The Persian Literature Volume I Part 12

Tell me thy name, that I may not destroy A nameless thing!" The champion stern replied, "My name is Rustem--sent by Zal, my father, Descended from the champion Sam Suwar, To be revenged on thee--the King of Persia Being now a prisoner in Mazinderan."

When the accursed Demon heard the name Of Sam Suwar, he, like a serpent, writhed In agony of spirit; terrified At that announcement--then, recovering strength, He forward sprang, and hurled the mill-stone huge Against his adversary, who fell back And disappointed the prodigious blow.

Black frowned the Demon, and through Rustem's heart A wild sensation ran of dire alarm; But, rousing up, his courage was revived, And wielding furiously his beaming sword, He pierced the Demon's thigh, and lopped the limb; Then both together grappled, and the cavern Shook with the contest--each, at times, prevailed; The flesh of both was torn, and streaming blood Crimsoned the earth. "If I survive this day,"

Said Rustem in his heart, in that dread strife, "My life must be immortal." The White Demon, With equal terror, muttered to himself: "I now despair of life--sweet life; no more Shall I be welcomed at Mazinderan."

And still they struggled hard--still sweat and blood Poured down at every strain. Rustem, at last, Gathering fresh power, vouchsafed by favouring Heaven And bringing all his mighty strength to bear, Raised up the gasping Demon in his arms, And with such fury dashed him to the ground, That life no longer moved his monstrous frame.

Promptly he then tore out the reeking heart, And crowds of demons simultaneous fell As part of him, and stained the earth with gore; Others who saw this signal overthrow, Trembled, and hurried from the scene of blood.

Then the great victor, issuing from that cave With pious haste--took off his helm, and mail, And royal girdle--and with water washed His face and body--choosing a pure place For prayer--to praise his Maker--Him who gave The victory, the eternal source of good; Without whose grace and blessing, what is man!

With it his armor is impregnable.

The Champion having finished his prayer, resumed his war habiliments, and going to Aulad, released him from the tree, and gave into his charge the heart of the White Demon. He then pursued his journey back to Kaus at Mazinderan. On the way Aulad solicited some reward for the services he had performed, and Rustem again promised that he should be appointed governor of the country.

"But first the monarch of Mazinderan, The Demon-king, must be subdued, and cast Into the yawning cavern--and his legions Of foul enchanters, utterly destroyed."

Upon his arrival at Mazinderan, Rustem related to his sovereign all that he had accomplished, and especially that he had torn out and brought away the White Demon's heart, the blood of which was destined to restore Kai-kaus and his warriors to sight. Rustem was not long in applying the miraculous remedy, and the moment the blood touched their eyes, the fearful blindness was perfectly cured.

The champion brought the Demon's heart, And squeezed the blood from every part, Which, dropped upon the injured sight, Made all things visible and bright; One moment broke that magic gloom, Which seemed more dreadful than the tomb.

The monarch immediately ascended his throne surrounded by all his warriors, and seven days were spent in mutual congratulations and rejoicing. On the eighth day they all resumed the saddle, and proceeded to complete the destruction of the enemy. They set fire to the city, and burnt it to the ground, and committed such horrid carnage among the remaining magicians that streams of loathsome blood crimsoned all the place.

Kaus afterwards sent Ferhad as an amba.s.sador to the king of Mazinderan, suggesting to him the expediency of submission, and representing to him the terrible fall of Arzang, and of the White Demon with all his host, as a warning against resistance to the valor of Rustem. But when the king of Mazinderan heard from Ferhad the purpose of his emba.s.sy, he expressed great astonishment, and replied that he himself was superior in all respects to Kaus; that his empire was more extensive, and his warriors more numerous and brave. "Have I not," said he, "a hundred war-elephants, and Kaus not one? Wherever I move, conquest marks my way; why then should I fear the sovereign of Persia? Why should I submit to him?"

This haughty tone made a deep impression upon Ferhad, who returning quickly, told Kaus of the proud bearing and fancied power of the ruler of Mazinderan. Rustem was immediately sent for; and so indignant was he on hearing the tidings, that "every hair on his body started up like a spear," and he proposed to go himself with a second dispatch. The king was too much pleased to refuse, and another letter was written more urgent than the first, threatening the enemy to hang up his severed head on the walls of his own fort, if he persisted in his contumacy and scorn of the offer made.

