TRUBNER'S
ORIENTAL SERIES.
THE
SHAHNAMA OF FIKDAUSt
DONE INTO ENGLISH BY
ARTHUR GEORGE WARNER, M.A.
AND
EDMOND WARNER, B.A.
"The homes that are the dwellings of to-day Will sink 'math shoiver and sunshine to decay, But storm and rain shall never mar what I Have built — the palace of my poetry."
FIRDAUSI
VOL. II
LONDON KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO. LTD
DRYDEN HOUSE, GERRARD STREET, W.
1906
The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved
Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & Co. At the Ballantyne Press
CONTENTS
PAGE
GENEALOGICAL TABLES 3
ABBREVIATIONS 5
NOTE ON PRONUNCIATION 6
THE KAIANIAN DYNASTY KAI KUBAD —
SECT.
1. How Kai Kubad ascended the Throne and warred
against Turan . . . . . . .n
2. How Rustam fought with Afrasiyab . . . 13
3. How Afrasiyab came to his Father . . . .16
4. How Pashang sued to Kai Kubad for Peace . . 18
5. How Kai Kubad came to Istakhr of Pars . . .22
KAI KAUS— PART I. THE WAR WITH MA"ZANDARAN
1. The Prelude 29
2. How Kaus sat upon the Throne and was tempted to
invade Mazandaran ...... 30
3. How Zal gave Counsel to Kaus ..... 36
4. How Kaiis went to Mazandaran .... 38
5. The Message of Kai Kaus to Zal and Rustam . . 42
THE SEVEN COURSES OF RUSTAM —
6. The First Course. How Rakhsh fought with a Lion 44
7. The Second Course. How Rustam found a Spring . 46
8. The Third Course. How Rustam fought with a
Dragon . 48
9. The Fourth Course. How Rustam slew a Witch . 50 10. The Fifth Course. How Rustam took Ulad captive . 52
vi CONTENTS
THE SEVEN COURSES OF RUSTAM (continued)— SECT.
11. The Sixth Course. How Kustam fought with the
Div Arzhang 57
12. The Seventh Course. How Rustam slew the White
Div 59
1 3. How Kaiis wrote to the King of Mazandaran . . 63
14. How Rustam went on an Embassy to the King of
Mazandaran 66
15. How Kaiis fought with the King of Mazandaran . 70
1 6. How Kaus returned to the Land of Iran and fare-
welled Rustam 76
PART II. THE DOINGS OF KAI KAIJS IN THE LAND OF BAR-
BARISTAN AND OTHER TALES —
1. How Kai Kaus warred with the King of Hamavaran 82
2. How Kaiis asked to Wife Slid aba, the Daughter of
the King of Hamavaran ..... 86
3. How the King of Hamavaran made Kaus Prisoner . 88
4. How Afrasiyab invaded the Land of Iran . . .91
5. How Rustam sent a Message to the King of Hama-
varan ......... 93
6. How Rustam fought with Three Kings and delivered
Kaiis 95
7. How Kaiis sent a Message to Afrasiyab ... 98
8. How Kaiis ordered the World 101
9. How Kaiis, beguiled by Iblis, ascended the Sky . 102
10. How Rustam brought back Kaiis . . . .104
THE STORY OF THE FIGHT OF THE SEVEN WARRIORS —
11. How Rustam went with the Seven Warriors to the
Hunting-ground of Afrasiyab .... 107
12. How Rustam fought with the Turanians . . in
13. How Pilsam fought with the Iranians . . .112
14. How Afrasiyab fled from the Battlefield . . .116
PART III. SUHRAB—
1. The Prelude 119
2. How Rustam went to the Chace . . . .120
3. How Rustam came to the City of Samangan . .122
4. How Tahmina, the Daughter of the King of
Samangan, came to Rustam 123
CONTENTS vii
PART III. SUHRAB (continued) —
SECT. PACK
5. The Birth of Suhrab . 126
6. How Suhnib chose his Charger 127
7. How Afrasiyab sent Barman and Human to Suhrab . 129
8. How Suhrab came to White Castle . . . .131
9. How Suhrab fought with Gurdafrid . . . .132
10. The Letter of Gazhdaham to Kaus . . . .136
11. How Suhrab took White Castle 137
12. How Kaus wrote to Kustam and summoned him
from Zabulistan 138
13. How Kaus was wroth with Rustam . . . .142
14. How Kaus and Rustam led forth the Host . .148
15. How Rustam slew Zhanda Razm . . . .149
1 6. How Suhrab asked Hajir the Names of the Chiefs of
Iran 152
17. How Suhrab attacked the Army of Kaus . . .159
1 8. How Rustam fought with Suhrab . .___-, »— ^,62
19. How Rustam and Suhrab returned to Camp . . 165
20. How Suhrab overthrew Rustam . . . .168
21. How Suhrab was slain by Rustam . . . .172
22. How Rustam asked Kaus for an Elixir . . 177
23. How Rustam lamented for Suhrab . . . .179
24. How Rustam returned to Zabulistan . . . .182
25. How Suhrab's Mother received the Tidings of his
Death 184
PART IV. THE STORY OF SIYAWUSH —
1. The Prelude 191
2. The Story of the Mother of Siyawush . . .193
3. The Birth of Siyawush 195
4. How Siyawush arrived from Zabulistan . . . 197
5. The Death of the Mother of Siyawush . . . 199
6. How Sudaba fell in Love with Siyawush . . . 200
7. How Siyawush visited Sudaba . . v . . 202
8. How Siyawush visited the Bower the second Time . 206
9. How Siyawush visited the Bower the third Time . 210
10. How Sudaba beguiled Kaus 211
11. How Sudaba and a Sorceress devised a Scheme . .214
12. How Kaus inquired into the Matter of the Babes . 215
13. How Siyawush passed through the Fire . . .218
14. How Siyawush begged Sudaba's Life of his Father . 222
viii CONTENTS
PART IV. THE STORY OF SIYAWUSH (continued)—
SECT. PAGE
15. How Kaus heard of the Coming of Afrasiydb . . 224
1 6. How Siyawush led forth the Host . . . 226
17. The Letter of Siyawush to Kai Kaus .... 229
1 8. The Answer of Kai Kaus to the Letter of Siyawush . 230
19. How Afrasiyab had a Dream and was afraid . . 232
20. How Afrasiyab inquired of the Sages concerning his
Dream 234
21. How Afrasiyab took Counsel with the Nobles . . 235
22. How Garsiwaz came to Siyawush .... 238
23. How Siyawush made a Treaty with Afrasiyab . . 239
24. How Siyawush sent Rustam to Kaus .... 242
25. How Eustam gave the Message to Kaus . . . 243
26. How Kaiis sent Rustam to Sistan .... 246
27. The Answer of Kaiis to the Letter of Siyawush . 247
28. How Siyawush took Counsel with Bahram and
Zanga ......... 249
29. How Zanga went to Afrasiydb 252
30. How Afrasiyab wrote to Siyawush . . . .255
31. How Siyawush gave up the Host to Bahram . .257
32. The Interview of Siyawush with Afrasiyab . .261
33. How Siyawush displayed his Prowess before Afrd-
siyab 263
34. How Afrasiyab and Siyawush went to the Chase . 267
35. How Piran gave his Daughter to Siyawush . . 268
36. How Pirari spake to Siyawush about Farangis . . 270
37. How Piran spake with Afrasiyab . . . .272
38. The Wedding of Farangis and Siyawush . . . 274
39. How Afrasiyab bestowed a Province on Siyawush . 276
40. How Siyawush built Gang-dizh .... 279
41. How Siyawush discoursed with Piran about the
Future ......... 282
42. How Afrasiyab sent Piran into the Provinces . . 285
43. How Siyawush built Siyawushgird .... 285
44. How PiranTisited Siyawushgird .... 287
45. How Afrasiyab sent Garsiwaz to Siyawush . . 289
46. The Birth of Farud, the Son of Siyawush . . .291
47. How Siyawush played at Polo 292
48. How Garsiwaz returned and spake Evil before
Afrasiyab 296
49. How Garsiwaz returned to Siyawush . . . .301
50. The Letter of Siyawush to Afrasiyab ... . . 306
CONTENTS ix PART IV. THE STORY OF SIYA"WUSH (continued) —
SECT. PAOK
51. How Afrasiyab came to fight with Siyuwush . . 307
52. How Siyawush had a Dream 308
53. The Parting Words of Siyawush to Farangis . .310
54. How Siyawush was taken by Afrasiyab . . .312
55. How Farangis bewailed herself before Afrasiyab . 317
56. How Siyawush was slain by Gurwi .... 320
57. How Pinin saved Farangis ..... 323
58. The Birth of Kai Khusrau 325
59. How Piran entrusted Kai Khusrau to the Shepherds 328
60. How Piran brought Kai Khusrau before Afrasiyab . 330
61. How Kai Khusruu went to Siyawushgird . . . 333
PART V. How EDSTAM AVENGED SIYAWUSH AND HOW Gfv BROUGHT KAI KHUSRAU TO IRA"N —
1. Firdausi's Lament over his old Age .... 336
2. How Kaus heard of the Case of Siydwush . . . 337
3. How Rustam came to Kaiis . . . . 338
4. How Pvustam slew Sudaba and led forth the Host . 340
5. How Faramarz slew Warazad 341
6. How Surkha led his Troops to fight with Rustam . 344
7. How Afrasiyab led forth the Host to avenge his
Sou 348
8. How Pilsam was slain by Rustam . . . . 350
9. How Afrasiyab fled from Rustam . . . • 353
10. How Afrasiyab sent Kai Khusrau to Khutan . -355
1 1. How Rustam reigned over Turan for Seven Years . 357
12. How Zawara went to the Hunting-ground of Siya-
wush .... 359
1 3. How Rustam harried the Land of Turan . . . 360
14. How Rustam returned to Iran . . . . .361
15. How Gudarz had a Dream of Kai Khusrau . . 363
1 6. How Giv went to Turan in Quest of Kai Khusrau . 365
17. The Finding of Kai Khusrau 369
1 8. How Giv and Kai Khusrau went to Siyawushgird . 373
19. How Kai Khusrau won Bihzad ..... 374
20. How Farangis went with Kai Khusrau and Giv to
Iran 377
21. How Kulbad and Nastihan fled from Giv . . . 378
22. How Piran pursued Kai Khusrau .... 380
23. How Piran contended with Giv ..... 382
x CONTENTS
PART V. How RUSTAM AVENGED SIYAWUSH AND HOW Giv BROUGHT KAI KHUSRAU TO IRAN (continued) —
SECT. PAGE
24. How Piran was taken by Giv 385
25. How Farangis delivered Piran from Giv . . . 386
26. How Afrasiyab found Piran on the Way . . . 388
27. How Giv disputed with the Toll-man . . . 390
28. How Kai Khusrau crossed the Jihim . . . 392
29. How Kai Khusrau came to Ispahan .... 394
30. How Kai Khusrau came to Kaus .... 397
31. How Tus refused Allegiance to Kai Khusrau . . 399
32. How Gudarz was wroth with Tus .... 402
33. How Gudarz and Tus went before Kaus oi> the
Matter of the Kingship 403
34. How Tus and Fariburz went to the Castle of Bah-
man and came back foiled ..... 405
35. How Kai Khusrau went to the Castle of Bahman and
took it 406
36. How Kai Khusrau returned in Triumph . . . 409
37. How Kaus set Khusrau upon the Throne of King-
ship 411
INDEX 413
THE SHlHNAMA
VOL. II.
GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF THE KAIANIANS1
(ACCORDING TO THE SHAHNAMA) KAI KUBAD (i i).
A slave girl, = KAi KAUS (12) = Suddba, Kai Arash. Kai Pashin. Kai Armin.
granddaughter of Garsiwaz.
d. of the |
king of Many
HdmaVantn. generations.
Ashk.
Jarira, = Siy:iwush= Farangis, = Fariburz. Rivuiz. Kai Aurand.
d. of Pi'ran.
d. of Afni- siytib.
Farud. KAI KHUSRAU (13).
KAI LUHRASP (14).
Kataiim, = KAI GUSHTASP (15). Zarir.
d. of Caesar.
Nastiir.
I I 1 I i I I
Nivziir. Ardshir. Shidasp. Asfandiydr=Humt<i.2 Bishiitan. Bih Afrid.
KAI BAHMAN (i6) = HuMAi (17), his own Mihr-i-Niish. AzarAfruz. Nush Azar.
d. Sds'an. KAiHuMii(i7),
or Chihrzdd.
j
Another wife = KAI DARAB (18)= Nahid,
d. of Failakus
KAI DiRA(i9).
!
Caesar of Rtim.
Riishanak = KAi SIKANDAR (20).
1 The Bundahish occasionally interpolates a generation, but the variations are not of importance.
2 Dakiki is the authority for this marriage, and his account conies from older sources. Firdausi ignores the marriage, and his story is inconsistent with it.
GENEALOGICAL TABLES OF THE IRANIAN HEROES
JAMSHID (4).
I
Atard.
Garshiisp (Keresaspa Nariroanau).1 Karima"n.
Nari
man.
Sam.
Zal = Rudaba, d. of Mihrdb, king of Kabul.
Tahmina, = Rustam = Shahr-banu-iram,
ZawsCra.
d. of king of Samangan.
sister of Giv.
Suhrab.
Faramarz.
Bantigashasp = Giv.
Kishwdd. Gudarz.
Bahram. RuhMm. Giv = Banugashasp, Nastiih. Shidush. Hajir. Others d. of Rustam. slain at
Lddan.
Shahr-banu-iram = Rustam. Bizhan = Manizha, d. of Afnisiyab.
Shiruih.
Ardshir.
1 See vol. i. p. 172.
ABBREVIATIONS
C. — Macan's edition of the Shahnama. L. — Lumsden's do.
P.— Mohl's do.
T.— Tihran do.
V.— Vullers' do.
DEL J. Darraesteter, Etudes Iraniennes.
DHA. The History of Antiquity. From the German of Professor Max Duncker. By the late Evelyn Abbott, M.A.
DZA. Professor Darmesteter's Trans, of the Zandavasta in the Sacred Books of the East. References to Parts1 and pages.
GHP. Histoire des Perses par le Comte de Gobineau. GKS. Kleine Schriften von Alfred von Gutschmid.
HEP. Essays on the Sacred Language, Writings, and Religion of the Parsis. By Martin Haug, Ph.D. Edited and en- larged by E. W. West, Ph.D.
KUR. Kitab-i-Yamini of Al Utbi. Translated by the Rev. James Reynolds, B.A.
MHP. History of Persia. By Sir John Malcolm, G.C.B.
MM. Ma9oudi : Les Prairies d'Or texte et traduction par C. Barbier de Meynard et Pavet de Courteille.
MSJP. A Second Journey through Persia, &c. By James Morier, Esq.
NIN. Das Iranische Nationalepos von Theodor Noldeke.
1 The second edition of Part I. is referred to unless otherwise specified.
6 NOTE ON PRONUNCIATION
RP. Professor Rawlinson's Parthia in The Story of the Nations' Series.
SAC. The Chronology of Ancient Nations ... of Albiruni . . . translated ... by Dr. C. Edward Sachau.
WPT. Dr. E. W. West's Trans, of the Pahlavi Texts in the Sacred Books of the East. Reference to Parts and pages.
ZT. Chronique de Abou-Djafar-Mo'hammed-Ben-Djarir-Ben- Yezid Tabari. Traduite sur la version Persane d'Abou- 'Ali Mo'hammed BePami par M. Hermann Zotenberg.
NOTE ON PRONUNCIATION
d as in " water."
i as in " pique."
f« as in " rude."
a as in " servant."
i as in " sin."
u as in " foot."
ai as i in "time."
au as ou in " cloud.'"'
g is always hard as in " give."
kh as ch in the German " buch."
zh as z in "azure."
II
THE KAllNIAN DYNASTY
ARGUMENT
The poet continues and ends the story of the great feud between the descendants of Iraj and Tur. It is set out at large and ends with the triumph of the former.
He then tells of the coming of Zarduhsht (Zoroaster), of his evangel, and of the religious wars that ensued, taking occasion in this connexion to rescue from oblivion the name of the poet Dakiki.
He next narrates the extinction of the heroic race of Iran, and the circumstances that led to the conquests of Sikandar (Alexander the Greafc), with whose death the Kaianian dynasty comes to an end.
NOTE
The word Kai, from which the adjective Kaianian is derived, is found in the Vedas under the form of Kavi, where it means a seer or priest, and is especially applied to the priest who, by drinking the intoxicating juice of the Soma plant,1 became inspired. In the Zandavasta Kai is used in two very different senses. In one of these, and particularly in the sacred hymns known as the Gathas, it1 is synonymous with 'heretic,' in the other it forms a part of the names of a whole dynasty of Iranian heroes, who are known collectively as the Kavyans or Kaians. This two- fold use has been appealed to by Haug to support his theory that Zoroastrianism sprang from a schism among the Brahmins — a theory which has been much disputed.2
In the Shahnama also the word is used in two senses, as a general term for a great king or ruler, and as the distinctive title of the royal house of Kubad, the founder of the Kaianian dynasty. This consists of ten Shahs, who fall into two groups. The first contains three Shahs — Kubad himself, his son Kaus, and his great grandson
1 See vol. i. p. 8.
2 For the above, see HEP, 289 seq. ; DZA, i. xxx.
NOTE 9
Khusrau. With the last of these the old epic cycle of the poem conies to an end, and up to this point the Kaidnian may be regarded as the complement of the Pishdadian dynasty. We are then introduced to the second group — the Sh«lhs of the house of Luhrdsp — Luhrasp himself, Gusht&sp, Bahman, Humiii, D;ir;il>, Dara, and Sikandar. Luhrasp, though of Kaian race, is represented as owing his accession to the throne to the nomination of Khusrau. With the accession of Luhrasp a new epic motive is introduced — a religious one — and the scene of action is shifted to Balkh. A very noticeable feature of this part of the poem is the prevalence of the termination 'asp,' the Persian word for 'horse,' in the names of the chief characters. Thus we have Luhrasp himself, his son Gushtasp, and the great minister Jamasp, while we know from other sources that the name of the father of Zarduhsht (Zoroaster) was Paurushasp.1 It is, however, still more remarkable to find that the reigning king of Tiiran of the period is named Arjasp.2 It looks as if the wars, admittedly religious, between Gushtasp and Arjasp were not waged between the Iranians and Turanians at all, though they came in time to be looked back upon as such, but were wars between the Iranians themselves due to the dissensions caused by the evangel of Zarduhsht.
Professor Duncker, who is concerned to antedate the Zandavasta as far as possible, is inclined to regard Luhrasp and Gushtasp as kings of an ancient dynasty nourishing at Balkh about 1000 B.C.3 This of course is opposed to the old notion which sought to identify and to synchronise the chief characters and events of the Kaianian dynasty with the accounts found in Greek authors of the so-called Median, and first Persian, empires.*' So far as authentic history is concerned, however, it may be stated broadly that there is no common ground between the Shdhnama and the works of ancient Greek writers till we reach the epoch of Sikandar — Alexander the Great — and even then the consensus is due to the fact that Firdausi derived his information from the modified version of the Pseudo- Callisthenes — a romantic legendary history of Alexander the Great — which he found ready to his hand among his other authorities. With regard to legend the case is different. The two main Greek versions of the youth of Cyrus the Great may be identified in the Shahnama, that of Herodotus in the account of the birth and bringing up of Kai Khusrau, and that of Ctesias in the account of
1 WPT, i. 141.
2 An Arjdsp appears among the chiefs of Afrtisiydb as early as the reign of Kai Kaus. See p. 264.
3 DHA, v. 48. 4 See, for instance, MHP, i. 512 seq.
io THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
the early days of Ardshir Papakan, the founder of the Sasanian dynasty.1 This does not imply, as in the case of Sikandar, that Firdausi was in any way indebted to Greek sources, but that he and the Greek writers both availed themselves of the same cycle of legend at intervals many centuries apart. The same may be said of the charming story of Gushtasp in Rum, which will appear in a later volume of this translation. A Greek version of the love- interest in this story is preserved for us in the Deipnosophistss of AtheneDUs,2 who quotes Chares of Mytilene — an official at the court of Alexander the Great — as his authority. Similarly in Humai, the seventeenth Shah, we may have a reminiscence of Semiramis.
With regard to the Kaianian dynasty in general we may say that in no other part of the poem is the epic subject-matter so abundant or of finer quality, nor in any part of this lom,r dynasty superior to what is to be found in the reign of Kai Kaus in this volume.
1 See NIN, 3; GKS, iii. 133; and for the accounts of Herodotus and Ctesias, DHA, v. 335 sefj.
2 Bk. xiii., ch. 35, eel. A. Meineke.
ERRATA
Page 61, line 9, for ' bears ' read ' bear.'
Page 69, line 20, add semicolon at end.
Page 157, line 7, for 'spoken' read 'unspoken.'
Page 221, line 13, for ' uuled' read ' unsoiled.'
Page 257, line 2 from bottom, delete full stop and insert comma at end.
Page 265, line 18, delete comma at end.
Page 281, line 22, for ' Ir^n ' read ' Tura'n.'
Page 306, line 14, add comma at end.
Page 384, line 7 from bottom, delete comma and insert full stop at end.
Page 390, bottom, delete " and insert ' ".
XI KAI KUBAD
HE REIGNED ONE HUNDRED YEARS
ARGUMENT
Kai Kubad ascends the throne, and defeats the Turanians. Rustam in this his first campaign greatly distinguishes himself, and nearly takes Afnisiyab prisoner. Pashang, the father of Afrasiyab and ruler of Turan, sues for peace and terms are arranged. Kai Kul.ud rewards Zal, Rustam, and others for their services, and makes Istakhr his capital. At the end of a long and glorious reign he dies after appointing his son Kai Kaus as his successor.
NOTE
Kai Kubad is mentioned at least twice in the Zandavasta, where he appears under the name of Kavata, or Kavi Kavata, and the name of his son Kai Ktius appears both there and in the Vedas. We have no accounts of Kai Kubad's ancestry in the poem beyond the vague statement that he was descended from Faridun.1 He is described indeed as being brought by Rustam from Mount Alburz — the great mythical range which was supposed to encircle the earth. According to the Bundahish, Kai Kubad, like Darab after him, was exposed at birth and was found and adopted by Zav, the son of Tahmasp, the ninth Shah.2 The same authority describes him as reigning for fifteen years.3
How Kai Knbdd ascended the Throne and waived against Turdn
WHEN Kai Kubad acceded to the throne, v. 298
And donned the jewelled crown, chiefs such as Zal, Karan the warrior, Kishwad, Khan-ad,
* For Kai Kubdd's genealogy, see ZT, i. 407. a WPT, i. 136. 3 Id. 150.
ii
12 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
And valorous Barzin, flocked round and scattered Gems over that new crown. They said : " 0 Shah Prepare to fight the Turkmans."
Hearing this
He went, reviewed his host, and on the morrow Marched forth while shouts rose from his tent-enclosure. Then Rustam armed and like an angry elephant Sent up the dust, the troops arrayed their ranks, And girt their loins for bloodshed. On one wing Mihrab the master of Kabul was stationed, Upon the other doughty Gustaham. Karan the warrior was in the centre With bold Kishwad the shatterer of hosts,
¥."299 While Rustam led the van with chiefs and heroes, And Zal and Kai Kubad as their supports. Here there was fire, there storm, while Kawa's standard Amid the van made earth red, violet, And yellow, and the seated world was like A wave-tossed barque upon the sea of Chin. The deserts and the dales were carpeted By shields on shields, the falchions gleamed like lamps, And all the world became a sea of pitch Whereon a hundred thousand tapers burned. Thou wouldst have said : " The sun hath lost its
way
Frayed by the trumpets' blare and warriors' shouts !" The hosts encountered, none knew van from rear.
V. 300 Karan o'erthrew ten warriors at each charge ; Now wheeling to the left, now to the right, And seeking to wreak vengeance on all sides, He made earth mountain-like with slain, astounding The bravest Turkmans. Seeing Shamasas, Who raised the war-cry lion-like, he charged, Unsheathed his sword, smote his foe's head, and
shouted : — " The famed Karan am I," while Shamasas
KAI KUBAD 13
Sank to the ground and perished in a breath.
The manner of this ancient sky is so,
At whiles like arrow and at whiles like bow !
§2 How Rustam fought icitTi Afrasiyab
When Rustam saw the doings of Karan,
And what war is, he went to Zal and said :—
" Tell me, O paladin of paladins !
Where doth malevolent Afrasiyab v- 301
Stand in the fight ? Describe his garb and banner.
I see a fluttering flag of violet.
Describe him that I may encounter him,
And so exalt my head among the chieftains.
To-day will I lay hold upon his girdle
And bring him hither haled upon his face."
Zal answered : " Hearken unto me, my son ! And run no risks to-day. He is a Dragon, Whose breath is fire — a Cloud of bale in war.1 His flag and mail are black, his helm and brassards Of iron flecked with gold, his plume is sable. Avoid him, he is brave, his fortune sleepless."
" Be not concerned for me," was Rustam's answer. " With God mine aid, heart, sword, and arm my ramparts, v. 302 Although he be a Dragon and a div Yet will I bring him by the belt, and thou Shalt see me make him lifeless in the mellay, So dealing that Pashang's troops shall bewail him."
That lion-youth — the shelter of the host — Urged on his steed — Rakhsh of the brazen hoofs — And shouting mid the trumpet-blare approached The army of Turan. Afrasiyab Beheld amazed the lad not fully grown And asked : " Who is he, for I know him not — 1 Cf. p. 53.
14 THE SH AH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Yon Dragon broken loose in such a fashion ? " One said : " The son of Zal the son of Sam. Dost thou not see him with his grandsire's mace ? He is a youth and eager for distinction." Then like a vessel lifted by the waves Afrasiyab came forth while Rustam clipped Rakhsh tirmly, shouldering his massive mace, But hung it to his saddle when he closed ; Then, having caught the monarch by the belt, And dragged him from his poplar saddle, hoped To carry him to Kai Kubiid to tell The story of this first day's fight; but through The chieftain's weight and Rustam's grasp the girdle Snapped, and the king came headlong to the ground, Whereat his cavaliers surrounded him, v. 303 While Rustam, when the chief escaped his clutch, Gnawed at his hand's back in chagrin and cried : — " Why did I take him not beneath the armpit And simply make him handfast with his girdle ? "
While from the elephants' backs the sound of bells Rose, and the drums were heard for miles, men brought The Shah glad tidings : " Rustam," they reported, " Brake through the centre of the Turkman host And reached their general whose standard now Hath disappeared, for Rustam seized his girdle And flung him easily. The Turkmans yelled, The valiant chiefs formed round their fallen king, And bare him off. When vanquished thus he mounted A fleet steed, fled toward the plain, and left His host to save his life."
At this good news
The Shah gave orders to his troops to fall In mass like wind upon the enemy And utterly o'erthrow them, fruit and root. He rose himself like fire, and all his host Heaved like a stormy sea. Zal and Mihrab,
KAI KUBAD 15
The Lion, went forth keen and valorous ;
The din of battle rose with falchion-flash
And thud of shaft, while heads grew dazed as axes v. 304
Crashed on gold helm and shield. Thou wouldst
have said : —
" A cloud somewhence hath risen and is flecking Yon oranges with magic cinnabar 1 " Upon that day of battle sank and rose Blood to the Fish and dust-clouds to the Moon, While through the horse-hoofs on that spacious plain One earth flew up to make another heaven ! l Heroic Rustam in the fight that day With dirk and lasso, mace and scimitar, Clave into pieces, rent and brake and bound The heads, breasts, feet, and hands of warriors, For eight and fifty score of gallant chiefs That Lion slaughtered in a single charge. Zal gazing on his son illustrious In Grace and might felt his heart throb with joy To see such prowess, while the Turkmans pressed V' 3°5
Thus by the Magian host sought Damaghan, And thence fled toward Jihun with stricken hearts, With din and dudgeon, with their weapons broken And girdles snapped — a trumpless, drumless mob.
The paladins that led the Iranian host Turned from pursuing and drew near the Shah, All plunder- wearied, bringing band on band Of captive Turkmans. When the troops were back In camp again the mighty men approached The monarch of the world, extolling him, While Rustam also went before the Shah, Who seated him on one side of the throne And famous Zal upon the other one.
1 Literally, " The earth became six and the heaven eight." Firdausi is speaking of the Seven Climes, and of the heavens of the Seven Planets only, in this passage. Cf. vol. i. pp. 71, 72.
1 6 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
s 2 How Afrdsiydb came to Ms Father
Upon the Turkman side Afrasiyab Fled to the river-bank and tarried there For seven days, made ready on the eighth, And gat him to his sire, all rage and grief ; His tongue was long although his hands were shortened. " 0 famous king ! " said he, " the fault was thine In seeking war ; the mighty men of old Gave kings no precedent for breach of faith. The offspring of fraj polluteth still The earth ; that poison gnaweth yet ; they come Without a break to lord it o'er the world. V. 306 Now 'tis Kubad ; he hath assumed the crown And flung the gates of vengeance wide again. A cavalier of Sam's seed hath appeared, By Zal named Rustam. Like a crocodile Enraged he charged, and thou hadst said : " His breath Will burn the world." He sped o'er hill and dale, And plied mace, sword, and stirrup. All the air Rang with his crashing mace. Life was not worth A pinch of dust to me. He overthrew Our host ; none ever saw a sight so strange ! He spied my flag, put down his massive mace, And snatched me from my poplar saddle so That thou hadst said I was not one gnat's weight ! My girdle and my hauberk's fastening snapped, I tumbled from his grasp beneath his feet. No lion hath such strength, his feet touch earth, His head is in the clouds. My cavaliers Came up and saved me from that Mountain's clutches. Thou know'st how kingly are my heart and hand, My prowess, deeds, and enterprise, yet I Am but a fibre in his grasp. Such worship
KAI KUBAD 17
Perturbeth ine. I saw a monstrous form
With lion's claws. My wits and senses fled.
Hill, cave, and level road were one to him
When his mad Elephant was put to speed.
A thousand maces in good sooth and more
Fell on his famous helm : thou wouldst have said : —
' They fashioned him of iron, brought him up
On stones and brass ! ' What is a sea or mountain, v 307
Fierce lion or rnad elephant to him ?
He pricketh forth as on a hunting-day,
And battle is his pastime. Had such might
Been Sara's no Turkman chief would now survive.
We can but sue for peace, because thy troops
Give way before him. I, an atheling,
Thine army's stay and thine own help in need,
Have no strength left to fight with him. Go to,
Take counsel and make peace. They gave the land,
Assigned of old by Faridun to Tur,
To me ; and that apportionment was just.1
Revive not ancient feuds for, if we pass
The boundary and prosecute the war,
We shall but make the world strait to ourselves.
Thou know'st that sight is better than report,
For hearsay's belly is an empty one.
To fight Iran appeared a jest to thee,
The soldiers think that it hath gone too far.
Defer not to to-morrow this day's work ;
Who knoweth what to-morrow may bring forth ?
The roses blooming in the garden now
To-morrow thou wouldst pluck — when they are
worthless !
Mark what a wealth of golden equipage, Of golden helmets and of golden shields, How many Arab steeds with golden bits, What Indian scimitars with golden scabbards,
1 Referring to the partition in the days of Zav. Vol. i. p. 371. VOL. II. B
1 8 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
And, over and above these, what famed chieftains The blast ha£h vilely borne away — Kulbad, And bold Barman who hunted lions only, And Kharzarwan, whom Zal hath dashed to pieces And shown his massive mace's mastery, v. 308 Fierce Shamasas — the shelter of the host — Slain by Karan upon the battlefield, And, in addition to these famous men, Ten thousand others slaughtered in this war ; Worse still, observe the breach of fame and honour That we can never bind. Though I have slain One famous chief — illustrious Ighriras— Let fortune's good and ill cry quits to-day, And leave to-morrow for the reckoning ; Because the haughty chiefs have come to me, The heroes, each one with his flag behind him, And told me much that happened when I fled In dudgeon and they followed. Now revive not The memory of the past, but strive to make A peace with Kai Kubad, lest hosts should come Upon thee from four sides : on this side Rustam, Whose prowess in the fight outshineth Sol ; On that Karan, whose eye ne'er saw defeat ; Upon the third Kishwad, the golden-helmed, Who brought the captives from Amul ; Mihrab Is on the fourth, next to the Shah in place, Lord of Kabul, a man of rede and Grace."
§4
How Pashang sued to Kai KuMd for Peace
The chieftain of Tiiran, whose eyes were tearful, Was all astonied at Afrasiyab
v. 309 That he should have bethought him of such words, And that his soul had turned to what was just. He chose a prudent envoy for Iran,
KAI KUBAD 19
And wrote a letter worthy of the Artang,1
Decked with a hundred colours and designs : —
" In the name of Him who ruleth sun and moon,
And gave to us the faculty of praise !
May He accept the soul of Faridun,
From whom our race deriveth, warp and woof.
Hear now, 0 famous Kai Kubad ! and I
Will utter words of kingly rede and right.
Tur brought calamity on blest Iraj
Upon a question touching crown and throne.
On this I say that feuds should not endure
For ever, and if vengeance for f raj
Was owing it was wreaked by Miniichihr.
In that first settlement by Faridun, v. 310
Whose object was a just apportionment,
It will be well for us to acquiesce
And not transgress the precedents of kings.
From Turkestan to Ma wara 'u'n-Nahr,
Whose boundary is Jihun, that is our share.
When Faridun was Shah Iraj ne'er saw it,
But had from him his blessing and fran.
If we transgress these boundaries and fight
We make earth strait to us, the scimitars
Will clash, God will be wroth, and we shall lose
Our portion in both worlds. What Faridun
Divided unto Salm, Tur, and fraj,
Let us retain and then be friends henceforth,
For earth itself is worth not so much bale.
The reverend head of Zal hath grown like snow,
The dust is crimson with our warriors' blood,
And yet a man will only own at last
His body's length of all that he possesseth !
1 The name of the house where the famous Persian painter Mani, the founder of Manicheism, lived ; also of a book written by him. Both house and book were elaborately adorned. Manichean MSS. in general were finely written and illuminated. Cf. Professor Bloom- field, " The Long-lost Mani Bible," in Harper's Monthly Magazine for March 1906.
20 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
We with a shroud for robe, a grave for home,
Shall own but some five cubits' length of earth ;
All other wishes are but care and toil —
A cause for trouble in this Wayside Inn.
If Kai Kubad doth acquiesce in this,
And if that sage's head ensueth right,
Not one of us shall dream of the Jihun,
But let the Iranians keep to their own side.
It may be that good will and intercourse
Will make both realms contented with this pact."
He sealed and sent this to the Iranian host With jewels, crowns, gold thrones, fair damsels girt V 311 With gold, Arabian steeds with golden trappings, And Indian swords in silvern sheaths besides The goodliest native wares. The envoy reached Kubad and gave the letter and the message. The king of kings read and replied at large : — " We did not recommence ; this war was caused Directly by Afrasiyab. The wrong Began with Tur when he bereaved a prince Such as fraj was of the throne, and now It is Afrasiyab that crosseth over The river to invade us. Thou hast heard His treatment of Naudar, which filled wild beasts With grief and pain, while on wise Ighriras He did a deed unworthy of a man. Yet if ye do repent I will renew The compact, though I well could take revenge, Armed as I am for all emergencies, Thus leaving you the lands beyond the river, And then perchance Afrasiyab will rest."
The Shah drew up the treaty and thus planted A fresh tree in the garden of his greatness. The envoy went and brought with leopard's speed The letter to Pashang, who packed his baggage, Marched back, and sent the dust-clouds heavenward.
KAI KUBAD 21
He crossed Jihiin like wind, and news thereof
Reached Kai Kubad, who joyed because the foe
Withdrew without a fight, but Rustam said : —
" Look not, 0 Shah ! for peace in time of war. v. 312
Of old we ne'er had rest from their assaults ;
My mace it was that made them thus to-day."
Thus to that noble chief spake Kai Kubad : — " Naught have I seen more goodly than the right. Pashang, a scion of blest Faridun, Avoideth strife for he hath had enough, And men of wisdom must not look upon him Askance and with injustice. I will draw A deed of gift on silk for thee of all Between the Indus and Zabulistan. Go take the throne and crown too of Nimruz, And lighten all the world. Upon this side Give to Mihrab Kabul, and keep thy spearpoints Sharp, for where'er a king is there is war Though earth is broad enough."
The Shah prepared
Gifts both for Rustam and for Zal whose head He crowned, whose loins he girt, with gold, and gave Half of the world to him. He kissed the ground. Kubad the fortune-favoured further said : — " Ne'er may the throne of majesty lack Zal, One hair of whom outweigheth all the world ; He is the heirloom left us by the great."
They furnished forth five elephants with litters Inlaid with turquoise brighter than Nile-water, And spread upon the litters cloth of gold, Besides unreckoned wealth, a royal robe Of gold, a crown and girdle wrought of jewels And turquoise, all of which he sent to Zal, And said : " I fain had sent a greater gift, And, should long life be mine, I will not leave v. 313
A wish of thine unsatisfied on earth."
22 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Moreover on Karan the warrior, Upon Kishwad, Kharrad, Barzin, Pulad, He showered robes of honour as was fit, And to the rest that seemed to him deserving Gave money, shields, and swords, or, if he felt Their merit greater still, a sword and belt.
K c
How Kai Kuldd came to Istakhr oj Pars
Thence Kai Kubad departed unto Pars
Where lay his treasury. The capital
Was then Istakhr — the glory of the Kaians.
With general assent he claimed the crown
And, mounted on the Kaian throne, held sway
By justice and the customs of the wise.
He thus addressed the chiefs : " The world is mine.
For elephants to war on gnats would make
A breach in Faith and justice. I will have
Naught but the right, for of God's anger cometh
Disaster. I have brought men peace by toil
And justice, and where earth and water are
My treasure is. Kings are my bodyguard ;
I hold the citizen and soldier equal.
Make God your refuge, be ye wise and harmless,
Enjoy what ye possess, give liberally,
And thank me too for that which ye enjoy ;
While they that want and cannot live by work
Shall pasture at my court."
He gathered troops,
And went about inspecting everywhere. Thus for ten years he roved and ministered All justice publicly and privily, v. 314 He built him many cities — jocund seats —
KAI KUBAD 23
Such as the hundred that surrounded Rai,
But when the hand of time had fallen upon him
He set his face toward Pars, sat on the throne
'Mid archimages, readers of the stars,
And sages, gathered too his warriors,
And gazing on them with a wounded heart
Talked of the mighty who had passed away.
His gifts and justice made the world rejoice,
And thus he reached his hundredth year in joy.
See if the world hath any king like him.
He had four sons, all men endowed with wisdom,
To keep his memory alive on earth :
The first was glorious Kaiis, the second
Was Kai Arash, the third was Kai Pashin,
The fourth was Kai Armin. They walked the world
In peace and great content.
A century passed,
A change of fortune came to crown and throne, For when the Shah perceived that death drew near, And that the green leaf was about to wither, He summoned noble Kai Kails, spake much Of justice and of generosity, And said : " I load the baggage to depart. Perform mine obsequies and take the throne, Though as for me I seem but just arrived Rejoicing with my men from Mount Alburz ! Oh ! what a thing is fortune thus to leave us Without a warning ! They that worship it Lack wisdom. Thou, if thou art just and upright, Wilt have thy guerdon in the other world, While if thy passions shall ensnare thy wits Thou wilt unsheathe a sword whose edge is keen — A sword wherewith thou first wilt wound thyself And afterward resign it to the foe :
Thy dwelling there will be a place of fire ; v 315
Here bitterness of heart and grief be thine."
24 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
He spake these words and leaving this wide world Exchanged his palace for a sepulchre : It hath been this world's way time out of mind To form of dust and scatter to the wind.
The tale of Kai Kubad is at an end ; To that of Kai Kaiis attention lend.
XII KAI KAtJS
HE REIGNED ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS
ARGUMENT
Kai Kaus on ascending the throne abandons the path of wisdom. He invades Mazandaran and is taken prisoner, but is rescued by Rustam. He wars against the king of Hamavaran, whose daughter he marries, and is taken prisoner again, this time by treachery. Rustam again rescues him. Afterward he attempts to fly to heaven, and is a third time saved by Rustam. The poet then tells two episodic stories, that of the Seven Warriors, and that of Suhrab, in both of which Rustam takes a leading part. We next learn what evil came of the marriage of Kai Kaus with the daughter of the king of Hamavaran as exemplified in the tragic tale of Siyawush. The poet then tells how Rustam took vengeance on Afrasiyab for the execution of Siyawush, how Giv went to Turan in quest of Kai Khusrau, the son of Siyawush, and how Kai Khusrau became joint Shah with Kai Kaus.
NOTE
Kai Kaus appears in the Vedas as Kavya Ushana, i.e. Ushana the son of Kavi. He is said to have installed Agni (fire) as the high-priest of mankind, to have been the leader of the heavenly cows (the clouds) to pasturage, and to have wrought the iron club with which the god Indra slew the demon Vritra.1
The conception is therefore mythological. In the Zandavasta Kai Kaus appears as Kavi JJsa. " We sacrifice unto Verethraghna,2 made by Ahura. . . . He carries the chariot of the lords ; he carries the chariot of the lordly ones, the chariots of the sovereigns. He carried the chariot of Kavi Usa."3 With the exception of this
1 HEP, 278. 2 The raven. 3 DZA, ii. 240-2.
25
26 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
reference to his attempt to fly to heaven the remainder of his legend is lost so far as the Zandavasta itself is concerned, but a brief summary of what it once contained is extant in the Dinkard,1 where we also find a strange story, of which no trace is to be found in the Shahndma, that Kai Kalis possessed a wonderful ox, to whose judgment all disputes as to the frontier-line between Iran and Turaii were referred. As the decision was generally adverse to the Turanians they conceived the idea of beguiling Kaus into slaying the ox, and succeeded in their purpose.- The story is characteristic of Kai Kaus, who is represented in the poem as a very imperfect character, and easily led astray by passion, wrong- headedness, and evil counsels.
According to the genealogy of the Bundahish, Kaus was the grandson of Kai Kubad.3 Firdausi omits the intermediate genera- tion.
The length of the reign is the same in both cases, and the Bundahish places Kaus' attempt to reach the sky after he had been on the throne for seventy-five years,4 and was, so to speak, at his meridian.
1 Seep. Si. * WPT, v. 31.
3 Id. i. 136. 4 Id. i. 150.
PAET I
THE WAR WITH MAZANDARAN.
ARGUMENT
The poet, after bewailing the death of Kai Kubad and that an evil shoot should spring from so good a root, tells how Kai Kaus was seduced by a div into invading Mazandaran, how he and all his host were taken captive and blinded by the White Div, how Rustam went to their rescue, what adventures befell him by the way, and how he delivered the Shah and host.
f NOTE
Mazandaran, the ancient Hyrcania, lay, in the scheme of the old cosmogony, beyond the limits of the Central Clime1 from which it was cut off by the great range of the Alburz Mountains, and extended from their northern scarp to the shores of the Caspian. Being abundantly supplied with moisture by the clouds which are stopped by, and the snow-fields which form upon, the Alburz Mountains, and the soil moreover being warmed by volcanic heat, the country is extremely fertile and the climate semi-tropical in character. "The lagunes of the coast are succeeded by marsh forests ; higher up are fields of rice and plantations of sugar-cane, and beyond these fertile meadows, above which splendid forests of oaks, planes, and elms clothe the heights of Elburz. There is abundance of water fruits, figs and mulberries, olives and oranges, and the vigorous creepers of the vines run even to the summits of the trees."2 On the other hand the climate is unhealthy and the air of the marshes blanches the inhabitants,3 who for this reason were known to the Iranians as white divs or demons. They are referred to in the Zandavasta and in the Pahlavi texts. " These are the words," we read in the former, with reference to a sacred formula which had to be recited several times, " that smite down
1 Vol. i. p. 71. 2 DHA, v. 9. 3 Id. 10.
27
28 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Angra Mainyu,1 . . . these are the words that smite down the daevas of Mazana."2
In the Dinkard they seem to be described as inhabiting burrows and caves, and as being of filthy habits.3 In the Shahnama we find this blanched race personified as the White Div whom Rustam in his expedition into Mazandaran encounters in the cave.4
The approach to Mazandaran from Iran was difficult and romantic. Communication between western and eastern Iran depends on two routes which, branching from Tihran, run to the south of, and parallel to, the Alburz range, an outlying spur of which they cross at two passes named the Firiizi Kuh and the Girduni Sirdarra respectively. At a distance of about seventy miles from Tihran the route that runs through the Firiizi Kuh sends off a branch northward toward Mazandaran. This branch is a mere fissure, a few feet wide, in the mountain-wall, with a stream running at the bottom and water trickling down the precipitous sides, while here and there the fissure opens out into natural grottos and narrow valleys. This route, which abounds with game and is one of the favourite hunting-grounds of the Shahs, is known as the Girduni Sawachi. Subsequently the pass of the Firuzi Kuh, six miles to the east of the mountain of that name, after traversing a tremendous gorge, sends off another branch to Mazandaran of a somewhat less romantic character than that of the Girduni Sawachi, and runs on to Astrabad, whence also Mazandaran may be reached.5
It was on emerging from the gloom of one of these passes that Rustam, we may imagine, reached the smiling land where he encountered Ulad, whose account of the extent . of Mazandaran is of course enormously exaggerated.6 The reader will see on looking at a map of Persia that Mazandaran is a region of quite moderate dimensions. Accuracy in matters geographical is not one of Fir- dausi's strong points.
With regard to Rustam's route we are told that by Zal's advice 7 he took the short road, not the long one taken by Kai Kaiis. Of course he would not take the latter, for Kai Kdus, we may presume, started from Istakhr in Pars, to the west of the central desert, while Rustam started from Zabul, to the east of it. Firdausi merely means to indicate that Rustam did not follow the ordinary route, but cut as the crow flies across the waste. This route took, we are told, fourteen days, but Rustam ran a two days' journey into one
1 i.e. Ahriman. 2 DZA, i. 141.
:i WPT, iv. 216. 4 § 12.
5 MSJP, 363 seq. At p. 349 a map of these various routes is given.
6 § 10, and cf. NIN, 49. 7 § 5.
KA1 KAUS 29
and made seven stages of it, in the course of each of which he met with an adventure. This expedition of his is accordingly known as the " Haft Khwan," the former word meaning seven and tin- latter the tray on which food is served up. His expedition therefore may be regarded as being a meal with seven courses. It has also been suggested that in the account of the seven build- ings of Kai Kiius, described in Part II. § 8 of this reign, we have the origin of the Haft Khwan of Rustam, and also of the similar expedition, which occurs much later in the poem, of Asfandiyar against Arjasp.1
We may add that in the Pahlavi the word used for these build- ings is "man." "Man" comes from the same root as our word " mansion." In the Pahlavi form of the legend Rustam's expedi- tion may have been known as the Haft Man. In the translations from the Pahlavi legend, if such existed, this would naturally become " Haft Khan," the seven stopping-places or rest-houses, and this might easily be corrupted into the " Haft Khwan," the seven meals partaken of therein. Our text, however, has " Haft Khwan," which we translate " The Seven Courses," keeping the collocation of "The Seven Stages "for the corresponding expedi- tion of Asfandiyur.
With regard to the opposition of the chiefs to the expedition of Kai Kdus to Mazandaran as being unprecedented,2 we can only suppose it to be a rhetorical flourish put into their mouths by the poet, who has already told us that Faridun and Minuchihr resided there.3
At the present day " Div " is a title of honour among the nobles of that region.4
§ i
The Prelude
If ever mortal injury befall
A fruitful tree, when it hath waxen tall,
Its leaf will fade, its root become unsound,
Its head begin to bend toward the ground ;
And when the stem is snapped off at the root v. 316
'Twill yield its station to some fresh young shoot,
1 WPT, iv. 220 and note. - §§ 2 and 3.
3 See vol. i. pp. 177, 230, 289. 4 DMA, v. 262.
3o THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Resign thereto the garden's burgeoning
And all the lamp-like lustre of the spring ;
But if, my friend ! an evil shoot should rise,
Let not the good root suffer in thine eyes.
So when a father leaveth to his son
The world, and showeth him the course to run,
If he shall flout his father's regimen
Call him no longer son but alien.
He that abandoneth his teacher's path
Deserveth every evil that he hath.
This ancient hostelry is fashioned so
That thou canst not distinguish top from toe,
And he that wotteth of its evil way
Doth well to quit it with what speed he may.
Now let the stories which an ancient sage Of prudent mind once told thy thoughts engage. 1
§2
How Kdus sat upon the Throne and was tempted to invade Mdzandardn
Kaiis, succeeding to his father's throne With all the world to serve him, looked upon Heaped hoards of treasures manifold, and knew That he had not his peer on earth for wealth Of necklaces, of earrings, and of thrones, High-crested Arab steeds, and golden crowns Inlaid with emeralds.
Now as it chanced
He sat one day and quaffed delicious wine Within a pleasure-palace arabesqued With gold, and sat upon the golden throne, Whose feet were crystal, master of the world, Discussing many matters great and small In converse with the Iranian paladins,
1 There is no break here in the original.
KAl KAUS 31
And spake on this wise : " Who is Shah but I, - Who worthy of the throne except myself ? I rule the world with none to say me nay."
The Shah was thus conversing in his cups, What while the captains wondered, when a div In minstrel's guise addressed the chamberlain. " A native of Mazandaran am I,"
He said, " a noted bard. If I am worthy v. 3,7
To serve the Shah let me approach his throne." • The chamberlain walked stately to the Shah, And said : " There is a minstrel at the gate — A rare musician — and he hath his harp."
The Shah bade fetch the man and set him down Among the harpers. When his harp was tuned He sang a ditty of Mazandaran : —
" Mazandaran, my native land !
May I forget it never, And may its fields and fells abide As populous as ever,
" For on its heights the hyacinth And tulip bloom, while roses Are ever blossoming anew Within its garden- closes.
" The landscape is fulfilled with charm,
The atmosphere is pleasant, And there is neither heat nor cold, But spring is ever present.
" While in each garth the nightingale
Discourseth musically, The deer are pacing daintily In every mountain valley
32 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
" Throughout the year without a break
Intent upon their questing, And evermore the hues are bright, And scents exhale unresting.
" As for the rivers thou wouldst say : —
' They run rose-water surely ! ' And at the fragrance breathing thence The soul rejoiceth purely.
" There when the year is young and when
'Tis many a month the older, A soil all tulips and a-bloom Saluteth the beholder.
" The livelong year the streamlet's lips
Are laughing, and the foray Of hawk and hunter after game Will never fail of quarry.
* " The provinces are gaily dight
Throughout their whole dimensions With golden coins and with brocade, And goodliest inventions ;
" The handmaids there, as idols fair,
Are crowned with crowns all golden, And there the loins of all the great With belts of gold are holden.
" He that is not in that fair land
Of joy exceeding measure, Delighting heart and mind alike, What can he know of pleasure ? "
33'
KAI KAUS
The words roused Kai Kaus, he was resolved
To lead a host against Mazandaran,
And thus harangued his warriors : " We have been
Too fond of feast. The brave but indolent
Will never tire of leisure and of home.
In fortune, Grace, and birth I pass Jamshid, v 318
Zahhak, and Kai Kubad, and must surpass them
In prowess too : crowned heads should be ambitious."
The nobles heard and liked it not, turned pale, And frowned, for no one wished to fight the divs, Though daring not to say so openly. They sadly sighed — Tiis, Giv, Giidarz, Kishwad, Kharrad, Gurgin, and brave Bahrain — and said : — " Thy slaves are we and walk earth by thy will."
They met thereafter and spake out their minds: — " What is this turn of fortune ? If the Shah Remembereth the words said in his cups 'Twill be the ruin of us and of Iran, And leave the land not even dust and water. Jamshid possessed the crown and finger-ring, With div and fowl and fay to do his will, Yet spake he never of Mazandardn, Or sought to fight against the valiant divs, While Faridun with all his craft and wisdom Ne'er guided us to any such desire. Had it been something fitting to achieve By dint of manliness, name, gems, and treasure, Then Mimichihr would have forestalled the matter And not repressed his wishes. We must find Some scheme to turn this evil from Iran."
Then Tiis addressed the chiefs : " Brave veterans ! v. 319 One remedy there is, and let us use it, For 'tis not hard. Send we a cameleer In haste to Zal the son of Sam to say :-r- ' If now thy head be soiled stay not to wash it, But whet thy wits and let us see thy face.'
VOL. n. c
34 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
* He may suggest some wise rede to the Shah, And tell him : ' Ahriman hath prompted this : The portal of the divs must ne'er be opened.' Unless Zal can divert him from such talk An end will come to all our ups and downs."
They talked it o'er, then sent a cameleer, Who went apace toward Nimruz, and when He came to Zal — the lustre of the world — Gave thus the nobles' message : " High-born son Of Sam ! a parlous case confronteth us, And one that knowledge cannot estimate ! Bestir thyself or else we shall not have Folk, field, or fell. A fancy hath arisen Within the Shah's heart. Ahriman hath turned him From what is right, he is not satisfied
• With travail such as his forefathers had,
But would have treasure where he hath not toiled, And so must throne it in Mazandaran ! If thou delayest but to scratch thy head He will have gone and given to the winds Thy travail at the first with Kai Kubad, v. 320 \ When thou with Rustam — that insatiate Lion — Didst like a valiant lion gird thy loins ; All which is now as wind to Kai Kaiis, Whose evil purposes distract his mind."
Zal when he heard grieved sorely that the leaves Upon the royal tree were growing sere, And said : " Kaiis, that man of headstrong will, And not approved in this world's heat and cold, Will hearken not to what the experienced say, And sleepeth not upon his own designs. If one who is the monarch of the world, Whom years and sun and moon still circle o'er, One at the thought of whose sword everywhere Alike the nobles and the people tremble, Will not obey me 'tis not wonderful ;
KAI KAUS 35
Still it would grieve me if he hearkened not. If I think of myself, not of the Shah, Then God, the Shah, and all the warriors Throughout Iran, will be displeased at me. I will set out and offer mine advice ; If he accepteth it so much is gained ; If he is headstrong then our course is clear, And Rustam now will be among the troops."
He mused all night, and when the sun displayed Its crown on high begirt himself and journeyed, Escorted by the chiefs, toward the Shah. Intelligence reached Tus, Giidarz, and Giv, Bahrain, Gurgin, and others: "Zal approacheth; E'en now his royal standard is in sight."
The army-leaders, helmed as paladins, Went forth to meet him and, when he was near, Dismounted, went to him afoot, and blessed him. Now, as they fared together to the Shah, Tus said to Zal : " So then, 0 noble chief ! Thou hast endured a journey of much toil, And for the sake of us Iranian nobles v. 321
Hast chosen travail rather than repose ! We are devoted to thee : all of us Feel honoured by thy crown and Grace."
Zal answered :
" The maxims of the men of old recur To one whom years have worn, and later on The course of heaven will justify his conduct. We must not keep our counsel from the Shah, For he hath need thereof. If he rejecteth The words of wisdom he will rue it sorely/'
They cried : " We are agreed and will not hear Another's words," then sought with one accord The crown and throne and presence of their lord.
36 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
§3
How Zdl gave Counsel to •> Kails
Attended by the lords with golden girdles Zal led the way and, when he saw Kaiis Rejoicing on the throne, approached the state With downcast eyes and folded arms, then said :— " 0 worldlord, who art mightiest of the mighty ! Throne hath not heard of, nor crown seen, thy peer, Revolving heaven hath heard not of such fortune, As thine. Be victor all thy years and glad With heart all wisdom and with head all justice."
The famous Shah received Zal graciously, And, giving him a seat upon the throne,
v. 322 Asked him about the toil of that long journey, About the chieftains and exalted Rustam. He answered : " Ever live and conquer, Shah ! We all are blithe and brightened by thy fortune, And have our heads exalted by thy throne."
He then began his well considered speech : — " 0 monarch of the world ! thou well deservest To have the throne and crown of mighty men. Thou art the memory of Shah Faridun, And may this age ne'er rob thee of its love. Now I have heard grave tidings that the Shah Hath some design upon Mazandaran.
V. 323 None of thy mighty predecessors thought Of such a journey. Minuchihr in dying Left here much wealth and many palaces ; So too did Zav, Naudar, and Kai Kubad (How many a chief our memories recall With massive maces and with mighty hosts !) Yet they attempted not Mazandaran — The home of warlock-divs and under spells Which none hath power to loose ; so give not thou
KAI KAUS 37
Men, wealth, and money to the winds. That land
Can not be conquered by the scimitar,
Nor will it come to hand through wit and treasure.
To go or e'en to think of going thither
Is held unlucky ! Thou must not invade
Those parts because no Shah hath thought it good,
Who if less great than thou was still God's slave :
Then do not for the sake of covetise
Plant with the blood of such a famous head
A tree whose growth and fruit will prove a curse,
And break the precedents of former Shahs." J
Kaiis replied : " I need thy views hereon, But nathless I in courage, Grace, and treasure Surpass Jamshid and Faridun as well As Mimichihr and Kai Kubad, who never Made mention of Mazandaran ; my heart And host are greater, and the world is ""neath My trenchant scimitar. The world was won When thou didst brandish thine ; let it see ours. I shall go thither, snare them all, maintaining The credit of myself and scimitar, Then tax them heavily or leave all dead, So vile and wretched do I hold that crew v. 324
Of divs and sorcerers, and thou wilt hear That earth is void of them. Do thou and Rustam Be regents of Iran and slumber not. God is my Helper and the prince of divs My quarry. Since thou wilt not go with me Bid me not dally on my throne."
Zal heard,
And baffled answered : " Thou art Shah, and we Are slaves who speak in love and, right or wrong, Must move and breathe according to thy will. I have relieved my heart as knowledge prompted. No one can root out death, sew up the eyes -\
Of destiny with needles, or escape
38 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
From want by abstinence ; in this regard ^_ E'en princes must submit. May this bright world Prove prosperous to thee, and mayst thou never Have reason to recall these words of mine ; May thine own doings cause thee no remorse, And be thy heart and Faith and rule resplendent."
Grieved that the Shah would go Zal took his leave In haste, and as he left the monarch's presence Both sun and moon were darkened in his eyes. The gallant nobles — Tiis, Gudarz, Bahram, And Giv — went with him, and Giv said to Zal : — " May God direct us ! Were Kalis not Shah I should esteem him naught. May greed, death, want, Be far from thee, foes' hands too short to reach thee. v. 325 Where'er we be or go we hear thy praises,
And next to God trust thee who hath so toiled For us."
Thus Giv. Zal, clasping to his heart The warriors, made ready to depart.
§4 How Kdus went to Mdzandardn
Next day arose the tymbals' din, Gudarz And Tus led on the troops. Kaus, their lustre, Went with them, and upon a shaded spot Set up his throne before Mount Ispuruz For rest and sleep, while terror everywhere Fell on the brutish divs. Upon the heights The Shah spread cloth of gold ; the air was fragrant v. 326 With luscious wine ; the favoured paladins
Sat by his throne and spent the night together. At dawn they woke and entered helmed and armed The presence of the Shah, who ordered Giv :— " Choose from the warriors two thousand men —
KAI KAUS 39
Mace-wielders — to prepare for us a path Mazandanin-ward, slaughter young and old, Fire all the settlements, turn day to night, And slay the warlocks ere they are aware."
Giv girt him, left the portal of the Shah, Chose valiant warriors, and when he reached Mazandaran showered scimitars and maces. The women, children, and old men with staves, Received no quarter from his sword ; he sacked And burned the cities, scattering bane instead Of antidote. He lighted on a spot Like Paradise, replete with all delights, And in each street and quarter countless slaves With necklaces and earrings, and still more With casques and faces like the shining moon. In every place were treasures stored away, Here gold, there gems. The cattle were past count. Thou wouldst have said : " 'Tis Paradise itself! " They told Kaiis the news, who cried : " Live happy The man who said : ' Mazandaran may match v. 327
With Paradise, and thou wouldst say that all The country is an Idols' temple decked With wreaths of roses and brocade of Chin ; Its Idols come from Paradise with faces Bathed in pomegranate-blossoms by Rizwan.' " l
The Iranians plundered for one week, then ceased. The monarch of Mazandaran received The news ; his heart was sad, his head was heavy. There was a div named Sanja at the court, Who also grieved. The monarch said to him : — " Go swift as Sol in yonder circling heaven And tell the White Div : ' There hath come a host Out of fran to spoil Mazandaran ; They have burnt up our cities and inflamed Our vengeance by the outrage. Kai Kaiis,
1 The door-keeper of Paradise.
40 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
With many young and brave, is in command Without thy help we shall be all destroyed.' "
When Sanja heard the message he sped forth And carried to the di'v the king's appeal. The White Di'v answered : " Be not in despair, For I am coming with a mighty host To cut the Shah's foot from Mazandaran."
He spake and like a mountain rose erect ; His head was level with the turning sky. Y. 328 Night came, a cloud involved the Iranian host,
The world grew like a negro's face for blackness, And thou hadst said : " 'Tis like a sea of pitch, And all its light is lost."
v. 329 The White Div spread
Above their heads a tent of pitchy smoke, Air dusked and eyes were darkened. From the sky He showered stones and darts, the Iranian troops Dispersed abroad, and many sought fran, Heart-broken at the doings of Kaiis. When day had come the ambitious Shah and most Among his warriors were blind. The nobles Were wroth with him, his troops were prisoners, His treasures pillaged, and his fortunes old. It is a ne'er to be forgotten tale, For at such wonders wonder's self must fail ! Now when the Shah perceived his plight he said : — " A prudent minister is more than treasure ; Alas that I accepted not the counsel Of Zal the worldlord but misdoubted it."
When he had passed seven days in misery And looked on no Iranian, on the eighth The White Div thundered at him : " O thou Shah, As fruitless as a willow ! thou wouldst have Complete supremacy and seize our pastures. Like to a maddened elephant's appeared Thy strength to thee, thou wouldst not yield to any !
KAI KAUS 41
Content not with the crown above thy throne
Thou hast perverted wisdom and hast wrought
111 in Muzandanin, and slaughtered many
With massive mace. The news of mine achievements v. 330
Perchance ne'er reached thee, such a dullard thou
On thine imperial throne ! Now thou hast gained
The fitting outcome of thy heart's desire."
Then of the valiant divs that drew the sword He chose twelve thousand, setting them to guard The Iranians, and afflicted grievously Those headstrong men. He gave them food enough To keep them living on from day to day, While all the treasures of the Shah and host, The jewelled diadems and turquoise thrones, All that he saw, he gave o'er to Arzhang, The general of Mazandaran, and said : — " Convey these to the king and say to him : — ' Blame not thou Ahriman, for I have done All that was needed, and have brought yon folk To dust. The Shah and paladins will never Behold the bright sun or the moon again. I have not threatened him with death, but taught him The ups and downs of fortune. He will grow Wise through his troubles, and hereafter none Will listen to such schemes.' "
Thereat Arzhang v. 331
Went to the monarch of Mazandaran, And took with him the treasure and the troops, The captives and the steeds caparisoned. This done the White Div went back to his home As glorious as the sun, while Kai Kaus Eemained within Mazandaran to moan : — " I was to blame for this and I alone."
42 THE SHAHNAMA OF F1RDAUSI
§5
The Message of Kai Kdus to Zdl and Rustam
Kails with stricken heart sent to Zabul
To Zal a warrior, like a bird that flew
As swift as smoke, to say : " What hap is mine !
My crown and throne have tumbled to the dust,
And heaven hath given to the divs my treasures
And troops arrayed like roses in the spring ;
The wind, thou wouldst say, rose and bore them off.
Mine eyes are blinded and my fortunes shent,
My crown and throne are both o'erturned, and I
Lie stricken in the hand of Ahrirnan,
Who rendeth me asunder, soul from body.
I often sigh to think on thine advice,
Which I rejected foolishly, thus causing
The present trouble. If thou dost not act
Both capital and interest will be lost."
He went as 'twere a bird as swift as smoke And told what he had seen and heard to Zal, Whose skin burst at the tidings, but he kept V. 332 The news from friend and foe. His shrewd heart
showed him
The ills that fate would bring upon Kaiis. " The scimitar is all but out," he said To Rustam. " We must not thus feed at ease, But make provision for the crown itself, Because the Shah is in the Dragon's breath : How great a bale is on the Iranians ! Thy part is now to saddle Rakhsh and seek For vengeance with the world-allotting sword. God surely made thee for a time like this, And thou art fitted for such labours now, While I, I have outlived two centuries ! Thou wilt gain high renown and save the Shah.
KA1 KAUS 43
Thou must not in this Ahriman's own business
Take matters leisurely or stop to breathe,
But don the tiger-skin and purge thy head
Of sleep and thought. When one hath seen thy spear
Will any say : ' His soul will rest ? ' If thou
Shouldst fight the sea 'twould turn to blood, thy voice
Will level mountains. Thou must make Arzhang,
And the White Div no less, despair of life.
As for the monarch of Mazandarun
Go smash him, neck and spine, with thy great mace."
He answered thus : " The way is long, and I ... v. 333 How shall I go to take revenge ? "
SaidZal:—
" There are two routes both hard and dangerous ; One, which is long, was taken by Kaus ; The other is a journey of two weeks, The haunt of div and lion, and all gloom ; Its murk will maze thine eyes. Choose thou the short, And see its wonders ; God will be thine aid. What though the way be hard ? An end will come, The feet of glorious Rakhsh will traverse it, And I will pray all night to see again Thy limbs and iron mace ; while if the Worldlord Shall let the divs' grip close upon thy life, Who can resist His word ? Tis said and done. None can abide here though he tarry long, And one whose fame embraceth all the world Is not cast down at going."
Rustam answered : — " I gird me to obey although the great Of yore walked not to Hell advisedly, And only one grown sick of life will counter The rending lion. Think of me as girt And gone. I ask no help but God's, will give Both soul and body for the Shah, and break The talismans that guard those sorcerers.
44 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
All that survive among the Iranians there Will I bring back and gird their loins again ; I will not spare the White Div nor Arzhang, Nor Sanja nor Piilad son of Ghundi, v. 334 Nor Bid. I swear by God, the only God,
Not to quit Rakhsh till I have bound. Arzhang With yoke on neck and hands as firm as rocks, Have trod the brains and headpiece of Piilad, And shaken earth beneath the feet of Rakhsh."
He donned the tiger-skin and stretched himself, While Zal called many blessings down on him, Then mounted on his elephantine steed With steadfast heart and mien. Riidaba came With tearful cheeks while Zal too wept. She said : — " So thou wilt go and leave me here to grieve ! How canst thou hope in God ? "
He said : " Good mother ! I did not choose my course ; 'tis destiny. Do thou commit to God my soul and body."
The people came to him to say farewell ; Who knew if he should look on Rustam more ?
Uncounted by the wise the moments fly, And, when an evil day hath passed thee, try To reckon that the world hath gained thereby.
THE SEVEN COURSES OF RUSTAM
§6
THE FIRST COURSE How Ral-hsh fought with a Lion
v. 335 Then Rustam, that world-brightening paladin, Departed from his sire and, treating night Like day, made two days' journey into one,
KAI KAUS 45
Not giving Rakhsh repose. Now as his body
Failed him through lack of food he reached a plain
Where onager abounded, and urged Rakhsh
To whom their speed was slow : no beast could 'scape
From Rustam's lasso and his horse's feet.
The Lion with his royal lasso caught
A gallant onager and, striking sparks
Upon an arrow's point, enkindled fire
With stubble, thorns, and wood to roast the beast.
He ate the flesh and threw away the bones ;
The onager itself was pot and tray.
He spied some pasture, slipped off Rakhsh's bridle,
Turned him out loose upon the meadow-land,
And made himself a couch within a reed-bed ;
He deemed it safe though it was fear's own door,
For in it was a lion's lair ; no elephant
Dared pluck a reed. One watch passed, then the lion v. 336
Came boldly forth and was amazed to see
An elephantine form among the reeds,
Reposing with a charger standing by.
" First," said the lion, " I must maim the steed,
Then I can take the rider when I please."
He sprang at glossy Rakhsh, who raged like fire And lashed out at the lion's head, then fixed His sharp teeth in its back and dashed the beast To pieces by a shift that made it shiftless. When Rustam, deft of hand, awoke and saw How earth was straitened to that ravening beast He said : " 0 foolish Rakhsh ! who bade thee fight A lion ? Hadst thou perished 'neath its claws Could I have carried to Mazandaran My helmet, tiger-skin, bow, lasso, sword, And massive mace ? Had my sweet sleep been
broken Thy combat with the lion had been brief."
He slept and rested long, and when the sun
46 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Rose o'er the darksome hills awoke still drowsy ;
He rubbed down Rakhsh and saddled him, then prayed
To God, the Author of all good, for aid.
§7
THE SECOND COURSE How Rustam found a Spring
He had to face all dizzy as he was
A desert waterless, a heat intense
That dried the birds to powder ; plain and waste
v. 337 Were as they had been scorched thou wouldst have said. Rakhsh was exhausted, while his rider's tongue Failed through the heat and drought, and Rustam,
clutching
A double-headed dart, went staggering Like one bemused, and saw no means of safety. He looked up saying : " 0 all-righteous Judge ! Thou bring'st all toil and hardship on my head, And if Thou findest pleasure in my pains My hoard is great indeed ! I fare in hope That God will grant deliverance to the Shah, And that the Ruler of the world will free The Iranians from the clutches of the Div, Unscathed. They sinned, and Thou hast cast them out, But still they are Thy slaves and worshippers."
v. 338 This said, that elephantine form became
Weak and distraught with thirst, and fell, with tongue
All cracked and blistered, on the burning dust.
Anon a well-fed ram passed by. The hero
On seeing thought : " Where is its watering-place ?
In sooth God's mercy is extended to me ! "
Then in the Worldlord's strength rose to his feet
And followed up the ram, with scimitar
KAI KAUS 47
In one hand while the other grasped the reins,
Until he saw the spring, for thither went
That stately rain. Then Rustarn looked toward heaven,
And said : " 0 Judge, that ever speakest sooth !
The ram hath left no tracks about the spring !
It is no desert- sheep of flesh and blood ! "
When hardships press on thee, in thy concern Flee unto God, the Just One ; they who turn Away from Him have wisdom still to learn.
He blessed that ram and said : " Ne'er may mishap From circling heaven be thine ; green be thy pastures ; May cheetah never mark thee for its prey ; Snapped be the bow and dark the soul of him That shooteth at thee who hath rescued Rustam, Else were he thinking of his shroud ; but now He is not in the mighty dragon's maw As yet, or in the clutches of the wolf, So that the fragments of his clothes and limbs Should serve as tokens to his enemies."
His praises offered he unsaddled Rakhsh, Washed him, and made him shining as the sun. Then Rustam much refreshed filled up his quiver And as he hunted dropped an onager Huge as an elephant, removed the entrails, The hide, and feet, lit up a blazing fire, And having washed the carcase roasted it. This done he feasted, breaking up the bones, And having quenched his thirst prepared for sleep. He said to Rakhsh : " Fight not and make no friends. If any foe approacheth run to me, But venture not to counter di'vs and lions."
He lay and slept, his lips in silence bound, While Rakhsh till midnight grazed and strayed around.
48 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
THE THIRD COURSE
How Rustam fought with a Dragon
A dragon, such an one as, thou hadst said, No elephant could 'scape, came from the waste. Its haunt was there ; no div dared pass thereby. It came, beheld the atheling asleep, A charger near him, and was wroth. It thought :— " What do I see ? Who dareth to sleep here ? " Because no lions, divs, or elephants Dared pass that way or, if they did, escaped not The clutches of that dragon fierce and fell, v. 340 It turned on glossy Rakhsh, who ran to Rustam, Stamped with his brazen hoofs upon the ground, Whisked with his tail, and gave a thundering neigh. The hero woke up furious, looked about Upon the waste, perceived not that fell dragon, And wreaked his wrath on Rakhsh for waking him. He slept again, again the worm approached Out of the gloom ; Rakhsh ran to Rustam's couch, And kicked the earth about and trampled it. The sleeper woke, his cheeks rose-red with passion, Looked round and, seeing nothing but the gloom, Said to affectionate and watchful Rakhsh : — " Thou canst not blink the darkness of the night Yet wakest me again impatiently ! If thou disturb me more I will behead thee With my sharp scimitar, and carry it, My helmet, and my massive mace, on foot. I said : ' Should any lion come at thee I will encounter it.' I never said : — ' Rush on me in the night ! ' Leave me to slumber." Then for the third time with his tiger-skin
KAI KAUS 49
Upon his breast he set himself to sleep.
The fearsome dragon roared and, thou hadst said,
Breathed fire. Rakhsh left the pasturage forthwith,
But dared not to approach the paladin.
Yet was his heart distracted by his fears
For Rustam with that dragon, till at length,
O'ermastered by affection for his lord,
He rushed swift as a blast to Rustam's side
And neighed and fretted, pawed upon the ground, V. 341
And stamped the earth to pieces with his hoofs.
Then Rustam, wakened from his sweet repose,
Raged at his docile steed ; but now the Maker
Willed that the dragon should be seen, and Rustam,
Perceiving it amid the gloom, unsheathed
The keen sword at his girdle, thundered out
Like spring-clouds, and filled earth with battle-fire.
Then said he to the dragon : " Tell thy name ;
Earth is no longer thine, yet must not I
Rob thy dark form of life, thy name untold."
The laidly dragon said : " None scape th me. For centuries this waste hath been my home, And mine its firmament ; no eagle dareth To fly across or star to dream thereof." It further said : " What is thy name, for she Will have to weep that bare thee ? "
" I am Rustam,"
He answered, " sprung from Zal — the son of Sam — And Nariman withal. I am myself A host, and trample earth 'neath dauntless Rakhsh. Thou shalt behold my prowess ; I will lay Thy head in dust."
The dragon closed with him, And in the end escaped not though it strove So fiercely with the elephantine hero That thou hadst said : " He will be worsted." Rakhsh, On seeing the dragon's might, and how it battled
VOL. II. D
50 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
With Rustam, laid his ears back, joined the fray, Bit at the dragon's shoulders, tore its hide As though he were a lion, and amazed The valiant paladin, who with keen glaive Smote off the dragon's head ; blood jetted out In rivers, and its carcase hid the earth, v. 342 The matchless one, astonied at the sight,
Invoked God's name and bathed him in the spring. Desiring conquest through God's strength alone He said : " 0 righteous Judge ! me Thou hast given Grace, might, and wisdom ; what care I for lion, Div, elephant, parched desert, and blue sea ? When I am wroth all foes are one to me."
§9 THE FOURTH COURSE
How Rustam slew a Witch
Thanksgivings done, he harnessed rose- cheeked Rakhsh And mounting came in time where sorcerers dwelt. Long had he fared and saw, as Sol declined, Trees, grass, and stream— the very spot for youth. There was a spring as bright as pheasant's eyes ; Beside it were a golden bowl of wine, A roasted mountain-sheep with bread thereon, And salts and sweetmeats. Rustam thanked the Lord For showing him a place so opportune, Dismounted from his steed, took off the saddle, And marvelled at the loaves and venison. V. 343 It was a sorcerers' meal, and when he came His voice had caused those divs to disappear. He sat beside the rushy stream and brimmed A jewelled cup with wine. A dainty lute
KAI KAtiS 51
Was there, the desert seemed a banquet-hall !
He took the lute up, touched the chords, and sang : —
" Oh ! Rustam is an outcast still
And hath no days of pleasure, Marked out for every kind of ill And not a moment's leisure.
" Be where he may it is his plight
With battle still to harden, And wilderness and mountain-height Must serve him for a garden.
" His combatings are never done And there is no assuagement, Tis dragon, div, and desert — one Perpetual engagement !
" The wine and cup, the scented rose,
And where lush herbage groweth — Such things are not at his dispose, These fortune ne'er bestoweth
" On one that with the crocodile
Is still engaged in fighting, Save when the leopard for a while The combat is inviting."
