the land. Then when the
King had poured gifts before the messenger, and feasted him
with wine, he sent forth an escort to bear his daughter unto
the tents of the Shah. And the young moon went forth in a
litter, and she was robed in garbs of splendour, and when
Kai Kaous beheld her loveliness he was struck dumb for very
joy. Then he raised Sudaveh unto the throne beside him, and
named her worthy to be his spouse. And they were glad in
each other, and rejoiced; but all was not to be well thus
quickly.
For the King of Hamaveran was sore
in his heart that the light of his life was gone from him,
and he cast about in his spirit how he should regain her
unto himself. And when she had been gone but seven days, he
sent forth a messenger unto Kai Kaous and entreated him that
he would come and feast within his gates, so that all the
land might rejoice in their alliance.
When Sudaveh heard this message her
mind misgave her, and she feared evil. Wherefore she
counselled the Shah that he should abstain from this feast.
But Kai Kaous would not listen unto the fears of Sudaveh, he
would not give ear unto her warning. Wherefore he went forth
unto the city of the King of Hamaveran, and made merry with
him many days. And the King caused gifts to be rained down
upon Kai Kaous, and he flattered him, and cozened his
vanity, and he made much of his men, and he darkened their
wits with fair words and sweet wine. Then when he had lulled
their fears, and caused them to forget wherefore and why and
all knowledge of misfortune, he fell upon them and bound
them with strong chains, and overthrew their glories and
their thrones. And Kai Kaous did he send unto a fortress
whose head touched the sky and whose foot was planted in the
ocean. Then he sent forth a strong band into the camp of
Iran, and veiled women went with them, and he charged them
that they bring back Sudaveh unto his arms.
Now when Sudaveh saw the men and the
women that went with them she guessed what was come about,
and she cried aloud and tore her robes in anguish. And when
they had brought her before her father she reproved him for
his treachery, and she sware that none should part her from
Kai Kaous, even though he were hidden in a tomb. Then the
King was angered when he saw that her heart was taken from
him and given to the Shah, and he bade that she be flung
into the same prison as her lord. And Sudaveh was glad at
his resolve, and she went into the dungeon with a light
heart, and she seated herself beside the Shah, and served
him and comforted him, and they bore the weight of captivity
together.
After these things were come about,
the Iranians, because that their Shah was held captive,
returned unto Iran much discomfited. And when the news
spread that the throne was empty many would have seized
thereon. And Afrasiyab, when he learned it, straightway
forgot hunger and sleep, and marched a strong army across
the border. And he laid waste the land of Iran, and men,
women, and children fell into bondage at his hands, and the
world was darkened unto the kingdom of light. Then some
arose and went before the son of Zal to crave his help in
this sore need, saying unto him-
"Be thou our shield against
misfortune, and deliver us from affliction, for the glory of
the Kaianides is vanished, and the land which was a paradise
is one no more."
Now Rustem, when he heard the news,
was grieved for the land, but he was angered also against
the Shah that he had thus once again run into danger. Yet he
told the messengers that he would seek to deliver Kai Kaous,
and that when he had done so he would remember the land of
Iran. And forthwith he sent a secret messenger unto Kai
Kaous, a man subtle and wise, and caused him to say unto the
Shah-
"An army cometh forth from Iran to
redeem thee. Rejoice, therefore, and cast aside thy fears."
And he also sent a writing unto the
King of Hamaveran, and the writing was filled with threats,
and spake only of maces and swords and combat. And Rustem
loaded the King with reproaches because of his treachery,
and he bade him prepare to meet Rustem the mighty.
When the King of Hamaveran had read
this letter his head was troubled, and he defied Rustem, and
threatened him that if he came forth against him he should
meet at his hands the fate of the Shah. But Rustem only
smiled when he heard this answer, and he said-
"Surely this man is foolish, or
Ahriman hath filled his mind with smoke."
Then he mounted Rakush, and made
ready to go into Hamaveran, and a vast train of warriors
went after him. And the King of Hamaveran, when he saw it
sent forth his army against him. But the army were afraid
when they beheld Rustem and his might of mien, his mace, and
his strong arms and lion chest, and their hearts departed
from out their bodies, and they fled from before his sight,
and returned them unto the King of Hamaveran.
