Shahnameh - Persian Book of Kings PDF

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TRUBNER'S
ORIENTAL SERIES.
THE
SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
DONE INTO ENGLISH BY
ARTHUR GEORGE WARNER,

AND
M.A.
EDMOND WARNER,
B.A.
"
The homes
that are the dwellings of to-day
and sunshine to decay, But storm, and rain shall never inar what I Have luilt the palace of iny poetry. " FlRDAUSl
Will sink rnenth shower
VOL.
Ill
LONDON KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER &

DHYUEN HOUSE, GERRARD STREET, W.
1908
CO. L
The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved
Printed by BALLANTYNK,
HANSON
3
fir
Co.
At the Ballantyne
Press,
Edinburgh
CONTENTS
PAGE
ABBREVIATIONS
NOTE ON PRONUNCIATION
THE KAIANIAN DYNASTY

KAI KHUSRAU
PART
SECT.
1.
(continued)
I.
How KAI KHUSRAU,
TO AVENGE SIY^WUSH, SENT
A HOST AGAINST TlJRAN
The Prelude
15
2.
3.
How How
How
the Nobles did
Homage
to
Kai Khusrau
17
Kai Khusrau made a Progress through
his
Realm
4.
19
5.
6.
Kai Khusrau sware to Kai Kaus to take Vengeance on Afrasiyab How Kai Khusrau numbered the Paladins How Kai Khusrau bestowed Treasures upon the
.
20
24
Paladins
7.
26
8.
How How
Kai Khusrau sent Bustam to the Land of Hind Kai Khusrau reviewed *he Host
.
.
30
.31
37
THE STORY OF FARDD THE SON OF SIYAWUSH

9.
10.
1 1
.
The Prelude How Tiis went
to
Turkistan
.
38
.
12.
13. 14. 15.
1
6.
17.
1
8.
How Farud heard of the Coming of Tus How Farud and Tukhdr went to view the Host How Bahrani came to Farud upon the Mountain How Bahrain went back to Tus How Rivniz was slain by Farud How Zarasp was slain by Farud How Tus fought with Farud How Giv fought with Farud
.
-41
.
44
47
51
....
. .
52
53
54
57
vi
CONTENTS
(continued)
SECT.
THE STORY OF FARDD THE SON OF SIYAWUSH

19.
PAGE
20.
21. 22.
How Bizhan fought with How Farud was slain How Jarira slew herself How Tiis led the Host
Farud
61
62
66
to the
Kasa Rud, and how

.
.
Paltkhan was slain by Bizhan

23.
.68
.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29. 30.
31.
How the Iranians suffered in a Snowstorm 71 How Bahram captured Kabuda 73 How the Iranians fought with Tazhav .75 How Afrasiyab had Tidings of Tus and his Host 78 How Piran made a Night-attack on the Iranians 80 How Kai Khusrau recalled Tiis 84 How Fariburz asked a Truce of Pirdn 87 How the Iranians were defeated by the Turkmans 89 How Bahram returned to look for his Whip on the
.....
.
...
.
Battlefield
32.
33. 34.
How Bahram was slain by Tazhav How Giv slew Tazhav in Revenge for Bahnim How the Iranians went back to Khusrau
.
....
. . .
95
98
101
.104
PART
II.
1.
THE STORY OF KAMUS OF KASHAN
2.
3.
The Prelude How Khusrau
.no
HI
113
reviled
Tus
.
. . .
.
4.
5.
How How
Khusrau pardoned the Iranians Khusrau sent Tiis to Turin

of Piran. to the
The Message
Army
.
of
Iran
.
6.
7.
8.
9.
How Afrasiyab sent an Army to Piran How Tus slew Arzhang How Human fought with Tus How the Iranians and Turanians fought
.
. . .
-115 -117 .118 .119

.
20
the second
125
Time
10.
How
the Turanians used Sorcery against the Host of Iran

.
128
131
1
n.
1
2.
13.
How the Iranians retreated to Mount Harnawan How the Host of Turan beleaguered Mount Hama wan How Piran went in Pursuit of the Iranians to Mount
.
32
14.
15.
1
6.
Hamawan 137 How the Iranians made a Night-attack .139 How Kai Khusrau had Tidings of his Host 142 How Fariburz asked to Wife Faraugis, the Mother
. . .
of
Kai Khusrau
146
CONTENTS
PART
II.
vii
THE STORY OP KAMtJs OP KASHAN
(continued}
SECT.
17.
1
8.
How How
How How How How
Tus saw Siyawush in a Dream Afrasiyab sent the Khan and Kamus
. .
. .
....
to help
. .
PAGE
149
Piran
19.
the
Khan
of
Chin came
to
20. 21.
the Iranians took Counsel
Hamawan how to act
-151 .153
.
155
22.
Gudarz had Tidings of the Coming of Rustam the Khan of Chin went to reconnoitre the
of Iran
156
Army
23. 24.
25. 26.
How How How
.......
.
160
Fariburz reached
Mount Hamawan Piran took Counsel with the Khan of Chin

.
.163
.
164
Giv and Tus fought with

of
Kamus
. .
.168
1
The Coming
Rustam
70
27.
28.
29.
How the Iranians and Turanians arrayed their Hosts 174 How Rustam fought with Ashkabus .179 How Piran held Converse concerning the Coming
. .
of
30.
Rustam
the Iranians and Turanians set the Battle in
182
How
Array
31.
32.
How Aiwa was slain by Kamus How Kamiis was slain by Rustam
....
.
.
185
187
.188
PART
III.
1.
THE STORY OP RUSTAM AND THE KHAN OF CHIN

of
How How How How How How
the Khan Kamus
of
.
Chin had Tidings

.
.
of the Slaying
. .
2. 3.
Chingish fared with Rustam

the
.192 .194
.
Khan
of
Chin sent
4.
5.
Piran took Counsel with

Piran came to
Human to Rustam 196 Human and the Khan 199 Rustam .201
. . . .
6.
the Turanians took Counsel for Battle with the
Iranians
7. 8.
206
.
How Rustam harangued his Troops How the Iranians and Turanians set
Array
. .
.211
215
the Battle in
9. 10. 11.
12. 13.
14.
15.
How Rustam reproached Piran How the Battle was joined How Shangul fought with Rustam and fled How Rustam fought with Sawa How Rustam slew Gahar of Gahan How the Khan was taken Prisoner How the Host of the Turanians was defeated
.
.217
219
.221
223
.... ....
. .
224 227 230
viii
CONTENTS
III.
PART
THE STORY OF RUSTAM AND THE KHAN OF

(continued)
SECT.
PAGE
16.
17.
1
8.
19.
20.
21.
22.
How Rustam divided the Spoil How Rustam wrote a Letter to Kai Khusrau How Kai Khusrau made Answer to Rustam's Letter How Afrasiyab had Tidings of the Case of his Array How Rustam fought with Kafiir the Man-eater How Afrasiyab had Tidings of the Coming of Rustam
. . . .
232 237
239
241
243
249
254 257
Afrasiyab's Letter to
Puladwand
....
Tus
. .
.
23.
24.
How Puladwaiid fought with Giv and How Rustam fought with Puladwand
The Wrestling
of
.
259
262
25.
26.
27.
28.
Rustam and Puladwand How Afrasiyab fled from Rustam How Rustam returned to the Court of the Shah How Rustam went back to Sistan
. .
.265
.
....
Div
267
269
PART IV. THE STORY OF THE FIGHT OF RUST AM WITH THE Div AKWAN
1.
2.
The Prelude How Khusrau summoned Rustam
272
to fight the
Akwan
3.
. .
273
4.
5.
How Rustam went in Quest of the Div .275 How the Div Akwan flung Rustam into the Sea 276 How Afrasiyab came to inspect his Steeds, and how
.
6.
How
Rustam slew the Div Akwan Rustam went back to the Land
AJ*D
....
.
279
of Iran
.281
PART V. THE STORY OF BIZHAN

1.
MANIZHA
287
.
. .
The Prelude
2.
3.
4.
5.
How the Irmanians appealed to Khusrau How Bizhan went to fight the wild Boars How Gurgin beguiled Bizhan How Bizhan went to see Manizha, Daughter
. .
289
292
294
of
Afrasiyab
6.
7.
296
.
8.
9.
10.
11.
How Bizhan went to the Tent of Manizha How Manizha carried off Bizhan to her Palace How Garsiwaz brought Bizhan before Afrasiyab How Piran begged Bizhan's Life from Afrasiyab How Afrasiyab put Bizhan in Ward How Gurgin returned to fran and lied about
.
.
298
299
301
....
.
305
309 310
Bizhan
CONTENTS
PART V. THE STORY OF
SECT.
ix
BZHAN AND MANfzHA
(continued)
PAttE
12.
13.
How How
14.
15.
1
6.
17.
1
8.
Giv brought Gurgin before Khusrau .315 Kai Khusrau saw Bizhan in the Cup that showed the World .318 How Khusrau wrote a Letter to Rustam .319 How Giv bore the Letter of Kai Khusrau to Rustam 321 How Rustam made a Feast for Giv 324 How Rustam came to Khusrau 326 How Kai Khusrau held Feast with the Paladins 329
.
....
.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23. 24. 25.
How Rustam made Petition for Gurgin to the Shah How Rustam equipped his Escort How Rustam went to the City of Khutan to Pi'ran How Manizha came before Rustam How Bizhan heard of the Coming of Rustam How Rustam took Bizhan out of the Pit How Rustam attacked the Palace of Afrasiyab by
.... ....
.
.
331
333 334
337
340 344
347
Night
26. 27.
28.
29.
How Afrasiyab went to fight with Rustam How Afrasiyab was defeated by the franians How Rustam returned to Kai Khusrau How Kai Khusrau made a Feast
. . .
349
353
.351
.
-355
359
INDEX
THE SHAHNAMA
VOL.
III.
ABBREVIATIONS
C. L.
Macau's edition of the Shahndma.
Lumsden's
Mohl's Tihran
Vullers"
do.
do.
do. do.
P.
T.
V.
BAG.
CIG.
History of Ancient Geography. F.R.G.S.
By
E. H. Bunbury.
Corpus Inscriptionum Graecarum.