The sound of music reached a witch's ears ; She made her cheeks like spring, although by rights She was not fair, and then, perfumed and decked, Approached, saluted, and sat down by Rustam, Who gave God thanks at finding in the desert Board, wine, and lute, and youthful boon-companion. Not knowing that she was a wicked witch, An Ahriman beneath her bravery,
52 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
He handed her a cup of wine, invoking
The Giver of all good. Now when he named
The Lord of love her favour changed ; no soul
Had she for gratitude, no tongue for praise,
But blackened at God's name, while Rustain, flinging
His lasso quicker than the wind, ensnared,
And questioned her : " What art thou ? Speak and show
Thy proper favour."
In the lasso's coils
There was a fetid hag all guile and wrinkle, v. 344 Calamitous. He clave her with his blade And made the hearts of sorcerers afraid.
§ 10
THE FIFTH COURSE How Rustam took ftldd captive
He journeyed on and reached a place of gloom
Black as a negro's face — a murky night
Without a star or moon ; thou wouldst have said : —
" The sun is captive and the stars are lassoed ! "
He gave the rein to Rakhsh and journeyed on,
Not seeing height or river for the murk.
When he emerged to light he saw a land,
Like painted silk with crops, where all was verdure
And streams ; the old world had renewed its youth.
His clothes were drenched, and longing for repose
He took off his cuirass of tiger-skin,
And dripping helm, to dry them in the sun,
Unbridled Rakhsh, and loosed him in the corn,
Then, donning his dried helmet and his breastplate,
Couched like a mighty lion in the grass,
His shield his pillow and his hand on hilt.
The watchman of the plain, on seeing Rakhsh
Among the crops, ran up with hue and cry ;
He smote the hero smartly with a stick
KAI KAUS 53
Upon the foot and said, as Rustam woke : —
" 0 Ahriman ! why didst thou loose thy steed
Among the corn to eat where others toiled ? "
But Rustam, angered, seized the watchman's ears,
Wrung them and tore them off without a word.
The watchman howled and snatched them up, aghast v. 345
At Rustam. Now triad was marchlord there —
A brave and famous youth. To him the watchman
Went howling with his hands and head all bloody,
And ears wrung off, and said : " There is a man,
Like the Black Div, with leopard-skin cuirass
And iron casque, a perfect Ahriman,
Or else a dragon was asleep in mail !
I went to drive his charger from the corn,
He would not suffer it but, when he saw me,
Rose without word, wrung off mine ears, and slept ! "
triad was hunting there with other nobles, But when he heard the watchman and beheld The Lion's track in his preserves, they rode Toward where the peerless Rustam had been seen To find out who he was, and why he served The watchman of the plain so scurvily. Ulad in threatening wise drew near to Rustarn, Who mounted Rakhsh, unsheathed his trenchant sword, And then came onward like a thunder-cloud. As they drew near they questioned one another. " What is thy name ? " triad cried. " Who art thou ? Who is thy king and who is backing thee ? Hence is no passage to the warrior-divs. Why didst thou tear away the watchman's ears And turn thy charger loose among the corn ? Just so will I make black the world to thee And lay thy helm in dust."
" My name is ' f:oud,' " l v. 346 Said Rustam, " if a cloud hath lion's claws,
i Cf. p. 13.
54 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
With swords and maces only for its fruit,
And beareth on its lap the heads of chieftains.
My real name, should it reach thine ears, would freeze
Thy life's breath and heart's blood. Hast thou not heard
Of the elephantine warrior's bow and lasso
In every company ? We call the mothers
Of sons like thee shroud-stitchers, wailing- women.
Thou comest thus against me with a troop,
But only throwest walnuts on a dome."
With that he drew his baleful Crocodile, Hung his coiled lasso to the saddle-bow, Came like a lion midst a flock, and slew All that were in his reach. At every stroke He sheared two chieftains' heads and strewed the dust Beneath his feet therewith. The troops thus broken Fled in dismay, and wilderness and dale Were filled with dust-clouds by the cavaliers As they dispersed among the rocks and hollows. Then Rustam, like an elephant enraged, With sixty coils of lasso on his arm, Pressed forward and, when Rakhsh was near triad, Whose day was darkened, flung his mighty lasso, Ensnared that chieftain's head, and then alighting Made fast his hands, drave him in front and, mounting, Said : " If thou speak the truth, and if I find No guile at all in thee from first to last, If thou wilt show me where the White Div dwelleth, Where dwell Piilad son of Ghundi and Bid, And where Kaiis, who caused these ills, is bound ; V. 347 If thou dost show this truly and art faithful, Then from the monarch of Mazandanin Will I take crown and throne and massive mace, And thou shalt be the ruler of the land ; But if thy T^rds prove guileful I will make Thine eyes run blood."
triad said : " Be not wroth,
KAI KAUS 55
But gracious just for once and slay me not
In wantonness, and I will answer thee.
I will point out to thee the roads and city
Wherein Kaiis is bound, the AVhite Div's dwelling
And Bid's, since thou hast reassured my heart.
Know, 0 thou worshipful div-hearted hero !
That God hath fashioned thee of noble clay !
There are between us now and Kai Kaiis
A hundred leagues, O thou of gracious feet !
Whence to the White Div is another hundred.
The road is bad and dangerous, through a gorge —
A fearful spot o'er which no eagle flieth.
There is a cavern midst two hundred others,
A wondrous place beyond all measurement,
And there twelve thousand warriors, all divs,
Keep watch by night upon the mountain-top ;
Their captain is Pulad son of Ghundi,
While Bid and Sanja are their outpost-guards.
Of all the divs the White Div is the chief ;
At him the mountains shake like willow-leaves,
And thou wilt find his person mountain-tall,
With shoulders, breast, and neck ten cords across.
E'en with such arms and hands and reins as thine,
And though thou brandishest sword, mace, and spear,
And hast such stature, mien, and energy,
It is not well for thee to fight that div.
Beyond are rocks that no gazelle could pass,
And then a river two leagues wide and more v. 348
Watched by the div in charge of all that province
With all the other divs at his command.
Call it three hundred leagues to the Narmpai 1
From the Buzgush,2 whence to Mazandaran
The journey is a foul and tedious one.
1 The name of a tribe, " the Bandy-legged " ; lfj.avr6Trod€s, loripedes. Cf. p. 63.
2 The name of a tribe, " the Goat-ears."
56 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
A myriad of cavaliers at least
Are posted through the realm, so armed and paid
That thou wilt not see one dissatisfied.
There are twelve hundred elephants of war ;
The city cannot hold them. Thou'rt but one,
Though iron, and but gratest on the file
Of Ahriman."
The words made Rustam laugh. tl If thou wilt be my comrade," he replied, " Thou shalt see how one elephantine chief Will treat yon famous band by help of God, The Prosperer, and fortune, arms, and prowess. When they behold my might of breast and neck, And mace-blows in the fight, their feet and hides Will burst in sheer dismay, they will not know A stirrup from a rein ; so point me out Kaiis, where'er he be, and step along."
This said, he sprang on Rakhsh, while swift as wind tllad ran on beside him, day or night Not resting till he reached Mount Ispuriiz, Where divs and warlocks had o'erthrown Kaus. At midnight shoutings went up from the plain, The folk lit watch-fires in Mazandaran And torches everywhere. Then matchless Rustam Asked of "Olad : " What is the cause that fires Are springing up to right and left of us ? "
" It is the entrance to Mazandaran," tllad replied. " The more part of each night V. 349 None dareth sleep ; the div Arzhang is there And he is ever noisy."
Rustam slept
Till dawn, then took Iliad, bound him in anguish Against a tree, and, hanging on the saddle The mace his grandsire had been wont to use, Departed confident and full of ruse.
KAI KAVS 57
S"
THE SIXTH COURSE
How Rustam fought with the D'w Arzhang
In royal helm and sweat-soaked tiger-skin
He sought, intent on fight, the chief Arzhang,
And shouted in the middle of the host ;
Thou wouldst have said : " The hills and seas are
rent ! "
The div Arzhang came leaping from the camp At that tremendous shout, while Rustam spurring Came on him like Azargashasp, grasped boldly His head and ears and neck, then lion-like Tore off his head and flung it at his troops. The divs' hearts burst in terror at the sight Of Rustam's iron mace, and son and sire, Forgetting land and crops, went off pell mell, While Rustam drew his vengeful scimitar And cleared the neighbourhood. At set of sun He made all speed back to Mount Ispuriiz, Untied "Clad, and, as they sat beneath
The lofty tree, asked how to reach the cit}^ v. 350
Where Shah Kaus was, and then hurried on Led by triad afoot. When he arrived Rakhsh gave a thundering neigh, which Kai Kaiis, Who heard it, understood and told the Iranians : — " Our evil days are all but over now ; I heard the neigh of Rakhsh ; it made ni}^ heart And spirit young. Thus neighed he in the wars Of Kai Kubad against the Turkman king."
The soldiers said : " His mind hath gone through
hardship,
And he hath lost his wisdom, sense, and Grace ! Thou wouldest say: 'He talketh in his sleep/
58 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
But in these grievous bonds we can do naught ; In good sooth fortune hath abandoned us."
Anon that ardent lover of the fray, The elephantine chief, approached Kaus, And all the noble paladins — Giidarz, Tiis, gallant Giv, Bahrain the Lion, Shidush, And Gustaham — nocked round while Kustam wept Right sorely, did obeisance to the Shah, And asked about his longsome toils. Kaus, Embracing him, inquired concerning Zal, And all his travail, then said privily : — " Let not these sorcerers get sight of Rakhsh, For when the White Div is apprised : ' Arzhang Is dead and Rustam is with Kai Kaiis ! ' The valiant divs will gather, earth will teem With them, and then thy toils will bear no fruit. Seek the White Div's abode, exert thyself V. 35 1 With sword and arrow ; holy God may aid thee In bringing to the dust these sorcerers' heads. O'er seven mountains must thou pass, and troops Of divs throng everywhere. At length a cavern Of frightful aspect will appear before thee, A fearsome place, as I have heard : the approach Is held by warrior-divs equipped like pards For fight. That cavern is the White Div's home : He is the hope and terror of his troops. May'st thou have strength to put an end to him Because he is that army's chief and stay. My soldiers' eyes are blinded by their griefs ; I am in darkness too. Our leeches trust To blood extracted from the White Div's vitals, In which regard a wise physician said :— ' Let three drops of his blood descend like tears Upon the eyes and it will banish blindness.' "
He made him ready, and in setting forth Spake thus to the Iranians : " Be alert,
KAI KAUS 59
For 'tis the White Div that I go against— That Elephant of war, full of resource, And compassed by a host of warriors. If he shall catch my body with his noose A shameful sorry plight will long be yours, But if the Lord and my good star shall aid me Our country and our throne will we restore, And this our royal Tree shall fruit once more."
§ 12
THE SEVENTH COURSE How Rustam slew the White Div
He went girt up — all battle and revenge ;
He took triad and made Kakhsh go like wind. v. 352
As soon as Rakhsh had reached the seven mountains,
With all their troops of valiant divs, the chieftain
Drew near the abysmal cave, saw them on guard,
And spake thus to Ulad : " Thou hast been faithful,
So now that we must act point out the way."
"Clad made answer : "When the sun is hot The divs will sleep and thou wilt overcome them ; So bide thy time and thou wilt see no divs, Except some few on duty, and may'st triumph If He that giveth victory shall aid thee."
So Rustam paused till noon, then, having bound Ulad fast with the lasso, mounted Rakhsh, Unsheathed his warlike Crocodile, and shouted His name like thunder, came like flying dust Among the troops, and parted heads from trunks. None sought for glory by withstanding him. Thence radiant as the sun he went to seek The White Div, found a pit like Hell, but saw not The sorcerer for the murk. There sword in hand
60 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
He paused ; no room was there for fight or flight.
V- 353 He rubbed his eyelids, bathed his eyes, and searched The cave till in the gloom he saw a Mountain That blotted all within, with sable face And hair like lion's mane — a world to see ! Now Rustam hasted not to slay the div Asleep, but roused him with a leopard's roar. He charged at Rustam, like a gloomy mountain With iron helm and brassards, seized a millstone And drave at him like smoke. The hero quailed, And thought : " Mine end is come ! " Yet like a
lion
Enraged he struck full at the div and lopped From that enormous bulk a hand and foot, So mighty was he with his trenchant sword ! As 'twere some lofty-crested elephant And lion in its wrath the maimed div closed With Rustam, and one-footed wrecked the cave. They wrestled, tearing out each other's flesh, Till all the ground was puddled with their blood, And Rustam thought : " If I survive this day I ne'er shall die."
The White Div also thought :— " Life hath no hopes for me, for, should I scape This Dragon's claws, maimed as I am and torn, None great or small within Mazandaran Will look at me."
Such was his wretched comfort ! But still they wrestled, streaming blood and sweat,
v- 354 While elephantine Rustam in God's strength Strove mightily in anguish and revenge, Till sore bestead, bold Lion that he was, He reached out, clutched the div, raised him neck- high,
And dashed the life-breath from him on the ground, Then with a dagger stabbed him to the heart
KAI KAUS 61
And plucked the liver from his swarthy form :
The carcase filled the cave, and all the world
Was like a sea of blood. Then Rustam freed
Ulad, put back the lasso in the straps,
And, giving him the liver of the div
To carry, went back to Shah Kai Kiius.
" O Lion ! " said triad, " thou hast subdued v. 355
The world beneath thy sword, and I myself
On my bruised body bears thy lasso's marks,
So now I hope that thou wilt keep thy promise,
For lion-fierceness and a royal mien
Sort not with broken faith."
" I give thee all
Mazandaran," he answered. " I have yet Long toils before me, many ups and downs, For I must hale its monarch from his throne And fling him in a ditch, behead a myriad Of sorcerer-divs with my relentless sword, And then, it may be, tread the ground again,1 But if not I will still keep faith with thee."
He reached Kaus while all in gladness cried : — " The chief of ardent spirit hath returned ! " And ran to him with thanks and praise past count. He said : " 0 Shah, thou seeker after knowledge ! Rejoice, thy foe is slain. I have ripped out V. 356
The White Div's liver, and his king hath naught To hope from him. What would my lord the Shah ? "
Kaiis blessed Rustam. " Ne'er may crown and host Lack thee," he said. " The mother of such offspring- Must not be mentioned but in terms of praise. Now may a thousand blessings be on Zal, And on the country of Zabulistan, Because they have produced so brave a chief. In sooth the age hath not beheld thy like,
1 In war-time he would ride, and he had sworn to ride till he had triumphed. Cf. p. 44.
62 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
But brighter still is my lot since I have For liege this lion-slaying Elephant."
When he had made an end of praise he said : — " 0 warrior of blessed steps ! now put The White Div's blood upon mine eyes and those Of all my folk ; God willing, we may see Thy face again."
They anointed his dim eyes,
Which grew as bright as Sol, and forthwith Rustarn Anointed all the others with the blood. Their eyes grew bright, and all the world to them A rosary. They hung the crown and set Kaus beneath it on an ivory throne As monarch of Mazandaran, with Rustam, Tus, Fariburz, Giidarz, Ruhham, and Giv, Gurgm, and brave Bahrain. One week he revelled, The eighth day mounted with his chiefs and troops, Who spread themselves like fire among dry reeds Throughout the land and plied the massive mace According to the bidding of the Shah. They scorched the realm with their keen scimitars, v. 357 And of the warlocks slew so many that blood
Flowed in a river. When night fell the warriors All rested and Kaus proclaimed : " The wrong Hath been avenged, the divs have their deserts, 'Tis time to cease from slaughter. Now we need A man of weight and sense, with sense to wait Yet prompt, to work upon and overawe The monarch of Mazandaran."
The son
Of Zal and all the other chiefs agreed On this that such a letter should be sent To give his darkened mind enlightenment.
KAI KAVS 63
§'3 Hoiv Kdils wrote to the King of Mdzandardn
A skilled scribe wrote upon white silk a letter
Both kind and harsh, inspiring hope and fear,
First praising God, the Source of every good,
" Who gave man wisdom, made the turning sky,
Revealing hardship, cruelty, and love,
Who gave to us to compass good and ill,
And ruleth o'er the circling sun and moon. . . .
If thou art upright and thy Faith is pure v. 358
All men will praise thee, but the curse of heaven
Will fall on thee if ill-disposed and hurtful.
If God is just why should His laws be broken ?
Observe how He in punishment for sin
Is sending dust from div and sorcerer !
So now if news hath reached thee of their fate,
And mind and wisdom are thy monitors,
Quit thou thy throne and from Mazandaran
Come, like our other subjects, to our court,
And, as thou canst not strive with Rustam, pay
Such tax and tribute as we may demand.
Thus haply thou mayst still retain thy throne ;
But if thou wilt not pay despair of life,
E'en as the White Div and Arzhang despaired."
The letter done, the Shah affixed his seal Of musk and spicery, and called Farhad — Him of the mace of steel, a favourite Among the nobles of the land, and one Who had not shared the warfare and the toil — To whom he said : " Convey to yonder div Escaped from bonds this letter of advice."
He kissed the ground, bare the Shuh's letter forth, And reached the valiant horsemen, the Narmpai.1 The people there with leathern feet appear, 1 cf. P. 55.
64 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Hence their nickname Narmpai for many a year.
There lived among his chiefs and men of war
The monarch of Mazandaran of yore.
Farhad sent on a man to tell the king
Of his approach and business, who on hearing : —
" A prudent envoy cometh from the Shah,"
Sent forward to receive him a great host,
v. 359 Selected by the king to show his power,
To whom he said : "We must make known to-day How great the difference is 'twixt man and div, So act the pard and get these sages' leader Within your clutches that he may repent Himself in terror at the sight of you."
They went forth frowning but their purpose failed. On coming to Farhad one of the chiefs — A mighty man — took hold upon his hand, Wrung it, and pained him, yet he did not blench, Or Hush. They carried him before the king, Who asked about Kaiis and that long journey, Then set the document before a scribe, And sprinkled wine and musk upon the silk. He read the letter to the king who writhed ; But when he heard of Rustam and the div Blood filled his eyes, his heart throbbed, and he
thought : —
" Tis sunset and night cometh, 'tis the time For rest, but Rustam will not let earth rest, His name will always be in evidence."
He mourned Arzhang and the White Div, the slaying Of Bid and of Pulad son of Ghundi, Then entertained the envoy for three days Among the warriors and men of name, And on the fourth said : " Go back to the Shah, That witless youth, and bear to him this answer : — ' Is wine unmingled in the cup of fortune ?
v. 360 A.m I such that thou sayest : " Quit thy land,
KAI KAUS 65
Thy throne and country, and attend my court ? "
My court is more exalted than thine own,
Mine are a thousand thousand troops and more,
And wheresoe'er they turn them in the fight
They leave not stone or colour or perfume.
Prepare thyself forthwith ; I shall be ready ;
I will lead forth an army lion-like
And rouse those heads of yours from their sweet
slumbers.
I have twelve hundred elephants of war, While thou hast nftne, and I will send dark dust Up from 1 ran till hills and vales seem one.' "
Farhad, perceiving his defiance, pride, And arrogance, was much concerned to get An answer to the letter, hastened back, And told the Shah what he had seen and heard : — " The king is higher than heaven and his purpose Is not less high. He would not listen to me ; The world is nothing worth in his regard."
Thereat Kaus called Rustam and repeated Farhad's report. The Elephantine said : — " I will relieve our nation from disgrace ; Let me bear back this answer : ' I will draw My trenchant sword.' We need a trenchant letter, A message like a thundering cloud. Myself Will go to him as envoy ; at my words y
The rivers shall run blood."
The Shah replied :—
" The signet and the crown gain light from thee, Who art at once ambassador, bold Tiger, And haughty Lion of the battlefield."
With that he called a scribe, whose pen he made An arrowhead, and wrote : " Such talk is futile And cometh ill from one of sober sense. If thou canst purge thy head of arrogance Do as thou art commanded like a slave.
VOL. n. E
66 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Thou wilt not wreck thy realm but pay me tribute
Unvexed by war, enjoy Mazandaran,
And 'scape with life from Rustam ; but if thou
Refusest I will march upon thee, stretch
My host from sea to sea, and then the soul
Of thy malevolent White Div will bring
The vultures to enjoy thy brains, 0 king !"
§ 14
&
How Rustam went on an Embassy to the King of Mazandaran
The letter sealed, aspiring Rustam flung His mace upon the saddle and approached v. 362 Mazandaran, whose monarch heard : " Kaiis Hath sent another letter and an envoy — One like a savage lion — with a lasso Of sixty coils within the straps. Beneath him There is a speedy charger ; one would say : — ' It bulketh like a mighty elephant.' "
On hearing this the king selected chiefs And bade them go to meet this savage Lion. As Rustam saw them he beheld beside The road a spreading tree, seized on two branches, And twisting round the tree with might and main Uprooted it, himself unscathed the while, Then poised it like a dart, while all the troops Looked on astound. As they came up he hurled The tree, whose boughs hid many cavaliers. One of the chiefest of Mazandaran Seized Rustam's hand and squeezed it to assay His fortitude in pain, but Rustam laughed While all the company looked on in wonder, And as he laughed he crushed the other's hand. That strength-assayer lost all strength himself, Paled, and fell off his steed. One went before
KAI KAVS 67
And told the monarch of Mazandaran
That which had chanced. There was a cavalier
Hight Kaldhiir, whose fame rang through the land,
And who, like some fierce pard, loved fighting only.
The king, who mightily esteemed his valour,
Called him and sent him forth to counter Rustam,
Thus saying : " Meet the envoy, give fresh proofs v- 3^3
Of prowess, shame him, make him weep hot tears."
So Kalahur came lion-like to Rustam With louring looks and with a leopard's greeting, Then took and squeezed the Elephantine's hand Till it turned blue with pain, who bore it lightly, As holding manhood's patent from the sun, And stoutly wrung the hand of Kalahur, Whose nails fell off like leaves. He went and showed The king his mangled hand. " I cannot hide," He said, " the anguish that I feel. Enjoy Thyself in peace ; thou canst not fight this hero. If he is willing let us pay the tribute, Submitting to preserve Mazandaran, And portion out the tax to great and small To make this heavy travail light ; 'tis better Than quaking for our lives."
The matchless Rustam That moment came like some fierce elephant Before the king who, seeing him, assigned him A place of honour, asked about Kaiis, The host, the travail of the longsome road, Its ups and downs, and then said : " Thou art Rustam ; Thy breast and arm befit a paladin."
He said : " I am a slave if fit to serve. Where Rustam, that brave paladin, is present There I am useless. Since God made the world v. 364
A chief so eminent hath not appeared. In fight he is a mountain. What and how Am I to speak about his mace and Rakhsh ?
68 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
What army can withstand him when he warreth ?
He maketh mountains seas, and seas like mountains.
What lion, elephant, or div will raise
The battle-cry against him when he fighteth ?
He is a noble army in himself
And not a messenger ; 'twas he that sent me
To say : ' If thou are prudent sow not seed
Of evil. Thou hast sown it in abundance,
And lightly left the path of manliness.
How hast thou used the monarch of Iran,
His troops, and paladins in thy revenge ?
Thou hast not heard perchance of Rustam's name,
Who hath the welkin for his meanest thrall ;
But if I had permission from the Shah
To come to this thy folk I would not leave
One of thy host alive, and thine own head
Should be upon a spear.' "
He gave the letter — A message from ambition to self-will — And said : " The scimitar is bearing fruit, It beareth on its lap the heads of nobles."
The king when he had heard the embassage, And read the letter, was displeased and marvelled. He spake to Rustam, saying : " To what end Are all these frivolous demands of thine ? Say to Kaus : ' Thou art indeed the Shah, But, though thou hast the heart and claws of lions, Still I am monarch of Mazandaran, Possess a host, sit on the golden throne, And wear the crown. To summon me absurdly Before thee thus is neither right nor royal. Think, and ambition not the thrones of kings, For in the quest dishonour will befall thee. Ride thou Iranward or a lance's point Shall end thy days. If I lead forth my host v. 365 Thou'lt know not head from foot. 'Tis thy conceit ;
KAI KAtfS 69
Be wise and cast away thy bow, for when We meet thy talk and violence will cease.' Say too for me to Rustam : * Famous chief! Whatever Kai Ktiiis may give to thee I will bestow a hundred to his one, Will make thee chief of chiefs, rich past desire, Exalt thy head above the sun and moon, And give to thee command of all my troops.' "
But Rustam, with his shrewd mind contemplating Throne, host, and court, esteemed the king's speech
brainless.
Such insults angered him, and he replied : — " 0 witless king ! good sooth thy fortunes lour ! Hath Rustam, that exalted paladin, Need of thy treasury and of thy troops ? The son of Zal is monarch of Nimruz And hath no peer ; so cease to wag thy tongue Or he will pluck it out. "
The king was wroth ;
His evil nature turned his thoughts to bloodshed He cried : " Arrest the envoy in my presence, Disseat him and behead him."
Instantly
An executioner approached the throne To seize his wrists and hale him from his seat, But Rustam, roaring like a lion, caught The executioner's wrists and dragged him close, Then flung him down and, holding one foot fast, Set his own foot upon the other one
And rent the man asunder ! None e'er saw v. 366
A sight like that ! Then noble Rustam cried : — " If I had but permission from the Shah To war against thine army I would put thee This instant into pitiable plight."
He spake and went forth from the court, his eyes Like bowls of blood, while quaking at his words
70 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt
And might the king made ready royal gifts
Of raiment, steeds, and gold, and proffered them
To Rustam, but he would accept of naught,
Because such presents would involve disgrace,
And left the country of Mazandaran,
Concerned at these grave doings. Full of vengeance,
And in hot blood, he came before the Shah,
Told his experience in Mazandaran,
And said to him : " Be not concerned one whit,
Show courage and prepare to fight the divs.
I do not value them a single grain
Of dust, and I will make this mace their bane."
§15 How Kdus fought wiih the King of Mazandaran
When Rustam left, the king of sorcerers Prepared for war, brought out his tent-enclosure, And led the whole host forth upon the waste ; Their dust hid sun and desert, plain and mountain, While earth reeled 'neath the tramp of elephants. V. 367 He marched like rushing wind. Kaiis on hearing, " The divs' host is in sight," first ordered Rustam To arm for fight and then to Tiis, Gudarz, Son of Kishwad, and to Gurgin and Giv, Those men of noble lineage, he gave The arraying of the host, the ordering Of spear and shield. They pitched the camp-enclosures Upon the deserts of Mazandaran. Upon the right was Tiis, son of Naudar, Whose clarion-blasts thrilled to the mountains' hearts ; Gudarz was on the left wing with Kishwad, And clad the heights in iron ; Kai Kaiis, In chief command, was posted at the centre. The troops drew up while elephantine Rustam,
KAI KAUS 71
Who never saw disaster, led them on.
Juya, a noble of Mazandaran, A fame-ensuer, a rnace-brandisher, And bragger likewise, by his monarch's leave Confronted Kai Kaus. The warrior's mail Shone brilliantly, his falchion seared the ground ; He passed along the Iranian line with shouts That plain and mountain echoed : " He must send Dust up from water who would fight with me."
Not one came out against him, thou wouldst say :— "Their veins pulsed not with blood." Then cried
Kaiis :— V. 368
" Why hath this div's voice, valiant warriors ! Thus dazed your hearts and made your faces dark ? "
They answered not a word, and thou hadst said : — " The host is withered up before Juya." Then Rustam took the reins and shouldering His shining spear said : " Will the Shah permit me To face this caitiff div ? "
Kaiis replied : —
" Be thine the task, for none will seek it else. Go ! May the Maker aid thee, be all divs And sorcerers thy quarry."
Rustam urged
His gallant Rakhsh and grasped his weighty spear, Came on the scene like some mad elephant, A Pard beneath him and in hand a Dragon, Sent dust-clouds flying as he wheeled about, And shouting shook the battle-field. " 0 knave ! " He cried, " thy name is cancelled 'mong the great. This is no time of peace and ease for thee, But pity ; she shall weep who bare thee, nurtured, And chastened thee."
" Be not too sure," he answered " About Juya and his head -reaping sword ; Thy mother's liver shall be split anon,
72 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
And she shall wash thy mail and casque with tears."
When Rustam heard he raised his battle-cry, Proclaimed his name, and as he charged appeared A moving mountain, while his foe dismayed Wheeled round unwilling to contend with him, But Rustam following, swift as dust, and aiming The spearpoint straight against the girdlestead,
V- 369 So speared the mail that straps and buckles burst, Unseated him, raised him aloft, and turned him Like bird on spit,1 then flung him down dust-choked, With shivered mail. The warriors of the foe Looked on astound, faint-hearted, pale of face, And babble filled the field. Their king commanded The whole host, saying : " Lift your heads and fight Like leopards in this strife."
The warriors heard
His warlike words, and of that countless host A vengeful throng advanced. The Shah perceived it And came on too in orderly array. Both armies drew their swords and closed amid The din of trump and drum, the sky was ebon, Earth indigo, while swords and maces gleamed Like lightning flashing from a murky cloud. The air was crimson, black, and violet, With spears and flags. The shouting of the divs, The clouds of dust, the roar of kettledrums, And neigh of steeds, rent earth and shook the moun- tains ; None e'er saw such a fight. Arose the din
V. 370 Of arrow, mace, and sword, the plain became A pool of heroes' blood, earth like a sea Of pitch whose waves were maces, swords, and arrows. Swift steeds sped on like ships upon the deep. And thou hadst said of them : " They founder fast ! " While maces rained upon the casques and helms
1 Of. vol. i. p. 386 and note.
KAI KAUS 73
As autumn-blasts shower leaves from willow-trees.
Thus for a week those glory-seeking hosts
Encountered, on the eighth day Shah Kiius
Took from his head the royal casque and stood
Before the Judge and Guide of this world, weeping,
Then falling prostrate he exclaimed : " 0 Judge
Whose word is truth, who madest sea and land ! V. 371
Give me to quell these divs who fear not Thee,
And grace for me the throne of king of kings,"
He donned his helm and joined his famous troops. There rose a shout and trumpet-blare, the host Moved like a mountain. He commanded Giv And Tiis to bring the tymbals to the front. Giidarz with Zanga son of Shawaran, Ruhham, Gurgin, all eager for the fray, Guraza like a wild boar, with a flag Eight cubits high, Farhad, Kharrad, Barzin, Rushed on the field to seek revenge anew. First, matchless Rustam charging on the centre Bathed earth with warriors' blood. Upon the right Giidarz fetched with Kishwad arms, drums, troops,
baggage,
While from the right wing to the left Giv fared — A wolf among the sheep. From dawn till sunset Blood ran in streams, all looks were fierce and grim, And thou hadst said : " The sky is raining maces." The slain were heaped on every side, the grass Was smirched with human brains. The drums and
trumpets
Were like a thunder-clap, an ebon veil Concealed the sun. Then elephantine Rustam Charged with a mighty power against the quarter Where stood the monarch of Mazandaran, Who with his divs and elephants of war v. 372
Awhile maintained his ground. Then Rustam gave His pointed lance to one to hold, invoked
74 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The name of God, raised high his mace, and raged ; His voice filled all the air, the divs became Dispirited, the elephants confounded ; Their trunks were scattered over all the plain, And naught but corpses could be seen for miles. Then calling for a spear he charged the king ; Both roared like thunder. When the king beheld The spear of Rustam wrath and courage failed, While Rustam, seething with revenge, sent up
V. 373 A mighty lion's roar, struck the king's girdle,
And pierced him through the mail. The sorcerer
Turned to a boulder by his magic arts
Before the Iranian host, while matchless Rustam
Stood in amaze, then shouldered his sharp lance.
The Shah came up with drums and elephants,
With standards and with troops, and said to Rustam :-
" Why tarry here so long, exalted chief ! "
He answered : " When victorious fortune showed Amid the stress the monarch seeing rne Took up his massive mace, I gave to Rakhsh The rein and speared the monarch through the mail. Methought : * Now will he tumble from his saddle.' He turned to stone before me, as thou seest, And recketh not of aught that I can do, But I will carry him to camp, perchance He will resume his shape."
The Shah bade some To bear and set the stone before his tent. Then all the strongest of the host essayed In vain to move the mass, howbeit Rustam Raised it unaided to the troops' amaze, Then shouldering the rock walked off therewith With all the people shouting at his back. They praised the Almighty, scattering gems and gold O'er Rustam as he bare the stone and threw it
v. 374 Before the tent-enclosure of the Shah.
KA1 KAUS 75
He set a guard and said : t: Quit these black arts And sorceries to take thy proper shape, Or else with this sharp steel and battle-ax Will I break up the stone."
The sorcerer heard,
The stone dissolved like mist, the king was seen In helmet and cuirass, and Eustam seizing His hand turned laughing to the Shcah and said : — " Permit me to present this piece of rock, Which feared mine ax and quaketh in my grasp."
The Shah on looking saw him not the man For crown and throne ; he had a loathly face, A lanky shape and boar's head, neck, and tushes. Kaiis recalled the past with pain and sighs, Then bade a headsman hew the div in pieces, Whom matchless Rustam taking by the beard Haled from the presence of Kaiis. They hewed The div to pieces as the great king bade. They gathered all the booty from the camp, And put together thrones and crowns and girdles, Steeds, jewelry, and arms. The troops attended, And each received according to his meed. The impious divs, whom all beheld with horror, Were then beheaded by the Shah's command And flung beside the way. He said in prayer : — " O righteous Judge ! Thou hast not left a wish v. 375
Of mine unsatisfied, hast made me conquer These sorcerers, and revived my hoary fortune."
He spent a week before the Lord in prayer, Upon the eighth day oped the treasury-door, And gave to all that lacked ; another week So passed while every man received his meed. The third week still within Mazandaran He called for amber cups and ruby cups, And spent a night in revel. Thus rethroned He said to Rustam : " Chief of paladins !
76 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Thou hast displayed thy prowess everywhere, And now I have received my throne from thee. Bright be thy heart, thy Faith, and thine allegiance."
Then Rustam answered: "All men have their uses. Whate'er I did was owing to "Clad, My faithful guide, who hopeth now to rule Mazandaran, for so I promised him If he did well. Perchance the king of kings, Who tendereth lieges, will exalt him thus ? First let the Shah grant him investiture By solemn covenant and under seal As monarch of Mazandaran, and then Let all the other chieftains do him homage. He will approve himself thy faithful liege And send to thee the tribute that is due."
The Shah, on hearing what his servant said, Assented, summoned from Mazandaran The chiefs, and said in speaking of Clad : — " Do as he counselleth and bear no grudge."
He gave Clad a special robe of honour, And said : " Good worketh constantly unseen," V. 376 Bestowed on him the royal crown, and then Set his own face to go to Pars again.
§ 16
How Kdus returned to the Land of Iran and farewelled Rustam
Now when Kaus was entering fran,
And when the army's dust concealed the world,
The excitement reached the sun, and men and women
Met him with loud acclaim ; they decked the land
And called for wine and harp and minstrelsy.
The world grew young through him, and there arose
A New Moon from Iran. Glad and triumphant
KAI KAUS 77
He sat enthroned, unlocked his ancient hoards,
And summoned almoners. A shout went up
Before the gate of elephantine Rustam,
And all the captains of the host assembled
Rejoicing in the presence of the Shah.
Then matchless Rustam, casque on head, drew near
And seated by the Shah asked leave to go
To Zal. The worldlord gave him costly gifts,
Such as he merited — a throne with rams' heads
All jewelled in turquoise, a royal crown
Of gems, a robe of gold worn by the Shah,
A splendid torque and armlet, and withal
A hundred moon-faced boys with golden girdles,
A hundred lovely damsels musky-haired,
A hundred noble steeds in golden harness,
A hundred black-haired mules with golden bridles
All laden with brocade of royal fashion
From Rum, Pahlav, and Chin, a hundred purses
Filled with dinars, bright stuffs, perfumes, and trinkets,
A ruby goblet full of purest musk,
Another of turquoise filled with rose-water,
And therewithal a patent writ on silk
With ink of musk, wine, ambergris, and aloes.
Upon that chief — the Light of earth — the Shah v. 377
Bestowed anew the whole realm of Nimriiz,
So that thenceforth none else should have the throne,
And blessed him, saying: "May none see sun and
moon
Without thee, be the chiefs' hearts warm to thee, And be thy soul fulfilled with love and kindness." Then Rustam leaped down, kissed the throne, made
ready
For his departure, and bound on the baggage. The din of kettledrums rose from the city, And all partook his joy. They put up garlands While bells and clarions sounded. Rustam went,
78 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The Shah remained, illumining the world
With laws and usages. When thus returned
He portioned out the earth among his chieftains,
Appointing Tus the captain of the host.
" Avert," he said, " disaster from Iran,"
While Ispahan bestowed he on Giidarz,
Gave him the throne and lordship of that march,
And then disposed himself for mirth and wine,
Displayed his majesty and smote the neck
Of sorrow with the scimitar of justice.
None thought of death, the earth grew full of verdure-
A garden of Iram 1 — with streams and dew,
And rich by justice and security;
The hand of Ahriinan was stayed from ill,
And day and night the fruits and foliage
Invoked a blessing on the crown and throne : —
" A hundred thousand blessings every hour
From the Creator be upon the Shah,
Who by his justice civilizeth earth
And in his justice mindeth bounteousness."
'Twas noised abroad : " Kaiis the Shah hath taken The crown and throne out of Mazandaran." 378 All wondered that he should achieve such greatness, The loyal with their gifts and offerings Drew up in rank before the monarch's door, And all the world was decked like Paradise, Fulfilled with wealth and justice.
Thou hast heard
About the warfare with Mazandaran, Now hear the contest with Hamavaran.
1 See vol. i. p. 100.
PAET II
THE DOINGS OF KAI KAtiS IN THE LAND OF BARBARISTAN AND OTHER TALES
ARGUMENT
Kaus makes a progress through his realm. He wars against the kings of Barbar, Misr, and Hamavaran ; he marries Siidaba, the daughter of the king of Hamavaran, and through treachery is taken captive by him. On this the Arabs and Afrasiyab both invade Iran and fight for its possession. The Iranians in despair appeal to Rustam, who rescues Kai Karis, defeats Afrasiyab, and reinstates the Shah, who, warned by past experience, rules justly for a time, rises to the height of his power, and builds himself great palaces on Mount Alburz. Afterward he falls again into tempta- tion, tries to mount to heaven, is rescued again by Rustam, again repents, and again is restored to power. The Part concludes with an account of one of Rustam's raids into Turan.
NOTE
§§ 1-6. In the accounts of Kai Kaus' two expeditions to Bar- baristan we have a duplication of tradition.
The late Professor Darmesteter has thrown considerable light on that obscure subject, Firdausi's geography in this part of the poem.1 There are several Barbars, and he points out that the one here intended is the Berbera nearly opposite Aden in the British Somali Coast Protectorate. It is the Pun-t of the Egyptian hiero- glyphs, and was then and is still a great trading station. When the south-west monsoon changes into the north-east wind thousands of traffickers begin to arrive, and the place is kept busy from October to April. Further, he points out with regard to Hamavaran that it is a form of the word Himyar, which is another name for Yamaii. "We may therefore conclude that Firdausi's notion was
1 DEI, ii. 221-224.
79
8o THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
that Kai Kaus inarched from Nimruz to the sea-coast of Makran (Baluchistan), there built his fleet, sailed past the southern shores of Arabia, and reached some spot north of Berbera on the western shore of the Red Sea. He would then, as Firdausi says, have Misr (Egypt) on his left hand, Barbar on his right, and the sea between him and his objective Hamavaran (Yaman), which confronted him across it. The matter has become confused from the fact that Firdausi had just stated that the people of Misr and Sham (Syria) had rebelled against Kai Kaus, and therefore Hamavaran has been assumed to mean Syria. We may add that the two historians Tabari and Mas'udi both mention Kai Kaus' expedition to Yaman, and so far, though their accounts differ considerably from Firdausi's, support Professor Darmesteter's elucidation of this episode.1
The matter has been further confused by Firdausi's use of the word "Zirih" in this part of his work. The word is usually employed in connexion with the lakes and swamps of Sistan, which formally were much more extensive.2 The word, however, is merely an older (Pahlavi) form of the modern Persian "darya," a sea, lake, or river. It has come, however, to be regarded as a proper name, and such an expression as "the sea of Zirih" is not only tautological but distinctly misleading. We translate " Zirih " sea. The expedition of Kai Kaus looks like an attempt to capture an ancient trade-route.
The marriage of Kai Kaus with the daughter of the king of Hamavaran is the cause of serious trouble later on, as will appear in Part IV.
The reference to Syria and a certain similarity of circumstance suggest that in the account of the treacherous capture of Kai Kaus by the king of Hamavaran we have a distorted historical reminis- cence of the overthrow of Antiochus Sidetes in the early spring of B.C. 128 or 129. Mithridates I., in the course of a reign of thirty- eight years (B.C. 174-136), had extended the narrow bounds of the Parthian kingdom both eastward and westward, to the Hindu Kush and to the Euphrates respectively. Westward the increase had taken place at the expense of the Seleucid kingdom of Syria. The successor of Mithridates — Phraates II. — made no attempt to enlarge his empire, but the king of Syria — Antiochus Sidetes — took the first opportunity to attempt to recover the provinces of which he had been deprived by Mithridates. He led a large and splendidly equipped host into Babylonia and thrice defeated Phraates II., who, though worsted, was not conquered, and still maintained himself with an army in the country. The three great cities of Babylon, Seleucia, and Qtesiphon, however, fell into the hands of
1 ZT, i. 465. MM, ii. 119. 2 See vol. i. p. 4.
KAI KAUS 81
the Syrians. Winter came on, and Antiochus Sidetes, resolved to maintain his advantage, distributed his forces throughout the cities and towns of Babylonia with the intention of renewing operations in the spring. The Syrian troops with their motley entourage of camp-followers, cooks, actors, etc., soon made them- selves intolerable to the natives among and upon whom they were quartered. An understanding was entered into with Phraates II., who promised to be at hand with his army, and at a given signal the Syrian invaders, who were thoroughly enjoying themselves after their campaign and had been kept wholly ignorant of the impending danger, were attacked throughout Babylonia, and either massacred or taken captive. Antiochus Sidetes himself perished, his son Seleucus was taken prisoner and his niece as well, whom Phraates II. married.1
§§ 4 and 7. In the account of the invasion of Iran by the Arabs during the captivity of Kai Kuiis in Hamavaran, and their defeat by Afrasiyab, we seem to have a reference to the invasions and conflicts that were actually going on during the period when the Zandavasta was being compiled or reconstructed, i.e. during the third century after the Christian era.2 In the Zandavasta we read : "We sacrifice unto the awful kingly Glory, made by Mazda. . . . It was that Glory that Thraetaona bore with him when Azi Dahaka was killed ; that Glory that Frangrasyan, the Turanian, bore when the wicked Zainigau was killed." 3
In the greater Bundahish we read : " There was a fiend called Zinigav who had poison in his eye : he had come from the country of the Arabs to reign on Iran-Shahr : any man he gazed at with his evil eye, he killed. The Iranians called Frasyav into their country, he killed that Zinigav." 4 In the Bundahish Zainigav is said to have been the grandfather of Zahhdk,5 the great protagonist of the Arab race in the Shahnama.6 The Iranians, when they had to choose between the Turanians and the Arabs, preferred the former. Even the arch-enemy Afrasiyab is allowed to have pos- sessed for a while the divine Grace of kingship 7 when he opposed the common foe, the Arabs.8
§§ 8-10. We are told in the Dinkard that Kai Kaus built him- self seven dwellings on Mount Alburz, one of gold, two of silver, two of steel, and two of crystal, that he warred against the divs of Mazandaran and fell into a trap which they laid to destroy him. To this end one of them undertook to tempt him by making him
1 KP, 91 seq. 2 See vol. i. p. 61 scq.
3 DZA, ii. 307, as amended in i. 1., note. 4 Id.
5 WPT, i. 131. 6 See vol..i. pp. 54, 141.
7 Id. p. 82. 8 For the Arab invasions see id. p. 1 1.
VOL. II. F
82 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
discontented with his earthly sovereignty and inducing him to aspire to that of the sky of the archangels. He yielded to the tempter. Consequently the divine Glory left him, and he was only saved from destruction by the fravashi, or immortal principle, of the as yet unborn Kai Khusrau. Neryosang, the messenger of Urmuzd, was about to smite Kaus when the fravashi cried out : " Thou shouldst not smite him, 0 Neryosang ... for if thou shouldst smite this man . . . there will not be afterwards ... a thorough destroyer of the high priest of Turan ; because owing to this man will be born him whose name is Siyavakhsh, and owing to Siyavakhsh I shall be born, who am the Khusroi ... so that I may accomplish the destruction of his champions and troops, when I would occasion a distant flight of the sovereign of Turan." Accordingly Kaus was released and became discreet.1
Underground dwellings, such as Kai Kaus is said to have exca- vated for stabling purposes in connexion with his buildings, are very numerous in northern Iran.2
The reader will note that in § 9 we have Iblis where we should expect Ahriman,, showing that this story came to Firdausi through the Arabic.3
§§ 11-14. In the story of the Fight of the Seven Warriors with which this part concludes we have an account of a border-foray of the Chevy Chase order. More than seven Iranian warriors, how- ever, are mentioned.
How Kai Kaus warred with the King of Hdmdvardn
v. 379 We have received it both from archimage And ancient bard of rustic lineage That afterward Kaus resolved to make A progress through his kingdom. From Iran He journeyed to Turan and Chin, and after Passed to Makran, and thence down to the sea In state ; men's waists knew neither belt nor buckle. The chiefs all paid their tribute and their dues, The Ox took care not to provoke the Lion. Thence to Barbar they went — a brilliant throng With crown and diadem, intent on conquest.
1 WPT, iv. 220-223. 2 GHP, i. 25, note. 3 See vol. i. p. 70.
KAI KAUS 83
The monarch of Barbar prepared for war,
And matters changed their hue. A host came forth
And stayed the revels of the great king's troops,
The elephants were hidden by the dust,
Men saw not hand or rein. The hosts encountered
Like mighty waves. Giidarz beholding this
Took from the saddle-bow his mighty mace,
Urged on his steed and, with a thousand warriors v. 380
With javelins and with breastplate-piercing arrows,
Closed with and brake the centre of the foe.
Behind him charged the Shah, thou wouldst have
said : —
" There is not left a cavalier or spearman Within Barbar." The elders of the country, On seeing that the blast of war had passed, Came to Kaiis, heart-broken, to seek peace, And said : " We are thy slaves and bow our necks To tribute ; we will pay in gold and jewels Instead of drachms, and earn thy treasurer's praise."
Kaiis received them graciously and taught them New laws and ways. Anon the sound of bells And cymbals rose with shouts and clarion-blare, And he departed westward toward Mount Kaf. v. 381
The people when they heard about the Shah Came forth to him and proffered fealty, While all the great men went to welcome him, And laid a heavy tribute on themselves. When men performed his will with due submission He and his host passed by and hurt them not. He led the army to Zabulistan As Eustam's guests and tarried there a month With hawk and cheetah, song and minstrelsy.
Ere long a bramble grew among the roses. To meet with trials is the lot of all, And he that rnounteth must expect a fall. The Arabs rose when all seemed going well.
84 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
A wealthy and aspiring man of parts
Set up his standard both in Misr and Sham,
The people turned away from Kai Kaus,
Renouncing fealty, who when he heard
Bade the drums sound and marched forth from Nimruz
Light-heartedly, the soldiers wrote his name
Upon their shields, their swords shook in their
scabbards.
Unnoticed by the foe he led his host Down to the sea, built ships of war and transports Beyond compute, embarked the host and sailed A thousand leagues as thou would st count on land V. 382 Till he arrived to win his own again
Where three states met — Misr on his left ; Barbar
Upon his right ; 'twixt him and his objective
Hamavaran, which fronted him, the sea.
Each had a mighty host. News came to them : —
" Kaiis hath crossed the water with his troops."
The three conferred, their troops met at Barbar —
An army such that desert, sea, and mountain
Were all aweary of the horses' hoofs.
There was no room left for the ravening lion,
Or path for onager across the plains ;
The fish in water and the pard on rock,
The cloud and flying eagle in the air,
Sought passage, but what passage could there be
For wild things in a region so bested ?
Now when Kaiis had disembarked his host One saw not plain or mount. " The world is mailed," Thou wouldst have said, " each spearpoint is a star ! " What with the golden helms and golden shields, And glittering axes borne upon the shoulder, Thou wouldst have said : " The earth is running gold, And Indian scimitars are raining souls." The army's dust made heaven like sandarach, The whole world turned as black as ebony,
KAI KAUS 85
The mountains shivered at the trumpets' blast, And earth was bent beneath the horses' hoofs, The din of tymbals would have made thee say : — " Earth is one camp."
When from the Iranian host
The trump and drum were heard Bahrain, Gurgin, And Tiis came forth and, where Gudarz was stationed, Shidiish, Farhiid, and Giv let fall their reins, v. 383
And steeped the heads of all their spears in bane. The horsemen bent upon the saddlebow, And shout and crash of battle-ax were heard ; Thou wouldst have said : " They quarry stone and iron, Or dash down heaven to earth." When at the centre Kaiis advanced, and host encountered host, The eyes of men grew dim, vermilion rained On lapislazuli, and thou hadst said : — " The air is hailing and is planting tulips Among the rocks." The javelins' eyes flashed fire, And earth became as 'twere a sea of blood. The Iranians so dismayed the three allies That end and middle were all one to them. The monarch of Hamavaran was first v. 384
To drop the scimitar and massive mace, Saw that the day was lost and sorrowing sought Peace with the Shah, agreeing to send tribute, Steeds, implements of war, and thrones and crowns, Provided that Kaiis, when all was paid, Should go and keep his troops from harrying. Kaiis replied : " I grant you all protection. Seek not my crown and throne."
He then marched back
Well pleased to camp, and from Hamavaran An envoy brought him treasures, stores of arms, With emeralds and other gems and said : — " 0 just and mighty lord ! we chiefs and commons Are dust upon thy feet and slaves of thine.
86 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Be joyful and triumphant all thy years, And be the heads and fortunes of thy foes O'erturned."
He kissed the ground and bore to Tus The store of gold and gems, who therewithal Gave to each man a largess great or small.
How Kails asked to Wife Siiddba, the Daughter of the King of Hdmdvardn
Anon one said to Kai Kaiis : " This monarch Hath in his bower a daughter goodlier In stature than a cypress, crowned with musk, With locks like lassos, dagger-shaped of tongue, V. 385 With lips like sugar, decked like Paradise
With charms, or like bright Sol in jocund spring. None else should be the consort of the Shah : How good it were for him to mate this Moon ! "
His heart was stirred, he answered : " It is well. I will demand her from her sire ; her beauty Will well become my ladies' bower."
He chose
A man of noble birth, shrewd, wise, and grave, Bade him set forward to Hamavaran, And said : " Dispose the king to favour me, And charm his intellect with honied words. Say thus to him : ' The most redoubted chiefs Throughout the world seek mine affinity Because the sun is lighted from my crown, Earth is the footing of mine ivory throne, And one that sheltereth not beneath my shade Hath little standing-room. I seek to be Affined to thee and wash the face of peace. Now I have heard that thou hast in thy bower
KAI KAOS 87
A daughter who is worthy of my state, Immaculate in form and countenance, Praised everywhere by all. Thou wilt obtain The son of Kai Kubad as son-in-law, For know that Sol thus favoureth thy cause.' "
This shrewd man with the ready tongue approached The ruler of Hamavamn, adorned His tongue with eloquence, his heart with zeal, And furnished forth his lips with courtesies. He gave that monarch greeting from Kaiis, Then did the embassage, which pained the king, Who thought : " Though he be king of kings and world- lord
Victorious and obeyed, I have no daughter But this, and she is dearer than sweet life ; Yet if I slight and spurn this messenger I cannot fight. 'Tis best to shut mine eyes v. 386
To this affliction and repress my wrath."
He answered that fair-spoken envoy thus : — " He asketh of me much — two things unequalled In preciousness ; my wealth is my support, My child my treasure ; being robbed of her My very heart is gone, yet I resign them And yield to his request."
He called Siidaba,
And full of sorrow spake thus of Kaiis : — " A courteous envoy hath arrived and brought A letter from that mighty lord, who lacketh Naught that is great and good, to this effect : — He would deprive me, though I wish it not, Of heart-repose and all my peace of mind. What dost thou say now ? What is thine own wish ? What is thy shrewd decision in this case ? "
Siidaba answered : " If this must be so There is no need to sup on grief to-day. Why grieve at union with the king of earth,
88 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Who can deprive the mighty of their lands ? This is not grief but joy."
The king perceived
That she was not unwilling, called the envoy, And gave him the chief place. They made a compact, Each with the rites and sanctions then obtaining. V. 387 The broken-hearted monarch and his chiefs
Were busied for a week, and then brought forth
Two scores of litters and three hundred slaves,
A thousand each of camels, steeds, and mules,
Whose loads were of dinars and of brocade,
And 'neath the haudahs hung embroidered trappings.
An escort was drawn up in long defile ;
The New Moon graced one litter ; following her
There came her marriage-portion, then the escort
Arrayed like Paradise ; thou wouldst have said : —
" The heaven hath planted tulips in the earth ! "
Now when that fair-faced troop and Heart's Delight Approached the presence of Shah Kai Kaiis A New Moon issued from the haudah like A new-throned monarch robed. There musk and rose Contrasted, and the earrings hung on civet ; Eyes languished, cheeks were ruby-red, and eyebrows Sprang from a column like a silvern reed. Kaiis in rapt amaze invoked God's name, He called the hoary, shrewd, and wise archmages, And having judged her fit to be his consort He sanctioned his desires with legal rites. " I knew thee at first sight," he told his spouse, " Fit to adorn mine Idols' golden house."
§3 How the King of Hdmdvardn made Kdus Prisoner
Meanwhile the father grieved and sought a cure ; So eight days afterward he sent at dawn
KAI KAUS 89
A messenger to Kai Kaiis to say :—
" If now the Shah will be mine honoured guest
The people of Hamavaran will be
Much honoured too when they behold his face."
In this wise sought he to entrap Kaiis, v. 388
And being bad of heart and shrewd of wit, Thought to retain his kingdom and his child, And to escape all tribute* Now Siidaba Knew that her sire meant outrage at a feast, And said to Kai Kaiis : " This is not well. Thou must not be his guest, lest at the banquet He make a brawl and get thee in his clutches. All this ado is made on mine account, And must result in thy discomfiture."
He heeded not her words because he held Her people feeble folk, and as a guest Went with his warriors and mighty men. The ruler of Hamavaran possessed A pleasure-city, Shaha hight, and had A residence therein. He decked the city Throughout, and when the exalted Shah arrived The citizens all did him reverence, Showered gems and saffron, mingled ambergris With musk, and wove the sounds of harp and song Like warp and woof. The monarch and his nobles Descrying Shah Kaiis approached on foot. The palace from the gateway to the hall Rained jewels, pearls, and gold : men poured them forth From golden trays and sifted ambergris And musk o'erhead. The king set up a throne Of gold within the palace and Kaiis Sat there in joy. He revelled for a week ; The place delighted and enchanted him. The monarch of Hamavaran stood girded — A subject in his presence day and night — With all his troops to serve the Iranians v. 389
90 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Till each felt safe, and all suspicion ceased ;
But when the week was o'er their hosts were ready
And rose ; the soldiers of Barbaristan
Had been apprised and were upon the march :
Such was the plot. Their advent joyed the king.
At night came sound of trumpet and assault
When no Iranian was prepared for fight.
Forthwith the forces of Hdmavaran
Seized on Kaiis and Giv, Gudarz and Tiis,
Gurgin and Zanga son of Shawaran,
And all the other famous warriors ;
These they took captive and bound fast in bonds,
And throne and Grace were shent ! What saith the man
Of insight and 0 sage ! what thinkest thou ?
" Trust in another man is not secure
Without the tie of blood to make it sure,
And even one so bound to thee may turn
His face away and thine affection spurn.
If then another's love thou fain wouldst try
Prove it in weal and in adversity,
For if in rank thou art more high than he
Then envy will abate his love for thee.
The course of this pernicious world is so,
It lightly changeth with all winds that blow."
Kaiis was ta'en ; his over-confidence Achieved the purpose of Hamavaran. There was a mountain with a cloud-capt head, Which God had lifted from the ocean-depths, And on the mountain-top a fortress rose ; Thou wouldst have said : " The sky is in its lap. ' 'Twas thither that the monarch sent Kails, Giv, and Gudarz, and Tus ; the other chiefs He flung inside that stronghold with the Shah v. 390 Bound. Over it a thousand warriors,
All swordsmen of renown, kept watch. He gave The camp-enclosure of Kaiis to spoil,
KAI KAUS 91
Bestowing on his own chiefs crowns and purses.
Two files of ladies with a covered litter
Between them were deputed to escort
Sudaba home and trampled on the tents.
Now when Sudiiba saw the ladies come
She rent her royal raiment and plucked out
Her musky tresses. With her filbert-nails
She stained her rosy cheeks the hue of blood,
Exclaiming thus : " Men that are men indeed
Hold in contempt such tricks and outrages.
Ye should have bound him on the day of battle
What time his robe was mail, his throne a steed,
And chieftains such as Giv, Giidarz, and Tus
Rent with their drums your hearts. Ye make the
throne Of gold an ambuscade and break your faith."
She called the servants " dogs," her jasmine-skin Was smirched with blood, she did not spare her words. > She said : " I will not part with Kai Kaus Although he shall be hidden in the dust, And, since he needs must drag his chain, behead me All guiltless as I am."
They told her sire,
Who was enraged and, eager for revenge, Dispatched her to his fortress, broken-hearted With blood-stained cheeks to join her husband there. Thenceforth she sat in sorrow with the king Engaged in tending him and comforting.
§4
How Afrdsiydb invaded the Land of trdn
The ambitious Shah being bound, his army made
Toward Iran, and having passed the sea
In ships and transports crossed the desert homeward.
92 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
V. 391 When they arrived 'twas bruited through the realm : — " The Cypress-tree is missing from the garden, The throne of king of kings is overturned."
Now when men saw the golden throne left void They all desired the crown ; upon each side Great hosts of Turkmans and of desert-spearmen Approached, cries rose from both sides of Iran, And peace was changed to strife. Afrasiyab Joined battle fiercely with the Arabian host; They fought three months, and many heads were
lost
To win a crown, the Arabs were o'erthrown, And all their gain was loss. The Turkman troops O'er-ran the country and enslaved the folk.
It is the custom of this Wayside Inn That greed should bring both travail and chagrin ; At last both good and evil pass away ; Death is the hunter and this world his prey.
V. 392 The people said : " Our fortunes are o'erturned,
We are confronted with a grievous case. Woe for Iran, for it is desolate, The lair of pards and lions ! 'Twas erewhile All warrior-horsemen and the seat of kings, But now a scene of hardship and of bale, The dwelling-place of dragons sharp of claw ! Seek we a remedy and banish care. One fed on leopards' milk shall succour us ; Dispatch we then a sage in state to Rustain."
An archmage went to him and told the tidings, And Rustam, deeply moved, wept tears of gall. He answered : " I and mine are girt for vengeance. First I will see about Ktiiis, then sweep The Turkman from Iran."
He summoned troops,
V. 393 Who nocked to him out of Zabul, Kabul,
And Hindustan. Throughout his wide domain
KAI KAUS 93
Arose the sound of trump and Indian bell. The heart of Rustam raged like fire ; he led The army forth and like a storm-wind sped.
§5
How Rustam sent a Message to the King of Hdmdvardn
Then Rustam sent a wary messenger
To make his way to Kai Kaiis and say : —
" I am approaching with a mighty host
To fight the ruler of Hama varan.
Be glad of heart and feed not on thy grief :
Behold ! I am already in the land."
Withal a man of name among the chiefs Went to the ruler of Hamavaran, And Rustam wrote to him in warlike terms A letter all mace, scimitar, and fray : — " Thou hast entrapped our Shah and broken faith. It is not manly to use guile in war, Nor art thou dour like the bold crocodile Which never ambuscadeth in the fight v 394
Although its heart be brimming with revenge. Thou shalt escape the Dragon's evil clutch If Shah Kaiis be set at large ; if not, Prepare thyself to feel my weight in battle. Thou surely must have heard the chieftains tell Of how I fought against Mdzandaran, Fought with Piilad son of Ghundi and Bid, And smote the White Div."
As he read the letter
The king turned dizzy, and the world grew dark Before his eyes. He answered : " Kai Kaiis Shall never set foot on the plain, and when Thou comest to Barbaristan, and all Thy cavaliers have fled, a chain and pit Are ready for thee too. If these delights
94 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Allure thee I, according to our custom, Will meet thee with my troops."
When Eustam heard
The answer, and the chieftains had assembled, The trumpets sounded and he mounted Rakhsh. He went by sea because the way by land Was tedious, crossing to Hamavaran With all his mighty host in ships and transports. The troops were ready both to spoil and slay, And banished all compunction from their hearts.
Now when the monarch of Hamavaran Had news of vengeful Rustam and his host
v. 396 He raged, the war-cry rose, and all the world
Seethed up in blood and pillage. Rustam donned
His armour, mounted on the snorting Rakhsh,
And shouldering his mace charged furiously.
Whenas the foemen saw his chest and arms,
And how he handled mace and battle-ax,
Thou wouldst have said : " They have no hearts at
all."
They scattered in their fear of him, and thus «• That great host fled back to Hamavaran.
The king in conclave summoned two young men In order to dispatch them to Barbar And Misr, like rushing wind, each with a letter Penned in distress of heart with blood for ink,
v. 397 And thus it ran : " Our realms confine, we share In good and evil, and in fight and feast. If ye will join with me I fear not Rustam In fight ; if not, the evil will extend, And evil's hand extendeth on all sides."
Whenas the letter reached the kings, announcing That Rustam led his host across the desert, They feared, bestirred themselves, arrayed their powers And marched toward Hamavaran. The land Became all hill, troops stretched from range to range,
KAI KAUS 95
And dust obscured the moon. Then Rustam sent
A warrior in haste to Shah Kiiiis
By stealth to say : " The monarchs of three realms
Approach to fight — brave men who shall not know
Their heads from feet when I encounter them ;
But thou must not be injured by our strife
Since evil men are prone, to outrages,
And e'en Barbar's throne would avail me not
If ill befell the person of the Shah."
Kails made answer : " Have no care for this ; The earth was not spread out for me alone, And bane will mix with sweets and love with hate While heaven turneth. God too is my friend, My refuge, and my stronghold is His love. Give Rakhsh the rein, and level to his ears Thy lance's point ; let not a foe remain In arms or hiding."
Matchless Rustam heard, v. 398
Armed, and went forth to battle, urged fleet Rakhsh Along, and challenged all the world to fight, Then stood alone and glared upon the foe, But no one dared though Rustam waited long, Until bright Sol was setting in the sea, And dark-hued night was coming on apace. Then that great elephantine chief returned, And rested in his tent till night was passed ; The next day, when the sun grew bright again, He came forth and arrayed his mighty men.
How Rustam fought with Three Kings and delivered Kdus
Next day they set the battle in array
And raised their standards. When the peerless Rustam
Had led his forces to the field, and viewed
96 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
The armies of three monarchs and three realms, He thus harangued his noble warriors : — " Keep your eyelashes well apart to-day, And look to rnane and forelock, steed and rein, With both eyes on your spearpoints. Be the foe A hundred or a hundred thousand horse Their sum importeth not for, since the All-holy Is our ally, I will bring down their heads To dust."
V. 399 The monarchs on their side were seated
On elephants ; their forces stretched two miles. Barbaristan sent eight score elephants All foaming like the Nile, Hamavaran Contributed a hundred more — huge beasts — And had a line of battle two miles long, And thirdly was arrayed the power of Misr. The atmosphere was darkened, earth was hidden, And thou haclst said : " The world is all of iron," Or : " Mount Alburz hath donned a coat of mail." Behind the warriors' backs amid the dust Waved flags of yellow, red, and violet ; The mountains echoed with the heroes' shouts, Aud earth was weary of the tramp of steeds. Then were the claws and hearts of lions rent, And lusty eagles flung their plumes away, The clouds of heaven melted in mid air, For how could anything oppose such troops ? The Iranians ranked the host to right and left, The heroes longed for battle and revenge. Guraza held the right where was the baggage, Upon the left was glorious Zawara — A Dragon and a Lion in the fray- While Rustam at the centre, with coiled lasso
v. 400 Hung to his saddlebow, bade sound the advance.
Then sword and javelin gleamed ; thou wouldst have said : —
KAI KAUS 97
"Heaven hath sown earth with tulips," and where
Rustam Urged Rakhsh : " He spreadeth fire," and : " All the
waste
Is as a Zam * of blood, not like a field Of elephantine Rustam's." Helmed heads Were smitten off, and plain and hollow strewn With mail. The peerless hero urged on Rakhsh And, deigning not to slaughter common folk, Charged at the king of Sham and lassoed him (Thou wouldst have said the lasso crushed his waist), Then snatched him from the saddle, like a ball Struck by a polo-stick, and flung him down. Bahram made fast his hands. They captured sixty Of name and deluged plain and hill with blood. The monarch of Barbar and forty chiefs Were taken prisoners by Guraza's hand, And when the monarch of Hamavaran v. 401
Beheld his soldiers slain on every side, Beheld a troop of wounded warriors, Another troop fast bound in heavy chains, And valiant Rustam with his trenchant sword Creating Doomsday on the battlefield, He felt : " This day is one of bale," and sent To Rustam to ask quarter, promising To give up Kai Kaiis and all the leaders, And to restore the treasures, crowns, and jewels, The tent-enclosures, thrones, and golden girdles, And slaves. They made a peace and then disbanded Three hosts. The monarch of Hamavaran Went home and sat in council, sent, and fetched Kaiis, and righted him. When Rustam thus Released the Shah with Giv, Tus, and Gudarz, He stored three kingdoms' arms, three monarchs' riches, The tents, the crowns, and everything of value, V. 402
1 The name of a river. VOL. II. G
98 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Among the treasures of Shah Kai Kaiis,
Who then refulgent in his sun-like Grace
Prepared a gilded litter of brocade
Of Rum, a crown of gems, a turquoise seat,
A sable housing decked with jewelry,
And placed them on a steed of easy pace,
Whose bridle was adorned with gold. He made
The litter out of fresh-cut aloe-wood
Inlaid with many divers kinds of gems,
And bade Siidaba take her seat therein
Secluded like the sun beneath the earth,
Then led the army campward from the city
To reassert his claims upon fran.
A hundred thousand horsemen from Barbar,
Hamavaran, and Misr assembled round him,
While his own host was fifteen thousand score
Of cavaliers on barded steeds and more.
§7 How Kdus sent a Message to Afrdsiydb
v. 403 Now when the Arab spearmen of the desert Heard from Hamavaran of Rustam's doings With Misr and with Barbar and with their kings, They chose a wise and valiant man, well skilled In horsemanship and javelin-play, and wrote A royal letter couched in fitting terms. " We are," they said, " the servants of the Shah And only walk the world at his command ; So when a host came from the Kargasars To seek his throne our hearts were greatly grieved At such presumption. When Afrasiyab Desired thy throne (may none such dream thereof) We chiefs and swordsmen went forth to the field
v. 404 With our long spears and turned his joy and ease
KAI KACS 99
To bitterness. On both sides many fell, The age grew conversant with good and evil, And now we hear of thee and that the Grace Of king of kings reviveth. When thou comest Back from Barbar we all will shoulder spears, Fill earth from hill to hill with foemen's blood, And make the world run like Jihun."
The envoy
Spurred forth toward Barbaristan, the Shah Received the letter couched in such fair terms, Then wrote a letter to Afrasiyab : — " Quit thou Iran and limit thine ambition. I wonder much at what I hear of thee. Thou hast no wants, thou joyest in Turan; Then be not covetous or fondly grasping At ill, which soon will bring thee lengthy toils. A smaller matter is enough for thee — To save thy skin. Dost know not that f ran Is my seat, earth all mine ? The boldest leopard Will never dare to face the lion's claws."
He gave a paladin the letter sealed, y. 405
Who reached the monarch of Turan and Chin In haste, first kissed the ground and did obeisance. And after compliments gave him the letter Which, when Afrasiyab had read it, filled His head with vengeance and his heart with rage. He answered : " Only miscreants talk thus. In thy case, if f ran had satisfied thee Thou hadst not coveted Hamavaran, And now that I have won Iran, and raised My fluttering flag, that broad champaign is mine On two accounts ; thou needs must hear the truth : First — I inherit all the land from Tur, v 4o6
My grandsire and the son of Faridiin ; And secondly — I cleared it of the Arabs With my sword-arm. I with my scimitar
ioo THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Behead the mountains and bring eagles down From their dark cloud-tops."
He equipped his troops, And marched in person to oppose Kaiis, Who, when he heard, arrayed a boundless host And from Barbar marched to Arabia To meet Afrasiyab ; the world was filled With trump and tymbal-din, the sky was ebony,
v. 407 The earth was iron. What with crash of ax
And twang of bow a blood-wave swept the field,
While Rustain thundering from the centre broke
The foemen with one charge. On that field slept
The fortunes of Turan. Afrasiyab
Boiled, like fermenting must, without a fire,
And cried : " 0 gallant hearts of mine, my Lions,
And chosen chiefs ! 'twas for a time like this
That ye were reared upon my breast, and now
Ye play at battle with mine Arab foes !
Be strong, renew the fight, and make the world
Too narrow for Kaiis, spear and cut down
His warriors, and behead his haughty chiefs.
As for this lion-hearted man of Sigz,1
Who maketh heaven redden with his sword,
Be bold and take him captive with your lassos.
Whoever on the battlefield shall bring him
Down from the pard-skin to the dust shall have
A realm, a parasol, my daughter's hand,
And be entitled ' captain of the host ; '
Him will I make the lord of all Iran,
And will exalt him to revolving heaven/'
Thereat the Turkmans rallied to the fight. With massive maces in their hands the brave,
v. 408 The chieftains of Iran, so slaughtered them
That rivers, plains, and hills were strewn with slain —
1 According to C, glossary (a.v.), a mountain in Zabulistan where Rustam was born, but more probably = Sajistan = Sistiln.
KAI KAUS 101
The more part of their host — and earth was puddled \Vith blood to clay. The Turkmans' fortune slept. Afrasiyab fled Rustam with the troops From Ghur ; he sought for gain but gained a loss, And seeing fortune's bent left them and stricken Marched toward Turan, his warriors mostly slain : He searched the world for honey and found bane.
§8 How Kdus ordered the World
Kaiis arrived at Pars, the world began
An age of happiness. He acted justly,
Adorned the throne, and gave free scope to feasting ;
He sent forth wise and noble paladins
With troops to all parts — Marv and Nishapiir,
Harat and Balkh. Then justice ruled the world ;
The wolf eyed not the lamb. Such were his treasures,
His state, and Grace, that fairies, men, and divs
Served him, all were his lieges, other kings
Were soldiers in his host. He gave the office
Of paladin of paladins to Rustam —
The author of his weal — and wearied out
The divs to build himself on Mount Alburz
Two mansions, each ten lassos long, which they
Constructed at his bidding of hard stone.
He excavated stables in the rocks,
The columns were of stone with clamps of steel,
And there he kept the war-steeds and the camels v. 409
To ride or carry litters. He erected
A pleasure-house of crystal, studding it
With emeralds ; a cupola of onyx
Brought from Yatnan, and there installed archmages
That learning might not fail ; two armouries
Of virgin silver and a golden palace
102 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Twice sixty cubits high for his own seat With turquoise traceries; he spared not jewels. It was a dwelling after his own heart, Where daily provand waxed continually. There was no summertide or wintertide, The air was ambergris, the rain was wine, The days of springtide lasted all the year, And roses there were like a maiden's blush, The heart was far from sorrow, pain, and travail, The divs were harmless being spent with toil. So good and just was he that fortune slept, While drudging divs beneath his rigour wept.
How Kdiis, beguiled by Iblis, ascended the Ski/
One dawn Iblis, unknown to Kai Kaiis, Addressed the assembled divs : " Our daily task Is one of cruel labour for the Shah, v. 410 We need a div shrewd and presentable
To tempt him, soil his Grace, wean him from God, And thus abate his tyranny."
They heard
And mused. None answered, for they feared Kaiis. At length a wicked div arose and said :— " Be mine this subtile task. I will pervert His mind from God as none but I can do."
Appearing as a youth of good address And mien, he waited till the famous Shah Went hunting from Pahlav. The div approached With roses to present, then kissed the ground, And said : " Thy glory and thy Grace are such That heaven is thy fit home and earth thy slave ; Thou art the shepherd, nobles are the sheep. One thing is lacking still — that thou shouldst leave
KAl KAUS 103
Thine everlasting mark upon the world.
How is it that the sun concealeth from thee
The secret of its rising and its setting ?
What is the moon ? What are the night and day,
And who is master of the turning sky ?
Thou hast the earth and all thou didst desire ;
Now take the heaven also in thy toils."
The Shah's heart strayed, he tarried not to think, Convinced that turning heaven favoured him. He knew not that the sky is ladderless,
Nor that, though stars be many, God but One,
What ever He commandeth must be done v. 411
How ever great the struggle and the stress. The Maker hath no need of sky and earth ; Twas for thy sake that both of them had birth.
The Shah mused how to roam the air though wing-
And often asked the wise : " How far is it From earth to moon ? "
The astrologers replied. He chose a futile and perverse device : He bade men scale the aeries while the eagles Were sleeping, take a number of the young, And keep a bird or two in every home. He had those eaglets fed a year and more With fowl, kabab, and at some whiles with lamb. When they were strong as lions and could each Bear off a mountain-sheep he made a throne Of aloe from Kumar l with seats of gold. He bound a lengthy spear at every corner, Suspended a lamb's leg from every spear-head, Brought four strong eagles, tied them to the throne, And took his seat, a cup of wine before him. The swift- winged eagles, ravenous for food, Strove lustily to reach the flesh, and raising
1 Cape Comorin.
104 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The throne above earth's surface bore it cloudward. Kaus, as I have heard, essayed the sky
To outsoar angels, but another tale
Is that he rose in this way to assail The heaven itself with his artillery. The legend hath its other versions too ; None but the All-wise wotteth which is true.
Long flew the eagles, but they stopped at last, v. 412 Like other slaves of greed. They sulked exhausted,
They drooped their sweating wings and brought the
Shah,
His spears, and throne down from the clouds to earth, Alighting in a forest near Amul.1 The world preserved him by a miracle, But hid its secret purposes therein. In answer to his prayers a duck2 appeared, For something must be had to eat and drink, And if Shah Kai Kaus had perished there Worldlord Khusrau had not been born from him.3 Instead of sitting on his throne in might His business then was penitence and travail. He tarried in the wood in shame and grief Imploring from Almighty God relief.
§ 10 How Rustam brought back Kaus
While thus the Shah sought pardon his own host Was searching for him everywhere. When Rustam With Giv and Tus gat news of him they marched With many troops and drums. Said old Giidarz To Rustam : " Since my mother suckled me
1 Reading with P.
2 Siydwush ; also the name of the yet unborn son of Kai Kaus and father of Kai Khusrau.
3 Couplet inserted from C. See introductory note to this Part.
KAI KAUS 105
I have been conversant with crown and throne,
With kings and great men of unsleeping fortune,
But have not seen in all the world a man
'Midst high and low so self-willed as Kaiis.
He hath no wisdom, common sense, or Faith,
He is wrong-headed and wrong-hearted too.
Thou wouldest say : ' He hath no brains, his thoughts
Are all awry.' None of the great of yore
Hath e'er essayed the heavens. Like witless madmen v. 413
He is borne off his feet by every wind."