As soon as Rustem had come within a short distance of the court of the king of Mazinderan, accounts reached his majesty of the approach of another amba.s.sador, when a deputation of warriors was sent to receive him. Rustem observing them, and being in sight of the hostile army, with a view to show his strength, tore up a large tree on the road by the roots, and dexterously wielded it in his hand like a spear. Tilting onwards, he flung it down before the wondering enemy, and one of the chiefs then thought it inc.u.mbent upon him to display his own prowess. He advanced, and offered to grasp hands with Rustem: they met; but the gripe of the champion was so excruciating that the sinews of his adversary cracked, and in agony he fell from his horse. Intelligence of this discomfiture was instantly conveyed to the king, who then summoned his most valiant and renowned chieftain, Kalahur, and directed him to go and punish, signally, the warrior who had thus presumed to triumph over one of his heroes. Accordingly Kalahur appeared, and boastingly stretched out his hand, which Rustem wrung with such grinding force, that the very nails dropped off, and blood started from his body. This was enough, and Kalahur hastily returned to the king, and anxiously recommended him to submit to terms, as it would be in vain to oppose such invincible strength. The king was both grieved and angry at this situation of affairs, and invited the amba.s.sador to his presence. After inquiring respecting Kaus and the Persian army, he said:

"And thou art Rustem, clothed with mighty power, Who slaughtered the White Demon, and now comest To crush the monarch of Mazinderan!"

"No!" said the champion, "I am but his servant, And even unworthy of that n.o.ble station; My master being a warrior, the most valiant That ever graced the world since time began.

Nothing am I; but what doth he resemble!

What is a lion, elephant, or demon!

Engaged in fight, he is himself a host!"

The amba.s.sador then tried to convince the king of the folly of resistance, and of his certain defeat if he continued to defy the power of Kaus and the bravery of Rustem; but the effort was fruitless, and both states prepared for battle.

The engagement which ensued was obstinate and sanguinary, and after seven days of hard fighting, neither army was victorious, neither defeated. Afflicted at this want of success, Kaus grovelled in the dust, and prayed fervently to the Almighty to give him the triumph. He addressed all his warriors, one by one, and urged them to increased exertions; and on the eighth day, when the battle was renewed, prodigies of valor were performed. Rustem singled out, and encountered the king of Mazinderan, and fiercely they fought together with sword and javelin; but suddenly, just as he was rus.h.i.+ng on with overwhelming force, his adversary, by his magic art, transformed himself into a stony rock.

Rustem and the Persian warriors were all amazement. The fight had been suspended for some time, when Kaus came forward to inquire the cause; and hearing with astonishment of the transformation, ordered his soldiers to drag the enchanted ma.s.s towards his own tent; but all the strength that could be applied was unequal to move so great a weight, till Rustem set himself to the task, and amidst the wondering army, lifted up the rock and conveyed it to the appointed place. He then addressed the work of sorcery, and said: "If thou dost not resume thy original shape, I will instantly break thee, flinty-rock as thou now art, into atoms, and scatter thee in the dust." The magician-king was alarmed by this threat, and reappeared in his own form, and then Rustem, seizing his hand, brought him to Kaus, who, as a punishment for his wickedness and atrocity, ordered him to be slain, and his body to be cut into a thousand pieces! The wealth of the country was immediately afterwards secured; and at the recommendation of Rustem, Aulad was appointed governor of Mazinderan. After the usual thanksgivings and rejoicings on account of the victory, Kaus and his warriors returned to Persia, where splendid honors and rewards were bestowed on every soldier for his heroic services. Rustem having received the highest acknowledgments of his merit, took leave, and returned to his father Zal at Zabulistan.

Suddenly an ardent desire arose in the heart of Kaus to survey all the provinces and states of his empire. He wished to visit Turan, and Chin, and Mikran, and Berber, and Zirra. Having commenced his royal tour of inspection, he found the King of Berberistan in a state of rebellion, with his army prepared to dispute his authority. A severe battle was the consequence; but the refractory sovereign was soon compelled to retire, and the elders of the city came forward to sue for mercy and protection.

After this triumph, Kaus turned towards the mountain Kaf, and visited various other countries, and in his progress became the guest of the son of Zal in Zabulistan where he stayed a month, enjoying the pleasures of the festive board and the sports of the field.

The disaffection of the King of Hamaveran, in league with the King of Misser and Sham, and the still hostile King of Berberistan, soon, however, drew him from Nim-ruz, and quitting the princ.i.p.ality of Rustem, his arms were promptly directed against his new enemy, who in the contest which ensued, made an obstinate resistance, but was at length overpowered, and obliged to ask for quarter. After the battle, Kaus was informed that the Shah had a daughter of great beauty, named Sudaveh, possessing a form as graceful as the tall cypress, musky ringlets, and all the charms of Heaven. From the description of this damsel he became enamoured, and through the medium of a messenger, immediately offered himself to be her husband. The father did not seem to be glad at this proposal, observing to the messenger, that he had but two things in life valuable to him, and those were his daughter and his property; one was his solace and delight, and the other his support; to be deprived of both would be death to him; still he could not gainsay the wishes of a king of such power, and his conqueror. He then sorrowfully communicated the overture to his child, who, however, readily consented; and in the course of a week, the bride was sent escorted by soldiers, and accompanied by a magnificent cavalcade, consisting of a thousand horses and mules, a thousand camels, and numerous female attendants. When Sudaveh descended from her litter, glowing with beauty, with her rich dark tresses flowing to her feet, and cheeks like the rose, Kaus regarded her with admiration and rapture; and so impatient was he to possess that lovely treasure, that the marriage rites were performed according to the laws of the country without delay.