Professor Darmesteter's Trans, of the Zandavasta in the Sacred Books of the East. Reference to Parts 1 and
pages.
DZA.
GIP.
GKS. HAP.
JP.
Grundriss der Iranischen Philologie. Kleine Schriften von Alfred von Gutschmid.
History of Art in Persia from the French Perrot and Charles Chipiez.
of
Georges
Persia Past and Present, by Professor A. V. Williams Jackson.
LPC.
View
of the
History and Coinage of the Parthians.
By John
Lindsay, Esq.
MGN.
Narrative of a Journey through the Province of Khorassan, &c. By Colonel C. M. MacGregor, C.S.I., C.I.E.
MHP.
NIN.
History of Persia.
By
Sir
John Malcolm, G.C.B.
RM.
RP.
ZT.
Das Iranische Nationalepos von Theodor Noldeke. The Mahabharata translated into English Prose. Pratapa Chandra Ray, C.I.E.
Series.
By
Professor Rawlinson's Parthia in the Story of the Nations'
Chronique de Abou-Djafar-Mo'hammed-Ben-Djarir-BenYezid Tabari. Traduite sur la version Persane d'Abou'Ali
Mo'hammed
Bel'ami par
I.
M. Hermann Zotenberg.
referred to unless otherwise
The second edition
of Part
is
specified.
NOTE ON PRONUNCIATION
a
I
ii
as in " water." " as in pique." " rude." as in as in " servant."

as in "sin."
a
i
u
o
" foot." as in
i
ai as
in
"time."
" cloud.
:)
as
o?<
in
" as in give." g is always hard " buch." German in the kh as ch
xh as
in " azure."
II
THE KAlANIAN DYNASTY

(Continued)
XIII
KAI KHUSRAU
HE REIGNED SIXTY YEARS
ARGUMENT
Kai Khusrau succeeds to the throne during the
lifetime of his
grandfather, Shah Kai Kaiis, and swears to him to avenge the death of Siyawush. This he achieves after long wars and vicissi-
tudes of fortune
fall
away from
and then, fearing that, like Jamshid, he too may holiness by reason of his great successes and half
;
descent from Tur, prays that he may be taken from the world, His prayers are granted, and, its temptations, and its evil. having appointed his successor, he is caught up alive to heaven. In the course of the reign the poet tells two episodic stories, that of the div Akwan, and that of Bizhan and Manizha.
NOTE
Kai Khusrau
is
trace a connexion with Indian mythology. appears as Sushravas. In the Zandavasta he
the last of the Shahs in whose names we can In the Vedas he

is
Kavi Husravah
and
Like his grandfather Kai Kaiis he originated in the ancient nature-worship of the Aryan race, and a trace of his divine origin still clings to him in the Shahnama, The story of his birth as is shown by his exemption from death. and youth will be found in the reign of Kai Kaiis, Parts IV. and V. 1
is
mentioned often.
The reign of Kai Khusrau is the longest in the Shahnama and forms more than a fifth of the whole poem. It is nearly twice as " " " " long as Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained combined. It is divided into seven Parts, of which Parts IV. and V. are episodic.
1
See Vol.
7
ii.
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUS1
The others carry on and bring to a conclusion the story of the old epic cycle of Iran, the deaths of Iraj, Naudar, Ighriras, and Siyawush are avenged, and the royal house of Tiiran becomes
Early in the reign a new motive of great importance introduced, that of the slaughter of the descendants of Gudarz, who in Part VI. has his revenge on Piran, just as in Part VII. Kai Khusrau avenges himself on Afrasiyab. By the end of the reign a clean sweep has been made on the Turanian side, while
extinct.
is
on the Iranian a great clearance has been effected. Many heroic names drop out of sight, Kai Khusrau and his half-brother Farad leave no issue, 1 and in the next reign the curtain rises on a complete change of scene and motive. Only Zal and his descendants
their part
among
great relics of the heroic past " new faces, other minds."
still
continue to play
The story is one of almost unceasing warfare, for even the episodes end with battles against Afrasiyab. Omitting these, four campaigns are fought, the first in Part I., the second in Parts II. and III., the third in Part VI., and the fourth in
The successive campaigns become more and more method of their presentation, and set forth the gradual progress of the Iranian arms from total defeat to
Part VII.
elaborate in the
absolute triumph. In the course of the reign we find a mass of subject-matter It is only in Part VII. that the of comparatively late growth. older legendary strata crop up, and we again find ourselves in
touch with the Zandavasta, while

scenes of
all
it is not till the concluding that we come upon the ancient legend which may be regarded as the bed-rock of the whole. Another version of it occurs near the end of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. 2
This will be given in the Introductory Note to Part VII. in Vol. IV. of this translation, where it may be compared most conveniently with its Iranian equivalent. It was stated in the Introduction 3 that the Shahmima was a mythic and a historic and the divisible into two periods distinction was based not so much on the nature of the subjectmatter as on the names of the chief characters which at a certain point cease to be mythic and become historic. As regards the names of the Shahs, which were there referred to, this is correct. We are still far from the point in the poem at which such names begin to appear in their proper historic connexion of time and
1 In the Zandavasta, however, Kai Khusrau is represented as having a son named Akhrura, whose legend is lost. DZA, ii. 223. 2 RM, Vol. x., Mahdprasthdnika Parva. *
Vol.
i.
p. 49.
NOTE
place,
but it does not follow that all the names occurring before that point is reached are wholly mythical. Real dynastic, family, and personal names are found thrown back upon and incorporated with a mythical past with which they have no connexion what-
The dynastic title of Csesar, for instance, occurs in the 1 reign of Minuchihr, while the personified name Kiiran of a family famous in Ashkanian (Parthian) and Sasanian times is very prominent in the Pishdadian dynasty. The most striking instances of personal names and personalities being thus thrown
ever.
back occur in the Kaianian dynasty and in the reigns of Kai Kaiis and Kai Khusrau. These we will now proceed to consider.
He 40 the Parthian king Artabanus III. died. two sons living at his death Vardanes, who succeeded him, and Artabanus. Shortly afterward, and during the absence of Vardanes from the capital, a certain Gotarzes assumed the supreme power and caused Artabanus with his wife and son to be murdered. The relationship of Gotarzes toJArtabanus III. has been a matter of considerable difference of opinion, but seems On fairly settled now by two pieces of contemporary evidence. the rock of Bihistun, some three hundred feet below the inscription of the great Darius, Gotarzes has left a memorial tablet
About
A.D.
left at least
2 Unfortunately it is now almost defaced, but when the late Sir Henry Rawlinson examined it in 1836 he made out, in addition to the name Gotarzes, which is still legible, 3 the word
of himself.
Mithrates, and Gotarzes' description of himself as "Satrap of In one corner of the tablet the words "Gotarzes Satraps." Geopothros" (Ta>Tiiprjs Tfo-noBpos) were also found. Sir Henry
Rawlinson's account was

4
read before the Royal Geographical
Society in January i838. " we have, as In the first element in the word " Geopothros now seems generally admitted, the historical original of the Giv of the Shahnama. In the second element we have the old Persian
word "puthra," which means "son." The whole word therefore means "son of Giv." This historical Giv seems to have been 8 He prince of Hyrcania and the father-in-law of Artabanus III. was also, if we accept the evidence of the inscription, the father
of Gotarzes.
is a very rare coin corrupted legend on which he is described as " the king of kings, the Arsacid, the adopted son of Artabanus "
The second
piece of contemporary evidence
of Gotarzes in the
Id. p. 262.
JP,
p. 209.
Id.
4
5
See Journal, Vol.
ix. p.
114,
and GIG,
Vol.
iii.
No. 4674.
GIF,
ii.
504.
10
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI

'
1 It appears therefore ApTaf3dvov). that Gotarzes was closely connected with the reigning Parthian family both by marriage and adoption, but was not really one of the sons of Artabanus III. as was formerly supposed.
(vios K(Ka\ovfji(vos or K(K\T)iJifvos
Vardanes, on hearing of Gotarzes' usurpation of the kingdom, Gotarzes withdrew into his hurried back and expelled him. hereditary principality of Hyrcania, where, with the assistance of the Dahae, who dwelt between the Caspian and the Aral, he prepared to renew the struggle. The opposing forces met on the Bactrian plains, but hostilities were averted. Gotarzes had discovered a plot, on the part of the Parthian nobles on both
him and Vardanes, and set up a new king in their Vardanes of this, and the two combined informed place. against the common enemy. Gotarzes then withdrew to Hyrcania and Vardanes retained the crown. Subsequently another war broke out between the two and several battles were fought.
sides, to kill
He
2 Tacitus, the chief authority for this part of history, tells us that Vardanes advanced to meet Gotarzes as far as the river 3 Erinde, at the passage of which severe fighting took place in
which Vardanes was victorious, who then in several successful engagements subdued all the nations between that river and the river Sinde, which divided the Dahae and the Aryans. 4 He returned in triumph, but shortly afterward was assassinated while Upon this Gotarzes became king, but his hunting, A.D. 46. ferocity and self-indulgence speedily rendered him unpopular, and a Parthian deputation arrived in Rome in A.D. 49 for the purpose of obtaining from the Emperor Claudius permission for Meherdates, who resided there, to accompany them back to Persia. Meherdates was the son of a former Parthian king, Vonones I. As was to be expected in the circumstances the character of Gotarzes was depicted in very unfavourable colours by the envoys. He had killed all his relations, whether near or distant, with their wives and children he was sluggish at home, unfortunate in war, and sought to cloak his sloth by
;
LCP,
Ann.
p.
153
and Plate
3,
70;
GKS,
iii.
68.
xi. 10.
3 Generally assumed to be the Charinda mentioned by Ammianus Marcellinus (xxiii. 6) and by Ptolemy (vi. 2), who describes it as
parting Media from Hyrcania. 4 The rivers Erinde and Sinde have not been identified, but the latter may be intended for the Oxus. That river was confounded with
the Indus (Sind) in ancient times (see Vol. i. p. 71) and flowed into the Caspian in the days of Tacitus, so it might be regarded as dividing the Dahae and the Aryans.
NOTE
cruelty.
1
ii
Meherdates was sent accordingly, but was defeated and taken prisoner by Gotarzes, who, however, rather belied his He spared the life of character for ferocity on this occasion. Meherdates and merely cut off his ears a mutilation that disIt was to commemorate qualified him for the Parthian crown. this victory that Gotarzes had the bas-relief already referred to carved on the rock of Bihistun, in the neighbourhood of which Gotarzes is represented as the battle probably was fought. charging at the head of his troops, while above him a winged 2 He died in A.D. 51. Victory is setting the crown upon his head. In the lists of the kings of the Ashkanian (Parthian) dynasty,
3 compiled by oriental historians, the name Giidarz occurs in We also find the name Bizhan given as several connexions. the son of one Giidarz and as the father of another. We also find the name Bahrain. Firdausi, when he reaches Ashkanian times, includes the above three names in his very scanty list of the kings of that dynasty. He admits that he knows nothing about any of them, being wholly unaware, as naturally he would be, of their identity with some of his own most favourite heroes. In the Shahndma Gotarzes becomes Gudarz, who is represented as being the father, not the son, of Giv. Vardanes becomes Bahriim and is the son, not the adopted brother, of Gudarz. Bizhan becomes the son of Giv and the grandson of Gudarz. Similarly other names of the Parthian period appear in the poem.
Meherdates (Mithradates, Mithrates, Mithradtit, Milirdat) appears as Milad, the father of Gurgin, who plays such a prominent part in the story of Bizhan and Manizha, (Part V.). Phraates a common Parthian name becomes Farhad, and there are other instances. 4 Some of the names thus transplanted have nourished amazingly, and Gotarzes' reputation has not suffered by the change. We conclude this note with a few instances in which the events of Parthian history summarized above may be traced in a distorted form in the Shahnama. In the war between Gotarzes and Vardanes we seem to have the origin of the campaigns of The scene of operations Ti'is against Turan in Parts I. and II. is the same in both cases, and the battle at the river Erinde
5 The assassination seems reproduced in that of the river Shahd. is on the Vardanes of king reproduced in the episode hunting-field in which Bahrain, having lost his whip on the battlefield, insists on returning to look for it, and is, after a gallant defence, mortally wounded by the enemy. 6 It is because Meherdates, after march-
Ann.
xii. 10.
iii.
2
*
See HAP,
p. 39,
and RP,
frontispiece.
3
5
GKS,
See
p.
24.
G
NIN,
See
p. 7.
117
seq.
p.
95
seq.
12
THE SHAH NAMA OF FIRDAUSI
1 ing through Armenia to attack Gotarzes, is let off after his defeat with a slight mutilation that, in the story of Bizhan and Manizha, Gurgin the son of Mihid and Bizhan the grandson of
set forth together on an expedition to Irman, that Gurgin treats Bizhan badly and, after having brought him into deadly peril, is lightly punished, then pardoned, and in the end 2 forgiven by Bizhan himself, while lastly it may be noted that the battle with Afrasiyub, consequent on the release of Bizhan, is stated to have taken place in the neighbourhood of Mount
Gudarz
Bistun. 3
1
Tacitus, Ann.
xii. 12.
See pp. 292
seq.,
316, 331 seq., 345.
Cf. pp. 11,350.
ERRATA
Page Page Page Page Page
,,
14, line
36, line 8, for
30 end, add reference number Tis read 'Tis.'