Whenas the paladins arrived they rated The Shah. " The madhouse is thy proper place," Giidarz said, " not the city. Thou surrenderest Thy seat to foes and tellest none thy whims. Thrice hast thou been in trouble, yet thy head Is none the wiser ! To Mazandaran Thou led'st a host, and look what mischief followed ! Again, thou madest merry with a foe, Yet thou — his idol — hadst to worship him ! And when none in the world save holy God Remained to read the title of thy sword, Since earth was conquered, thou must needs try heaven, Although to soar one hand-breadth is revolt. What bale hast thou encountered yet escaped ! Hereafter folk will tell of thee : ' A Shah Went to the sky to see the sun and moon, And count the stars.' Now do as princes do When prudent, pious, and beneficent — Serve God and Him alone in weal and woe."
Kaus, abashed before those famous heroes, Replied : " No harm can come of righteous judgment ; Thy words are righteous and thou hast convinced me."
He wept gall, called on God, and took his seat Distressed and penitent within the litter. He reached his lofty throne, but, being troubled v. 414
Still at his great offence, he quitted it
io6 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
And entered not his palace out of shame,
But paced the dust in prayer before his God
For forty days. Thou wouldst have said : " His skin
Hath burst." He prayed with tears of blood and
wailed
For Grace. Abashed to meet the mighty men He ceased from banquetings and audiences, Repented and did penance, giving largess, And laid his cheek upon the darksome dust In prayer to God who in a while forgave him. His scattered troops assembled at his gate ; God's pardon gave him brightness ; he was ware That penance had borne fruit. He took his seat Crowned on the throne of gold, gave to his troops A donative, reformed the world, and grew A Light to great and small ; thou wouldst have said : — " The world, now right is done, is all brocade, The king of kings illumineth the throne." From every province those illustrious chiefs, That had assumed the crown, renewed allegiance And journeyed to his court, old times returned, The monarch bathed his crown in love and faith, The princes all attended as his slaves Before him while he sat upon his throne Of jewel-work with crown and ox-head mace. v. 415 I tell the tale as I have heard it told,
And none hath such another to unfold. Such were the actions of the worldlord king And Rustam, chief of paladins ! Whene'er A king is just then all is well and fair ; He needeth not to cry for succouring. Kaiis saw what was right, did what was right, A breath of wind was this world in his sight.
KAI KAUS 107
THE STORY OF THE FIGHT OF THE SEVEN WARRIORS
How Rustam went with, the Seven Warriors to the Hunting-ground of Afrdsiydb
To strive with death is but a bootless strife, Such is the moral taught by Rustam's life. A minstrel whom a lion once surprised — A man of valiant heart — thus moralised : — " If thou wouldst have the glory of the brave, And wouldst imbrue in blood an Indian glave, Seek not to spare thyself, for destiny Will not be balked when 'tis the time to die. If, being wise, thou keepest death in sight The brave will count thee not a man of might. Both Faith and wisdom sanction not this course, But their good teaching is enslaved by force."
A goodly gest of Rustam's next I tell. v. 416
Once at Nawand — that place of palaces — The mighty hero gave a splendid feast Where tall Barzin l now beaconeth the way. The great men of Iran — a famous band — Tiis and Gudarz son of Kishwad, Bahrain And Giv — both noble men — Gurgin and Zanga, Kharrad and Gustahain, that haughty swordsman Barzin and, crown of all the band, Guraza, Assembled at the place of banqueting, Each with his meiny — an illustrious throng. They spent a while at polo, wine, and hunting, And, when they all were merry, Giv bemused Said thus to Rustam : " 0 illustrious chief !
1 The name of a fire-temple.
io8 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
Come let us, if thou hast a mind to hunt,
Hide from the great Afrasiyab's preserves
The sun's resplendent visage with the dust
Of horsemen, cheetahs, hawks, and our long spears.
There let us chase the rapid onager,
O'ercome the lion with the sword, and take
Boars with the spear and pheasants with the hawk
Throughout the livelong day. Come let us go
V. 417 A-hunting in yon desert of Turan
To make ourselves a memory in the world."
Then Kustam answered : " Be it as thou wilt, And prosper thou. Seek we Tiiran at dawn To hunt and harry in the deserts there."
They all agreed and, when they rose next day, Made ready eagerly, and setting forth With cheetahs, hawks, and baggage bravely sped Toward the Shahd across the hunting-ground Of great Afrasiyab, on one side mountains, A river on another side, Sarakhs Upon the third, a wilderness in front. Both deer and sheep flocked on the plain, which
soon
Was occupied by tents and huts. The deer Were frighted by the company, the lions No longer ravened there, birds as they flew Knew something of the sport, for bird and beast Lay everywhere in heaps, some killed, some wounded.
V. 418 The hunters were light-hearted, full of glee, With laughter constantly upon their lips, And having spent a sennight wine in hand Were jovially bemused. The peerless Rustam Came as the eighth day dawned with needful warn- ings :—
" Afrasiyab no doubt hath heard of us By this. We must not let that Ahriman Take counsel with his famous officers,
KAI KAUS log
Devise a ruse, come forth to fight, and rob v. 419
Our cheetahs of their hunting-grounds. We need An outpost on the road to bring us news, However scanty, of our enemies ; We must not let them cut us off."
The chief
Of all the offspring of Givgan — Guraza — Girt him for that emprise. With such a watchman The ruses of the foe were nothing worth. The others hunted in security. At length Afrasiyab gat news of them At sleeping-time and called his veteran chiefs, Discoursed to them at large of Rustam. told them About the seven warriors — lion-like And gallant cavaliers — and thus he said : — " We must not dally, but devise a ruse, And fall upon them unawares. If we Can seize these seven warriors we shall straiten The world for Kai Kaiis. We must go forth As if to hunt and take them by surprise."
He chose him thirty thousand famous swordsmen, And spake thus : " Go not by the beaten track, v. 420
And slumber not but hasten night and day."
They hastened forth along the desert-route. And raised their necks for strife. Afrasiyab Dispatched meanwhile to cut those proud chiefs off A countless host. As they drew near the chace, Advancing quickly eager for revenge, The outpost saw them like a darksome cloud, While dust arose like lapislazuli Wherein a flag appeared. Like rushing wind He turned back shouting lustily and found The matchless Rustam and his mates at wine, Then cried : " O Rustam, lion-man ! away With these delights, for such a countless host Appeareth that the plain and heights are one ;
I io THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
. The standard of the fell Afrasiyab
Is shining sun-like through the clouds of dust ! "
Then Rustam, laughing heartily, replied : — " Victorious fortune is with us, why fear The Turkman king and dust of Turkman horse ? All told he is not five score thousand strong, And were I by myself upon this plain, What with my battle-ax, cuirass, and Rakhsh, I should not trouble for Afrasiyab With all his mighty army and his dash ; Nay, any one of us upon the field Would over-match the whole host of Turan. A battle-ground like this is all I need ; I want not I the Iranian warriors. We have a band of seven cavaliers, Such men of name, such swordsmen, that each one Will match five hundred, two will match a thousand, Skilled cavaliers and spearmen though they be. y. 421 And now, cup-bearer ! fill up to the brim The goblet with the vintage of Zabul."
They poured the wine, and Rustam's spirits rose ; He took a bowl and toasted Kai Kaiis. " I give the monarch of the age," he said, " And may he flourish ever soul and body," Then kissed the ground. Again he took the cup, And cried : " This goblet do I drain to Tiis."
Thereat those princes of the worldlord rose And prayed the paladin have them excused. " We can no more," they said ; " Iblis himself Could not drink fair with thee. Wine, one-blow mace, And battlefield are thine and thine alone."
Then from a golden cup the hero drank Zawara's health in red wine of Zabul, Whereat Zawara took the cup in hand, And he too gave the health of Kai Kaus, Then quaffed the wine and kissed the face of earth,
KAI KAUS in
While Eustam fell to praising him and said " The brother doth the brother's cup essay ! A Lion he, the wine-cup is his prey."
i"
How Rustam fought with the Turdnians
" 0 glory of the monarch and the chiefs ! "
Said Giv to Rustam, " I will seize and hold
The bridge against the foe, so that our men
May arm, for mirth is over." v. 422
With strung bow
He ran toward the bridge but found the king Across already leading on his van. Then matchless Rustam donned his tiger-skin, Bestrode his huge fell Elephant, and went With roarings like a bellowing crocodile Against the Turkman host. Thou wouldst have said That when Afrusiyab caught sight of Rustam Mailed, with such hands and breast and arms and neck And shouldered battle-axe, he swooned away. Tils and Gudarz, the wielders of the lance, Gurgin and Giv, the gallant cavaliers, Bahram, Barzin, Farhad, and Zanga son Of Shawaran, the warriors, sprang up, All with their spears and Indian swords in hand, And ranged themselves like leopards for the combat. Giv, like a lion that hath lost its prey, Rushed to the fight and with his whirling mace Laid many stalwart Turkman chieftains low. Their fortune was averse, the fighting-men Of Chin recoiled. Afrasiyab astound v. 423
Rushed forth to join the mellay. Rustam saw. And, shouldering his massive mace and gripping v. 424
His charger firmly, came before the host
U2 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUS1
With lion's roars. Behind him was Giidarz, Son of Kishwad, in mail with mace of steel.
When the Turanians' eyes were growing dim, And Rustam's helm touched heaven, Afrasiyab
v- 425 Spake to Piran the son of Wisa, saying : — " 0 full of wisdom and my loyal chieftain, Most famous of the Lions of Tiiran, Aspiring and redoubted ! ply thy reins, Go forth with speed, and clear the field of foes. Iran is thine if thou dost conquer ; thou Hast elephantine form and lion's claws."
Piran departed like a rushing wind, Arrayed ten thousand Turkmans — gallant swordsmen Of high renown — and came like fire on Rustam, For victory or defeat both hung on him. That hero foamed and, as thou wouldst have said, Eclipsed the sun. He urged his charger on ; A roar arose as of the rising sea. With shield o'er head and Indian sword in hand He slew most of those chiefs. Afrasiyab Saw this from far and said thus to his nobles : — " If they fight thus till dark there will not be A single horseman left ! Think we no more Of battle. We came forth to fight the Iranians And in our own conceit were lions then,
v. 426 Yet now I seem a fox as I survey
The plain, and feel a skulker from the fray ! "
§ 13
How Pilsam fought wiih the Iranians
There was a warrior, by name Pilsam, Of royal race and eager for renown, His sire was glorious Wisa and his brother Victorious Piran. Both in Iran
KAI KAUS 113
And in Turan he had no peer save Rustain.
On hearing what Afrdsiyab had said
He frowned with rage and, hasting to the king,
Cried in his eager longing for the fray : —
" A youthful warrior of this host am I.
What dust before me are the valiant Tus
And gallant Giv — that Lion known to fame —
Bahrain and Zanga son of Shawaran,
And brave Guraza ! At the king's command
I will go lion-like, smite off their heads,
O'ercloud their moon, and bring their crowns to dust."
The king replied : " 0 famous warrior ! May victory be thine. Thou must prevail And come back conquering and glorious."
Thereat Pilsam roared like a brazen trumpet, v. 427
Charged the Iranian centre swift as dust, And struck to right and left with sword and ax, With lion-roars assailed Gurgin like wind, And smote upon the head his foeman's charger, Which came down headlong in its agony. This Gustaham, the well approved in war, Beheld and, swiftly rushing from his post, Made like a raging lion for Pilsam, And closing with that fiercely blazing Fire Thrust at his foeman's belt ; the buckles held ; The spear was shivered in his grasp ; he flung The haft away. Pilsam drew his keen sword, Struck Gustaham with fury on the crest, And sent his helmet rolling, leaving him Stunned and disarmed. When Zanga on the right Saw that fierce struggle he advanced to help, And marked the evil plight of Gustaham. Pilsam the Crocodile opposed the charge, And, coming with an Indian sword in hand, Struck at and clave the mail of Zanga's steed, Which tumbled prone. The gallant warrior fell,
VOL. n. H
114 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Took up, and knit his mail-skirt round his waist To strive afoot against the great Pilsam Amid the dust — the prey against the lion. Dark clouds of dust rose from the scene of strife. Giv, looking from the centre of the host And seeing earth dark in the heroes' eyes,
v. 428 Roared like the thunder on the mountain-top, Or like the savage lion in the fight. He went to aid his comrades, and all four Attacked Pilsam. That hero blenched no jot, But rushed upon them plying sword and mace : The four chiefs' hands were paralysed with wonder. Piran, beholding from the centre, saw His brother's desperate case, rushed forth to help him, And shouted furiously to Giv : " O noble ! It is no glory for you four to fight One lion -like and famous warrior."
He spake and charged amid a cloud of dust, While Rustam too rushed bravely to the rnellay And smote with sword and axe and massive mace The captains of the army of Tiiran. Then fled Pilsam, well knowing that that Dragon Would have his life. The Iranian chiefs and warriors Slew with the massive mace so many Turkmans That corpses were piled up to reach the moon. Afrasiyab looked on and sighing cried : — " Where is Alkiis the warrior who wished So oft to fight with Lions, in his cups Would challenge Giv and plan a fight with Rustam ? Iran was all that he would talk of then, Where are his ardour and his bluster now ? "
v. 429 Alkiis was told, urged on his night-hued steed,
And with his hands no doubt already bathed In blood came to the centre to the king, And cried aloud : " A man of war am I, A Lion waiting. At the king's command
KAI KAUS 115
I will go forth to battle single-handed."
The monarch said : " Choose captains from the host." More than a thousand valiant cavaliers Went with him, carrying head-strewing lances, And glittering like Jupiter and Venus. Alkus as he approached the Iranians Obscured the sun and moon in clouds of dust, And when Zawara showed and challenged fight Soon countered him and thought : " This should be
Rustam,"
Because he knew the seed of Narimdn. Zawara charged in lion- wise, but when His lance snapped, he was frayed and drew his sword. They veiled the world with dust. Both falchions
shivered.
They seized their maces. Quick as wind Alkus Dealt such a blow as left Zawara senseless, Who swooned and tumbled speechless from his saddle. Alkus leaped down to take his foeman's head, But Rustam seeing how his brother fared Rushed like a fire toward him with a shout Which shook Alkus' hand and dulled his sword. At hearing Rustam's voice thou wouldst have said : — V. 430 " His heart showed through his skin." Swift as the wind He mounted, all forgetful of his manhood, And Rustam said : " Thou hadst not measured then The Lion's claws and therefore wast so brave."
Then while Zawara, blood-stained, sorely wounded, And battered by the mace, regained his saddle, Alkus encountered Rustam and thereby Robed his bark-saddle with a winding-sheet, For thrusting with a spear at Rustam's girdle He failed to pierce the mail, while Rustam thrust A spear at his foe's head and dashed him down As 'twere a mountain-crag to earth, his helmet Drownedin his heart's blood, while both armieswondered.
ii6 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Then fear came on the soldiers of Turan,
While lion-like the seven warriors
Drew, and their gallant captains followed them
With massive maces laid upon their shoulders.
Afrasiyab beheld them with amaze,
Turned, gazed upon his mighty men, and said : —
" The foe hath overcome you. Strive and battle
Like valiant pards."
The soldiers heard his voice, And fell on Rustam in a mass, while he Charged them in fury with the seven warriors. They drave and routed all the Turkman host, Incarnadined the land with brave men's blood, And laid so many low that what with corpses And trunkless heads no vacant space was seen For troops to fight on, wheel, or pass between.
§ 14 How Afrdsiydb fled from, the Battlefield
V. 431 Afrasiyab turned rein on seeing this,
And fled, like some dark cloud, pursued by Rustam,. Who thus exhorted Rakhsh : " My clever steed ! Lag not in battle-time, for I will slay The monarch by thine aid and make the plain Like coral with his blood."
The fiery charger
Sped on so rapidly that thou hadst said : — " His flanks have put forth wings ! " Then Rustam
loosed
The lasso from the straps and aimed to catch His foeman round the waist. The leathern noose Fell on his helm ; the Turkmans' leader snatched His neck away; again the wind-foot steed Beneath him sped like fire. Afrasiyab
KAI KAUS 117
Escaped, but with wet cheeks and drouthy mouth,
While all his horsemen hurried after him
With spirits broken and with shattered arms.
He sped like wind and overpassed the stream
With stricken heart, his soldiers mostly slain :
He searched the world for honey and found poison.
Of treasures and of thrones, of crowns and girdles,
Of swords and jerkins, jewelry and helms,
Of noble steeds caparisoned with gold,
Of casques and scimitars with golden scabbards,
And other gear, great store fell to the Iranians. V. 432
They gathered all and left the field, rejoicing,
They did not strip the slain or seek the fallen,
But went back to the hunting-ground and took
All kinds of steeds and equipage. They wrote
To Shah Kaiis to tell of hunt and fight,
And how they had not lost a warrior ;
Zawara had been thrown and that was all.
The paladin remained two weeks with mirth
Upon the scene of triumph, on the third
They sought the Shah and saw his glorious crown.
The custom of our Wayside Inn is so, One man hath quiet and another woe. In this wise or in that time passeth by ; Why should a wise man feel anxiety ?
The legends of this matter now are told, •Such as have reached us from the days of old.
PAET III
SUHRAB
ARGUMENT
The poet, after justifying in his prelude the ways of God to man in the matter of early death, tells how Rustam, in the course of one of his hunting expeditions to Tiiran, marries Tahmina, the daughter of the king of Samangan. Rustam returns to Iran and is subse- quently informed by Tahmina, who has remained at Samangan, that she has borne him a son — Suhrab. In after years Suhrab joins the host of Afrasiyab in an invasion of Iran in the hope of meeting his father, who has been misled by Tahmina into forming a false estimate of their son's person and prowess. After a series of tragic misadventures father and son meet in single combat with fatal results.
NOTE
The story of Suhrab is purely episodic, it might be omitted from the present reign without any apparent solution of continuity, and it is the only tale in the whole Shahn&ma that is at all familiar to the English reader. It has been translated into English at least twice, and has been retold according to Western ideas by Matthew Arnold, who has also followed the incorrect account of the episode given in Sir John Malcolm's 'History of Persia,' i. 27, note, where Tahmina is represented as having informed Rustam that she had given birth to a daughter. The improbability of the story may thus be lessened for the English reader, but to the Oriental eye it is the very improbability that makes it so impressive, as being an illustration of the working out of destiny which frustrates the best intentions, over-rides all obstacles, and makes mankind the puppets of its will. There is no trace of this story in Pahlavi literature as at present known to us.
§ 8. White Castle, known also as Mount Sipand,1 probably is identical with the Spewtodiita of the Zandavasta 2 and the Spendyad mountain of the Bundahish.3 It was the scene of the death of
i See vol. i. p. 236. 2 DZA, ii. 289. 3 WPT, i. 39.
118
KAI KAUS 119
Nariman, Kustam's great-grandfather, of Rustam's second exploit,1 and of the defeat and death at the hands of Karau of the Turanian hero Barman,2 who, it is worth noting, has reappeared as if nothing had happened.3 Similarly Kulbad reappears.4
We are here introduced to a female warrior — Gurdafrid — the only one in the poem, with the exception of Gurdya, the strong- minded and courageous sister of Bahrain Chubina. Gurdya, how- ever, does not appear on the scene till the Shahnama is near its end. As for Gurdafrid, she merely crosses Suhrab's path for a moment and nothing more is heard of her. This seems to show that the story of Suhrab was, like the rest of the Shahnama, based on existing materials. If Firdausi had invented the story himself it is almost inconceivable that he should not have made more of the relations between Suhrab and Gurdafrid.5
The Prelude
The story of Suhrab and Rustam hear : v
Thou hast heard others ; let it be thy part To hear this too : 'tis fraught with many a tear,
And Rustam will enrage thy gentle heart. Now if a rude gust should arise and bear
A yet unripened orange to the dust, Shall I describe this as unfair or fair,
Shall I pronounce it tyrannous or just ? Where is the evil if we all must die ?
Why clamour and appeal from what is right ? Thy spirit wotteth not this mystery ;
Beyond the Veil there is no path in sight. We all must reach the insatiable door,
The greedy door that openeth twice for none ; Yet so a better place may be in store
For thee, and heaven's eternal rest be won.
1 Vol. i. p. 329 seq. 2 Id. p. 354. 3 § 7, and cf. vol. i. p. 48.
4 See pp.iS, 264, and cf. vol. i. p. 361.
5 A lament of Suhrab's for the loss of Gurddfrid is added in C, but the couplets are asterisked and V rejects them.
120 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Unless death swallowed all men up in turn
Earth would be trampled down by young and old ; If fire in giving light shall also burn
The matter is no marvel to behold, For burn it will and that as readily
As offshoots issue from an ancient stem, And whether young or old the victims be
Death's blast, like dread fire, hath no awe of them. Should pleasure then a youthful mind engage
Since years are not the only cause of death, V. 434 Which is the end alike of youth and age
Unless thou seek a passage in the Faith ? While if Salvation's light be in thy heart
Thy lot as servant is to hold thy peace ; Be busied in preparing to depart,
Let prayerful adoration never cease. In serving God there is no mystery
Unless the Div consorteth with thy soul ; Be fervent here below and thou shalt be
In perfect peace when thou hast reached thy goal. The exploits of Suhrab I next shall tell, And how the combat with his sire befell.
§2
How Rustam went to the Chace
I tell what rustic bard and archimage Told from the legends of a bygone age : — One morn in dudgeon Rustam rose to hunt, Girt him, filled up his quiver, mounted Rakhsh, And hied him to the marches of Turan, A savage Lion prowling after prey. When he drew near the marches and beheld The plain well stocked with onager, he flushed Rose-like and smiled, then urging on his steed
KAI KAUS 121
He dropped much game with arrow, mace, and lasso.
He lit a fire with sticks, dry grass, and thorns,
Chose out a tree to serve him for a spit,
And set thereon a lusty onager — v. 435
A feather's weight to him ! He tore the meat,
When roasted, from the bones and sucked the marrow,
Drank of a neighbouring stream and wooed repose,
While Rakhsh careered and grazed along the mead.
Some Turkman horsemen chanced upon the plain And marked the tracks of Rakhsh. These they pursued Beside the stream, observed him in the pasture, Surrounded him, and with their royal lassos Essayed to take him. Rakhsh perceiving this Raged like a mighty lion. Lashing out He laid two Turkmans low and with his teeth Tore off another's head. Thus three were slain, And still the head of Rakhsh escaped the noose ; At length the others threw from every side Their lassos, caught him round the neck and took him, Then walked him to the city, all desirous To have a share in him.
When Rustam woke
From pleasant sleep and needed docile Rakhsh He looked about the mead but found him not, Whereat in dudgeon and astound he hurried Toward Samangan. " Now whither shall I trudge," He said, " to 'scape my dark soul's shame, or how, Thus armed with quiver, mace, helm, scimitar, And tiger-skin cuirass, shall I o'erpass
The waste or make a shift to deal with foes ? v. 436
How will the Turkmans say : ' Who stole his Rakhsh ? Thus matchless Rustam slept his life away ! ' Now must I plod all helpless and forlorn ; Still let me arm, I yet may trace him out."
Thus with a weary, aching heart he went In evil case and much discouragement.
122 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
How Rustam came to the City of Samangdn
When Rustam drew near Samangdn the king And nobles heard : " The Crown-bestower cometh Afoot for Rakhsh escaped him in the chace."
The king's chief nobles, who wore crowns themselves, Went forth to welcome Rustam, and all said : — " Can this be Rustam or the rising sun ? "
The monarch went to him afoot attended, And asked : " Who dared to meet thee in the fight ? We of this city are thy friends and servants, We and our goods are both at thy disposal, The heads and lives most dear to us are thine."
Then Rustam, seeing that the words were honest, Replied : " In yonder meads my Rakhsh while ranging Without a rein or halter strayed from me, And I have traced him from the river-side V. 437 To Samangan. If thou recoverest him
My thanks are thine besides the recompense Of one that doth aright ; should he be lost I will behead no few among thy chiefs."
The king made answer : " 0 exalted man ! None will presume to thwart thee. Come and be My guest and be not wroth ; all will be well. Let us refresh our hearts with wine to-night And keep them free from care, for wrath and passion Advantage not while gentleness will draw The snake out of its hole, and Rustam's Rakhsh — A steed so known — will not continue hidden. We will seek out thy Rakhsh and bring him quickly, Thou doughty veteran ! "
Rustam heard with joy, And easy in his mind agreed to pay
KAI KAUS 123
A visit to the king who, greatly pleased,
Bestowed him in the palace and stood slave-like
Before him, then invited from the city
And army chiefs to entertain with Rustam,
And bade the cooks to spread the board. The guests
And minstrels strove to banish Rustam's gloom,
While black-eyed, rose-cheeked Idols of Taraz
Gave wine and feast and music greater charm.
At length bemused and drowsy Rustam went
To where the king had furnished for his guest
Musk and rose-water, and a place of rest.
§4
How Tahmina, the Daughter of tlie King of Samangdn, came to Rustam
At noon of night, while Phosphor crossed the sky, y. 438
There came mysterious whispers, Rustam's door
Was softly opened, and a slave who bare
A taper savouring of ambergris
Walked stately toward the drunken sleeper's couch.
Behind the slave there was a moon-faced girl
Sun-bright, all scent and hue, with arching eyebrows
And locks that hung in tresses lasso-like,
In stature like a lofty cypress-tree,
With cheeks carnelians of Yaman in colour
And mouth as straitened as a lover's heart.
All soul was she and keen of intellect,
Thou wouldst have said : " She is not of the earth."
The lion-hearted Rustam marvelled at her
And calling on the Maker asked : " Thy name ?
What seek'st thou midst the murk of night? Thy
will ? "
She said : " Tahmina : and thou well rnayst say That mine affliction teareth me in twain.
124 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Sole daughter of the king of Samangan, And by descent half lion and half pard, There is no mate for me among the kings, Nor are there many like me under heaven. No one hath seen me yet outside the bower, No one hath ever heard me spoken of, But many and many a story have I heard Of thee from every one — just like romance ! V. 439 How div and lion, pard and crocodile,
Thou fearest not, thou art so deft of hand !
How thou departest to Tiiran by night
And roarnest there unsleeping and alone,
Dost roast an onager to make a meal
And set air wailing with thy scimitar !
How at the sight of thee with mace in hand
The hearts of lions and the hides of pards
Are rent ! How eagles seeing thy naked sword
Dare not to swoop upon their quarry, and how
Great lions bear the traces of thy lasso,
And clouds rain blood in terror of thy spear !
Such are the tales of thee that I have heard !
Oft have I bit my lips in wonderment
And longed to see thy shoulders, neck, and breast.
God hath ordained thy sojourn in this city,
And now if thou wilt have me I am thine —
I who was never seen by fowl or fish —
Because for one thing I adore thee so,
Have sacrificed my prudence to my passion,
And for another — haply God Almighty
May lay upon my breast a child of thine.
Oh ! may he be like thee in might and manhood,
And heaven assign to him both Sol and Saturn !
Moreover I will bring back Rakhsh to thee
And put all Samangan beneath thy feet."
The matchless Rustam heard her to the end. He saw what beauty and intelligence
KAl KAS 125
Were hers, and that she brought him news of Rakhsh.
Perceiving that the affair would turn out well
He bade an archimage — a man of worship —
Go and demand the maiden from her sire.
The king, that noble Cypress, was well pleased
To be affined to Rustam, and bestowed
Tahmina on him with the usual rites. v. 440
The people all poured out their souls with joy
And called down blessings on the paladin : —
" May this New Moon prove fortunate to thee,
And be thy foes' heads plucked out by the roots."
Night was not longsome while his mate was by, But when the sun was bright he longed to throw The musky lasso off. He wore an armlet — A famous one. That gave he to Tahmina, And said: "Keep this. If thou shalt bear a daughter Then plait it in her hair, and choose a time Propitious, and auspicious auguries ; While if the stars vouchsafe to thee a son Bind round his arm this token of his father. He will be like Sam son of Nariman In stature and a Kariman J in manhood And character, and bring down soaring eagles. The sun will scorch not him."
He passed the night
In converse with his bride, and when the sun Shone bright, and decked the earth with lovesomeness, v. 441 In taking leave he clasped her to his breast And showered kisses on her eyes and head, But fair Tahmina turned in tears from him To be the spouse of pain and misery.
The noble king of Samangan approached, Inquired of Rustam how the night had sped, And, having heard, gave him good news of Rakhsh, News that rejoiced the crown-bestower's heart.
1 The father of Nariman and great-great-grandfather of Rustam.
126 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt
He came, caressed the steed, and saddled him, Pleased both with glossy Kakhsh and with the king. Then homeward to Zabulistan he went, But no one heard him speak of this event.
§5 The Birth of Suhrdb
Nine months passed and a moon-like babe was born ; Thou wouldst have said : " 'Tis elephantine Rustam," Or else : " Tis lion-Sam," or " Nariman," And since the babe smiled and was bright of blee Tahmina gave to him the name Suhrab. He looked a year old in a month, his chest Was like his sire's, at three he exercised In arms, at five he had a lion-heart, At ten none dared encounter him in fight. He bluntly asked his mother once : " Now tell me, Since none of my milk-fellows can compare With me, and my head reacheth to the sky, v. 442 Of what stock am I and of what descent ?
What shall I say when asked about my father ? Thou shalt not live unless thou answer me."
His mother said : "Then listen and rejoice, But be not rash. Thou art the son of Rustam, The hero of the elephantine form, The progeny of Zal the son of Sam, And Nariman. Thy head out-toppeth heaven Because thou coinest of the famous stock, For never since the Maker made the world Hath there appeared a cavalier like Rustam, Nor one like Sam the son of Nariman, Whose head the heaven itself dared not to touch."
She brought and showed a letter from his sire, Three bright gems, and three purses filled with gold,
KAI KAUS 127
Sent to him by his father at his birth
With these words : " Guard these well, because thy sire
Hath sent them unto thee, 0 noble child ! "
His mother said besides : " Afrasiyab Must not know aught hereof. He is the foe Of Rustam and the troubler of Turan. May he ne'er seek revenge upon thyself And slay the son in dudgeon at the sire. Moreover, if thy father shall perceive Of what a stamp thou art, so high and proud, Then will he summon thee and rend my heart."
Suhrab replied : " A thing like this will out. v. 443
Old chieftains, warriors in the past, recount His deeds. What right hadst thou to hide that I Come of such fighting stock ? Now will I gather A boundless host of Turkman warriors, Drive from his throne Kaiis, will cut away From Tiis his foothold in Iran, and leave not Gurgin, Giidarz, and Giv, or Gustaham Son of Naudar, or warrior Bahrain, But give the treasure, throne, and crown to Rustam Instead of Shah Kaus ; then from f ran March forth to take Afrasiyab's own seat, And raise my spearhead higher than the sun. I will do lion's deeds and make thee mistress Of all f ran. Since Rustam is the sire And I the son none other shall be king. When sun and moon are shining in the sky Why should the stars set up their crowns on high ? "
§6
How Suhrdb chose his Charge?-
He said moreover : " Thou shalt see my prowess, But I must have a charger swift of foot
128 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
With hoofs of steel flint-shattering, in strength v- 444 Like elephants, in flight like birds, in water Like fish, and on the land like deer, to bear My warrior-breast and neck, mine ax and mace : I must be mounted to encounter foes."
His mother's head rose o'er the shining sun At hearing this. She bade the herdsman bring His herds of horses for Suhrab to choose A charger. So they gathered to the city The herds that wandered over hill and desert, And when some large-limbed, lusty steed appeared Suhrab flung round its neck the leathern noose, Then laid his hand upon the beast to prove it And made it grovel. Thus his might broke down Full many a noble steed ; he could not find One adequate, and grieved. At length a warrior Approached the elephantine youth and said : — " I have a colt — one of the breed of Rakhsh — In strength a lion and as fleet as wind. He is as 'twere a valley- treading mountain And skimmeth like a bird along the waste. In strength and swiftness he is like the sun ; None ever saw so fleet a roan. Beneath The stamping of his hoofs the Bull-fish l quaketh ; His leap is like the lightning ; on the mountains He goeth like the raven ; on the water Like fish and water-fowl ; upon the desert Like shaft from bow, pursuing and o'ertaking The enemy."
Suhrab laughed out for joy,
And when they brought to him that glossy charger v. 445 Both proved it and approved it, coaxed, caressed, Then saddled it, and mounted. He appeared Like Mount Bistun ; his spear was pillar-like. He said : " Since I have gotten such a steed 1 See vol. i. p. 71.
KAI KAUS 129
I must ride forth at once and turn the day Of Kai Kaiis to gloom."
He made him ready
To fight the Iranians, and a host assembled. He then approached his grandsire, asking leave To go, and help in going : " I am fain To seek Iran and see my glorious sire."
Thereat the king provided him with arms Of every kind, thrones, diadems, and casques, Steeds, camels, belts, gold, gems, and Human jerkins. He marvelled at that youth of tender age And freely gave a royal equipage.
§7 How Afrdsiydb sent Bdrmdn and Humdn to Suhrdb
Afrasiyab had news : " Suhrab hath launched
His ship, a host hath gathered unto him.
Although his mouth still savoureth of milk
His mind is set on shaft and scimitar ;
His sword will purge the earth, and now he seeketh
To fight Kaiis. He feareth none. Why more ?
His prowess hath shown higher than his birth."
Now when Afrasiyab had heard these words V. 446
They pleasured him, he laughed and showed his joy. Then from the valiant captains of the host — Those that were wielders of the massive mace — He chose two chiefs ; Human was one, the other Barman ; no laggards they when Lions strove. He gave to them twelve thousand valiant troops, And said : " Be this your secret policy : The father must not recognise his son By any ties of instinct, love, or race ; So, when the twain encounter, in good sooth The matchless Kustam will be put to it.
VOL. II. I
130 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
It may be that this lion-man will slay him. Then will we press Kaus, seize on Iran, With Rustam gone, and settle with Suhrab Some night by binding him in endless sleep ; While should he perish by his father's hand That hero's heart will never cease to burn."
Those two shrewd paladins went to Suhrab, Preceded by a present from the king — Ten steeds caparisoned, ten mules of burden, A turquoise throne with ivory steps, a crown Of amber tipped with pearls — and took a letter Of adulation to the noble youth :— " If thou shalt seize the Iranian throne the age Y. 447 Will rest from strife. We are not far apart ; Iran, Turan, and Samangan are one. I send thee troops enough, sit on the throne And don the crown. Tiiran hath no such leaders And brave hearts as Human and as Barman, Whom I dispatch to thee as guests, to be At thy command, to fight, if thou wouldst fight, And make the world strait to thine enemies."
Now when Suhrab was ware of their approach He girt his loins and with his grandsire went Like wind to meet Human, rejoiced to see Such troops. Human for his part was amazed To see the neck and shoulders of Suhrab, Then gave to him the letter of the king, The gifts, the horses, and the mules of burden, And with Barman delivered the king's message. Now when the atheling had read the letter He beat the tymbals and led forth the host. Earth was all troops and clamour, neither lion Nor crocodile could fight him. Thus he led The host toward f ran, burned everywhere The cultivated parts, and left all bare.
KAI KAUS 131
§8
How Suhrab came to White Castle
White Castle was a stronghold of f ran
And veteran Hajir was castellan — y. 44g
A man of might and courage, mace and arrow —
For Gazhdaham was failing though still brave
And venturesome. His daughter,1 who was proud.
Renowned, and malapert, bore arms and fought
On horseback. As Suhrab approached, Hajir
Saw him and mounting on his steed like dust
Sped forth upon the field. Suhrab enraged,
And drawing forth the scimitar of fight,
Eushed from the host as 'twere a blast and cried :—
" 0 fool to throw thy life away and come
Alone ! Sit tight and firmly grasp thy reins.
What are thy name and lineage ? She that bare
Will have to weep for thee." v 449
Hajir replied : —
*' Enough ! I need no help in fighting thee. Hajir am I, a warrior and chieftain. I will take off thy head to send the Shah And leave the vultures to consume thy body." Suhrab laughed out and charged ; both hurled their
spears
Too fast for eyes to follow. Brave Suhrab, Strong as an elephant, came on like fire Upon his moving mountain of a steed. Hajir thrust at his waist ; the spearpoint glanced. Suhrab the Lion drove the weapon back, Struck with the butt his foe's waist lustily, And threw him like a boulder to the earth, As though the matter were not worth a thought, Astound in heart and soul. Suhrab dismounted,
1 Gurdiifrid.
132 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Sat on his foeman's breast, and had in mind To cut his head off, but Hajir with effort Turned on his right side and entreated quarter. Suhrab accorded it, well satisfied, Gave him some cautions, made him fast in bonds, And sent him to Human. Those in the hold On hearing what had chanced cried mournfully : — " Hajir is lost among the enemy ! "
§9
How Suhrab fought with Gurddfrid
When she whose sire was Gazhdaham had heard : — v. 450 " The chief is worsted ! " she was grieved, exclaimed In her distress, and heaved a deep cold sigh. A woman like some valiant cavalier Was she and ever famous in the fight. Her name was Gurdafrid, and none as yet Had seen her match. Hajir's discomfiture So shamed her that her tulip-cheeks became Like red chrysanthemums.1 Time pressed, she armed, Concealed her tresses underneath her mail, Secured her Human casque upon her head, And came down, like a lion, from the hold With girded waist upon a wind-foot steed. She sped like dust and cried in thunder-tones : — " What are these troops and who commandeth them ? What lusty Crocodile is there among you To match himself with me in single combat ? "
None volunteered until Suhrab beheld her. He bit his lips and laughed. " Again," said "he, " An onager hath come within the toils Of him that hath both strength and scimitar."
He armed like wind, put on a helm of Chin,
1 Khir. Cf. WPT, i. 104.
KAI KAUS 133
And rushed out to encounter Gurdafrid,
Who when she saw him strung her bow up, drew it,
And broadened out her breast. No bird had found
A passage through her shafts ; she showered them
Upon Suhrab and wheeled to left and right.
He saw and was abashed, waxed wroth and charged,
His shield above his head. Thus pressed she hung
Her bow upon her arm and, while her steed v. 451
Pranced to the clouds, couched at Suhrab her lance,
And plied her reins with fury. He too shook
His reins and urged his charger on like lightning,
Fierce as a leopard, at his doughty foe.
He thrust a deadly dart with all his strength,
Struck Gurdafrid upon the belt and rent
Her coat of mail, but even as she reeled
She drew her sword and clave the dart asunder,
Regained her seat and sent the dust-clouds flying ;
But liking not such fighting turned and fled.
He urged his dragon-steed, and he too made
In wrath day dark with dust. He pressed upon her
With loud cries, jostled her, and snatched her helm.
Her hair escaped, her face shone like the sun.
He said : " It is a girl ! Her head of hair
Is worthy of a crown. If such a girl,"
He said amazed, " come from the Iranian host
Upon the field, good sooth their cavaliers
Will send dust cloudward on the day of battle ! "
He loosed his coiled up lasso from the straps And caught her round the waist, then said to her : — " Why seekest thou the fray, O moon-faced maid ? No onager like thee hath ever come v. 452
Within my toils. Thou wilt not 'scape my clutch, So struggle not."
She saw no other course, So showed her face and said : " O warrior, Midst warriors a lion ! two hosts watch
134 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Our prowess with the mace and scimitar,
And now that I have shown my face and hair
The troops will say : ' He sent the dust-clouds flymg
And all to fight a girl ! ' 'Twill be disgrace
To persevere in such a fight as this.
Chiefs should be wise, so let us keep it dark
And save thee from reproach on mine account.
Our troops and stronghold are at thy command,
There is no need to fight, the castle, treasure,
And castellan are thine when thou shalt please."
She showed her face, her smiles displayed the pearls Within her jujube-lips, a garden she In Paradise ; no villager e'er set So tall a cypress. She had eyes like deer's, With arching eyebrows, and thou wouldst have
said : — " She bloometh ever."
" Keep thy word," said he, " For thou hast seen me on the day of battle. Trust not yon castle-wall, it is not higher Than heaven, and my mace will bring it down, While no foe's lance will ever reach my neck." V. 453 She turned and rode with him toward the hold,
And Gazhdaham himself came to the gate. They opened it and Gurdafrid came in Both bruised and bound. They shut it and lamented For her and for Hajir. Then Gazhdaham Approached with chiefs and troops, and said to
her: —
"' Brave-hearted lion-smiter ! we were troubled On thine account. Thy fighting and address Have not disgraced us, and no foe hath harmed Thy life, thank God!"
Then laughing much she went Upon the ramparts to observe the foe, Beheld Suhrab still mounted, and exclaimed : —
KAI KAUS 135
" 0 warrior of Timin ! why take such pains ? Be off with you and give up battlefields."
Suhrab replied : " O fair of face ! I swear By crown and throne and sun and moon to raze These ramparts to the ground and capture thee, Thou minx ! Thou wilt repent thy foolish words When thou art writhing in thy helplessness. Where is thy promise ? "
But she laughed and mocked him : — " The Turkmans win no helpmates from Iran, And thou hast failed with me, but never mind ! Thou art no Turkman who art so commended Among the great, and with such strength and limbs Art peerless midst the paladins ! However, When news shall reach the Shah : ' A chief is leading V. 454 An army from Tiiran,' he will march forth With Rustam whom ye cannot stand against, And all thy host will perish. What mishap Will then descend upon thy head I know not, But woe is me that such a neck and shoulder Should disappear within the maw of pards ! So do not trust too much those arms of thine Or else the stupid ox will graze beside thee. 'Twere best to issue orders for retreat."
Suhrab, who thought the hold his own, was shamed. He gave to pillage all the land and crops Around the walls, then for a moment washed The evil hand, and said : " Our time for action Is not to-day ; our hands are stayed from fight. At daybreak we will raise dust from these walls And carry war's alarms inside the place."
With that he turned about his charger's rein And took the way to his own camp again.
136 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
§ 10 The Letter of Gazhdaham to Kdils
Now when Suhrab had gone old Gazhdaham Called for a scribe to write to Kai Kaus, Then hurried off a speedy messenger And, having praised the Shah, reported thus : — " A mighty host of valiant warriors Attacketh us, led by a paladin, Whose years do not exceed twice seven at most, In stature taller than a lofty cypress, And in his aspect like the shining sun. His breast is lion-like, his mien is stately. I have not looked on such a hand and mace V. 455 Within Iran. Whenas he brandisheth His Indian scimitar it shameth him To fight mere seas and mountains. Rattling thunder Is no match for his voice, or for his arm Our trenchant sword. No peer within Iran Or in Turan hath he. This chief is named Suhrab, and feareth not div, elephant, Or lion ; thou mayst say : ' 'Tis surely Rustam, At least some hero sprung from Nariman ! ' The brave Hajir rode out to challenge him, But, as I saw, no longer kept his seat Than while a warrior might wink an eye, Or scent go up a nostril to the brain. Suhrab unhorsed him to his great amazement. He is not hurt, and they have spared his life, But he is sorry and hath got his skinful Of anguish. Many Turkman cavaliers Have I beheld, but never heard of one With such a seat. God grant he grapple not With one of us between the battle-lines ; I would have none, e'en though a Mount of flint,
KAI KAUS 137
oet him upon the plain. The earth would pity That Mount if he should charge it in the fight, And if the Shah shall stop to breathe, march forth No host, and set no ambuscade, consider The Glory of 1 ran as gone, the world As panic-stricken by this warrior's sword-point. Since he is Strength itself he will despoil us, And none can grapple with him hand to hand, Or ever saw so skilled a rider. ' He/ v. 456
Thou wouldest say, ' is Sam the cavalier.' We cannot fight this eager warrior With such a mace, grip, and dexterity. Know that the fortune of our warriors noddeth, And that his greatness reacheth to the sky. To-night we pack the baggage and withdraw, For if we tarry we shall make no fight, To say no more ; these walls will not withstand One at whose rush a lion turneth laggard."
The letter sealed he called a messenger, And said : " Be out of sight of them by dawn," And having sent the letter on its way Prepared to follow it without delay.
How Suhrdb took White Castle
Whenas the sun rose o'er the mountain-heights The soldiers of Tiiran girt up their loins, And spear in hand Suhrab the chief bestrode His swift-paced charger, purposing to capture The garrison and bind them like a flock ; But having, roaring like a lion, forced The gates, he saw no man of name within, For in the night the garrison had fled With Gazhdaham, because beneath the hold
138 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSf
There was a way not wotted by the foe. v. 457 Those still inside concerned with the defence
Or otherwise came to Suhrab as bidden,
And sought by every means to save their lives.
He looked for Gurdafrid but found her not.
His heart was fain for love and union with her.
" Woe's me ! " he thought, " the bright Moon is be- clouded ! " v. 458 Kaiis received the letter and was grieved.
He called the captains of the host to counsel — v. 459 Tiis and Gudarz son of Kishwad, and Giv,
Gurgin, Bahrain, and brave Farhad — and read
Aloud to them the news about Suhrab.
He said in private : " This will cost us time, V. 460 And Gazhdaham saith naught to comfort us.
What shall we do, and what will cure this smart ?
Who in Iran can fight him ? "
All agreed
That Giv should go to Rustam at Zabul
To say : " The throne of empire is in danger,"
And summon him to take the field for war,
Because the Iranians looked to him for shelter.
A scribe as they discussed was sitting by
In that the case was one of urgency.
§ 12
How Kdus wrote to Rustam and summoned him from Zdbulistdn
The Shah then bade indite to famous Rustam A letter, and began by praising him : — " Be thy heart prudent and thy spirit bright. Know that a Turkman chieftain with his host Hath come and is beleaguering White Castle. He is a brave, heroic paladin,
KA1 KAUS 139
In form an elephant, in heart a lion.
None in f ran can fight him ; thou alone,
That art so good at need, canst dim his lustre,
Thou heart and back-bone of the f ranian chiefs,
Who hast the claws and might of lions ! Thou
Didst take the country of Mazandaran,
And in Hamavaran undo our bonds.
Sol weepeth at thy mace, and at thy sword Vt 461
Mars grilleth. Indigo is not so dark
As dust-clouds raised by Rakhsh ; no elephant
Can match thee in the fight ; thou lassoest lions ;
Thy spear-point scatheth mountains. In all ills
Thou art the shelter of Iran. The warriors
Through thee exalt their helms. A grievous matter
Confronteth us ; I ache to think thereof.
The warriors in counsel read a letter
From Gazhdaham and were agreed that Giv
Should bear thee this account of good and ill.
Now when thou readest this by day or night
Ope not thy lips for words, and if thou have
A posy in thy hand stay not to smell it,
But act with promptitude and show thy face,
Because unless thou march forth from Zabul
With wary horsemen and shalt raise the war-cry,
To judge by that which Gazhdaham hath told
None will confront this warrior."
This sealed
The Shah gave swift as wind to gallant Giv, And said : " Be instant, ply thy fleet steed's rein. Whenas thou readiest Rustam neither tarry, Vt 462
Nor sleep, within Zabul ; if thou arrive By night return next day. Thus say to him : — ' A war is imminent, and in thine absence We cannot hold the foe of small account.' "
Giv took it and sped night and day like wind, No rest, no sleep, no water, and no food,
I4o THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Until Zal heard the cry : " A cavalier Approacheth from Iran as swift as dust."
The matchless Rustam met him with the troops And nobles wearing helmets. When they met, Giv and the warriors great and small dismounted, And Rustam too who asked news of the Shah, And of Iran. They went thence to his palace To rest awhile. Giv told his errand, gave The letter, spake much of Suhrab, delivered His other tidings and the presents sent. When Rustam heard and read he laughed amazed, And said : " A horseman hath appeared like Sam ! Now from our people this would not be strange, But from the Turkmans 'tis incredible. None sayeth, and I know not, whence he is. The daughter of the king of Samangan Bare me a son but he is still a child. The noble boy at present wotteth not Of warfare, of attack, and self-defence. I sent his mother gold and precious stones
V. 463 In plenty, and the messenger brought answer :— ' The darling is not growing very fast, But quaffeth wine with lips that savour milk.' No doubt he will be eager soon for war, And then his onslaught will be lion-like ; He will lay low the head of many a horseman ; But as for what thou sayest, 0 paladin ! ' He came to fight us, vanquished brave Hajir, And bound him with the lasso head and foot ! ' The Lion's whelp, though grown both brave and
doughty,
Could not do that. Come, go we to Zal's palace, Rejoicing, then consider plans and who This lucky Turkman paladin may be."
They sought the ancestral hall and stayed awhile
V. 464 In unconcern, then Giv again applied
KAI KAUS 141
To Rustam, praising him and saying : " Hero, And chief of paladins ! may crown and throne Be bright to thee who art the crown's adornment, Thou favourite of fortune ! Shah Kails Said thus : ' Sleep not within Zabulistan. If thou arrive by night return next day, For God forbid that war should press on us.' Now, 0 exalted and most glorious chief ! Let us depart in all haste to f ran."
But Rustam answered : " There is naught to fear, For everything will end in dust at last. Abide we here to-day in merriment Naught recking of Kaiis and of the chiefs. One day will we remain to breathe ourselves And put some liquor to our thirsty lips ; Thereafter we will hasten to the Shah And show the heroes of Iran the way In case bright fortune be not yet awake. At all events the matter is a trifle, The rising sea will quench the fiercest flame. E'en from afar my flag will fray his heart Amid a feast. How can he be like Rustam — The master of the scimitar and mace — Or Sam the hardy, brave, and circumspect ? He will not prove so eager for the fray. We need not take such matters seriously."
They took the wine in hand and grew bemused With drinking to the monarch and to Zal. Next morning Rustam though crop-sick made ready To start, but tarrying through drunkenness Gave orders to the cooks to spread a feast. The banquet done they held a drinking-bout And called for wine and harp and minstrelsy. Next day he held another sunny-bright v. 465
And on the third day brought out wine at dawn, Forgetful of Kaus. Upon the fourth
142 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
Giv, ready to depart, said thus to Rustam : —
" Kaiis is rash, and hasty ; to his mind
This is no trifle. He was vexed and anxious,
And would not eat or slumber or repose.
By thus delaying in Zabulistan
We place him in a strait ; he will be wroth
And in his headstrong humour seek revenge."
But Rustam answered : " Give it not a thought, For none will chafe at us."
He gave command
To saddle Rakhsh and blow the brazen trumpets. The horsemen of Zabul came at the call In mail — a mighty army. He therein Installed Zawara as chief paladin.
§ 13
How KAus was wroth with Rustam
Tiis and Gudarz son of Kishwad met Rustam One day's march from the court. Both he and they Alighted and saluted heartily. They reached the court all loyalty and mirth, But, when they did obeisance, Kai Kaiis V. 466 Made no response but frowned on them in anger, And bare him like a lion of the wood, First stormed at Giv, then wholly lost to shame Proceeded : " Who is Rustam that he thus Should disobey me and break fealty ? Had I a sword I would smite off his head As 'twere an orange. Seize him ! Gibbet him Alive, and name him not to me again."
Giv's heart was pained ; he cried : " Wilt thou lay
hand On Rustam thus ? "
But upon this the Shah
KAI KAUS 143
Raged at them both, so that all present marvelled.
He bade Tus : " Go and hang them both alive,"
Arose himself, and flamed like fire from reeds,
While Tiis drew near and seized the hand of Rustam,
To all the warriors' wonder, purposing
To lead him forth and to beguile his wrath ;
But Rustam furious with Kaus replied: —
" Indulge not such a fire within thy breast.
Thy deeds grow worse and worse ! Thou art not fit
For sovereignty. Hang for thyself yon Turkman
Alive, then rage and scorn thine enemies.
Mazandanin, Sagsar, Hainavaran,
Ruin, Misr, and Chin are all my charger's thralls,
My sword and arrows have transfixed their livers.
Thou livest but through me. Why waste thy heart v. 467
In vengeance ? "
In his wrath he struck the hand Of Tus, thou wouldst have said : " An elephant Hath struck him ! " Tus fell headlong to the ground While Rustam passed him by with angry mien, Went out, and mounted Rakhsh in wrath, exclaiming : — " I conquer lions and distribute crowns, And who is Shah Kaus when I am angry, Or Tus that he should lay a hand on me ? My might and my successes are from God, Not from the Shah or host. Earth is my slave And Rakhsh my throne, a mace my signet-ring, A helm my crown ; my mates are sparth and spearhead? My two arms and my heart my Shah. I lighten Night with my sword and scatter heads in battle. Why doth he vex me ? I am not his slave But God's. The warriors called me to be Shah, But I refused the throne of sovereignty And looked to custom, law, and precedent. Do I deserve thy words ? Art thou my patron ? Mine was the throne. I set Kubad thereon.
144 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
What care I for Kaiis, his wrath and bluster ? If I had not fetched Kai Kubad myself, When he had fallen into low estate, And brought him to Iran from Mount Alburz, Thou hadst not belt or vengeful scimitar, Or might and majesty entitling thee To speak a word to Zal the son of Sam." v. 46S He told the Iranians : " Valorous Suhrab
Will come and leave not either great or small ;
So make shift, all of you ! to save your lives,
And let discretion be your remedy.
Ye will not see me more within Iran :
The land is yours and mine the vulture's wing."
He smote his steed and left them while his skin Split, thou hadst said, with rage. The nobles' hearts Were troubled ; they were sheep, he was their shepherd. " Here," said they to Giidarz, "is work for thee ; Thine is the hand to make the broken whole ; Thy words no doubt will influence the Shah. Go then to this insensate, speak to him, Ply him with patient and persuasive speech : Perchance thou mayst restore our fallen fortune."
Then all those warrior-nobles sat in conclave — Giv and Gudarz and lion-like Bahrain, Ruhham and brave Gurgin. They said : " The Shah Regardeth not the feelings of the great. Since Rustam, who is chief of paladins, First saved Kaus none else hath succoured him In all his straits and dangers. When the divs Bound in Mazandaran the Shah and us What toil and hardship Rustam underwent On his account, and rent the fierce divs' reins, Then set the Shah upon the throne and summoned The mighty men to do him reverence ! Another time too when our sovereign's feet Wore heavy fetters in Hamavaran
KAI KAUS 145
What monarchs Rustam slaughtered for his sake
And never turned away but brought Kiius
Home to his throne, and did obeisance to him !
If Rustam's recompense must be to hang v. 469
Then we must flee just when at such a crisis
We should take action."
Thereupon Gudarz
Made haste to go before the Shah and said Thus : " What hath Rustam done that thou shouldst
send
The dust up from Iran to-day ? Art thou Forgetful of Hamavaran, forgetful Of what the divs did in Mazandaran, That thou sayst : ' Put him living on the gibbet ? ' Vain words become not Shahs. When he hath gone, And that great host and wolf- like paladin Have come, whom hast thou left to take the field And strew the dark dust o'er him ? Gazhdaham By sight or hearsay knoweth all thy warriors, Yet saith : ' Ne'er let a cavalier propose To fight Suhrab. Small wisdom 'twere for any, Though brave as Rustam, to encounter him.' Kings should be wise, for haste and wrath avail not."
The Shah, perceiving that Gudarz spake justly, Repented of his folly and replied : — " Thy rede is right ; the old give best advice. Now go to Rustam, treat him courteously, v »0
Induce him to forget my hastiness, Assure him that my favour is restored, And bring him hither to illume my soul."
Gudarz went after Rustam with all speed, Attended by the leaders of the host. They gathered round him and saluted saying : — " Live happy evermore, be all the world Beneath thy feet, and mayst thou sit for ever Upon the throne. Thou knowest that Kaiis
VOL. n. K
146 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDA USI
Is brainless and no picker of his words
When angered, but regretteth them anon,
And groweth reconciled through sheer good nature.
If Rustam. be aggrieved against the Shah
The Iranians have done naught to drive him hence
And hide his glorious face. The Shah moreover
Is sorry for those words of his and gnaweth
His hand's back in chagrin."
The hero said : —
" I need not anything of Kai Kaus. A saddle is my throne, a casque my crown, My mail my raiment and my purpose death. What is Kaus to me ? A pinch of dust. Why should I fear or tremble at his wrath ? Do I deserve such unbecoming words From one that I released from bonds and led To crown and throne ? Once in Mazandaran I fought against the divs, and once I fought The monarch of Hamavanin and freed Kaiis in his foe's grip from bonds and woe. v. 471 Now I have had enough ; my heart is full ; I fear but holy God."
As soon as Rustam
Had had his fill of speech Giidarz rejoined : — " The Shah and famous warriors suspect That thou art frightened at this Turkman chief. They say in private : * Gazhdaham was right, Our fields and fells will know us now no more, For sithens Rustam is afraid of fighting 'Tis not for thee and me to tarry here.' I noticed that the Shah's ill will and wrath Made hue and cry at court, and all men spake About the brave Suhrab. Eclipse not thou Thy high fame in the world by this withdrawal, And further, since a hostile host is near, Dim not this crown and throne so wantonly,
KAI KAUS 147
For we have been insulted by Turan,
And none whose Faith is pure approveth that."
The matchless hero all amazed replied : — " I would not live a coward, I would tear My soul out first. I flee, as well thou knowest, Because the monarch scorned me, not from fight."
He shrank from that reproach, retraced his steps, And came to Shah Kaiis, who seeing him Arose and thus excused what had occurred : — " My temper is by nature choleric, And trees must grow as God hath planted them. Through this new, unexpected foe my heart Was faint as a new moon. I sought a cure And sent for thee. Thy tarrying made me wroth, y 472
But having wronged thee, elephantine chief ! I sorrowed and my mouth was filled with dust."
Then Eustam answered him : " The world is thine. We are thy subjects, thine is to command. I am a liege, if worthy of the name, Before thy gate to do thy will. Thou art The Shah, the lord of earth ; I am thy slave."
Kaus replied : " 0 paladin ! be bright Of mind for evermore. To-day we hold A banquet and to-morrow think of battle."
He had a royal pleasure-house made ready ; Its hall was like a garden in the spring. They called the chiefs and scattered gems for joy. Half through the night they revelled and their talk Was of the doings of the mighty men. They drank till hearts and eyes were dazed with
wine,
And all became bemused, returning home While tedious night was traversing the dome.
148 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
How Kdus and Rustam led forth the Host
When Sol had pierced night's pitch-hued cloak and
come
v. 473 Forth from the veil Kaus bade Giv and Tiis To bind the drums upon the elephants. He oped the treasury-door, gave out supplies, Then called to horse and loaded up the baggage. A hundred thousand cavaliers in mail Went into camp, and as the army marched Heaven darkened with the chargers' dust. The tents And tent-enclosures stretched two miles, and earth Was clad with elephants and horses' shoes ; The sky grew dark as indigo, earth turned To ebony, the drum-roll shook the plain. The army marched, the sun's bright visage gloomed, And double-pointed javelin and dart Flashed like a flame through dust as through a veil. What with the spears and flags of divers fashion, The golden bucklers and the golden boots, Thou wouldst have said : " There came an ebon cloud Which showered sandarac." The world discerned not Between the night and day, and thou hadst said That neither sky nor Pleiades existed. Thus marched the army, hiding soil and rock, Until it neared the portal of the stronghold.
An outcry from the lookout warned Suhrab : — " A host hath come." He mounted to the walls To view it and then showed it to Human, Who, when he saw so great a multitude Approaching, was afraid and held his breath. Suhrab the hero said : " Relieve thy heart Of care, thou wilt not see in this vast host A single warrior or massive mace
KAI KAUS 149
Meet me upon the field though sun and moon Be on their side. The men and arms abound, Yet know I nothing of the leaders' names ! Now by the fortune of Afrasiyab Will I make all the desert like a sea."
Descending, light of heart and unconcerned, He joined the revels of the revellers, And recked not of the war.
The Iranians
Set up the camp-enclosure of the Shah Before the castle on the open plain ; Men, tentage, and enclosures covered hill And wilderness till naught was left to fill.
§15 How Rustam slew Zhanda Razm
At sunset, when night's skirt trailed o'er the day, Came Rustam girded and intent on war Before the Shah, and said : " Let me go forth Without my belt and helmet. I will mark Who this new worldlord is, who are the chiefs, And who is in command."
Kaiis replied : —
" The very work for thee, and mayst thou prosper Both soul and body. God watch o'er thee ever, And o'er thy heart's desire and loyal purpose."
Assuming Turkman garb he reached by stealth The hold and heard the Turkmans' shouts and clamour. The gallant hero made his way inside, As 'twere a lion after antelopes, And saw and marked the chieftains one and all, Joy mantling in his visage like a rose.
Now when Suhrab was going to the wars His mother summoned to he* Zhanda Razm, V. 475
ISO THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
For once lie had seen Rustam at a feast. His father was the king of Samangan, His nephew glorious Suhrab. She said : — " O ardent warrior ! be this youth's comrade That when the hero cometh to Iran And meeteth with the monarch of the brave, And when the hosts encounter in the fight, Thou mayest show my darling son his father."
Now as Suhrab appeared to Rustain's eyes Enthroned amid the feast with Zhanda Razm On one hand, with the valiant cavalier Human and that illustrious Lion Barman Upon the other, thou hadst said that he Filled all the throne and seemed a verdant cypress. His arms were like a camel's thighs, his breast Was like a lion's and his visage ruddy. A hundred valiant warriors sat round, All young, illustrious, and lion-like, While fifty slaves with bracelets on their arms Before the heart-delighting lofty throne Invoked by turns a blessing on his mien, His stature, sword, and signet-ring. As Rustam Crouched at a distance watching, Zhanda Razm Went out for some occasion that he had, Perceived a warrior like a lofty cypress, To whom there was no peer among the troops, And seizing on him roughly questioned him With sharpness, saying : " Who art thou ? Speak out ! Come to the light and let me see thy face."
A sudden buffet from the fist of Rustam Fell on his neck ; he yielded up the ghost. There Zhanda Razm lay — a corpse ; for him The clay of fighting and of feast was over.
Suhrab continued long in expectation, But Zhanda Razm the Lion came not back. At length the youth began ,o ask for him
KAI KAUS 151
Because his room was empty. Some went out,
Beheld him vilely overthrown, at peace v. 476
From banquet and from battle, and returned
With clamour, and with sorrow in their hearts.
They told Suhrab that Zhanda Razm was dead.
The youth sprang up and went to him like smoke,
Accompanied by servants, lights, and minstrels,
Beheld him lying dead and stood astound,
Then called his gallant warriors and said : —
" Ye men of wisdom and ye valiant chiefs !
Ye must not rest to-night but whet your spears,
Because a wolf hath come among the flock
And found the dogs and shepherds off their guard.
Among the mighty he hath seized one ram
And cast him thus in scorn, but with God's help,
When my bay trampleth earth, I will unstrap
My lasso in revenge for Zhanda Razm."
He took his seat again and called the nobles. " Though Zhanda Razm's place beside my throne Is void," he said, " I have not done with feasting."
As Rustam was returning to the Shah, Giv, who was outpost-guard, saw him approach, Drew, roared out like a maddened elephant, And with his shield above his head showed fight ; But Rustam knowing who the outpost was Laughed and returned the shout, whereat the guard, v. 477 Who knew his voice, advanced afoot and said : — " Where hast thou been afoot and in the dark, Thou battle-loving chieftain ? "
Rustam told
His enterprise and what a lion-man He had destroyed, while Giv applauded, saying : — " May charger, mace, and saddle ne'er lack thee."
Then Rustam going to the Shah informed him About the Turkmans and their banqueting, About Suhrab, his stature and his mien,
152 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
His arms and shoulders, chest and feet, and said : — " This is no Turkman born ; he is as tall And upright as a cypress, with no peer In either land ; in short 'tis Sain himself."
Then of the blow on Zhanda Razm's neck He said : " He came not back to feast or fight."
They talked and after called for harp and wine, But all the night the troops were ranked in line.
§ 16 How Suhrdb asked Hajir the Names of the Chiefs of trdn
Now when the sun held up its golden shield Fate also raised its head upon the sky. Suhrab put on his battle-mail and mounted Upon a charger dark as indigo. An Indian sword was slung across his breast, And on his head he wore a royal helmet, While from his saddle-straps his lasso hung In sixty coils. His face was stern. He came And choosing out an eminence surveyed The army of Iran, bade call Hajir, And said to him : " An arrow should be straight, v. 478 In every matter act with honesty
If thou wouldst 'scape mishap. Now answer truly,
Pervert not counsel nor prevaricate.
Wouldst thou be free and well esteemed by others ?
Then tell me what I ask about Iran,
And swerve no tittle from the path of truth.
I will bestow on thee abundant treasure,
But if thou liest bonds and pit are thine."
Hajir replied : " Whate'er the prince shall ask I will reply according to my knowledge. Why should I speak to thee deceitfully ? Thou shalt be witness to mine honest dealing :
KAI KAUS 153
I will not even think a guileful thought. The best trade in the world is honesty, The worst thought guile."
Suhrab said : " I shall ask At large about the chiefs, the Shah, the folk, And all the great men of the land as Giv, Tus, and Gudarz. Whatever I shall ask About Bahrain, famed Rustam, and the rest, Make answer to me as I question thee. Yon inany-hued enclosure of brocade Encircling tents of leopard-skin ; before it A hundred mighty elephants are tethered ; There is a turquoise throne blue as the Nile, A flag charged with a yellow sun, the staff Crowned with a golden moon, the case of purple. Who is the man thus stationed in the centre ? "
Hajir replied : " The Shah, and at his gate v. 479
Are elephants and lions."
" On the right,"
Suhrab said, " there are many cavaliers With elephants and baggage. The enclosure Is black, and round it troops are standing ranked With tents past count ; before it there are lions, Behind it elephants, while in the front There is a flag charged with an elephant, And cavaliers in golden boots stand by."
Hajir replied : " 'Tis Tus son of Naudar : His standard hath an elephant-device."
Suhrab went on : " That red enclosure there, Where many cavaliers are standing round, The standard purple, the device a lion, And in the centre there are sparkling jewels. Behind it is a multitude of troops, Who all bear lances and are clad in mail. Who is he ? Let me know the chieftain's name, And bring not ruin on thyself by guile."
154 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
He answered : " That belongeth to Gudarz — The glory of the Free — son of Kishwad, A valiant general in war. He hath Twice forty sons, all Elephants and Lions. No elephant, no tiger of the plain, No mountain-pard, would strive with him in fight."
Suhrab went on : " As to yon green enclosure In front whereof are stationed many troops, While in the midst a splendid throne is set With Kawa's flag before it. On the throne A paladin is seated, one that hath The Grace, the neck, and shoulders of a hero, And seated thus is higher by a head Than any of the people standing near. v. 480 Before him is a charger just his match In height ; a lasso droopeth to its hoofs. Whene'er the charger snorteth thou wouldst say: — ' It is the raging sea ! ' In front of him Are many elephants in mail, and he Is restless. I behold not in Iran One of his height or such another charger. There is a dragon, look ! upon his standard, And on the staff-top is a golden lion."
Hajir thought : " If I tell this lion-man The bearings of the elephantine hero, Forthwith he will send up the dust from Rustarn. 'Tis best to keep him dark and name him not." He answered : " An ally of ours from Chin Hath lately joined the Shah."
Suhrab inquired
His name. Hajir replied : " I know it not, For I was in this castle at the time."
Suhrab was grieved to find no trace of Rustam, And though his mother had described the bearings He would not credit his own eyes. Again He pressed Hajir to tell and soothe his heart,
KAI KAUS 155
But o'er his head was written otherwise —
A sentence never minished or enhanced.
Suhrab next asked him : " Who among the chiefs v. 481
Pitched that enclosure which is most apart,
Where many cavaliers and elephants
Are standing and the clarions are sounding ?
Above it is a flag charged with a wolf ;
The golden staff-head reacheth to the clouds ;
Within there is a throne with slaves before it."
He answered : " That is Giv son of Gudarz, He whom the chieftains call ' the gallant Giv,' The best and greatest of the family, And captain o'er the more part of the host. He is the noble son-in-law of Kustam, And equalled but by few within 1 ran."
Suhrab continued : " Where the shining sun Is rising I perceive a white enclosure All of brocade of Human make. Before it More than a thousand cavaliers are ranged ; The footmen armed with double-headed spears And bucklers there make up a boundless host. Their leader sitteth on an ivory throne Upon a seat of teak. The tent-enclosure Is of brocade, and many slaves stand ranked."
Hajir replied : " 'Tis youthful Fariburz, Son of the Shah and crown of warriors."
Suhrab said : " It is fitting, since he is The Shah's son and possessor of a crown."
He asked : " Whose is that yellow tent-enclosure In front whereof a banner fluttereth With others yellow, red, and violet round it ? The charge upon the hindmost is a boar, And on the lofty staff a silvern moon."
" His name," Hajir made answer, " is Guraza, Vt 4g2
Who draweth not the rein in fights with lions — A prudent man descended from Givgan,
156 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Who never murmureth at pain or hardship."
Suhrab thus sought for traces of his father : Hajir was reticent and hid the truth.
The Almighty hath disposed the world. Wilt thou Dispose it ? Hath He ceased to superintend ?
A fate not of thy choice is written now, And what He causeth will be in the end.
If thou affectionest this Wayside Inn
'Twill yield thee poison, travail, and chagrin. The noble hero asked Hajir again About that one whom he so longed to see, About that green enclosure and tall steed, About that warrior and the twisted lasso. At last Hajir said : " I must keep back naught. If I tell not the name of him of Chin It is because I know it not myself."
Suhrab replied : " Thou doest much amiss, Thou hast not mentioned Rustam, and that chief Of paladins would show amid the host. Thou saidst : ' He is the champion, he that guardeth All provinces and marches.' When Kaus Is warring, with a mighty elephant To bear his crown and throne, the paladin Should lead his van what time the war-cry riseth."
Hajir replied : " The lion-taking hero Must be at present in Zabulistan, For 'tis the time to feast among the roses."
Suhrab rejoined : " Now answer this — the Shah Is bent on war and, while helmed chieftains gather To give him aid, the paladin in chief Is merry-making ! Young and old would laugh At such a tale. We made a pact to-day, And though I love not words I will repeat it : — v. 483 If thou wilt point me out the paladin Thy head shall be exalted everywhere ; I will unlock the secret treasuries
KAI KAUS 157
And leave thee not a want, but if thou keepest This secret from me, making mystery Where there is none, I will cut off thy head. Consider now which course thou wilt adopt. Know'st not the saying of the archimage When speaking of some matter to the king ? ' A word spoken is a jewel still
Uncut, still kept in bonds ; but, once set free From bondage and disablement, may fill
The bezel — priceless, glittering brilliantly.' " Hajir responded : " When my lord the prince Is weary of his signet, crown, and state, Then let him seek a warrior in the world Who overthroweth mighty elephants, And with his anvil-breaking mace-head robbeth Two hundred of existence at a blow ; For Rustam when opposed to any one Will bring his head down from the sky to dust. No elephant on earth is match for him, His steed's dust is more black than indigo, His body hath a hundred strong men's strength, His head is taller than a lofty tree, And when he rageth on the day of battle What is a lion, elephant, or man Within his grasp ? "
High-born Suhrab replied : — " Giidarz son of Kishwad hath evil luck In that for all his puissance, wit, and prowess He hath to call thee son. Where hast thou looked On men of war or heard their chargers' tramp That thou describest Rustam in such terms And utterest his praise continually ? Thou fearest fire because the stream is calm, But when it is in flood the fuming fire Will soon be quenched, and when the sun shall draw Its blazing sword night's head will go to sleep."
158 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Hajir unwitting thought : " If I declare The lion-taker's bearings and inform This Turkman with such hand and neck and seat, He will arouse his warriors to fight And urge along his elephantine steed. He hath such strength and such a neck and shoulder That Rustam will be slaughtered in his grasp. Not one of all our warriors will come To meet him face to face, and he will seize The throne of Shah Kaiis. An archinage said : — ' It is a better thing with fame to go From life than live and gratify the foe.' If it be mine to perish by his hand Day will not darken nor stream turn to blood. Three score and sixteen sons — all lion-men — Hath old Giidarz beside myself, as Giv, Who conquereth worlds and breaketh hosts, and is In every place the leader of the folk, Bahram, Ruhham the exalted, and Shidush The lion-slaying warrior, and they all Will show me kindness after I am dead, And in revenge will slay our enemies ; V. 485 But when Giidarz and all his seventy sons Beloved — illustrious men and warriors — Cease from Iran let me too be no more. I mind a holy archimage's words : — ' When cypress-roots appear the pheasant well May hesitate at common grass to smell.' "
Then said he to Suhrab : " Why so much heat ? Thy questioning to me is all of Rustam. Why must thou pick a quarrel with me thus By asking foolish questions ? Just because I cannot give thee an account of him Wilt thou behead me ? Thou need'st no excuse For shedding blood ; show thy true colours then. Thou wilt not crush the elephantine chief,
KAI KAUS 159
get him easily within thy clutches. Refrain from seeking him in fight, for he Will surely make the dust fly out of thee."
§ 17
How SuJirdb attacked the Army of Kims
Suhrab the chief of warriors, when he heard These harsh words, turned his back upon Hajir, And hid his face without reply, astounded At that dark utterance ; then from saddleback He fiercely struck Hajir a blow back-handed, Felled him, and went his way, mused much and long, And made his preparations for the fight. He girt him with the girdle of revenge, Took from his princely head the golden crown, Put on his mail and breastplate joyfully, And set a Riiman helmet on his head. That paladin, that binder of the Div, Took spear, bow, lasso, and his massive mace, The blood was boiling in his veins with ardour. He mounted on his rapid steed, sent up
The battle-cry, and spear in hand rushed out v. 486
Like some mad elephant upon the field. He came forth bent on fight, he made the dust- clouds
Fly to the moon, then charged the Shah's enclosure And made it totter with his spear, while all The valiant chieftains fled like onagers Before a lion's claws ; not one had courage To face such foot and stirrup, hand and rein, Such arm and flashing spear. They met and said : " Here is an elephantine hero for you — One that we cannot look on unappalled ! Who is there bold enough to challenge him ? "
160 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Anon Suhnib the warrior raised his voice, Assailing Shah Kaus with scornful words, And thus he said : " O monarch of the Free ! What business hast thou on the battlefield ? Why dost thou bear the name of Kai Kaus Who canst not stand where Lions fight together ? I wield my spear and all thy troops are cowed. Upon the night that Zhanda Razm was slain I swore a mighty oath while at the feast : — ' I will not leave a spearman of Iran, And I will hang Kaus upon the gibbet Alive.' What mighty man hast thou to meet me ? " v. 487 He spake and waited long in silence. None
Made answer from f ran. Then bending down He forced out seventy tent-pegs with his spear, The tent-enclosure tumbled to the ground, And everywhere the blast of clarions sounded. Shah Kai Kaiis exclaimed in his dismay : — " O men of noble name and glorious race ! Let some one take the news to Rustam, saying : — ' Our warriors' wits are ousted by this Turkman. I have no cavalier to fight with him ; None of Iran is bold enough to go.' "
Tus bore the message and told Rustam all, Who thus made answer : " Every other Shah, That called me suddenly, called me at times To feast, at times to fight, but with Kaus I ne'er see aught excepting fight and travail ! "
Then gazing from his tent he found that Giv, Who had but just arrived, was saddling Rakhsh, And that Gurgin was crying : " Quick ! Make haste ! Ruhham was fastening the girth and mace, And Tus had got in hand the horse's mail. Each one was crying to another : " Quick ! " The matchless hero heard it from his tent And thought : " This must be Ahriman's own fight !
KAI KAUS 161
So great a hubbub is not made for one."
He put on his cuirass of tiger-skin, Then girt a royal girdle round his loins, And mounting Rakhsh set forth. He left Zawara In charge of throne and troops, enjoining him : — " Advance not and take no commands save mine."
They bore his standard with him as he went Intent on fight and angry. When he saw The limbs and shoulders of Suhrab, his breast As broad as that of valiant Sam, he said : — " Go we aside to some fit spot for battle." y. 4gg
Suhrab began to rub his hands, he turned Back from the Iranian lines, and said to Kustam : — " Come then ; we mighty men require no help ; The fight between us will suffice, and yet The field of battle is no place for thee ; Thou canst not bear one buffet from my fist. Great stature hast thou, mighty limbs and neck, But they are weak with age."