The Shah of Hamaveran, however, was not satisfied, and he continually plotted within himself how he might contrive to regain possession of Sudaveh, as well as be revenged upon the king. With this view he invited Kaus to be his guest for a while; but Sudaveh cautioned the king not to trust to the treachery which dictated the invitation, as she apprehended from it nothing but mischief and disaster. The warning, however, was of no avail, for Kaus accepted the proffered hospitality of his new father-in-law. He accordingly proceeded with his bride and his most famous warriors to the city, where he was received and entertained in the most sumptuous manner, seated on a gorgeous throne, and felt infinitely exhilarated with the magnificence and the hilarity by which he was surrounded. Seven days were pa.s.sed in this glorious banqueting and delight; but on the succeeding night, the sound of trumpets and the war-cry was heard. The intrusion of soldiers changed the face of the scene; and the king, who had just been waited on, and pampered with such respect and devotion, was suddenly seized, together with his princ.i.p.al warriors, and carried off to a remote fortress, situated on a high mountain, where they were imprisoned, and guarded by a thousand valiant men. His tents were plundered, and all his treasure taken away. At this event his wife was inconsolable and deaf to all entreaties from her father, declaring that she preferred death to separation from her husband; upon which she was conveyed to the same dungeon, to mingle groans with the captive king.

Alas! how false and fickle is the world, Friends.h.i.+p nor pleasure, nor the ties of blood, Can check the headlong course of human pa.s.sions; Treachery still laughs at kindred;--who is safe In this tumultuous sphere of strife and sorrow?

INVASION OF IRaN BY AFRaSIYaB

The intelligence of Kaus's imprisonment was very soon spread through the world, and operated as a signal to all the inferior states to get possession of Iran. Afrasiyab was the most powerful aspirant to the throne; and gathering an immense army, he hurried from Turan, and made a rapid incursion into the country, which after three months he succeeded in conquering, scattering ruin and desolation wherever he came.

Some of those who escaped from the field bent their steps towards Zabulistan, by whom Rustem was informed of the misfortunes in which Kaus was involved; it therefore became necessary that he should again endeavor to effect the liberation of his sovereign; and accordingly, after a.s.sembling his troops from different quarters, the first thing he did was to despatch a messenger to Hamaveran, with a letter, demanding the release of the prisoners; and in the event of a refusal, declaring the king should suffer the same fate as the White Demon and the magician-monarch of Mazinderan. Although this threat produced considerable alarm in the breast of the king of Hamaveran, he arrogantly replied, that if Rustem wished to be placed in the same situation as Kaus, he was welcome to come as soon as he liked.

Upon hearing this defiance, Rustem left Zabulistan, and after an arduous journey by land and water, arrived at the confines of Hamaveran. The king of that country, roused by the noise and uproar, and bold aspect of the invading army, drew up his own forces, and a battle ensued, but he was unequal to stand his ground before the overwhelming courage of Rustem. His troops fled in confusion, and then almost in despair he anxiously solicited a.s.sistance from the chiefs of Berber and Misser, which was immediately given. Thus three kings and their armies were opposed to the power and resources of one man. Their formidable array covered an immense s.p.a.ce.

Each proud his strongest force to bring, The eagle of valour flapped his wing.

But when the King of Hamaveran beheld the person of Rustem in all its pride and strength, and commanding power, he paused with apprehension and fear, and intrenched himself well behind his own troops. Rustem, on the contrary, was full of confidence.

"What, though there be a hundred thousand men Pitched against one, what use is there in numbers When Heaven is on my side: with Heaven my friend, The foe will soon be mingled with the dust."

Having ordered the trumpets to sound, he rushed on the enemy, mounted on Rakush, and committed dreadful havoc among them.

It would be difficult to tell How many heads, dissevered, fell, Fighting his dreadful way; On every side his falchion gleamed, Hot blood in every quarter streamed On that tremendous day.