Now the King was seated in the midst
of his counsellors, and when he saw the army thus scattered
before they had struck a blow, his heart misgave him, and he
craved counsel of his chiefs. Then they counselled him that
he should cast about him for allies. So the King of
Hamaveran sent messengers of entreaty unto the Kings of
Egypt and Berberistan, and they listened to his prayers, and
sent out a great army unto his aid. And they drew them up
against Rustem, and the armies stretched for two leagues in
length, and you would have said the handful of Rustem could
not withstand their force. Yet Rustem bade his men be not
discomfited, and rest their hopes on God. Then he fell upon
the armies of the Kings like to a flame that darteth forth,
and the ground was drenched with gore, and on all sides
rolled heads that were severed from their bodies; and
wheresoever Rakush and Rustem showed themselves, there was
great havoc made in the ranks. And ere the evening was come,
the Kings of Egypt and Berberistan were his captives; and
when the sun was set, the King of Hamaveran knew that a day
of ill fortune was ended. So he sent forth to crave mercy at
the hands of the Pehliva. And Rustem listened to his voice,
and said that he would stay his hand if the King would
restore unto him Kai Kaous, and the men and treasures that
were his. Then the King of Hamaveran granted the just
requests of Rustem. So Kai Kaous was led forth from his
prison, and Sudaveh came with him. And when they beheld him,
the King of Hamaveran and his allies declared their
allegiance unto him, and they marched with him into Iran to
go out against Afrasiyab. And Sudaveh went with the army in
a litter clothed with fair stuffs, and encrusted with wood
of aloes. And she was veiled that none might behold her
beauty, and she went with the men like to the sun when he
marcheth behind a cloud.
Now when Kai Kaous was come home
again unto his land, he sent a writing unto Afrasiyab. And
he said-
"Quit, I command thee, the land of
Iran, nor seek to enlarge thyself at my cost. For knowest
thou not that Iran is mine, and that the world pertaineth
unto me?"
But Afrasiyab answered, "The words
which thou dost write are not becoming unto a man such as
thou, who didst covet Mazinderan and the countries round
about. If thou wert satisfied with Iran, wherefore didst
thou venture afield? And I say unto thee, Iran is mine,
because of Tur my forefather, and because I subdued it under
my hand."
When Kai Kaous had heard these words
he knew that Afrasiyab would not yield save unto force. So
he drew up his army into array, and they marched out to meet
the King of Turan. And Afrasiyab met them with a great host,
and the sound of drums and cymbals filled the air. And great
was the strife and bloody, but Rustem broke the force of
Turan, and the fortunes of its army were laid to rest upon
the field of battle. And Afrasiyab, when he beheld it, was
discomfited, and his spirit boiled over like to new wine
that fermenteth. And he mourned over his army and the
warriors that he had trained, and he conjured those that
remained to make yet another onslaught, and he spake fair
promises unto them if they would deliver unto his hands
Rustem, the Pehliva. And he said-
"Whoever shall bring him alive
before me, I will give unto him a kingdom and an umbrella,
and the hand of my daughter in marriage."
And the Turks, when they heard these
words, girded them yet again for resistance. But it availed
them nought, for the Iranians were mightier than they, and
they watered the earth with their blood until the ground was
like a rose. And the fortunes of the Turks were as a light
put out, and Afrasiyab fled before the face of Rustem, and
the remnant of his army went after him.
Then Kai Kaous seated himself once
more upon his throne, and men were glad that there was
peace. And the Shah opened the doors of justice and
splendour, and all men did that which was right, and the
wolf turned him away from the lamb, and there was gladness
through all the length of Iran. And the Shah gave thanks
unto Rustem that he had aided him yet again, and he named
him Jahani Pehliva, which being interpreted meaneth the
champion of the world, and he called him the source of his
happiness. Then he busied himself with building mighty
towers and palaces, and the land of Iran was made fair at
his hands, and all was well once more within its midst.
But Ahriman the wakeful was not
pleased thereat, and he pondered how he could once again
arouse the ambition of the Shah. So he held counsel with his
Deevs how they might turn the heart of Kai Kaous from the
right path. And one among them said-
"Suffer that I go before the Shah,
and I will do thy behest."