Then Rustam, gazing
Upon that haughty one with such long stirrups, And such a hand and shoulder, answered mildly : — " Fair youth ! the earth is hard and cold, the air Is soft and warm. Old arn I, but have seen Full many a stricken field, and many a div Hath perished by my hand, yet saw I never Myself o'ercome. Wait till we fight together ; If thou survivest fear no crocodile. Both seas and mountains have beheld how I Have striven with the famed chiefs of Tiiran In fight : the stars bear witness to my deeds. My might hath laid the world beneath my feet, And now my heart doth yearn in ruth for thee ; I would not take thy life. Thou wilt not leave Behind a Turkman with such neck and shoulders. I know no peer to thee e'en in Iran."
VOL. 11. L
1 62 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUS1
When Rustam spake Suhrab's heart throbbed. He
answered : —
" One question will I put. Vouchsafe to tell me v. 489 The truth. Inform me of thy parentage, And make me happy by thy fair reply. I think that thou art Rustam, that thou art Sprung from the noble race of Nariman."
The other answered him : " I am not Rustam, Not sprung from Sam the son of Nariman, For Rustam is a paladin, while I Am mean, not having throne and state and crown."
Suhrab despaired, he had had hope before, The face of day was bright to him no more.
§ 18
How Rustam fought with Suhrdb
Suhrab, still musing on his mother's words, Went spear in hand. They chose a battle-ground 0 Where room was scant, and fought with javelins Till points and whipping broke; next, wheeling left- ward,
Closed with their Indian scimitars and showered Sparks from their blades, which shivered 'neath such
strokes
As might have heralded the Day of Doom ; Then took their massive maces and fought on Until their weapons bent beneath the blows. The chargers staggered and their bards dropped off; The riders raged beneath their shivered mail ; Both were fordone and hand and arm both failed. With bodies running sweat, with mouths dust-choked. And tongues thirst-cracked, at length the champions
parted, The sire in anguish and the son exhausted.
KAI KAUS 163
O world ! thy doings are a mystery, The broken and the whole both come from thee ! Love stirred in neither of these twain, no trace Of wisdom was there, love showed not its face ! The fish in streams, wild asses on the plain, And beasts of burden know their young again, But toil and lust forbid a man to know The difference between a child and foe !
Then Kustam thought : " I never yet beheld V. 490
A Crocodile fight thus. Compared with this To fight the White Div wras an easy task : To-day my heart despaireth through a man ! The hand of one who is unpractised yet, No warrior and not named among the chiefs, Hath made me weary of my life in sight Of both the hosts ! "
The chargers being rested, The youthful hero and the man in years Strung up their bows, but still the coats of mail, The breastplates, and the tiger-skin cuirass Received no injury from the arrow-points, And then each hero, raging at his foe, Seized on the other by the leathern belt. Now Rustam, had he clutched a rock in battle, E'en the Black Stone itself,1 had torn it out, But when he seized the belt and would unhorse Suhrab, the young man's waist felt not the tug, And Rustam's hand was foiled. He quitted hold, He marvelled at the prowess of his foe, And then these lion-quellers, satiate With battle, bruised, and wounded drew apart. Suhrab again took from his saddle-bow The massive mace, and gripping with his legs Smote Rustam grievously upon the shoulder, Who though he winced yet bravely bare the pain.
1 A meteorite built into the wall of the Kaaba at Mecca.
1 64 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Suhrab laughed out and cried : " 0 cavalier ! Thou canst not bear the buffets of the brave. Thy charger, one would say, is but an ass ; As for the rider both his hands are naught.
V. 491 A warrior though cypress- tall is foolish
To play the youth when he is in his dotage." Each humbled by the other turned away. They parted, troubled both in heart and mind. Like leopard sighting prey the mighty Rustam Went to attack the army of Tiiran, While brave Suhrab assailed the Iranian host And gave his fleet steed rein. He charged the foe And many a warrior perished by his hand. Wolf-like he scattered small and great. The heart Of Rustam boded ill. " Kaus will suffer," He thought, "from this brave Turkman just arrived With mail-clad breast and arms."
He hasted back
To camp with anxious heart. There mid the host He saw Suhrab — a lion mad for prey — The ground about him tulip-hued with blood, His spearpoint, hands, and mail all drenched with gore. Then Rustam raging like a furious lion Exclaimed : " Bloodthirsty Turkman ! who of all This host opposed thee ? Why hast thou not kept Thy hands for me instead of coming thus Like wolf among a flock ? "
Suhrab replied : —
" The army of Tiiran is holding back From strife, and doing nothing to provoke it,
v. 492 Yet thou began'st it by assailing them
When none sought battle and revenge on thee ! " " Light faileth," Rustam said. " On its return A throne and gibbet wait us on this plain, For all the bright world yieldeth to the sword, And if thine arms are so familiar
KAI KAUS 165
With scimitar and arrow never die !
Come we with vengeful swords at break of day
To learn the Maker's will, but now away ! "
§ 19 How JRustam and Suhrab returned to Camp
They parted and the air's face gloomed. Suhrab Amazed the circling sphere. Thou wouldst have said : — " Heaven fashioned him of Avar ; he ceaseth not A moment from the fray ; his form is brazen, His charger iron, and his spirit wondrous."
Suhrab when night fell joined his troops. His loins Were galled with battle but his breast was iron. Thus spake he to Human : " This day the sun Arose and filled the world with war and strife. How fared ye with this gallant cavalier Who hath a hero's heart and lion's claws ? What did he say and do ? He proved my match ! How fared my troops with him ? I hold him peerless, Though old a Lion bent on war and strife."
Human replied : " Thou bad'st us tarry here. V. 493
Just as we had made ready for the field A warrior came and challenged us to combat, Confronting all this mighty armament. Thou wouldst have said : ' He cometh fresh from wine To venture all alone on such a struggle.' He raised the dust of war on every side And slaughtered many warriors of our camp, Then turning round departed at full speed."
Suhrab said : " He hath slain no man of mark While I have slaughtered many Iranians, And puddled with their blood the ground to clay, While ye looked on. However, none opposed me ; 'Twas well none did, for had a lion come
1 66 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
He would not have escaped my massive mace.
What is a tiger, pard, or mighty lion
Confronting me who with rny spear point bring
Fire from the clouds ? When warriors behold
My visage in its wrath their mail is shivered.
To-morrow morning ere it is high day
It will be seen which is the better man,
And by the Maker's name — the only God —
I will not leave a foe alive. Now spread we
The board with meat and wine, and cheer our hearts."
When Kustam reached the host he questioned Giv : — " What did Suhrab the daring warrior ? " V. 494 Giv answered : " We ne'er saw one fight like him.
He rode up to our centre spear in hand, And raging ; there he challenged Tiis, who wolf-like Came forth and mounted. When Suhrab beheld him Advancing with his lance he roared as 'twere A lion in its rage, and with bent mace Struck Tus upon the breast a mighty blow That made his helm fall off. Tiis turned and fled. Then many others fought but none prevailed, For only Rustam can contend with him. I kept the good old rule of one to one. When no more single challengers went forth We let him have the field all to himself, Whereat he left the centre for the right And flourished in his glory here and there."
Now Rustam sorrowed at the words of Giv And went to Shah Kaiis, who seated him Upon the throne. Then Rustam told the Shah About Suhrab, his stature, and his mien : — " None ever saw one of his tender years So brave and lion-like. In height he reacheth The stars ; the earth can not support his bulk ; His arms and thighs are camel-like and larger. With sword and shaft, with lasso and with mace,
KAI KAUS 167
We proved each other lustily in all ways
Until at last I said : ' Ere now have I
Plucked from the saddle many a warrior/
And laying hold upon his leathern belt
I put the buckle to a mighty strain,
And fancied : ' I shall raise him from his saddle
And hurl him like the rest to dust.' But though
The mountain-tops were rocking in the blast Vg 495
That chieftain would not rock upon his seat,
And so I quitted him, for it was late,
The night was very dark, there was no moon ;
But we intend to meet again to-morrow
To wrestle. All I can I will, but know not
Which will prevail. Still we shall learn God's purpose,
For victory and conquest are from Him
Who is the Maker of the sun and moon."
Then Kai Kaiis replied : " God rend our foes In pieces ! I will pray to Him to-night For victory o'er this vile, malignant Turkman, Pray that thy withered hopes may spring afresh, And that thy fame may reach the sun."
Then Rustam : — " Thy Grace will speed thy liege's whole desire."
He went depressed and vengeful to his camp. To him Zawara came with downcast soul, And said : " How fared the paladin to-day ? " But Rustam first would eat, then washed his heart Of care and charged his brother, saying thus : — " Be vigilant and cautious. When I go At dawn to fight that Turkman warrior Lead out mine army and bring forth my flag, My throne, and golden boots, and be before V. 496
My tent when bright Sol riseth. If I prove Victorious in the fight I shall not loiter Upon the battlefield, while if the matter Have other ending make no lamentation
1 68 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
And be not downcast. Let not any of you
Go on the field or prosecute the war,
But go hence to Zabulistan to Zal,
Console my mother for my God-sent fate,
And say to her : ' Set not thy heart upon me,
And be not always mourning for my death.
No one abideth in this world for ever,
Heaven had no pretext left to spare me longer.
I have slain lions, pards, divs, crocodiles
Enough, and razed full many a wall and stronghold,
While no man had the upper hand of me,
Though he that mounteth on his steed and chargeth
Is simply knocking at the door of death.
What though a man outlive a thousand years
j
One road and one event are for us all. Bethink thee of Jamshid the exalted Shah, And Tahmuras the Binder of the Div. There was no monarch like them here below, And yet at last God took them. As the earth Remained not theirs I too must pass away.' When she hath been consoled thus say to Zal : — ' Abandon not the monarch of the world, Fight for him valiantly and do his bidding. 497 We all, both young and old, are doomed to die ; No one abideth in this world for ever.'"
They rested after half the night had gone In talk about Suhrab and him alone.
§ 20 How SuJirdb overthrew Rustam
The bright sun shone, the raven night flew low, Great Rustam donned his tiger-skin cuirass And mounted on his fiery dragon-steed. Two leagues divided host from host, and all Stood ready-armed. The hero with a casque
KAI KAUS 169
Of iron on his head came on the field.
Suhrab on his side revelling with comrades
Had thus addressed Human : " That lion-man,
Who striveth with me, is as tall as I am
And hath a dauntless heart. He favoureth me
In shoulder, breast, and arm, and thou wouldst say
That some skilled workman laid us out by line.
His very feet and stirrups move my love
And make me blush, for I perceive in him
The marks whereof my mother spake. Moreover
My heart presageth that he must be Rustam,
For few resemble him. I may not challenge
My sire or lightly meet him in the combat."
Human said : " Rustam oft hath countered me : v. 498
This charger is like his, except in action."
At sunrise, when they woke, Suhrab arrayed Himself in mail and mirthful though resolved Set forward shouting, ox-head mace in hand. He greeted Rustam smiling, thou hadst said That they had passed the night in company :— " How went the night ? How is't with thee to-day ? Why so intent on strife ? Fling down thine arrows And scimitar, and drop the hand of wrong. Let us dismount and, sitting, clear our faces With wine, and, leaguing in God's sight, repent Our former strife. Until some other cometh To battle feast with me because I love thee, And weep for shamefastness. In sooth thou comest From heroes and wilt tell me of thy stock, For as my foe thou shouldst not hide thy name. Art thou the famous Rustam of Zabul, The son of valiant Zal the son of Sam ? "
Then Rustam : " Young aspirant ! heretofore We talked not thus but spake last night of wrestling. I am not to be gulled, attempt it not. Though thou art young I am no child myself, y. 499
170 THE SH AH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
But girt to wrestle, and the end shall be According to the will of Providence. I have known ups and downs, and am not one To practise guile upon."
Suhrab replied : —
"Old man ! if thou rejectest my proposals . . . ! I wished that thou shouldst die upon thy bed, And that thy kin should tomb thy soulless corpse, But I will end thee if it be God's will."
They lighted, tied their chargers to a rock, And cautiously advanced in mail and casque With troubled hearts. They wrestled like two lions Until their bodies ran with sweat and blood. From sunrise till the shadows grew they strove Until Suhrab, that maddened Elephant, Keached out, up-leaping with a lion's spring, Caught Eustam's girdle, tugged amain as though, Thou wouldst have said, to rend the earth, and shouting With rage and vengeance hurled him to the ground, Raised him aloft and, having dashed him down, Sat on his breast with visage, hand, and mouth Besmirched with dust, as when a lion felleth An onager, then drew a bright steel dagger V. 500 To cut off Rustam's head, who seeing this Exclaimed : " Explain I must ! O warrior That takest Lions captive and art skilled With lasso, mace, and scimitar ! the customs And laws of arms with us are not as yours. In wrestling none may take a foeman's head The first time that his back is on the ground, But having thrown him twice and won the name Of Lion then he may behead the foe : Such is our custom."
Thus he sought to 'scape The Dragon's clutches and get off with life. The brave youth hearkened to the old man's words.
KAl KAUS 171
In part through confidence, in part through fate, In part no doubt through magnanimity, Suhrab let Rustam go, turned toward the plain, Pursued an antelope that crossed his path, And utterly forgot his recent foe. When he was far away Human came up As swift as dust and asked about the fight. He told Human what had been said and done, Who cried : " Alas ! young man ! art thou indeed So weary of thy life ? Woe for thy breast, Mien, stature, stirrups, and heroic feet ! The mighty Lion whom thou hadst ensnared Thou hast let go and all is still to do. Mark how he will entreat thee on the day Of battle owing to thy senseless act. A king * once spake a proverb to the point : — ' Despise not any foe however weak.' "
He took the very life out of Suhrab, Who standing sorrowing and amazed replied : — " Let us dismiss such fancies from our hearts, For he will come to fight with me to-morrow, v. 501
And thou shalt see a yoke upon his neck."
He went to camp in dudgeon at his deed. When Rustam had escaped his foeman's clutch He was again as 'twere a mount of steel. He went toward a rivulet as .one Who having fainted is himself again. He drank and bathed, then prayed to God for strength And victory, not knowing what the sun And moon decreed, or how the turning sky Would rob him of the Crown upon his head.
The tale is told that Rustam had at first Such strength bestowed by Him who giveth all That if he walked upon a rock his feet Would sink therein. Such puissance as that
1 Zahhak. See vol. i. p. 154.
172 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Proved an abiding trouble, and he prayed
To God in bitterness of soul to minish
His strength that he might walk like other men.
According to his prayer his mountain-strength
Had shrunk, but face to face with such a task,
And pierced by apprehension of Suhrab,
He cried to God and said : " Almighty Lord !
Protect Thy slave in his extremity.
0 holy Fosterer ! I ask again
My former strength."
God granted him his prayer,
The strength which once had waned now waxed in him. He went back to the field perturbed and pale While, like a maddened elephant, Suhrab, With lasso on his arm and bow in hand, v. 502 Came in his pride and roaring like a lion, His plunging charger flinging up the soil. When Rustam saw the bearing of his foe He was astound and gazing earnestly Weighed in his mind the chances of the fight. Suhrab, puffed up with youthful arrogance, On seeing Rustam in his strength and Grace, Cried : " Thou that didst escape the Lion's claws ! Why com'st thou boldly to confront me ? Speak ! Hast thou no interests of thine own to seek ? "
§21
How Suhrab was slain by Rustam
They tied their steeds while fate malignantly
Revolved overhead, and when dark fate is wroth
Flint rocks become like wax. The two began
To wrestle, holding by their leathern belts.
As for Suhrab thou wouldst have said : " High heaven
Hath hampered him," while Rustam reaching clutched
That warrior-leopard by the head and neck,
KAI KAUS 173
Bent down the body of the gallant youth,
Whose time was come and all whose strength was gone,
And like a lion dashed him to the ground ; v- 5°3
Then, knowing that Suhrab would not stay under,
Drew lightly from his waist his trenchant sword
And gashed the bosom of his gallant son.
Whenever thou dost thirst for blood and stain Therewith thy glittering dagger, destiny
Will be athirst for thy blood, and ordain Each hair of thine to be a sword for thee.
Suhrab cried : " Ah ! " and writhed. Naught recked
he then
Of good or ill. " I am alone to blame," He said to Rustam. " Fate gave thee my key. This hump-backed sky reared me to slay me soon. Men of my years will mock me since my neck Hath thus come down to dust. My mother told me How I should recognise my father. I Sought him in love and die of my desire. Alas ! my toils are vain, I have not seen him. Now wert thou fish, or wrapped like night in gloom, Or quit of earth wast soaring like a star, My father would avenge me when he seeth My pillow bricks. Some chief will say to Rustam : — ' Suhrab was slain and flung aside in scorn While seeking thee.' "
Then Rustam grew distraught, The world turned black, his body failed ; o'erconie He sank upon the ground and swooned away ; Till coming to himself he cried in anguish : — " Where is the proof that thou art Rustam's son ? May his name perish from among the great, For I am Rustam ! Be my name forgotten, And may the son of Sam sit mourning me ! "
He raved, his blood seethed, and with groans he plucked v. 504
174 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
His hair up by the roots, while at the sight Suhrab sank swooning till at length he cried : — " If thou indeed art Rustam thou hast slain me In wanton malice, for I made advances, But naught that I could do would stir thy love. Undo my breastplate, view my body bare, Behold thy jewel, see how sires treat sons ! The drums beat at my gate, my mother came With blood-stained cheeks and stricken to the soul Because I went. She bound this on mine arm And said : ' Preserve this keepsake of thy father's And mark its virtue.' It is mighty now, Now when the strife is over and the son Is nothing to his sire."
When Rustam loosed
The mail and saw the gem he rent his clothes, And cried : " Oh ! my brave son, approved by all And slain by me ! "
With dust upon his head And streaming face he rent his locks until His blood ran down.
" Nay, this is worse and worse,"
Suhrab said. " Wherefore weep ? What will it profit To slay thyself? What was to be hath been."
When day declined and Rustam came not back There went forth twenty trusty warriors To learn the issue. Both the steeds were standing Bemoiled with dust, but Rustam was not there. The nobles, thinking that he had been slain, Went to Kaus in consternation saying : — " The throne of majesty is void of Rustam !" v- 505 A cry went up throughout the host and all
Was in confusion. Then Kaiis bade sound The drums and trumpets, Tiis came, and the Shah Said to the troops : " Dispatch a messenger * That he may find out what Suhrab hath done,
KAI KAUS 175
And if there must be mourning through Iran. None will confront him with brave Rustam dead. We must attack in force and speedily."
While clamour raged Suhriib said thus to Rustam : — " The Turkmans ' case is altered since my day Is done. Use all thine influence that the Shah May not attack them. They approached Iran Through trust in me, and I encouraged them. How could I tell, 0 famous paladin ! That I should perish by my father's hand ? Let them depart unscathed, and treat them kindly. I had a warrior in yonder hold Caught by my lasso. Him I often asked To point thee out : mine eyes looked ever for thee. He told me all but this. His place is void.1 His words o'er-cast my day, and I despaired. See who he is and let him not be harmed. I marked in thee the tokens that rny mother v. 506
Described but trusted not mine eyes. The stars Decreed that I should perish by thy hand. I came like lightning and like wind I go. In heaven I may look on thee with joy."
Then Rustam choked, his heart was full of fire, His eyes of tears. He mounted quick as dust And came with lamentations to the host In grievous consternation at his deed. The Iranians catching sight of him fell prostrate And gave God praise that Rustam had returned, But when they saw the dust upon his dead, His clothes and bosom rent, they questioned him : '• What meaneth this ? For whom art thou thus troubled ? "
He told the fearful deed, and all began To mourn aloud with him. His anguish grew. He told the nobles : " I have lost to-day
1 " La place quejc lui avals destinee reste vide." — MOHL.
176 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSt
All strength and courage. Fight not with Tiiran : I have done harm enough."
Zawara came
With breast and raiment rent and body wounded, Whom Rustam told about his slaughtered son, And added : " I repent me of my deed, And have unmeasured retribution. I Have slain my son now when my head is grey. He is cut off both root and stem, his loins Are pierced, and heaven will weep for him for ever."
He sent and told Human : " The scimitar V. 507 Of war is sheathed and thou commandest now. Watch o'er thy host. This is no day for fight Or further words with thee because through malice Thou didst not speak but sear my life and eyes."
Then to Zawara said the paladin : — " Escort Human, brave hero ! to the river, Eschewing every act of violence."
Zawara went forthwith and gave the message, And he — the warrior that taught Suhrab The art of war — thus answered : " 'Twas Hajir, That evil-purposed stirrer up of strife, Who hid the matter of your general, And when Suhrab sought token of his sire Spake not but left his mind in ignorance. The black behaviour of Hajir hath brought This ill on us. His head should be struck off."
Zawara came back to inform the hero About Human, the host, of what Hajir, The evil and malevolent, had done, And how Suhrab had perished by his means. The hero was distracted at the words, The world grew dark before his eyes, he quitted The battlefield and coming to Hajir Laid hold upon his throat and threw him down, Then drawing forth a dagger of bright steel
KAI
Was minded to behead him, but the nobles , 179
Took part with him and saved him from death's door. Then Rustam hurried to his wounded son With Tiis, Giidarz, and Gustaham, while all The troops, concerned for Rustam> said to him : — ''• God will provide a remedy for this, And make thy sorrow easy."
Rustam seized
A dagger to behead himself, but weeping Their own hearts' blood the chieftains hung on him. Gudarz said : " Will it help thee to send up v. 508
The world in smoke ? Though thou shalt do thyself A hundred harms, how will it soothe thy darling ? If there remaineth time for him on earth He will remain ; do thou remain with him ; But, if the youth is passing from the world, Think ! Who abideth in the world for ever ? We are the quarry, and death hunteth us No matter whether we wear casque or crown, But all are borne out when their end hath come, And afterward we wot not how they do. Our tears are needed on our own account. Who is there, chieftain ! free from dread of Death ? However long or short the way may be We scatter when he joineth company."
§22 How Rustam asked Kdits for an Elixir
Then to Gudarz said Rustam : " Famous hero
Of ardent soul ! bear for me to Kuiis
A message, tell him what hath chanced, and say
Thus : ' With a dagger have I pierced the reins
Of my brave son. May Rustam 's life be short .'
If thou at all art mindful of my deeds
Let thy heart feel for me in my distress.
VOL. II. M
^v:.A OF FIRDAUSI
176 THE "- '
-^ -r* u.u ._.^ir in thy treasury,
Which hath the power to make the wounded whole,
Send somewhat graciously to me forthwith,
Together with a cup of wine. My son,
By thy good fortune, may recover yet,
And stand like me a slave before thy throne.' "
The chieftain came like wind and gave the message. The Shah said : " Who hath lustre in my sight Exceeding that of elephantine Rustarn ? I do not wish him ill but honour him . 509 Exceedingly, yet, if I send the elixir,
Suhrab — an elephantine chief — will live,
Will strengthen Rustam's back, and doubtlessly
Bring ruin on myself. If at his hands
I suffer shall I not avenge myself ?
' Who is Kaiis,' thou heardest him once say,
1 And if he be the Shah who then is Tus ? ' *
Who in this wide world hath such neck and limbs
And Grace ? How will he stand before my throne,
Or march beneath the banner of the Shahs ?
He gave me his abuse and took away
My credit with the troops. If his son liveth
A pinch of dust is all that I shall get.
Art thou of high rank and experience
And hast not heard the language of Suhrab : —
' I will behead a thousand in Iran
And hang Kaiis alive upon the gibbet ? ' 2
If he surviveth great and small will quake.
To cherish foes is to invite contempt."
Thereat Gudarz returned like smoke to Rustam, And said : " The evil nature of the Shah Is like a colocynth in constant fruit.
1 A kingly perversion of what Rustam really had said, suggesting that he contemplated dethroning Ksiiis and restoring the ancient Pishdadian line in the person of its representative, Tus. See p. 143.
- See p. 1 60.
KAl KAUS 179
He hath no equal in the world for harshness,
And never helpeth any one in trouble.
Go unto him in person, be thy part V. 510
To bring the light to his benighted heart."
§23
How Rustam lamented for SuJirdb
Then Rustam called for an embroidered robe
And, having laid the youth thereon, set off,
But as he went one overtook him, saying : —
" Suhrab hath passed from this wide world, and asketh
No more a palace of thee but a bier."
The father started, sighed, and groaning closed His eyes, then lighting swift as wind removed His helm and scattered dust upon his head, While all the great men also wept and wailed. He cried in mournful tones : " 0 warrior-youth Exalted and a paladin by birth ! The sun and moon, the breastplate and the helm, The crown and throne, will never see thy peer. Hath this that hath befallen me — to slay My son in mine old age — befallen another ? My son — the offspring of the woiidlord Sam The cavalier, born of a noble dame ! I, that have now no peer in all the world For valour, was a boy to him ! Well might My hands be lopped ! May never seat be mine Save in the darksome dust. What shall I say V. 511
When tidings reach his mother ? How shall I Send any one to break the news to her ? What reason can I give for slaying one Without offence and darkening his day ? What sire e'er acted thus ? I well deserve The world's abuse. Who ever slew a son So young and wise and valiant ? And his mother !
i8o THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
What will her sire, that honoured paladin,
Say to her in her youth and innocence ?
How they will curse the progeny of Sam
And call me lacklove, impious ! Who could deem
That at his years my darling would become
Tall as a cypress, set his heart on war,
Array the host, and turn my day to darkness ? "
He bade them spread brocade such as kings use Upon his young son's face — that son who set His heart on throne and realm and only won A narrow bier. They bore it from the field, Then set the camp-enclosure in a blaze While all the troops cast dust upon their heads. They burned the tents, the many-hued brocade, And all the goodly seats of yellow pardskin. A cry went up and mighty Rustam wailed : — " The world will see no cavalier like thee For skill and valour on the day of battle. Woe for thy valour and thy prudent mind ! Woe for those cheeks of thine, thy mien, thy stature ! Woe's me ! this sorrow and heart-rending grief ! He left his mother and his father slew him ! "
With royal raiment rent upon his body And weeping blood he scrabbled in the dust v 512 Exclaiming: "Zul and virtuous Rudaba
Will utter curses, saying : ' Rustam gained The mastery and stabbed him to the heart/ WThat plea of mine will win their hearts to me ? How will the chieftains bear to hear that I Have rooted from the garth the straight-stemmed cypress ? "
Then all the paladins of Shah Kaiis Sat by the wayside in the dust with Rustam, And much advised him, but he heeded not.
Such are high heaven's deeds ! It hath for us A lasso in this hand, in that a crown,
KAl KAUS 181
And him that sitteth crowned and prosperous It haleth with the twisted lasso down. Why should we love this world when we and they That fare with us alike must pass away ? Though one may reckon on long life he must Betake him in the last resort to dust. Now whether heaven acteth knowingly, Or not 'tis vain to ask its how and why ; Forbear we then to weep that one should go : The end thereof is not for us to know.
The Shah informed about Suhrab drew near To Rustarn with his retinue and said : — " From Mount Alburz e'en to the reed the sky Will bear all off. We may not set our love v. 513
Upon this dust, for, though some haste, some linger, All die at last. Take comfort for the dead, And hear what sages say. Though thou shouldst dash The sky upon the earth and burn the world 'Twill not recall the dead. Know that his soul Is long in heaven. From afar I marked His breast, neck, stature, and his iron mace As fate impelled him onward with his host To perish by thy hands. What remedy ? How long wilt thou bewail the dead ?"
He answered : —
" Though he is gone Human remaineth still With other chieftains of Turan and Chin. Regard them not as foes but let Zawara, God willing and the Shah, conduct them hence."
Kaiis replied : " Aspiring chief ! thy face Is saddened through this fight, and though our foes Have harmed me much and sent srnoke from Iran, Yet through thy sorrow is my heart so sore That I will think upon revenge no more."
1 82 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUST
§ 24 How Rustam returned to Zabulistdn
The Shah marched homeward with the host, while Rustam
v> 5*4 Stayed for Zawara's news about the foe,
Then marched at dawn toward Zabulistan, Where Zal and all the folk went out to meet him In anguish and distress. They reached the bier. The nobles scattered dust upon their heads, They docked the tails of their high-crested steeds, And rent the brazen tymbals and the drums. When Zal the son of Sam perceived the bier He lighted from his steed with golden trappings, While matchless Rustam went in front afoot With heart and raiment rent. The warriors Put off their belts, stooped to the dust before it, And served as bearers, bending low their heads, Alas ! for him so noble and so brave ! While Rustam in his father's presence lifted His son's head from the golden broidery, And cried in anguish : " See how Sam the horseman Is sleeping sadly on this narrow bier ! "
Zal showered tears of blood and plained to God, While Rustam cried : " Chief ! thou hast gone, and I Am left in shame and wretchedness."
Then Zal :—
" A strange event ! His was a massive mace. He was of note among the mightiest, And none will bear his like."
He spoke through tears ; His theme was all Suhrab. When Rustam reached
V. 515 His hall he wailed and had the corse set down In front of him. Rudaba, seeing it And Rustam's tears, exclaimed : " Alack ! thou hero !
KAI KAUS 183
Uplift thy head one moment from the bier." She wailed and heaving deep-drawn sighs ex- claimed : —
" 0 paladin, son of the Lion's Whelp !
None will be born so strong and brave as thou.
Henceforth thou wilt not whisper to thy mother
Tales of thy happy moments, for in sooth
Thou hast departed to the prison-house,
Departed to the mansion of the wretched.
Oh tell not what befell thee from thy father,
And why it was that thus he pierced thy heart ! " Her cries reached Saturn ; all that heard her wept.
Dust-smirched and woebegone she sought her bower
While Rustam at the sight wept tears of blood.
Thou wouldst have asked : " Hath Doomsday come, for
joy
Hath fled all hearts ? "
Again he brought the bier, Whereon Suhrab the Lion lay, before The gallant chiefs, and in his father's presence Drew back the shroud. He showed the chiefs the corse, And thou hadst said that heaven reeked with sorrow. All that were present looked on helplessly, All cheeks were livid, all robes rent, all hearts Fulfilled with pain, all heads besmirched with dust. The royal palace was one mighty bier, And of that valiant Lion in his coffin Thou wouldst have said : " Tis' Sam with his huge v-
limbs, And tired with warfare he hath gone1;o sleep."
The sire replaced the gold brocade and closed The narrow bier. He said : " Though I shall make His tomb of gold and fill it round with musk 'Twill perish with me, but I can no more."
While all went blind with grief he made a charnel Shaped like a horse's hoof. The bier was formed
1 84 THE SHAHNAMA OF F1RDAUSI
Of undried aloe-wood with golden clasps.
The tale of how the paladin had slain His son went everywhere and all the world Was full of grief, while Rustam sorrowed long, But in the end perforce resigned himself.
The world hath many an act like this in mind, On every soul it setteth many a brand,
For who possesseth sense and wit combined , The treachery of fortune to withstand ?
The Iranians hearing burned with grief. Human, For his part, went back to Tiiran and told Afrasiyab, who was all wonderment And speculation touching that event.
§25
How Suhrdb's Mother received the Tidings of his Death
A cry rose from Tiiran : " Suhrab hath fallen Upon the battlefield ! " The tidings reached The king of Samangan, who rent his robes, v. 517 The tidings reached Tahmina: " Brave Suhrab Hath perished, stricken by his father's sword ! " She seized her robe and rent it, and her form — That goodly gem — shone forth. She raised a cry Of wail and woe, and swooned at whiles. She coiled Her hair like twisted lassos round her fingers And plucked it out. The blood ran down her face. At times she sank fordone. She strewed dark dust Upon her head, gnawed pieces from her arms, Flung fire upon her head and scorched herself, And burned her musky tresses. " Where art thou," She cried, " who wast thy mother's soul, but art Now only dust and blood ? I scanned the road, I said : ' I may have tidings of Suhrab And Rustam.' Then I mused and said : ' Already
KAI KAUS 185
Hast thou been round the world to find thy father, Hast found him, and art speeding home again.' How could I know, my son ! that news would come That he had pierced thy liver with his sword ? He had no pity for that face of thine, Thy stature, mien, and arms, he pitied not Thy girdlestead but clave it with his blade. I used to nurse the body of my boy Through days of brightness and through weary nights, And now 'tis drowned in blood ! A winding-sheet v. 518
Is all the cover of his stainless form. Whom shall I clasp upon my bosom now ? Who is there that will rid me of my grief ? Whom shall I call upon to take thy place ? To whom impart my pain and misery ? Woe for his soul and body, eye and lustre, That dwell in dust instead of hall and garden ! 0 warrior, shelter of the host ! thou soughtest Thy sire and in his place hast found thy grave. Hope turned in thee to dolorous despair, And now thou sleepest scorned and miserable Amid the dust. Before he drew his dagger And gashed thy silvern side why didst not thou Show him the token that thy mother gave thee ? Why didst thou not declare thyself to him ? Thy mother told thee how to know thy sire: How was it that thou didst not trust her words ? Without thee she is as the captives are — All travail, anguish, misery, and sighing. Why went I not with thee that wast to be The warriors' cynosure ? He would have known me Though far away and welcomed both of us, Cast down his sword and never pierced thy side." This said she tore herself, plucked out her hair, And smote her lovely visage with her palms. She tilled the eyes of all the folk with hail,
1 86 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
So grievous were her moans and lamentations. At length while all hearts ached she fell a-swoon,
v. 519 Fell as one falleth dead upon the ground,
And thou hadst said : " Her blood is turned to ice."
She roused, thought of her son, and wailed afresh,
Her very heart's blood crimsoning her tears.
She fetched his crown, wept o'er it and his throne,
Exclaiming in her grief : " 0 royal Tree ! "
She brought his wind-foot charger forth, that charger
Which he had prized so in his happy days,
And clasped and kissed its head, to folk's amazement,
And nuzzled on its hoofs, while her blood fell
And reddened all the ground. She took his robe
And clasped it to her body like her son,
She fetched his jerkin, coat of mail, and bow,
His spear, his falchion, and his massive mace.
She fetched his saddle with the reins and buckler,
And dashed her head thereon. She fetched his lasso,
And flung its eighty cubits out before her.
She fetched his helm and breastplate, and exclaimed : —
" O warrior-lion ! " drew his sword and docked
His charger's mane and tail. She gave the poor
His goods — the silver, gold, and harnessed steeds.
v- 52° She locked the palace, rooted up the throne,
Then brought it down and dashed it to the ground. She blacked the chambers' doors, sent up the dust From porch and palace, gave to desolation The banquet-hall that he had left for battle, Assumed the weeds of woe all stained with blood, By day and night lamented him with tears, Died broken-hearted in a year, and joined Her warrior-son.
Said eloquent Bahram : — " Dote not upon the dead ; thy proper care Is for thine own departure to prepare, Since here thou canst not stay. So dally not.
KAI KAUS 187
Thy father once gave up his place to thee, And thou must give up thine. Such is our lot,
And 'tis a secret still, a mystery,
Nor wilt thou with thy dazed mind find a key. To open that closed door may no man know. Endeavour not therefor, else wilt thou throw Life to the winds. Our summons to depart
Js from the God and Master of us all ; Then on this Wayside Inn set not thy heart ;
The profit of such sojourn is but small."
Now from this history my face I turn : The tale of Siyawush is my concern.
PAET IV
THE STORY OF SIYAWUSH
ARGUMENT
The poet, inspired by his theme and conscious of his genius, retells an ancient tale thus : —
Giv and Tus, while hunting, find and quarrel about a damsel. The matter is referred to the Shah, who marries her himself. From this union springs Siyawush, who is brought up by Rustam and afterward returns to his father's court, where Siidaba, one of his father's wives, tempts him in vain and then accuses him falsely. He clears himself by ordeal and saves his accuser's own life, which had been adjudged forfeit for her wickedness. In time she is restored to favour, and Siyawush, to escape her wiles, leads an army against Afrasiyab, who, terrified by a dream, sues for peace. The terms granted by Siyawush are rejected by the Shall, and Siyawush, his honour touched, goes over to Afrasiyab, by whom he is well received and whose daughter Farangis he marries, having previously married Jarira, the daughter of Piran. He attains to great dignities, but incurs the envy of the king's brother, Garsiwaz, by whom he is done to death. His wife Farangis is protected by Piran and gives birth to Kai Khusrau, with whose childhood the story ends.
NOTE
Firdausi, as we may gather from his prelude, thought- highly of his version of this tragic story, which, unlike that of Suhrab, is not a pure episode, but leads directly, though by a long road, to the chief epic climax. It also affords a good example of the poet's treatment of his subject-matter. Various legends are combined with curious results. For instance, the legend of the birth of Siyawush from a grand-daughter of Garsiwaz is not allowed to militate against or to modify other legends in which ancestor and descendant meet on equal terms, in the full vigour of manhood, as
KAI KAUS 189
strangers ignorant of their blood-relationship, as enemies, as villain and victim. Such instances are the surest guarantee that the poet is drawing on epic sources and not on his own imagination. The story further shows how needful it is for a reader of the Shahnarna mentally to supply for himself the element of time. The account of Sudaba's infatuation for Siyawush 1 reads as if it were a matter of a few days, weeks, or months at most. It is only from a chance remark of hers that we learn that the affair had been going on for seven years !
The temptation of Siyawush by Sudaba, on which so much turns, will suggest many a parallel to the reader.
It should be mentioned, however, that Sudaba's pretext for inviting Siyawush to visit her — the suggested marriage of one of her daughters to him — was a legitimate one to a Zoroastrian .
Sudaba's daughter would be Siydwush's half-sister, and next-of- kin marriages, as they were called, were not only permitted but regarded as a sacred duty by the Magi.2 Sudaba, with the wit of a woman much in love, hit upon a perfectly legitimate motive, and Kai Kaiis accepted it, as we see, without the least suspicion.
Siyawush appears as Syavarshana in the Zandavasta, where he is several times mentioned in connection with his murder by Garsiwaz and Afrasiyab, and the vengeance exacted for it by Kai Khusrau, who, we are told, " prevailed over all ; he put in bonds Frangrasyan and Keresavasda, to avenge the murder of his father Syavarshana." 3 Here, as in other cases, the leading motives of the Shahnama origi- nate in the Zandavasta.
§ 49. The poet in his description of Gang-dizh perhaps had in his mind the famous stronghold of Kalat-i-Nadiri, which lies about thirty miles to the north of Mashad and not far from the poet's own birthplace, but he follows his authorities, which look at matters from a point of view west of the Caspian, and describes Gang-dizh as being beyond the sea accordingly. Tradition seems to place it in Kharazm. In the Zandavasta we read of " the castle Khshathro-saoka, that stands high up on the lofty, holy Kangha." 4 In the Dina-i Mainog-i Khirad, a Pahlavi treatise, Siyawush is described as the founder of Kangdez, and Kangde.^ itself is described as lying to the east, on the frontier of Airan-vego.5 In the Bunda- hish it is described as being in the direction ot the east, " at many leagues from the bed of the wide-formed ocean towards that side." 6 Now the learned Abu Hainan Muhammad, more commonly known in the west as Albiruni, was a native of Kharazm and wrote a
1 § 6 seq. " WPT, ii. 389.
3 DZA, ii. 304. See also pp. 65, 114, 115. 4 DZA, ii. 67.
5 WPT, iii. 64, 109. « WPT, i. 119
190 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
history of that country. His account is nearly all lost, but in another work of his he tells us that the Kharazmians dated the colonisation of their country from the year 980 before Alexander, i.e. from the fourteenth century B.C., and that ninety-two years later the incursion of Siyawush took place. From this time onward they were governed by monarchs of his race down to the days of king Afrigh — a man of evil reputation — who built himself a fortress on the outskirts of the city of Kharazm, or made additions to an existing fortress, called Alfir, in the year 616 of the era of Alexander, i.e. toward the end of the third century A.D. This Alfir, Albiruni tells us, was built of clay and tiles, and consisted of three forts, one inside another, and all of equal height. Rising above the whole were the royal palaces. Alfir could be seen at a distance of ten miles or more. It was broken and shattered by the Oxus, and was swept away piece by piece every year, till the last remains of it had disappeared by the year 1305 of the era of Alexander, i.e. toward the end of the tenth century A.D.1 It is evident from this account that Alfir was in process of construction or enlargement in the very century in which the Zandavasta was being compiled. The Kharazmians had racial affinities with the Iranians, and the epithet "holy" applied to Kangha in the Zandavasta evidently points to the fact that they were Zoroastrians as well. It may be therefore that the Khshathro-saoka of the Zandavasta, the Kangdes of the Pahlavi texts, the Alfir of Albiruni, and the Gang-dizh of the Shahnama all represent one and the same place — the palace- fortress of the ancient capital of Kharazm. Kharazni is, of course, the modern Khiva, and Gang-dizh means the fortress (dizh) of the land of Kangha.
§ 58 seq. In the account of the birth and youth of Kai Khusrau we have in essentials the same story as that told by Herodotus2 some fifteen centuries earlier. Astyages, the king of the Medes, had a daughter Mandane. He had a dream about her which he told to Magi who were learned in such matters. Their interpre- tation of it alarmed him, and as the safest course in the circum- stances he married his daughter to an unambitious Persian of good family named Cambyses. Soon after Astyages had another dream about Mandane. He again consulted the dream-interpreters, who told him that his daughter's son would supersede him on the throne. In consequence of this prognostic he sent for Mandane, who was dwelling among the Persians, and had her closely guarded. When her son Cyrus was born, Astyages summoned Harpagus, a member of the royal house and a most loyal liege, and ordered him to take
1 SAC, p. 40. 2 i. 107 seq.
KAl KAUS 191
the child from Mandane, to kill it, and to bury it. Harpagus, in great distress, carried off the child, who was ready clad in funeral weeds, to his own home, but told his wife that nothing should induce him to make away with the infant himself, for they were akin to each other. Accordingly he sent for one of the herdsmen of Astyages, whose herds were pastured on the mountains north of Ekbatana, in the direction of the Euxine — a tract frequented by wild beasts — and bade him expose the child on some desolate spot that it might soon perish. Now, it so happened that the herdsman's wife had lately had a still-born babe, and when she saw Cyrus she persuaded her husband to expose the dead and allow her to keep the living child. The son of Mandane thus grew up in the house of the herdsman, and his royal birth soon began to assert itself. His playmates chose him for their king, and he used to hold mock court among them. At length an incident brought the matter to the ears of Astyages, who questioned the herdsman and was exceed- ingly wroth with Harpagus. The interpreters of dreams, however, declared that no further danger was to be apprehended from Cyrus, as the dream had been sufficiently fulfilled by his election to king- ship by his playfellows. Accordingly Astyages sent him back to Persia to his parents Cambyses and Mandane. Subsequently Cyrus, incited by Harpagus, rebelled and overthrew Astyages.
In the Shahnama we have Afrasiyab for Astyages, Farangis for Mandane, Siyawush for Cambyses, Khusrau for Cyrus, and Piran for Harpagus, while, if the view be correct that the so-called empire of the Medes was in reality the empire of the Manda,1 one important discrepancy between the Greek and Persian accounts is removed, for Astyages, Mandane, and Harpagus become Turanian instead of Median, and are thus brought into line with Afrasiyab, Farangis, and Piran, their representatives in the Shahnama.
§«
TJie Prelude
Now, 0 thou man of wit and eloquence ! V. 523
Upon a goodly tale thy skill employ, For if the words are equal to the sense
The poet's soul will be a source of joy; But he whose thoughts lack loveliness will thwart 1 Vol. i.p. 17.
192 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
His purpose by his own unlovely thought ; Moreover he will make himself a cross,
And have the disapproval of the wise ; Yet, in that every one is at a loss
To see his faults (thy genius to thine eyes Is bright) thy work if 'tis to last, confide, When polished, to the learned to decide Its value ; if approved 'twill make its way
And be as water in thine own canal. I take from legends of a former day
A rustic minstrel's story, and I shall, Although the tale be old, when I have done, Make it a tale in vogue with every one. If length of days shall be vouchsafed to me,
And with long life immunity from ill, I shall have left behind a fruitful tree,
To go on bearing in the orchard still. Full many a marvel hath o'erpassed his head Whose years reach fifty-eight, yet minished
Greed is not ever as they onward glide ; I still by rule and omen choose my day. V. 524 What said herein the archiinage, our guide ?
" He that is waxen old is old for aye." Tell on thy tale, be wise and of good cheer, So long as life endureth persevere. When thou departest what was here thine own
Shall in God's hand for good or evil be ; Remember ! thou shalt reap as thou hast sown
And as thou speakest men will speak of thee. The gentle speaker heareth in return Soft words : make speaking gently thy concern. Now for the rustic minstrel's tale. Heed well The matter that the poet hath to tell.
KAI KAUS 193
§2 The Story of the Mother of Siydicush
Thus said an archimage : One morning Tiis
In merry pin left the Shah's gate at cockcrow,
With Giv, Giidarz, and other cavaliers,
To hunt upon the desert of Daghwi
With hawk and cheetah. By a river's bank
They stalked or ran down game, and caught or shot
Enough to last them forty days. Near by
A Turkman's camp showed black, and thence a forest
Stretched almost to the marches of Tiiran.
Giv led the way with Tiis : behind them came
Some brave retainers. Entering the wood,
And roaming thus awhile in quest of quarry,
They saw among the trees a fair-cheeked maiden,
And hurried toward her in high glee. The age
Had not her peer in looks ; hers were not charms
To need apologies. In stature she
Was cypress-tall, in looks a moon, to gaze V. 525
On her was perilous. Tiis said to her : —
" Bewitching Moon ! who showed thee to this wood ? "
" My father set on me last night," she said, " And so I fled from home. He had returned Drunk from a marriage-feast and, in his frenzy Perceiving me far off, drew forth his sword Of watered steel and had beheaded me. I fled for refuge, and have just come hither." The paladin then asked her of her kindred. She told him fully and to this effect : — " I am akin to Garsiwaz, and trace My lineage to Shah Faridiin."
He asked her : —
" Why earnest thou afoot, for thou hast come Unmounted and unguided ? "
VOL. II. N
194 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
She replied : —
" My steed was wearied out and fell exhausted. I had uncounted gold, gold crown, and jewels, But over yonder hill some people robbed me And beat me with a scabbard. I escaped In terror and am weeping tears of blood. My sire no doubt when sober will dispatch Some horsemen after me forthwith, my mother Will haste to me, she would not have me quit These fields and fells."
Now both the paladins Grew hot of heart for love of her, and Tus, Lost to all shame, exclaimed : " Twas I who spied her, And therefore made such haste."
But Giv replied : —
" 0 captain of the host ! without thy host Thou art no match for me."
Still Tus insisted :— " She came exactly in my horse's way."
Giv said : " Nay ! Say not so ; I led the chase. Tell not a falsehood for a slave-girl's sake : A man of courage is not quarrelsome."
Their wrangle was so violent that the Moon Was like to lose her head in the dispute, Until a noble interposed and said : — " Convey her to the monarch of Iran, And bide by his decision."
Both agreed
And went to Kai Kaus, who when he saw The damsel's beauty, fell in love with her Himself, and said to those two generals : — " Your journey's travail was cut short for you ! Be she a doe or beautiful gazelle A quarry such as this is for your lord. Come let us pass the day in telling how These warriors with their cheetahs caught a Sun ! "
KAI KAUS 195
He questioned her : " What is thy lineage, For thou art fairy-like in countenance ? "
" I am of high birth on my mother's side," She said, " my father sprang from Faridiin. My father's father is prince Garsiwaz, Whose tents now occupy yon border land."
Kaiis said : " Didst thou mean to fling away Such looks as these, such beauty and such birth ? 'Tis meet I place thee in my golden bower : Thou must be chief of all the Moon-faced there."
She answered : " I preferred thee at first sight Among the great."
The Shah then gave each general Ten noble chargers with a throne and crown, But sent the Idol to the women's bower, And gave command to set her on the throne. Then under her they placed an ivory seat, V. 527
Upon her head a crown of gold and turquoise, Adorning her with yellow-hued brocade, With jewels, turquoise, lapis lazuli, And other presents worthy hers to be : A ruby yet untouched by man was she.
§3 The Birth of Siydwush
When nine months had elapsed, and jocund spring
Resumed its tints, men said to Kai Kaiis : —
" Thou hast had fruit of that auspicious Moon :
A glorious infant hath appeared, and now
Thou well mayst set thy throne above the clouds.
A babe of fairy-form is born to her,
In visage like an idol of Azar,1
With face and hair unheard of heretofore,
And all the folk are talking of the child."
1 Azarbdijan.
196 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The world-lord named him Siyawush, and gave The rolling heaven praise because of him ; Yet they that read the purpose of the sky, Its good and evil and its when and how, Saw that the stars were hostile to the boy, And grieved because they saw his fortune sleeping. They turned to God for refuge, warned the Shah About the fortune of his son, and showed The path to take, aware that he would suffer From good and bad. Anon came peerless Rustam v. 528 Before the Shah and said : " Mine be the task To rear this child that is so lion-like ; Since thy retainers are not competent There is no nurse on earth for him like me."
The monarch, having pondered much thereon, Entrusted little loath his heart and eyes — This atheling, the child so loved by him — To Rustam's charge, who bore him to Zabul And lodged him in a rosary, instructed The youth in riding, archery, the use Of lasso, stirrups, reins, and other gear, To hold his court, his feasts, and drinking-bouts, To follow game with falcon, hawk, and cheetah, To judge in causes, and to rule the kingdom, \___ Make speeches, combat, and lead forth a host : All these accomplishments did Rustam teach him, And took abundant pains which bore their fruit, For Siyawush became a peerless prince, And, as time passed, grew tall and captured lions. One day he spake to noble Rustam thus : — " Desire to see the Shah hath come on me. Much travail and heart-burning hast thou borne To toach me all a king's accomplishments : My father must examine the result Of elephantine Rustam's tutelage."
The lion-hearted hero made all ready,
KAI KAUS 197
And sent posts everywhere. Of horses, slaves,
Gold, silver, signets, falchions, crowns, and girdles,
And various stuffs and linings, he produced
Whate'er he could himself or got elsewhere.
On this wise Rustam furnished forth the youth,
For all men's eyes were fixed on Siyawush,
And also journeyed with him lest the Shah
Might be offended. As their custom was
The folk put decorations everywhere v. 529
In their desire to please the paladin,
The townsmen mingled gold and ambergris,
And showered them on the travellers' heads for joy,
The world grew full of mirth and precious havings,
Each mansion's door and roof were decked, the feet
Of Rustarn's Arab steeds trod drachms. Men saw
None mournful in Iran ; throughout the line
Of march steeds' manes dripped saffron, musk, and wine.
§4
How SiydwusJi arrived from Zdbulistdn
When news reached Shah Kaiis that " Siyawush'
Is coming in great state," both Giv and Tiis
Went forth right joyously at his command
With escort, trump, and drum. The chiefs assembled,
With Rustam on this hand and Tus on that,
To come in triumph to the Shah, for they
Came with that fruiting Sapling. When he reached
The palace of the Shah a shout was raised,
And access given. Slaves with censers charged
With goodly perfumes gazed upon the prince
With folded arms. Three hundred filled the court
To every corner, and the noble Cypress
Was in the midst. They showered gold and gems,
And called down blessings on him. Siyawush,
198 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
When he beheld Kaus upon his throne Of ivory and crowned with brilliant rubies, First offered praise, did reverence, and whispered To earth awhile. He then approached the Shah, Who clasped him closely. Kai Kaiis saluted And welcomed Rustam warmly, seated him Upon the turquoise throne and, lost in wonder, Called many blessings down upon his son, V. 530 For in that height, that stature, and that Grace The Shah foresaw a future and much fame. Thou wouldst have said of one so young yet wise : — " His soul is fed on wisdom." So the Shah, With face upon the ground, gave many praises To God and said : " Great Ruler of the sky, The Lord of understanding and of love ! All good things corne from Thee, but most of all I thank Thee for my child."
The Iranian chiefs,
Each with his gift, came to the Shah rejoicing ; They marvelled at the Grace of Siyawush, And called a wealth of blessings down on him. Then by the Shah's command the noblemen And captains of the host attended court, While all the world resorted to his gardens, His palace, and his hall, with right good cheer. Men called for wine and harp and minstrelsy. The Shah's festivities were such as none Had held before. A sennight passed in joy. Upon the eighth day he unlocked his treasures, And gave command to bring all manner forth, As swords and signet-rings, with thrones and casques, And Arab steeds with poplar- wooden saddles, Bards, coats of mail for war, dinars, and purses Of drachms, brocade, and jewels great and small, Except the crown, it was not time for that, But all the rest Kaus gave Siyawush
KAI KA&S 199
With many promises of good to come.
Seven years' probation proved his noble birth
By all his acts, the eighth the monarch bade him
Assume a golden crown and torque and girdle,
And had a patent writ on painted silk v. 531
As royal Grace and precedent required.
Since Siyawush was worthy of a throne,
And majesty, the Shah bestowed on him
All Kuhistan, so called of yore, the same
As Ma wara 'u'n-Nahr its modern name.
The Death of the Mother of Siyawush
When all was ordered as the Shah had bidden
The prince's mother passed away. The prince
Came from his throne like one possessed, and raised
His lamentation to the rolling sky.
He rent his clothes, threw dust upon his head,
Mourned o'er her sorely, grievously afflicting
His own sweet soul, mourned greatly night and day,
For many days ne'er smiled, grieved one whole moon,
And sought no respite from his misery.
Now when the nobles heard thereof — such men
As Tiis and Fariburz, Giidarz and Giv,
Born princes or heroic paladins —
They made all haste to come to Siyawush,
Who as he looked on them groaned grievously ;
His tears burst forth afresh, and he unlocked
The portal of the anguish of his heart.
Gudarz, when he beheld the prince's sorrow,
Gazed on- that noble Cypress overwrought,
And weeping said to him : " O royal prince !
Hear mine advice and think no more of grief.
The child of every mother will depart ;
200 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Not one of them can 'scape the clutch of fate. Although thy mother is a memory now, Mourn not : her spirit is in heaven." V. 532 By dint
Of many a counsel, many a soothing strain, He made the prince's heart itself again.
§6
How Suddba fell in Love with Siyawush
Time passed, the Shah still joyed in Siyawush, Till as they sat one day Siidaba entered, Beheld the prince's face, and grew distraught. Her heart throbbed, " she is wasted to a thread," Thou wouldst have said, " or ice before the fire." She bade one go by stealth to him and say : — " 'Twould cause no wonder if thou shouldest visit The royal bower anon."
The envoy went,
But noble Siyawush was wroth and said : — " Entice me not. I am no chamberer, Or given to romances and intrigues."
Another day at dawn Siidaba sought The Shah and said : " O ruler of the host ! The sun and moon have never seen thy peer, Or any like thy son. Let all the world Rejoice in him ; so send him to thy bower To see his sisters and thy favourites. Tell him : ' Go visit oft thy sisters there, Whose hearts are full, whose cheeks are wet, with
yearning.'
Then will we pay him worship, give him gifts, And bring the tree of service into fruit."
The Shah replied : " Thou sayest right ; thou hast A hundred mothers' love for him."
KAI KAtiS 201
He called
For Siyawush and said : " The blood within Our veins, and love, will show themselves ; moreover God hath so made thee that thou art beloved Of all beholders, given thee pure birth ; None e'er was mother-born as pure as thou ; But what availeth blood-relationship To those who see thee only from afar ? Thy sisters and Sudaba, in affection A mother to thee, are within the bower. Go now and visit those secluded ones, And stay awhile that they may do thee honour."
The prince beheld his father with amazement, Then mused awhile and strove to clear himself, Suspecting that his father sought to prove him ; For Kai Kaus was knowing and smooth-tongued, Wise, shrewd of heart, and ready to distrust. The prince was troubled, communed with himself, And in the end determined.
" If," he thought,
" I go Sudaba will talk much with me," Then said : " The Shah hath given me a patent, A throne, and crown. From where the lofty sun Arising maketh dust a thing of price No king resembling thee in goodness, knowledge, Demeanour, and pursuits, e'er donned the crown. Point me the way to sages, men of leading, And chiefs approved ; or show me how to handle Spear, mace, or bow and arrow, midst the foe ; Or be it king-craft and court-usages, Or feast and harp, or wine and revellers ; But in the women's quarters of the Shah What shall I learn ? Shall women point the way To knowledge ? Yet if so the Shah commandeth My custom henceforth is to visit them."
The Shah replied : " Be happy, 0 my son ! v. 534
202 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
May wisdom rest upon thee ! I have heard
But seldom such fair words. Thy brain will grow
Since thou art thus amenable. Dismiss
All ill surmises from thy heart, away
With trouble, and enjoy thyself. Look in
Upon the children just for once: perchance
It will divert them somewhat."
"I will go,"
Said Siyawush, " to-morrow and perform The Shah's command. Behold I stand before thee Devoted, heart and soul, to do thy bidding. As thou requirest so will I behave, Thou art the world-lord ; I am but a slave."
§7 How Siydicush visited Suddba
One named Hirbad, purged heart and brain and soul
From evil, never left the Idol-house,
And kept the key. The Shah commanded him : —
" What time the sun shall draw the sword of day
Seek Siyawush and further his commands.
Instruct Siidaba to present to him
A gift of gems and musk, and let withal
His sisters and the slaves pour emeralds
And saffron over him."
When Sol o'ertopped
The mountains Siyawush approached the Shah And did obeisance. When they had conversed Awhile in private Kai Kaiis instructed Hirbad, then said to Siyawush : " Go with him And be prepared to look on something new."
The twain went off together merrily Without a thought of care ; but when Hirbad
KAI KAUS 203
Held up the veil that hung before the door v. 535
The mind of Siyawush foreboded ill.
The women came before him one and all
In festival attire to gaze at him ;
The house was full of musk, dinars, and saffron,
And at his feet they strewed drachms, gold, and gems :
The floor was covered with brocade of Chin
Enriched with lustrous pearls. Wine, scent, and voice
Of minstrelsy were there, all heads were crowned
With jewels ; 'twas like Paradise, replete
With lovely forms and sumptuous furniture.
Now Siyawush on entering the bower
Beheld a brightly shining, golden throne,
With patterns wrought in turquoise, royally
Draped with brocade. There sat moon-faced Siidaba,
Like Paradise itself in hue and perfume,
Sat like the bright Canopus of Yaman,
Her head adorned with ringlets, curl on curl.
Surmounted by a lofty crown her hair
Descended to her feet in musky lassos.
A slave stood humbly by with golden slippers.
When Siyawush appeared within the veil
Siidaba hastened to descend the throne,
Advanced with graceful gait, saluted him,
Embraced him long, long kissed his eyes and face,
And wearied not to look at him. She said : —
" I offer praise to God a hundred ways
All day and three whole watches of the night,
For no one hath a son resembling thee :
The Shah himself hath not another such."
Now Siyawush knew well what that love meant, And that such fondness was not in the way Of God, and, since it was unseemly there, Went quickly to his sisters, who enthroned him With many a blessing on a golden seat. He stayed awhile, then went back to the Shah. v. 536
204 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The bower was full of talk : the women said : — " Behold the head and crown of courtesy ! ' He is not/ thou hadst said, ' like other men : His soul diifuseth wisdom.' "
Siyawush
Came to his father's presence and spake thus :— " I have beheld the veil and what it hid. All good things in the world are thine, no need For thee to vindicate the ways of God Who dost in treasure, scimitars, and troops Surpass Hushang, Jamshid, and Faridiin."
The Shah joyed at the words. He decked his palace Like jocund spring, had wine and harp and things Prepared, and banned the future from the heart.
That night he went among his dames and talked Thus with Sudaba : " Hide not what thou thinkest About the judgment and the courtesy Of Siyawush, his stature, looks, and speech. Dost thou approve of him and is he wise ? Deserveth he what others say of him ? "
Sudaba answered : " Shah and people never Saw thy like on the throne, and who is there To match thy son ? Why speak with bated breath ? "
The Shah said : " If he is to live till manhood We must protect him from the evil eye." l
She said : " If my words please, and if thy son And I are minded that I should bestow A wife upon him out of his own kindred, Not from the great ones that are round about — A consort who shall bear to him a son Such as he is himself among the mighty — Then I myself have daughters like to thee, Begotten of thy seed, of thy pure stock ; Or should he take a child of Kai Arash, Or Kai Pashin, she would give thanks with joy."
1 Open praise, especially of the young, was regarded as unlucky.
KAI KAUS 205
He said to her : " It is my wish. My name v. 537
And greatness are dependent on the issue."
Next morning Siyawush approached the Shah, And called down blessings on the crown and throne. The monarch caused all strangers to depart And, speaking with his son in privacy, Said thus : " I have in me a secret longing, Inspired by God, the Maker of the world, That thou shouldst leave a memory of thy name, And that a king should issue from thy loins, That as my face refreshed at seeing thee, Thy heart should be enlarged at sight of him. I had thy horoscope to this effect From archimages that can read the stars, That from thy loins a king shall come and be
Thy monument. Now choose thyself a wife
Among the great from those within the veil
Of Kai Pashin or bower of Kai Arash ;
Make all things ready and bestow thy hand." He said : " I am the Shah's slave and I bow
My head before his counsel and behest.
His choice for me is good, whoe'er she be ;
The world-lord is a monarch o'er his slaves.
Would that Siidaba heard it not ! her words
Are otherwise, she hath no mind thereto ;
I cannot talk to her of this affair,
And have no business in that bower of hers." The Shah smiled at the words of Siyawush,
Not witting of the quag beneath the straw,
And said to him : " Thy wife must be thy choice.
Siidaba least of all need be considered,
Her words are full of loving-kindliness ;
She tendereth thy welfare."
Siyawush
Was gladdened by the words, and reassured
Began to speak the world-king's praise and pay
206 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Him reverence, falling down before the throne, Yet privily Siidaba with her schemes Still vexed and troubled him, for well he knew, And his skin burst : " This is her notion too ! "
§8
How Siydwush visited the Bower the second Time
V. 538 Another night thus passed and starry heaven Turned o'er dark earth. Siidaba radiant Sat on her throne and donned a diadem Of rubies. Then she summoned all her daughters, Arrayed, and seated them on golden thrones. Before her stood young Idols : thou hadst said : — " It is a paradise." The moon-faced lady Said to Hirbad : " Go say to Siydwush : — ' Afflict thy feet and show thyself to me.' "
Hirbad made speed to give that lover's message To Siyawush who, hearing, stood distraught, And oft invoked the Maker of the world. He sought in various ways but found no help ; He trembled, and his legs shook under him ; Then went to visit her and saw her state, Her face, and diadem. She with her head And tresses decked with gems rose at his coming, Gave up the throne of gold to him and, standing Slavelike, displayed her Idols — gems uncut. "Behold this throne-room," thus she said, "and all These handmaids with their golden coronets ! They all are youthful Idols of Taraz, Whom God hath formed of modesty and charms. If any one of them delighteth thee, Survey her looks and form from head to foot." While Siyawush was glancing lightly round There was not one who dared to catch his eye,
KAl KAUS 207
And as they talked they said : " The moon itself Would not presume to gaze upon this prince."
When each, in speculation on her chance, v. 539
Had gone back to her seat, Sudaba said : — " Why dost thou keep thy purpose to thyself ? Wilt thou not tell me what is thy desire,
0 thou whose looks are fairy-like with Grace ! For all are struck who catch a glimpse of thee, Preferring thee to any ? Ponder well Which of these beauties is the worthiest."
But Siyawush was moved and answered not, For thoughts like these arose in his pure heart : — " Far better hold my pure heart's funeral rites Than take a consort from among my foes.
1 have been told by famous warriors Of all the doings of Hamavaran,1 How he entreated the Iranian king,
And how he raised dust from the Iranian chiefs.
This treacherous Sudaba is his daughter,
And will not leave our kindred skin or marrow."
He opened not his lips to make reply. The fairy-faced one raised her veil and said : — " If one should see the new moon and the sun Here upon this new throne, it would not be A marvel if the moon should be despised, And thou shouldst press the sun in thine embrace. No wonder if the man that seeth me Upon the ivory throne, with rubies crowned And turquoise, should not look upon the moon, But think all other Beauties beautiless. If thou wilt make a compact with me now, Turn not away but set my heart at rest, One of my youthful daughters present here Will I make stand before thee like a slave.
i i.e. the king of Hjtmjtvanln — so King John, Act I. Sc. i. : " Now say, Chatillon, what would France with us ? "
2o8 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
So make a compact with me now by oath, And disregard no jot of what I say, That, when the Shah departeth from the world, Thou wilt be his memorial with me, Wilt never suffer me to come to harm, But hold me dear as life. And now behold ! v> 540 I stand before thee and I give to thee Myself and my sweet life. I will fulfil Whate'er thou asketh me — thy whole desire — And let my head be taken in thy toils."
She hung upon his neck, gave him a kiss, And of a truth forgot her modesty. He blushed ; the very lashes of his eyes Were red with shame. He thought : " From this div's
work
Now may the Lord of Saturn keep me far ! I will not treat my sire disloyally, Nor will I make a league with Ahriman. If I speak coldly to this wanton dame Her heart will seethe ; she will grow hot with rage, Make practice of some secret sorcery, And cause the world-lord to believe in her. 'Tis best to speak her fair and keep her full Of tenderness and longing."
Then he said :—
" Thou hast not any equal in the world, And art the rival of the moon itself In beauty : thou art for the Shah alone. As for myself thy daughter will suffice ; None other must be mine. Consent to this, Propose it to the monarch of Iran, And mark the answer that thou wilt receive. I will demand her and will covenant, And give a pledge before thee with my tongue, That till her stature equalleth mine own I will not think of any one besides.
KAI KAUS 209
For what thou askest further — since my face
Inspireth in thy soul a love for me —
God's Grace hath made me thus, 0 thou most fair !
Conceal thy secret ; speak of it to none :
For me too silence is the only course.
Thou art the chief of ladies and a queen,
And I will think of thee as mother only."
He spake these words and rose to go, but love Still filled her wicked soul. When next Kaus, The monarch, visited the women's bower, v. 541
Siidaba looked and saw him. She appeared Before the Shah with news of what had passed, And spake thus of the case of Siyawush : — " He came and looked all round the hall. I made A bevy of the black-eyed Idols there. The hall was such with all the fair-faced girls That thou hadst said: 'Love raineth from the
moon ! '
But, save my daughter, he approved of none : No other fair was precious in his eyes."
The Shah was so rejoiced that thou hadst said : — '' The moon itself hath come to his embrace ! " He oped his treasury's door : a wealth of gems, Brocade of cloth of gold, and golden girdles, As well as bracelets, crowns, and signet-rings, With thrones and torques such as the noble wear, And divers kinds of treasures were displayed, So that the world was filled with things of price. The Shah then bade Siidaba : " Keep all these For Siyawush. When he hath need of them, Give them to him and say : ' This gift is small ; Thou shouldest have two hundred times as much.' "
Siidaba looked in wonder. Full of guile She thought : " If Siyawush complieth not, Then he may take my life and welcome too. Each practice good and evil, which they use
VOL. ii. o
210 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
By stealth or openly throughout the world, Will I employ ; and, should he slight me, bring A charge accusing him before the king."
§9
How Siydwusli visited the Bower the third Time
Stidaba sat enthroned, adorned with earrings
And chaplet of wrought gold upon her head.
She called the prince and said, as they conversed : —
" The Shah hath set these treasures forth, and none
Hath seen such crowns and thrones. The sum of
gifts v. 542 Is past all reckoning : to carry them
Thou wouldst require two hundred elephants,
And I will give to thee rny daughter too.
Now look upon my face and head and crown :
What pretext hast thou to reject my love,
And slight my face and person ? I am dead
Not seeing thee ; I cry out, toss, and suffer :
The light of day is hidden by mine anguish,
My sun is turned to lapis-lazuli.
And now for seven years this love of mine
Hath made my face to run with tears of blood.
Make me a happy woman — none shall know —
Vouchsafe to me a day of youth again.
More than the great king hath bestowed on thee
Will I prepare thee — thrones, crowns, diadems ;
But if thou turn aside from my behest,
And if thy heart come not to my relief,
I will destroy thy hope of ever reigning
And make both sun and moon turn black before
thee."
" Now God forbid," he said, " that I should give Religion to the winds for passion's sake,
KAI KAUS 211
That I should treat my sire disloyally,
And be a coward and a fool at once !
Thou art his wife — the sunlight of his throne —
And shouldst not perpetrate a crime like this."
She rose in wrath and hate, clutched him and
cried : —
" I told thee my heart's secret, but thine own Was hidden ! In thy folly thou dost aim To ruin me and show the wise my shame."
§ 10 How Suddla beguiled Kcius
She rent her robes and tore her cheeks. A cry
Rose from her bower, her clamour reached the street.
The palace was all hubbub ; thou hadst said : — v 543
" 'Tis Resurrection-night ! " News reached the Shah,
Who hurried from the imperial golden throne
Toward the bower in his solicitude,
And when he found Siidaba with rent cheeks,
And all the palace full of babblement,
He questioned every one in deep concern,
Not knowing what that Heart of stone had done.
Siidaba wailed and wept before him, tore
Her hair, and told him : " Siyawush approached
My throne. He caught me in his arms and cried : —
* My soul and body brim with love for thee.
Oh ! why art thou so cold to me, my fair !
For thou art all I long for, thou alone ? '
This is the truth — I am constrained to tell thee : —
'Twas he that threw the crown from my black locks,
And rent the robe upon my bosom thus ! "
The Shah was troubled, asked her many questions, And thought : " If she saith sooth, and if she hath
212 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
No evil end in view, I must cut off The head of Siyawush : that will unlock These bonds of villainy."
What saith the sage ? " Not lust but blood our thoughts must now engage."
The inmates of the bower, those well advised And noble servants faithful to their lord, He bade withdraw and, sitting on the throne Alone, called for Siidaba and his son, And wisely said to him : " I needs must know This secret. 'Twas not thou but I that wrought The ill. I suffer for my thoughtless words : Why did I call thee to the women's house ? Now I am grieved that thou art thus involved. Let me have all the truth, show me its face, And say what passed."
544 The prince related all,
And how he had been wrought on by Siidaba. She cried : " It is a lie. Of all the Idols It was my person only that he sought ; I told him what the king of earth proposed To give him publicly and privily, Told him about my daughter and the crown, The precious things, brocade, and treasure-hoards. I told him : ' I will add as much again, And give my daughter all that I possess.' He said to me : ' I do not want the goods, And do not mean to see thy child. Of all The world,' he said, ' I need but thee — no more. No wealth or personage availeth aught Without thine own self.' Then he tried to force me, And handled me with hands as hard as stones. I would not grant his wishes. All my hair He tore and caused these scratches on my face. I am with child, 0 monarch of the world ! By thee, but he was near to killing it
KAI KAUS 213
With all his struggles, and the world was strait And dark before me."
Then the great king thought : — The testimony of them both is worthless, And this is not a case for instancy, Because a heart in straits perverteth wisdom. I needs must first investigate the matter, And when my heart is calm it will bear witness ; I shall discover which is in the wrong, And which of them deserveth punishment."
He sought all means of finding out the truth, And first he smelt the hands of Siyawush, His breast, his arms, his head, and all his person. A scent of wine, rose-water, and fine musk Was on Siidaba, but on Siyawush Was none, nor any sign that he had touched her. The Shah was troubled, he disgraced Siidaba, And sorely vexed said to himself : " No course v. 545
Remaineth but to put her to the sword."
Then he bethought him of Hamavaran, How tumult, strife, and battle would ensue ; Next, how, when he was lying there in bonds And none of all his kin and friends was near, Siidaba was his handmaid day and night, And faced the trouble uncomplainingly. His next thought was : " She loved me wholly once : I must forgive her everything," and then That he had children by her, and he counted The anguish of the children no light thing. But Siyawush was blameless in the case, The monarch recognised his probity, And said to him : " Be not concerned hereat ; Be prudent and consider well thy going. Talk not about this thing, tell it to none ; The matter must be kept from every one."
214 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Row Siiddba and a Sorceress devised a Scheme
Sudaba, conscious that she was disgraced
And that the Shah's heart was estranged from her,
Sought in her evil case some remedy,
And set anew the tree of her revenge.
She had a woman in the bower, adept
In charms and spells, deceit and artifice,
And one moreover who was great with child,
Near to the time of her delivery.
Sudaba told her all and sought her aid,
But said : " First give a pledge of thy good faith."
Sudaba took her pledge, gave her much gold, And said : " Make mention of this thing to none. Prepare a drug that thou mayest make abortion, Remain concealed, and keep my secret close. It may be that my coil of many lies May gain some credit through this babe of thine, For I will tell Kails : ' This is my child, Thus murdered by the hand of Ahriman ! ' V. 546 This, it may be, will baffle Siyawush ; So seek a way to compass it. If thou Refusest then my lustre with the Shah Is dimmed : I shall no more approach the throne."
The woman said to her : " I am thy slave, And bow my head to thy command and will."
When it was night the woman took the drug And gave birth to a brood of Ahrimans — Two children as they had been div-begotten : What should a sorceress and a div produce ? Then, saying nothing to her servitors,1 Sudaba had a golden salver brought Whereon she laid those brats of Ahriman,
1 Reading with P.
KAI KAUS 215
And shrieked and flung herself upon a couch.
She hid the woman and retired to bed :
Her wailing reached the palace from her chamber.
Then all the slaves within the palace came
In haste before Sudaba, they beheld
Two infants lying dead upon the salver,
And cries rose o'er the palace and o'er Saturn.
The sound of wailing reached and woke Kaiis
Who listened trembling, asked, and heard how fortune
Had dealt with his fair spouse. Sleepless and anxious
He rose at dawn, went in and saw Sudaba
Prostrate, the women frantic, and two babes
In evil plight, flung on a golden salver !
Sudaba rained the water from her eyes,
And said : " Behold this bright sun — Siyawush !
I often told thee of his evil deeds,
But thou didst foolishly believe his words."
The heart of Shah Kaiis was filled with doubt, He went his way, remained a while in thought, Then said : " What remedy shall I apply ? I must not treat the case with levity."
§ 12 Hoiv Kdus inquired into the Matter of the Babes
Kaiis then summoned all the astrologers V. 547
Before him, welcomed them, assigning each
A golden throne, and spake about Sudaba,
And of the warfare with Hamavardn,
That they might have a knowledge of her case,
And understand her conduct thoroughly ;
He also spake at large about the children,
But kept his own suspicions to himself.
They then took planispheres and astrolabes,
And having spent a sennight on the business
216 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Said : " How can wine be in a cup which thou
Hast filled with poison ? These are spurious children,
Not from this mother and the monarch's loins :
We should have found them on the planisphere
With ease if they had been of royal race,
But know that heaven revealeth not their secret,
Nor is this wonder of the earth."
They told
The Shah and court of that foul, wicked woman. Siidaba wailed and oried aloud for justice, She called upon the world-lord for redress, And said : " I was the comrade of the Shah When he had suffered and had lost the throne. My heart is tortured for my murdered babes, And ever and anon I swoon away."
v, 548 The Shah replied : " O woman ! hold thy peace !
Why dost thou utter such offensive words ? "
He gave commandment that the troops on guard Should search the city and the neighbouring parts, And bring the wicked woman to the court. The experienced searchers soon discovered her, Haled the unhappy woman through the streets, And carried her in shame before the Shah, Who questioned her with kindness, held out hopes, And made her promises for many days, Howbeit she confessed not anything.
The noble Shah was still dissatisfied, And gave command to bear her forth and use All means and work by spells, and in the end To cut her down the middle with a saw If she persisted, as is common justice. They bore her from the palace of the Shah, And threatened her with sword and stake and pit. The sorceress answered : " I am innocent. What can I say before this noble court ? "
They told the monarch of the woman's words,
KAI KAUS 217
And added : " God alone doth know the truth."
The great king bade Sudaba come to him ; The readers of the stars re-said their say : — " Both babes are clearly children of the witch, Begotten from the loins of Ahriman."