' '
5.
'
45, line 23, for that read thou.' ' 68, line i8,/or 'stoneand read 'stone and."
'
'
'
134, line 6 end, add " line 15 end, add ,,

!
Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page
,,
148, note, for 'Pehlevan' read 'Pehlewan.' 151, line 4 from bottom, add full stop at end.
172, note, for 194, line 8, fur

'
'
Car read
'
'
'
car.'
'
Khan
'
213, line 22, for
read Khan.' Oleader read O leader.'

' '
'
234, note, for
Et read
'
'
et,'
and
for
'
comblan
'
read
'
comblant.'
" 237, line 6, prefix 241, line 22, delete 'far.'

note, for Sur read sur.' 275, line 10 end, delete 285, line 8 from bottom, for fraicheur' read 'fraicheur.'
'
'
'
25
1,
'
,,
last line,
add reference number

'
2.
'
Page
287, side reference, for V. 1063 read V. 1065,' side references consecutively, i.e. V. 1066,' V. 1067,'
'
'
'
and subsequent
etc.
,
up
to
page
305.
Page 298, note, for La read la.' Page 304, line i r delete semicolon and insert comma. Page 305, line 25, add side reference 'V. 1086,' and read subsequent side references consecutively, i.e. 'V. 1087,' 'V. 1088,' etc., up to
' ' ' ,
page 356.
Page 318, Page 348, Page 376,
note, for II line 15, add
'
'
read
for
'
il."
comma
at end.
col. 2, line 15,
'PuWwand'
read 'Puladwand.'
PART
HOW
KAI
KHUSRAU TO AVENGE SIYAWUSH SENT A HOST AGAINST TtlRAN

ARGUMENT
The poet, first having set forth the various qualities that kings ought to possess, proceeds to tell how Kai Khusrau becomes joint Shah with Kai Kai'is, who exacts from him an oath that he
avenge the death of Siytiwush. He accordingly assembles the and sends it, under the command of Tus, against Afrasiyab, the halfstrictly enjoining the former not to attack Farud brother of Kai Khusrau on the march. Tus out of dudgeon with Kai Khusrau disobeys, and Farud is slain. The Iranians subsequently are surprised in a night-attack by Piran and deKai Khusrau recalls Tus and appoints Fariburz leader, feated. who arranges a month's truce with Piran, after which the fight is renewed and the Iranians are overthrown at the disastrous battle of Ladan. They retreat to Iran, and Piran is splendidly rewarded
will
host,
by Afrasiyab.
of Giv, his
The poet in this part records various heroic exploits son Bizhan, and his brother Bahram, who is slain.
NOTE
I and 9. There are two Preludes in this Part. The first may be regarded as introductory to the whole reign, specifying as it does the ideal kingly qualities that are to be exemplified in the person of Kai Khusrau, while the second is meant to impress upon the reader the real motives that underlay the conduct of Tus with reference to his treatment of Farud. Tus, as we have seen, was a disappointed man. 1 Although he was the direct representative
the ancient Pishdadian Dynasty his claim to the crown inDespairing, moreover, of ever becoming Shah himself he had just been advocating the claims of
of
variably had been ignored.
Vol.
ii.
p. 335.
13
14
Fariburz to the kingship, in opposition to those of Kai Khusrau, hope of becoming at all events a king-maker and the power behind the throne. Again his plans are frustrated, and he vents
in the
his spite
6.
on Khusrau's half-brother, Farad.

variously as
The name of the slave of Tazh;iv appears Isnapwi and Ispanwi. We adopt the latter.
In Rustam's account of the conquest of part of Zabulistan 7. by the Turkmans we seem to have a reminiscence of the permanent occupation of that country (c. 100 B.C.), from which it received the name of Sistan. Similarly in Kai Kaus, Part II., we had a reference
1
to the invasions of Mesopotamia by the Arabs. 2 10. Kalat is a word used for forts in general, but
if,
as
seems probable, the particular stronghold referred to is that which is now known as Kaldt-i-Nadiri, we here find ourselves in
the poet's own neighbourhood. Tus, his native place, is said to have been founded by the legendary hero of that name, who plays so prominent a part in this portion of the Shahndma, because, in consequence of the death of Farud, he was afraid to return to the court of Kai Khusrau, 3 but we find nothing to this effect in the Shahndma. Kalat-i-Nddiri was so called because Nadir Shah (A.D. 1736-1747), one of the most remarkable of Persian sovereigns, whose uncle was the ruler of this fortress, 4 was born in its
neighbourhood and made
it
his favourite residence.
It
is
situated
is
some forty miles to the north
of the ruins of Tus.
" It
upon
a very high hill, only accessible by two narrow paths. An ascent of six or seven miles terminates in a plain about twelve miles in circumference, watered by several fine streams and covered with verdure and cultivation. A second ascent, by a route of ten or eleven miles, leads to another plain of greater elevation, but of equal richness." " " It is a district or a fortified in basin," says another account, the most wonderful way by nature. In shape it is something like a foot, and it must have a length of twenty miles by a breadth of two to four miles ... if the term impregnable can be used anywhere, it can here. For the fifty miles of its circuit, nature
has indeed left hardly anything for man to do." 6 The Rivniz slain by Farud should be distinguished from 15. the hero of the same name slain at Ladan ( 30). The former was
descended from Pashang 7 and therefore

is
of Pishdddian descent.
He
quite appropriately the son-in-law of Tus. of Kai Kdus and therefore a Kaidnian.
1 4 7
The
latter
is
a son
Vol.
i.
p. 19.
ii.
2
5
Vol.
id.
i.
ii.
MHP,
Seep.
4.
p. 81. 34, note.
3 6
C. Persian Preface, p. 32.
MGN,
ii.
53, 56.
25.
KAI KHUSRAU
is
15
1 8. Bizhan's friendship with Gustaham, the son of Gazhdaham, one of the features of this reign. Another is Giv and Bizhan's anxiety about one another when either is courting danger. The father can never bring himself to realise that his son is grown up and well able to take care of himself, while the son, with all the insolence of youth, persists in regarding his father as played out touches not foreign to human nature. The battle of Liidan is also known by the name of the 30. battle of Pashan, and there is a legend that when Firdausi was on his way to seek his fortune at the court of Mahnrnd he chanced to enter a garden where three of the seven poets of Mahmud's court were revelling. He asked to be allowed to join them, and they consented on the condition that he should cap their three Firdausi at once obtained the rhyming verses with a fourth. needful rhyme by a verse referring to the battle of Pashan, whereby he showed his superior knowledge of the epic history of his country. 1 In this connexion the word has sometimes been understood as equivalent to Pashang, the name both of the father and of one of the sons of Afrasiyab, but Firdausi's line was intended to celebrate the prowess of Giv at the battle of Pashan or Ladan. It is possible, however, that these are the names of distinct battles though fought in the same campaign, in which case we may regard the former as the night- surprise and the latter as the occasion when Gudarz lost nearly all his descendants. Giv distinguished himself at both battles. The " mountain- skirt " to which the Iranian army withdrew after its defeat seems to be that of the northern scarp of the province of Khurasan which still goes by the name of Daman-i-Kuh the term used in the poem, cf. p. 10. The historical Bahrain (Vardanes) was, 3 T ~33- See pp. 10, 11.
2 according to Tacitus, a king of exceptional valour and brilliancy.
The Prelude
THIS much achieved, the poet will present Another tale of yore how Kai Khusrau Sat on the throne and sent an armament Against Turan. Thus, if God's grace allow Mo life and health, shall I one story more Leave to the world from this famed book of lore.
1
V. 765
See C. Persian Preface,
p. 27.
Ann.
xi, 10.
16

in the
When
garth a cypress sendeth off
A
The
shoot, whose green top mounteth palace-high,
tree rejoiceth in the height thereof, Its prudent carriage, and prosperity,
The heart
of fortune nourisheth the shoot,
And
all
the world partaketh of the fruit.
If sovereignty to native
The wearer
of the
worth be due crown must needs do right

let
Three aspects of the matter
us view,
in sight
:
And
presently a fourth will
come
Accomplishment thou wilt not fail to find With high birth and with native worth combined.
are the three, and all in one content, For save in company with native worth How can there ever be accomplishment, And, lacking that, what scion of high birth Hast thou beheld ? High birth the father's seed Produceth, which may well fair fruitage breed.
Such
766
Accomplishment thou
learnest painfully
From
others, at the cost of

is
While native worth
robe of honour
a groan, of the three greatest given by God alone.
many
To these be wisdom added, that which will Discriminate for thee 'twixt good and ill.
When any man possesseth all the four He hath repose from travail, greed, and
But not from death
;
grief,
an evil, sore all others is no relief. there Beyond Now Kai Khusrau possessed all four, and he
that
is
;
Was
fashioned thus by heaven's destiny.
KAI KHUSRAU
17
How
the Nobles did
Homage
to
Kai Khusrau
When
Had
Kai Khusrau acceded, and the world been apprised, he sat upon the throne Of king of kings and donned the crown of greatness.
He meted justice
out to each, uprooting
Injustice from the earth. Then all the nobles, Possessed of crowns and sprung of royal race, With foreign monarchs, potentates, and magnates, Resorted to Khusrau there was no head
:
Not taken in his toils. He cultivated Waste lands and freed the mourners' hearts from woe The moisture rained down from the clouds in spring,
And cleansed the face of earth from rust and sorrow 'Twas decked like Paradise with goodly havings
By
reason of his justice and his bounty.
The world was full of happiness and peace, The hands of Ahriman were barred from ill, While envoys came from all the provinces,
V. 767
From
every
man
When
And
"
tidings
of name and potentate. had been carried to Nimruz,

chief, the
is
reached the
Lustre of the earth
The
And He summoned
To go
to offer
seated on the throne, glorious prince hath his foot upon the sky of power,"
his retainers
from
all sides
homage
to the Shah,
Departing on the journey in great state And much content with Zal the son of Sam The son of Nariman, and all the nobles,
Both great and
little of
Kabul
a host
Which made the desert as 'twere ebony What while the tymbals split the leopards' Zal with an escort led the way behind Came Rustam followed by the violet flag.
;
ears.
VOL.
ill.
When
Is
on
" The loyal tidings reached the Shah his way," the people as one man
:
Rustam
Arose prepared to go to welcome him. The Shah was glad and bade the courier
"
:
Take
Thy And
pleasure here, for

all
Rustam reared
my
father,
V. 768
The To set forth with the tymbals and the pipes, The drums beat at the portal of the Shah, And all the warriors assumed their helms. From every quarter of the land all went With flag and kettledrum to welcome Rustam While those in chief command with many troops Went forward two days' journey to receive him. As soon as Rustam's standard came in sight, And when the host's dust mounted o'er the sun, Shouts rose with sound of trump and kettledrum, And from the centre Giv, Gudarz, and Tus
;
eyes recognise his excellence." monarch ordered Giv, Gudarz, and Tiis
Approached in haste the elephantine
chieftain,
And gave him