The chief of Hamaveran and his legions were the first to shrink from the conflict; and then the King of Misser, ashamed of their cowardice, rapidly advanced towards the champion with the intention of punis.h.i.+ng him for his temerity, but he had no sooner received one of Rustem's hard blows on his head, than he turned to flight, and thus hoped to escape the fury of his antagonist. That fortune, however, was denied him, for being instantly pursued, he was caught with the kamund, or noose, thrown round his loins, dragged from his horse, and safely delivered into the hands of Bahram, who bound him, and kept him by his side.

Ring within ring the lengthening kamund flew, And from his steed the astonished monarch drew.

Having accomplished this signal capture, Rustem proceeded against the troops under the Shah of Berberistan, which, valorously aided as he was, by Zuara, he soon vanquished and dispatched; and impelling Rakush impetuously forward upon the shah himself, made him and forty of his princ.i.p.al chiefs prisoners of war. The King of Hamaveran, seeing the horrible carnage, and the defeat of all his expectations, speedily sent a messenger to Rustem, to solicit a suspension of the fight, offering to deliver up Kaus and all his warriors, and all the regal property and treasure which had been plundered from him. The troops of the three kingdoms also urgently prayed for quarter and protection, and Rustem readily agreed to the proffered conditions.

"Kaus to liberty restore, With all his chiefs, I ask no more; For him alone I conquering came; Than him no other prize I claim."

THE RETURN OF KAI-KauS

It was a joyous day when Kaus and his ill.u.s.trious heroes were released from their fetters, and removed from the mountain-fortress in which they were confined. Rustem forthwith reseated him on his throne, and did not fail to collect for the public treasury all the valuables of the three states which had submitted to his power. The troops of Misser, Berberistan, and Hamaveran, having declared their allegiance to the Persian king, the acc.u.mulated numbers increased Kaus's army to upwards of three hundred thousand men, horse and foot, and with this immense force he moved towards Iran. Before marching, however, he sent a message to Afrasiyab, commanding him to quit the country he had so unjustly invaded, and recommending him to be contented with the territory of Turan.

"Hast thou forgotten Rustem's power, When thou wert in that perilous hour By him overthrown? Thy girdle broke, Or thou hadst felt the conqueror's yoke.

Thy crowding warriors proved thy s.h.i.+eld, They saved and dragged thee from the field; By them unrescued then, wouldst thou Have lived to vaunt thy prowess now?"

This message was received with bitter feelings of resentment by Afrasiyab, who prepared his army for battle without delay, and promised to bestow his daughter in marriage and a kingdom upon the man who should succeed in taking Rustem alive.

This proclamation was a powerful excitement: and when the engagement took place, mighty efforts were made for the reward; but those who aspired to deserve it were only the first to fall. Afrasiyab beholding the fall of so many of his chiefs, dashed forward to cope with the champion: but his bravery was unavailing; for, suffering sharply under the overwhelming attacks of Rustem, he was glad to effect his escape, and retire from the field. In short, he rapidly retraced his steps to Turan, leaving Kaus in full possession of the kingdom.

With anguish stricken, he regained his home, After a wild and ignominious flight; The world presenting nothing to his lips But poison-beverage; all was death to him.

Kaus being again seated on the throne of Persia, he resumed the administration of affairs with admirable justice and liberality, and despatched some of his most distinguished warriors to secure the welfare and prosperity of the states of Mervi, and Balkh, and Nishapur, and Hirat. At the same time he conferred on Rustem the t.i.tle of Jahani Pahlvan, or, Champion of the World.

In safety now from foreign and domestic enemies, Kaus turned his attention to pursuits very different from war and conquest. He directed the Demons to construct two splendid palaces on the mountain Alberz, and separate mansions for the accommodation of his household, which he decorated in the most magnificent manner. All the buildings were beautifully arranged both for convenience and pleasure; and gold and silver and precious stones were used so lavishly, and the brilliancy produced by their combined effect was so great, that night and day appeared to be the same.

Iblis, ever active, observing the vanity and ambition of the king, was not long in taking advantage of the circ.u.mstance, and he soon persuaded the Demons to enter into his schemes. Accordingly one of them, disguised as a domestic servant, was instructed to present a nosegay to Kaus; and after respectfully kissing the ground, say to him:--

"Thou art great as king can be, Boundless in thy majesty; What is all this earth to thee, All beneath the sky?

Peris, mortals, demons, hear Thy commanding voice with fear; Thou art lord of all things here, But, thou canst not fly!

"That remains for thee; to know Things above, as things below, How the planets roll; How the sun his light displays, How the moon darts forth her rays; How the nights succeed the days; What the secret cause betrays, And who directs the whole!"

This artful address of the Demon satisfied Kaus of the imperfection of his nature, and the enviable power which he had yet to obtain. To him, therefore, it became matter of deep concern, how he might be enabled to ascend the Heavens without wings, and for that purpose he consulted his astrologers, who presently suggested a way in which his desires might be successfully accomplished.