Sudaba said : " They know a different tale, But dare not speak for fear of Siyawush, Who privily hath tied them down to silence. The lions quake in troops for fear of him, v- 549
This chieftain of the elephantine form, Who hath the strength of eighty elephants, And stayeth at his will the river Nile ! A noble host, a hundred thousand strong, Take flight before him in the ranks of war ! How shall I stand against him ? In good sooth Mine eyes will evermore weep tears of blood. What have the readers of the stars to do Save his command and seek his approbation ? While as for thee — thou mournest not thy babes, Albeit they are thine as much as mine. If thou believest such a foolish charge I leave the question to the other world."
The sun withdraweth from the river Nile Less water than Sudaba shed in tears. The Shah was sorely troubled at her speech ; He joined with her in weeping bitterly, And then, and with a broken heart, dismissed her. He brooded constantly upon the matter, And said : " I will investigate it throughly, And find out what the bottom of it is."
He summoned all the archmages of the realm, And spake about Sudaba. One replied : — " The monarch's grief will not remain a secret. If thou wouldst clear up what hath been alleged On each side, throw a stone and break the pitcher, Because, however dear his son may be,
218 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The Shah's heart will be still disturbed by thoughts, While this king's daughter of Hamavaran Hath made thee doubtful on the other side. Such being then the statements of the pair Let one of them be made to pass through fire, Because high heaven ordaineth that no harm Shall in this way befall the innocent."
The world-lord called Sudaba, seated her With Siyawush to parley oh the case, And said at last : " My heart and my shrewd mind Trust neither of you ; fire will show the truth, And quickly make the guilty infamous." v- 55o Sudaba answered : " What I said is true ;
I showed the Shah two babes untimely born : What greater outrage can there be than mine ? 'Tis Siyawush that ought to right himself: He sought to ruin me and did the wrong."
The king of earth then asked his youthful son : — " What seemeth good to thee as touching this ? "
He answered : " Such a charge is worse than Hell ! I would pass o'er a mountain all aflame, 'Twere baseness not to rid me of this shame."
§ 13
How Siyawush passed through the Fire
The thoughts of Kai Kaus ran on them both ;
He said : " If either prove a profligate
Will any henceforth call me Shah ? Moreover
My son and wife are blood and brain to me ;
Whom then will this perplexing business profit ?
Still it is best*to purify my heart
From foul surmise and take this dreadful course.
How well the moralizing monarch said : —
KAI KAUS 219
' If thou art faint of heart play not the king ! '" l
He gave instructions to his minister To have a hundred caravans of camels Brought from the plain. These went to gather firewood, While all the people of Iran looked on, Till two huge mountains rose that might be seen Two leagues away ; so should a key be found To loose the bonds of bale, so much he yearned v- 55 *
To learn the truth amid this fraud and wrong.
When thou hast heard the story thou wilt find Thyself disposed to shun all womankind ; Seek none of them except the virtuous ; she That worketh ill will bring disgrace on thee.
They piled two mounts of firewood on the plain While all the folk looked on. . A path was left Such that a horseman armed might hardly pass Between the piles. This done, the glorious Shah Bade pour black naphtha over all the wood. Came ten score men to light and blow the fire, And thou hadst said : ' The day is turned to night.' When first they blew there was a mass of smoke, But presently the tongues of fire rose fast ; The earth became more radiant than the sky, The people shouted and the flames ascended. All that were on the plain were scorched and wept To see the cheery face of Siyawush, Who came before his sire with golden helmet, And raiment all of white. His mien was tranquil, His face all smiles, his heart all hopefulness ; His black steed's hoofs sent dust up to the moon. The prince then sprinkled camphor o'er himself, So bodies are prepared for burial,2
1 Faridun. See vol. i. p. 188.
2 "Alp-Arselan determined not to survive defeat. He made a display of pious resignation to his fate, ... by clothing himself in a white robe, or shroud, perfumed with musk." — MHP, i. 211.
220 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSt
And lighting from his charger did obeisance. The Shah was shame-faced and his words were kind. " Be not discomfited," said Siyawush, " That fortune taketh such a turn as this. I am dishonoured : such a state is ruin. If I am innocent I shall escape, While if in fault the Maker will not heed me ; V. 552 But by the power of God who giveth good I shall not feel the heat."
As he drew near
The flames he prayed the Judge that hath no needs : — " Grant me a passage through this mount of fire, And free me from my sire's misprision."
Thus
He testified the anguish of his soul, Then urged his black steed on like smoke. A wail Ascended from the city and the waste, For all the people grieved at what was done. Siidaba heard the wailing on the plain, Went to the palace-roof, descried the blaze, Wished ill to him, and babbled feverishly. The people fixed their eyes upon Kaiis ; Their tongues wagged freely and their hearts were
wroth.
Meanwhile the prince so handled his black charger That thou hadst said : " His steed took to the fire." From every side the flames closed o'er his head, And none could see his helmet or his horse, While all the plain wept tears of blood and asked : — " How will he ever issue from the flames ? "
The noble hero nathless reappeared, With rosy cheeks and smiles upon his lips. A roar went up as men caught sight of him : They cried : " The young Shah cometh from the fire ! "
He came with horse and raiment such that thou Hadst said : " He beareth jasmine in his breast."
KAI KAUS 221
Had flame been water he had not been wetted, His garments would have holden none of it ; For when all-holy God doth so vouchsafe The breath of fire is even as the wind. The horsemen of the host urged on their steeds, While all the people on the plain threw drachms Before him ; there was universal joy Among the mighty and the mean alike
As each to other gave the gladsome tidings : — v. 553
" God hath shown mercy to the innocent." Meanwhile Sudaba in her frenzy plucked Her hair, wept bitterly, and tore her cheeks. When all unsmirched, unsinged, unstained, un-
led,
The guiltless Siyawush approached, his sire And all the warriors of the host alighted ; But Siyawush with cheek upon the ground Gave thanks to God that he had been delivered Out of that burning mount, and had confounded His foes' device. Then said the Shah : " Brave
youth,
Of stainless lineage and ardent soul 3 None but a holy mother bringeth forth A son like thee, and such should rule the world."
Then clasped he Siyawush against his breast, Excused his own ill conduct, and in state Moved palace-ward. He took his seat rejoicing, And placed the royal crown upon his head. He had wine brought, the minstrels called, and
granted
The prince whate'er he would. The Shah prolonged Those revels for three days : till they were o'er No lock or key was at the treasury-door.
222 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
How Siydwush begged Buddha's Life of his father
Katis the fourth day sat upon the throne Of kings ; an ox-head mace was in his hand. Fierce in his wrath he had Sudaba summoned Before him, told her what had passed, and said : — " Thou art a shameless woman ! Thou hast wrought Enough of ill and grieved me to the heart. What part is this that thou hast played throughout In treacherously seeking my son's life, In causing him to be exposed to fire, And practising such witchcraft ? No excuses Will now avail thee ; go and get thee ready ; Thou art not fit to live. The punishment For such a crime as this is to be hanged." - 554 She said : " 0 Shah ! forbear to heap up fire
Upon my head. If I perforce must lose it In vengeance for the wrong which I have . . . suffered, Command ... I am resigned. Yet put revenge Away. Let Siyawush declare the truth, And quench the fires within thee. He hath used All ZaPs own sorceries herein, and therefore The fierce flames harmed him not."
She said withal
To Siyawush : " Thou usest witchcraft still ! Shall not thy back of impudence be bent ? "
The great Shah asked the Iranians : " For the evil That she hath done by stealth, what shall I do ? How shall I punish her ? "
All did obeisance,
And said : " The punishment for her is death : She ought to suffer for her evil deeds."
He bade the deathsman : " Hang her in the street
KAI KAUS 223
Upon the gibbet and be pitiless." x
At her abandonment the women wailed, And Shah Kaiis was sorrowful of heart; He strove to hide it but his cheeks were pale. " Let not thy heart," said Siyawush, " be troubled, But pardon for my sake Sudaba's fault ; She may be warned and walk advisedly." " For if," he thought, " she perish by his hand He will be sorry for it in the end, And see in me the author of his grief." 2
The Shah, who had been seeking some excuse For mercy, answered him : " I grant thee this Because I see that right was on thy side."
When Siyawush had kissed his father's throne V. 555
He rose upon his feet, went to the door, Brought back Siidaba, and escorted her Home to the palace by the Shah's command, Where all the women ran to her again, And did obeisance.
Now in time the heart Of Shah Kaiis so warmed to her that he Could not forbear to eye her face in love, While, for her part, by secret sorceries She worked on him to ruin Siyawush According to the evil of her nature. The Shah became mistrustful through her talk, But spake not aught thereof to any one.
When such events are happening men require Faith, knowledge, wisdom, and the sense of right, For in proportion as they keep in sight
The fear of God they reach their heart's desire. Expect not foolishly that thou shalt find
Balm in a place that fate hath filled with bane, And if Creation be not to thy mind,
1 More literally, " and frown."
2 " Let not . . . grief." The order of the couplets is as in C.
224 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
It is not in thy charge. Thy wrath restrain. Besides the manner of the turning sky Is not to show its visage openly. Here saith our guide : " Of all affections none
Hath greater influence than kindred love, And he who hath achieved a worthy son
Must from his own heart woman's love remove, Because with her the heart and tongue ne'er meet : Look for her head if thou wouldst find her feet."
How Kdus heard of the Coming of Afrdsiydb
The Shah was deep in love when news arrived : — " Afrasiyab hath come with five score thousand Picked Turkman cavaliers."
v- 556 He grieved to quit
The banquet- hall for war, but called his lieges, And said : " Of fire and water, earth and air, In sooth God did not make Afrasiyab, But otherwise, who swore so great an oath, And promised fairly with his tongue, yet now Is gathering his men of war like dust, And turning from his oath and covenant ! I must go seek revenge and dim his day, Perchance destroy his influence in the world ; Else, sudden as the arrow from the bow, He will array his host, o'ercome f ran, And waste no little of its fields and fells."
" What is an army for," the archmages said, " If thou must go in person to the fight ? What need to give such riches to the* winds, And ope the portal of so great a hoard ? Twice in thy haste thy throne's illustrious seat Hast thou delivered to thine enemies ;
KAI KAtlS 22$
Choose some good paladin renowned in war To take thy place and execute revenge."
The Shah replied : " I see none here that hath The rank or might to meet Afrasiyab, And therefore like a vessel o'er the water Must I set forth myself. Depart, that I May order matters with my counsellors."
Then Siyawush considered in his heart, Made of his soul a very wood of thoughts, And said : " I will conduct this war myself ; I will entreat the Shah and ask this boon. Perchance All-righteous God will set me free Both from Siidaba and my sire's distrust : To snare so great a host will bring me fame."
He girt himself, went to Kaiis, and said : — v. 557
" I am of rank to fight Afrasiyab, And will bring down his horsemen's Jieads to dust."
The Maker's purpose was that Siyawush Should perish in Tiiran by vile men's plots When his ill day should come. The Shah consented To his request with joy, bespake him fair, Bestowed on him new dignities, and said : — " My gems and treasures are at thy disposal, And thou mayst say the arrny is thine own."
The monarch summoned elephantine Rustam, And said to him with many gracious words : — •' An elephant hath not such strength as thou, The Nile is not so bounteous as thy hand. Thou art of world-renown and slow to speak, Thou who wast fosterer of Siyawush ! When mines of jewels are bound down with iron They open when thou bindest up thy loins. Now Siyawush hath come with belted waist And, like a savage lion, talked with me : His object is to fight Afrasiyab. Go with him, keep him underneath thine eye ;
VOL. n. i>
226 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
When thou art watching I can go to sleep,
But when thou restest I must be alert.
Thine arrows and thy scimitar safeguard
The world : thou towerest o'er the moon in heaven.'
The peerless Rustam said : " I am thy slave ; To hear is to obey, for Siyawush Is as mine eye and soul, his crown's top heaven To me."
The Shah applauded him : " May thy Pure soul and wisdom ne'er part company."
§ 16 How Siyawush led forth the Host
v. 558 A clang of trump and kettledrum arose
As Tiis, the illustrious captain of the host,
Arrived, and troops assembled at the court.
The Shah unlocked his treasures and dinars,
He sent the keys of all his magazines
Of arms, of armour, and of stuffs uncut
To Siyawush, and said : " My house and goods
Are thine, equip thee as thou thinkest best."
Then from his famous cavaliers Kaiis Chose him twelve thousand gallant warriors, While from the neighbourhood of Kuch and Pars, Baliich and from the desert of Sariich And warriors of Gilan, he chose for war Twelve thousand infantry and buckler-men. All that were hero-born throughout Iran, The gallant, wise, and noble, all who had The stature and the years of Siyawush, With courage, vigilance, and self-command, Some also of the mighty men of name — Bahram and Zanga son of Shawaran, — And five archmages of the Iranians
I. JJ,
227
To bear the flag of Kawa to the field,
These he commanded to go forth together
Beyond the borders to the desert- plain :
Thou wouldst have said : " There is no room still left
On earth for horses' hoofs to stand upon."
The flag of Kawa lifted to the sky
Shone like a moon amid the troops. Kaiis
Went with them past the frontier, while the dust
Raised by the host rolled swiftly. He reviewed
The warriors with their bridal bravery
Of elephants of war and tymbal-din ;
The noble monarch blessed the host and said : —
" 0 men of name whose steps are glorious !
Good fortune be your sole companion :
May darkness fall upon your foemen's' sight.
Be it yours to go with health and favouring stars, V. 559
And come back triumphing and glad."
The prince
Then set the drums upon the elephants, Bestrode his steed, and bade his warriors mount, While Shah Kaiis with tearful eyes went forward One day's march with him. Then the twain embraced, Both of them weeping like a cloud in spring. They poured down tears of blood and cried aloud In their distress, for as they went along Their hearts gave witness to them that thenceforth They should not look upon each other more. Thus fortune ever changeth, and our gain Therefrom is sometimes balm and sometimes bane.
Kaiis turned toward his throne, and Siyawush Marched with his warlike army from f ran Toward Zabulistan to visit Zal With Rustam of the elephantine form ; And there with Zal, the favourite of fortune, He spent some time with wine and minstrelsy. At whiles he drank with Rustam and at whiles
228 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Consorted with Zawara, sat rejoicing
Upon the throne of Zal or drew the reed-beds.
A month so passed. Then leaving Zal he marched
With Rustam as his paladin, and warriors
Drawn from Zabul, Kabul, and Hind. Moreover
He summoned famous chiefs from every quarter
Until he reached the desert of Harat.
These furnished footmen not a few. He made
Their leader Zanga son of Shawaran,
And marched toward Talikan and the Marvrud.
Thou wouldst have said : " The heaven greeteth him.""
Anon he came to Balkh, and injured none
E'en by a bitter word.1
On the other side
Barman and Garsiwaz led on their power As 'twere a tempest. Sipahram commanded The rear, Barman the van. To them there came News of the youthful chief: " A mighty host — Famed warriors all — hath issued from Iran." v- 56o The captain of the host despatched by night
A messenger to tell Afrasiyab : — " A great and gallant host hath come. Its head Is Siyawush, and there are other princes. The marshaller is elephantine Rustam, Whose hands bear one a sword and one a shroud. If now the monarch so commandeth me, I will array the host and offer battle ; But do thou gather troops and tarry not, Because the wind is blowing up the flames."
The bearer of the tidings and his guide, As they were bidden, urged their dromedaries Like fire, while Siyawush made no delay And marched his army on like wind to Balkh. The Iranian host drew near ; it was not well To wait an answer from Afrasiyab,
1 See vol. i. p. 74.
KAI KAUS 229
Liid Garsiwdz the warrior looking round
5erceived no course except to offer battle, when the army of Iran came up
'he fight began about the gates of Balkh, rhere in three clays were two great battles fought. The fourth clay Siyawush, the army's Lustre, Sent infantry against each several gate ; The mighty army entered into Balkh, While Sipahrain fled o'er the stream, and then Toward Afrasiyab with all his men.
§ 17 The Letter of SiydivusU to Kai Kdus
The prince and army having entered Balkh, He wrote on silk with spicery and musk In fitting style a letter to the Shah,
Beginning with the praise of the Almighty: — V. 561
" From Him are triumph and success Who is The Lord of sun and circling moon, and giveth Crown, throne, and casque their lustre, whom He will Exalting or dejecting, ordering Without a why or wherefore, though 'tis wise To acquiesce. From that just Judge who made The world, who made the seen and the unseen, May every blessing be upon the Shah, All good attend him to the last. I came To Balkh with joy and triumph through the Grace Of him who hath the crown and throne — the world- lord.
We fought three days, the fourth God favoured us ; Barman and Sipahram fled toward Tirmid, Like arrows from the bow. I am encamped On the Jihun, my glorious helm prevaileth.
230 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Afrasiyab is with his host at Sughd, While we are still upon the Iranian side ; But, if the Shah shall bid me, I will go Across the river and attack the foe."
§ 18
The Answer of Kai Kdus to the Letter of Siydivusli
The letter reached the Shah. It raised his crown And throne to Saturn, and he prayed to God That this young Tree might come to bearing fruit ; Then wrote with joy this letter of reply, Like shining spring or jocund Paradise: — " Now through the Maker of the sun and moon — The World-lord who bestoweth crown and throne — Mayst thou for ever have a joyful heart, One painless and untroubled, and therewith Be thine the victory, and thine the Grace, The cap of power and throne of majesty. Thou leddest forth an army to the war With prosperous fortune and a righteous cause, v. 562 And though thy lip still savoureth of milk The whippings of thy bow burst in the fight ! May thy bright heart attain its every wish, And may thy person ever keep its prowess ! Since thou hast won a victory repose Is needed for a season, but disband not, Proceed still further, and improve the occasion, Because this^Turkman is a cunning knave, A man of high birth but an Ahriman, Albeit he possesseth crown and power, Affronting with his head the sun and moon. Be not in any haste to challenge fight ; Afrasiyab will come to fight with thee, And, if he cross Jihim, will trail his skirt
KAI KAUS 231
In blood."
He sealed this, called the messenger, And gave it with injunctions to return. The messenger sped over hill and dale, And came to Siyawush who, when he saw The letter, was rejoiced and kissed the ground, Put off the bondage of anxiety, And carefully observed the Shah's commands, Not swerving from his duty as a liege.
Thereafter Garsiwaz, the lion-man, Approached the monarch of Tiiran, like dust, And told this grievous and unwelcome tale : — " The chieftain Siyawush arrived at Balkh With Rustam as his marshaller, with troops Past count, and many men of name and leading. They had full fifty men to one of ours — Proud warriors, wielders of the buffalo-mace. Their footmen were like fire, and had shield, quiver, V, 563 And shaft. The eagle soared not o'er their dust. They had no drowsy heads, and this we proved Three days and nights, and then our troops lost
heart ;
But with the Iranians he who needed rest Retired forthwith from where the brave were
fighting,
And after having slumbered rose refreshed To make him ready for the fight again."
Afrasiyab raged like a fire. He quitted The stead of his tranquillity and slumber ; He glared at Garsiwaz, and thou hadst said :— " Afrasiyab will sunder him in twain ! " Then in a fury that he could not master He cried aloud and drave his brother out. Anon he bade a thousand of the lords Be summoned and a festival prepared. They put up hangings over all the waste,
232 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
And decked all Sughd with ornaments of Chin : The day thus passed away with happiness. Now when the Eye that lighteth earth had gone From sight, they hasted to take sleep and rest Except the king, who tossed about distrest.
§ 19 How Afrdsiydl had a Dream and was afraid
As night advanced Afrasiyab cried out, And shook upon his bed like one with ague, While slaves sprang up and sounded the alarm. V. 564 Whenas the tidings came to Garsiwaz : — "The glory of the kingdom is obscured," He hasted to the presence of the king, Beheld him lying on the dusty floor, Embraced him, questioned him, and said : " Come tell Thy brother all."
He answered : " Ask me not, Speak not to me till I regain some wits, But take and clasp me to thy breast awhile."
Anon on coming to himself he saw A world of lamentation and of hubbub. They lighted candles and he took his seat, Still shaking like a bough, upon the throne. Then said to him aspiring Garsiwaz : — " Unlock thy lips and tell us this strange thing."
He answered : " None will see a vision such As I have looked upon this darksome night : I have not heard of such from young or old. i saw in sleep a desert full of serpents, The sky all eagles and the ground all dust, And so parched up that thou hadst said : ' The heaven Hath not looked on it since the world began.' Upon one side my tent-enclosure stood,
KAI KAUS 233
And round it was a host of warriors.
A dust-storin rose and laid my standard low,
Blood surged around, the tents and tent-enclosure
Were overthrown, while of my countless troops
The heads were lopped, the bodies spurned aside.
Came like a blast an army from fran,
What spears they bore and what artillery !
There was a head impaled on every spear,
Another was in every horseman's lap.
A hundred thousand of them sable-clad,
And wielding spears, came charging at my throne.
They drave me from the place where I was sitting,
Made my hands fast, and hurried me along.
I looked around me well and many a time, v. 565
But none of mine own kin was present there.
A haughty and illustrious paladin
Bore me before Kaus the Shah in haste.
A throne was there ; its summit reached the moon,
And on the throne was seated Shah Kaus,
The hero, while a youth with moonlike cheeks
Was seated near to him — a youth whose years
Had not yet reached fourteen, who, when he saw
Me standing there before his presence bound,
Came rushing at me like a thundering cloud,
And clave me to the middle with his sword.
I shouted loudly in mine agony,
And with the crying and the pain awoke."
" The king's dream," answered Garsiwaz, " accordeth To that which his well-wishers would desire.1 Thy purposes, thy crown, and throne shall stand, The fortunes of thy foes be overthrown. We need a man that can interpret dreams, One who hath pondered much this kind of lore. Now let us call the wise, all who may be Skilled in astrology and grammarye."
1 Garsiwaz suggests that dreams go by contraries.
234 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI '
§ 20 How Afrdsiyab inquired of the Sages concerning his Dream
From far and near the learned in this lore Assembled at the court to hear the questions. The king gave audience, placed them in due rank Before him, spake of matters great and small With each, and then addressed the company, The priests, the sages, and astrologers : — " Tell no one openly or as a secret This dream of mine, or what I now shall say. I will not leave the head upon the trunk Of him who breathe th aught of this affair."
He gave them gold and silver past compute That they might feel assured, then told his dream. V. 566 The sages, having heard the monarch's words, Asked in alarm protection at his hands, And said : " We cannot read this dream aright Unless the king with his own mouth shall promise That he will do us justice when we tell What seemeth us."
He promised not to harm
Or to impute the ill to them. Their spokesman, One shrewd exceedingly and skilled to deal With delicate affairs, said : " King of the world ! I will reveal this secret. From Iran An army cometh mighty and alert, The chiefs are brave, the leader is a prince With many world-experienced counsellors, Who by his horoscope, though not a Shah, Will wreck our land. If now the king shall fight With Siyawush earth will be like brocade, And not a Turkman will survive ; the king Will grieve at having fought with him, for though Thy hand will slay him, realm and throne will cease
KAI KAUS 235
Within Turan, and earth be tilled with strife, Revenge, and combat on account of him. Thou shalt bethink thee that my rede is true What time thy lands lie waste for lack of people. Although the king become a flying bird He cannot pass the sky, which as it turneth Is full at whiles of hate, at whiles of love."
The king grew sad and hasted not to fight, But told to Garsiwaz the secret, adding : — " None will seek vengeance if I fight him not ; v- 567
Thus both shall live, and men will cease from strife And woe ; Kaiis will not desire revenge Upon me, and the earth will not be troubled. Instead of war and quest of world-wide rule Be all my dealings peaceful. I will send him Gold, silver, crown and throne, and precious gems, For Minuchihr divided earth amiss And took too small a portion, wherefore I Will give up some assigned to me at first, And then mine ills will haply pass from me, Else will my soul, I fear me, fade away. When I sew up the eye of fate with treasures It well may be that heaven will grant me peace. I only wish for that which is mine own, And let the harvest be as heaven hath sown."
§21 How Afrdsiydb took Counsel with the Nolles
Now when the sky had half revolved, and when The shining sun displayed its face once more, The mighty men betook themselves to court With covered heads to offer their respects. Afrasiyab convoked the experienced sages, And thus addressed them : " It hath been my lot To see no desert but that made by war,
236 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
And many great ones of the Iranians Have perished by my hand upon the field. What cities have been turned to hospitals ! What beds of roses into brakes of brambles ! V. 568 What uplands have I made my battle-grounds ! My troops have left their traces everywhere. It is because unjust kings rule the world That good of every kind is vanishing. No onagers are breeding in their season Upon the plains ; hawks rear a sightless brood ; Milk faileth in the udders of the game ; The water in the springs is turned to pitch, And they are drying up throughout the world ; Musk- bags no longer yield the scent of musk ; All that is right is frayed by villainy, And population faileth everywhere. My heart is satiate of strife and outrage : Fain would I walk the path of godliness. Then be we just and wise again ; let pleasures Stand in the place of misery and travail. For our part let us give the world some respite ; Death should not come upon men unawares. The more' part of the world is at my feet : My court is in Iran and in Tiiran, For see how many of the mighty men Bring heavy tribute to me year by year ! Now if it be your minds I will dispatch An embassy to Rustam, and forthwith Knock at the door of peace with Siyawush, And send him every kind of precious gift."
The chieftains gave their answers one by one : All were for peace and amity. They said : — " Thou art the monarch and we are thy slaves, With hearts devoted to perform thy hest."
The councillors dispersed with minds intent On justice, with no thought of strife and turmoil.
KAI KAUS 237
Then said Afrasiyab to Garsiwaz : —
" Make all thy preparations for the journey
With speed, and tarry not upon the road.
Choose out two hundred horsemen from the host,
And carry precious things to Siyawush
From all the divers treasures in our hoard.
Take Arab steeds with golden furniture
And Indian scimitars with golden sheaths^
A crown of jewels that a king might wear, v. 569
A hundred camel-loads of carpeting,
And take two hundred slaves both boys and girls.
Say thus to him: ' I have no quarrel with thee.'
Hold converse with him and bespeak him thus : —
' I do not set my face against Iran.
All from the bank of the Jihun to Chin
Is mine, my home is Sughd — a realm distinct.
In truth it is through Tiir and valiant Salm
That all the world is thus turned upside down,
And since the innocent fraj was slain
Our warriors' brains have lost their wits. Iran
Is not divided from Turan, but wars
And feuds prevented friendship. Now I trust
That God will give good days and joyful news.
He raised thee from the country of Iran,
And giveth thee the friendship of the brave.
Let thy fair fortune dower the world with peace,
Let war and every evil disappear.
Now Garsiwaz hath come to add his wits
To thine, and as the valiant Faridun
Erst shared the world among his gallant sons,
So be it now. Let us adopt his rede,
And turn our feet from battle and revenge.
Thou art a Shah thyself ; speak to the Shah :
Perchance his warlike purpose may relax.'
Speak also unto elephantine Kustam
In fair words, plying him with arguments,
238 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
And, that the business may be carried through, Give gifts to him like those to Siyawush, Except a golden throne; no Shah is he; Thrones are above a paladin's degree."
§ 22
How Garsiwaz came to Siyawush
So Garsiwaz with those rich gifts, which made V. 570 Earth's face look gay, sped on to the Jihun, And there chose one to go to Siyawush, And say thus : " Garsiwaz hath come in state, Hath crossed the river in a single day By boat, and hastened on the road to Balkh."
The envoy came and gave the prince the message. Then Siyawush called elephantine Rustam, Discussed the matter from all points of view, And ordered Garsiwaz to be admitted, Rose when he came and welcomed him with smiles, While Garsiwaz afar off kissed the ground, With downcast looks and terror in his heart. The prince, first seating him below the throne, Asked eagerly about Afrasiyab, And Garsiwaz beholding as he sat The prince on his new throne, his head, and crown, Spake unto Rustam thus : " Afrasiyab, As soon as he had tidings of thy coming, Dispatched at once a keepsake to the prince, And I have brought it with me on my way."
He bade his followers to bring the gifts And pass along in front of Siyawush. All from the city's gateway to the court Were horses, drachms, boy-slaves, and troops. None knew
"(The tale of diadems, dinars, high thrones, ~)t" slave-boys all with caps and girdles on,
Oi^d women-slaves with bracelets and gold torques.
KAI KAUS 239
The prince was gratified and smiling gazed
Upon them as he heard the embassage ;
But matchless Rustam said : " Corne, let us feast
A week and then proceed to the reply,
For this request must be considered well,
And there are many to advise withal."
Far-sighted Garsiwaz on hearing this V. 571
Did lowly reverence and kissed the ground. They draped a mansion with brocade for him And requisitioned cooks ; but Siyawush And Rustam of the elephantine form Withdrew and sat to canvass all the case, For Rustam had suspicions through the haste Of Garsiwaz ; they hurried out their scouts And took precautions. Then said Siyawush : — " Come, let us bring this mystery to light : What motives can they have for seeking peace ? Look for an antidote for this their bane — Think of the names of five score noble men, Close blood-relations of Afrasiyab ; These let him send to us as hostages To clear the dark suspicions in our minds. Seest not how fear of us oppresseth him, And how he taboreth beneath the blanket ? l This done we must send one to tell the Shah ; May be he will abandon thoughts of war."
" This is the proper method," Rustam said, " In this way only will a pact be made."
§23
How Siydivusli made a Treaty with Afrdsiyab
At daybreak Garsiwaz appeared at court, With covered head and girdle round his loins, And having been admitted kissed the ground,
1 i.e. attempts to hide what is obvious.
240 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
And did obeisance unto Siyawush, Who said : " How was it with thee yesternight Amid this great encampment and such din ? " And added : " As for this affair of thine, I have considered fully thy proposal, v. 572 And in our object we are both agreed —
We both would wash out vengeance from our hearts.
Send then this answer to Afrasiyab : —
' Cease now to muse revenge. He that hath seen
The sequel of wrongdoing should recoil
From acting wrongfully. The heart adorned
With wisdom is as 'twere a hoard of gold
And goods. If bane be not beneath these sweets,
And thou intendest neither wrong nor hurt,
Then, since thou wishest for a stable league,
Dispatch to me by way of hostages,
And as security for thy good faith,
A hundred members of thy family,
All warriors known to Rustam, who will give
The list of names to thee ; and furthermore
Whatever cities thou hast in Iran
Surrender, keep within Turan thyself,
Repose from wars and those that seek revenge,
And let right only be between us two :
It is not well to favour savage pards.
I will dispatch a letter to the Shah : *
He may perchance recall the host in peace."
Then Garsiwaz dispatched a cavalier Swift as a blast, and said : " Court not repose, But hasten to Afrasiyab and say From me : ' I have proceeded diligently, And have obtained the whole of what I sought ; But Siyawush demandeth hostages If thou wilt have him turn away from war.' "
The messenger arrived and told the king What Siyawush and noble Garsiwaz
KAI KAUS
Had said, and when the king had heard the words
He was exceeding troubled and in doubt.
He thus bethought him : " If a hundred men
Of mine own kin are taken from the host,
We shall be worsted on the battlefield
For want of those devoted to my cause ;
While if I say : ' Demand no hostages/
Mine overtures will seem to him dishonest.
I e'en must send the hostages if he
Insisteth thereupon. May be these ills
Will pass away from me : in any case
I shall be better wise than otherwise."
The monarch out of those whom Rustam named Selected some five score of his own kin, And sent them unto Siyawush, bestowing Upon them many gifts and benefits. He then bade sound the drums and clarions, He struck the royal tent, evacuated Bukhara, Sughd, and Samarkand, and Chach, The land and ivory throne of Sipanjab, And led his troops upon the way to Gang Without excuses, pretexts, or delays. As soon as Rustam heard of this retreat His mind was eased, he sought the prince and said : " All now is well, let Garsiwaz depart."
Then Siyawush gave orders to prepare A present — armour, crown, and belt, a steed Of Arab blood with golden furniture, Besides an Indian falchion in a scabbard Of gold. When Garsiwaz beheld them, thou Haclst said : " He seeth the moon upon the ground.' He went his way with blessings on his tongue : Thou wouldst have said : " He rolleth earth along."
241
V. 573
VOL. II.
242 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
§ 24 How Siyawush sent Rustam to Kdus
Then Siyawush sat on the ivory throne, And hung the crown above it. He considered Whom he should send, what man of courteous speech 574 Whose words had scent and hue, a cavalier Of valour and a favourite with the Shah. Then Rustam said : " On such a topic who Would dare to speak ? Kaiis is still the same, His petulance increaseth : what if I Approach him and make this dark matter clear ? I will rend earth at thy behest. I see In going naught but good."
Then Siyawush
Rejoiced, and spake no more of messengers, But sat with Rustam and discussed the matter, Then called a scribe and had a letter written On silk. There first he praised the Judge from whom He had his fortune, strength, and excellence — " The Lord of understanding, time, and power, The Nourisher of wisdom in the soul. None can transgress His ordinance. The man Who disobeyeth Him can look for naught But loss, for He is Author both of wealth (_ And right. From Him who fashioned sun and moon, Who illustrateth fortune, throne, and crown, Be blessings showered upon our sovereign — The lord of earth, the chosen of the great, Whose purview reacheth all things good and ill : May his tall form be wisdom's pedestal. I came to Balkh this jocund spring, rejoicing ; But when Afrasiyab had news of me The sparkling liquor darkened in his cup : He saw that he was in a strait ; the world
KAI KAUS 243
Was black and fortune fallen. His brother came
With gifts and many fair slaves richly dight V. 575
To me to seek protection from the Shah.
Afrasiyab will yield the crown and throne
Of kings, content with his own realm ; observe
His station ; never tread Iran's dark soil ;
But wash all strife and vengeance from his heart,
And send as hostages a hundred kinsmen.
Great Rustam now hath come with this request —
That as the Shah's face is a pledge of love,
He will show love toward Afrasiyab."
The peerless Rustam reached the royal court In fitting state with flag and retinue, While loyal Garsiwaz with all dispatch Went to the presence of Afrasiyab, Gave him a full account of Siyawush, And said : " He hath no match among the kings For beauty, mien, address, and common sense, Good feeling, modesty, and energy : Brave, affable, a gallant cavalier — * His breast is wisdom's home/ thou wouldest say."
The monarch smiled and said : " To scheme, my friend ! Is better than to fight. The dream alarmed me, Foreboding, as I saw, my fall from power ; So in distress I turned to artifice In order to relieve me of my woe : I schemed to work with coin and treasury ; Thus everything hath turned out well for me."
How Rustam gave the Message to Kdus
Now on his side like flying dust came Rustam,
The Lion-man, with folded arms before
The Shah, who met, embraced him, and inquired v. 576
244 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
About the prince, the progress of events, The warriors, the battles, and the host, And wherefore he had come. Then Rustam gave The letter, first extolling Siyawush ; A ready scribe then read it, and the face Of Shah Kaus was pitch-like : " I allow," He said, " that he is young and all unversed In ill — no wonder — but thou art a man Experienced, and hast witnessed good and bad Of all kinds : thou hast not thy peer on earth, And Lions grow adept by fighting thee. Hast thou not seen Afrasiyab's ill deeds — How he hath robbed us of food, rest, and sleep ? I should have gone myself but I forbore, Although it was my wish to fight with him. I went not, for men said : ' Go not thyself : Remain here that the young prince may command.' When God had meant that vengeance should be taken, And ills had asked a recompense of ill, Ye sought to gain a heritage thereby, And that it was which occupied your hearts. Afrasiyab hath led your wits astray By riches plundered from the innocent, A hundred hapless, misbegotten Turkmans, Who do not even know their fathers' names ! He will think little of such hostages : They are to him as water in a stream. If ye have dealt unwisely I am not Sick of the toils of war ; I shall dispatch 577 A man endowed with wisdom and resource,
To bid the young prince : ' Put those Turkmans' feet In fetters ; burn the valuable things, Retain not one, send me the men in bonds, And I will take their heads off. Lead thy host Intent on fight up to the foeinen's gate, At once relax all discipline, and loose
KAI KAUS 245
Thy troops like wolves among the sheep ; while thou Kevengest, and thy soldiers sack and burn, Afrasiyab will come to fight with thee, For ease and peace will yield him no delight.' "
Then Rustam said : " O Shah ! be not so moved Because of this. First hear what I shall say ; And then — the world is under thy command. Thou saidst : ' In fighting with Afrasiyab Cross not the river hastily, but wait Till he attacketh, for he will not linger.' Accordingly we waited his advance, But from the first he oped the door of peace ; It would be vile to haste to fight with one Intent on peace and mirth ; and thy well-wishers Would never wish the Shah to break a compact. When Siyawush obtained his victories He charged like some brave crocodile. What wouldst
thou
But signet, crown, and throne, the Iranian treasure, And safety ? These thou hast ; shun wanton strife ; Wash not a clear heart in a turbid stream. Suppose that when Afrasiyab consented He inly purposed to break covenant :
We on our side are ready for the fight v- 578
With scimitars and lions' claws. Then thou And noble Siyawush upon the throne Of gold shall laugh with gladness in Iran, While I will lead a small force from Zabul, And leave Turan no throne or royal seat, But with the mace wherewith I fight will make The sunlight gloomy to Afrasiyab ; For he and I have often fought, and he Will scarcely care to try another bout. Require not then thy son to break the treaty, Enjoin not what amounteth to a crime. Why should I hide the purport of my words ?
246 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
Thy son will never break his promises, And this deed that the Shah is contemplating Will horrify that most illustrious prince. Dim not his fortunes or it cannot be But that thine heart will suffer agony."
§ 26 How Kdus sent Rustam to Sistdn
Kaiis, the mighty Shah, was filled with wrath And raged at Rustam with dilated eyes :— " So then the truth is out at last ! Twas thou That prompted this to root up from his heart Revenge ! Thine aim was ease and not the glory Of signet, crown, and throne. Abide thou here, And Tiis shall mount the drums as general. I will dispatch a horseman with a letter Writ in harsh terms to Balkh. If Siyawush Will not obey he shall resign the host To Tiis and come back with his own retainers. v- 579 He shall receive fit treatment at my hands For thwarting me, and nevermore will I Call thee my friend or have thee fight my battles."
Then Rustam cried in dudgeon : " Heaven may hide My head ! If Tus be valianter than Rustam Then know that Rustam is a nidering."
He left the presence frowning angrily, And with his forces hasted toward Sistan. The Shah anon called Tus and bade him lead The army forth. Tus coming from the presence Commanded that the troops should be equipped With drums and trumpets, be prepared to start, And put all thoughts of peaceful home apart.
KAI KAUS 247
§27
The Answer of Kdus to the Letter of Siydwush
Kaus then warned a courier, called a scribe,
And set him by the throne to write a letter
Of wrath and strife, as 'twere a poplar shaft.
He first gave praises to Almighty God—
" The Lord of peace and war, the Lord of Mars,
Of Saturn, and the moon, of good and ill,
Of Grace and throne. The turning heavens obey Y- 580
His hest, and everywhere His love extendeth.
May health and fortune be for ever thine,
0 youth ! together with the throne and crown.
Although thou hast forgotten mine instructions,
And foolishly neglected to attack
The foe, yet thou hast heard how he entreated
Iran when he prevailed ; side not with him
In wantonness ; frown not upon this court ;
Let not thy head be snared through youth as thou
Wouldst 'scape destruction from the turning sky.
Send me those hostages bound hand and foot.
It is no wonder if Afrasiyab
Hath duped thee, if I judge him by his conduct
Toward myself; oft through his glozing words
Have I turned back from fight. Now I said naught
Of peace, and thou hast disobeyed for dalliance
With pretty slaves ; while as for Rustam, he
Ne'er hath enough of precious gear and treasure.
Thou hadst no thought of war : thine only thought
Was to succeed to the imperial crown.
Seek with thy sword the gate of full contentment,
For provinces are glories to a king.
As soon as Tus the general reacheth thee
He will dispose all matters great and small.
Set all the hostages without delay
248 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
In heavy chains upon the backs of asses. It is high heaven's purpose that thy life Should perish by this peace. Then will Iran Hear of the evil and our prosperous times Be troubled. Go, prepare thee for revenge And war, admit no further parleyings. When, in the course of war and night-attack, Thou turnest darksome dust to a Jihun, v- 581 Afrasiyab will not resign his head
To sleep, but come to fight; else if thou lov'st
them,
And wouldst not have them call thee treaty-breaker, Resign the host to Tus and come back hither : Thou art no man for glory, war, and strife." They sealed the letter, and the messenger Received it and departed. Siyawush, On hearing words so unacceptable, Called in the messenger and questioned him Till all was clear. The man detailed the words Used by the Shah to Rustam, and described How Rustam raged against the Shah and Tus. Then Siyawush was much displeased with Rustam, And musing o'er his father's act, the Turkmans, And war's vicissitudes, exclaimed : " A hundred Brave cavaliers, the kinsmen of the king, Such famous men, our friends and innocent ! If I shall now dispatch them to the Shah, He will not ask or think about their case, But hang them all alive upon the gibbet. How shall I justify myself to God ? Ill will befall me through my father's acts ; If I so madly fight Afrasiyab Without a cause I shall incur God's wrath, And people will cry shame. If I return To court, surrendering the host to Tus, That also will bring evil on my head.
KAI KAUS 249
I see ill right and left, and ill in front ; Siidaba too will do me naught but ill, And I have not an inkling of God's will ! "
§ 28 How Siydwusli took Counsel with Balirdm and Zanga
Then Siyawush called from the host Bahram V. 582
And Zanga son of Shawaran for counsel,
And having put forth strangers made both sit
Before him. They had shared his confidence
Since Rustam had departed from the host.
Then Siyawush : " 111 fortune ever heapeth
111 on my head. My sire's affection seemed
A tree all leaf and fruit ; Siidaba's wiles
Have made it, one may say, a biting bane.
Her bower became my prison, smiling fortune
Drooped, and as time went on her love bore fire.
Then I preferred war to inglorious feasts,
So I might shun the Crocodile's embrace.
Our good friend Garsiwaz was then at Balkh
With many troops, Afrasiyab at Sughd
Was threatening us with five score thousand sabres.
We sped as 'twere a blast to seek the fray,
But when they left the province, sending gifts
And hostages, the archimages held
That we should quit the field. Now if the Shah
Is merely fighting for aggrandisement
He may have war and territory too,
But why such wanton bloodshed, such revenge
Stirred up in others' hearts ? The brainless head
Will ne'er know good from bad. Kubad came, died,
And left the world ; from that time all was lost.
My deeds please not Kaiis, who fain would harm me, v- 583
Requiring me to fight without a cause.
250 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
I fear that I shall perish through mine oath, But still we must not turn from God, or fear To follow our forefathers' steps. The Shah Would rob me of both worlds, and yield me up To Ahriman ! If we should fight again Who can foretell the fortune of the day ? Would I had died, or never had been born, Since I am fated to endure such bale And taste of every poison in the world ; And yet the tree hath not attained full growth Whose fruit is venom and the leafage loss ! Such are the treaty and oaths sworn by God That, if I swerve from what is right, disaster Will come on every side ; I shall be blamed Deservedly. The world hath heard that I Have treated with the monarch of Tiiran. Will God approve or fortune profit me If I desert the Faith and fight again — A fall from heaven to earth ? I will go look For some retreat to hide me from the Shah. Meanwhile the ordering of this bright age Is in His hands Who is the Judge of all. Do thou, famed Zanga son of Shawaran ! Prepare for toil ; haste to Afrasiyab ; Give not thy head to sleep. The hostages, And all the precious things — dinars, crowns, thrones — V. 584 Convey to him and tell him what hath chanced."
He charged Bahrain son of Giidarz : " To thee, Famed man ! have I resigned the host and march, Drums, camp, and elephants. Remain till Tvis The general shall arrive, then give to him The treasures and the troops in perfect order, Accounting unto him for everything."
Bahrain was sorely troubled when he heard, While Zanga son of Shawaran wept blood, And cursed the country of Hamavaran.
KAI A'Atis 251
The two sat there together full of grief,
Distracted by the words of Siyawush.
Bahrain said : " Nay, not so : thou canst not live
Without thy sire. Write to the Shah and ask
To have the elephantine hero back ;
Then, if Kaus still biddeth thee, fight on ;
'Tis but a trifle if not trifled with.
Or wouldst thou rest ? It may be done with ease ;
To beg thy father's pardon is no shame.
If thou wilt send the hostages to him
His heart and gloomy soul will smile ; if thou
Art so concerned about them let them go,
There is no hostage for thyself. This letter
Cornmandeth war, and all may yet be well,
For if Kaiis doth bid us we will fight,
And bring our foes to straits. Think not vain thoughts,
But capture him by complaisance, and cause not
Bad times for us now that the tree of power
Is fruiting ; fill not eyes and crown and throne
With blood, and shrivel not the royal tree.
Ill will befall throne, crown, host, camp, and court
Without thee, for the brain-pan of Kaus v. 585
Is as a Fane of Fire, his war and letter
Are both absurd ; but if heaven's purposes
Oppose my rede, why say I more ? "
The prince
Refused the counsel of those two wise men, ^
So heaven willed. He said : " The Shah's command Is higher than the sun and moon to me ; Yet none from straws to elephants and lions May brave God's word, and he that disobeyeth Hath troubled wits and is beside himself. Must I put forth my hand for shedding blood, And lead two kingdoms into war ? Besides He is aggrieved about the hostages, And will demand again what I refused ;
252 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
While if I quit the field, returning home Without a fight, the Shah will be incensed And in his fury harm me. If your hearts Are troubled by my action heed me not ; I will be mine own guide and messenger, And quit the camp-enclosure on the waste. When one is no partaker in my gains Why should he take to heart my pains ? "
When thus
He spake the souls of those two chieftains withered ; They wept at dread of parting and consumed As in fierce fire ; they saw the evil eye Of fortune secretly upon the prince, That they would never look on him again, And wept his case. Said Zanga : " We are slaves : Love for our leader filleth both our hearts. V. 586 Now may our souls and bodies ransom thee, And may our loyalty endure till death."
The gentle, prudent prince replied to Zanga : — " Go tell Afrasiyab of what hath chanced. Say : ' Through this peace my lot is one of war : Thine are the sweets, the pang and poison mine, Yet will I keep my covenant with thee Albeit I shall lose the throne of might. God is my refuge, heaven my covering, The ground my throne. I rashly disobeyed And cannot face the Shah. Give me a cistern Where God appointeth and I may not hear Aught of the evil nature of my sire, But find for once a respite from his ire.' "
§ 29 How Zanga went to Afrdsiydl)
So Zanga, with a hundred noble horsemen, Bore from the prince's court the hostages,
KAI KAtS 253
And all the goods that Garsiwaz had brought.
When Zanga reached the Turkman monarch's city
A shout ascended and the watch espied him.
A noble warrior Tuwurg by name
Went forth to welcome him. At audience
Afrasiyab arose, embraced him warmly,
And set him by the throne, where he presented
The letter and delivered all the message.
Afrasiyab was much disquieted
And, having ordered fitting entertainment
For Zanga, called his captain of the host,
Who came like smoke. Now when Piran arrived 1 V. 587
The monarch cleared the room and spake with him
About Kaiis and his intemperate words,
His evil nature and his warlike projects.
Afrasiyab looked grave, his heart was full
For Siyawush. He told of Zanga's coming,
And asked : " What remedy shall I employ,
How make a league in this embarrassment ? "
Piran replied : " 0 king ! live happily While time shall be. Thou art more wise than we are. In treasure and in manhood mightier ; In apprehension, kindness, understanding, And counsel, none hath wit to supersede thee. All that have power to benefit this prince Will grudge not toil and treasure. I have heard That there is no chief like him in the world In stature, countenance, and gentleness, In culture, counsel, and propriety. His prowess and his wisdom too exceed His noble birth. No monarch hath begotten Another such ; words cannot do him justice. He is a prince illustrious and right royal. If he possessed no virtue but this one —
1 From this point Pinln, " a verray parfit gentil knight," plays an important part in the poem. Cf. vol. i. p. 55.
254 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
That he hath quarrelled with his sire to save Our hundred nobles' lives, given up the throne And crown to meaner men, and gone his way, 'Twould not be politic to let him pass From us. Besides Kaiis is hoary now ; The time hath come for him to quit the throne ; V. 588 But Siyawush is youthful, hath the Grace,
And will succeed. The nobles would condemn thee,
And Siyawush himself would be aggrieved.
If now the king in wisdom shall see fit
Let him dispatch to this wise youth a letter
Entreating him as men entreat their children ;
Prepare him here a dwelling, entertain him
With fitting honour, give him a princess
To wife, and let him be esteemed and cherished.
If he remain thy realm will be in peace,
If he go home thy fortune will be bettered,
For he will be in favour with the Shah,
And honoured by the nobles ; both the hosts
May rest, God making him the instrument.
It would be worthy of the Maker's justice
To rectify the age in this regard."
The monarch listened to Piran and, seeing What would result, took time to estimate The good and ill thereof; he then rejoined : — " Thou counsellest well. Among the chosen chiefs And veterans thou art incomparable ; Yet have I heard an adage to the point : — ' If thou shouldst make a lion's whelp thy pet,
And foster it however tenderly, Still, when its teeth and claws are grown, regret
Will be thy lot. The brute will turn on thee.' "
Piran said : " Let the king of warriors look With wisdom on this matter. Can ill nature Befit one who hath not inherited The ill nature and perverseness of his sire ?
KAI KAUS 255
Dost thou not see that Kai Kaus is old v« 589
And must depart ? Then Siyawush will take The wide world, wealth untoiled for, hall and palace; Thus wilt thou gain both realms, their crown and state : The man that getteth them is fortunate."
§ 30 ,
How Afrasiydb wrote to Siyawush
Afrasiyab, when he had heard this, took
A wise resolve, called an experienced scribe
And spake to him at large about the matter.
The scribe first dipped his pen in ambergris,
Then wrote the Maker's praise, acknowledging
His might and wisdom : " Since He is above
Both time and place how can His slaves' thoughts reach
To Him — the Lord of wisdom, sense, and soul,
Whose justice is the provand of the sage ?
His benediction be upon the prince —
The lord of helm and mace and scimitar,
The lord of modesty and reverence,
Pure from wrongdoing both in heart and hand.
From wary Zanga son of Shawaran
Have I heard all thy message, and my heart
Is troubled that the world-lord is enraged
So much against thee ; but what seek the wise,
Whose fortunes are awake, save crown and throne ?
Here everything hath been prepared for thee,
E'en to the royal dignity and treasures,
For all Tiiran will 'do thee reverence,
And I for my part long to have thy love.
Then thou and I will be as son and sire —
A sire who is a slave before his son.
Know that Kaiis hath never shown affection
For thee like mine, for I will ope my heart, v. 590
256 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
My hoards, and hand, provide thee with a home,
Protect thee like a son, and leave thee here
As my memorial. Shouldst thou go elsewhere
I should be blamed by high and low alike ;
And thou wilt find the going difficult,
Except by Providence and Grace divine,
For yonder thou must lose the sight of land,
And cross the sea of Chin. If no constraint
Is put on thee by God come as a friend.
Troops, treasure, gold, and city all are thine,
And thou shalt need no pretext for departing,
For when thou wouldst be friendly with thy sire,
I will provide thee crown and throne and girdle,
With soldiers to escort thee to Iran,
And bear thee company myself for love.
The quarrel with thy father will not last ;
At his age he will soon be sick of strife.
If fire appeareth after sixty-five
It cometh hardly from the damps of age.
Iran and host and treasure will be thine,
And crown with sovereignty from clime to clime ;
Moreover I have sworn by holy God
To labour, soul and body, for thy welfare.
I will not harm thee by myself or others,
Or wrong thee even in thought."
He sealed the letter,
Then bade his good friend Zanga gird his loins To go with speed, and gave him many gifts Of gold and silver, and a steed caparisoned With massive gold. When Zanga gave his tidings 59I The prince was glad and sorry too to make
His foe a friend. Would fire give cooling breezes ? A foe, however kind thou maj^est be, Will in the end display his enmity.
KAI KAUS 257
§3« How Siyaivush gave up the Host to Bahrain
Then Siyawush wrote thus to Kai Kaiis
To tell him all : " Though young I want not wits.
While I have done no wrong, the world-lord's temper
Hath burned my heart within me. First Sudaba
Occasioned trouble ; I was forced to traverse
A mount of fire ; my heart's blood bathed my cheeks,
And in the wastes the deer wept sore for me.
Then went I forth in shame and woe to face
The claws of Crocodiles. Both kingdoms now
Enjoy repose, yet is the Shah's heart like
A sword of steel ; my doings please him not,
And if I bind or loose 'tis all the same.
Since he is weary of me I will cease
To trouble him. Ne'er may his heart lack joy.
As for myself I seek the Dragon's breath
In sorrow, doubtful what the turning sky
Intendeth for me — whether hate or love."
Then said he to Bahrain : " Now give thy name Fresh glory in the world ; I leave with thee The baggage and the camp, the cavaliers, The treasure, elephants, and kettledrums. When noble Tus shall come, resign thy charge To him, be vigilant and fortunate."
He chose three hundred doughty cavaliers, Had brought to him such money as he needed, V. 592
With jewels fit for kings, a hundred steeds With golden furniture, a hundred slave boys With golden belts, and had a reckoning made Of weapons, beasts, and girdles. Then he summoned The nobles, spake in many gracious words To them, and said : " Piran hath crossed the river. Sent by Afrasiyab on secret business
VOL. II. R
258 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
To me, because his people trust in him. I go to meet him ; ye must tarry here. Look to Bahrain for orders and obey Him loyally."
The chiefs all kissed the ground Before the glorious Siyawush.
At sunset,
When air grew dark and earth ungenial, The prince, his face obscured by tears, marched forth Toward Jihuii with all his company. When he had reached Tirmid, doors, roofs, and streets Were full of scent and colour like the spring Up to the gates of Chach : thou wouldst have said : — " It is a bride with crown and necklaces." At every stage were carpets laid and viands Prepared, the whole way to Kachar Bashi, Where he dismounted and remained a while.
When Tus reached Balkh they told him bitter news : — " The son of glorious Kai Kaiis hath gone To join the leader of the Turkman host."
Tus called in all the troops and marched them back V. 593 To court. The news made Kai Kaiis turn pale ;
He mourned and heaved a deep, cold sigh ; his heart
Was full of fire, his eye of tears for wrath
With Siyawush and with Afrasiyab ;
But, doubtful if the sky would prove a friend
Or enemy, he put away his anger,
And thought no more of warfare and revenge.
On hearing : " Siyawush hath crossed the river With troops to us, his envoy hath arrived," Afrasiyab bade all the chief estates Go forth with kettledrums to welcome him. Piran chose out one thousand of his kin To meet the prince with gifts, apprised the host, And gat him ready four white elephants. One bore a turquoise throne backed by a flag
or
KAI KAUS 259
tree-like size, surmounted by a moon ; The flag was gold-embroidered violet silk ; Upon the golden throne were three gold seats, And each of them was covered with brocade. There were a hundred noble steeds whose saddles Were jewelled gold. The host, thou wouldst have said, Was like the earth when graced by heaven's love.
When Siyiiwush had heard : " A company Hath come," perceived the banner of Piran, And heard the sound of elephants and steeds, He hurried forth, embraced Piran, inquired About the king and kingdom, and exclaimed :— " Why hast thou vexed thy soul by coming hither,
0 captain of the host ? My heart's first wish V. 594 Was to behold thee safe and sound."
Piran
Kissed his fair, charming face, his head and feet, And thus addressed the Maker : " Thou know'st all
things,
The open and the secret. Hadst Thou shown me His soul in dreams, in sooth mine aged head Had been made young."
He said to Siyawush :— " Now that I see thee radiant and robust
1 offer praises to Almighty God. Afrasiyab will be a father to thee,
The chiefs this side the stream will be thy slaves. Above a thousand of my kin will wait On thee with earrings in their ears, my treasures Are all thine own ; be ever hale and happy. Draw not a single breath of discontent, For men and women are alike thy slaves, And, if thou wilt accept my hoary head, I too will gird my loins to do thee service."
They went with joy, discussing divers matters, While through the city there were sounds of harp
260 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
And rebeck ; sleepy heads were roused ; the soil Was blackened with fresh musk ; the Arab steeds All spread their wings. When Siyawush saw this Tears rained from both his eyes, his thoughts were
troubled,
For he recalled the hocktide in Zabul When it was decked up to Kabulistan, And he had gone as guest to Rustam there With all the famous men for company, And how the folk had showered down gold and gems, And sifted musk and ambergris o'erhead. He thought about Iran and heaved a sigh, His heart burned with the memories of home, v. 595 He turned his head to hide this from Piran,
Albeit that chieftain marked the grief and pain :
He understood the thoughts of Siyawush,
Grew sorrowful himself and bit his lips.
They lighted at Kachar Bashi to breathe
Awhile. Piran scanned Siyawush, and marked
With wondering eyes his speech, breast, neck, and
shoulders,
Invoked God's name, and said : " Illustrious prince ! Thou art the memory of sovereigns, And hast three things that not a prince beside Possesseth. First, thou makest men discern The nature of the seed of Kai Kubad ; While secondly, thou hast adorned thy tongue With such uprightness and such goodly speech ; And thirdly, one would say : ' Thy face distilleth Thy love on earth in showers.' "
The prince replied :— " O venerable sage who sayest sooth, World-famed for thy sincerity and love, Far from unkindness and from Ahriman ! If thou wilt make a covenant with me I know that thou wilt keep it, and will make
KAI KAUS 261
This land my home in love and confidence In thee, my friend ! and, if my sojourn here Is well, I need not weep for what I did : If otherwise command me to depart, And point me out the way to other realms."
Piran replied : " Have no such thought. Since thou Hast left f ran, in no wise hasten from us, And lose our monarch's love. Though his repute In this world is not good, he is a man Of God, hath wisdom, prudence, and high rede, And turneth not in lightness to bad ways. He is my blood-relation l too ; with him V. 596
I have, as paladin and counsellor, High rank, abundant treasures, thrones, and troops. Above a hundred thousand cavaliers Obey me here. Twelve thousand of my kinsmen Stand day and night before me. I have land, Flocks, lassos, bows, steeds, implements of war, And hoarded treasure ; I need no man's aid. Let all this be thy ransom if thou wilt Abide with us. I swear by Holy God That I will serve thee both with heart and soul. I will not suffer any ill to thee. . . . But no man knoweth high heaven's purposes."
The prince rejoiced, his heart was freed from care. They sat and ate, and grew like sire and son, Then in high spirits sped along the road To Gang — the Turkman monarch's fair abode.
§32
The Interview of Siydwush with Afrdsiydb
On hearing : " Glorious Siyawush hath come,"
Afrasiyab descended to the street V. 597
1 Afrdsiyab and Pirdn were cousins.
262 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Afoot with girded loins right eagerly.
The prince beholding him got off his horse
And ran to meet the king. The two embraced,
And kissed each other's head and eyes. Then said
Afrasiyab : " Now evil is asleep
Throughout the world ; henceforward war and tumult
Will cease ; the deer and pard will drink together.
The world was troubled by brave Tur, but now
Our realms are sick of strife ; while they were filled
With turmoil the world's heart had no repose ;
Peace is restored by thee ; the age hath rest
From battle and hot blood, all in Tiiran
Are now thy slaves, all hearts are full of love
For thee ; in soul and body I am thine ;
Piran the general is thy kinsman too.
I will regard thee with a father's fondness,
And ever show to thee a face all smiles."
Then Siyawush with many blessings answered : — " May justice be the fortune of thy race. Praise to the Lord, the Maker of the soul, From Whom are peace and battle and revenge."
The monarch, hand in hand with Siyawush, Sat on the throne of might, and as he gazed Upon the prince, said : " None can equal him On earth in stature, looks, and kingly Grace." V. 598 Then to Piran : " Kaiis is old and witless To lose sight of a son so tall and gifted As this. I marvelled, when I first beheld him, How any man writh such a son could look At aught besides."
He made choice of a palace, Laid cloth of gold for carpets, set a throne Of gold with feet like heads of buffaloes, Bedecked the palace with brocade of Chin, And furnished it throughout, then bade his guest Go thither and abide in full content.
KAI KAUS 263
When Siyawush arrived before the hall Its dome reached Saturn, he went in and sat Upon the golden throne, his wise soul wrapped In thought, until the monarch's board was spread, And he was summoned; there they talked together, And entered on a course of happiness.
The banquet o'er they went with harp and minstrel To hold a drinking-bout. They sat and quaffed Until the world grew dark and heads became Bemused with wine, then Siyawush went home With glee, and in his cups forgot Iran. Afrasiyab gave heart and soul to him, And could not sleep for thinking. That same night He said to Shida : l " When the morn shall come, V. 599
And Siyawush hath risen, go to him With mine own kinsmen and the paladins Of highest rank, take with you noble steeds Caparisoned with gold, and other gifts."
Accordingly the warriors presented To Siyawush gold coins and royal gems With courteous greetings, and the king too sent Him many gifts. Thus was one sennight spent.
§ 33
How Siyawush displayed his Prowess before Afrasiydb
One night the king spake thus to Siyawush : — " To-morrow morning let us play at polo ; I hear that none among the warriors Can face thy mall on thine own ground."
"Oking!"
Said Siyawush, " be fortunate and ever Beyond the reach of ill ! Kings look to thee For teaching ; who surpasseth thee ? Day shineth When I behold thee, from thee I accept Both good and ill."
1 His son.
264 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Afrasiyab replied : — " My son ! be ever glad and conquering. Thou art. a prince, the glory of the throne, A royal crown and backbone of the host." V. 600 They went out laughing to the Ground at morn
In gallant trim. Then said Afrasiyab To Siyawush : " Let us be opposites, Select our partners, and make up our sides."
He answered : " What will hand and mall avail ? I cannot play against thee. Take some other As thine antagonist, I am thy partner — One of thy horsemen on this spacious Ground."
The monarch was delighted at his words, Esteeming those of others only wind. " Nay, by the life and head of Shah Kaiis," Said he, " thou shalt be friend and opposite. Display thy prowess to the cavaliers, So that they may not say : ' He chose amiss,' But give thee praise while I laugh out with wonder."
Then Siyawush replied : " 'Tis thine to bid : The cavaliers, the Ground, and malls are thine."
Afrasiyab selected for his side Kulbad,1 Piilad, Piran, Jahn, Garsiwaz, With Nastihan the gallant, and Human, Who would drive balls from water. Then the king Sent over to the side of Siyawush Ruin, illustrious Shida, and Arjasp The mounted Lion, and Andariman The doughty cavalier.2 Said Siyawush : — " Ambitious king ! will any of these dare To face the ball ? They side with thee, while I Shall have to play alone and watch them too. So with the king's leave I will bring to help me A few Iranian players on the Ground V. 601 In order that both sides may play the game."
1 Cf. p. 119. 2 For most of the above names see vol. i. p. 92.
KAI KAUS 265
The monarch heard the words, gave his consent, And from the Iranians Siyawush chose seven Well skilled. The tymbals sounded, dust arose, While what with cymbal-clash and clarion-blare Thou wouldst have said : " The ground is all a-quake ! " Afrasiyab hit off and drove the ball Up to the clouds just as it should be struck. Then Siyawush urged on his steed and smote The ball, or ever it could reach the ground, So stoutly that it disappeared from sight. Thereat the exalted monarch bade his men To give another ball to Siyawush, Who as he took it kissed it, and there rose A flourish from the pipes and kettledrums. He mounted a fresh steed, threw up the ball, And drove it out of sight to see the moon. Thou wouldst have said : " The sky attracted it." There was not on the ground his peer, and none, Had such a beaming face. The monarch laughed, The nobles grew attentive and exclaimed : — " We never saw a rider like this chief ! "
The famous monarch said : " Of such a kind Is each one gifted with the Grace of God ; But Siyawush hath bettered all report."
The attendants set a throne beside the Ground, The monarch beaming sat down with the prince, And told the company : " The Ground and balls V. 602
Are at your service."
Then the Iranians played A match with the Turanians. Dust flew up With shouts as these or those bore off the ball ; But when the Turkmans played too angrily In their endeavours to obtain a goal, And when the Iranians intercepted them So that the Turkmans' efforts were in vain, Displeased with his own people Siyawush
266 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Cried to them in the olden Persian tongue : — " Is this a playground, or would ye cause strife In our dependent and precarious state ? When ye are near the limits look aside And let the Turkmans have the ball for once."
His horsemen rode more gently after this And did not heat their steeds, then as the Turkmans Were shouting for a goal Afrasiyab Perceived the purpose of the words, and said : — " I have been told by one of mine own friends That Siyawush hath no peer in the world For archery and might of neck and shoulder."
Thereat the prince uncased his royal bow ; The monarch, having asked to see it first That one of his own kin might prove its strength, Kegarded it with wonder, and invoked Full many a royal blessing, then presented The bow to Garsiwaz the sworder, saying : — " Bend thou this bow and string it."
That malignant
Failed, to his great amazement. Siyawush V. 603 Took back the bow and sitting on his knees
Bent it and strung it, smiling. Said the king : —
" With this one might shoot over sky and moon !
I too in days of youth had such a bow,
But times are changed, and no one in our lands
Would dare to grasp this bow when war is toward,
Save Siyawush, and he with such a chest
And arms would wish none other on his charger."
They placed a target on the riding-ground, And Siyawush, who challenged none to shoot, Bestrode his wind-foot charger like a div, Gripped with his legs, and shouted as he went. In sight of all the chiefs his arrow hit The bull's eye. Then he set upon his bow Another shaft, of poplar wood, four feathered,
KAI KAUS 267
And in the same course hit the second time. Next wheeling to the right he hit the target Just as he would. This being done he flung The bow upon his arm, approached the king, And lighted from his steed. The monarch rose : — " Thy skill," said he, " is witness to thy race."
Returning to the lofty palace thence They went with happy hearts as bosom-friends ; There took their seats, arranged a drinking-bout, And summoned skilful minstrels to attend. They quaffed no little wine, grew glorious, And drank the health of Siyawush. The king While sitting at the board arranged a gift — A horse and trappings, throne and diadem, Uncut stuffs, such as none had seen before, Gold coins, and silver coins in bags, turquoises, With many girl and boy slaves, and a cup v. 604
Which brimmed with shining rubies. Then the king Commanded to count up those precious gifts, And certain of the dearest of his kinsmen To bear them to the house of Siyawush. Thus said he to his troops : " In everything Regard the prince as if he were your king."
§ 34 How Afrdsiydb and Siyawush went to the Chase
Afrasiyab said to the prince : " Come with me Some day a-hunting to refresh our hearts, And banish all our troubles in the chase."
" Whene'er thou wilt," he answered, " whereso'er Thy heart disposeth thee to lead the way."
One day they went. The king took hawks and
cheetahs, And many of fran and of Tiiran
268 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
Of all conditions hastened to the meet. The prince spied onager upon the plain, And, sped from his companions like the wind, With reins held lightly and feet firmly pressed He galloped o'er the hollows and the hills, And, having, cloven an onager in halves, Made them the silver and his hands the scales, And found the two sides equal to a grain. The king and all his train watched eagerly, Exclaiming : " What a noble swordsman this ! " And one man to another called and said : — " 111 from Iran hath come on us erewhile, And our brave leaders have been put to shame : Now is the time to fight against the Shah."
But Siyawush still chased his onagers And spread destruction over all the plain. He galloped over valley, hill, and waste, Employing arrow, spear, and scimitar. v. 605 Where'er he went he piled a heap of game, And killed enough for all the company. Thence to the palace of Afrasiyab They took their way with gladness in their hearts.
The monarch in his pleasures and his griefs Held intercourse with none but Siyawush, Confided not in Jahn and Garsiwaz, Or other such ; he took no joy in them, But passed with Siyawush his days and nights In merriment. Thus while a year went by They shared all griefs and pleasures equally.
§ 35 How Pirdn gave his Daughter to Siyawush
One day Piran conversed with Siyawush And in the course of talk said : " In this land What man surpasseth thee ? Our monarch's love
KAI KAUS 269
Doth make him talk of thee e'en in his sleep.
Know that thou art to him as jocund spring,
His idol, and the solace of his griefs.
Great art thou and the son of Kai Kaiis ;
Thy many virtues raise thee to the moon ;
Yet since thy sire is old, and thy heart young,
See that thou lose not the imperial throne.
Thou art a king both here and in f ran —
A noble monument of former monarchs —
Yet see I none, among thy blood-relations,
That looketh on thee with abundant love !
Throughout Turan I find none fit to be
Thy peer, thy partner, or antagonist.
Thou hast no brother, wife, or sister ; thou
Art like a single rose-branch in a coppice.
Look for a consort worthy of thyself,
And cease to sorrow and regret f ran ;
It will be thine when Kai Kaiis is dead,
And thine will be the crown and warriors' throne.
The curtains of the king conceal three maidens,
All richly dight, such that the moon itself
Perforce must gaze upon, and Garsiwaz
Hath also three of noble race on both sides V. 606
Through Faridiin related to the Shah,
With crowns and high estate. I too have four —
Slaves if thou wilt. The eldest-born — Jarira —
Unmatched among the fair shall be thy handmaid."
Then Siyawush : " I give thee thanks. Henceforth Regard me as thy son. She is the meetest Because for me alliance with thy house Is best. She will rejoice my soul and body : I want none else ; herein thou layest on me A life-long obligation."
When Piran
Left Siyawush he hasted to Gulshahr, And said : " Prepare Jarira's wedding outfit
270 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
In favour of the exalted Siyawush. Shall not we joy to-day when we receive The grandson of Kubad as son-in-law ? "
Gulshahr led forth her daughter, having set A coronet upon the maiden's head, Arrayed her with brocade, gold, drachms, dinars, Adorned and scented her like jocund spring, And then presented her to Siyawush. They thus espoused her to the prince, and set her Like a new moon upon the throne. None knew V. 607 What wealth she brought, how many golden seats Inlaid with gems. When Siyawush beheld Her face she pleased him, and he laughed for gladness. He joyed in her by night and day : his heart Forgot Kaus.
Thus heaven revolved awhile, And ever as time passed the atheling Increased in rank and favour with the king.
§36
How Pirdn spake to Siyawush about Faranyis
The good Piran said to the prince one day :—
" Thou knowest that the king our sovereign lord
Exalteth o'er the dome of heaven his crown,
And that by night and day thou art his soul,
His heart and intellect, his might and wisdom ;
If thou shouldst be allied to him by marriage
Thou wouldst increase in greatness with each breath.
Now since my daughter hath become thy wife
I tender all thy interests great and small,
And though Jarira hath much charm, and thou
Didst choose her out of all, it would become thee
To take a jewel from our monarch's skirt.
Of his fair daughters Farangis is best :
KAl KAUS 271
Thou wilt see nowhere else such face and hair.
She bettereth the cypress-tree in stature ;
Her inusky tresses form a sable crown ;
Her parts and knowledge pass her loveliness,
While wisdom standeth as a slave before her.
Thou mayst well ask her of Afrasiyab.
Where is a beauty like her in Kashmir,
Or in Kabul ? The noble king will be V. 608
Thy kinsman, and thy Grace and throne will shine.
With thy permission I will speak to him,
And thus win from him favour for myself."
Then Siyawush gazed on Piran and said : — " God's word must be fulfilled ; none can withstand Heaven's secret purpose. If I may not go To see f ran, the face of Kai Kaiis, Or Zal who was a foster-sire to me, Or matchless Rustam — mine own jocund Spring — Bahrain or Zanga son of Shawaran, Or Giv, Shapiir, or other mighty men, If I must needs be severed from their sight, And have to choose a home within Tiiran, Do as thou sayest and arrange a match, But speak not of it save in privacy."
While thus he spake he heaved a deep, cold sigh, And filled the lashes of his eyes with tears. Piran made answer : " Every man of wisdom Will let his circumstances rule his action. Thou canst not scape the turning of the sky v 6o9
Whence come our retributions, wars, and loves. Grant that thou hadest friends within Iran : Thou didst commend them unto God and leave them. Thy house and home are here ; the Iranian throne Is not at present to be made thine own."
272 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
§ 37
How Piran spake with Afrasiyab
Piran, thus having learned the prince's wishes
On all points, rose, proceeded to the court
In merry pin, dismounted, was admitted,
And stood awhile before Afrasiyab,
Until the king, who loved him well, spake thus : —
" Why standest thou before me this long while ?
What wish hast thou on earth ? What is thy purpose
My host, my treasures, and my gold are thine,
For me thou profitest in every thing.
If I have any prisoner in bonds,
Whom 'twould be grief and danger to release,
Yet will I take from him my chains and wrath,
And for thy sake turn anger into wind.
Ask what thou wilt — a great thing or a small,
E'en sword or signet, throne or diadem."
The sage replied : " May this world praise thee ever ! As for myself, I have wealth, treasure, host, And, by thy fortune, sword and crown and throne. I bring in private for the royal ear A long suit on behalf of Siyawush, Who said : ' Say to the monarch of Tiiran : — " I have grown blithe of heart and covet fame. Thou like a sire hast reared me on thy breast Till joy hath caused my fortune to bear fruit. Extend thy kindness, make a match for me, For I depend on thee in weal and woe. y. 610 Thou hast a daughter now behind thy curtains Well worthy of my palace and my throne : Her mother named her Farangis, and I Shall find my pleasure in deserving her." '
Afrasiyab grew grave, tears filled his eyes. He said : " Concerning this I have already
KAl KAUS 273
Told thee my views, and thou didst not approve them.
A sage of lofty rede once said to me : —
' O thou that fosterest a lion's whelp !
Why lay upon thy soul a fruitless task ?
Thou toilest to complete his excellence,
But at his fruiting thou wilt cease to bear.
His fosterer will be the first to feel
His claws when he is strong enough to fight.'
Again, in presence of the mighty men,
Archmages learned in astrology
Took observations with their astrolabes,
And all gave utterance to the same effect
That my child's son would do me wondrous hurt,
Destroy my throne, my treasure, provinces,
My host, and palace, and that I should find
No place of refuge ; he would seize the realm,
And by his deeds bring evil on my head.
Why should mine own hand plant a tree whose fruit
Is bane with colocynth for leaves ? A child
Sprung from Kaus and from Afrasiyab v. 611
Would prove a fierce flame or an ocean-wave.
I know not whether love will take the prince
Back to Iran, or fix all his regards
On us ; but why drink poison wittingly ?
One must not lightly take a serpent's breath.
While he remaineth he shall be a brother
To me, and if he goeth to Iran
I will dispatch him to his sire in state
On such wise as the All-just shall approve."
Piran replied : " 0 king ! Let not thy heart Be grieved hereat. Those born to Siyawush Will be possessed of wits, reserved, and shrewd. Trust not what readers of the stars may say, Deal with his case according to thy wisdom, For from this noble pair a prince will spring, Whose head will be exalted to the sun
VOL. II. S
274 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDA USI
As king both in Iran and in Tiiran.
Then those two kingdoms will repose from strife.
The seed of Faridun and Kai Kubad
Will ne'er produce a more illustrious Plant,
While, if the sky shall purpose otherwise,
No taking thought will make it love him more.
What is to be will be beyond all doubt ;
No caution minisheth what is to wax.
See what a glorious enterprise is this !
Ask what thou wilt of fortune and 'tis thine."
Afrasiyab replied : " 111 coineth never Of thine advice. I order as thou wishest ; Depart and carry out thy kindly purpose."
Piran bent low, did reverence, gave great praise, And so departed, came to Siyawush, And told him all. That night the joyful pair Sat o'er their wine and from their souls washed care.
§ 38 The Wedding of Farangis and Siyawusli
Now when the sun upon the turning sky Displayed its head as 'twere a golden shield, Piran the chief girt up his loins and mounting A swift steed rode toward the prince's palace To wish him joy of hisvhigh dignity, And said to him : " Prepare thyself to-day For welcoming the daughter of the king, And if thou hold'st me worthy of the office I will myself make ready to escort her."
The prince was moved and blushed. He loved his
wife,
The daughter of Piran, as his own heart And soul, but said : " Go, do whate'er thou wilt : Thou knowest that from thee I have no secrets."