All three of
salutations joyfully.
;
them embraced him
he meanwhile
asked about the Shah. lion-queller From Rustam they proceeded next to Zal,
The
The son of Sam, with open hearts and happy, Then turned to Faramarz, rejoiced to see him.
Thence they approached the Shah, approached
to gaze
Upon the glorious crown. Now Beheld the elephantine warrior
when Khusrau
Tears trickled from his eyelids down his cheeks. Descending from the throne he greeted Rustam,
Who
The
kissed the ground. The Shah said Live ever glad and happy, for thou art
foster-sire of
all
"
:
Paladin
Art of
He And sorrowed
Siyawush and likewise wise and reticent." breast the head of his clasped upon
men most
Zal,
for his
own
sire's
sake the while,
KAI KHUSRAU
19
Then seated both chiefs on the royal throne, And blessed them in God's name. When Rustam marked
From head to foot the person of the Shah, And how he sat, held converse, and advised,
cheek flushed up and his heart ached, of Siyawush. He thus addressed the world's king " To the world Thou art, O Shah the memory of thy sire. I have not seen a king with Grace like thine, Or one so like thy father."
hero's
The
So
much reminded him

!
When
they rose
They had the tables spread and wine prepared. Khusrau slept not till night was far advanced, But held more converse touching Avhat had chanced.
Hoiv Kai Khusrau made a Progress through his Realm
had drawn its shining scimitar, And dark night's head had vanished, rose the blare Of trumpets from the court-gate, and such chiefs As Tiis, Giidarz, and valiant Giv, Gurgin, Ruhham the Lion, Gustaharn, and others, Came to the Shah in that famed audience-hall. Now when they had assembled at his throne He said to them " I purpose to survey The glorious realm and marches of Iran. Go we in hunting wise and fleet a while
Sol
:
When
V. 769
In happiness."
The nobles all agreed. The monarch of the world went forth to hunt With Rustam, that illustrious paladin, With Giv, Giidarz son of Kishwad, Shdpiir,
Bahram, a wielder of the
scimitar,
20 Gurgi'n,
Bizhan expert in archery, Farhad and Zanga son-of Sh;iwaran, And one among the fighting-men, Guraza A host that darkened both the sun and moon With helmets, maces, coats of mail, and casques. The tracks and trackless waste were like a field Of battle with the corpses of the game.
And
Khusrau passed through the country of subsidised and peopled all the lands
;
Iran,
That then were uninhabited or ravaged, Or ruined by misgovernment he found
No He
toil
injustice or munificence. tarried in each city and set up

fitted fortune's favourite,
His throne as
Called for his purse and cup, and with dinars Decked all the world then sought another city,
;
V. 770
Conveying with him crown and throne and wine, Until with all the great men and the nobles He reached at length Azar Abadagan Then quaffing wine, and urging on his steed,
;
Approached the temple of Azargashasp, Prayed in that Fane of Fire and praised the Maker. He left in state to go back to Kaus, With whom they sat a merry company Not ceasing for a moment from their mirth
Till to their
And
all
heads the sparkling liquor went eagerly to seek repose.
rose,
How Kai Khusrau
sicare to
Kai Kdus
to
take Vengeance
on Afrdsiydb
When morn
gems
brought forth bright day, and scattered
Upon
the dusky ground, the world-lord sat
KAI KHUSRAU
21
With Kai Kaiis both noble, prosperous Shahs With Zal and valiant Rustam. Kai Kaiis
Discoursed at large on matters great and small,
And, first, in speaking of Afrasiyab, Bathed both his cheeks with blood-drops from his eyes, Recounting what that king had perpetrated On Siyawush, and how he had sent up Dust from fran, how many paladins Had died, and how their wives and children suffered,
Thus saying: "Thou behold est many Waste in Iran, wrecked by Afrasiyab.
cities
Since every needful, God-sent gift is thine Men, knowledge, might of hand, Grace, majesty,
favouring stars and thou in every point Of native worth art raised o'er other kings, I claim of thee an oath, and thou must keep it, That vengeance on Afrasiyab shall fill Thy heart, and thou shalt not allay that flame,
And
Regardless of his kinship with thy mother, And heeding not what any one may urge.
v. 771
Thou
shalt not be seduced by wealth or power, Howe'er thou be exalted or abased, Nor shalt thou turn aside to treat with him For mace or sword or throne or diadem.
I will declare the sanction of thine oath
One binding on thy wisdom and thy soul Swear by the righteous Judge of sun and moon, By crown, throne, casque, and signet, by the justice
:
Of Faridiin and by
his precedent,
The blood of Siyawush, thy life, The Grace, and by the favouring
Shah
stars divine,
That thou wilt never turn aside to ill, Wilt ask no arbiter but sword and mace, And rise above thyself in thy resolve." Whenas the youthful monarch heard the words He turned both face and soul toward the Fire,
22

:
And took an oath " By God, the Lord of all, By day resplendent and night azure-dim, By sun and moon, by throne and casque and signet, By sword and by the Shah's own diadem,
I never will incline toward amity For him, or dream of looking on his face." This they recorded in the olden tongue
V. 772
And And
With scented ink upon a royal Zal and Rustam signed as

likewise all the other
roll,
witnesses,
The written oath
attested in
mighty men. due form

feast,
Was
And
put
for safety into
When
this
Rustam's hands. was done they called for wine and

;
held a session of another kind
The nobles passed a week with harp and wine Within the hall of Kai Kaus. Khusrau
Then sought the
the eighth day bathed, composed himself, place of prayer, and, in the presence Of circling heaven's Lord, adored the Maker.
Upon
That night until the rising of the sun
He cried aloud with eyes fulfilled with tears, And said " O righteous Judge, the only God,
:
The World-lord, the Sustainer, and the Guide Thus didst deliver me, a hostless boy, Out of the Dragon's breath. Afrasiyab Thou knowest reckless, not afraid to injure;
His curse
v. 773
is
on the waste and peopled lands
Revenge against
him
fire
filleth guiltless hearts.
He
hath poured
upon these goodly
coasts,
Hath
sifted o'er the brave the dust of woe,
Unjustly shed the blood of Siyawush Upon the earth, and rent our souls thereby. The hearts of kings are filled with dread of him
His throne and diadem are this world's bane. Thou knowest that he is of evil nature, And both a miscreant and sorcerer."
KAI KHUSRAU
23
He
And
laid his
cheek
full oft
upon the ground,

all.
uttered praises to the Lord of
Departing thence he went back to the throne, And thus harangued the exalted paladins
:
"
name, my gallant hearts, have ridden through Iran, from the But, temple of Azargashasp To this place, seen not any one heart-glad,
ye
of
!
my men
And swordsmen
Possessed of riches or of lands in culture.

All have been injured by Afrasiyab, All hearts are filled with blood, all eyes with tears. I am the first whose liver thus he wounded,
So that
my soul
and body smart through him,

is
And
next there
that noble
Shah
my grandsire
V. 774
from his heart still heaveth chilly sighs, While men and women groan throughout Iran At massacre and pillage, war and raid. So now if ye are all my trusty friends, Devoted to me in your hearts indeed,
I will
Who
And
make ready to avenge my father, turn this evil from the Iranians.
renew the
tight,
;
If ye will, all of you,

Strive,
like pards, so too will I Plains in the battles of the brave shall turn
and contend
To mountains, and
for all the blood
shed there
Afrasiyab the criminal shall be Responsible. If any of our host

Shall
fall,
What
their place say ye then ?
is
Paradise above.
What answer do
ye give
Advise
me
well.
Afrasiyab, ye know,
Began the wrong. Requital should not rest." The chiefs prepared to answer and arose
With rancour
in their hearts.
They
said
"
:
Shah
Keep thy heart glad and ever free from care. Our bodies and our souls are wholly thine,
And
thine our grief and joy, our loss and gain.
24
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSl

all
We
of us are mother-born to die,
And all of us, though free men, are thy slaves." Whenas he heard this answer from the throng, From Tiis, Giidarz, and elephantine Rustam,
The Shah's cheek grew as red as cercis-bloom, For he was young in person and in fortune. He called down blessings on the company
;
v. 775
"
May
earth be peopled by the brave," said he.
How Kai
With matters
Till Sol
KJiusrau numbered the Paladins
in this stay the sky revolved appeared in Virgo then the Shah
;
Called
all
the archimages of the realm,
And spake to them
at large in fitting terms. closed the door of audience for two sennights, And had the muster-roll compiled afresh.
He
He
bade the commissaries to

of great
call
over
The names
and small, and had them written

five score
first
In solemn form befitting paladins.
The kin
of
Kai Kaiis
and ten
list,
Chiefs of the host
came
upon the
And
at their
head was Fariburz the son
Of Kai Kaiis
He
All
chose
the new Shah's kinsman. him eighty scions of Naudar, armed with maces and all warriors.
Next
Who
Of
Their leader was Zarasp the general, used to make their welfare his concern
In everything
Tiis
a crown of kings, the son
the lord of iron mace, of scimitar, And drum. Giidarz son of Kishwad came next, Whose counsels were the safeguard of the host.
His sons and grandsons numbered seventy-eight Brave mountaineers and horsemen of the plain
;
KAI KHUSRAU
They carried Kawa's standard and illumed The throne and fortune of the Kaian race. The seed of Gazhdaham were sixty-three,
25
And
great
men
all
their chief
The kinsmen
of Milad
was Gustaham. hundred horsemen
Gurgin. Tawaba's kindred numbered eighty-five Brave cavaliers, the wardens of the treasure,
Had
for their chief victorious
While Barta was the warden over them, illustrious of them all in fight. Next three and thirty scions of Pashang, Brave men, who bore the double-headed dart In battle-time, their chieftain was Rivniz A mighty man both valiant and discreet, Who used to go before the drums in war, The warriors' warden, son-in-law to Tiis. The kinsmen of Barzin, three score and ten
And most
v. 776
In sum,
all
Lions on the day of battle,
Had
over
them Farhad, himself an Anvil
Of steel in fight. Gurdza led in person His kinsmen five score and five warriors. Apart from these, the lords and paladins,
The princes and the mighty men of worship, Were more than any archimage could reckon,
So
many were
the chiefs with Grace and glory
They wrote upon the monarch's muster-roll
The names of all efficients, and the Shah Bade them to quit the city and march out Toward the wastes and plains. He said to them " About the ending of the month must rise The clarion-blast and sound of Indian bells, And all must march with joy against Tiiran." They bent their heads before him to the ground,
:
And all called blessings down upon him, saying " O Shah possessed of Grace divine and glory,
Who
givest lustre to the crown
and
girdle
26

all
We
are slaves, thine
is
the sovereignty,
thee."
From
Aries to Pisces
all for
How Kai Klmsrau
bestowed Treasures upon the Paladins
Wherever there were horses running wild Their keepers drove them to the camp in herds. " Let the lasso-throwers The Shah commanded
:
The
v. 777
warriors brazen- bodied in the fight Catch these swift Arab chargers in the noose."
Anon the conquering world-lord took his seat With mace in hand upon the throne of gold,
Unlocked
"
The
his treasury of dinars, and said treasures of the great should not be hidden.
:
In times of strife and fighting for revenge They look with scorn on treasure and dinars So all our wealth and thrones will we bestow Upon the brave, to make our Tree fruit sunward,
;
And why
With With
delay since treasure helpeth
them
"
?
A hundred
pieces of brocade of jewelled patterns on a golden ground, beaver-skins, gold raiment, and a goblet
Rum
Of royal gems he had these brought. " Behold," Said he, "the price set on the worthless head Of that fierce Dragon, murderous Paltishan,
Now made commander

That he
by Afrasiyab
Who
And
in our
upon the day of battle ? Bizhan the son of Giv sprang to his feet
steed to dust
may slumber while that chieftain watcheth. camp will bring his head and sword "
Forthwith, he undertook to slay that Dragon, And carried off the stuffs and cup of gold,
1
Piran
was
at that time in disgrace
with Afrdsiyab, owing to the
escape of Kai Khusrau.
See Vol.
ii.
p. 390.
KAI KHUSRAU
27
With
all
the jewels, blessing Kai Khusrau,