And Ahriman suffered it. Then the Deev took upon him the
form of a youth, and in his hand he held a cluster of roses,
and he presented them unto the Shah, and he kissed the
ground before his feet. And when Kai Kaous had given him
leave to speak he opened his mouth and said-
"O Shah, live for ever! though such
is thy might and majesty that the vault of heaven alone
should be thy throne. All the world is submissive before
thee, and I can bethink me but of one thing that is lacking
unto thy glory."
Then Kai Kaous questioned him of
this one thing, and the Deev said-
"It is that thou knowest not the
nature of the sun and moon, nor wherefore the planets roll,
neither the secret causes that set them in motion. Thou art
master of all the earth, therefore shouldst thou not make
the heavens also obedient to thy will?"
When Kai Kaous heard these words of
guile his mind was dimmed, and he forgot that man cannot
mount unto the skies, and he pondered without ceasing how he
could fly unto the stars and inquire into their secrets. And
he consulted many wise men in his trouble, but none could
aid him. But at last it came about that a certain man taught
him how he could perchance accomplish his designs. And Kai
Kaous did according to his instructions. He built him a
framework of aloe-wood, and at the four corners thereof he
placed javelins upright, and on their points he put the
flesh of goats. Then he chose out four eagles strong of
wing, and bound them unto the corners of this chariot. And
when it was done, Kai Kaous seated himself in the midst
thereof with much pomp. And the eagles, when they smelt the
flesh, desired after it, and they flapped their wings and
raised themselves, and raised the framework with them. And
they struggled sore, but they could not attain unto the
meat; but ever as they struggled they bore aloft with them
Kai Kaous and the throne whereon he sat. And so long as
their hunger lasted, they strove after the prey. But at
length their strength would hold no longer, and they
desisted from the attempt. And behold! as they desisted the
fabric fell back to earth, and the shock thereof was great.
And but for Ormuzd Kai Kaous would have perished in the
presumption of his spirit.
Now the eagles had borne the Shah
even unto the desert of Cathay, and there was no man to
succour him, and he suffered from the pangs of hunger, and
there was nothing to assuage his longing, neither could his
thirst be stilled. And he was alone, and sorrowful and
shamed in his soul that he had yet again brought derision
upon Iran. And he prayed to God in his trouble, and
entreated pardon for his sins.
While Kai Kaous thus strove with
repentance, Rustem learned tidings of him, and he set out
with an army to seek him. And when he had found him he gave
rein unto his anger, and he rebuked him for his follies, and
he said-
"Hath the world seen the like of
this man? Hath a more foolish head sat upon the throne of
Iran? Ye would say there were no brains within this skull,
or that not one of its thoughts was good. Kai Kaous is like
a thing that is possessed, and every wind beareth him away.
Thrice hast thou now fallen into mishap, and who can tell
whether thy spirit hath yet learned wisdom? And it will be a
reproach unto Iran all her days that a king puffed up with
idle pride was seated upon her throne, a man who deemed in
his folly that he could mount unto the skies, and visit the
sun and moon, and count the stars one by one. I entreat of
thee to bethink thee of thy forefathers, and follow in their
steps, and rule the land in equity, neither rush after these
mad adventures."
When Kai Kaous had listened to the
bitter words spoken by Rustem, he was bowed down in his
spirit and ashamed before him in his soul. And when at last
he opened his mouth it was to utter words of humility. And
he said unto Rustem-
"Surely that which thou speakest, it
is true."
Then he suffered himself to be led back unto his palace, and
many days and nights did he lie in the dust before God, and
it was long before he held him worthy to mount again upon
his throne. But when he deemed that God had forgiven him, he
seated him upon it once again. In humility did he mount it,
and he filled it in wisdom. And henceforth he ruled the land
with justice, and he did that which was right in the sight
of God, and bathed his face with the waters of sincerity.
And kings and rulers did homage before him, and forgot the
follies that he had done, and Kai Kaous grew worthy of the
throne of light. And Iran was exalted at his hands, and
power and prosperity increased within its borders.
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