KAl KAS 275
Piran on hearing this went to his home With heart and soul intent upon the business. The door-key of the store-house where he kept His uncut stuffs Piran gave to Gulshahr, Who was the chief wife of the paladin — A lady much esteemed and bright of mind. They chose the best things in the treasury — A thousand lengths of cloth of gold from Chin, With emerald-studded plates, cups of turquoise Filled with fresh aloe-wood and musk-deer's glands, Two crowns of jewels worthy of a king, Two bracelets with two earrings and one torque ; Of carpets likewise sixty camel-loads, Three sets of raiment made of cloth of gold With patterns traced in gold of ruddier hue, With divers kinds of jewels sewn therein; Of gold and silver thirty camel-loads, With salvers and apparel made in Pars, A golden throne, four seats, three pairs of shoes With emeralds patterned on a golden ground, Two hundred servants bearing golden cups V. 613
(Thou wouldst have said : " The house will not contain
them ! "),
Three hundred servants wearing crowns of gold, About one hundred kinsmen of the king, Each with one tray of musk and one of saffron : These with Gulshahr together with her sisters, In golden litters curtained with brocade, Went in procession with the precious things. The lady took a hundred thousand coins — Dinars — to fling among the crowd. They brought The goods to Farangis and blessed her too. Gulshahr then kissed the ground and said to her : " The planet Venus mateth with the Sun."
Piran, for his part, and Afrasiyab Were instant on account of Siyawush.
276 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
They gave the bride as custom and their Faith Required, and had the contract duly witnessed. As soon as they had finished pact and plight Piran dispatched a message to Gulshahr Like smoke that she should go without delay To Farangis to take her to the prince. Thereon Gulshahr told happy Farangis That she should go that night to Siyawush, And ornament his palace with a Moon. She spake. They decked the bride at once and ranged Her musky tresses o'er her rosy cheeks. Then like a new moon Farangis approached That youthful prince, the wearer of a crown, v. 614 They joyed in one another and their love- Grew ever greater as the moments sped. For one whole week slept neither fowl nor fish, And no man went to rest ; the earth became A very garden through its whole extent With sounds of minstrelsy and merriment.
§ 39 How Afrdsiyab bestowed a Province on Siyawush
Thus passed the sennight, then the king prepared
Great gifts of Arab steeds, sheep, coats of mail
Withal, helms, maces, lassos, and dinars,
With purses full of drachms, suits of apparel,
And things both great and small. They drew a list
Of lands and cities 'twixt the sea of Chin
And their own march ; the region was in length
A hundred leagues, its breadth no man could measure.
For all that sovereignty in royal fashion
They made the patent out on painted silk,
Which with a golden throne and golden crown
The king sent to the house of Siyawush.
KAl KAUS ill
He next prepared the hall of banqueting,
And those that came to it from far and near
Found wine, and tables ready spread, and cooks ;
Folks eat, and whatsoever each could carry
He took away with him to his own home :
The monarch's guests thus passed a week in joy.
He opened wide the dungeons' bolted doors, v. 615
Exulting as the favourite of fortune.
The eighth day Siyawush with brave Piran
Approached the king at dawn for leave to go
To their own homes. Both offered compliments,
And said : " 0 gracious worldlord ! may thy days
Be ever joyous and thy foes' backs bent."
Thence they returned rejoicing and their talk Was all about the monarch of the world.
Thus for a year in justice and in love The circling heaven turned and brought no care ; Then from the presence of the monarch came A friendly messenger to Siyawush, And said : " The king saith : ' 0 illustrious chieftain ! I have bestowed upon thee all the realm From here to Chin : go round and view the lands. In any city where thou findest ease, Contentment, and no more to be desired, Abide in gladness and prosperity ; Stint not thy soul one moment of delight.' "
Then Siyawush, rejoicing at his words, Struck up the pipes and drums, and packed the loads. A host accompanied him on the way With arms and treasure, signet-ring and crown. They fitted many litters and arranged The curtains for the ladies. In one litter The prince placed Farangis and, having loaded The baggage-train, led forth the company. They went with merriment toward Khutan v- 6l6
With all the famous men escorting them,
278 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
Because Piran, that general favourite,
Was of that state, and Siyawush had promised
To spend a month with him. The days were passed
In banqueting or in the hunting-field
Until the month was ended ; then there rose
The din of drum at cock-crow, and the prince
Went to his realm, preceded by Piran,
And followed by his troops. The news got wind,
And all the nobles sought their overlord.
They set forth from their homes with joyful hearts,
And, as the custom was, bedecked the land,
And there was such a bruit within that realm
That thou hadst said : " The earth is raised to heaven."
Such were the din and blast of clarions
That thou hadst said : " All hearts leap from their
seats."
They found one day a cultivated tract : It was a goodly and well favoured site, On one side mountains, on another sea. Upon a third side was a hunting-ground, Secluded, full of trees and rivulets — A place to make the old heart young again. Then to Piran spake Siyawush and said :— " See what a noble site these fields afford ! Here will I fashion me a goodly seat To be my heart's delight, a spacious city Containing palace, hall, and pleasure-grounds : I will exalt the buildings to the moon, And make them worthy of the crown and throne/'
Piran replied : " 0 thou of goodly rede ! Accomplish all that thy heart purposeth. V. 617 If thou shalt bid, according to thy plans I will erect a moon-attaining seat ; I ask thee not for treasure or for lands, And for thy sake reck not of time or place. And Siyawush rejoined : " 0 blessed one
KAl KAUS 279
Thou bring'st the tree of greatness into fruit. Thine are my weal and wealth ; I notice first In every place thy toil on mine account. I will erect a city on this ground Such that beholders shall remain astound."
§ 40 How Siydwusli built Gang-dizh
I open now the door of history —
The charming record of the days of yore — To speak of Gang-i-Siyawush to thee,
The city, and the city's ancient lore. Praise be to Him by Whom the world was wrought,
The Maker of the unknown and the known, The Lord of being and not being ; aught
Besides hath peers, but God is One alone. Praise to the Prophet, and to those who bore
Him company our praises be addressed, And since the righteous flourish here no more
Speak not of taking this world for thy rest. Where are the heads and crowns of kings of kings ? Where are the gallant, noble athelings ? Where are the doctors and the scientists ? Where are the labour-bearing annalists ? Where are the modest fair who charmed the sight, v. 618
And gently uttered words of graciousness ? Where is the nestling of the mountain-height,
Inured to scorn, discomfort, and distress ? Where he that touched the cloud-rack with his head,
And whither is the lion-hunter gone ? They have but bricks and dust to form their bed,
And he that sowed good seed is blest alone. From dust we come and shall return to dust, And all is dread, distraction, and distrust.
280 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The world will outlast thee ; its mysteries How wilt thou ken ? 'Tis full of instances ; Shall we ignore them ? Six and sixty years
Hast thou been scheming : turn thy face away From toil and emulation. Thy compeers
Left thee in multitudes while thou didst stay
A greedy hand upon the world to lay,
And shalt thou not at last be e'en as they ?
List to the story of a bygone day. Since earth is void of those illustrious men
Why should ambition's crown be sought by thee ? In their days justice ruled the world, and then
Earth nourished under their supremacy. So listen to the tale that I shall tell About Gang-dizh, and see thou mark it well, Because the world hath not in any part Another place so grateful to the heart As that which Siyawush built up of yore, And no small travail in its structure bore.
There is a wilderness across the sea — An arid waste. Beyond it is a land
Inhabited, whose cities furnish thee With all provision ready to thy hand. V. 619 Thou wilt perceive a mountain farther on Unmatched in loftiness, and thereupon
Gang-dizh. It is no hurt for thee to know
That 'tis one hundred leagues around below, And eyes that look aloft are dazed anon.
Explore and thou wilt still be at a loss To find the way of access to the place ;
The rock is three and thirty leagues across, Presenting everywhere a solid face. If only one man harnessed for the fray Were stationed for each league, to find a way A hundred thousand men would not avail On barded steeds and clad themselves in mail.
KAl KAUS 281
A spacious city next will meet thine eye
With rose-beds, gardens, open space, and hall, Stream, river, and hot baths, while minstrelsy,
Perfume, and brilliant hues pervade it all. The hills are stocked with game, the plains with deer. Once having seen it thou wilt tarry here, And in thy rambles o'er the higher ground Will pheasants, peacocks, partridges be found. No winter's frosts to summer's heats succeed,
There is no lack of food, repose, or mirth, Thou wilt not see a single invalid ;
In short it is a paradise on earth. The water here is wholesome, clear, and bright, The whole champaign in vernal garb is dight. Its length and breadth have thirty leagues extent According to the Persian measurement, And one league and a half in altitude :
'Twould weary any one to scale the height, And when the place is from the summit viewed
None ever saw a scene more exquisite. When Siyawush had visited the place He chose it out of all Iran to bear
His name, and built of marble, stone, cement, v. 620
And some material to us unknown, A wall above one hundred cubits high And eight and thirty broad ; the hold out-ranged Both shaft and catapult, but thou shouldst see The place itself, for one that hath not seen it Will, thou wouldst say, be angry with the poet. The prince endured much hardship thereabout All for the sake of greatness, throne, and crown, And made himself in that delightful spot A charming seat with palace, hall, and park. He planted many trees, and made the place Like Paradise, and for its flowers chose Narcissus, tulip, hyacinth, and rose.
282 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
§ 41 How Siydwush discoursed with Pirtin about the Future
The noble Siyawush went with Piran One day to see the place whereof the sight Would make the aged young. It was delightful, With treasuries everywhere fulfilled with wealth ; And this imperial seat pleased Siyawush More than all other seats of kings and nobles. When they were leaving Siyawush was sad, V. 621 And asked the astrologers : " Will this abode Secure me Grace and fortune, or shall I Regret what I have done ? "
They all replied : — " This place will not prove very fortunate."
The prince was angry with the astrologers ; His heart was full of pain, his eyes shed tears ; His hand relaxed his swift-paced courser's reins, And hot tears trickled down. Piran exclaimed : — " My lord ! what is the cause of this distress ? "
" High heaven," he said, " hath filled my heart and soul With pain and trouble, since what I amass, My home, and treasury, will be my foe's At last. Ill will be ill and 1 shall die. The fairest spot in this world is Gang-dizh Where by the Grace of Him Who giveth good • My wisdom and my fortune have not slept, And I have raised the summit to the Pleiads. Still am I busy gathering works of art, But when the place is decked, and precious things Abound, mine own enjoyment will be short ; Another will be seated in this palace. The joy is not for me, or for my child, Or hero of my race. My life will close Ere long ; I shall not want a hall or palace.
KAl KATJS 283
Afrasiyab will have this for his throne, And death will overtake me for no fault Of mine. Such is the mystery of heaven With its vicissitudes of joy and grief!"
Piran replied : " My lord ! encourage not v. 622
Vain thoughts, Afrasiyab safe-guardeth thee, And on thy finger is a royal signet. I also, while my soul is in my body, Will strive to keep my faith to thee unbroken ; I will not let the wind pass over thee, Or breezes tell the hairs upon thy head."
Then Siyawush : " 0 honourable man ' I see that honour is thy one desire. Thou knowest all the secrets that I have, Thou who art shrewd of heart and sound of limb ! Now will I tell thee by the Grace of God What I have learned of heaven's purposes, And advertise thee what will be hereafter When I am gone from halls and palaces, So that thou mayst not, seeing such, exclaim : — ' Why were they not disclosed to Siyawush ? ' Piran, thou warrior exceeding wise ! Hear what I say ; no lengthy time will pass Ere by the hand of our shrewd-hearted monarch I shall, though guiltless, cruelly be slain. Another will possess this crown and throne. Thou wilt prove just and true, but heaven's purpose May not be thwarted. By a slanderer's words, And evil fate, my blameless head will suffer. Iran will be in conflict with Turan, Revenge will make life wretched, and the earth Will be in travail through its length and breadth ; The scimitar of feud will rule the age. Thou wilt see many standards from Iran Approach Tiiran — red, yellow, black, and violet — With ravaging and bearing off of spoil,
284 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
And scattering of treasures. Provinces In plenty will be trampled underfoot Of horses, and the streams of water fouled. V. 623 The monarch of Turan will then repent
Both of his words and works, but penitence Will not avail when homesteads are in flames. Both here and in Iran will be the din ^Of war, and my blood will convulse the world.
Thus hath the Almighty written in the sky I By Whose decree seed sown will bear its fruit. . . . Come, let us give ourselves to j oy and feast : When it is time for us to pass we pass. Why set thy heart upon this Wayside Inn ? Why toy with treasure ? Why complain of toil ? Our wealth will be another's. Why should one, Because he is a king, enrich his foe ? "
Whenas Piran had heard and taken thought His heart was filled with trouble at these words. He said : " I have brought evil on myself If this that he hath spoken be the truth. I drew him to the country of Turan, And scattered through the world the seeds of feud. I drew him to Turan by mine own efforts, And gave to him a province, crown, and wealth, Not recking of the king's repeated warnings." And then his loving heart suggested this : — " Who hath revealed to him these mysteries — The motions and the purpose of the sky ? He surely must be thinking of Iran, Of Kai Kaiis, and of the imperial throne ; It is the memory of happier days."
Piran with these words solaced his own heart, And entered on no prudent policy, v. 624 The two discussed the future all the way,
Then lighting from their steeds they ceased from talk,
KAl KAUS 285
And, having had a golden table dressed, Wine, harp, and minstrelsy were in request.
§42 How Afrdsiyab sent Pirdn into the Provinces
They thus passed seven days in merriment, Discoursing of the monarchs of the world. The eighth day came a letter from the king To bid Piran : " Choose from the warriors A host and go toward the sea of Chin. Thence cross the marches to the river Sind, Demand the tribute from the provinces, And over-run the borders of Khazar." Then from the portal of the paladin Shouts rose, while drums and tymbals shook the ground, And troops from all sides gathered round Piran — A mighty army eager for the fray. Whenas the troops had mustered at his gate He bade farewell and marched, while Siyawush, Rich in dinars and goods of every kind, With well appointed steeds, remained behind.
§43 How Siyau-ush built Siyawushgird
A cameleer brought from Afrasiyab,
In hottest haste about the time of sleep,
To Siyawush a letter full of love,
And blazoned like the starry sky : it ran : —
" Since thy departure I enjoy no pleasure,
My thoughts permit rne not a moment's peace.
Moreover I have sought thee out a seat,
Such as thou wilt approve, within Tiiran.
286 THE SHAHNAMA OF F1RDAUSI
Though it be pleasant whither thou hast gone, v- 625 And griefless there, yet quit thy realm and bring The heads of evil-wishers to the dust."
The chieftain packed the baggage and set forth With all speed as the king commanded him. A thousand female camels with red hair They loaded up with various merchandise. He made a hundred camels carry treasures And drachms, while forty others bore dinars. Ten thousand swordsmen went along with him — Picked horsemen from f ran and from Turan — Preceded by the baggage-train and litters With lovely ladies in their bravery. Of rubies and turquoises fit for kings, . Or torques and diadems inlaid with gems, Of ambergris, of aloe-wood, and musk, Of spicery, brocade, and silken cushions, From Pars and Chin and Mizr were thirty loads. The leader and his noble retinue Proceeded till they came to blithe Bahar. When he arrived he pointed out a site Two leagues in length and breadth. Thereon he built A city famous for its rosaries, Its lofty palaces, and orchard-grounds. He limned within the hall full many a picture Of kings, of battle, and of banqueting, And painted there Kaus with mace and armlets, Crowned on his throne, with elephantine Rustam, With Zal, Gudarz, and all that company. Elsewhere he limned Afrasiyab, his army, Piran, and Garsiwaz the vengeful one. That pleasant city was the talk of all Good men both in Iran and in Turan. v. 626 At every corner was a cupola,
Whose summit reached the clouds. There minstrels sat
KAl KAUS 287
And sang while chiefs and warriors kept guard Around. Siyawushgird the common voice Called it ; that city made all hearts rejoice.
§ 44 How Piran visited Siyaivushcjird
Now when Piran returned from Hind and Chin
All men were talking of the glorious city,
For, founded on the auspicious day of Ard,
Siyawushgird was famed throughout Tiiran.
He heard of palace, orchard, garden, hall,
Plain, streamlet, hill, and dale, and longed to see
What Siyawush had done with that fine site.
Piran took with him all his retinue —
A thousand wise and valiant warriors —
Men fit to share with him in the rejoicings.
On his approach the prince went with the host
To welcome him. Piran on catching sight
Of Siyawush alighted, as did Siyawush,
Who clasped him closely. Coming to the city
They went around what erst had been a thorn-brake,
But then lamp-bright with palace, hall, and pleasance.
The chief Piran went everywhere, invoked
Full many a blessing on the prince, and said : —
" If Grace and royal height and wisdom too
Were not thine own in this thine undertaking
How could results like these have been achieved ?
Be this thy monument among the brave
And noble till the Resurrection-day,
And may thy sons and sons' sons live rejoicing — v. 627
World-lords triumphant and magnanimous."
Piran surveyed part of that jocund city, Then reached the hall and grounds of Siyawush, And in high spirits and ambitious hopes
288 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Proceeded to the home of Farangis.
The daughter of the king met, greeted him,
And proffered him a handsel of dinars.
When, seated on the throne, he looked around,
And saw the crowds of servants standing by,
He uttered many words of thankfulness,
And praised the Maker ; then they fell to feasting
With wine, cup-bearers, meats, and minstrelsy,
And thus they passed a sennight wine in hand,
Now blithe and joyous-hearted, now bemused.
On the eighth day Piran produced the presents
Brought from abroad, and other fitting gifts
Of rubies, royal jewelry, dinars,
Brocade, crowns all inlaid with precious stones,
And steeds with golden furniture, the saddles
Of poplar- wood, their pummels leopard-skin.
He gave a coronet to Farangis,
With earrings, bracelets, and a jewelled torque,
Then went upon his way toward Khutan
In order to attend his sovereign.
On reaching home he spake thus to Gulshahr :— "Whoe'er hath seen not jocund Paradise, And known what things Rizwan l hath planted there, Should see this splendid place, this paradise Of thrones and palaces, where Siyawush, V. 628 The wise and glorious, sitteth like the sun Inside the palace of the blest Suriish. Allow thyself the pleasure of a visit ; The lord is goodlier than his city ; thou Wouldst say : ' He lighteth up the Occident ! ' ' See Farangis — all loveliness and lustre, As 'twere a two weeks' moon beside the sun."
Swift as a bark that speedeth o'er the sea He went thence to Afrasiyab, and told What he had done, what tribute he had brought,
1 See p. 39, note.
KAI KAUS 289
How he had battled in the land of Hind,
And laid ill-doers' heads upon the dust.
The monarch asked how Siyawush had prospered,
And of his city, province, crown, and throne.
Piran replied : " Whoever shall behold
The springtide-gaiety of Paradise
May in good sooth mistake this place for that,
And this illustrious monarch for the sun.
I saw a city such that none will see
Its like on earth in Chin or in Tiiran.
What with its wealth of gardens, lialls, and streams,
Thou wouldst have said: 'There wisdom mixed with
mind ! '
One must dismiss fault-finding where is naught To blame. When from afar I saw the palace Of Farangis 'twas like a hoard of jewels As bright as light. If now Surush should come From Paradise he would not have the Grace, The majesty, the common sense, the splendour, And ordered usance of thy son-in-law, Who is as good as thy glad heart would wish. Both realms too rest from strife and stir, like men v. 629
Restored to reason. Mayst thou ever have The rede of princes and the heart of sages."
The monarch gladdened at the words on hearing That this his Bough of promise was in bearing.
§45 How Afrdsiydb sent Garsiwaz to Siyawush
Afrasiyab made known to Garsiwaz Piran's account without suppressing aught, And said : " Go blithely to Siyawushgird, And scan it well. The heart of Siyawush Is on Tiiran ; he thinketh notf of home VOL. n.
290 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt
Now that he hath farewelled the throne and crown, Farewelled Gudarz, Bahrain, and Kai Kaiis. He looketh not to Rustam son of Zal, Nor taketh mace or battle-ax in hand, But hath erected, where was once a field Of thorns, a city like the jocund spring, Hath raised a lofty dwelling-place therein For Farangis, and holdeth her in honour. Prepare to visit noble Siyawush, Say little when thou seest him on the throne, But judge him from a monarch's point of view At chase, at wine, on mountain or on plain, And in assemblies, show him all respect Before his nobles and exalt his name. Prepare for him exceeding many gifts Of horses and dinars, of crowns and girdles, v. 630 As well as jewelled thrones, brocade of Chin, And armlets, maces, swords, and signet-rings, With carpeting and trinkets of all kinds. See what thou findest in the treasury, And take besides a gift for Farangis. Go thou with naught but praises on thy tongue, And, shouldst thou find a joyous, smiling host, Abide two sennights in that jocund city."
Thereat the noble Garsiwaz selected A thousand cavaliers, men of repute, To go with all speed to Siyawushgird. The prince when news arrived went forth with troops To welcome Garsiwaz ; the two embraced And Siyawush inquired about the king, Then going back provided for his guests. Next morning early Garsiwaz drew nigh And brought the monarch's message and the gifts. When Siyawush saw what Afrasiyab Had sent him he was like a rose in spring ; Then mounting on his proudly stepping steed,
KAI KAs 291
And followed by the Iranian cavaliers, Took Garsiwaz about the place, and when He had shown all went to his home again.
§ 46 The Birth of Farud the Son of Siyawush
At that time came to Siyawush like wind
A cavalier who brought good tidings, saying : —
" The daughter of the captain of the host
Hath borne a babe as 'twere the shining moon —
A glorious child, whom they have named Farud,
And when Piran at night received the news
He bade me and another cavalier : — V. 631
'Go bear the joyful tidings to the prince.'
The mother also of the precious babe —
Jarira, chief among the high-born dames —
Commanded from her couch the slaves to smear
The infant's hand with saffron, and to take
The impression on this letter's back, and said : —
' Bear this to Siyawush, whose wish is granted,
And tell him : " Stricken though I be in years,
Yet notwithstanding God hath made me glad." '
Then Siyawush thus answered : " May this babe Ne'er leave the seat of majesty unfilled ! " And gave the messenger so many drachms That he who bare them wearied of the weight.
When Garsiwaz had heard the news he said : — " Piran to-day is equal to a king."
They sought the house of Farangis with joy And told her those glad tidings. Garsiwaz Beheld her sitting on her ivory throne, A crown set with turquoise was on her head, While many slaves with golden caps were standing With moon-like cheeks in presence of the Moon.
292 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
She came down from her throne and, greeting him,
Inquired about his longsome journey's toil ;
But Garsiwaz was wroth, was wholly changed,
And thus he thought : " Let but a year pass thus
And Siyawush will care for nobody ;
Throne, kingdom, host, and treasure will be his."
He writhed but hid his feelings, and exclaimed With pallid cheeks to Siyawush : " Thou hast The fruit of toil, enjoy the gains for life !"
They took their seats within the golden hall Upon two jewelled thrones of gold, rejoicing In fortune ; minstrels and cup-bearers came, v. 632 And Garsiwaz, amid the joy and din Of minstrelsy, forgot his own chagrin.
§47 How Siyawush played at Polo
Now when the bright sun made the distance clear,
And showed its face from heaven to all the land,
The prince went from his palace to the Ground
To play at polo. Garsiwaz came up
And drove the ball, which Siyawush pursued
And caught it fairly with the polo-stick,
While his opponent only found the dust.
The ball struck by the prince was seen no more :
Thou wouldst have said : " The sky hath drawn it up ! }>
Then to his eager followers he said :
" I leave the ball and sticks and Ground to you."
Whenas the warriors came upon the Ground The Iranians in the tussle took the ball, While Siyawush rejoiced at their success, And looked as 'twere a noble cypress-tree. He bade a golden throne be set and contests With javelins to take place, both princes sitting Upon the throne to watch the combatants.
KAI KAUS 293
The cavaliers rushed on the Ground like dust
And, dart in- hand, began to strive for honour.
Then Garsiwaz spake thus to Siyawush : —
" 0 king renowned, the Memory of kings !
Thy prowess is still greater than thy birth :
Vouchsafe to let the Turkmans witness it :
Display before them just for once what thou v. 633
Can'st do in javelin-play and archery."
The prince, who laid his hand upon his breast At this, arose and mounted on his horse. They bound together coats of mail five thick — Coats any one of which would tire a man — And set them up at one end of the Ground, While all the troops stood looking. Siyawush Took up a royal spear wherewith his father Fought in Mazandaran and slaughtered lions. He went upon the Ground, this spear in hand, And plied his reins like some mad elephant. He pierced the coats of mail and bore them off, The links and joints alike had given way. The charge thus made he raised his spear erect And flung the coats of mail about at will. Then valiant Garsiwaz and other horsemen Went on the Ground with their long javelins, And many gathered round those coats of mail, But found not one whose fastenings had not yielded. The prince then called for four shields of Gilan, With two cuirasses also of bright steel, And likewise for his bow and poplar shafts. With six thrust through his belt and three in hand He set another on his bow and gripped His saddle firmly. Then in sight of all He shot the ten shafts, piercing every time The shields and both cuirasses. Old and young Applauded and invoked the name of God. " Thou hast, 0 prince ! " said Garsiwaz to him,
294 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
" No equal in Iran or in Turan. Come now ! Let us two go upon the Ground Before this company, there let us grasp Each other's leathern belt as warriors Would do in battle. I have not a peer Among the Turkmans, thou wilt see few steeds v. 634 Like mine, and thou in the Iranian host
Art matchless both in prowess and in stature. If I shall take thee from thy charger's back, And throw thee to the ground, acknowledge me Superior both in prowess and in might, While if thou layest me upon the earth I wheel no more upon the battlefield."
But Siyawush made answer : " Speak not thus. Thou art a prince, a Lion of the fray ; Besides thy charger is a king to mine, Thy helmet is Azargashasp to me. Make choice of some one else out of Tiiran To strive with me, but not by way of fight."
Then Garsiwaz : " 0 seeker of renown ! No harm will come of pastime such as this."
But Siyawush replied : " It is not well : I cannot fight thee. Two opposed in sport Fight on in earnest ; anger filleth them Although they smile. Thou art the monarch's brother, And tread'st the moon beneath thy horse's hoofs ; I will perform thy bidding but not break Our good relations by an act like this. Call from thy friends some Lion of the fray, Let him be mounted on this swift-paced steed, And if thou art resolved that I should fight, And lay the heads of proud ones in the dust, I will endeavour not to be disgraced Before thy presence, O illustrious prince ! "
Ambitious Garsiwaz was flattered, smiled, And thus addressed the Turkmans : " Noble men !
KAI KAUS 295
Who is there fain to make his mark on earth ? Who will be matched with Siyawush and lay The chief of all the nobles in the dust ! "
The Turkmans heard him and their lips were locked. At length Gurwi the son of Zira said : — " I am prepared to fight if Siyawush Hath no antagonist."
The prince's face
Was full of frowns and sternness at the words, But Garsiwaz said unto him : " 0 prince ! No warrior in our host can match Gurwi."
Then Siyawush : " I hold it but a trifle To fight with any noble but thyself : Two warriors should be chosen out of these To strive with me upon the battlefield."
There was another noble hight Damur, Who had no equal in Tiiran in strength. He, when he heard the words of Siyawush, Came and made ready swift as smoke for fight. They wheeled about, and Siyawush began By snatching at the girdle of Gurwi, And holding by the buckle lifted him And flung him on the plain, but used no mace Or lasso. Then he turned upon Damiir And, catching him about the neck and body In firm embrace, unhorsed him with such ease That all the chiefs were lost in wonderment. The prince thus bore him safe to Garsiwaz ; Thou wouldst have said : " He carrieth a bird ! " Then, having lighted down and disengaged, He sat down laughing on the golden throne ; But Garsiwaz was wroth at that exploit ; His heart was sullen and his cheek was pale.
They hied them homeward from their golden seats, "Raised," thou hadst said, "o'er Saturn in the ascendant," And all the famous men and fortunate
296 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
Assembled for a week with harp and wine. Upon the eighth day they prepared to go, And Siyawush in spite of what he knew Yet wrote a letter to Afrasiyab, Full of submission and kind interest, And gave unstinted gifts to Garsiwaz ; Anon the Turkmans left that noble city Rejoicing, and conversed about the land And most accomplished prince ; but Garsiwaz V. 636 The vengeful said : " Mishap hath come to us, For from Iran the king hath summoned one Who causeth us to sit in blood disgraced. Fierce Lions like Damur and like Gurwi — , Both battle-loving warriors — became Thus abject, helpless, and contemptible When clutched by one foul-hearted cavalier. He will push matters further, and I fail To see in our king's actions head or tail."
§48 How Garsiwaz returned and spake Evil before Afrasiyab
He went thus minded to the Turkman court
Without repose or sleep. Afrasiyab
Asked many questions which his brother answered
And gave the letter ; this the smiling king
Perused with joy. The famous noble marked
The brightened features of Afrasiyab,
And sunset found him all revenge and anguish.
All night he writhed and when its pitch-hued robe
Was riven by clear day his vengeful head
Still slept not, and he sought Afrasiyab.
They sat and talked in private. Garsiwaz
Said to his brother : " Siyawush, O king !
Hath wholly changed, the envoys of Kaus
KAI KAUS 297
Come often secretly, he correspondeth
With Rum and Chin, and drinketh to his father.
Moreover he hath gathered many troops, v- 637
And soon will vex the king's soul. Had not Tur
Become so fierce he had not wronged Iraj,
But now our hearts resemble fire and water
Opposed ; thou wouldest, but in vain, unite them,
And keep the tempest hidden out of sight.
Had I withheld this trouble from thy knowledge
I should have smirched my name before the world."
The king was grieved and said to Garsiwaz : — " The bond of blood between us moveth thee. We will take counsel with ourself three days For more assurance ; if the case be clear It shall be thy part to undo the coil."
The fourth day Garsiwaz appeared at court With helmet on and tightly girded loins. The monarch called him to an interview, Talked much about the case of Siyawush, And said : " 0 thou memorial of Pashang ! Whom have I in the world at hand but thee ? I must disclose the secret of my mind ; Observe what thoughts occur to thine. My heart Was troubled at that evil dream, my brain Affected somewhat, yet I kept from war, And Siyawush for his part hurt me not. When he farewelled the throne of might he made My love the weft across his wisdom's warp. He was obedient and I used him well. I gave to him a province and my treasure, But kept my griefs and sorrows for mine own. I bound him to me by the ties of blood, Foregoing thoughts of vengeance on f ran, And did not grudge my treasures or my child, V. 638
But trusted him with both my precious Eyes. Now, after all these pains and benefits,
298 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
And sacrifice of province, crown, and wealth, For me to purpose ill to Siyawush Would raise no little outcry. If I do An injury however slight to him The mighty men will cry out shame on me, And I shall be a butt for every one. Of beasts the lion hath the sharpest teeth, His heart is not afraid of scimitars, And if a whelp of his shall be aggrieved He will lay all the meadow desolate ; Moreover if we persecute the guiltless How shall the Judge of sun and moon approve ? I know none else that I can take to me, Yet now I will dismiss him to his father. So, if he seeketh throne and signet- ring, He will not make our coasts the scene of strife." But Garsiwaz : " 0 king ! treat not so lightly This grave affair. If he departeth home He will bring desolation on our coasts, For when an alien is made a kinsman He learneth all thy secrets great and small. A sage once spake a proverb as to this : — ' Domestic storms that burst externally Will prove but travail and distress to thee, And dissipate wealth, fame, and family.' V. 639 Dost thou not know that he who reareth leopards Will get no recompense but pain and strife ? "
Afrasiyab, when he had mused awhile And thought that Garsiwaz had spoken rightly, Repenting of his own advice and conduct, And owning that his policy had failed, Thus answered Garsiwaz : " From this affair I see no good appear in any way. Let us be patient till the turning sky Shall make its aspects known. In everything Delay is better than precipitance ;
KAI KAUS 299
Wait till the sun hath shone on this awhile ;
I shall discern God's purpose, and to whom
The bright cheek of revolving heaven is turned,
And then if I recall him to the court
I shall discover what his secret is.
All will no doubt be clear in course of time,
And if his villainy be manifest,
So that my heart must needs be pitiless,
No one will blame me afterward, for naught
But evil fitly recompenseth evil."
Then vengeful Garsiwaz : " Discerning king, Whose words are righteous ! Siyawush possesseth Grace, stature, maces, swords, and god-like hands ; He will not come to court without a host, But make both sun and moon turn dark to thee. He is much changed, his crown is raised to heaven, And Farangis thou wouldst not recognize, But say : ' This world can give her nothing more.' Thy troops will all go over to his side, And when there is no flock there is no shepherd. An army having seen a king like him, So generous, so beaming, and so wise, Thenceforth would never have thee for their king ; The Ram would be his throne and thine the Fish. Moreover wilt thou call on him to quit The noble city and the prosperous seat
That he hath built, and bid him : ' Be my slave, v. 640
Content with meanness and obscurity ? ' None seeth lions couch with elephants, Or flames upon the surface of a stream. If one should take a lion's whelp unsuckled As yet, should bring it up on milk and sugar, And nurse it on his bosom constantly, It will revert to nature when full-grown And fear no furious elephant's assault."
The monarch's heart was straitened at his words ;
300 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
He grew despondent, anxious, and distressed, But judged it best to pause, for prudent men Win in the end, while those of windy pate _ Obtain no praise. A wise man spake this saw :— " A tempest that hath not been unforeseen Thou mayst encounter with untroubled mien, While Feather-brains will be in evil plight Albeit cypress-tall and men of might."
Unrest and talk went on ; their hearts were full Of vengeance for the wrongs of ancient days, For ever and anon came Garsiwaz — The villain full of malice — to the king, Concocting lying tales of Siyawush, And stirring the Turanian monarch's heart, Until he was possessed by care and vengeance. One day the king in private conference With Garsiwaz declared his purposes, And said : " Thou must go hence. Hold intercourse With Siyawush for long, then speak him fairly From me, and say : ' Thou in thy happy home Hast no desire to look on any one ; v. 641 But my heart resteth not for love of thee. Arise ! Come hither, thou and Farangis, Awhile, because we yearn to look upon thee, With thy shrewd mind so full of excellence. We too have game upon our hills, we too Quaff wine and milk in cups of emerald. Thus let us pass a season and be glad, And, when thou longest for thy prosperous city, Go thou with singing and with happiness. Why are the wine and cup denied to us ? Think not about thy throne of majesty, But straitly gird thy loins and come to me.' "
KAI KAUS 301
§49
How Garsiwaz returned to Siyawush
The crafty, vengeful Garsiwaz made ready. When he drew near Siyawushgird he bade A fluent speaker : " Go to Siyawush And say : ' Famed son of an aspiring sire ! By our king's life and head, and by the life, The head, and royal crown of Shah Kaiis, Leave not thy throne to meet me on the way, Because thou art so great in dignity, In fortune, Grace, crown, throne, and lineage, That every wind should have to gird its loins To make thee quit that royal dwelling-place.' "
The messenger approaching kissed the ground And told the words of Garsiwaz ; the heart Of Siyawush was pained, he sat and mused Awhile, then said : " Here is some mystery ! I know not what my good friend Garsiwaz Hath said about me to Afrasiyab."
When Garsiwaz arrived the prince went out Afoot to him, asked of the king's affairs, Of throne and crown and host, and Garsiwaz Then gave the message which made Siyawush v. 642
Rejoice, and thus he said : " For his dear sake I would not turn away from swords of steel. Lo ! I will bind my girdle on to go, And link my rein to thine ; but we will tarry Within this pleasance arabesqued with gold Three days and hold a revel, for this world Is fleeting by in pain and toil. Alas For him whose little life is passed in sorrow ! "
Revengeful Garsiwaz writhed when he heard The prudent prince's words : " If Siyawush," He thought, " departeth with me to the king,
302 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
With his astuteness and his lion-strength The prince will trample on my bow, my words Will tarnish, and the king will deem my plan A fraud ; I must devise a scheme to urge The heart of Siyawush to evil courses."
He fixed an earnest gaze on Siyawush In silence, while his eyes shed tears of gall To further his intent. The prince beheld Those swimming eyes as of one greatly moved, And gently said : " My brother ! what is this ? Is it a nameless grief, or hath the king By his unkindness caused thy tears to flow ? Lo ! I will go along with thee and fight Thy battle with the monarch of Tiiran, Will find out why he useth thee so ill, And treateth thee as his inferior, While if it is an open enemy That causeth thee insufferable grief And trouble, lo ! I am thy friend in all, And will provide thee with the means to fight. But if the royal favour is bedirnmed, Not by thy fault but through some slanderer's lies, Or one hath ousted thee, confide in me, 643 That I may make all well, assuage thy griefs, And purge the monarch of his faults herein."
But Garsiwaz replied : " 0 man of fame ! It is no question with me of the king, Nor arn I troubled by a foe. My courage And wealth dispense with schemes. I mused on
questions
Of race, and called to mind true tales of old ; The wrong began with Tiir who lost the Grace, And made feud with fraj, who did not brawl. Beneath Afrasiyab and Minuchihr Tiiran hath been like water and Iran Like fire ; they mingled not but broke away
KAI KAUS 303
From wisdom's bonds ; Afrasiyab is worse
Than Tiir ; this wild bull still is in his hide.
In truth thou knowest not his evil moods,
But wait until a little time hath passed.
First judge him by the guiltless Ighriras,
His brother in full blood, whom he destroyed
With his own hand in very wantonness,
While afterward full many a famous man
Was slaughtered by him for no fault at all.
My chief anxiety is now for thee,
For thou art shrewd of heart and stout of frame,
And, since thou earnest to our land, hast done
No wrong to any, but adorned the world
With wisdom, seeking right and manliness.
Malignant Ahriman, who parteth hearts,
Hath seared the king's through thee, and it is all
Revenge and grief at thee ! God's will I know not, v. 644
But thou dost know me as thy friend, thy partner
In weal and woe, and thou must not suspect Hereafter that I knew of all this coil. I therefore tell thee of the monarch's case, Which it had been a fault in me to hide."
Then Siyawush : " Have no concern hereat, The Maker of the world is mine ally ; I did hope otherwise than that the king- Would turn my day to night ; had he been wroth With me he had not raised me over others, Or given me a province, crown, and throne, Domain, his daughter, treasure, and a host. Now will I go with thee to court and make His dim moon shine again. Where'er truth shineth The light of falsehood waneth. I will show him This heart of mine, a heart that doth outshine The sun in heaven. Be happy then, reject Suspicion, for whoever suffereth That dragon's breath departeth from God's way."
304 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
But Garsiwaz made answer : " My dear friend ! He is much changed. So long as heaven shall turn He will be harsh and wear a frowning face. Not e'en the wisest knoweth of the wiles That lift on his horizon. Thou thyself, With all thy learning and thy prudent heart, Thy towering stature and high purposes, Discernest not 'twixt artifice and love : May no ill fortune ever come to thee ! He dealt in charms and spells with thee, and sewed The eyes of wisdom up by his devices. V. 645 First, when he named thee son-in-law, thy joy Was ill advised. Next when he sent thee forth He made a feast for thee, and called his lords, In hope that thou wouldst take some liberty, And give occasion to the world to talk. Besides thou art not closer unto him By any ties than prudent Ighiiras, Whom he cut down, and filled the nobles' hearts With terror. Since his purposes are clear, Accept the fact ; trust not the ties of blood. Now like the shining sun have I displayed My thoughts, my trade, and wit. Thou hast rejected A father in Iran, and in Turan Hast builded cities, yielding to the words And sharing in the troubles of the king. It is an ill tree that thy hand hath planted, With poisonous fruit and leaves of colocynth."
He spake deceitfully with running eyes And sighing lips, while Siyawush in tears, Regarding him with wonder, called to mind His own sad fate that heaven's love should cease, And that though young his life was well nigh sped. His heart was pained, his cheeks turned pale, he sighed In heaviness of soul, and said : " I find not That I deserve requital for ill done,
KAI KAUS 305
For nobody hath heard a fault of mine
In word or deed. Good sooth if I have squandered v. 646
His treasure my heart is wrung at his displeasure.
But come what may I never will transgress
His wishes or commands. Now let me go
With thee, without an escort, and discover
The reason of the anger of the king."
Then Garsiwaz replied : " Aspiring one ! It is not well to go. No need to walk Thus into fire, or to expose thyself To breakers ; 'tis but rushing into danger, And sending smiling destiny to sleep : I surely shall suffice to mediate And fling cold water on the flames ; but write A letter telling all things fair or foul, And if I find him free from vengeful thoughts, And in a lucid interval of good, I will dispatch a cavalier and make Thy gloomy counsels bright. I trust in God, Who knoweth all things, that Afrasiyab Will turn to good and shun perverse, bad ways : But if I find him rash and obstinate I likewise will dispatch a camel-post In haste ; then make thee ready instantly. Illustrious monarchs and their realms are near At hand, it is but six score leagues to Chin, And only seventeen score to Iran, Where all are friendly and prepared to serve thee. On that side too thou hast a yearning father, A host attached to thee, and loyal cities. Dispatch a lengthy letter to all parts, And haste to get thee ready."
Siyawush
Gave credence to the words of Garsiwaz, So much was his shrewd intellect asleep, And answered : " I will do as thou hast said, v. 647
VOL. n. u
3o6 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDA USl
And not transgress thy counsel, and advice. Make intercession for me with the king : And show me the right course in everything."
§ 50
The Letter of Siydwush to Afrddyab
A ready scribe was called to whom the prince Gave full instructions. First invoking God — The Assuager of His servant's grief — he spake The praise of wisdom, blessed the king, and said : " 0 king victorious and fortunate ! May time ne'er prove thine only monument. Thou calledst me and I rejoiced thereat : May thy seat be amongst the archimages. Moreover thou didst summon Farangis, And fill her heart with love and loyalty But Farangis is ailing at this present With weakness and the loss of appetite, She cannot rise and will not let me leave Her side (I see her lying 'twixt two worlds) Although my heart desired to look on thee, And thy words gave new lustre to my spirit. When Farangis is well she shall become The ransom of the monarch of Turan ; Her sufferings are also mine excuse, For I am privy to her pains and griefs."
He gave the letter, when it had been sealed, At once to evil-natured Garsiwaz, Who boldly made request for three fleet steeds, And rode without a halt both day and night. He traversed in three days the long, hard road O'er hill and vale, and on the fourth day reached The monarch's court, a villain bent on ill. V. 648 Afrasiyab, on seeing him thus pressed,
KAI KAUS 307
And full of hurry, questioned him at large : — " Why hast thou come in haste," the monarch said, " Why didst thou make a journey of such length ? " Then Garsiwaz replied : " When fortune loureth . It is not well to put thy trust therein. Now Siyawush showed no regard for me, Nor even came to meet me on the way, Would hear no words, would not peruse thy letter, But set me on my knees below his throne. He had much correspondence with Iran, And kept his city's portals shut on us. What with a host from Ruin and one from Chin There is a constant bruit within the land. Unless thou actest promptly thou wilt have Naught left but wind. While thou art hesitating He will attack thee, and obtain both realms, For should he lead his army toward Iran What man would dare come forth to challenge him ? My purpose in forewarning thee is this That thou mayst suffer by no act of his."
§ 51
How Afrdsiydb came to fight with Siyawush
Whenas Afrasiyab had heard these words
The feelings of old days returned to him.
His heart grew full of fire, his head of wind,
He could not answer Garsiwaz for wrath,
But in his fury bade pipes, cymbals, trumpets,
And Indian bells be sounded, and troops summoned.
He flung away the letter all unread,
And, through the words that wicked Garsiwaz
Had spoken, set another tree of feud.
Now, while the guileful Garsiwaz was toiling V. 649
Upon the saddle, Siyawush in anguish
308 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Went pale and trembling to his ladies' bower. " Chief of the lion-clutch ! " said Farangis, " Why is thy favour changed ? "
" My fair ! " he answered, " Mine honour hath been blackened in Tiiran. I know not how to answer thee, for I Am all confounded at the case myself; But, if the words of Garsiwaz be true, My share is point and not circumference."
Then Farangis plucked at her tresses, rent With filbert-nails her cheeks of cercis-bloom, Blood drenched her locks of musky hyacinth, Her heart was full of fire, her face all tears, Which fell in showers upon the silver hills. She bit with pearly teeth her tulip lips, She tore her hair out by the roots, and wept For what Afrasiyab had said and done. She said to Siyawush : " 0 noble king ! What wilt thou do ? Make haste to tell me alL Thy father is enraged, thou durst not speak About Iran ; 'tis longsome hence to Rum, And thou wouldst be ashamed to go to Chin. Whom wilt thou take to be thy refuge now ? Thy refuge is the Lord of sun and moon."
He answered her : " My good friend Garsiwaz Will come with joyful tidings from the king, Who surely will forgive through tenderness, And turn his vengeance into clemency."
He put his trust in God while thus he spake, But his hard fortune made his heart still ache.
§52
How Siyawush had a Dream
V. 650 For three days Siyawush wept bitterly
By reason of this treacherous turn of fate.
KAI KAUS 309
The fourth night as the prince lay fast asleep, Clasped to the breast of moon-faced Farangis, He shuddered, woke in fright, and cried as 'twere A maddened elephant. The fair one clung To him, exclaiming : " For love's sake, 0 king ! What aileth thee ? "
When he called out they lit The lamps and kindled aloe- wood before him, And ambergris. The lady asked again : — " 0 prudent prince ! what sawest thou in sleep ? "
Then Siyawush made answer : " Tell not thou This dream of mine to any of the folk. My dream was this, O silvern Cypress-tree ! I saw a mighty river stretching far, And on the further bank a mount in flames ; The river-side was held by men in mail. On one side was the swiftly rolling fire — A fire whereby Siyawushgird was burned. Here fire, there water, while Afrasiyab Stood right before me with his elephants. He looked upon me with a louring face, And blew the already fiercely burning flames."
The lady answered him : "It bodeth well, Unless thou slumberest for this one night."
Then Siyawush assembled all his guards And posted them about the court and hall ; He mounted in full armour, sword in hand, And sent out scouts upon the road to Gang. Whenas the more part of the night had passed V. 651
There came a scout on horseback from the waste, Who said : " Afrasiyab with many troops Appeareth in the distance, pressing forward."
Then came a messenger from Garsiwaz, Who said : " Gird up thy loins to save thy life. My words have proved to be of no avail, I see black smoke although I see no fire :
310 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Consider now what course thou shouldest take, And how thou mayest best dispose thy troops."
But Siyawush, who knew not the design, Believed in Garsfvvaz. Then Farangis Said : " 0 wise king ! take no account of us, But mount upon a courser fleet of foot, And trust not to the country of Turan. I fain would see thee in security Abiding here, but save thyself and flee."
§53 The Parting Words of Siyawush to Farangis
He said to Farangis : " That dream of mine Hath come to pass : my glory is bedimmed. For me existence draweth to an end, The misery of bitter days hath come. My palace may reach Saturn, yet death's poison Hath to be drunk ; though life should be prolonged Twelve hundred years dark dust is our last home ; Some are the food of lions, some of vultures Or eagles. Nobody possessed of wisdom Expecteth any brightness from the night. This is the fifth month of thy pregnancy With our illustrious and growing babe : This precious Tree of thine will bring forth Fruit, v- 652 A glorious monarch ; name him Kai Khusrau, And in thy sorrowing find peace in him. None from the bright sun to the darksome dust, From gnat's wing to the mighty elephant's foot, And from the well-spring to the river Nile, Can scape the justice of All-holy God. Turanian soil will be my grave, and none Will say : ' His dust reposeth in Iran.' May not men call this old world new whose sky
KAI KAUS 311
So quickly altereth ? My jocund fortune
Will sleep henceforward by the king's command.
They will strike off this guiltless head of mine,
And lay my diadem in my heart's blood.
For me no bier, shroud, grave, or weeping people,
But like a stranger I shall lie in dust,
A trunk beheaded by the scimitar ;
While thee, thy head unveiled, thy body bare,
The guards shall drag in shame along the road.
Then will Piran the chieftain reach the court,
Plead with thy sire to spare thy blameless life,
And bear thee to his palace in thine anguish.
There in the house of that old, honoured man
Wilt thou bring forth illustrious Kai Khusrau,
And there will come a saviour from Iran,
One with his loins girt up by God's command,
Who will convey thee and thy son in haste
Toward the Jihiin. Thy son will have the throne,
And rule o'er fowl and fish. A host will come
For vengeance from Iran and shake the world. v- 653
Such is the process of the fickle sky,
Which cottoneth to no man out of love ! j
Oh ! what a mighty host will don their mail
To vindicate mine honour ! Battle-shouts
Will rise, and Kai Khusrau will vex the age ;
Then Rustam's Eakhsh will trample earth, despising
Turanian folk, and thou wilt see no vengeance
Ta'en for me till the Resurrection-day
Save by the mace and trenchant scimitar."
The noble hero turned himself to her, Bade her farewell, and said : " Fair spouse ! I go ; Be strengthened by my words, and think no more Of luxury and throne."
He left the palace,
Heart-broken, pale, lamenting sore. O world P I wot not why thou nurturest men if they
312 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
L Whom thou hast nurtured are to be thy prey !
The lady tore her cheeks, plucked out her hair, Sent two streams pouring from her eyes, and hung Upon him as he spake the words of woe.
With cheeks and eyes which ran with his heart's blood He sought the stables of his Arab steeds, And led forth from its stall night-hued Bihzad, Which overtook the wind in days of battle. He groaned, he clasped its head upon his breast, And took the halter and the headstall off. Long while he whispered in his charger's ear, And said : " Be prudent, have to do with none. When to avenge me Kai Khusrau shall come It is on thee that he must put the bridle, So now renounce the stable once for all, For thou shalt carry him to his revenge. v- 654 Be thou his charger, trample on the world,
And with thy hoofs sweep foemen from the earth."
He hamstrung all the other steeds and slashed Their legs like rushes with his scimitar. As for the riches in the treasury, His palace, and rose-garden, his brocade, Dinars, pearls, jewelry, the diadem, Sword, belt, and helm, he burned and wasted them.
§ 54
How Siydwush was taken by Afrasiyab
This done, he with his chiefs marched toward Iran,
Lost in amazement at his evil fortune,
And with his cheeks suffused by tears of blood
Fared half a league then met Afrasiyab,
Beheld an armoured host with sword and mace,
And, buckling up his mail, thought : " Garsfwaz
Hath told the truth, a truth too evident ! "
KAI KAUS 313
Now Siyawush feared for his life what time The monarch of Tiiran drew nigh. His troops Partook his fears. The Turkmans occupied All hills and roads, and each host eyed the other, V. 655
For hate had been a stranger to their hearts. Through fear of Siyawush the Turkman horsemen Sought not to fight but hung back cautiously. With things at such a pass the Iranians cried To Siyawush : " 0 monarch of the world ! Why should they slay us with impunity And drag us o'er the plain ? Think this no trifle But let them witness the Iranians' prowess."
Then Siyawush : " This is not well, for we Have neither room nor force to fight. To offer My sovereign battle would disgrace my stock. The turning sky is bent on my destruction, Though guiltless, by the hands of wicked men, And I can make no bold attack to-day, For none can strive with God. What said the sage, That man of prudence ? ' Brave not adverse fate.' " I
Then to Afrasiyab said Siyawush : — " 0 full of virtues, great and glorious king ! Why hast thou come to battle with thy host ? Why wouldst thou slay me in mine innocence ? Thou wilt embroil the forces of two realms, And fill the earth and age with malisons."
Said Garsiwaz the insensate : " Do these words Befit thee ? If thou art so innocent Why hast thou come thus mail-clad to the king ? Men come not to receive their sovereigns With gifts of bow and mail."
Then Siyawush
On hearing answered : "Villain ! through thy words I left the right path in my heedlessness. Thou saidst : ' The monarch is enraged at thee ! ' Now guiltless men in thousands will be slaughtered v. 656
314 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
Through what thou saidst, but punishment will come f At last. As khou hast sown so shalt thou reap." Then to the king : " Let not thine anger burn. It is no jest for thee to shed my blood, And wage a war against the innocent. Give not thyself and kingdom to the winds For what that miscreant Garsiwaz hath said."
But Garsiwaz the double-dealer watched And, while the prince was speaking to the king, Grew wroth and cried : " O king ! what aileth thee ? Why shouldst thou hold a parley with thy foe ? "
Now when the king had heard what Garsiwaz Had spoken, and it being then broad day, He bade his soldiers draw their trenchant swords, And raise a shout like Resurrection-morn ; But Siyawush, still constant to his pledge, Put not his hand to sword and javelin, And let not one of his companions Advance a foot to battle with the foe. Malevolent and fell Afrasiyab Then wrought upon that chieftain of Iran Gross outrage, saying : " Give them to the sword, And float a ship in blood upon the plain."
The Iranian army was a thousand strong, All men of name and doughty warriors, Who perished on the field and made the earth Like tulips with their gore. Amid the mellay V. 657 The prince fell from his sable steed, sore wounded By shaft and dart. Gurwi the son of Zira Bound both his hands, as he was lying senseless, Behind his back firm as a rock, while others Placed on his neck a yoke. The blood ran down Those cheeks of cercis-bloom ; he ne'er had seen A day like that ! The executioners Urged him and dragged him on the road afoot With troops around him toward Siyawushgird.
KA1 KAlJS 315
Afrasiyab commanded, saying : " Take him Beside the road and let him be beheaded On some bare spot where grasses never grow, And pour his blood upon the burning earth. Let there be no delay and have no fears."
The soldiers said : " What fault hast thou discerned ? Wilt thou not say, 0 king ! how he hath wronged theo That thou shouldst steep thy hands thus in his blood ? Why wilt thou slay a man for whom the crown And ivory throne will weep with bitterness ? Plant not in times of happiness a tree Whose fruitage fortune will convert to bane."
But Garsiwaz, that man of evil note, Was in his folly on the murderers' side, And fain would shed the blood of Siyawush Through dudgeon ever since the day of contest.1 There was a warrior younger than Piran, His brother and his noble peer, by name Pilsam, a bright, accomplished youth, who reasoned Thus with the king : " The fruitage of this shoot Is pain and grief. I have heard sages say, And wisdom too agreeth therewithal : — ' How can deliberation cause regret ? ' And : ' Reason is the medicine of the angry; And : ' Haste and ill are works of Ahriman — v. 658
Pain and remorse to body and to soul.' It is not reason to behead thy subject So recklessly ; keep him in bonds till time Shall give its teaching ; when the breath of wisdom Shall breathe upon thy heart thou mayst behead him, But give no order now, be not in haste, For hastiness is rooted in regret. It is not fit to sever, 0 wise king ! A head whose covering will be the crown ; And if thou shalt behead a guiltless man,
1 See §47.
316 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSf
One whom Kaus and Rustam will avenge — The Shah's own son whom Rustam hath brought up And nourished fondly — we shall see the wrong Revenged, and thou wilt suffer for this day. Bethink thee of the sword with flashing blade, The sword whereby the world is filled with blood, And those famed leaders of the Iranians, Whose wrath confoundeth earth, as Fariburz, The son of Kai Kaus, the ravening Lion, Whom none e'er yet saw satiate of fight ; That hero too and snorting Elephant, Great Rustam, in whose eyes a host is vile. Then will Giidarz, Gurgin, Farhad, and Tiis Make fast the drums upon the elephants' backs, Gird up their loins to take revenge, and fill The wide champaign with spearmen. I, my peers, V. 659 And our best warriors cannot countervail.
Good sooth Piran will come at dawn, the king Will also hear what he hath got to say, And seeing that there is no urgency Dispread not such a carpet of revenge Upon the world. Enjoin not haste herein, For it will be the ruin of Tiiran."
Afrasiyab was softened by these words, But Garsiwaz his brother had no shame, And said : " Check not thy purpose, man of wisdom ! Because of this youth's talk. The plain is full Of vultures feeding on the Iranian dead, And if thou fearest vengeance there is cause. Should Siyawush cry out earth would appear All mace and scimitar from Rum and Chin. Hath he not done thee wrong enough that thou Shouldst listen weakly to what others say ? The snake's tail thou hast crushed and bruised its
head ; Now wilt thou deck its body with brocade ?
KAI KATJS 317
If thou shalt spare his life I will depart To some retreat and perish."
Then Damur
Went with Gurwi, both writhing with affright, Before the monarch of Turan and said : — " Mind not the blood of Siyawush so much, Because 'tis vile to rest with all to do, But hearken to the words of Garsiwaz, The counsellor, and sweep away thy foe. Since thou hast laid the snare and captured him Slay him at once, and tarnish not thy glory Through folly. Holding him is not enough,; 'Tis needful that we break our foemen's hearts. Thou hast destroyed his troops ! Mark how the prince Will now regard thee. Had none injured thee V. 660
Aforetime water could have purged this fault ; Now policy would have him seen no more At large or in restraint."
The king replied : — " I have myself beheld no fault in him ; Albeit astrologers declare that ill Will come to me through him, and if I shed His blood revenge will raise dust in Tiiran And dim the sun. That day will daze the wise. Misfortune is upon me and my realm ; Affliction, pain, and bondage are at hand, Yet freeing him is worse than slaying him, Though slaying him will cause me pain and anguish/'
But neither sage nor villain can make sure What new expedient heaven may have in store.
§55 How Faranyis bewailed herself before Afrdsiydb
The news reached Farangis, who tore her cheeks And came afoot before Afrasiyab,
3i8 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
Girt with a bloody cord, her moon-like face Besmirched with blood ; she came in fear and trembling, And, as she scattered dust upon her head, Exclaimed : " 0 monarch full of excellence 1 Why wilt thou bring me to such misery ? Why hast thou wrapped thy heart up in deceit ? Dost thou not from thy height perceive the abyss ? Take not a monarch's and a guiltless head ; The Judge of sun and moon will disapprove. When Siyawush departed from fran He did thee homage — thee of all the world — Gave umbrage to the Shah, left treasures, crown, And throne to make thee his support and shelter. What hast thou seen in him to make thee quit The path of right ? No man beheadeth kings And long retaineth his own sovereignty. V. 66 1 Wrong not my blameless self too, for the world Is fleeting and is full of sobs and sighs. One man though crowned it casteth into prison, One who ne'er had a crown it maketh king ; Yet fate hath laid the grave's grip on them both, And in the end both lie alike in dust. Make not thyself a butt to all the world By listening to malicious Garsiwaz. Thou knowest well what tyrannous Zahhak, The Arab, suffered from brave Faridun ; And likewise how both Salm and savage Tiir Fared at the hands of great Shah Minuchihr. Now living at the throne of Shah Kaiis Are Zal and Kustam the vindictive one, Giidarz, son of Kishwad, whose hand is steel And rendeth lions' hearts and leopards' hides, Bahrain and Zanga son of Shawaran, Who heedeth not the maces of the valiant, And Giv, son of Giidarz, at whom the earth Is all a-tremble on the day of battle.
KAI KAUS 319
In grief for Siyawush the streams will boil
And heaven will execrate Afrasiyab.
Herein thou art a tyrant to thyself,
And often will my words recur to thee.
Thou art not casting onagers in sport,
Nor art thou terrifying antelopes,
But plundering a monarch of his throne,
And sun and moon will curse thee. Give not thou
Turan so madly to the winds, and never V. 662
Mayst thou have reason to recall my words."
She as she spoke caught sight of Siyawush, And tore her cheeks with lamentable cries : — " 0 king ! O brave ! O chief ! 0 sovereign ! 0 lion proud of head ! 0 man of might ! Thou hast left home and country in Iran, And recognised my father as thy king, Yet art thou haled afoot with bounden hands ! Where are the crown and throne of high estate, Where all the royal oaths and covenants That made the Sun and Moon and Saturn quail ? Where would be Shah Kaiis and his proud chiefs If at this moment they beheld thee thus ? Where are the mighty Rustam, Tiis, and Giv, Zal, Faramarz, and their associates ? The tidings of this wrong will reach Iran And vex the day of its prosperity. Ill hath befallen thee through Garsiwaz : Curse on him, on Gurwi and on Damur ! He that shall lay a hand on thee for ill, Be his head smitten off and flung away. May God vouchsafe to lighten this for thee, And make thy foes' hearts quake. Would that mine eyes Were out ere they beheld thee haled like this, But could I ever deem that mine own sire Would banish all the sunlight from my breast ? "
The monarch heard his child's words and the world
320 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Was blackened in his eyes. He said to her : — " Begone. What know'st thou of our purposes ? "
His heart was all a-fire against his daughter, He shut the eye of wisdom recklessly. Within the lofty palace was one chamber Unknown to her ; the monarch bade his guards To drag her thither, as they would the mad, And having flung her down inside that room To bolt the door and leave her in the gloom.
§ 56
How Siyawush was slain by Gurwi
v. 663 Then Garsiwaz glanced at Gurwi ; that villain Turned round and going up to Siyawush Showed no observance and humanity, But grasping with his hand the prince's beard Dragged him, O horror ! vilely through the dust, While Siyawush thus prayed Almighty God : — " 0 Thou that art above the change of time ! Cause from my seed an Offshoot to appear, In all men's eyes as 'twere a shining sun, Who will avenge me of my foes, maintain My precedents, exhibit all achievement And manliness, and reinstate the world."
Pilsam came following Gurwi with tears Of blood in anguish. " Fare thee well," the prince Exclaimed. " Be thou the woof and be the world Thy warp. Farewell Piran for me and say : — ' The fashion of the world hath changed !' I hoped Much otherwise of him, for his advice Was like the breeze and I was like the willow. He told me : 'I with five score thousand men, All cavaliers in mail on barded steeds, Will be thy helper when the day shall come,
KAl KAs 321
Will be thy pasturage at feeding- time.' Now hurried on in front of Garsiwaz, Afoot thus in my shame and gloom of soul, I see no friend or one to wail for me."
When he was past the city and the host They bore and dragged him bound upon the plain, And then Gurwi received from Garsiwaz A blue-steel dagger for the bloody deed. He dragged the prince on by the hair afoot v. 664
And when he carne to where the mark had stood The day that Siyawush and Garsiwaz, That lion-taker, had the shooting-bout, The son of Zira, villain that he was, Flung to the ground the mighty Elephant, And showed no shame or reverence for rank, But set a golden basin on the ground, Turned up the prince's face as 'twere a sheep's, Cut off the silver Cypress' head and filled The bowl with blood. Gurwi took up the bowl And emptied it where he had been commanded. From that blood presently there sprang a plant, Which I will teach thee how to recognise, For it is called " The Blood of Siyawush."
Now when the Sun had left the Cypress- stem, And when the prince's head had fallen asleep, ( And what a sleep ! For how much time hath passed And he hath never stirred, hath never waked !) A tempest with a cloud of darksome dust Arose enveloping the sun and moon, And no man could discern his neighbour's face. Then all of them began to curse Gurwi.
I turn me left and right and all around, But knowledge of this world have I not found. One man doth much amiss but good alone Is his, the world and fortune are his own ; Another walketh this earth righteously
VOL. II. X.
322 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Yet withereth away in misery.
v. 665 From every anxious care thy soul release, And let .thy sorrow over this world cease, For 'tis a fickle thing, not ever sure, And will be so till time shall be no more. But this is certain — whatso'er thy lot _ May be in this world it abideth not.
A cry rose from the halls of Siyawush, For Garsiwaz had filled the world with tumult ; The slaves all rent their hair, and Farangis Plucked off and bound a long and musky tress Around her, tore her cheeks of cercis-bloom, And cursed with tears and shrieks her father's soul, Who hearing how she wailed and cursed him, said To Garsiwaz the villain : " Bring her forth, Drag her outside the curtains by the hair, And tell the guards and executioners To take her by the tresses, strip, and beat her, Until she casteth on Turanian soil The seed of vengeance, for I will not have A tree or bough or leaf or crown or throne Come from his root."
Then all the nobles present Began to curse Afrasiyab, and said : — " From king or minister or warrior None e'er heard such a sentence ! "
With his cheeks
Blood-stained, his spirit seared, his face all tears, Pilsam approached Lahhak and Farshidward.
v. 666 " E'en Hell is better than Afrasiyab's
Throne ! " he exclaimed. " No rest or sleep for us In this land ! We must hasten to Piran In sorrow and concern about the captives."
They put the saddles on three noble steeds : " They roll the earth before them," thou hadst said. Now these three horsemen, when they reached Piran,
KAI KAUS 323
Their faces blood-stained and their souls all thorns,
Recounted to him what had come to pass,
And how the ills of fortune had begun.
Piran, when he had diligently heard
Their words, fell from his throne and swooned away.
He rent his clothes, threw dust upon his head,
Plucked out the hair, and in his bitter anguish
Exclaimed : " Alack ! thou worthy of the crown ! v- 667
For ivory throne will never see thy like."
Lahhak said : " Haste ! oh ! haste ! or greater grief Will come, for they have carried Farangis, Her body all a-quiver like a tree, Dethroned, disgraced, unrespited, away To give her over unto those that slay ! "
§57 Ho ic Piran saved Farangis
Piran on hearing this cried out in wrath,
Descended to the street and from the stable
Brought forth ten roadsters up to warriors' weight,
And with the brave Ruin and Farshidward
Sent up the dust forthwith.1 He reached the court
In two days and two nights, there found the deathsmen
About the portal, Farangis bereft
Of all her wits dragged roughly by the guard
With sword in hand, and all the court in uproar ;
All hearts were full of grief, all eyes of tears,
All tongues of curses on Afrdsiyab.
The populace — men, women, and young children —
Were talking at the palace-gate and saying : —
" It were a cruel, fearful, shocking deed v. 668
To cut asunder Farangis ! This fury
1 No doubt Pilsam and Lahhttk were with them, as the mention of ten horses looks like a re-mount for each man. Ruin was the son of Pirdn.
324 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Will wreck the reign and none will call him king Henceforward."
At that moment came Piran Like wind, and all the men of wisdom joyed. When noble Farangis saw him her cheeks Were hidden by a flood of tears, she said : — " 111 hast thou dealt with me ! Why hast thou flung me While living into fire ? "
Piran dropped off
His steed, he rent the raiment that he wore As paladin, and bade the officers To hold awhile. He sought Afrasiyab In haste, grief-stricken, and with tearful eyes, To whom he said : " O king ! live prosperously, Be evil's hand afar ! What hath occurred, My gracious king ! to turn thy face to ill To-day ? Why hath the foul Div gained thy heart, And robbed it of its reverence for God ? Thou hast slain Siyawush though innocent, And flung his name and kingship to the dust. News of this wrong will reach Iran and vex Our prosperous times, for many a paladin Will march in anguish and revenge against us. V. 669 The world reposed from ill, the way of God Was clear until the wily Div from Hell Smote to the heart the monarch of Turan ; And rightly be that Ahriman accursed, Who turned thy counsels to an evil course. Thou wilt repent of this for many a day, And surely writhe and burn in agony. I know not whose ill words have prompted this, : Or what the Maker's purpose is herein !
Now, quit of Siyawush, thou hast ill-treated Thine own child, and hast madly left thy throne To make a day of woe ! She wisheth not For fortune, royal state or throne or crown.
KA1 KAUS 325
Make not thyself a butt to all the world By what thou doest to thy pregnant child, Else while thou livest thou wilt be accursed, And when thou diest Hell will be thy portion. If now the king would make my spirits bright, Let him send Farangis to mine abode. If there be apprehension through this babe, In truth the trouble and concern are small. Have patience only till the child is born ; Then will I bring it thee and — do thy worst."
He answered : " Do as thou hast said, for thou Hast made me cease to wish to shed her blood."
Piran rejoiced, his heart was eased from fear. He sought the court-gate, rescued Farangis, Bestowing many a curse upon the guards, Then bore her to the country of Khutan, Unhurt, amid the applause of camp and court. When he had reached his palace he bespake Gulshahr : " We needs must harbour this fair dame Until she hath brought forth her royal babe, And after that I will devise some scheme. Meanwhile attend upon her like a slave, And mark the pranks of fortune."
Time passed by, v. 670 The Moon grew near to her delivery.
§ 58 The Birth of Kai Kliusran
One dark and moonless night, while birds, wild beasts, And cattle slept, Piran in dream beheld A splendour that outshone the sun itself, While Siyawush, enthroned and sword in hand, Called loudly to him, saying : " Rest no more ! Throw off sweet sleep and think of times to come,
326 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
For from to-day new feasts and customs date, Because to-night is born Shah Kai Khusrau ! "
The chieftain roused him from his sweet repose : Gulshahr the sunny-featured woke. Piran Said unto her : " Arise ! Betake thyself To minister to Farangis, for I Saw Siyawush in sleep a moment since, Surpassing both the sun and moon in lustre, And crying : ' Sleep no more, but join the feast Of Kai Khusrau, the monarch of the world.' "
Gulshahr came hasting to the Moon and saw The prince already born ; she went with cries Of joy that made the palace ring again Back to Piran the chief. " Thou wouldest say," She cried, " that king and Moon are fairly matched ! Oh ! hasten and behold a miracle — The Maker's greatness and His providence — For thou wilt say : ' The babe hath need of naught But crown, mail, mace, and lands to devastate.' "
The chieftain visited the royal babe, And offered many praises to the Almighty For that tall stature and those arms and neck. Thou wouldst have said : " The child is twelve months
old ! "
Piran's eyes filled with tears for Siyawush ; He uttered curses on Afrasiyab, v. 671 And thus addressed the noble company:—
" Although the king shall break my soul therefor I will not suffer him to touch the child, Not though he fling me to the crocodiles ! "
When gloomy murk was sleeping, and the sun Displayed its rays, the captain of the host, Twixt fear and hope, went to Afrasiyab In haste, but waited till the court had cleared ; Then came anear the famous throne and thus Addressed the king : " O sunlike sovereign
KA1 KAVS 327
And world-lord, shrewd and versed in rnagic arts ! Thy lot last night was bettered by one slave, 'Dowered by the moon,' as thou wouldst say, ' with
sense.'
He hath engrossed all beauty : thou wouldst say :— ' It simply is the moon inside the cradle ! ' If Tiir could have his lifetime o'er again He would desire to see this infant's face. None looketh on a picture in a palace So fair. The royal Grace is fresh in him, And thou wouldst say : ' 'Tis valiant Faridiin In Grace and countenance, in hand and foot.' Now purge thy mind from every thought of ill, Exalt thy heart, and illustrate the crown."
God gave the king a better mind. He banished Thoughts of injustice, harshness, and revenge : His spirit sorrowed for his evil deed. Then from his heart he heaved a sigh, repenting Of evil done, and putting by 'revenge Replied : " Much evil will befall me now : That is the gist of everybody's words. The age will be disquieted by war, For an adviser hath reminded me That from the seed of Tiir and Kai Kubad A king of noble birth will lift his head,
The world will seek his love and all men pay V. 672
Him homage in fran and Tiiran. What is to be will be, no anxious thought Will aught avail ; rear not the child at home, But send him to the shepherds on the mountains That he may know me not or why I sent him To them, not know the truth about his birth, But be in ignorance of all the past."
He spake upon the matter as he thought, And deemed this old world young ! Canst thou do aught ?
328 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
There is no remedy. The world is vast, No hooks or nets of thine will hold it fast ; But if misfortune's ills thou hast to feel There is instruction also for thy weal.
The paladin went forth with joy, his heart Full of glad thoughts, began to bless the Maker. And sing the praises of the infant king ; Then journeyed to his palace musing thus : — " This little gift — what will it prove to us ? "
§ 59 How Pirdn entrusted Kai Khusrau to the Shepherds
v. 673 Piran had shepherds called from Mount Kalur, To whom he spake about the infant prince, Then trusted to their care his Heart and Eyes — The child that was so good and admirable — And said : " Entreat him like your souls. No wind Or dust must see him. Keep him from mischance E'en at the cost of your own eyes and hearts." They said : " We will obey."
He furnished them,
And sent a nurse to tend the royal babe ; They laid their fingers on their eyes and heads, And took the young prince with them to the mountains. The heavens revolved awhile with matters thus, And looked upon Khusrau with loving face. Now when the brave young prince was seven years old His prowess told the secret of his birth ; He made a bow of wood and string of gut Looped at both ends, he made an arrow blunt And featherless, and would go on the plain To hunt ; at ten he was a valiant warrior, Who fought with boars and wolves, anon with lions And leopards, armed with that rude weapon only,
KAI KAUS 329
And thus he fared until as time went on
His teacher came to ask for fresh directions.
The shepherd left the mountains and the waste,
And came before Piran with loud complaints : —
" I come complaining to the paladin
Anent this noble Lion running loose :
He hunted antelopes at first, attacked
No leopards, and avoided lions' tracks,
But now to fight fierce lions is the same
For him as following the antelope,
And yet I must not let him come to harm !
The noble paladin expecteth this
Of me."
Piran on hearing smiled and said : — " High birth and excellence will show themselves."
He mounted on an easy-going nag To seek the sunlike Lion, and observed The stalwart youth as he approached like wind. He kissed Piran upon the hand, who, seeing Such Grace and such a countenance, shed tears, And long and lovingly embraced the youth In secret commune with all-holy God. Khusrau said : " O thou pure of Faith ! mayst thou Illume the country of Tiiran, for all That know thee call thee friend ! Thou dost embrace A shepherd's son and feelest not ashamed ! "
The heart of wise Piran grew hot, his cheeks Flushed, he replied : " Thou memory of the great, So good and yet defrauded of the world ! There is no shepherd that is kin to thee, And on this matter I have much to tell."
He had an Arab steed brought for the youth, Clothed him in royal robes and carried him Home to the palace, thinking mournfully Of Siyawush. He cherished Kai Khusrau, v. 675
Rejoiced in him, and spent a happy time,
330 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
But lost food, rest, and sleep through tenderness, And terror of the anger of the king,
With matters thus the heavens turned above Awhile o'er Kai Khusrau in peace and love.
§60
How Piran brought Kai Khusrau before Afrdsiydb
One night Piran received a messenger,
Who bade him wait upon Afrasiyab.
The monarch spake about the past : " My heart,"
He said, " is vexed by thoughts and grief too hard
To put aside ; this child of Siyawush
Hath, so to speak, o'ercast my day ; but will
High policy allow a shepherd -swain
To rear one of the race of Faridun ?
•If ill through this child hath been written for me
No caution will avert it ; 'tis God's doing.
But while the child suspecteth not the past
Let him be glad and we too will rejoice ;
Still, if he showeth any evil bent,
He, as his father did, must lose his head."
Piran replied : " 0 king I thou needest none To teach thee. This boy is as mad folk are I What notions can he have about the past ? A child brought up by shepherds on the mountains Is like wild animals ; what can he know ? The foster-father told me yester-night : — ' The boy is comely but devoid of wits.' In spite of beauty, stature, form, and Grace, The prince's head yet lacketh understanding ; Vex not thyself and think no more hereof. What said the sage — a man exceeding wise ? v. 676 ' More potent than the sire the nurse will prove, But the great secret is the mother's love.'
KAI KAUS 331
If at this time the king shall order me,
I will present this lauded youth to him,
But make me easy by a promise first
And swear by such an oath as kings employ.
Shah Faridiin, when he affirmed a matter,
Swore by his crown and throne and diadem ;
Tiir, who enjoyed both fortune and high state,
Swore by the Ruler of the universe ;
And that great king Zadsham, thy grandsire, swore
By Him that ruleth Saturn, Mars, and Sun."
The wits of fierce Afrasiyab were lulled At hearing this, he swore a royal oath By white day and by sombre night, by God — The Omnipotent, the Maker of the world, The Maker of the sky, the soul, and beasts : — " No harm shall come upon the boy through me, And I will never breathe sharp breath on him."
Pfran then kissed the ground and said : " O king, Who judgest justly and art wed to justice ! Be wisdom evermore thy guide to good, Be earth and time the dust beneath thy feet."
He came in haste to Kai Khusrau with cheeks Like cercis-blossom, glad exceedingly, And said : " Put wisdom from thee. If the king Shall talk to thee of fight, talk thou of feast. Appear before him as an alien And speak insanely, show no kind of sense, And thus thou mayst perchance outlive the day."