"
:
And
saying
May
this
crowned head
live for ever
"
!
Then went back to his seat retaining still The goblet with the jewels in his hand. The Shah then bade his treasurer to bring
v. 778
Two hundred robes of gold embroidery With beaver-skins, brocade, rich painted silk, And two slaves rosy-cheeked with girded loins, And thus he said " These presents will I give, And will confer more favours on, the man
:
That bringeth unto me, or to the chieftains Assembled here, the crown worn by Tazhav, Which crown Afrasiyab set on his head,
And
hailed
him
Who
And
"
Again Bizhan had a hand

seized
all
as a high-born son-in-law." the son of Giv arose,
far reaching in the fight, the upon presents and the slaves
;
While
assembled wondered
he exclaimed
May
Then The Shah commanded and the
earth be prosperous under Kai Khusrau sat down gladly giving many thanks.
treasurer
"
!
Brought out ten slave-boys with their girdles on, Ten steeds of rapid pace with golden bridles,
And
"
The watchful
ten veiled maidens in their bravery ruler of the people said

:
These steeds and

lion's heart.
all
these Beauties are for one
Who, when Tazhav hath
In battle A slave with cheeks
fled, need not possess Tazhav hath by his side one whose voice would tame a leopard,
like spring, of cypress-stature,
and with a pheasant's gait, Moon-face, Ispanwi by name, a Jasmine In visage, heart-alluring, breathing musk. Her captor must not strike her with the sword, For swords are not for such a cheek as hers,
reed-like waist
With
Tazhriv,
an Intnian by
birth,
had gone over
to Afrdsiyiib.
See
p. 75.
28
779
But noose her waist and take her to his bosom." Bizhan smote on his breast and volunteered Again. He drew anigh the all-conquering Shah, Began to laud the monarch of the world, And supplicate the Maker. The great king " Famous chief! Rejoiced in him and spake thus:
May paladin like thee ne'er help our foes, Ne'er may thine ardent soul and body part
Then
"
"
!
said the world-lord to the treasurer
Bring forth ten golden beakers from the hoard, And let them put pastilles therein bring also
;
Ten goblets of pure silver brimmed with jewels, One topaz goblet filled with musk, and one Of turquoise, one of lapis-lazuli, With emeralds and carnelians showered therein, Mixed with rose-water and with musk ten boy-slaves With belts, and ten fine steeds with golden bridles.
;
These
are,"
he
"
said,
for
him who, having
strength
To
fight Tazhav upon the day of battle, Shall bear his head off from the stricken
field,
And
bring
it
to the warriors of the host."
Then Giv son
of Giidarz
smote on his
breast,
And undertook
to fight that paladin, Whereat they brought those noble slaves And set them in array in front of him.
and
gifts,
He called down many blessings on the Shah, And said " May crown and signet ne'er lack The Shah commanded then the treasurer
: :
thee."
"
And mix
Set out ten golden trays before the throne, in them dinars and musk and jewels;
Set too ten Fairy-faced with crowns and girdles, Two hundred beaver-skins, brocade of gold,
Ten
This
girdles, and a royal diadem. " is for him," he said, that grudgeth not
His labour for the sake of fame and treasure. Let such depart hence to the Kasa rud,
KAI KHUSRAU
29
And
He
will
there salute the soul of Siyawush. behold a mighty pile of fire-wood,
Whose
height
is
greater than ten lassos' length.
It is a pile raised
by Afrasiyab whereat he crossed the river. the Upon spot He wished that none should pass there from Iran Turan-ward. Some bold warrior must go hence,
780
And make
So that
if
the Kasa riid a sheet of flame, e'er it be the scene of fight

for the foe."
"
:
The wood may prove no cover

Again Giv spake
This
is
my
quarry
mine
Shall be the task to set the pile a-blaze. I fear not combat if the foe shall come,
But will invite the vultures to a feast." The Shah bestowed on Giv those goods
:
as well,
l
!
And said to him " Famed chieftain of the host May this bright crown ne'er lack thy sword. " So Oh may the Brahman never lack the Idol He ordered " Let the treasurer produce
! !
be
it.
Forthwith a hundred divers-hued brocades," Chose from his hoards a hundred lustrous pearls " All drops of water frozen," thou wouldst say And brought out from the women's bower five handmaids, Whose heads and tresses were concealed by crowns. He said " This is a present meet for one
:
Whose wisdom
is
the king of his pure
mind
A daring, prudent man and eloquent, Who turneth not from lions in the fight
If
will carry to Afrasiyab message, weeping not for dread of

will
he
And
convey his answer back
to
him, me.
"
?
Who
And
of this noble
company
will
dare
Gurgin son of Milad held forth his hand, gat him ready for that enterprise. The Shah bestowed on him the slaves, the robes
1
Reading with
P.
30
Of gold-einbroidery, and royal gems.
He called down blessings on the Shah and said " " May wisdom wed the soul of Kai Khusrau
!
v. 781
v. 782
Whenas earth's face grew black as raven's plumes, And when night's Lamp rose o'er the hills, the Shah Went to his palace, and his mighty men Departed, each one to his home again.
How Kai Khusrau
sent
Rustam
to the
Land
of
Hind
When daylight made the hills like sandarac, And cockcrows reached the clouds, the
matchless
Rustam With Faramarz and with Zawara came Before the Shah to speak about Iran, The crown, the state, and matters great and small. Then Rustam said " Illustrious, glorious Shah
: !
a district in Zabulistan, There That formed a portion of the realm of Tur

is
Minuchihr drave all the Turkmans out. a goodly and a glorious land But when Kaiis grew hoar and spiritless, When fame, the Grace, and prowess quitted him, Turanians seized it and Iranians ceased
Till
It
is
Therein. 1
The
and
783
Both toll The march is full of elephants and treasure. The innocent are troubled by this folk With constant pillage, massacre, and raid,
carry to Tiiran tribute, heeding not the Shah.
folk
now
the insolency of Turan. 2 Now that the kingship of Iran is thine, Thine from the ant's foot to the lion's claws,
all
1
And
See Introductory Note to this Part. Or " And have rebelled against Turdnian pride."
KAI KHUSRAU
'Twere well to send a valiant paladin,
31
And mighty
host, to make this people bring Their tribute to the Shah and look to him.
we can defeat Tiiran." The Shah said " Live for ever Thou Take order for sufficiency of troops,
This region ours
:
!
art right.
Selecting
Its
all
For since the
the famous warriors, district marcheth with thine

will
own
be worthy of thy fame. purchase a Commit mighty host to Fanimarz,
As many warriors as shall suffice. The business will succeed with him
Will catch the crocodiles."
his
hook
With
The paladin cheeks called flushing many a blessing down the who bade the chamberlain Shah, Upon
wine, call minstrelsy, listened spell-bound to their melody.
v. 784
To spread the board, bring
And
Hoic Kai Khusrau reviewed the Host
When
bright Sol rose above the hills, and when The minstrels tired of song, the kettledrums Clanged at the court-gate and the troops drew up
Before the palace. On the elephants They bound the tymbals and the trumpets blared.
Upon one
elephant they set a throne

;
That royal Tree bore fruit the Shah came forth, And took his seat, crowned with a jewelled casque. He wore a torque of royal gems and held An ox-head mace. Two earrings, decked with pearls And precious stones, depended from his ears His bracelets were of jewels set in gold His belt was pearls and gold and emeralds.
;
;
32
THE SHAHNAM-A OF FIRDAUSI
V. 785
His elephant with golden bells and bridle Proceeded to the centre of the host. He had with him the ball within the cup The shouting of the army rose to Saturn The earth grew black and heaven azure-dim With all the swords and maces, drums and dust Thou wouldst have said " The sun is in a net," Or " Water hath o'erwhelrned the arching sky " The clearest sight could not behold the world, Or gaze upon the sky and stars for spears Thou wouldst have said " The billows of the sea Are rising," as the host marched troop by troop. They brought the camp-enclosure from the palace Forth to the plain, and shoutings frayed the skies. The custom was that when that famous Shah
;
Upon
his elephant let fall the ball
Within the cup, and girt his loins, no place Remained for any one throughout the realm Save at the Shah's own gate. Such was the token To all his realm of that famed king of chiefs. The Shah remained upon his elephant On that broad plain to see the troops march past.
First to defile before the world's
new
lord
Was Fariburz with golden boots, with mace, And sword. Behind him was his flag sun-blazoned. He rode a chestnut steed, his lasso coiled Was in the saddle-straps. He passed along
In pride with Grace and
lustre, his retainers
Were
The
buried in their gold and silver trappings. " world-lord blessed him, saying May
:
the
greatness
And Grace of heroes ever be thine own, Thy fortune triumph in each enterprise, Thy whole existence be a New Year's Day May health be thine in all thy goings forth, And no intirmity on thy return."
;
KAI KHUSRAU
Behind him was Gudarz son of Kishwad,
33
Whose
lion clutching
counsel brought the world prosperity. mace and scimitar

flag that followed
Was
charged upon the

his left
him.
his right the noble Giv Shidiish Behind him bore the banner lion-charged, Which threw a violet lustre on the ground, While thousands of exalted warriors followed, All cavaliers and armed with lengthy lances. Behind Giv and accompanied by troops His sable banner came charged with a wolf, While of Ruhham, that man of high ambition, The flag rose cloud ward tiger-charged. These sons And grandsons of Giidarz were seventy-eight In number, and they crowded that broad plain, Each followed by his flag distinct in hue All valiant men with swords and golden boots. "The whole world," thou hadst said, "is 'neath
;
Upon And on
hand marched the brave Ruhham,
V. 786
Gudarz, chiefs' heads are beneath his scimitar." He called down blessings on the crown and throne As he approached the Shah returned the blessings On him, on Giv, and all his warriors.
The
The next behind Gudarz was Gustaham, The son of Gazhdaham the vigilant
;
His weapon in the battle was a spear, His comrades were a bow and poplar arrows And when a shaft went flying from his arm 'Twould pierce a rock or anvil to the core. He was attended by a mighty host With maces, scimitars, and rich array. His banner blazoned with a moon waved o'er him, And raised its head resplendent to the clouds. He called down benedictions on the Shah, Who gloried in him. Next came shrewd Ashkash, VOL. III. C
;
34
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf
Endowed with prudent
heart and ready brain. His troops were from Baluchistan and Kutch, And very rams to fight. No one had seen Their backs in battle or one finger mailless Their banner was a pard with claws projecting.
;
V. 787
Ashkash felicitated Kai Khusrau At large upon the happy turn of fortune. Meanwhile the Shah upon his elephant Surveyed the troops, whose ranks stretched out two
miles,
in abundant satisfaction blessed His sleepless fortune and his glorious land. Behind Ashkash was well approved Farhad, Who tendered all the troops, and everywhere
And
Was like their foster-father in the fight. He had a banner charged with a gazelle,
Whose shadow
With Turkman
They
all
all
fell
upon him
as he rode.
His troops were
equipped with Indian swords, armour and with Sughdian saddles.