Piran equipped him with a royal crown And belt, and called for him a pretty palfrey Whereon the shrewd, young hero sat and rode Toward the palace of Afrasiyab. Tears filled the eyes of all on his account, And shouts were raised before him : " Clear the way : v. 677 The brave aspirant to the crown hath come."
When he arrived Piran the general
332 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Took him before the king. The grandsire's cheeks
Grew wet with tears of shaine, meanwhile Piran
Shook like a willow, fearing for Khusrau.
The king remembering his pledge and spurning
All fell designs, gazed in astonishment
Upon that royal neck, the young man's hands,
His gait, his bearing, and his dignity.
There was a pause. The monarch's face relaxed,
And love at length prevailed within his heart.
" O youthful shepherd ! " said Afrasiyab,
" Describe to me thy life by day and night.
On what wise hast thou shepherded thy flock ?
What is the number of thy sheep and goats ? "
Khusrau thus answered him : " There is no game : Besides I have not arrow, bow, or string."
The monarch asked him next about his teacher, And whether he was prosperous or not. Khusrau replied : " Where'er there is a leopard The hearts of valiant warriors are rent."
Afrasiyab the third time questioned him About Iran, his parents, and his home. " The rending lion," thus he made reply, " Is not o'er-powered b}^ a fighting-dog."
The king said : " Wilt thou go hence to f ran, To him who is the monarch of the brave ? "
Khusrau thus answered him : " Two nights ago A horseman passed me on the hills and plains."
The monarch smiled and blossomed like a rose, Then asked of Kai Khusrau in gentler tones : — " Dost thou not wish to learn to write ? Hast thou No wish for vengeance on thine enemies ? " v. 678 He said : " There is no cream upon the milk :
I fain would drive the shepherds from the plain."
The monarch smiled at what Khusrau had answered. And turning to the captain of the host Said thus to him : " The fellow is a fool :
KAI KAUS 333
1 ask of heads ; he answereth of feet !
In sooth no good or ill will come from him :
Of other stuff are they that seek revenge.
Go ! Send him by the hand of some good man,
And let his mother have him back to her.
Dispatch him to Siyawushgird, allow
No evil teachers to resort to him,
But furnish him with treasure, money, steeds,
Attendants, and whate'er may serve his needs."
§ 61 How Kai Khusrau went to Siyawushgird
'' Bestir thyself," Piran said to the prince, Then took him from the presence of the king, And went back to his palace, flushed with joy And triumph, since the eye of ill was closed. He said : " A new Tree fruiteth in the world Through Him that ruleth over destiny."
He oped the portals of his ancient hoards And furnished all that Kai Khusrau required — Brocade, dinars, and precious stones, with pearls, Steeds, implements of war, and crowns and girdles, Besides a throne and purses full of drachms, With carpetings and matters great and small. He brought them all to Kai Khusrau with speed, And with the present gave his blessing also, Then sent both son and mother to the seat That good king Siyawush had built. They went Their way rejoicingly toward the place, Which had become by then a brake of thorns. When Farangis and Kai Khusrau arrived Much folk from every side appeared to greet them, While all the city's tongues were full of praise : " Thus then," they said, " hath fortune made a Shoot y. 679 Sprout from the razed roots of a noble Tree !
334 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
Far be the eye of evil from the king, And may light fill the soul of Siyawush." >
The brambles of the city turned to box, The meadow-grass to noble cypresses ; The very beasts rejoiced and all the folk Felt solace for the death of Siyawush, Since cloudward from the dust that drank his blood There rose an Evergreen of sweet perfume, Upon whose leaves his likeness was portrayed, Exhaling through his love the scent of musk, And flourishing in winter as in spring Would be a prayer-place for the sorrowful.
This is the process of the ancient sky — It robbeth infants of their mother's breast,
And to the dust deposeth suddenly A heart by fondness for the world possessed. Brave not the world but seek its joys to win ;
It hideth evils more than thou canst know, Yet treat it as a garden and therein
Abstain from sniffing at the leaves of woe, For whether thou art king or shod by want In any case thy length of days is scant. Vex not thy soul, this home is but a cheat,
Thy sole possession is a narrow bier ; What needeth thine amassing ? Sit and eat ;
God is thy treasurer, thou need'st not fear. Albeit here much happiness is found
The world hath no real love for anyone.
'Twill raise a head one moment to the sun, And in the next will lay it underground. It is the process of the lofty sky To bring down princes and set slaves on high.
I turn from blood to vengeance and tell how Giv bare off from Turan Shah Kai Khusrau.
PART V
HOW RUSTAM AVENGED SIYAWUSH, AND HOW GIV BROUGHT KAI KHUSRAU TO IRAN
ARGUMENT
The poet, after bewailing the approach of old age, tells of the arrival in Iran of the news of the death of Siyawush, of the remorse of Kai Kaus, and of the wrath of Rustam, who slays Siidaba, invades Tiiran, expels Afrasiyab, and rules there himself for seven years ; after which he retires to Sfstan. Afrasiyab returns, recovers his authority, and wars with success against Iran.
At this juncture Gudarz is warned in a dream to have search made for Kai Khusrau, the son of Siyawush, who is kept as a prisoner of state by Afrasiyab, and Giv departs on the quest. His adventures are described, and he ultimately returns to Iran in company with Kai Khusrau and his mother Farangis in spite of all the efforts of Piran and Afrasiyab to stop them.
Subsequently a quarrel takes place between Gudarz and Tiis as to whether Kai Khusrau or Fariburz shall be associated as joint Shah with Kai Kaus, who puts the matter to the test and Kai Khusrau is successful.
NOTE
The most conspicuous character in this Part is Giv, a word which means " warrior." The feats which he is described as per- forming would he more than worthy of Rustam himself, who, after his withdrawal Irom Tiiran, is relegated for a time to the back- ground. We must conceive, as the Persians themselves would, that Giv, employed on the sacred mission of discovering and bringing to Iran the destined prince, was favoured with divine assistance in his enterprise.
§ 31. The quarrel between Gudarz and Tus, as to the respective claims of Kai Khusrau and Fariburz to be associated as Shah with Kai Kaus, bears important results in the next reign. Tus was the
336 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
son of Naudar, and he and his brother Gustaham were deliberately passed over after the death of that Shah, and again after the deatli of Garshasp, when Kai Kubad was fetched from Mount Alburz to fill the vacant throne.1 Tiis can never forget that he is the direct representative of the line of the Pishdadian Shahs, and, despairing of ever becoming Shall himself, he on this occasion attempts to obtain power indirectly by advocating the claims of a candidate of his own.
§§ 34? 35- In the account of the expedition of Fariburz and Kai Khusrau to Ardabil we have another proof of the truth of the view, often advanced in the present work, that the true seat of the legends of the Sbahnama is to be looked for in the regions lying between the Euxine and the Caspian. Ardabil is in Azarbaijan, a land exposed to invasions from the north through the Pass of Darband, and where the numerous fire-springs doubtless gave rise to the legend of the heat which distressed the host of Fariburz in the neighbourhood of the castle of Bahman.
S '
Firdausi's Lament over his old Age
v. 680 When threescore years hang swordlike o'er one's head Give him not wine, for he is drunk instead
With them ! They give to me a staff for reins, My wealth is squandered and my fortune sped.
The watchman cannot from his hill descry The countless army of the enemy,
And hath not wit to turn away although Their spears confront the lashes of his eye.
The runners too that were so fleet of yore Bend and are bound by pitiless threescore ;
The singer is aweary of his song, And one are bulbul's note and lion's roar.
1 See vol. i. pp. 369, 381.
KAI KAUS 337
Since I took up the cup of fifty-eight, The grave and shroud, naught else. I contemplate. Ah ! for my swordlike speech when I was thirty, Those luscious days, musk-scented, roseate !
Drawn by pomegranate-bloom and cypress-bough The pheasant haunteth not the dog-rose now.
Sufficient respite from my destiny I ask the Judge Almighty to allow
That from the famous tale of days gone by I may bequeath the world a history
Such that whoe'er shall judge my work aright Shall never speak of me but lovingly ;
And I that am the Prophet's household-thrall In dust before his Mandatary fall —
Him of the pulpit and of Zii'lfakar ] — On him to plead my cause above I call.
The story of the rustic bard again
I take in hand ; heed thou the minstrel's strain.
§2 How Kdus heard of the Case of Siyawush
The news reached Shah Kaiis : " The prince is slain ! V. 68 1
The monarch of Turan wrung off his head
As 'twere a bird's ! On every mountain-top
Wild beasts lament the guiltless. Bulbuls mourn
Upon the cypress, francolins and pheasants
Beneath the rose. Turan is seared and sore,
Pomegranate leaves are yellow in the gardens.
1 i.e. " The lord of the vertebrae" — the name of a famous sword taken at the battle of Badar from an infidel by Muhammad, from whom it passed to his son-in-law 'Ali, who is here referred to. VOL. II. Y
338 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
Gurwi set down a golden bowl and raised As 'twere a sheep's the face of Siyawush ; They cut his royal head off; there was none To help or plead."
When Shah Kaiis heard this His crowned head bowed itself upon the state, He rent his robes, he tore his cheeks, and quitted His high throne for the dust. The Iranians Went mourning on their way, the cavaliers Put on their funeral weeds, their eyes wept blood, Their cheeks were pale, all spake of Siyawush. Tiis and Giidarz, the gallant Giv, Shapiir, Bahram the Lion and Farhad arrayed Themselves in raiment black and blue ; no head Retained its helmet but had dust instead.
§3 How Rustam came to Kdus
The world-illuming chief heard at Nimriiz : — " A wail ascendeth from fran, the death v. 682 Of Siyawush hath shocked the world, Kaiis
Hath thrown dust on his crown and rent his robes
When matchless Rustam heard his senses fled ; A wail rose from Zabul, Zal tore his cheeks, And scattered dust upon his crown and shoulders. Thus passed a week in heaviness and mourning, But on the eighth day rose the trumpet-blast, And at the gate of elephantine Rustam Troops gathered from Kashmir and from Zabul. Blood in his eyes and vengeance in his heart He marched toward the court of Kai Kaiis. On coming near f ran he rent his robe Of office, swearing by the Almighty Judge :— " I will not rest from arms and war or wash Dust from my face, whereat we need not grieve,
KAI KAUS 339
Till I have taken vengeance for the prince,
And brought our foes' heads to the shears. My crown
Shall be a casque, my cup a scimitar,
My net the leathern lasso on mine arm,
Until I take for our young prince's death
Revenge upon that Turkman dark of soul."
All dust from head to foot he came before V. 683
The throne of Kai Kaiis and said to him : — " The noxious weeds that thou hast sown, 0 king ! Are fruiting now ! Thy passion for Siidaba, And thine ill bent, have robbed thee of thy Crown, And now thou seest clearly that thy seat Is on the ocean's waves. A heavy loss Hath come upon Iran through the distrust And disposition of a cruel Shah. For one who is the ruler of people A shroud is better than a woman's bidding. A woman's talk hath murdered Siyawush, And blest is she who is as yet unborn.
Among the Shahs there was not one like him, v. 684
As great, as noble, and as reticent. Alas for that tall stature and that face, That face that had the mien of majesty ! Alas for that so famous sovereign, For time will never look on such another ! Twas ever spring when he was on the throne ; At feasts he used to be the crown of kings, In fight a Pard, a Tiger, and a Lion : None ever saw a man so deft of hand. Now, while I live, I give up heart and brain To execute revenge for Siyawush. Ne'er shall I fight dry-eyed, and like my heart The whole world shall endure the fiery smart."
340 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
§4 How Rustam slew Sitddba and led forth the Host
Kaiis perceived on R-ustarn's countenance How great his love was by his tears of blood, And out of shame said nothing in reply, But poured down scalding tears. The chief departed And went toward the palace of Siidaba. He dragged her from the bower by her hair, Dragged her all bleeding from her throne and clave her Asunder with his dagger in the street While Shah Kaus sat passive on his throne ; This done, the matchless Rustam felt a pang Yet keener in his heart, he sought his palace In pain and woe, with blood-drops in his eyes, And livid cheeks. Iran was all in mourning, And people nocked around him in their trouble, v. 685 While he for seven days in grief and tears Sat in his palace wrathful and distressed. Upon the eighth he sounded trump and drum, And to his palace came Giidarz and Tus, Shidush, Farhad, Gurgin, Giv, and Ruhham, Shapur, Kharrad the warrior, Fariburz — The son of Kai Kaiis — Bahram the Lion, And dragon-bold Guraza. Rustam said : — " I stake heart, soul, and body on revenge, For in this world there is no man of name In arms like Siyawush the cavalier. Treat not the matter lightly. None can deem Such vengeance trifling. Banish all dismay, And make the earth run like Jihun with blood. • By God ! while I am living in the world I will not cease to grieve for Siyawush. On that unwatered waste where rash Gurwi Poured on the ground the life-blood of the prince
KAI KAUS 341
I fain would chafe my face and eyes ; perchance It may relieve my heart of grief for him. Perchance my hands like his may be secured, A yoke placed on my neck, and both my wrists Bound with a twisted lasso, and myself Thrown like a hapless sheep upon the ground ; But if not, with my trenchant scimitar And mace will I bring Domesday on the world ; Mine eyes shall see naught but the dust of fight. And I renounce for life the cup of pleasure."
The chiefs and paladins on hearing this All shouted like one man : thou wouldst have said : — " f ran is seething." From the land the uproar Rose to the clouds. " Earth is a lion's den," v. 686
Thou wouldst have said.
Then from his elephant
He dropped the ball into the cup. The troops Unsheathed the sword of vengeance. Rose the din Of horn, of brazen trump, and kettledrum ; The world was all revenge, and thou hadst said : — " It is a seething sea ! " Earth had no room For walking, air was ambushed by the spears ; The stars began the fray, and time and earth Washed hands in mischief. The Iranian warriors Girt up their loins and Kawa's standard led them. Then Rustam of Zabul chose from Kabul, Iran, and from the forest of Narwan, Troops that AS ^re wielders of the scimitar : There mustered five score thousand men of war.
§5
How Fardmarz slew Wardzdd
The leader of the van was Faramarz,
The son of Rustam and a youthful chieftain,
342 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
Whom, when he reached the border of Tiiran, The watch descried.
The king of Sipanjab
Was Warazad, a lustrous Pearl mid chiefs. Whenas the blast of trump and clarion, And din of Indian bells came to his ears He beat the tymbals, marched out to the desert, And from the desert to a sea of blood. His troops and scimitars were thirty thousand Prepared for fight. Advancing from the centre He made all haste to counter Fararnarz, And questioned him and said : " Who art thou ? Speak ! Why hast thou set thy face against this land ? Com'st thou in sooth by order of the Shah, Or captain of the host ? Dost thou not know Afrasiyab, his state, his throne, and crown V. 687 Of majesty ? Be pleased to tell thy name,
For this is thy last fight. Thy swarthy form May not give up the ghost beneath my hands, Unnamed."
Then Faramarz : " Ill-fated chief! The Tree that bare me is a paladin, In whose hands lions writhe, while elephants Grow lifeless at his wrath, but as for thee, Thou ill-conditioned bantling of the Div ! Why should I talk to thee of how and why ? The elephantine hero is behind With troops — a foe sufficient anywhere. He armed to take revenge for Siyawush, Advancing like a furious lion. He Will raise the reek from this vile land. The wind Will not adventure meddling with his dust." As soon as Warazad had heard the words He knew that it was useless to dispute, And bade the troops : " Lay on ; string up your bows."
KAI KAUS 343
Both hosts arrayed themselves and donned their
helmets,
The war-cry rose, and ears grew deaf with drumming. Now at the sound of drum and clarion The heart of Faramarz began to throb. He came on like a mighty elephant, With loins girt up and bow upon his arm, And in a single onslaught overthrew A thousand warriors, then turning back With spear in hand he sought for Warazad, And, when he saw the Turkman leader's flag, Rushed like a lion from among the troops, And giving to his sable steed the spur, v. 688
And stiffening the clutch upon his lance, Struck Warazad a blow upon the girdle, So that cuirass and buckle brake, and took him In such a fashion from the poplar saddle That thou hadst said : " He dealeth with a fly ! " Flung him upon the dust and then dismounting, While oftentimes invoking Siyawush, Cut off the head of his illustrious foe, Blood-boltering his raiment and exclaiming : — " See the first head of our revenge ! The seed That hath been scattered sprouteth from the dust ! "
They gave up all the country to the flames, The reek rose to high heaven, and Faramarz Wrote to his sire respecting Warazad : — " I opened wide the door of war and vengeance, I took him from his sell of poplar wood, Cut off his head, so doth revenge require For Siyawush, and set his land a-fire."
344 THE SHAHNAMA OF PIRDAUSI
§6
How Surkha led his Troops to fight with Rustam
A runner came and told Afrasiyab : —
" The elephantine Rustam hath come forth
To war, the Iranian chieftains are assembled ;
They have, alack ! beheaded Warazad,
And robbed the marches of Turan of breath ;
His army they have utterly o'erthrown,
And given up his country to the flames."
Afrasiyab was grieved and called to mind The ancient prophecy that he had heard From wise archmages and astrologers ; * V. 689 He summoned all the nobles, paid his troops,
Gave largess from his treasures, and brought home All herds of horses that were on the waste. He took his minister's and treasurer's keys To ope his magazines, and furnished swords, Horse-armour, maces, and artillery, Dinars, gold, gems, crowns, torques, and golden belts, And strewed the palace and the ground with drachms. With troops equipped and treasure lavished on them He sounded kettledrum and Indian gong, And then the horsemen turned their thoughts to war. He marched from Gang, and, having reached the open, Called Surkha and spake much of Rustam, saying : — " Lead thirty thousand Sabres swift as wind To Sipanjab, ignoring rest and pleasure, For Faramarz is there. Send me his head ; But ware the son of Zal ! Thou hast no peer In fight save him, yet where the pard would combat What will the dog of war avail in battle ? Thou art mine own son and my loyal subject, The Pillar of mine army and my Moon ; Be so alert and circumspect that none 1 See p. 234.
KAI KAUS 345
Will venture to attack thee. Lead in person, Be vigilant, and guard the host from Rustam."
When Surkha left the presence of his sire v- ^
He took the troops and standard to the plain, And marched along like wind to Sipanjab, Intent on war. The outposts saw the dust, Turned round, and hurried in to Faramarz. The din of drums rose from the f ranian troops, Whose dust transformed the earth to ebony ; The clamour of the cavaliers and chargers Rose from the plain, out-topping Sol and Venus ; The bright steel falchions flashed like diamonds, The spearpoints fed on blood. Thou wouldst have
said : —
" An exhalation riseth from the earth, And giveth fuel to the flames of war." The earth from end to end was heaped with slain ; Their severed heads were scattered everywhere. As Surkha marked the progress of the fight He saw the spearhead of prince Faramarz, Then gave the rein to his high-crested steed, And, giving up the bow, charged with the spear, While Faramarz, abandoning the centre, Came forth with lance in hand to counter him, And by a tl. rust swift as Azargashasp V- 691
Laid him unseated on his horse's neck, While with the impetus and that rude shock The lance was shivered. Then the Turkman chiefs Advanced intent on battle and revenge, While Surkha in the anguish of defeat Fled. Faramarz, like some mad elephant, Pursued him, brandishing an Indian sword. The Iranian horse rushed after him like divs, And shouted. Faramarz came up with Surkha And, like a leopard springing, seized his girdle, Unseated him, and hurled him to the ground,
346 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Then, driving him afoot, brought him to camp, Disgraced. With that the flag of matchless Rustam Was seen approaching mid the tramp of troops And elephants ; the prince went to his father As quick as dust and told of his success. In front was Surkha with his hands in bonds, There lay the severed neck of Warazad ; The plain and hollows were all filled with slain, The foe in full retreat. The soldiers blessed The brave, young paladin, while peerless Rustam Gave blessings to him also and bestowed Great largess on the poor. Of Faramarz V. 692 Spake elephantine Rustam : " He whose head Is raised o'er others must have noble nature, Instruction, prowess, and befriending wisdom : His nature using these will bring the world Beneath his feet by virtue of his manhood. Thou seest naught but brightness in a flame, Yet he is burned that toucheth. 'Tis not strange That Faramarz should triumph, for the heart Of steel is full of fire, and when steel fighteth With flint the secret of its heart is shown."
Then elephantine Rustam looked on Surkha — A noble Cypress of the garth was he, His breast was like a lion's, and his cheeks Were like the spring, cheeks where black musk was
traced
On roses — bade men bear him to the plain, And executioners with bowl and dagger, To make his hands fast in the lasso's coils, To throw him like a sheep upon the ground, Behead him as was done to Siyawush, And let the vultures be his winding-sheet. When Tiis the general heard he went in haste To do the bloody deed. Then Surkha said :— " O most exalted king ! why slay me guiltless,
KAI KAUS 347
For Siyawush was of my years, my friend ? My soul was full of pain and grief for him, By clay and night my eyes o'erflow with tears ; I ever oped my lips to curse the man By whom the prince's head was stricken off— The man that brought the dagger and the bowl."
The heart of Tiis was very pitiful For that illustrious but luckless prince.
He went to Rustam and repeated to him v- 693
The pleading of the Turkman monarch's son, But Rustam answered : " If there be a king Who should be thus heart-seared and sad, then may The heart and spirit of Afrasiyab Be ever full of pain, his eyes of tears. This youth, engendered by those recreant loins, Will but employ fresh stratagems and guile. As Siyawush was laid upon the ground With shoulders, breast, and hair bedrenched with
blood,
So by the head and life of Kai Kaiis, The glorious, noble ruler of fran, I swear that every Turkman that I find Throughout my life, be he a king or slave, So he be of these marches and this folk, I will behead."
And therewithal that Lion Looked at Zawara and commanded him In peremptory tones to do the deed Of blood. He took the dagger and the bowl, And gave the youth to executioners, Who cut his throat — a cry, and all was over. What wouldst thou, world ! with those whom thou
hast fed ? Fed ! Say thy broken-hearted slaves instead !
Then Rustam took the head off, hung the trunk Feet upward on a gibbet, and flung dust
348 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
In vengeance on the corpse, which afterwards The soldiers hacked to pieces with their swords.
§7
How Afrdsiyab led forth the Host to avenge his Son
When the Turanian troops returned from battle, Their bodies bloody and their heads all dust, They said : " The noble chieftain hath been slain, His eager fortune hath been overturned, And they have set his severed head and body Blood-boltered upside down upon a gibbet ! The people of Iran are all in arms, Their hearts ache with revenge for Siyawush."
Afrasiyab hung down his head and crown, Plucked out his hair, shed tears, and rent his robes, V. 694 Cast dust upon his head, and cried aloud : — " O prince ! 0 gallant heart ! 0 warrior ! 0 chief ! 0 man of name ! O hero ! King ! Woe for that moonlike cheek of cercis-bloom ! Woe for that royal breast and mien and stature ! Thy sire shall ne'er seek rest unless it be Upon his charger's saddle on the field." Then to his men : " Our ease and feasts are over. Keep ye your eyes wide open for revenge, And make your jerkin and cuirass your bed."
Rose at his gate the din of kettledrums : His warriors armed. Upon the elephants The trumpets blared, the world was like a sea Of indigo, and when they bound the drums Upon the elephants heaven kissed the earth. Then said the king : " Ye chiefs and warriors ! When both sides sound the drum he is no soldier That laggeth. Let our hearts be full of vengeance, Full as the bodies of our foes with javelins !"
KAI KAUS 349
Thus spake he to the troops, then bade to sound The clarions, cymbals, and the Indian bells. Arose the war-cry and the blare of trumpets, The din of cornet, pipe, and kettledrum, Earth shook beneath the trampling of the steeds, The shoutings of the soldiers reached the clouds.
Now when that army's dust rose from the plain One came to vengeful Rustam and spake thus : — " Afrasiyab the chieftain is at hand ; His troops move like a vessel o'er the sea. All have prepared for combat and revenge, And set their hands to blood."
Now when he heard : —
" The monarch of Tiiran hath come in sight," The troops marched forth with Kawa's flag; the air Turned blue with warriors' swords ; a shout arose From both sides and the world was filled with fighters. v. 695 Thou wouldst have said : " The sun and moon are
darkened, A crocodile hath swallowed up the stars ! "
The monarch of Tiiran arrayed his men, Who gru ^ped their maces and two-headed darts. Upon the right Barman came proudly on Before his troops, Kuhram was at the left, And in the centre was the king in person. On his side Rustam too arrayed his host, And earth was lost in dust. He took the centre With Faramarz in front and in the rear Zawara ; on the left he placed Giidarz, Hajir, and other chiefs. He stationed Gfv, And Tus — those wary horsemen — on the right With trump and drum, then armed himself for battle, And eased his heart by vengeance. Earth became Musk-black with troops, air like a leopard's back With spears. " It is an iron mount whose crest Is full," thou wouldst have said, " of helms and mail."
350 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl
The staff-heads of the banners rose towards
The clouds, and brightly flashed the blue-steel swords.
How Pilsam was slain by Rmtam
Pilsam with angry looks and vengeful heart Came to the centre to Afrasiyab, And said : " 0 full of wisdom, famous king ! v. 696 Unless thou here forbiddest me the use Of charger, helmet, falchion, and cuirass I will myself to-day encounter Rustam, And cover all his name with infamy, Will bring to thee his head, his steed, his mace, And world-apportioning sword."
The king rejoiced
Thereat and raised his spearpoint o'er the sun, Then answered : " 0 thou Lion of renown ! In sooth no elephant will conquer thee. If thou dost take that elephantine chief The age will rest from strife, and not a man Within Turan shall equal thee in rank, In throne, in signet-ring, in crown, and sword. Thou wilt exalt my head to turning heaven, And I will give to thee my crown and daughter ; The more part of f ran and of Tiiran With treasures, gems, and cities shall be thine."
Piran was grieved and, coming to the king, Said to him : " This young man in his rash youth Is laying violent hands upon himself, For, if he combat with the matchless Rustam, He will but lay his own head in the dust. The king will share in his disgrace, 'twill break The spirit of the troops ; he is, thou knowest, My younger brother, and my love for him
KAI KAUS 351
Is greater than an elder brother's love."
Pi'lsam rejoined : " My heart doth not misgive me,
And, if I fight this warlike Crocodile,
By thy good fortune I will bring no shame
Upon the king. Thou once beheld'st my prowess
In fighting with four famous warriors,1
And verily my strength is greater now.
It is not right of thee to break my spirit ;
The enterprise is well within my reach :
Haunt not the portal of an evil star."
The monarch, hearing what Pilsam replied,
Gave him a barded charger, helm, cuirass, V. 697
A sword, and massive mace. Pilsam made ready,
And lionlike impetuously advanced,
Exclaiming to the Iranians : " Where is Rustam,
Who is, they say, a Dragon on the day
Of battle ? Bid him come to fight with me,
For I am ready to encounter him."
Giv, furious at the challenge, drew his sword
And answered : " Rustam fighteth not one Turkman,
'Twould b * disgrace."
The champions closed. Pilsam
Struck with his spear at Giv, who in dismay
Lost both his stirrups. Faramarz saw this,
And went at once to aid his gallant comrade ;
He struck athwart Pilsam's spear with his sword,
And cut it like a reed ; he struck once more,
The blade was shivered on his foeman's helm,
Who wheeled like some fierce lion on the plain
With those two warriors. Rustam from the centre
Espied them fighting with one lion-man,
The dust sent cloud-ward with their wind-like speed,
And thought : " Pilsam alone among the Turkmans
Hath dash and spirit." He had heard moreover
From hoar archmages and astrologers, 1 See p. 112.
352 THE SHAHNAMA OF FJRDAUSI
Amid his wanderings, how the stars foretold That : " If Pilsarn survive his evil day, And heed his counsellors, no warrior Like him in all the world shall gird his loins For battle in Iran or in Tiiran,"
V. 698 And thought : " Assuredly his time hath come, For he hath set forth to encounter me."
He spake thus to his troops : " Let none advance A single step from where he standeth now. I go to prove the prowess of Pilsarn, And try his lustihood, his strength, and spirit."
He took a weighty spear, gripped fast his steed With both his legs, and, putting on his helmet, Pressed on the stirrups, let the reins hang loose, And lowered the shining spear-head to his eye. He wheeled about and foaming at the lips Rushed from the centre toward the foemen's lines, And cried : " O famed Pilsam ! thou called'st me To scorch me with thy breath ! Thou shalt behold The onslaught of the warrior-crocodile, And ne'er turn rein toward a battle more. My heart is burned with pity for thy youth : Alas for thine estate of paladin ! "
He spake and urged his charger on. He came To battle like high heaven. With his spear He smote Pilsam upon the girdlestead, And took him from the saddle like a ball, Rushed to the centre of the Turkman host And there flung down the corpse contemptuously, Exclaiming : " Dress it in brocade of gold, For now 'tis lapislazuli with dust ! "
Then wheeling round he went back to the centre. Piran rained tears ; the body of Pilsam Was past a leech's skill. The heart of all The army of the monarch of Tiiran Was broken and the battlefield was darkened.
KAI KAUS 353
A shout rose from both hosts ; the din of chiefs v. 699
Keen for the fray, the drumming on the backs
Of elephants, were heard for miles around.
Earth trembled with the chargers' tramp, the hills
Were seas of blood, the plains were hills of slain.
The cries and blaring clarions shook the sky,
The stones were coral and the dust was gore ;
The heads of many chieftains were laid low,
And thou hadst said : " The sky is raining blood."
It was no time for love 'twixt sire and son.
A breeze arose upon the battlefield,
And murky dust usurped the firmament.
Then both hosts charged with fury o'er the plain
While t neither could distinguish foe from friend ;
The world became as sombre as the night,
And day in sooth had well nigh spent its light.
§9
How Afrdsiycib fled from Rustam
Afrasiyab said to his troops : " Our fortune That was awake is sleeping. Ye are feeble, And I must to the field. Be leopard-like In resolution if but for to-day, Attack from every quarter and fight on. Lay ambuscades on all sides for the foe, And bring the sun down with your spears."
He quitted
The centre of his host, heart-seared, revengeful, Charged Tiis and slaughtered many of Iran Till Tus, whose heart misgave him, showed his back. One came for aid to Rustam saying thus : — " The matter goeth ill with us to-day : Our whole right is a sea of blood, the banner Of our Iranian horsemen hath gone down," VOL. n. z
354 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Came elephantine Rustarn from the centre With Faramarz and troops. Confronting them
V. 700 Were many buckler-men who hated Rustam, Allies and kinsmen of Afrasiyab, Swift in revenge, of whom the matchless one Slew many, backed by Tiis and Faramarz. Afrasiyab, when he beheld the flag Of violet and Kawa's standard, knew : — " Tis Rustam of the elephantine form, The noble chieftain sprung from Nariman," And raging as it were a warrior-leopard, Sat tight and went up to encounter him. As soon as Rustam saw the sable flag He bounded like a lion in its rage, Then full of fury gave fleet Rakhsh the reins And, with blood streaming from his lance's point, Encountered proud Afrasiyab. One shaft Of poplar, pointed like a willow-leaf, Pinned to his head the Turkman's helm, while he Speared warlike Rustam full upon the breast, The point went through the leather of his belt But failed against the tiger-skin cuirass ; Then matchless Rustam, bent upon revenge, Speared his opponent's charger through the chest. The speedy steed fell prone in agony And threw the rider, whom the hero strove To seize around the waist and make an end. Human apart caught sight of him and, raising His massive mace upon his shoulder, smote The shoulder-blade of elephantine Rustam, While both the armies shouted. Rustam turned And looked behind him, thus the king escaped His grasp, and mounted on a speedy steed, While by a hundred shifts Human, the son Of Wisa, saved him from that Dragon's clutch.
V. 701 The hero-flinging crown-bestower followed
KAI KAUS 355
Human in furious haste but caught him not,
His time had not yet come. Shouts rose to heaven,
And massive maces whirled. There came to Rustam
Some of the army of f ran lest harm
Might fall upon him, and the noble Tiis
Made question of him : " Felt the Elephant
The impact of the Onager's assault ? "
He answered : " Neither heart of stone nor anvil Can bear the buffets of a massive mace When wielded by a man with chest and arms ; As for that mace wherewith Human struck me — Call it not iron ; it was merely wax."
When Rustam's foeman turned and fled the troops All gave a shout and raised their spearheads cloudward. If slain and wounded covered not the ground It was a field of tulips and of saffron ; The horses trampled blood, the elephants Had feet incarnadined. The Turkmans fled, Swift as f he wind, because the arm of Rustam Did execution on them. For three leagues That matchless hero like a raging dragon Pursued the foe. Then he returned to camp, And thou hadst said that heaven befriended him ; The soldiers came back satiate with spoil ; And iron, gold, and silver, weapon, rein, Spearhead, and girdle covered all the plain.
§ 10
How Afrdsiyab sent Khusrau to Khutan
Now when the sun rose o'er the mountain- tops,
And scattered jewels on night's pitchy back,
A shout rose and the din of clarions
As matchless Rustam led his army forth.
They marched against Afrasiyab with cheeks V. 702
356 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
All tearful for the death of Siyawush.
The king, on hearing that a host pursued him,
Led by the matchless chief intent on vengeance,
Marched his own forces to the sea of Chin ;
The broad expanse of earth was narrowed to him.
He went across the sea to where he would,
And thus addressed Piran : " Advise me well
What should be done about this wretched boy ;
Because if Rustam take and carry him
Off to f ran, they will enthrone and crown
This div-begotten as Shah. Convey him hither,
Bestir thyself, and slight not my command."
Piran replied : " We must not rashly slay him, But I will take such order that the king Shall praise his faithful slave. Fetch we the youth, And fix his residence within Khutan. We must not give occasion to ill-doers Eternally to blame our sovereign."
The king replied : " 0 master of wise rede ! Thou art my guide to good. Use all dispatch ; 'Tis not a matter that will brook delay."
Piran at once sent off a prudent man Of noble birth to fetch the prince. The envoy Made haste and sped like smoke, for so the chieftain Had bidden. When he came before Khusrau, And saw the young man's Grace and majesty, He gave unstinted praise, did reverence, And tarried long delivering his message In fitting language fittingly received, v. 703 Khusrau, bewildered, sped to tell his mother : — " Afrasiyab hath sent and summoned me Down to the sea ! What shall we do ? Perchance We yet may make a shift to save our lives."
They talked together and discussed it much, But found no remedy. They had to go, And set off, though unwillingly, in haste.
KAI KAUS 357
They mourned and wept and cursed Afrasiyab Until they reached Piran, who, when he saw Khusrau, descended from his throne, inquired About the tedious journey courteously, And full of praises set the prince beside him. As for those things whereof Khusrau had need, Provisions, raiment, carpetings, pavilions, Tents, steeds, Piran provided him with all, Then went to king Afrasiyab and said : — " 0 king of wisdom, Grace, and glory ! I Have brought the little boy that hath the Grace ; What further orders hast thou for me now ? "
The king said : " Send him from the sea of Chin So that the chiefs may find no trace of him."
Piran performed his task without delay, And sent like smoke the youth upon his way.1
§ »
How Rustam reigned over Turan for Seven Years
The chief, the elephantine hero, marched
Toward the realm of Chin, and with his sword-arm
Subdued Khata, Khutan, and all the coasts V. 704
Of Chin, and took the throne of him whose fortune
Had come to dust. This saw spake Rustam first : —
" The man of worth will seek the enemy ;
'Tis good to slay him if he countereth thee,
And good too if he shun the fight and flee."
He searched the palace for its hoards ; the people Disclosed them all. The slaves, both boys and girls Famed for their beauty, steeds, and treasuries Of gold, crowns, robes, brocade, and ivory throne, Fell into Rustam's hand, with many a jewel Out of the hoards at Gang, and all the soldiers Were rich in armlets, torques, and coronets.
1 Kai Khusrau was sent to Mtlchin (China). See p. 370.
358 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
He gave torques, armlets, and the ivory throne To Tiis, besides the government of Chach, And said : " If anybody shall revolt, Or even call Afrasiyab to mind, Cut off his head and make him food for vultures ; But like a father keep from want and travail The wise and peaceful, shunners of the Faith Of Ahriman. Offend not the offenceless, And practise all humanity and justice, For this world is a lodging not a home. None ever had more Grace than had Jamshid, Yet still high heaven trod him under foot, And found the world a monarch in his stead."
Next, to the worthy, pious paladin Gudarz he gave a crown of royal gems, With earrings, torque, and throne, and made him
lord
Of Sughd and Sipanjab ; he added counsel With commendations and felicitations, V. 705 And said : " The seal of majesty and justice, And feast and fight remind us still of thee ; But worth is better than high lineage, Though lineage assisteth men of worth. Since thou hast worth and lineage and wisdom, And mak'st thy soul a concourse of sweet sounds, It is but right that thou shouldst hear my rede, Who art thyself a teacher of the great. From Sipanjab to the Gulzaryiin Be thy word law."
To Fariburz he sent
A crown of gold beside dinars and gems, And said : " Thou art a prince and potentate, And brother unto Siyawush ; avenge him ! Ne'er loose thy lasso from the saddle-straps, Cease not from vengeance on Afrasiyab, And take no thought of food, repose, and sleep.
KAI KAUS 359
Be just in all thy doings here below, For justice never ruined any one."
The tidings spread through Chin that Rustam sat Enthroned as over-lord. Then all the folk Brought handsel of dinars and royal gems, And said : " We are thy servants and thy slaves ; We only tread the earth to do thy bidding."
The chieftain gave them quarter for their lives, Perceiving that they had discerning minds, And occupied himself for many a day With hawk and cheetah. Passed a while away.
§ '2 How Zawdra went to the Hunting-ground of Siyawush
Now as it chanced one day Zawara went
To hunt the onager. He rode apace
Conducted by a Turkman. On the open
He saw a forest, " which," thou wouldest say,
" One cannot pass, it fresheneth the soul,"
So many were the scents and tints and streams. v. 706
The Turkman told Zawara thoughtlessly : —
" This was the hunting-ground of Siyawush,
This was his favourite spot in all Tiiran,
Where was he wont to be both glad and merry,
But elsewhere sad."
The Turkman's talk recalled Old recollections to Zawara' s mind. A hawk was on his hand ; he let it go ; The lashes of his eyes ran tears of blood. His comrades of the host approached, observed him In grief and tears ; then they began to curse The Turkman guide and felled him to the ground. With gall-drops streaming from his eyes Zawara Swore a great oath : " I will not hunt or sleep,
360 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
Or cease from vengeance on Afrasiyab.
I will not give a moment's rest to Rustam :
All must prepare for fight."
He sought his brother. " Did we come hither to revenge or bless ? " He said. " The Giver of all good hath given Thee strength and made the circle of the sun Thy star. Why should this realm be populous, Or any soul live joyfully therein ? Forget not to avenge that prince, whose peer Thou wilt not look upon for many a year."
§ 13
How Rustam harried the Land of Turdn
Roused by Zawara's words the matchless Rustam V. 707 Began to ravage and to massacre
Till all the land showed signs of misery, And from Turan up to Saklab and Rum Folk saw no cultured tract. The Iranians Beheaded all the men, both young and old, And made the women and the children slaves. Thus o'er a thousand leagues and more the reek Of burning rose. Then all of noble race Came with the dust upon their heads protesting : — " We are aweary of Afrasiyab, And would not see him even in a dream. As for the guiltless blood that he hath shed, We had not any voice or part therein, And now, although we are a scattered people, Yet are we all thy slaves. As thou art mighty Shed not, provoking God, more guiltless blood. • None knoweth where our king is, or if he Is well or blasted by the dragon's breath."
The prudent Rustain's heart was grieved thereat,
KAI KAUS 361
He summoned all the chieftains of the host,
And marched the army to Kachar Bashf.
The wise, the great men, and the veteran chiefs
Flocked to his presence, and one said : " Kaiis,
Who hath not Grace, and cannot soar or stand,
Is seated on the throne without a guide,
And if Afrasiyab should suddenly
Come with an army to invade fran,
And conquer old Kaiis, our joy and peace
Would be destroyed. We all have won both honour
And vengeance, and have burned up every city.
Now let us go back to the aged king ;
When feasts begin we shall be all new men.
For six years we have had not one glad day ;
Our slaves, our states, our signets, and our crowns
Are in fran. 'Tis wealth hath dazed us thus ! v. 708
Heart sated is soul bated ! If thou settest
Thy heart upon this ancient dwelling-place
'Twill flatter thee but cozen thee withal ;
So, if thy heart be not with Ahriman,
Abstain from greed which is the enemy.
Array thyself and lavish, drink and eat,
Such is thy portion of this fleeting show."
The matchless Rustam yielded his assent To what the noble archimage had urged. That jocund counsellor went on to say : — " Choose pleasure in this Wayside Inn. Reflect That in the dust there is no brotherhood, And how thou wilt deplore this present good ! "
1 14
How Rustam returned to Iran
The matchless Rustam heard the words with shame, And felt an ardent longing to depart. He gathered horses out of all the herds
362 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
That wandered o'er the deserts of Tiiran, Together with ten thousand boys and girls — Slaves fit to serve a king — with bags of rnusk, With skins of marten, ermine, and grey squirrel, Of minever and weasel.. On the backs Of elephants were furs, perfumes, dinars, Gold, tapestries, and havings great and small, Stuffs for apparel, treasures, drachms, and swords, As well as other weapons, crowns, and thrones. They packed the loads, set forward to Iran, And, going from Turan toward Zabul, Drew near to glorious Zal, while Tiis, Giidarz, And Giv, those famous chiefs, went to the Shah At Pars.
When news reached base Afrasiyab That Tus and Rustam were across the river V. 709 He set off westward toward the sea of Gang, With vengeance in his heart intent on war. He found the country all turned upside down, The nobles slaughtered and the folk enslaved ; No horses, treasures, crowns, or thrones were there, There was no verdant leafage on the trees ; The world had been consumed with fire, and all The palaces had been o'erthrown and burned. The king wept tears of blood and thus harangued The captains of the host : " A man must lose His reason to forget these outrages ! Fill all your hearts with vengeance, make your shields Your beds, your helmets pillows, let us fight Till heaven itself shall fall in our revenge ; For country's sake, for treasure, child, and kin, We will tread down the cities of f ran In striving after vengeance ; 'tis not well To be thus downcast just because the wind Was in their favour in a single fight. From all sides will we gather arms and troops,
KAI KAUS 363
And make a new departure."
He assembled
Without delay a host equipped for war, And led his warriors and lion-men Against Iran. His plan was to attack From every side. No respite was afforded, He burned up all the settlements and trees, And brought the Iranians to a parlous case. For seven years there was a rainless sky, The favour changed, conditions were reversed, And all were beggared by distress and travail. v- 7">
Much time elapsed with matters in this stay While at Zabul the mighty Rust am lay, And Turkman sworders in the world held sway.
§ 15
How Gudarz had a Dream of Kai Khusrau
Gudarz one night dreamed that a watery cloud l Rose o'er fran, and on it sat Suriish, Who thus addressed him : " Give to me thine ear As thou wouldst be released from this distress, From this injurious Turkman dragon-fierce. There is a youthful prince now in Tiiran, Shah Kai Khusrau by name. He is a prince, The offspring of the loins of Siyawush, A man of worship and of noble race, Illustrious, of the stock of Kai Kubad, And sprung from Tur upon the mother's side. Whenas his glorious feet shall reach Iran Heaven will accord to him his full desire. Then will he gird him to avenge his father, Will overturn the sovereignty of Tur,
1 An emblem of coming prosperity in a land where rain is the chief want.
364 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Will make the waters of the Red Sea boil, Pause not in vengeance on Afrasiyab, But live in his cuirass the whole year through, And pass his days and nights upon the saddle. Among the chiefs and warriors of f ran None will discover him excepting Giv : Such is the outcome destined by the sky. On Giv the Judge hath rightly lavished love."
Gudarz awoke and, with his hoary beard Upon the ground, gave thanks to God : his heart Was hopeful of a Shah to rule the world.
Now when the sun appeared above the dales, Ascending as it were a shining lamp, The chieftain sat upon his ivory throne, And furnished forth the hall with seats of teak. V. 711 Fulfilled by anxious thought he summoned Giv And told him of the dream in many words, Thus saying : " Glorious are thy feet and days, And glorious is thy world-illuming star ; Since thy blest mother bare thee earth hath been Fulfilled with blessings. Blest Surush appeared Last night to me in sleep by God's command. He sat upon a cloud mid wind and rain, And purged the world of woe. He looked at me And said : ' Why all this grief? Why is the world Thus filled with warfare and thus parched with drought ? Because Kaus hath neither Grace nor might, And heedeth not the precedents of Shahs. When Kai Khusrau arriveth from Turan He will bring war and trouble on the foe ; But none of all the valiant chiefs can find him Save Giv, the famous offspring of Gudarz.' Thus heaven hath ordained thee to remove Our sorrow, toil, and bondage. Thou hast sought For fame in war, and now eternal fame Is in thy reach, for, while the world hath men
KA1 KAUS 365
And words, thy good name will continue fresh. 'Twill be a toil, but one with fame and treasure, A toil which surely will exalt thy fame ; And, since thou wilt not tarry here for ever, That fame is better than this Wayside Inn, For thou wilt bring a monarch to the world, And cause the tree of fealty to fruit."
Giv answered : " Father ! I am but a slave ; For thy sake will I labour while I live. If this may be I will accomplish it : By thy great name I swear it, O my guide ! "
He went home and prepared for setting forth, Lost in amazement at his father's dream. The spouse of Giv was of exalted rank — v. 712
The well-loved daughter of the hero Rustam — Bamigashasp. News reached her that Giv's steed Was being saddled for his expedition. She went to him and said : " Aspiring chief ! I hear that thou art going to Tiiran To seek both far and near for Kai Khusrau ; So, if the paladin will give me leave, I will betake me joyfully to Rustam, Because I long to look upon his face, And through not seeing him my soul is sad. Farewell to thee, 0 chief of paladins ! Mayst thou for ever be our heroes' stay."
The chieftain having given his consent, Toward Si'stan with speed the lady went.
§ 16 How Giv went to Turdn in Quest of Kai Khusrau
At sunrise, when the earth resembled flowers Of fenugreek, the gallant Giv approached With girded loins, upon a steed with feet
366 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
As swift as wind. Gudarz inquired of him : —
" What comrade hast thou ? Who will fare with thee ? '
He thus replied : " O chief of paladins, Brave, ardent, and exalted ! I have need Of no companions save my horse and lasso. Suspicion will be roused if I take men, And I shall bring a quarrel on myself. A lasso in the straps, a rapid steed, A sword and Indian vesture are enough, Unless perhaps a guide to lead the way. My home awhile will be the plain and mountain, I may not pass through cities, for the folk Will recognise me and I shall repent it. I shall return rejoicing, bright of soul, Through thy good fortune, chief of paladins ! Tend needfully my little son Bizhan l And guard him carefully against mischance, 713 Give him instruction in the art of war,
He need learn nothing but to feast and fight ; Young as he is I note his manliness With satisfaction. Fare well. Think of me Without anxiety. I cannot tell If we shall meet again. The secret things Of God who knoweth ? When thy cheeks are bathed For prayer entreat the Lord on mine account, For He is higher than all height ; the mighty Are but His slaves. This day revolveth not Without His will ; there is no food or sleep Save at His word. He made both time and space, The mighty and the weak. He is our hope And fear, the Lord of all the elements, And oh ! may He vouchsafe to be my Helper, And guide me to illustrious Khusrau." The father hoary -headed, while the youth
1 The first mention of this famous hero who is an especial favourite of the poet's.
KAI KAUS 367
Fierce as a lion girded up his loins, Knew not if he should see his son again, And was distracted at his setting out. The gallant Gfv dismounted from his steed, And kissed the hand of that exalted Lion, Who clasped him tightly in a fond embrace, And kissed him oft upon the face and head. That ancient man cried unto God : " Just Judge ! Be Thou my Helper. To Thy care I leave Him who is sense and soul and life to me — My son so noble and so young — that haply The realm may be delivered from this stress. Restore him to me safely, O my King ! "
Those in the world who toil laboriously, And win applause because their aims are high, Must make the dust their bed when all is done ; V. 714
That is their bane, and antidote is none. Thy sojourn here, thou knowest, is soon sped, Why set the crown of greed upon thy head ? Canst thou still wear it after thou art dead ? In this world ample pleasure thou canst take, Why art thou toiling for another's sake ? Thou toilest and another will consume At ease, unmindful of thy bier and tomb, But for him also pleasure hath its bound, And his head too must pass beneath the ground. Think then upon the day when thou must go, And make it thine to serve God here below, Incline to good and do to no man scath, For, in a word, this is Salvation's path. Upon this world that whirleth set no store, It will not last with thee for evermore. Long though thou stayest thou wilt reach the bourne And, having reached it, there is no return. So now thou sage, whose heart is wakeful ! cease From doubt, and from the mire thy foot release.
368 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
'Tis God Almighty that sustaineth thee, His servant thou and thy Creator He. Although thou weighest down thy neck with thought, Of His existence ask and question naught, And if by any it be not confest With such thou shalt not eat or sleep or rest, Because their heads are witless, their hearts blind, And wise men count not such among mankind. Both earth and water of God's being tell, Let not thy knowledge prove thy way to Hell, For His are power and knowledge and control, The Artist He of wisdom and the soul. V. 715 When mused the monarch of Turan and said : — " Above all people will I lift my head," And slew a youth so royal, then was he Confronted by his evil destiny. Howbeit from his loins God caused to shoot A Tree l of noble height and yielding fruit, A Tree that dealing with him as was just Sent both his wits and palace up in dust. The Lord of Saturn, Sun, and Moon is He That giveth victory and mastery ; The Lord of being and of righteousness, 'Tis He that giveth us our more and less. There is one path — His will — and only one — A knowledge hidden from the moon and sun.
O
At His command Giv girded up his loins, And like a savage lion sallied forth ; He took no comrade with him, but resigned To God his body used to luxury ; If, when he reached the marches of Turari, He found a man alonq Giv questioned him In Turkman as to Kai Khusrau. When such Replied : " I wot not of that prince," Giv used
1 Kai Khusrau, son of Siysiwush and of Farangis, daughter of Afnlsiydb.
KAI KAUS 369
To slay him, hitch him in the lasso's noose,
Drag him aside, and cover him with dust,
That no one might discover his own secret,
Or hear his name or any news of him.
He had awhile a countryman as guide
From whom he hid the object of his quest.
At length he said : " I fain would ask a question
In confidence. If thou shalt wisely purge
Thy heart of craft and answer truthfully
Then I will give thee whatsoe'er thou wilt, V. 716
And not deny thee e'en my soul and body."
." There is no lack of knowledge," said the guide, " But then it is dispersed 'mongst all the folk. If I have any knowledge of the matter Thou wilt not find me speechless."
-Where," said Giv,
" Is Kai Khusrau ? Thou must declare the truth." The guide thus answered : " I have never heard Or asked concerning one so named."
And so Giv smote him with the sword and laid him low.
§17
The Finding of Kai Khusrau
\ Giv like a madman roamed about to find
Some traces of the prince. While seven years passed
His loins were galled by sword and leathern girdle.
He fed on onagers and wore their skins,
At times had brackish water and green herbs,
And went about the desert and the mountains
In travail and in hardship far from men.
Now at the time when Rustam led his host Across the river to the Iranian side Afrasiyab returned to Gang, Tiiran
VOL. II. 2 A
370 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Came to his hand again, and then he bade Piran : " Bring hither ill-starred Kai Khusrau Back from Machin and give him to his mother, But have the roads well watched."
Piran dispatched A messenger upon a noble camel, And had the son of Siyawush brought back — A prudent and a life-inspiring youth — And gave him to his mother. Passed a while.
As gallant Giv was roaming o'er Tiiran In melancholy case, it so fell out
v« 717 One day that, full of anxious thoughts, he came Within the precincts of a famous wood, And wandered woe-begone along the mead ; The world was jocund but his heart was sad. He saw the earth all verdant, brooks a-brim, And all the scene right apt for rest and sleep. Dismounting from his horse he turned it loose, And laid him down but with an anxious heart. He said : " The foul Div verily possessed The paladin when he beheld that dream. I find no traces here of Kai Khusrau : What do I gain by all my wanderings ? Now while my comrades are engaged in war, And while my friends are sitting at the feast, These seeking pleasure, those in quest of fame, My lot is throwing walnuts on a dome ! I do but spend my soul in vain, 'tis like A bended bow ; Khusrau hath not been born At all, or fate hath flung him to the winds. I get but toil and hardship by my quest : Blest is the man that perisheth by poison."
With heart all sorrowful he roamed about Those meadows in his search, and spied afar Beside a sparkling stream a beauteous youth Of cypress-height, a wine-cup in his hand,
KAI KAUS 371
And on his head a bright, sweet wreath. His mien Betokened Grace and wisdom. Thou hadst said : — " Tis Siyawush upon his ivory throne, And turquoise-crowned ; his looks exhale the scent Of love itself, his locks adorn the crown."
Giv thought : " This is none other than the prince ! Naught but a throne befitteth such a mien."
Dismounting from his charger he advanced v. 718
On foot and, as he drew anear, the bolts Were loosened on the portal of his travail, And all his splendid treasure came in sight. When Kai Khusrau looked from beside the stream He smiled, while gladness made his heart to throb, And thought : " This warrior is none else but Giv : This land hath not a chief of such a stamp. He is engaged in making quest for me To bear me to Iran to make me Shah."
As that redoubted warrior approached, Khusrau the prince moved forward from his place, And said to him : " 0 Giv ! thou art well come ; Thy coming here is wisdom's fitting gift. How didst thou make thy passage to this land ? What tidings hast thou touching Tus, Giidarz, And Shah Kaus ? Are they in happiness, And do they in their hearts think of Khusrau ? How is it with the elephantine Rustam, The aspiring one, with Zal, and all the rest ? "
Giv heard the words amazed, invoked the name Of God, and answered : " 0 exalted chief ! All yearn for thee. Methinketh that thou art The son of Siyawush, of royal race, And wise ; but say, thou head of upright men ! Who told thee of Giidarz, Giv, and Kishwad ? May Grace and happiness be thine."
He answered : — <' 0 lion-man ! my mother told me this —
372 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSi
That when my father by the Grace of God Entrusted unto her his last commands, 719 He said : " Whatever mischief may befall me, Still in the end will Kai Khusrau appear, And bring a key to open all the locks. When he hath grown a noble warrior The doughty Giv will come forth from Iran, And bear him to the throne among the nobles And lion-men. His valour will restore The world, and execute revenge for me."
Giv said : " 0 head of all the chiefs ! what mark Hast thou to indicate the Grace of kingship ? The mark of Siyawush was manifest As 'twere a drop of pitch upon a rose-bed, Uncover then and show to me thine arm, Because thy mark is known to every one."
The prince made bare his arm and Giv perceived The black mark on it. Now this mark had been A birth-mark from the time of Kai Kubad — A clear distinction of the Kaian race. When Giv beheld that mark he did obeisance, And weeping told his errand. Kai Khusrau Embraced him, giving thanks with joy, and asked About Iran, the imperial throne, Gudarz, And Rust am, lover of the fray. Giv said : — " 0 royal world-lord, noble, fortunate, And wise ! were God, who knoweth good and ill, To give to me the whole of Paradise, The seven climes and sovereign sway withal, The seat of greatness and the crown of might, My heart would not exult therein so much As in beholding thy face in Turan. Who knoweth in fran if I am living, Or if I have been laid in dust or burned, Or have encountered Siyawush alive, And questioned him about his care and travail ?
KAI KAUS 373
Thanks be to God that fate determineth v. 720
This irksome toil in happiness and joy."
Together they departed from the wood While Kai Khusrau asked after Shah Kaiis, About Giv's seven years of grief and pain, His lodging, sleep, and food. Giv answered all, And spake about the purpose of the Lord, The vision of Gudarz, his own long toil, His victuals, clothes, and rest, his pains and pleasures ; How years had spent the Grace of Kai Kaiis, And how he was distracted for his son ; How all was dark and scentless in his palace, And 1 DW the desolation was complete. The heart of Kai Khusrau burned at these woes, His two cheeks flamed like fire. He said to Giv : — " Fate giveth thee for travail rest and ease ; Be as my sire, but say not anything To any one, and note what time will bring."
§ 18
How Giv and Kai Khusrau went to Siydioushgird
The chieftain mounted on the steed of Giv,
And that brave warrior preceded him
With Indian sword in hand. If any met them
Giv, ever on the watch, struck off his head,
And covered up the corpse with earth and dust.
They made their journey to Siyawushgird,
And, when they both recovered heart and wit,
They made a confidant of Farangis,
And privily agreed to quit the place,
Unnoticed by the troops. " We shall but straiten
The world to us if we delay," said she.
" Afrasiyab will hear, will neither eat
Nor sleep, but like the White Div follow us,
374 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Will rnake our hearts despair of pleasant life, 721 And leave not one of us, at large or hiding, Alive. The world is full of enemies, Our whole land is the abode of Ahriman. Hear mine advice, my son endowed with Grace ! There is a meadow near out of the track Of Turkman cavaliers ; be there at dawn, And have this saddle and black bridle with thee. Thou wilt behold a mountain whereupon Clouds fret their faces. Having scaled the height Thou wilt behold the mead like jocund spring, All rivulets and purling streams : the soul Keviveth at the sight. When it is noon, And thou art eager for repose, the herds At pasture there will water at the streams. Show to Bihzad the saddle and the bridle, And, if he proveth tractable, advance, Go quickly to him, let him see thy face, Caress him with thy hand and speak to him. When Siyawush had given up all hope Of this world, and his day was turned to night, He spake thus to Bihzad his sable steed : — ' Be thou henceforth free as the wind itself. Kemain upon the mountains and the meadows, And when Khusrau shall come in quest of thee Be thou his charger, tramp the whole world thro', And sweep the earth of foernen with thy shoe.' "
§ 19
How Kai Khusrau icon Bihzad
The valiant chieftain mounted on his steed With Giv in front on foot. They set their faces Toward the heights as men who seek for safety. V. 722 Now when the herds came down to watering,
KAI KA&S 37 5
And having drunk their fill turned to depart,
Illustrious Khusrau went hastily
Toward the stream and, to attain his wish,
Showed to Bihzad the saddle and the reins.
The steed looked at him, recognised a master,
And stirred not from the stream, but gazed with sighs
Upon the pard-skin seat of Siyawush,
The lengthy stirrups, and the poplar saddle.
This Kai Khusrau observed and hurried up.
Meanwhile the noble black stood still and wept.
Moreover Kai Khusrau and Giv wept too,
As though they had been burning in fierce flame,
And while they shed tears from their eyes their tongues
Were full of curses on Afrasiyab.
Khusrau caressed the horse's eyes and face,
Stroked down his chest and shoulders, scratched his
hide,
Put o'er his head the bridle, saddled him, And spake the while with grief of Siyawush, Then mounting gripped his legs ; the mighty beast Sped like a blast out of the sight of Giv, Who troubled and amazed invoked God's name. " This," he exclaimed, " is subtle Ahriman Appearing in the likeness of a horse ! The prince's life is lost and my toil too, My toil — the only treasure that I had ! "
When Kai Khusrau had traversed half the mountain He drew his black reins and remained till Giv O'ertook him, then the shrewd and valiant prince Exclaimed : " Shall I inform the paladin What I perceived was passing in his thoughts ? "
Giv said to him : " 0 most exalted prince ! All secrets should be open unto thee :
Thou with thy Grace divine and Kaian stature V. 723
Canst penetrate a hair and see within it."
He said : " Thou didst mistrust this noble steed,
376 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
And think : ' Now Ahriman hath got the youth, Who hath gone off and turned my toil to wind. My spirit mourneth and the divs rejoice.' "
The veteran Giv dismounted from his horse, Invoking blessing on the warrior-prince, And said : " May day and night be fortunate To thee, thy foemen's hearts be rooted out, Since God hath given to thee worth and birth, With throne and stature, state and Grace divine."
They left the heights, and set off toward the palace With brains absorbed in thought and scheming minds ; On reaching Farangis they much discussed The toilsome journey, and the way to keep The project secret. When she saw Bihzad Her face was hidden by a flood of tears, She laid her cheek against his mane and chest, And called upon the soul of Siyawush. When she had wept she hurried to her hoards, For in the palace was a secret treasure — Known but to her — of jewels and dinars, Of iron maces and horse-furniture, As well as daggers, swords, and massive sparths. With cheeks that ran with tears of blood, and liver Pierced by her grief, she showed her son the treasure, And said to Giv : " 0 veteran in toil ! Choose what thou pleasest from this treasury — Dinars and jewels fit for kings to wear, And crowns with patterns wrought in precious stones. We are the keepers and the hoard is thine ; Thine are the toil and risk."
v. 724 He kissed the ground,
And said : " O chief of dames ! thou makest earth A Spring in Paradise, and, as thou wiliest, The sky apportioneth both good and ill. Be all the world a slave before thy son, And be the heads of all thy foes wrung off."
KAI KAUS 377
When Giv's eye fell upon those precious things He chose the mail of valiant Siyawush. They then selected all the choicest gems, And bare away as much as they could carry As well as helms, rich armour for the steeds, And weapons suited to a paladin, Then having locked the hoard the prince in haste Made ready for the journey through the waste.
§ 20
How Farangis went with Kai Khusrau and Gw to Iran
This done they put the saddles on their steeds, Those fleet and famous steeds, while Farangis Assumed the helmet, and all three departed Like wind and eagerly toward Iran, But secretly and taking all precautions.
The thing, however, could not be concealed A moment ; one approached Piran and said : — " Illustrious Giv came from Iran to seek The brave and shrewd Khusrau, and hath gone back With him and Farangis."
Piran was grieved,
And trembled like the branches of a tree. He thought : " The king's foreboding hath proved true ! What shall I say to him ? My lustre now Is darkness in his eyes ! "
He chose Kulbad
And Nastihan — a man of steel — and bade Three hundred Turkman horse to muster dight For war, and thus addressed them : " Hence with you, Lose no time in your saddles, place the head V. 725
Of Giv upon a spear, hide Farangis In dust, and bind accursed Kai Khusrau — The ill-starred lackland. If the miscreant
378 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt
Shall cross the river what will not befall Our land and chiefs ! "
Thus went the brave young band Commanded by two wary paladins.
The persecuted prince and Farangis, Worn out with journeying and nights of toil, Had laid them down to sleep, and while they slept Giv stood on guard with angry eyes intent Upon the road by which the band approached. He wore his habergeon ; his helm was on ; His heart was full ; he was prepared to die ; And, like a valiant chief, he had his steed Accoutred by his side in case of need.
§2!
How Kulbdd and Nastihan fled from Giv
Giv saw afar the dust raised by the troops, And having drawn his sword sent up a shout Like thunder, such a shout as would have dazed A lion's brain and spirit, then he rushed Like dust among the troop and made earth dark By combat. With his sword and mace he showered Down iron from above, till by the blows The heads of all the chiefs grew sick of strife, While to his eyes, such were his pain and rage, A river seemed a rill. Anon they hemmed him — A raging Lion in a host of men. The field became a reed-bed with their spears, Both sun and moon were hid, the Lion raged, And made a winefat of the bed of reeds With blood, o'erthrowing many of his foes : Those valiant cavaliers were all astound, v. 726 And thus Kulbad addressed brave Nastihan : — • " This is a rock of flint with neck and arms ! See here the Grace of Kai Khusrau and not
KAI KAUS 379
The mace of Gi'v ! I know not what will come Upon our fields and fells, for who can traverse The will of God ? Astrologers presage Disaster to Turan and to her lords."
They made a charge at Giv with all their troops Like lions, giving and receiving blows : The battle-shouts and blast of clarions Went up and shook the mountains to their cores, The -alleys and the plains were filled with slain, And earth became like cercis-bloom with blood. The whole host turned away in flight from Giv— That noble chief, the refuge of the troops — And made their way all wounded and fordone To proud Piran, while gallant Giv returned, With breast and hands all bloody, like a lion To Kai Khusrau, and said : " 0 prince ! rejoice ! May health be thine, and wisdom thy companion ! Kulbad and Nastihan the deft of hand Have been pursuing us with hostile troops, And those that still survive have gone back home With necks and chests in case to ask our tears. I know not any horseman in Iran Save Rustain able to encounter me."
Khusrau, pure in the Faith, rejoiced o'er Giv, Called blessings down on him, and praised him greatly ; They took some food, such as came first to hand, And hasted on toward the trackless waste.
Now when the Turkman troops came to Piran So stricken, heated, and discomfited, He spake in anger to Kulbad, and said : — " This is a marvel which must not be hidden ! What have ye done to Giv ? Where is Khusrau ? How went the matter ? Tell me honestly."
Kulbad said : " If I tell, O paladin ! What gallant Giv did to our warriors, Thou wouldst no more of battles. Thou hast seen me
38o THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
v. 727 Oft with the host, and hast approved my prowess, Yet when I charged him, thinking : ' Now shall I Behold his overthrow/ in sooth he bore Above a thousand buffets of mine ax. Thou wouldst have said : ' His head is but an anvil, His chest and arms are solid ivory ! ' Oft have I gazed on Kustam in the fight, And hearkened tales of mighty warriors, But never knew one so endure the blows. The rush, and whirl of war. Though we had borne Wax maces, and our horsemen pard-skin lances, No wonder had his shoulders, arms, and breast Been pounded small. He kept his dash and keenness Throughout, and bellowed like an elephant. The plain was heaped with slain, our warriors Were routed by one man ! "
Piran was wroth ;
" Enough," he said, " 'tis shame to tell the tale ; Such words as these are not for cavaliers. Attempt no more to strive with men of war. Thou wentest forth with noble Nastihan, And troops like lions ; now thou makest Giv A maddened elephant ; thy fame is sped With mighty men ; Afrasiyab at hearing Will fling away from him the imperial crown, Because two paladins, two gallant horsemen, Accompanied by soldiers dight for war, Turned tail before a single cavalier, Who slaughtered many ! Mocking and disgrace Are thine, not standard, kettledrum, and mace."
§22 How Pir&n pursued Kai Khusrau
Piran chose from his troops six thousand horse — V. 728 Brave warriors. " Swiftly ply," he said to them,
KAI KAIJS 381
" Your fleet steeds' reins, like savage lions go By day and night, no girdle must be loosed, For if Khusrau and Gi'v shall reach Iran The women there will be as lionesses, And neither earth nor water will remain Within Tunin. Afrasiyab, heart-seared, Will lay the blame of this escape on me, Not on the process of sun, moon, and stars."
Thureat they raised their heads and hurried on By day and night, till scattered and disordered They reached a narrow river, where the stream Was deep and difficult for men to cross, That river which was called Gulzaryiin, And was in springtide like a stream of blood.
Upon the further bank the prince and Giv Were sleeping : Farangi's was keeping watch, And looking round her from her post descried V. 729
The banner of the leader of Tiiran ! She ran to Giv, gave the alarm, and roused The sleepers, crying : " Man of toil ! arise ! Tis time to flee, a host pursueth us. Our time, I fear, is come. If they shall take thee They will not leave thee living and will rack Our hearts for thee. Me and my son in tears Piran will bear bound to Afrasiyab, And after that I know not what may chance ; None wotteth of the secrets of high heaven."
Giv said : " 0 Moon of dames ! why vex thy soul Herein ? Ascend yon mountain with the prince ; Fear nothing from Piran or from his host. The conquering Lord of earth is mine ally, The star of fortune lieth on my breast. By help of God, the Author of our lives, I will not leave a rider in the saddle."
Then said Khusrau : " 0 warrior ! my cause Is wearisome to thee. I have been spared
382 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI
The net of bale. Seek not the Dragon's breath So oft. Be mine to go upon the plain, And spurt blood heavenward with my scimitar." v. 730 Giv answered : " Noble prince ! the world hath need
Of thee to wear its crown. My sire and I Are paladins whose loins are ever girt To serve the Shahs ; three score and eighteen brothers Have I ; the world will perish with thy name, For paladins are many, Shahs are few. Few ? I see none ! If I am slain, another Will take my place, the royal head and crown Will still survive ; but if afar from here Thou perish l I see none fit for the crown And throne. The winds will take my seven years' toil, My race will be disgraced. Choose then the heights, And mark yon host. The World-lord is mine aid. Earth is beneath thy shadowing wings ; if I Succeed thy Grace will give the victory."
§23
How Pirdn contended with Giv
Giv donned his mail and came forth like a lion, His steed as 'twere a mountain under him. The chief was on this side, the host on that ; Between the river flowed and barred the way. Giv roared out like a thunderclap in spring, Inquiring for the captain of the host. Piran was wroth, upbraided Giv, and said : — " Thou miscreant by nature and descent ! Com'st thou alone so hardily to face An army ? Thou shalt taste two-headed javelins, While falcons' talons shall provide thy bier. Thou art a single horseman, iron mountain
i " Si tu p&ris dans une captiviU lointaine." — MOHL.
KAI KAUS 383
Although thou be. A thousand will surround thee
Like ants, will smash the armour on thy breast,
And drag thy carrion-carcase in the dust.
The mighty lion springing spake this saw :—
' Whene'er the stag hath reached its destined day
Fate reckoneth each breath drawn by the prey v- 73 i
Till it shall cross a lion on the way.'
So fc -tune now hath brought thee in my path
Here in the presence of this famous host."
Brave Gfv, that chief of mighty paladins, Replied in thunder- tones : " Thou miscreant Turkman Of divs begotten ! perish chiefs like thee ! Thou sawest my revenge for Siyawush, And hadst good reason to admire my prowess, For many chieftains of Tiiran and Chin Fell by my hand in battle. I it was Who ravaged all thy home and wrecked thy life. Thy two chief dames were in the company That I dragged off in bondage from Khutan, Thy sister one, the other was thy spouse, Who ever tendered thee both soul and body. When I beheld those wretched Turkman dames I gave them to the meanest of my slaves, While thou didst show thy back as women would, And run away with shrieks and doleful howls. For thee mankind should fight like womankind ; Brag not of bravery to warriors, For chiefs shall sing hereafter to thy shame How Giv unaided carried off Khusrau, And all shall hold your names to be disgraced. Again, while all the princes of the earth— Faghfur and Caesar and the Khan of Chin, The nobles and the kin of Shah Kaiis, Brave men and warriors with golden casques — Sought Rustam's daughter eagerly in marriage, And Tiis too sent to ask her, matchless Rustam
384 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
Met him with scorn, and put their offer by Because they were unworthy. Afterward, V. 732 When he had looked throughout the world in vain, He gave his favourite daughter to myself— A daughter whom he prized above his crown. That high exalted and most noble prince Gave me the horsewoman Bamigashasp, His eldest daughter, chose me of all lords, And raised my head to heaven. I gave my sister, That Moon of ladies — Shahr-Bami-Iram — To him. Excepting elephantine Rustam, The lion-man, I do not know my match, And when I come with him to take revenge Ye must make ready to bewail your dead. Now with this steel-blue falchion will I turn The world before your eyes as black as pitch, And if I leave one of your host alive Give to me never more the name of man. Iranward bear I royal Kai Khusrau To bring him to the monarch of the brave, To seat him on the famous ivory throne, And place upon his head the glorious crown. Then will I don again this precious mail, And make Tiiran the lair of mighty lions. Son am I to Gudarz son of Kishwad ; The noble Giv am I, the prince of chiefs, Thou luckless Turkman, thou accursed Piran ! May no crown, throne, or realm be ever thine. I will behead thee with mine Indian sword, Thy mail and helmet shall weep over thee ; Death from my twisted lasso shalt thou meet, Thy mail and helm shall be thy winding-sheet."
KAI KAUS
385
§ 24 How Pirdn was taken by Giv
Piran was furious and wept with rage, Then gripping with his legs urged on his steed, And, with his massive mace upon his shoulder, Launched forth like boat on stream, invoking Him That giveth every good. Giv bode his time Tntil the chief had crossed, and then, declining, Jrave leader though he was, as if through fear
ie combat, fled. His foe approached, the world Grew night-dark. Giv, when he had drawn Piran Lfar from stream and host, flung mace on saddle
charged " like dragon raging," thou hadst said. Piran the Lion fled pursued by Giv, Who unobserved took from the straps his lasso, Then whirling round his arm discharged the coil, And caught his foeman's head, dismounted him, Drave him afoot disgraced far from the stream, Then threw him on the ground, secured his hands, And donned his mail. When this was done Giv took His prisoner's flag and rode up to the bank. The Turkmans seeing their commander's flag Advanced to meet him as a thing of course. There rose a shout with din of clarions, Of pipes, and Indian bells. Perceiving this Giv strove as 'twere a boat against the waves, And laid his massive mace upon his shoulder, While all the troops looked at him wondering. Soon with reins lightly held and stirrups pressed He filled the haughty Turkmans' heads with fear, And with his sword, his stirrups, arms, and onset Laid them in dust. The plain was like a mountain Of dead, one man discomfited the host. The chieftains turned their backs, the Lion charged
VOL. II. 2 B
V. 733
V. 734
386 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The Flock, that great host fled from Giv, who crossed The stream again so fresh that thou hadst said : — " He hath not dreamed of foes." He hurried back To cut Piran's head off, but drave him first Afoot, scorned, hustled, and beside himself, In anguish, wan, and wretched to Khusrau. Giv then dismounted, drew anear the prince, And, having kissed the ground and hoinaged him, Exclaimed : " This miscreant and faithless man Is now a captive in the Dragon's jaws, V. 735 So let him now be even as the wind,
Like Siyawush, who hearkened to his words."
Piran too did obeisance to the prince, Cried with a loud voice, kissed the ground, and said : " 0 prince that seekest after understanding, And art a shining sun among the people ! Thou knowest mine affliction, my distress, And struggle with the king on thine account. Prince Siyawush had lived if I thy slave Had been at court. By rede and artifice I saved thee and thy mother from the Di'v. So by thy Grace and fortune grant that I Have from this Dragon's clutch my liberty."
§25
How Farangis delivered Pirdn from Giv
Gfv looked for orders at Khusrau and saw The tearful eyes of Farangis, whose tongue Was fraught with curses on Afrasiyab. She said to Giv : " 0 chief, who hast endured Such wanderings ! this hoary paladin Is both a wise and understanding prince ; And know that next to God — our Judge and Guide- He was the means of saving us from death.
.
KAl KAUS 387
e with his love screened us from injury, And seeketh now for quarter in return ; So grant him to us, O thou noble one ! For he hath never led the way to ill."
Giv said to her : " O chief of ladies I live For e.er bright in mind and joyfully. I swore a mighty oath by moon and crown, And by the great Shah's throne : ' If I shall get The best of him in battle I will make Earth with his blood like cercis- bloom.' "
Khusrau
Said : " Keep thine oath to God, thou lion-like ! And ease thy heart on that score : pierce his ear V. 736
Through with thy dagger, and as blood-drops fall Thence to the ground think of both love and ven- geance."
Giv saw the prince's heart warm to Piran, Perceived the prince's cheeks all tears and ruth, So went and pierced Piran's ear with his dagger, And slept in peace because his oath was kept. Piran said to Khusrau : " I cannot go Back to the host afoot ; bid him restore My steed ; then thou hast given me life and means."
The valiant prince requested Giv : " Bestow On me his charger, 0 thou mighty Lion ! "
Giv spake thus to Piran : "Brave warrior ! Why hast thou grown so feeble on the field Of fight ? If thou wouldst have thy wind-foot steed, First will I bind thy hands, then thou shalt gain Thy liberty upon a mighty oath That none shall loose thy bonds except Gulshahr, Because she is the chief among thy dames, And knoweth thee completely — skin and marrow."
The paladin agreed and purchased life v 737
And charger, swearing : " None shall loose my bonds Upon the way. Gulshahr alone shall do it."
388 THEISHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Giv bound him, brought the horse, and bade him
mount.
Then Farangis and goodly Kai Khusrau Embraced him tenderly ; he took his leave With many blessings on Khusrau and Giv.
§26
How Afrdsiyab found Piran on the Way
The sun turned dark before Afrasiyab
When news came from the host ; he sounded trump
And tymbal, called to horse and went like fire.
In haste he made two stages into one,
And sped forth like an arrow from the bow.
Arriving at the place whereat Kulbad
Had fought he saw troops scattered o'er the land,
While everywhere lay bodies of the fallen.
He asked : " How came this paladin with troops
Here from Iran ? None of our warriors
Knew of a mighty army coming thence.
Who told those sons of divs that Siyawush
Had offspring here ? If dust had been his tutor
Mine eyes had never seen a day like this."
" Thou mayst be easy," Sipahram replied, " So far as thy concern is for an army, v. 738 'Twas Giv, son of Giidarz, none else ; we saw No other cavalier with him. One man Discomfited our troops in fight, and so Giv and the prince and Farangis escaped."
On hearing this the monarch's cheeks turned pale His heart was full of pain at this reverse ; He answered : " This is as the sages said. When God bestoweth fortune on a man He cometh to the throne without an effort."
While they conversed a host appeared in sight
KAI KAUS 389
Led by Ph-an besmirched with dust and blood.
The king imagined : " He hath captured Giv,
And come on first with news of victory,"
But, nearer, saw that he was wounded sore
And ^ound fast as a rock upon the saddle,
With both hands pinioned tightly at his back.
The king amazed and pained asked what it meant.
Then said Piran : " No ravening wolf or tiger,
Or savage lion, is like Giv in battle,
Although alone. The fear of fighting him
Would make a crocodile burn under water.
He first attacked us with a massive mace,
And dealt us blows as with a blacksmith's hammer.
By dint of steed and dexterous horsemanship
He overthrew, smote down our cavaliers,
And slaughtered them at will, yet cloud ne'er rained
More drops than sword-strokes fell upon his head !
In sooth his saddle was no bed of roses ;
Thou wouldst have said : ' He is a mountain's match.'
At last our troops all turned and I alone
Kemained to fight with him. He fled from me,
But threw his twisted lasso, and my waist V. 739
Was taken in its coils. I lost my head,
And fell with all my weight upon the ground.
He lighted from his charger, bound my hands.
And then remounting drave me on before him.1
He carried me in shame to Kai Khusrau,
And would have had my head, but Farangis
Came to mine aid ; he spared my life but pierced
Mine ear, and in a fury bound my hands,
Then by the Shah's own life and head, by sun
And moon, by God Almighty, crown and throne,
Proposed to me a mighty oath, and I,
Since I saw fortune hostile, duly swore
That nobody should loose me but my wife,
1 Reading with P.
390 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt
Gulshahr. Thus did he bind me head and foot With lassos and, when that was done, by oaths. I know not why the sky hath ceased to love me."
Afrasiyab on hearing wept for rage, And lifting up his voice drave forth Piran, Who writhing as he was made no reply. Then blustering and cursing swore the king : — " Though Giv and that Div's child were thunder-clouds Or storm- winds I would make them fall from heaven. With this," he drew his sword, " this iron-piercer, Will I in vengeance rob them both of breath, And as for Farangis will make the world Both strait and dark to her when I shall catch her, v. 740 ]?or I win cleave her with the scimitar,
And fling her to the fish to tear in pieces. Khusrau is fain to seek Iran, but why Should Farangis thus bear him company ? "
§27
How Giv disputed with the Toll-man
Piran departed sadly toward Khutan:
Meanwhile Afrasiyab pursued his march
Toward Jihiin, and in his anger trailed
His skirt in blood. He bade Human : " Haste on,
And draw rein at the river. If Khusrau
And Giv get over, any pains of ours
Are but a desert-blast. I was forewarned
Of this by what a sage said long ago : —
' The seed of Tiir and Kai Kubad combined
Will raise a monarch of illustrious mind
To make Turan a brake of thorns again,
And leave no city on its wide champaign.
Iran will have his love, Turan will know
The vengeful face that looketh on a foe."
KAI KAUS 391
When Giv and Kai Khusrau had reached the
stream
In haste to cross they wrangled with the toll-man. Giv said : " What swift and well appointed boat Fit ior the use of Kai Khusrau is here ? "
The man replied : " What hath a stream to do With king or slave ? If thou hast need to cross It is incumbent to bespeak a boat."
Giv said to him : " Demand whate'er thou wilt, But let us cross because a host approacheth."
The officer, on hearing this from Giv, Became extortionate, and said: " I ask No little toll, but one of four — thy mail, Thy black steed, handmaid, or thy moon-like page."
Giv answered him : " 0 thou of broken wits ! v. 741
Do words like these become a man like thee ? Were he a subject of the king of kings Thou wouldst receive thy portion from the world ; But what art thou to ask the Shah himself ? Art thou so hasty, miserable wretch ? And then his mother is thy next demand ! Thou wouldest have the moon's crown as thy toll ! Or thirdly thou requirest black Bihzad Who when he hasteth overtaketh wind ! Or fourthly in thy folly thou wouldst take My mail, when mail is indispensable, And this is steel which water will not wet, And such as fire and Indian scimitars, Or spears or arrows, have no power to harm ! Thou wouldst have toll : then take it in the river ! The stream for us, the ferry-boat for thee ; 'Twill not be easy to collect thy fee ! "
392 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
§ 28 How Kai Khusrau crossed the Jihun
Giv told the prince : " If thou art Kai Khusrau The stream will favour thee. When Faridun Crossed the Arwand * it led him to the throne, And all the world became the slave of him Who had the Grace and glory. Tarry not If thou art Shah, the shelter of the Lions And warriors. The stream will give thee passage, Who hast the mien and Grace to deck a throne. If I, or if thy mother should be drowned, Grieve not. For thee I lived because the throne Of king of kings was naught. My mother too Bare me for thee. Pause not or else, I doubt not, Afrasiyab will reach the river-bank v. 742 In fury, hang me on the shameful gibbet Alive, and fling thyself and Farangis To feed the fish or tread you under hoof."
Then Kai Khusrau replied : " So be it. Enough. My refuge is with God the Succourer."
He lighted, groaned, fell prostrate in the dust, And said : " Thou art my refuge and support ; Thou showest justice and Thou art my way. Thy Grace for good or ill sufficeth me ; The shadow of Thy wing is wisdom's soul."
He spake, and radiant as the morning star Bestrode his sable steed, took to the water, Reached like a boat the toll-house opposite, And issued from the bed of the Jihun With gallant Giv and Farangis behind him. Thus all three safely gained the other side, Where Kai Khusrau, his head and body bathed, Thanked and adored the Maker of the world.
1 See vol. i. p. 160.
KAI KAUS 393
As they went o'er the master of the boats Astound said to his mates : " Behold a wonder ! This passeth all ! Springtide ! Jihiin in spate ! Thre~ steeds and riders mailed ! No sage would deem Him man who went across in such a case."
He saw his plight, regretted his rash words, Supplied his boat with such things as he had, Set sail and went to ask the prince's pardon. v- 743
When he arrived upon the farther shore He brought his offerings before Khusrau, He brought a bow, a lasso, and a casque, But Giv thus answered him : " Insensate dog ! Thou saidst : ' The stream will sweep a man away,' And when so great and puissant a prince Requireth thee to furnish him a boat Refusest ! Perish all thine offerings ! A day will come when thou wilt think of this."
The river-warden went off in chagrin, Despairing of his life. On his return The army from Turan was at the toll-house. Afrasiyab, not seeing man or boat Upon the stream, cried fiercely to the toll-man : — " How found that div his way across the water ? "
The man replied : " 0 king ! my father took The toll as I do, yet I never saw Or heard of one who made the water land. In springtime when the waves are running high If thou dost enter there is no escape, Yet those three riders crossed ! Thou wouldst have
said : —
' The air supported them upon its breast/ Or, ' They are children of the rushing wind — The messengers dispatched by God to man.' "
Afrasiyab on hearing this turned pale, And sighing deeply bade the man : " Launch forth A boat upon the river with all speed.
394 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
See if thou canst discern the fugitives,
Upon the road or stopping for repose,
That I may take them prisoners. Make dispatch,
Out with the boat, and get thee gone at once."
Then said Human to him : " O king ! consider, And kindle not a fire within thy breast. Wilt thou essay Iran with these few horsemen, Essay the breath and clutches of the Lions, v- 744 The elephantine Rustam and Giidarz, Tiis and Gurgin the shatterer of hosts ? Thou must be weary of the throne indeed If thou wilt go thus to the Lions' claws. Hence all is thine to Chin and to Machin ; Sun, Saturn, Moon, and Pleiades are thine. Guard thou Tiiran and thine own lofty throne : We need not now fear mischief from Iran."
With that they turned them in chagrin away, And matters long continued in this stay.
§29
How Kai Khusrau came to Ispahan
When Kai Khusrau and Giv arrived at Zam
Most men rejoiced but certain were displeased.
Giv sent out messengers to every part,
And wrote thus of the valiant prince : " The chieftain
Head of the race of noble Kai Kubad —
The exalted, blessed Kai Khusrau, to whom
The waters of Jihun were as a throne —
Hath come rejoicing from Turan."
He chose
Among the chiefs of Zam a messenger, A valiant cavalier, wise, shrewd, and prudent, Informed him of the case, and said to him : — " Depart hence unto Ispahan — the land
KAI KAUS 395
Of Shahs, the habitation of the mighty —
And tell Giidarz : ' O chief of paladins !
Thy mind was not asleep when thou didst dream.'
Then add this : ' Kai Khusrau hath come to Zam,
And not a blast hath done him injury.' "
He wrote a letter unto Shah Kaiis. The messenger arose and went his way. The wind-foot camels with their lips afoarn Rushed onward fire-like. First he sought Gudarz, Declared the message, and gave up to him V. 745
The letter, which the paladin in chief Placed to his head with tears for Siyawush And maledictions on Afrasiyab. The messenger went on to Kai Kaiis While drops of sweat fell from the camels' necks. When he approached the palace-gate a shout Of gladness rose, the monarch gave him audience, And sprinkled jewels over Giv's dispatch. They decked the whole world in their happiness, They called for minstrels everywhere, while Rustam, When tidings of Giv's triumph reached Nimruz, Gave gold in largess to the mendicants Because that Lion had received no hurt ; And afterward dispatched Bamigashasp, Like lightning, bearing treasures, and with her Twelve hundred mighty men of name with gifts Of thrones and heavy crowns, three hundred damsels, And six score youths, all bearing golden goblets. The lady left her sire and went to Giv As swiftly as a bird upon the wing, While news spread everywhere : " The monarch's son, The young prince Kai Khusrau, is on his way."
As for the men of leading in the world They all resorted unto Ispahan. Gudarz prepared his stately residence, And draped it with imperial brocade,
396 THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSf
Prepared a throne with gold and jewelry, Such as must needs be worthy of the Shah, And armlets, torques, and earrings with a crown v- 746 Of royal gems. He had the city decked,
Prepared the Ground, and mounted on his steed. The illustrious chiefs arose and, all being ready, Went forward seventy leagues to meet the prince Upon the road according to their custom. As soon as Giv appeared with Kai Khusrau The valiant cavaliers advanced on foot. Giidarz the chieftain when he saw the prince, Accompanied by Giv upon the road, Shed tears of gall and in his deep distress Spake much in memory of Siyawush. The paladin then lighted from his steed, And clasped the youthful monarch to his breast, Paid him high compliments, did reverence, And said to him : " O monarch of the earth ! Be bright in fortune and be bright in heart ; I would not lose thee for a realm or throne. Far from thee be thy foeman's evil eye, And may the soul of Siyawush be bright. God is my witness that to see thee lengtheneth My life. If I saw Siyawush alive I should not laugh so from the heart as now."
He kissed the head and eyes of Giv and said : — " Thou hast revealed a very heaven to us. Thou art no sluggard but a warrior; Yet on occasion thou canst bide thy time."
Then all the mighty warriors of Iran Bent down their faces to the ground before him, And as they turned back on their way rejoicing The fortunes of those haughty men grew bright. They reached the palace of the paladin, All reached it full of joy and happiness. There for one sennight in the festal hall
KAI KAUS 397
They tarried wine in hand, but toward the city
Of Shah Kaiis upon the ensuing day
Wivli joyful hearts set forward on their way.
§ 30 How Kai Khusrau came to Kdus
When Kai Khusrau appeared before the Shah V. 747
The world was filled with colour, scent, and beauty,
And everywhere in festal trim. The doors,
The roofs, and walls were full of precious things,
While minstrels had been stationed in all quarters,
And there were wine, rose-water, musk, and saffron.
The horses' manes were drenched with musk and wine,
While sweets and drachms were scattered under foot.
The tears coursed down the cheeks of Kai Kaiis
When he beheld the visage of Khusrau.
He came down from his throne, approached the prince,
And with his face caressed the prince's head
And eyes. The youthful atheling did homage,
And then they paced back to the throne together.
The Shah inquired at large about the Turkmans,
And how the ruler of that people fared.
The prince replied : " That man of little wit
Still walketh on the face of earth for ill.
Why doth the Shah inquire about that wretch ?
May pleasure, crown, and throne be never his !
He slew rny father vilely, shamefully,
And beat my mother with harsh blows that I
Might perish in the womb ! May he ne'er scape
From woe ! As soon as my pure mother bare me
That miscreant dispatched me to the mountains.
Among the cattle, goats, and buffaloes,
I reckoned by the sun my nights and days.
At length Piran arrived, and from the heights
398 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt
Conducted me to that vindictive king.
I trembled at his rage and savagery,
Afraid of what might come. He asked me questions,
While I concealed what wit and worth I had.
If he inquired of heads I spake of feet,
If he inquired of food I talked of place.
God took away his sense and intellect,
And so the dullard took me for a fool,
V. 748 Conceived uny head to be ill stocked with brains, And sent me to my mother with a curse."
Kaiis said : " Noble youth ! the world desireth That thou shouldst wear the crown, for thou'rt a prince, And, like the king of kings, both wise and worthy." Khusrau said : " Monarch of this ancient throne ! If I should give thee an account of Giv, And what hath been accomplished by his hands, The Shah would wonder, and no marvel too, Because it passeth bounds. Full many a hardship Did he endure, and sought me in Tiiran With strivings, yet he bore not toils so great As those which followed in my company, For then two noble paladins with troops Came after us like fire upon the road. Idolater of Hindustan beholdeth No maddened elephant do what I saw Giv do. Methought : ' No crocodile will come Forth from the streams to fight thus ! ' That great host, And those two paladins, were seized with panic — Both old and young alike — and afterward, What time Piran came boldly with girt loins Upon a wind-foot steed, Giv flung his lasso And caught the paladin. I interceded, O king ! for him, else Giv had ruthlessly Struck off his head. Know that Piran had suffered Through anguish for my sire, had never spoken
V. 749 Aught ill of me, and saved me and withal
KAI KAUS 399
My mother from the fierce, grim Lion's claws,
Who else had ta'en my head just like my father's.
Thus till we reached the banks of the Jihun
Gfv with his ox-head mace ceased not from combat.
A paladin like him should keep his youth
For ever."
When Kaiis had heard Khusrau
His cheeks bloomed like a rose. He clasped Giv's head, And kissed his face and bosom many times, Then gave him presents such as in the world None, whether great or small, had seen before. They wrote a patent out on painted silk For Khurasan, Rai, Kurn, and Ispahan. The prince, whose Grace divine was as Jamshid's, Gave these to Giv, whose head rose to the sun. " Thou hast," the Shah said, " undergone much toil, So now, 0 toiler ! take thy fill of treasure."
Giidarz and all his sons with faces laid Upon the ground called blessings down on him. He had a golden pleasure-house prepared For Farangis with earrings and a torque, Set golden seats within the halls thereof, Embellished the interior with brocade Of Chin, a*nd said to her : " 0 chief of dames ! May'st thou ne'er weep for sorrow. Thou hast left Both land and kin, and borne much on the way. Iran is now thy home, thy rede my guide."
That Moon of ladies blessed him. " May," said she, v. 750 " The world and age ne'er be deprived of thee."
§31
How Tus refused Allegiance to Kai Khusrau
Kishwad possessed a palace at Istakhr — The glory of the nobles. Thither went, Their audience with the monarch being closed,
400 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Giidarz with Kai Khusrau. When they had reached
That pleasance with its arabesques of gold
They placed the prince upon a golden throne,
And called down blessings on him as their Shah.
The warriors of Iran all did him service
Save Tus, son of Naudar, who turned away :
'Twas he that had the drums, the golden shoes,
And charge of Kawa's standard. Much displeased
Giidarz dispatched a friendly embassage
By brave, ambitious Gfv, the man that had
The clutch of heroes and the leap of lions.
Giidarz said : " Say to Tus, son of Naudar : —
Seek for no pretexts at this time of joy.
The nobles and the Lions of f ran
Have all invoked a blessing on the prince.
Why dost thou draw back at the Div's command,
And quit the way of Him who ruleth earth ?
If thou refusest to obey Khusrau
There will be strife and vengeance 'twixt us twain.
The messenger is Giv, the words are mine,
And sanctioned by the nobles here assembled."
Giv left the presence of his sire with words Of anger in his heart. On reaching Tus 75 i He said : " Thy rede and wisdom are not mates."
Tus hearing that replied : " It is not good To play off tricks on me, for in Iran, Save elephantine Rustam, I am first Among the chieftains that command the host, And grandson of the valiant Minuchihr, The Shah who with his sword subdued the world. Naudar my father was the king of earth, I represent the race of Faridun. Whenever I engage myself in fight I rend the lion's heart and leopard's hide. Ye have, without my counsel and consent, Established a new monarch in the world :
KAI KATJS
401
I will not be a party to this thing,
So talk not in my presence of Khusrau.
If from the offspring of Afrasiyab
We make a king, then will our fortunes sleep.
We want no Shah descended from Pashang ;
A flock is ill entrusted to a leopard.
This is the fruitage of these toils of thine,
For Kai Khusrau is young and violent,
While he that ruleth earth should have high lineage,
Worth, Faith, and Grace. Now Farfburz, the son
Of Shah Kaiis, is worthier of crown
And throne, not sprung from foes on either side,
But having Grace and glory, fame and right."
Then Giv arose in dudgeon, doubting both The wisdom and the honesty of Tiis, And said : " 0 Tiis, illustrious warrior ! Withdraw not when the drums sound. When thou
seest
The spear-heads of the kindred of Gudarz The gain that thou expectest will prove loss. The many toils that we have borne together Thou throwest to the winds. Hadst thou the Grace And counsel we had sought not from Alburz A monarch ; and thy head hath not the crown Because thou lackest brains and royal rede ; God doth bestow the throne of sovereignty v. 752
On one who hath the Grace, mien, sense, and counsel. '
He spake thus wrathfully and showed his back In anger ; thence returning to Gudarz He said : " Tiis is no mate for rede and wisdom. Thou wouldest say : ' His eyes are blind.' His choice Is Fariburz, although no sovereign On golden saddle is our prince's peer, Nor have we such another cavalier."
VOL. ii. 2 c
402 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
§ 32 How G-udarz was ivroth with Tus
Giidarz was full of wrath and said : " May Tus
Cease from among the nobles of the world.
Now will we let him see to whom belong
The Grace, the sovereign sway, throne, state, and
fortune."
His sons and grandsons numbered seventy-eight. He beat the drums and marched forth from the palace Out to the open with twelve thousand men Of his own kin, brave troops on barded steeds, Led by himself, that shatterer of hosts. Upon the other side came Tus, the chieftain, And bound the drums upon the elephants, While many warriors girded up their loins, And Kawa's standard led the central host. Tus saw Giidarz with such a multitude As dazed the eyes of sun and moon, he saw A mighty elephant which bore a throne Of turquoise as resplendent as the Nile. Upon it sat the aspiring Kai Khusrau, With loins girt up and crown upon his head, V. 753 Surrounded by ten score huge elephants ;
Thou wouldst have said : " The world hath not a Shah
Save him." Khusrau shone moonlike on the throne,
With earrings, torque, and armlets, on his head
A crown of glittering gems, and in his hand
An oxhead mace. Tus thought with saddened heart : —
" If I shall fight to-day there will be slain
A multitude of warriors in both hosts.
This feud shall not arise within Iran,
For naught would better please Afrasiyab,
The fortune of the Turkmans would awake,
The throne of empiry pass to Turan,
KAI KAUS 403
AnJ our prosperity be at an end."
He sent a man of wisdom and resource To Shah Kaiis to say : " If any here Among us lay a shaft of poplar wood Upon his bow there will arise a fight Whereof Afrasiyab will dream all night."
§33
How Giidarz and Tus went before Kam on the Matter of the Kingship
Kaiis, on hearing these wise words, dispatched A messenger to summon both the chiefs. He went before the captain of each host, And mildly said : " Experienced veteran ! Put not fell poison in a cup of milk, Replace thy sword, and loose thy girdlestead ; This gain of ours must not be turned to loss. Let both the captains of the hosts appear Before me and without a retinue."
They went before the Shah and Tus spake thus :— " If now the Shah is weary of the crown And throne, his son should have the world, the might, The diadem, and throne of majesty.
Why should a grandson, when there is a son, V. 754
Put on the crown and sit upon the throne ? Now Fariburz hath Grace and royal mien, And girdeth him as 'twere a savage lion."
Giidarz replied : " O thou of little wit ! No sage would recken thee to be a man. None in the world hath equalled Siyawush Or been so great, discreet, and reticent. Now this aspirant is a son of his, * The same,"1 thou wouldest say, ' in face and form.' If on his mother's side he is from Tiir
404 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
The grandson of the Shah must still prove just.
There is not in Iran or in Turan
One like him : to what end is thy crude talk ?
Thine eyes have never even seen his face,
His lofty mien, and lovingkindliness.
He crossed Jihiin and needed not a boat,
Such were his royal Grace and steadfast purpose.
As with Shah Faridiin, who crossed the Arwand
Without a boat, his courage and God's Grace
Preserved him from the hand and eye of ill.
Moreover, to avenge his father's blood,
He like a savage lion girdeth him
To banish toil and trouble from Iran,
And over-reach astute Afrasiyab.
Suriish the glorious said to me in sleep : —
' His Grace will still the war-cry in Iran,
And when he shall adorn the crown and throne
Of chiefs, the world will cease from toil and hardship/
Thou art no alien ; thou art from Naudar :
Thy father was perverse and thou art mad.
Had I my weapons I would drench thy neck
And breast in blood, would slay thee with my sword,
v. 755 And end thy silly talk. Thou makest discord Among the Kaians for thy selfish ends. The king of kings acknowledgeth Khusrau, And will bestow the throne on whom he will.
Tus said : " 0 ancient chief ! what rancorous words ! Though thou art from Kishwad yet I am Tus, Son of Naudar, a Shah and a Shah's son, And if thy sword will penetrate an anvil My spear will rend the centre of Mount Kaf.
v. 756 What booteth wordy war betwixt us twain ?
The king of kings doth know who is the chief." Giidarz replied to him : " Talk not so much ; I see not that thy glory is so great."
Then said he to Kaiis : " Experienced Shah !
KAI KAtlS 405
Turn not from rule and custom, call before thee
The noble youths, and let thy clear mind judge ;
Discern between them which is worthier
As having royal mien and Grace divine,
And give to him the crown and throne if thou
Art weary of the crown and host thyself."
Kaiis replied to him : " This is not well, For both alike are dear ; when I have chosen One then the other will seek vengeance on me. I will take means that this may not betide Among our folk. Let both, each with a host, Go to the entering in of Ardabil —
The march where is the castle of Bahman, v- 757
And Ahriman is ever making war On those that worship fire. No archimages Dare settle there. I will give up the throne Of kings to him who captureth that fortress."
Gudarz and Tus, contented with the plan Of their clear-sighted chief, proposed no better, But set their hearts on its accomplishment, And from the monarch's presence forth they went.
§ 34
How Tus and Fariburz went to the Castle of Bahman and came back foiled
Now when Sol rose in Leo, and the night Was turned beneath, came Fariburz and Tus In haste before the Shah, and Tus spake thus : — " Now will I take the drums, host, elephants, With Kawa's flag, and turn the ruddy cheeks Of foemen pale. The Grace of Fariburz, And royal might, shall gird me royally."
The Shah replied : " When men go forth to war
406 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Their number more or less importeth not, But by the purpose of the Lord of sun And moon they may have triumph and success : So if it seemeth good to Fariburz, Array thine army and be diligent." V. 758 Tus with the golden boots upon his feet
Went forth with Kawa's standard. Fariburz,
Son of Kaus, was at the army's centre,
While Tus went first with troops and elephants.
When he drew near the castle of Bahman
The ground seemed breathing fire, the lances' points
Flamed in the heat, the men of war were scorched
Beneath their mail. Thou hadst said : " Earth is
burning,
Air is a net of rebel Ahriman's ! " The ramparts rose to heaven ; none knew a way To battle there. Tus said to Fariburz : — " A man of mettle going into fight With lasso, falchion, and artillery, Will strive to wreck his foes, but to this castle Is no approach, at least we know it not. Our loins are scorching underneath our mail, The bodies of our beasts of burden burn. Have no anxiety within thy heart : Thou hast not ta'en, and none can take, this hold."
They went about the castle seven days, And found no entrance, then turned back again Despairing; their long journey proved in vain.
§35
How Kai KJiusrau went to the Castle of Bahman and took it
When tidings reached the chiefs and old Giidarz, The offspring of Kishwad : " Tus hath returned
KAI KAUS 407
With Fari'burz, prepare thyself to go,"
He donned his mail, shouts rose, the world's new lord v- 759 Khusrau came forth. They set a golden throne, Inlaid with emeralds, on an elephant ; Around the prince were warlike cavaliers With flags of violet, with golden boots, With crowns of amber, and with torques of gold Adorned with divers gems. Gudarz thus spake :— " This is the first of days, for Kai Khusrau, The atheling, accedeth to the throne." The atheling sat on the golden seat, Crowned and with mace in hand ; he with Gudarz, Giv, and a numerous host went toward the castle. When near the hold he girded up his loins, Put on his mail, and, mounted on his charger, Dictated to a scribe in lofty terms A letter, which they wrote in royal style With ambergris, and in the olden tongue :— " This letter cometh from the Almighty's slave — From noble Kai Khusrau the atheling, Who, freed from wicked Ahriman's constraint, Hath cleansed his hands from ill by help of God, Who is eternally the Lord most high, The Giver of our daily bread, our Guide, The Lord of Mars, of Saturn, and the Sun, The Lord of Grace, the Lord of puissance, Who gave the throne and Grace of kings to me, Fierce lion's claws and elephantine bulk. The whole world is my kingdom ; all is mine From Pisces downward to the Bull's head. Now If this hold be of Ahriman's domain, The enemy of Him who made the world, I by the Grace, and Holy God's command, V. 760
Wilt cast it headlong from the clouds to dust ; And if it is a hold of sorcerers I can dispose of them without a host,
4o8 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
For when I have looped up my leathern lasso I take the heads of sorcerers in the noose ; While if the blest Surush himself is there The host is one at the command of God. I am not of the seed of Ahriman ; My soul hath Grace, my body lofty stature ; By God's command I will reduce the castle, Such are the orders of the king of kings."
Khusrau then took a lengthy lance and fixed Thereto the haughty letter banner-wise ; He asked for naught on earth but royal Grace, And ordered Giv to hasten with the spear Up to the lofty ramparts, saying thus : — " Take thou this letter of admonishment, And bear it to yon lofty castle's wall ; Plant there the spear, call on the name of God, Then quickly turn thy rein and hurry back."
That worshipper of God, that glorious chief, Giv, took the spear in hand and went his way. He set the letter by the wall, delivered The message of Khusrau, pronounced the name Of God who giveth good, and fled like wind. That noble letter vanished with a crash, Dust flew, and by command of Holy God The rampart of the stronghold split asunder ; Thou wouldst have said : " It thundereth as in spring. A shout went up from plain and mountain- top, The earth became black as a negro's face, Sun, Moon, and Pleiades were lost to sight, And thou hadst said : " A murky cloud ariseth, The air is like a mighty lion's maw."
Then Kai Khusrau urged on his sable steed, And shouted to the captains of the host : — V. 761 " Make arrows rain in showers upon the hold, And let your bows be like a cloud in spring."
Immediately a cloud rose charged with hail,
KAI KAUS 409
Hail charged with death ; full many a dfv was slain And many venom-stricken fell to earth. At length a brilliant light began to shine, And all the heavy darkness cleared away ; A glorious breeze sprang up ; the heaven above, And all the face of earth, began to smile ; The world became as 'twere the shining moon By God's name and the prince's Grace, the dfvs Went at his bidding, and the gate was seen. The monarch of the free made entry there With old Giidarz, the offspring of Kishwad, And saw a mighty city in the hold, All gardens, spaces, halls, and palaces.
Upon the spot where darkness cleared and light First shone Khusrau commanded to erect A dome ascending to the darksome clouds. It was ten lassos long and broad, its circuit Was half a rapid Arab charger's course, And round it there were lofty cupolas. He brought and stablished there Azargashasp, And round it settled the astrologers, The archmages, and the men of lore. He tarried Till that Fire-fane attained to good repute, And, when a year had passed, led forth his force, Made up the baggage-train, and called to horse.
§36
How Kai Khusrau returned in Triumph
When news of Kai Khusrau, of his success,
And of God's Grace upon him, reached Iran
The world was in amazement that the prince V. 762
Had won that Grace arid greatness ; all the chiefs
Went forth with joy and brought him offerings.
Prince Fariburz approached him with a band
410 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Of warriors from Iran as 'twere a mountain, And seeing him gat off his rose-red steed, l Whilst brave Khusrau alighted from his black. The uncle kissed the nephew on the face, And, having set for him a throne of gold Inlaid with turquoise, seated him thereon, And joyfully saluted him as Shah. Then Tiis approached him, bringing Kawa's flag, The drums, and golden boots, and, having kissed The ground, surrendered them to Kai Khusrau, And said : " See who deserveth in the host The drums, gold boots, and Kawa's glorious flag. Give them to him ; I merit them no more : Mine errors cannot hope for aught but life."
Thus he apologised, abandoning His foolish enterprise. The conquering prince* Received him well, placed him upon the throne, And said : " For Kawa's standard, for the post Of paladin, and for the golden boots, I see none fitter in the host than thee, Thine is the office and the rank is thine ; I have no wrath against thee in my heart, Thou needest not to tender an excuse ; Thou didst not wish to have an alien Shah."
The atheling both shrewd and fortunate Departed thence upon his way to Pars, And Kai Kaiis, when he received the news : — " The youth of lucky steps hath come," went forth With cheeks like cercis- bloom to welcome him : The old man's heart grew young with happiness. v- 763 Khusrau beheld his grandsire from afar,
And smiled ; his heart was throbbing with delight ;
He went afoot and offered reverence.
His grandsire, fain to look on him, embraced him
1 At the present day the horses of the Shdh and of his sons have their tail-tips dyed red. (C. J. Wills, M.D., " Persia as it Is," p. 9.)
KAI KAUS 411
With smiles and praises well deserved, and said :— " The Lion hath returned victorious, Confounding his opponents' hearts and eyes."
They sought the palace and the world-lord's throne — His who had made the diadem his own.
§37
How Kdus set Khusrau upon the Throne of Kingship
When they arrived they lighted from their steeds
With heartfelt, joyful greetings on their tongues.
Khusrau advancing kissed his grandsire's hand,
And laid his cheek against the throne. Kaus
Took the young prince's hand, right joyfully
Set him upon the Shah's own seat, and bade
The treasurer bring forth * the royal crown.
He kissed Khusrau and, having crowned him, quitted
The splendid ivory throne and sat below.
He brought an offering of emeralds
With many royal jewels from his treasures,
Invoking blessings oft on Siyawush,
Whose image was Khusrau. Then all the nobles, v. 764
The chiefs, the leaders, and great men assembled,
They called down blessings on him as their Shah
And sprinkled gold and jewels over him.
The use and fashion of this world it is
To take with that hand and to give with this ;
We are aggrieved because of its caprice, And alternate 'twixt summit and abyss.
If then thy heart alloweth thee be glad, Ensue but pleasure while it may be had,
Provide thee well and give the rest away, And suffer not one moment to be sad.
412 THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
Enjoy thy wealth and be not niggardly, But share not earnings with thine enemy ;
God gave to thee and will give to thy child — That sucker springing from the parent tree.
Perceivest not how fully earth is stored
With wealth and furnished with good things ? The Lord
Abateth nothing in His bounteousness : Abstain from sorrow and let joy be toward.
1
INDEX
This Index and the Table of Contents at the beginning of the volume are complementary. References to the latter are in Roman numerals.
ABBREVIATIONS, list of, 5
Abu Raihdn Muhammad. See
Albiruni Aden, 79 Afrdsiydb, ruler of Timin, v seq., \ 11, 13, 14, 16 seq., 20, 79, 81, 92, 98 seq., 1 1 8, 127, 129, 149, 184, 189, 242 seq., 257 seq., 283, 286, 288, 296 seq., 312 seq., 335, 347 seq., 360 seq., 369, 373, 380, 381, 386, 392 seq., 401 seq.
fights the Arabs for Trail and takes it, 92
king of Turan and Chin, 99
expelled from Tr£n by Kai Kdus and Rustam, 101
fights with the Seven War- riors, in seq.
nearly taken prisoner by Rustam, 14, 116, 354
his plot against Suhrab and Rustam, 129
his gifts to Suhrab, 130
identical with Astyages in legend, 191
sends host to invade Tran, 224 seq.
determines to sue for peace j and sends hostages, 235 seq. [
receives Zanga and consults ', Piran, 253 seq.
sends Piraii to welcome i Siyawush, 258
plays at polo with Siydwush, 264
413
Afra'siya'b, marries Farangis to
Siyawush, 275 recalls Siyawush from Gang-
dizh, 285 sends Garsiwaz to Siyawush-
gird, 289
is deceived by Garsiwaz re- specting Siyawush, 296 seq. sends Garsiwaz to summon
Siydwush and Farangis to
court, 300 seq.
attacks, takes, and has Siya- wush executed, 314 seq. appealed to by Farangis, 317 his treatment of Farangis,
320, 322
appealed to by Piran, 324 spares Farangis, 325
and her son Kai Khusrau,
327 sees and questions Kai
Khusrau, 332 sends Surkha against the
frdnians, 344 marches to avenge Surkha,
348
lights with Tiis, 353 is rescued from Rustam by
Human, 354
crosses the sea of Chin, 356 consults Piraii about Kai
Khusrau, 356 returns, 362
his vengeance on fran, 363 pursues Kai Khusrau, 388
seq.
disgraces Piran, 390 turns back at the Jihuu, 394
414
INDEX
Afrigh, king of Kharazm, 190 Age, old, Firdausi's lament over
his, 336 Agni, 25
Ahriman, the Evil Principle, 34, 42, 43' 5i> 53. 56, 78, 160, 208, 214, 217, 250, 260, 303, 315, 324, 358, 361, 374 seg., 405 se?. Ahura, Mazda (Urmuzd), 25 Airdn-v&70, region (I'rdn-vej), 189 Albiriini, Abu Raihan Muham- mad, 189 his account of Alfir (Gang-
rlizh?), 190 Alburz, mountain, 11,^23, 27, 79,
96, 144, 336, 401 Kaus' buildings on, 81 Alexander, the Great (Sikandar),
8 seq.
era of, 190
Alfir, fortress (Gang-dizh?), 190 'All, Khalifa, 337 and note Alkiis, Turanian hero, 114 Alp-Arselan, Sultan, 219 note Amul, city, 18, 104 Audarinmn, Turanian hero, 264 Angra Mainyu (Ahriman), 28 Antiochus, Sidetes, 80, 81 Arabia, 100 Arabs, 79, 81, 99
rebel against Kai Kdiis, 83 fight with Afrdsiydb for I'rdn
and are defeated, 92 Ard, day of, 287 Ardabil, city, 336, 405! Ardshir Pdpakdn, Shah, 10 Arjdsp, ruler of Turan, 9, 29 Arjdsp, Turanian hero, 264 Arnold, Matthew, his "Sohrab
and Kustum," 118 Artang, the, 19 and note Arwand, river (the Tigris), 392, 404 Arzhang, a div, vi, 41, 43, 44, 56
seq., 63, 64
Asfandiyar, frdniaii hero, 29 Asp, as Persian termination, 9 Astyages, king of the Medes (Manda), 190, 191
Astyages, identical with Afrasi- yab in legend, 191
Athenaeus, 10
Azar (Azarbaijan), 195
Azarbdijdn, province, 336
Azargashasp, spirit of the light- ning, 57, 294, 345
Azi, Dahaka (Zahhak), 81
B
BABYLON, 80 Babylonia, 80, 81 ; Badar, battle of, 337 note | Bahar, fire-temple, 286 Bahman, Shdh, 9 Bahman, castle of, x, 336, 405
seq.
Bahrdm, I'ranian hero, viii, 33,
35, 38, 58, 62, 85, 127, 138,
144, 158, 249, 257, 258, 271,
290, 318, 338, 340
takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 107 seq. accompanies Siyawush
against Afrasiyab, 226 put in command by Siya- wush, 250 Bahrdm, moralist, quoted by Fir-
dausi, 1 86 Balkh, city, 9, 101, 228, 229, 231,
242, 246, 249 Baluch, Bahichistdn (Makrdn), 80,
226 Baniigashasp, daughter of Rus-
tarn and wife of Giv, 365 stays with Rustam while Giv
seeks Kai Khusrau, 365 her suitors, 383, 384 rejoins Giv, 395 Barbar, Barbaristan, country, vi,
79, 82 seq., go, 93, 98 seq. identification of, 79 king of, 83, 94, 95
taken prisoner by
Gura"za, 97
Barman, Turdnian hero, vii, 18, 119, 129, 130, 150, 349
INDEX
415
B;irman, his death and revival in legend, 119
marches on f nin, 228
defeated by Siyawush, 229 Barzin, I'nlnian hero, 12, 22, 73 Barzin, lire-temple, 107 Berbera, trading-station, 79 Bid, a div, 44, 54, 55, 64, 93 Bihzild, the horse of Siyitwush,
ix, 312, 374 seq. 391 Birth-mark of the Kaian race, 372 Bistun, mountain, 128 Bizhan, f rani an hero, 366 and note Black Stone, the, 163 and note Bukhara, city, 241 Bull, Bull-fish, mythological, 128,
407 Bundahish, Pahlavi treatise, 3
note, ii, 26, 81, 118, 189 Buzgiish, name of a tribe, 55 and note
CESAR, 383
Cambyses, father of Cyrus, 190 identical with Siyawush in
legend, 191 Canopus, star, 203 of Yaman, 203 Carnelians, of Yaman, 123 Caspian, sea, 189, 336 Castle, White, I'ranian strong- hold, vii, 118, 131, 138 evacuated by Gazhdaham, 137 Castle of Bahman, x, 336, 405, 406 Central clime, the, 27 Chach, city of Turan famous for its bows (Tashkand), 241, 258, 358
Chares, of Mytilene, 10 Chevy Chase, 82 Chin country (often = Turdn), 77, 82, in, 143, 154, 156, 237 277, 286, 287, 289, 297 305. 307, 357, 359, 383- 394 sea of, 12, 256, 276, 285, 356, 357
Chin, brocade of, 39, 203, 262, 290
king of Turanand (Afrdsiyab), 99
helm of, 132
ornaments of, 232
cloth of gold from, 275
Khan of, 383 Clime, the central, 27 Climes, the seven, 15 note, 372 " Cloud," name given by Rustam
to himself, 53
Cloud, of bale (Afrasiyab), 13 Contents, table of, v Courses, the Seven, of Rustam,
v, 29, 44 seq Ctesias, 9 Ctesiphon, city, 80 Cyrus, the Great, 9, 190, 191
identical with Kai Khusrau in legend, 191
D
DA£VAS (divs), 28
Daghwi, desert, 193
Dakiki, 3 note, 8
Damaghan, city, 15
Damur, Turanian hero, 296, 319 overthrown by SiyaAvush, 295 advocates execution of Siya- wush, 317
Dara, Shall, 9
Diirdb, Shall, 9, 11
Darband, pass of, 336
Darmesteter, Professor, on Fir- dausi's geography, 79, 80
Death, early, Firdausi's justifica- tion of. 119
Deipnosophistae, 10
Dina-i Mainog-i Khirarf, Pahlavi treatise, 189
Dinkard, Pahlavi treatise, 26, 81
Div, demon (DaeVa), 27, 33, 34, 38, 41 seq., 57 seq., 68, 73,
IOI, IO2, 144
title of honour, 29 = Ahriman, 46, 324, 342, 370, 386, 400
4i6
INDEX
Div, Black, the, 53
White, the, vi, 27, 39 seq., 43, 44. 54, 55, 58 seq., 66, 93, 163, 373 defeats Kails, 40 his blood cures blindness,
58, 62
song of a, 31 Divs, Avhite, 27 Dragon, slain by Rustam and
Rakhsh, 48 seq.
Drought and famine, in 1'rdn, 363 Duncker, Professor, his views as to date of the Zandavasta, 9 Dynasty, Kaian, Kaianian, 7 seq. Pishdddian, 9, 336 Sdsdnian, 10
E
EGYPT (Misr), 80 Ekbatana, city (Hamaddn), 191 Elburz, mountain. See Alburz Elephantine, the (Rustam), 65, 67 Elixir, vii, 177, 178 Euphrates, river, 80 Euxine, sea, 191, 336 Eyes, metaphor for children, 297, 328
FAGHFIJR, dynastic title of the princes of Chin and Machin,
383
Famine and drought, in Tran, 363 Fararaarz, son of Rustam, ix, 319,
341 seq., 349, 351, 354 takes Surkha prisoner, 345 Farangis, daughter of Afrasiyab, wife of Siyawush, mother of Kai Khusrau, viii seq., 1 88, 288 seq., 299, 306, 373, 376 seq., 381, 386 seq. identical with Mandane in
legend, 191
marries Siydwnsli, 270 seq. summoned to court by Afrd- siydb, 300 seq.
Farangis, confided in by Siydwush,
307 seq.
appeals to Afrasiyab, 317 seq. imprisoned, 320 sentenced, 322 saved and taken charge of
by Pirdn, 324 seq. gives birth to Kai Khusrau,
326
dwells at Siydwushgird, 333 instructs Kai Khusrau how
to find Bihzdd, 374 gives Giv the mail of Siya- wush, 376
crosses the Jiluin, 392 provided for by Kai Kaiis, 399 Farhdd, chieftain, 63 seq., 73, 85,
138, 316, 338, 340 goes as envoy to the king of
Mazandaran, 63 takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 1 1 1 Fariburz, son of Kai Kdiis, x, 62,
199.316,335, 336, 340, 358,
405 seq., 409 his encampment described,
.I5S
his claims to the throne sup- ported by Tiis, 401 recognises Kai Khusrau as
Shah, 410
Faridiin, Shah, 11, 17, 19, 21, 29, 33, 36, 37, 99, i93» i95» 204, 237, 274, 318, 327, 392, 400, 404
saying of, 219 and note Farshidward, Turanian hero, 323, summons Pirdn to save
Farangis, 322
Farud, son of Siyawush, viii, 291 Fight of the Seven Warriors, vi,
82
Firdausi, ix, 9, 10, 82, 119 his geography, 28, 79, 80
Professor Darmesteter
on, 79, 80
proud of his version of the Story of Siydwnsh, 188, 191
INDEX
417
Fire, ordeal by, vii, 218 seq. Firiizi Kuh, mountain and pass,
28
Fish, mythological, 15, 299 Flying-machine of Kai Kaiis, 103 Frangrasyan (Afrdsiydb), 81, 189 Frdsydv (Afrdsiydb), 81 Fravashi, immortal principle, 82
G
GANG, stronghold, 241, 261, 309,
344, 357, 369 sea of, 362 Gang-dizh, stronghold, viii, 189,
190
possible identification of, 189 meaning of, 190 building and description of,
279 seq.
Gang-i-Siyawush. See Gang-dizh
Garsiwaz, brother of Afrdsiydb,
viii, 188, 189, 193, 195, 228,
231 seq., 249, 253, 264, 268,
269, 286, 289 seq., 313 seq.
defeated by Siy&wush, 229
seq. sues for peace to Siydwush,
237 seq. fails to string the bow of
Siydwush, 266 visits Siydwush, 289 seq. envies Siydwush, 292 seq. challenges Siydwush, 294 slanders Siydwush, 296 seq. betrays Siydwush, 301 seq. compasses the death of Siyd- wush, 315 seq. charged with the execution
of Farangis, 322 Garshasp, Shall, 336 Gdthas, 8
Gazhdaham.l'ranian hero, vii, 131, 132, 134, 138, 139, 145, 146 his description of Suhrab, 136 evacuates White Castle, 137 Genealogical tables, 3, 4 Geography, Firdausi's, 28 VOL. II.
Geography, Firdausi's, Professor
Darmesteter on, 79, 80 Ghundi, a div, 44, 54, 55, 93 Glair, district, 101 Gildn, district, 226, 293 Girduni, Sirdarra, pass, 28
Sawachi, pass, 28 Giv, franiau hero, ix, x, 25, 33, 35> 38, 39, 58. 62, 70, 73, 85, 91, 127, 138 seq., 148, 151, 158, 160, 188, 193, 197, 271, 318, 319, 335, 338, 340, 349,351. 362, 3«8 seq. harries Mdzandardn, 39 taken prisoner in Mdzan- dardn, 40
released by Rustam, 58 taken prisoner in Hdmd-
vardn, 90
released by Kustain, 97 goes in search of Kai Kdtis, 104 takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 107 seq. bears letter from Kdus to
Rustam, 139 his encampment described,
155
son-in-law of Rustam, 155 helps to saddle Rakhsh for
the fight with Suhrdb, 160 his account of Suhrab, 166 quarrels with Tiis over the
future mother of Siydwush,
194
meaning of, 335 sent by Gudarz to seek Kai
Khusrau, 364 seq. finds Kai Khusrau, 370 seq. receives the mail of Siya-
wush, 377 his exploits in defence of Kai
Khusrau, 378 seq. tells how he captured Pirdn's
wife and sister, 383 his wife, 384 his sister, 384 overthrows Piran and his
host, 385
2D
4i8
INDEX
Giv, releases Piran, 387 at the Jihun, 391 seq. announces Kai Klmsrau's
arrival in I'ran, 394 accompanies Kai Khusrau to
Ispahan, 396
rewarded by Kai Kaus, 399 goes on an embassy to Tus,
400
bears Kai Klmsrau's letter to the castle of Bahman, 408 Givgan, Fran 5 an hero, 109, 155 Glory, the divine. See Grace Grace, or Glory, the divine, 81, 82, 90, 99, 101, 102, 106, 207, 209, 265, 283, 289, 302, 327, 356, 358, 361, 364, 37i, 373. seq., 382, 386, 392, 399, 401 seq., 407 seq.
Greek history and legend in relation to Persian history and legend, 9
Gudarz, I'rdnian hero, ix, x, 33, 35, 38, 62, 70, 73, 83, 90, 91, 127, 138, 142, 157, 177, 178, 193, 250, 286, 290, 316, 318, 335. 338, 340, 349, 37i seq., 384, 388, 394, 406 taken prisoner in Mazan-
danln, 40
released by Rustarn, 58 receives Ispahan from Kai . Kaus, 78 taken prisoner in Hanutvaran,
90
released by Rustain, 97 censures Kai Kaus, 105 takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 107 seq. mediates between Kai Kaiis
and Rustam, 144 seq. his encampment described,
153
his sons, 158 consoles Siyawush for his
mother's death, 199
Gudarz, appointed ruler of Sughd and Sipanjab, 358
returns to Tran, 362
sees Surush in a dream, 363
sends Giv to seek for Kai Khusrau, 364
hears of Kai Klmsrau's arri- val in I'ran, 395
welcomes Kai Khusrau and Giv, 396
accompanies them to Istakhr,
399
his dispute with Tus,4OO seq. goes with Kai Khusrau to
the castle of Bahman, 407 Gulshahr, wife of Piran, 269, 275,
276, 288, 326, 387, 390 Gulzaryun, river (the Jaxartes?),
358, 381 _
Guriiza, I'ranian hero, 73, 340 takes king of Barbar prisoner,
97 takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 107 seq. his encampment described,
155
Gurdafrid, daughter of Gazhda- hain, vii, 119, 131 seq., 138 beguiles Suhrab, 133 Gurdya, sister of Bahrain Chu-
bina, 119
Gurgin, I'ranian hero, 33, 35, 62, 7°, 73» 85, 90, 127, 138, 144, 316, 340, 394 takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 107 seq. Griirwi, Turanian hero, ix, 296,
314, 319, 338, 340 challenges and is overthrown
by Siyawush, 295 advocates the execution of
Siyawush, 317 carries out the execution of
Siyawush, 320
Gustaham, son of Gazhdaham,1 12, 58, 177
1 This is assumed in all cases where it is doubtful which Gustaham is meant. Cf. vol. i. p. 369.
INDEX
419
(Jusialiain. lakes part in the Fight of the Seven War- riors, 107 seq. (iustaham, son of Naudar, 127,
336 Gushtiisp, Shah, 9
in Rum, story of, 10
II
HAFT Khan, 29 Khwdn, 29 Man, 29 Hajir, I'ranian liero, vii, 131, 134,
136, 140, 349
taken prisoner by Suhral), 131 misleads Suhrdb, 152 seq. his life attempted by Rnstani,
176
Hainavariin, country (Yaman), vi, 25, 78 seq., 93, 94, 96*69., 139, 143 seq., 213, 215, 218, 250
king of, vi, 85 seq., 93, 207 and note
asks quarter of Rustam,
97
releases Kai K.liis, 97 Handgrip, as test of strength, 64,
66, 67 Hal-tit, city, 101
desert of, 228 Harpagus, 190
identical with Piran in
legend, 191 Hang, his theory of the origin of
Zoroastrianism, 8 Herodotus, 9
his account of the youth of
Cyrus the Great, 190 Himyar = Hi'ima" varan ( Yaman),79 Hind, Hindustan, 92, 228, 287, 289 Hindu Kush, 80 Hirbad, keeper of the women's
house of Kai KaYis, 202, 206 Horses, of Persian royalty, how
distinguished, 410 note Humai, Shall, 9, 10
Human, Turanian hero, vii, 129, 130, 132, 148, 150, 165, 264,
390 his account of Rustam, 165,
169 reproaches Suhrdb for sparing
Rustam, 171 throws the blame for Suhnib's
death on Hajir, 176 withdraws from I'nin under
safe conduct, 176, 181, 182,
184 rescues Afrasiyab from
Rustam, 354, 355 persuades Afrasiyilb to aban- don the pursuit of Kai
Khusrau, 394 Hushang, Shall, 204 Hyrcania, country (Mazandara'u), 27
iBLis, the Muhammadan Devil,
vi occasional substitution of for
Ahriman, 82, no Ighriras, brother of Afrasiyab, 18,
20, 303, 304 tndra, god, 25 Indus, river, 21 fraj, youngest son of Faridiin, 8,
1 6, 19, 20, 237, 297, 302 Irani, garden of, 78 fran, vi, ix, 17 wq., 33, 35, 39, 76,
78 and passim Shahr, 81 fought for by Afrasiyilb and
the Arabs, 92 invaded by Snhrab, 130 franians, the, 9, 20, 27, 42 and
passim
Ispahan, city, x, 394, 399 given to Gi'idarz, 78 arrival of Kai Khusrau at,
396
Ispuruz, mountain, 38, 56, 57 Istakhr, city, v, n, 22, 28, 399
42O
INDEX
JAHN, son of Afnfeiydb, 264, 268 Jdmasp, chief minister of Shdh
Gushta'sp, 9 Jamshid, Shall, 33, 37, 168, 204,
358, 399
Jarira, daughter of Pintn, wife of Siya'wush, mother of Farud, i 88, 269
marries Siya'wush, 268 seq.
birth of lier son Farud, 291 Jirmn, river (the Oxus), x, 15, 19
seq., 99, 229, 237, 248, 258,
311, 340, 390, 394, 399, 404 Jupiter, planet, 115 Juya", a div, 71
slain by Rustam, 72
K
KABAB, small pieces of meat skewered together for roast- ing, 103
Kdbul, Kjlbulistsin, city and country, 12, 18, 21, 92, 228, 260, 271, 341 Ktichar Bashi, city in Tuntn, 258,
260, 361
Ksif, mountain, 83, 404 Kai, meaning of, 8 Kaian, Kaians, race and dynasty,
8, 9, 22, 404 birth-mark, 372 stature, 375 Kaia"nian, Kaianians, race and
dynasty, v, 7 seq. Kai Arash, son of Kai Kubsid, 23,
204, 205
Kai Armin, son of Kai Kubsid, 23
Kai Kdiis, Shdh, v seq., 8, 10, n,
23 seq., 33 seq., 54 seq., 61
seq., log, no, 117, 127, 129,
13°. 233. 243 seq., 264, 269
seq., 273, 284, 286, 290, 296,
301, 316, 318, 319, 335, 347,
361, 364, 371, 373, 383, 401
tempted by divs, 30 seq., 81,
102
Kai KaYis, goes to Mount Kitf, 83 defeats Afrdsiyjib and regains
I'raX 100 makes Rustam paladin of
paladins, 101 his buildings on Mount
Albnrz, 81, 101 his flying-machine, 103 his fall from the sky, 104 his repentance, 105 hears of Suhnib and summons
his chiefs, 136 seq. bids Tus hang Rnstam and
Giv, 143
his apology to Rustam, 147 his encampment described,
153
his camp-enclosure over- thrown by Suhrftb, 160 refuses to cure Suhrdb, 178 attempts to console Rustam,
181 marries the future mother of
Siya'wush, 194
receives Siy a" wush at court, 1 98 bestows Kuhistiin upon him,
199 his conduct in thecaseof Siyit-
wush and Siiddba, 200 seq. sends SiyaAvush to fight
Afra'siya'b, 225 rejects terms of peace and
quarrels with Rustam,
244 seq. hears of the defection of
Siya'wush, 258 his grief at the death of
Siyawush, 337 hears of Kai Khusrau's arrival
in Iran, 395 receives him, 397 rewards Giv, 399 provides for Farangis, 399 arbitrates between Tiis and
Gudarz, 403 seq. welcomes Kai Khusrau on his
return from the castle of
Bahman, 410
INDEX
421
K;ii Khusrau, Shah, ix, x, 9, 25, 104, 189, 190, 310 set/,, 334 seq., 386 seq.
fravashi of, 82
identical with Cyrus the Great in legend, 191
prophecies respecting, 310,
372, 390
birth of, 325 seq. account of his youth, 328 seq. questioned by Afrdsiyal), 332 dwells at Siyawushgird, 333 is sent to Khutan, 356
Mttchin, 357 note described by Surush, 363 Gudarz sends Giv to seek,
364 seq. recalled, 370 found by Giv, 370 shows his birth-mark to Giv,
372
saves Piran's life, 387 at the Jihun, 391 seq. arrives at Zani, 394 visits Gudarz at Ispahan, 396 tells his story to Kai Kaus, 397 praises Giv to Kai Kaiis, 398 goes to Istakhr, 399 enthroned as Shall, 400, 411 supported by Gudarz and
opposed by Tus, 400 seq. his letter to the defenders of
the castle of Bahman, 407 establishes Fire-worship at
the castle of Bahman, 409 pardons Tus, 410 Kai Kubad, Shah, v, 8, 11, 12, 14,
16, iSscq., 26, 33, 34, 36, 37,
87, 143, 144, 249, 260, 270,
274, 327, 336, 363, 390, 394 his origin, n and note makes peace with Afrasiyab,
20
his gifts to Zal and Rustam, 21 Kai Pashin, son of Kai Kubttd,
23, 204, 205 Kalahur, a div, 67 Kalat-i-Nadiri, a stronghold, 189
Kalnr, mountain, 328 Kangdez (Gang-di/h), 189, 190 Kangha, country (Kh;ir;i/m), 189,
190 K;iran, I'ranian hero, 11 seq., 18,
22, 119
Kargasars, tribe, 98 Kariman, I'rauian hero, father of
Nariman, 125
Kashmir, country, 271, 338 Kaiis. See Kai Kdiis Kavi (Kai), 8, 25
Usa, 25 Kitvyau (Kaian), 8
Ushana", 25 K;lwa, flag of, 12, 227, 341, 349,
354, 400, 402, 405, 406, 410 Keresavasda (Garsiwaz), 189 Kharazm, country (Khiva), 189,
190
Kharazmians, people, 190 Kharnid. I'ranian hero, n, 22, 33,
73, 340
Kharzarwiin, Turanian hero, 18 Khata, region in Turan, 357 Khazar, region, 285 Khiva, country (Kharazm), 190 Khshathro - saoka, stronghold
(Gang-dizh), 189, 190 Khurasan, province of fntn, 399 Khusrau. See Kai Khusrau Khutan, region in Turjtn, ix, 277,
288, 325, 357, 383 Kishwdd, frdnian hero, 11, 12, 18,
22, 33, 70, 73, I07> 112, 138,
318, 384, 399, 404, 409 Kubad, Shall. See Kai Kubdd Kuch, region, 226 Knhistin, Transoxania (Md wara
'u'n-Nahr), 199 Kuhram, Turanian hero, 349 Kulbad, Ti'ininiau hero, ix, 18, 264, 388
his death and revival in legend, 119
pursues Kai Khusrau, 377 seq. Kum, city in I'ran, 399 Kumar, cape, 103 and note
422
INDEX
LAHHAK, Ttirdnian hero, 323 note summons Pir.in to save Far-
angis, 322
Leo, constellation, 405 Luhrasp, Shdh, 9
M
MACH/N (China), 357 note, 370,
394
Machine, flying, of Kai Kaiis, 103 Magi, priests of the Medes, 190 advocates of next - of - kin
marriage, 189 Makran, country (Baluchistdn),
80, 82 Malcolm, Sir John, his version of
Suhrab, 118 Man, of Sigz (Rustam), 100 and
note Manda, empire of the, = empire of
the Medes, 191 Mandane, daughter of Astyages,
190 identical with Farangis in
legend, 191
Mani, heresiarch, 19 note Manicheism, 19 note Mark, birth, of the Kaian race,
372 Marriage, next-of-kin (Khvaituk-
das), 189
Mars, planet, 247, 407 Marv, city, 101 Marvrud, river, 228 Mashad, city, 189 Ma" wara 'u'n-Nahr (Kuhistan,
Transoxania), 19, 199 Mslzana (Mtlzandarftn), 28 Ma"zandaran, country (Hyrcania), v, vi, 25 seq., 33, 34, 36 scq., 45. 55' 6o seq., 66 seq., 75, 76, 78, 81, 93, 105, 139, 143 seg., 293
Mazandartin, approach to from rra"n, 28
description of, 27
king of, vi, 39, 43, 54, 62 seq.
his interview with Rustam,67
his fight with Rustam, 73
turns himself into a rock, 74
death of, 75
Mazda, Ahura (Urmuzd), 81 Medes, empire of the, = empire of
the Manda, 191 j Median, empire, 9 Mihrdb, king of K;tbul, 12, 14
18, 21 Minuchihr, Shdh, 19, 29, 33, 36,
37, 302, 318, 400
Misr (Egypt), 79, So, 84, 94, 96, 143, 286
king of, 94, 95, 98 Mithridates I., 80 Muhammad, the Prophet, 337 note Mytilene, Chares of, 10
N
| NARIMAN, fntniau hero, father
of Sdm, 49, 115, 119, 125, 126,
162, 354 Narmpai, name of a tribe, 55 and
note, 63, 64 Narwan, forest of, 341 ! Nastihan, Turanian hero, ix, 264
pursues Kai Klmsrau, 377 seq. Naudar, Shah, 20, 36, 70, 153,
336, 400, 404 Nawand, place, 107 Ndryosang, 82
Nile, river, 96, 153, 217, 310, 402 Nimriiz, country,1 21, 34, 69, 77,
80, 84, 338, 395 Nishapiir, city, 101
O
ORDEAL by fire, 218 seq. Ox of Kai KaYis, 26 Oxus, river (Jilmn), 190
1 See vol. i. p. 396 note.
INDEX
423
I 'AH LAV, district, 77, 102
Pahlavi, texts, 27
Pdrs, country, v, 23, 28, 76, 101,
226, 275, 286, 362, 410 Parthian kingdom, 80 ,
Pashang, ruler of Tunin, v, n,
13, 18, 20, 21, 297, 401 Piiuriisliasp, 9 Persia, 191 Persian, empire, 9
history and legend in rela- tion to Greek history and legend, 9 Persians, 190
Phosphor, morning star, 123 Phraates II., So, 81 Pilsam, Turanian hero, vi, ix, 112 seq., 320, 323 note, 350 seq.
pleads for Siyawush, 315 summons Pintn to save
Farangis, 322
Piran, Turanian hero, viii seq., 112, 188, 257 seq., 264, 277, 278, 282 scq., 291, 311, 315, 316, 322 seq., 335, 350, 370, 377, 379«egr.,397, 398 identical with Harpagns in
legend, 191
advises Afnisiyilb to receive
SiyaAvush, 253 note and scq.
goes to welcome Siyawush,
258 seq.
arranges marriages for Siya- wush, 268 seq. entertains Siyawush, 278 offers to help Siyawush to
build Gang-dizh, 278 the prophecy of Siyawush to,
282 seq.
goes to collect tribute, 285 visits Siyawush, 287
Afnisiyab, 288 summoned to save Farangis,
322 seq. pleads for Farangis, 324
Pi nin, takes charge of Fanmgis,325
his dream of Siyawush, 325
protects the infant Kai Khusrau, 326
advises Afnisiyab respecting Kai Khusrau, 356
sends Kulbad and Nastiluin to pursue Kai Khusrau, 377
overthrown with his host by Giv, 385
appeals to Kai Khusrau, 386
released, 387
describes Giv's prowess to Afrrfsiyab, 389
disgraced, 390
retires to Khutan, 390 Pisces, constellation, 407 Pishdadian dynasty, 9, 336 Pleiads, Pleiades, 148, 282, 394, 408 Polo, game of, viii, 263 seq., 292 Pronunciation, note on, 6 Pseudo - Callisthenes, romantic
Greek history of Alexander
the Great, 9
Pulad, Turanian hero, 264 Pulad, 1'nlnian hero, 22 Pulad, a div, 44, 54, 55, 64, 93 Pun-t (Berbera), 79
K
RAKHSH, Rustam's steed, v, 13, 42 seq., 67, 74, 94, 97, no, 116, 139, 143, 160,311,354 slays a lion, 45 encounters a dragon, 48 stolen by Turkmans, 121 seq. sire of Suhntb's charger, 128 saddled by Giv, Ruhham, and Tus for the fight with Suhrab, 160 Rai, city, 23, 399 Ram, Rustam's life saved by a, 46 Ram, constellation, 299 Red Sea, 364
Rizwdn, angel, 39 and note, 288 Riiddba, the mother of Rustam, 44, 1 80
424
INDEX
RuhMm, fninian hero, 62, 73, 144,
158, 340
helps to saddle Rakhsh for the fight with Suhrab, 160 Ruin, son of Afnisiyiib, 264 Ruin, son of Pinln, 323 and note Rum, the Eastern Roman Empire,
I43> 297, 307, 36o Rustam, I'raniaii hero, v seq., 11 seq., 18, 21, 25, 34, 35, 42 seq., 79, 92 seq., 188, 236, 237, 271, 286, 290, 311, 316, 3i8, 319. 335. 344^<?-, 349 seq., 37i, 372, 380, 394, 400 his first campaign, n seq. nearly takes Afrasiydb
prisoner, 14, 116, 354 rewarded by Kai Kubad, 21 his life saved by a ram, 46 song of, 51 rescues Kai Kails in Mazan-
daivin, 58
his handgrip, 66, 67 his encounter with Kalahur,
67 his audience with the king
of Mazandaran, 67 seq. his encounter with Juyd, 71 his encounter with the king
of Mslzandanin, 73 rewarded by Kai Kdus, 77 entertains Kai Kaus, 83 takes the king of Sham
prisoner, 97 defeats Afrasiyab, 100 made paladin of paladins by
Kai KaYis, 101 goes in search of Kai Kaiis,
104 takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 107 seq. slays Alkus, 115 and Suhrab, Story of, 118
seq.
loses Rakhsh, 121 Afrasiytib's plot against, 129 holds a drinking-bout, 141 quarrels with Kai Kdus, 142
Rustam, reconciled by Gudarz, 144
seq. goes in disguise to see Suhrab,
149 his adventure with Zhanda
Razm, 149 seq. his account of Suhrab, 151,
1 66 his encampment described,
154 armed by Tus, Giv, and
Ruhhtlm for his fight with
Suhrdb, 1 60 challenges Suhrab, 161 his charge to Zawdra, 167 declines SuhraVs advances,
169
saves his life by a ruse, 170 prays that his strength may
be restored, 171 learns too late that Suhrab is
his son, 173 his grief, 173 seq. makes a truce with Human,
176 tries to slay Hajir, 176
himself, 177
brings up Siyawush, 196 marches with him .against
Afrasiyab, 225 seq. returns and quarrels with Kai
Kaus, 242 seq. his grief and wrath at the
death of Siydwush, 338
seq.
puts Surkha to death, 346 fights with the Tuninians,
349 «eq. appoints Tus ruler of Chach,
358 appoints Gudarz ruler of
Sughd and Sipanjab, 358 his daughter, 383, 384 his wife, 384 hears of Kai Khusrau's arrival
in fran, 395
Rustum and Suhrab, Matthew Arnold's, 118
INDEX
425
SAGSAR, district, 143
Saklab, country (Slavonia), 360
Salm, eldest son of Faridun, 19,
237, 3*8
Stim, I'ranian hero, father of Zdl, 16, 17, 33, 34, 49, 125, 126, 137, 140, 173, 182, 183 Samangdn, city in Turan.vi, 118,
121 seq., 130, 140 king of, vi, 118, 140, 184 entertains Rustam, 122 father of Zhanda Razm,
Samarkand, city (Sughd), 241
Sanja, a div, 39, 40, 44, 55
Sarakhs, city, 108
Saruch, desert, 226
Sasauian dynasty, 10
Saturn, planet, 183, 208, 215, 247,
263, 310, 319, 394, 407 Seleucia, city, on the Tigris, 80 Semiramis, 10
Seven climes, the, 15 note, 372 Seven Courses of Rustam, v. 44 seq. Seven Warriors, Fight of the, vi,
25, 82, 107 seq.
Shaha, city in Hamavaran, 89 Shahd, river, 108 Shdhndma, editions of, 5 Shahr-Bdnu-Iram, Giv's sister
and Rustam's wife, 384 Shdm (Syria), 80, 84
king of, taken prisoner by
Rustam, 97
Shamasas, Turdnian hero, 12, 18 Shdpiir, I'rdnianhero, 271, 338, 340 Shawardn, I'ranian hero, 73, 90,
111,228,249,250,255,271,318 Shepherds, Kai Khusrau brought
up by, 328 seq. Shidush, I'ranianhero, 58, 85, 158,
340
Sigz, man of (Rustam), looand note Sikandar (Alexander the Great),
Sseq.
1 See vol. i. VOL. II.
Sind, river (the Indus), 285 Sipahram, Turanian hero, 228,
229, 388 Sipand, mountain (White Castle),
118 Sipanjilb, region, 241, 342, 344,
345. 358
Sistan, country,1 80, 335, 365 Siyawush, son of Kai Kaus, vii seq., 25, 104 note, 187 seq., 335, 338 seq., 346 seq., 363, 37i, 372, 374 seq., 383, 386, 388, 396, 403,411 his mother, vii Story of, 1 88 seq. Prelude to, 191 good example of Fir-
dausi's method, 188 identical with Canibyses, the father of Cyrus, in legend, 191 adventure of the mother of,
193 destined to misfortune from
birth, 196
brought up by Rustani, 196 returns to court, 197 made ruler of Kuhistan, 199 mourns for his mother's
death, 199 his temptation by Sudaba,
200 seq. marches against Afrdsiyab,
225 seq. demands hostages of Afrasi-
yab, 239 seq. goes over to Afrasiydb, 258
seq. plays at polo with Afrasiyab,
264
his archery, 266, 293 his marriage with Jarira, 268
seq. his marriage with Farangis,
270 seq.
entertained by Piran, 278 builds cities, 278 seq. p. 396 note.
2 E
426
INDEX
Siyawush, foretells the future to
Piran, 282 seq. entertains Piran, 287 entertains Garsiwaz, 290 seq. plays at polo with Garsiwaz,
292
challenged by Garsiwaz, 294 overthrows Gurwi and
Ddmur, 295 slandered by Garsiwaz to
Afrasiya"b, 296 seq. summoned to court by
Afrasiydb, 300 seq. betrayed by Garsiwaz, 301 seq. excuses himself from going
to court, 306 his passion, 307 seq foretells the future to Far-
angis, 310 charges and turns loose
Bihzad, 312 attacked and taken by
Afrdsiyjtb, 314 his execution, 320 Blood of (plant), 321 Siyawush, wild duck, 104 note Siyavakhsh (Siyawush), 82 Syavashana (Siyawush), 189 Siyawushgird, city, viii, ix, 301,
314, 373 building and description of,
285 seq. becomes the home of Kai
Khusrau, 333 Sohrab and Rustum, Matthew
Arnold's, 118 Soma, 8 Song of a div, 31
of Rustam, 51
Sorceress, Siidaba and a. vii, 214 Spendyad, mountain, 118 Spent6data, mountain, 118 Stages,the Seven, of Asf andiya"r, 29 Stone, the Black, 163 and note Strength, handgrip as test of, 64,
66,67
Sudaba, daughter of the king of Hamavaran and wife of Kai
Kaus, vi, vii, ix, 79, 86
seq., 91, 1 88, 189, 200 seq.,
22$, 249, 257, 335, 339 description of, 86 marries Kai Kaus, 88 imprisoned with him by her
father, 91
released by Rustam, 97 her temptation of Siydwush,
200 seq.
slain by Rustam, 340 Sughd, district and city (Samar- kand), 230, 232, 237, 241, 249, 358 Suhra"b, son of Rustam and
Tahmina, vi, vii, 25 Story of, 118 seq.
purely episodic, 118 Prelude to, 1 19 Sir John Malcolm's ver- sion of, 118
Matthew Arnold's ver- sion of, 118 his lament for the loss of
Gurdafrid, 119 note questions his mother as to
his father, 126 his charger sired by Rakhsh,
128 Afrdsiyab's plot against, 129
gifts to, 130 invades Tran, 130 takes Hajir prisoner, 131 beguiled by Gurdafrid, 133 described by Gazhdaham, 136 sees from White Castle the
Trdnian host advancing,
148 seen, while feasting, by
Rustam, 150 hears of the death of Zhanda
Razm, 151
misled by Hajir, 152 seq. overthrows the camp-enclo- sure of Kaus, 1 60 challenged by Rustam, 161 his account of Rustam, 154,
169
INDEX
427
Sulirdb, his advances to Rustam,
169
spares Kustam's life, 170 again encounters Rustam,
172 makes himself known to
Rustam, 173 his last requests to Rustam,
175
the mourning for, 182 seq. Surkha, son of Afrdsiydb, ix, 344
seq. taken prisoner by Fanimarz,
345
death of, 347
Sunish, angel, 288, 289, 364, 408 appears to Gudarz in a
dream, 363 Syria (Sham), So
TABLE of Contents, v Tables, genealogical, 3, 4 Tahmdsp, n Tahmina, mother of Suhntb, vi,
118 her precautions for her son's
safety, 127, 140, 149 her mourning for Suhntb,
184 seq. her death, 186 Tahmuras, Sha"h, 168 Talikdn, city, 228 Tardz, city and district, 123
Idols of, 123, 206 Tihrdn, city, 28 Tirmid, place where the route
from Balkh to Samarkand
crosses the Oxus (Jihun),
229, 258
Tollman, Giv and the, x, 390 Thrae"taona (Faridun), 81 Tur, second son of Faridun, 8, 1 7,
19, 99, 237, 262, 297, 302,
303, 318, 327, 363, 390 Turan, v, ix, 9, 18, 25, 79, 82, 101,
112, and passim
Turdn, king of Chin and (Afnt- siyab), 99
host of, 1 10 Timlnians (Turkmans), the, vi, 1 1,
81, 265
Turkestjtn, 19 Turkmans (Tuniuians), the, 12,
14, 15, 92, 100 and passim Tus, son of Naudar, x, 33, 35, 38, 58, 62, 70, 73, 85, 90, 91, 127, 138, 142, 143, 148, 177, 188, 193, 197, 199, 226, 257, 3i6, 319, 335. 338, 340, 349, 353/e?-, 37i, 383. 394
appointed captain of the host, 78
taken prisoner in Ha'ma'vanin, 90
released by Rustam, 97
goes in search of Kai Kdus, 104
engaged in the Fight of the Seven Warriors, 107 seq.
commanded by KjCiis to hang Rustam and Giv, 143
his encampment described,
153 i
summons Rustam to fight
Suhrab and helps to saddle
Rakhsh, 160 quarrels with Giv over the
future mother of Siydwush,
194 supersedes Siydwush, 246
seq.
leads the host home, 258 intercedes for Surkha, 347 is worsted in fight by Afro"-
siyftb, 353 appointed ruler of Chdch,
358
returns to fra"n, 362 his dispute with Gudarz over
Kai Khusrau, 400 seq. advocates the claims of Fari-
burz, 401
asks pardon of Khusrau, 410 Tuwurg, Turdniau hero, 253
428
INDEX
U
I^LAD, a div, v, 28, 52 seq., 59, 61 made kino; of Mazandaran, 76 Urmuzd, the Good Principle, 82
VEDAS, 8, 11, 25 Venus, planet, 115, 275, 345 Verethraglma, the raven, 25 Vritra, demon, 25
w
WARAZAD, king of Sipanjab, ix,
341 seq., 346 Warriors, the Seven, Story of the
Fight of, vi, 25, 82, 107 seq. White Castle, I'ranian stronghold, vii, 118, 131, 138
evacuated by Gazhdaham, 137
Div. See Div
Wisa, Turanian hero, 112, 354 Witch, v, 50
YAMAN, country (Hamavaran), So carnelians of, 123 Canopus of, 203
ZABUL, Zabulistan, country,1 vii, 21, 28, 42, 61, 83, 92, 126, 138, 141, 142, 156, 168, 227, 228, 245, 260, 338, 362, 363 vintage of, no Zahhak, Shah, 33, 81, 318
saying of, 171 and note Zainigau, 81
Zainigav, 8 1
Zal, father of Rustam, v, n seq.,
18, 19, 21, 33 seq., 49, 58,
61, 62, 69, 77, 140, 168, 169,
1 80, 182, 227, 228, 271, 286,
290, 318, 319, 338, 362, 371
Zam, city and river, 97, 394, 395
Zandavasta, 8, 25 seq., 81, 118,
189, 190 Zanga, Iranian hero, viii, 73, 90,
228, 249, 271,318 takes part in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, 107 seq. accompanies Siy4wush
against Afrdsiydb, 226 sent on embassy to Afrasiydb,
250 seq.
Zarduhsht (Zoroaster), 8, 9 Zav, Shah, n, 36 Zawdra, brother of Rustam, ix,
96, 228, 347, 349 engaged in the Fight of the
Seven Warriors, no seq. made leader of Rustam's
host, 142 left in charge of Rustam's
host, 161 goes on embassy to Human,
176 safe-conducts Human from
Trail, 176, 181, 182 incites Rustam to avenge
Siyawush, 360 Zhanda Razm, maternal uncle of
Suhrrib, vii, 149 seq., 160 | Zinigav, 81
Zira, Turanian hero, 295, 314 Zirih, sea or lake, 80 Zu'lfakar, 337 and note
See vol. i. p. 396 note.
END OF VOL. II.
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