all
And
The
were princely scions of Kubad, were dowered with God's Grace and with
;
justice face of each
was
And
like the shining
like the shining moon, sun in battlefield.
Farhad beheld the throne's new occupant, And called down blessings on the youthful Shah.
Guraza, eldest offspring of Givgan, Came next accompanied by all his kin, A favourite in whom the Shah rejoiced. 1
Upon
his saddle
was a lasso coiled
He
bore a banner blazoned with a boar
His troops were warriors and lasso-Singers. These cavaliers and heroes of the plain Saluted many times and then marched past. Behind him Zanga son of Shawanin
1
Reading with
P.
jj
KAI KHUSRAU
35
Came
rushing with his gallant hearts and chieftains. Behind him was his flag charged with an eagle, And as a moving mountain so moved he. Ofttimes he called down blessings on the Shah, His mien and stature, sword and signet-ring. All that were from the country of Baghdad Were armed with lances and steel swords, and marched Beneath the eagle while their general Himself was seated on an elephant. Behind, him was the valiant Fardmarz Of noble stature, Grace, and majesty, With tymbals, elephants, and many troops, All eager for the fray, and mighty men Brought from Kashmir, Kabulistan, Nimruz, All noble and the lustre of the world. He had a banner like his valiant sire's That Rustam who could be surpassed by none
V. 788
With seven
said.
The heads as of a dragon That had escaped from bonds," thou wouldst have
heads,
"
In favour like a
fruitful tree
he came,
And
uttered
Who
"
many a blessing on the Shah, with a heart that joyed at Faramarz

to
Gave him much prudent rede and said The nursling of the elephantine chief
him
Will be pre-eminent among the people. Thou art the son of wary-hearted Rustam,
Thou
art
is
from Zal
Sam's son
and Nariman.
Now
the land of Hindustan thine own, All from Kanmij up to Sistan is thine
;
So bear thyself that harm
may
not befall
Him
that assayeth not to fight with thee.
In every place be thou the poor man's friend, Be noble unto those of thine own kin, See heedfully what friends thou hast, and who
789
Are men of wisdom and can soothe thy
griefs,
36

'
Give, entertain, and never say
To-rnorrow.'
?
know'st thou what to-morrow will bring forth I have bestowed on thee this kingship. Hold it. Make no war anywhere in wantonness, Be not in youth acquisitive of treasure,
How
And
Aggrieve not any that hath not grieved thee, trust not thou this treacherous dwelling-place
Tis sandarac
and ebony by
turns.
Thy duty
is
to leave a noble
name,
And mayst thou

For thee and
never have a sorry heart.
me alike the day will pass, reckon up thy breaths. heaven turning Thou need'st a happy heart, a body hale
And
;
Consider
May He And smoke
a third thing is to seek. who made the world be gracious to thee,

if
fill
thy
foes' hearts."
The chief, on hearing The words of this new master of the world, Dismounted from his fleet steed, and invoked Full many a blessing on the young Shah, saying " Mayst thou wax even as the new moon waxeth."
:
kissed the ground and, having done obeisance, Turned and departed on his longsome journey,
He
While matchless Rustam, with his brain distraught At losing Faramarz, accompanied
V. 790
His son two leagues, instructing him withal In warfare, feast, and wisdom, wishing him
V. 791
life
of joy; then sadly turned
and went
Back from the desert to the tent-enclosure. The Shah got off his lusty elephant,
And, mounting on a rapid-footed steed, Withdrew in state to his pavilion, With aching heart and deeply pondering. When Rustarn had returned the wine was brought Khusrau filled up a mighty bowl, and said " Mirth as thy mate sufficeth, and no sage
:
KAI KHUSRAU
Will
37
name to-morrow.
Faridiin
?
Where
are Tiir
and Salm
!
And
All lost and one with dust

toil
We
go about and
and gather wealth,
Yet frustrate all the wishes of our hearts, Since in the end the dust will be our share, And not one of us will escape that day. 1 Fleet we the darksome night with goblets brimmed, And when day coineth with its measured steps We will command that Tiis shall blow the trumpet, That tymbal, kettledrum, and clarion sound
;
Then
shall
we
see o'er
whom
the turning sky
Will stretch
its
hand
in love in this campaign.

?
yet what profit is our toil to us Since from the first what is to be will be
And
We shall be quit alike of good Why should a wise man gorge

Still
and
ill
himself with care
by the aid of Him who made us all I will take vengeance for my father's fall"
THE STORY OF FARUD THE SON OF SIYAWUSH
The Prelude
Let no king, great and warlike though he be, Intrust his army to an enemy,
V. 792
One from whose
eyelids tears of
envy pour,
to cure
;
Tears such as leeches
know no drugs
For such a man, if of a noble race, Will chafe to be denied the highest place, To be a slave with wish insatiate,
1
The
speaker, however, proved to be an exception.
38

as others
And only speak No wisdom can
may
dictate.
the monarch's heart attend
Who
For
calleth such a
man
as this a friend,
heaven hostile to his wishes prove, And hath no blessing for him in its love, He will be prone to act no friendly part
if
;
The thwarted wish will rankle in his heart. No sage would reckon him a man at all That hath not wisdom for his pedestal,
And thou
wilt see,
evil
when thou
shalt hear this tale,
How
far
an
nature
may
prevail.
I0
How
Tits
went
to
Turldstdn
When
And
Sol arose in
all its
majesty,
sat
upon
its lofty
eminence,
V. 793
Ascendant in the Sign of Aries, While all the world became like golden wine, The tyinbals sounded from the court of Tus With blare of trump and roll of kettledrum. The battle-shout went up throughout the realm, The air was full of war-cries, earth of turmoil. The neighs and the shouts frayed Luna from her course, While from the clash of arms and trumpeting Of elephants thou wouldst have said " The Nile " The air was yellow, Hath overflowed the world Red, blue, and violet as Kawa's standard 'Mid cavaliers the kinsmen of Giidarz Waved. Kai Khusrau with crown and mace and
:
!
trumpets
Came
to the entering in of his pavilion.
Tus with the golden boots and Kawa's flag Set forth and with the great men that wore torques
KAI KHUSRAU
39
And crowns the aspiring kindred of Naudar Went proudly from the host before Khusrau.
The banner
Its
o'er
them bore an
elephant,
golden staff-head rising to the clouds. They went together, like a darksome mountain,
And sun and

With
flags
rnoon ceased shining.
When
they came
and helms
in haste before the
Shah
He
bade the chieftain
The
Tiis present to him warriors of distinction in the host,
And
thus addressed them: " Tiis

;
is
chief;
he hath
The flag of Kawa do as he commandeth." Then in their sight he gave his signet-ring To Tiis, and said " He is your chief and leader." To Tiis himself he said " Be true to me, And mark mine institutions and commands No one must be molested on the march, Such is the custom of my crown and throne.
:
:
Let no cold blast
befall the
Or
artisan, or one that

;
husbandman, armeth not
V. 794
Against thee strive but with antagonists. Refrain from troubling those who are at ease Since all will have to quit this Wayside Inn. Thou shalt on no account pass by Kalat,
For,
if
thou dost, things

all
will
go hard with thee.
To Siyawush
His place
(his soul be as the sun,
hopeful in the other world
!)
The daughter of Piran once bare a child l But little shown in public by his sire.
mine own age, high-fortuned, mother at Kalat who hath the Grace and troops. A world-lord he He knoweth no Iranian e'en by name, And from that quarter thou must turn thy bridle, For he hath troops and famous men of war
is
He He
is
my
brother and resembleth me.
a youth of
And
liveth with his
See Vol.
ii.
p. 291.
40
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt

steep and hard to reach. warlike cavalier,
Upon a mountain He is a brave and
Great through his native worth and famed of person, And therefore thou must take the desert-road It is not well to touch the claws of lions."
:
Tus answered " In thy counsels is success, By that way which thou biddest will I go, For good alone must come of thy behest." He then departed quickly, and the Shah Returned with loyal Rustam to the throne,
:
Where
The
V. 795
He
with that elephantine hero, lords, archmages, and the stainless princes, spake at large about Afrasiyab,
sitting
His own heart's anguish and his father's wrongs. Tus for his part with all his warriors Came to a place where two roads met the one Went through a desert dry and waterless, The other by Kalat and toward Charam. The elephants and kettledrums were halted Till Tus the general should come up, that so The host might take the road that pleased him best. When Tus had at his leisure reached the chiefs He spake about the waterless, hot road
; ;
Then
to Giidarz
"
:
Although
this arid waste
Yield ambergris for dust and musk for soil, Still on a long and toilsome march we need
V. 796
Repose and water. Our best route will be Kalat, Charam, encamping at Mayam, With streams and fertile country on both sides Why choose a desert and its miseries ? I went along that way in former times, When Gazhdaham was leader of the host, And never saw so troublesome a road Although the ups and downs are few enough. Tis best to march along the other route, And measure not the desert and its leagues."
KAI KHUSRAU
"
:
41
Giidarz replied The noble Shah made thee Commander of this host lead as he bade Make not the troops' march grievous. They should not By disobedience to the great king's orders
;
;
Be injured
thus."
Tiis said
;
O famous warrior Think not such things this will not vex the Shah, And therefore need not be a grief to thee." He spake and bade the army to proceed, And march toward Kalat and to Charam And, since Khusrau's commands he minded not, See what a Tempest proved at last his lot
: !
"
ii
How Farud
ened
heard of the Coming o/ Tus

"
:
News reached Farud
The bright
sun's face
is
darkv. 797
By dust raised by the feet of elephants And camels earth is like the river Nile. Thy brother's army marcheth from Iran
;
Against Turan for vengeance, purposing To take the road that leadeth to Kalat.
I
know not where
their battlefield will be."
The inexperienced youth on hearing this Grew very sore of heart and dark of soul. He came down from the hold, unbarred the
gate,
And going forth surveyed the lofty mountain. At his command they brought in all the camels,
The sheep, and horses none remained on waste Or hill he drove them all toward Mount Sapad
;
;
And toward Ambiih, returned, secured the gate, And mounted on a rapid-footed steed. When from May am the sound of drums arose, And from Charam dust-clouds like ebony,
42

from the
castle-roof,
Jarira, gazing
Felt her heart throb in terror of that host.
To
her, his mother,
came the young

!
Fariid,
And
A
798
from Iran host hath come with elephants and tymbals,

said
:
"
chief of ladies
And Tiis the general is in command. What sayest thou ? What is the course
to take
We
must prevent him from attacking Jarira said to him " warrior Be all thy days as fortunate as this Thy brother is the new Shah of Iran
: ! !
us."
Kai Khusrau, and he Well knoweth both thy name and native worth. One father's blood and bone are in you both, And Siyawush was peerless in the world. Well may the age applaud him At the outset Piran gave me to him he would not else
world-lord shrewd
is
!
Have sought
Turkman
spouse.
Thus thy descent
On
both sides
is
illustrious
and
royal.
Now,
And Thou
since thy brother seeketh to avenge, vindicate, the soul of Siyawush,
shouldst be foremost in the race for vengeance,

it.
In making ready and exacting
Don Human mail and go with raging heart, And shouts of battle ringing in thy head,
For, since he seeketh vengeance
Thy
on your grandsire, not be should revenge, policy, part
In that this grief
may
well
make
leopards wail,
river.
And
The
crocodiles
birds too
come groaning from the

fishes in the
and the
water
Call curses
down upon
Afrasiyab,
For in the whole world not one sovereign That girdeth girdle is like Siyawush In prowess, manhood, fortune, and high birth, In glory, weight, intelligence, and justice.
Thou
art the son of that world-famous chief,
KAI KHUSRAU
Art of the Kaian seed and look'st it too Thou must gird up thy loins then to avenge
!
43
799
and prove thy birth and native worth. Thy See who the leader is of yonder host,
sire
Show
And
hospitality, invite the lords, set upon the tables wine and gifts
Of scimitars, of helmets, of horse-armour, Of coats of mail, and Indian swords. Thy brother
Is
wealth sufficient for thee in this world.
Shall such just vengeance fall to aliens ? At this conjuncture lead his troops thyself,
New
in revenge as
"
:
he
is
Fariid said
Which
of
new in reign." them must I address
Since I must have some helper 'mid these men, These men so haughty on the day of battle,
Because
know not one of them by name ? How shall I send them greeting and a message
I
"
?
Jarira answered
"
:
In the dust afar
Raised by the host look for two cavaliers, Bahrdm and Zanga son of Shawaran.
Search for the blazons of these two great heroes, For thou and I have nothing hid from them.
Oh may thy head and name survive for ever, And may the soul of Siyawush be bright He and these twain were never separable,
! !
They were
his lords,
he was their over-lord.
Go with Tukhar, but with no further escort, And do not in thy heart misprize my words
When
thou shalt ask about the chiefs and warriors

will point
The brave Tukhar
them
out, for he,
Well knowing all the Iranians, great and small, Will show thee sheep and shepherds." "Noble lady!"
" Replied Farud, thy rede enlighteneth Thy kin and folk."
8o
watchman from the look-out
44
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSt

:
Came, told Farud about that host, and said " The mountains, vales, and plains are filled with troops, And thou wouldst say The sun is put in duress The expanse of rock up to the castle-door " Is all flag, elephant, and warrior
' '
: !
12
to
How Farud
and Tukhdr went
mew
the
Host
Tukhar departed with Farud a youth Whom fortune had abandoned. Whensoever The sky above us is untowardly
gentleness or rage availeth thee. They chose the summit of a lofty mountain,
No
Commanding all the army of Iran, And marvelled at the troops and their
The youth
"
equipment.
:
said to his confidant
Tukhar
Conceal not aught of what I ask of thee. Tell me the names of all that thou beholdest
The man of rank, the bearer of the flag, The lord of partisan and golden boot
thou recognisest of Iran." defiled between two mountains, And what with golden helm and golden shield, With golden ax and golden partisan, Thou wouldst have said " No gold is left unmined, A cloud hath risen and rained jewelry " The roar of kettledrums along the pass
All
whom
The Iranian host
V. 801
Affrayed the vultures as they flew o'erhead,
While thirty thousand sword and buckler men Marched bravely on in all points dight for war. Now when Tukhar had scanned the host, the prince Began to question him. That expert answered " I will clear up what is obscure to thee
: :
Know
that yon flag charged with an elephant,
KAI KHUSRAU
Those horsemen, and those blue steel scimitars, Belong to noble Tus the general A bad opponent when he seeketh vengeance. Behind him is another standard bearing A blazing sun 'tis that of Fariburz,
:
45
Son
of Kaus, a general, thine uncle, man of Grace and purpose. Next to

is
him
There
With Call Gustaham the son
a mighty flag, its charge a moon, many valiant warriors. The chief
of
Gazhdaham,
Whom
no two-headed dart or club affrayeth. Next yon tall flag charged with an onager, Encompassed by a band of warriors,
Is over
Zanga son
troops are
of Shawaran,
mighty men. The flag behind That hath a moon on red, with musk-black fringes,
Belongeth to Giv's son Bi'zhan who spurteth Blood to the sky. The flag charged with a tiger
Whose
One that would make a mighty lion burst, And, thou wouldst say, is leaping from its field Is borne by brave Shidush, while that behind him,
Whose
As
a wild boar, One to bring,' that wouldst say, the heavens to the shears/
blazon
is
'
'
Pertaineth to a brave chief hight Guraza, Who counteth it but sport to fight a lion.
blazoned with a buffalo, With cavaliers behind and chiefs in front,

flag
The next
Is
famed Farhad's, the choicest

'
:
of the chiefs
Thou wouldest say His stature is sky-high.' The banner with a wolf for its device
Betokeneth the valiant chieftain Giv. The banner with the lion wrought in gold Is floating o'er Giidarz son of Kishwad. The streaming standard blazoned with a pard Precedeth proud, imperious Rivniz. The banner that is charged with a gazelle
v. 802
46
Belongeth to Nastiih son of Giidarz, And to his troops that with the mountain-sheep Pertaineth to another son Bahram. They all are lion-men brave cavaliers; To name each one were tedious." Thus he told
;
The blazons
of the chiefs to prince Fariid,
Who
viewed all, great and small. His heart grew glad, His cheek flushed, 1 and he spake thus to Tukhar " We shall take vengeance for my sire with ease I will not leave in Chin or in Machin
: !
cavalier,
when
battling for revenge,

2
But catch the Dragon To straits."

Fariid
and reduce
their throne
Now when
the Iranians had descried
upon the mountain with Tukhar, Tus the commander was incensed, and caused
The drums and elephants

V. 803
to halt.
He
said
need an enterprising cavalier to the mountain-top to learn Who these two warriors are and wherefore there. If they be ours let him bestow on them Two hundred lashes on their heads, if foes Bind them and drag them hither faces downward
"
We
To hasten
If
they be slain still let him drag them hither Along the dust and have no fear of any,
While if they shall prove spies, who want to take The number of our forces secretly, Let him cleave both asunder on the spot, Then fling them down the mountain and return But if a countless host be ambushed there, Whereof a straggling few have shown themselves, Let him return and give the intelligence To us forthwith, and we will drive them thence."
;
Reading with P.
Afrdsiydb.
KAI KHUSRAU
47
13
How
"
Bahrain came
tu
Farud upon
the
:
Mountain
Bahrain son of Giidarz said to the chief This matter shall not be concealed from I will go forth to do as thou hast said,
us.
And
scale the mountain-top."
He
And went
full of
:
struck his steed,
surmise toward the height.
Farud said to Tukhar " Who is this man That cometh hither with such insolence ? Good sooth he taketh no account of us At all, but cometh up the steep apace
!
!
He rideth a bay charger with Hung in his saddle-straps."

"
a lasso
The counsellor
Replied
I
:
He
is
not one to treat with rudeness.
know him not by token or by name, But take him for a kinsman of Giidarz.
Tiiran
l
;
When Kai Khusrau departed from He took a helmet of Afrasiyab's

It is rnethinketh
on that horseman's head,
v. 804
And he hath royal mail to correspond. He must be of the kindred of Giidarz

;
So
let
us ope our
lips
and question him."

:
Bahram, when he came nearer to the crest, Cried as a cloud might thunder " Who art thou Upon the mountain-top ? Dost thou not see
Yon And
Of
"
countless host, or hear their clamouring din of drums ? Or art thou not afraid
"
?
Tiis their watchful leader
Then the prince Thou wast not rudely treated be not rude. Let no harsh challenge veteran Good words, Pollute thy lips. Thou art no warlike lion,
: !
See Vol.
ii.
p. 377.
48
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSf

I am not a desert-onager are not to be treated in this fashion.
;
And
We
Thou
art in
no way
my
superior
In courage or in manliness or strength, While as for head, foot, hand, heart, brain, and wits,
Tongue speaking
fluently
and eyes and ears
See if I too possess them and, if so, Forbear to threaten in thy foolishness. If thou wilt answer I will ask thee somewhat,
And
And
Bahram
I
shall rejoice if thou advise me well." " said : Ask away Thou art hi
!
heaven
am
on the earth."
" "
Inquired Farud,
Who is your leader," and wherefore make ye war ? " Bahram said " Tus is leader for he hath The drums and Kawa's flag. Of warriors There are Gudarz, Ruhham, and Giv, Shidush, Gurgin, Farhad the valiant, Gustaham, With Zanga son of Shawaran, and chief Of all the clan of fighting-men Guraza." Farud returned " Why nam'st thou not Bahram,
:
:
And
V. 805
leavest thus the matter incomplete In him of all the offspring of Gudarz
We
most
rejoice,
and yet thou nam'st him not

"
:
!
!"
Bahram
Who
lion-man replied to him wise of Bahram in such to thee spake

: ' :
"
?
Farud said " From my mother heard I of him. Now when the host approacheth She said to me Meet it and summon forth Bahram, and also
A noble,
Zanga son of Shawaran, Because they are thy father's foster-brothers, And thou mayst well inquire for news of them.'
"
Then thus Bahram

So thou
"
:
fortune's favourite
!
Thou
art Fruit of that Imperial Tree Live long art Farud, young prince
!
and happy
:
"
!
He
answered
"
:
Yea, I
am
indeed Farud
KAI KHUSRAU
hath put forth a Shoot." " Display to me thy person, rejoined mark of Siyawush." l the to me Display Thereat Fariid showed to Bahram his arm. A mole of ambergris on rosy flesh Was there a picture such as none on earth Could skill to limn with compasses from Chin. Bahram perceived " He cometh from Kubad Through Siyawush," then blessed him, did obeisance,
fallen Cypress
49
The
Bahram
And
scaled the lofty steep. The prince dismounted, Sat on a rock, rejoicing, and thus said " Exalted, shrewd, and Lion of the fight
:
!
Were my two
In sooth
it
eyes to see
my
sire alive
would not be a greater joy To me than to behold thee glad and happy, Accomplished, wary, and a paladin.
came upon this mountain-top to ask About the heroes of the Iranian host, And learn who are their chief and men
I
V. 806
of
name.
provide a feast such as I can, Will entertain their paladin with joy,
I will
Give many
gifts of horses,
And
scimitars, then
march
maces, belts, forth seared of heart
Before the host against Tiiran for vengeance.
The quest befitteth me who am fierce fire When mounted on my saddle in the combat. Be pleased to ask the paladin to come With glad heart to the mountain, there to spend A week that we may well advise together. Upon the eighth day, when the tymbal soundeth, And Tiis the general mounteth on his steed,
avenge my father, And, in the anguish of my heart, provide A conflict which shall teach the warrior-lion,
I will
make ready
to
Similarly Giv desired to see the birth-mark of Kai Khusrau,

ii.
Vol.
p.
372.
III.
VOL.
50
While vultures' feathers testify aloft, That 'tis no common noble of the world
Who
girdeth
him
Bahram
for "
: !
replied
vengeance such as this." prince young and accomplished,
while urging Compliance. Still our chieftain is not wise, His head and brains brook not good counselling.
And valiant cavalier I will report Thy words to Tus. and kiss his hand
He
is
But nameth
accomplished, rich, and nobly born, not the Shah. When Giv
brought
home
That glorious one, Tus was provoked with him, Giidarz, and Giv, supported Fariburz, And said I am descended from Naudar The kingship of the world is rightly mine.'
' : :
V. 807
He very well may disregard my words, And in his anger quarrel with myself.
any one but I shall come to thee Let him not look upon thy head and helmet. Tus said to me See who is on the summit, him not But ask what he is doing there.
If
'
:
To talk with sword and mace will be enough, For why should any one be there to-day ? When he is calm I will return to thee With good news and conduct thee to our host,
'
Rejoicing
but
if
any one approach
Except myself put little faith in him. More than a single horseman will not come To thee, such is our noble leader's rule. Consider well what is the wisest course, Take refuge in the hold and quit this spot." Fariid took from his belt a turquoise mace With golden haft. " Accept of this," he said, " A keepsake from me it will prove of service. If Tus the general be well-disposed We will have merry hearts and great content,
;
KAI KHUSRAU
51
And
I will furnish further other things,

sells,
Steeds,
gold, crowns,
and royal
signet-rings."
14
How Bohrdm
Bahram returning
said to
went back
:
to
Tus
Tus " May wisdom And thy pure soul be mates This is Farud, The son of guiltless, murdered Siy awush He showed to me the mark which all the race Inherit from Kaus and Kai Kubad." The overbearing general replied " The host, the trumpets, and the drums are mine. My words to thee were Bring the man to me, Ask him no questions.' If he be a king Who then am I, and wherefore am I here
! ! : ' :
V. 808
With
this array
A man
oil
of
Turkman
race,
Like some black raven
the mountain there, Is hindering the progress of the troops Among the froward offspring of Giidarz
!
can see naught but mischief to the host. Thou wast afraid of one unskilful horseman
It
was no savage Lion on the height. He. saw our host, and duped thee. Thou hast gone " Both up and down for naught Then to the chiefs
!
"
men
of
name and
slayers of the foe
To
need some noble and aspiring man face the height and Turkman, to behead him, And bring his head to me before the host."
Rivniz girt up his loins for that encounter,
cost his
!
Which
'
life.
Then
said
Bahram
:
to
Tus
paladin stain not thy soul so rashly. Revere the Ruler of the sun and moon
Respect the Shah, for yonder is his kinsman A famous horseman and a warrior
;
52
And even
if a hundred cavaliers Should go against him to the mountain-top They would not 'scape his clutches with their
lives
Thou
v. 809
but bring glad hearts to misery." This angered Tiis, who would not be advised, But bade some chiefs to hasten to the mountain,
wilt
And many
But
"
valiant
Their heads to
men rushed forth and raised make an onslaught on Farud,

;
not," thus spake brave Bahrain to them, This matter lightly he on yonder height Is of Khusrau's own kin, one hair of whom Is better than a hundred paladins.
"
Hold
He
that ne'er saw the face of Siyawush
Will find repose in gazing on his son." Now when Bahrain told of Farud the
men
That had
set forth retraced their steps again.
15
How
Then
Of
for the
Rivniz icas slain by Fartid
second time the son-in-law
Tiis
came
And
left
forth the laughing-stock of heaventhe road that leadeth to Charam
For Mount Sapacl, his fierce heart set on outrage. Farud descried him from the mountain-top, And, drawing from its case his royal bow, " Tiis hath spurned Said to Tukhar the veteran
:
The message, Hath come

!
for a
horseman not Bahram
See
if
Why
With
My heart is confident but heavy. thou canst remember who he is. is he clad in mail from head to foot ?
'
Tukhar
"
replied
A valiant
is
cavalier,
Rivniz by name.
He
forty sisters like
an only son the jocund spring.
He
is
unscrupulous,
sly, plausible,
KAI KHUSRAU
Accomplished, young, and son-in-law to Tiis." Fariid returned " Such, talk is not for war-time.
:
53
combat I will send him To sleep upon his sisters' skirts. If merely Mine arrow make him feel its wind in passing, And he surviveth, hold me not a man. Which shall mine arrow slay the horse or rider ? How sayest thou, O veteran Tukhar ? " Tukhar replied: " The time for strife hath come. 1
If
he approach
for
V. 810
Loose at the man perchance the heart of Tiis May be perturbed for him. Tiis knoweth not Thy resolution for thou soughtest peace If he attacketh thee in wantonness
;
;
He will but bring disgrace upon thy When sword in hand Rivniz drew
And pinned
brother."
nigh, Fariid
Strung his curved bow, shot down a poplar shaft, the Human helmet to the head Of him that came. He fell. His fleet steed left him.
Tiis,
Rivniz came headlong to the dust. When The general, beheld this from Mayam
The mountain disappeared before his eyes Now wisdom hath a saw in this regard " Man's evil nature is its own reward."
:
How
Zarasp was slain by Farud

:
Then Tiis said to Zarasp " Let thy heart flame As 'twere Azargashasp, don horsemen's armour, And take good heed of thine own life and person. Thou mayst perchance avenge this noble chief, Or if not I myself will seek for vengeance."
Zarasp departed and assumed his helm.
With vengeful heart and windy pate he went

1
Inserted from C.
54

fierce, vengeful lion, scaled the mountain, with uplifted head,
Toward Mount Sapad,

V.
like
some
8u
And
Loud
"
shouts, fierce gestures,
and impetuous
:
heart.
Farud, that raging Lion, told Tukhar

;
Another challenger is on his way See now who this Iranian horseman is That cometh galloping upon the mountain."
Tukhar declared at once " It is the son Of Tiis, by name Zarasp, who wheeleth not His charger from an elephant of war. His sister was the consort of Rivniz. This atheling hath come for vengeance too As soon as he can see thine arm and casque Let loose a poplar shaft that he may come
: !
Down from his charger headlong to the Sure am I that the heart of Tus will be
As
'twere a leaf in winter at his death,
dust.
And
that insensate chief will understand

to
That we are not here
be sport for him."
When
in the sight of all the Iranian host
Zarasp drew near upon the mountain- top, The valorous Farud urged on his charger, Shot at Zarasp and pinned him through the mail And loins against the saddle. His spirit flamed Upon the point. He fell. His windfoot steed
Abandoned him and galloped back
full speed.
17
Hoic Tus fought with Farud
And
shout ascended from the Iranian host, all the warriors put on their helms.
full
Tus with a
heart and with weeping eyes
greatly mourned Those gallant chiefs and trembled like a leaf.
Donned
his cuirass in haste.
He
KAI KHUSRAU
on his saddle and appeared mountain-mass that men up pile Upon the back of lusty elephants, And turned his charger's reins toward Fariid With heart revengeful and with head a-fume.
55
He mounted
As
'twere the
Tukhar the spokesman
said
"
:
Mountain cometh
!
V. 812
In fury toward the height. Tis Tus the chief Contend not with the veteran Crocodile. Secure thee in the hold and wait on fortune. Expect no rnerrymake since thou hast slain Alike his son and son-in-law in battle." The young Fariid, wroth with Tukhar, replied " When war and strife confront us what care I For Tus or elephant or mighty lion, For warrior-leopard or for tiger ? These But give a man the heart to tight, and serve not
To scatter earth upon the raging fire." Then said Tukhar the much-experienced
Despise not counsel. Iron though thou be, And able to uproot a mount of flint,
"
:
Kings
Yet
art
And
thou but a single cavalier thirty thousand warriors of Iran

; :
Will come against thee to the mountain-top. No strong-hold will be left here, stone or dust
They sweep away, and furthermore If evil by this means shall come to Tus His downfall will cause sorrow to Khusrau,
will
all
And
so defeat the vengeance for thy sire
A breach which nevermore will be repaired. Why combat with a Lion in thy rage
?
Go
and fight not foolishly." This, which he should have spoken at the
to the hold
left
first,
He
unsaid
till
then
so to Fariid
All through this worthless, foolish minister Resulted battle and the loss of life.
The youth had eighty moon-faced female
slaves
56

babbled ceaselessly.
At home who stood upon the roof

-
8l 3
And
He
to watch him, could not brook
The thought of a retreat before their eyes, But raised his reins and rushing on like wind
Set to his string another poplar shaft
:
;
But first Tukhar said " If thou meanest fight, The best for thee, or else thou mayest not conquer The noble Tus, will be to overthrow His steed, for monarchs do not war afoot, However much they may be put to it Besides one wooden arrow from a bow
;
And when
Will never set a period to his life, the general shall reach the summit His warriors will follow, and thou hast not
;
The power
to oppose thou hast not looked His arrows in the face."
To what Tukhar said, The poplar arrow struck the
The youth attended strung his bow, and shot.

general's steed
bow-shot worthy of a cavalier
The charger came down headlong and expired While Tus both raged and blustered. He returned To camp, his buckler hanging from his neck, On foot, all dusty, and distraught in mind,
Fariid the while with gibes pursuing him " What ailed the noble paladin, and how
:
Who
Will he proceed amid the ranks of war cannot fight a single horseman here
"
?
The women-slaves began
to laugh,
and sent
Their peals of laughter through the sky. They cried " The old man staggereth down the mountain-slope, " Affrighted at the arrows of a youth
!
When Tus descended from the height the chiefs, Full of concern, approached him, did obeisance, And said " famous paladin of earth What can be better than thy safe return ?
: !
KAI KHUSRAU
57
We
have no cause
to
bathe our cheeks in
tears."
The noble Giv was grievously distressed Because the valiant general had come back
This youth exceedeth bounds In turning thus our chieftains' faces pale What though he be a king and weareth earrings, Is he to flout so great a host as this ? It is not right that we should acquiesce In his pretensions thus. If Tiis displayed Some hastiness, Fariid hath filled the world With tumult. We would die for Siyawush.
Afoot,
:
and said
"
v. 814
But we must not
forget this injury. Fariid hath given to the winds Zarasp,
The body
That noble cavalier sprung from Naudar of Rivniz is drowned in blood

further
What
shame
is
ours
Fariid,
though he
be,
Jamshid's own son, Kubad's own marrow,
Hath made
new departure
witlessly."
18
How
Giv fought with Farud
Giv spake, armed in hot haste, and came forth proudly Like wild sheep on the mountain. Seeing him Fariid heaved from his breast a chilly sigh,
And
said
"
:
This warrior-host discerneth not

!
Between uphill and down

Is braver
Each combatant
than the
last
the crown of hosts

;
But wit
I fear
is
A witless head is like

Then back
to
lacking in their paladin a soulless body.
me they will fail in their revenge Unless Khusrau himself invade Tiiran
;
back
will
we avenge our
sire,
And
Now
haply get our foes within our clutches. tell me who this noble horseman is,
V. 815
58

Thereat Tukhar
:
Whose hand and brand
will shortly ask for tears glanced at the plain below,
"
?
And said to him " It is the raging Dragon, Whose neezings make birds topple from the
air,
Who
And
Full
put Piran thy grandsire's hands in bonds, brake two Turkman hosts l He hath unfathered
!
His foot hath been many On many a river, mount, and wilderness. Full many a father too hath he unsonned,
a
little child.
And
treadeth underfoot the lion's neck.
'Twas he that bare thy brother to Iran, And crossed Jihiin although he saw no boat. 2
They call him Giv a very Elephant Or river Nile upon the day of battle.
thou shalt set thy thumbstall to the bow-string Thy poplar arrow will not pierce his mail, Because he weareth that of Siyawush 3 So draw thy bow and let the arrow fly
;
When
Against his steed. And Giv the rider
The
may
great beast return afoot
may be wounded,
With shield on neck as did their The brave prince bent his bow
Was at his shoulder, shot, and Upon the breast. Giv came down and
Then from the battlements
of
general." until the top struck Giv's charger

retreated.
Mount Sapad
:
A
"
shout
all
rose.
Giv's brain shrank before the jeers,
But
the mighty men approached him, saying Praise be to God, exalted warrior
!
Because the horse is hurt and thou art not, Nor art thou captured but can'st go again." Bizhan the warrior came to Giv like wind, And uttered words most unacceptable: 4
v. 816
"
My
1 a
father
lion-quelling paladin,
is
Whose might
See Vol.
ii.
greater than an elephant's

2
p.
378
xeq.
*
Id. p. 392.
Id. p. 377.
Reading with P.
KAI KHUSRAU
59
?
Why
did a single horseman see thy back
Thy hand was wont to be the heart of fight, But now because a Turkman shot thy steed Thou wentest reeling like a drunken man !"
I
Giv answered saying should have forfeited
"
:
Since
my horse was wounded

him
my
life to
Immediately."
He
Which when Bizhan
spake in savage tones, perceived he showed his back,
And Giv
Lashed
in fury at his levity

"
head with a riding-whip, Did no one ever teach thee this That circumspection is required in war ? Thou hast no wisdom, providence, or brains, And may he cease to be that nurtured thee." Bizhan was pained because his sire was wroth, And swore an oath before the Almighty Judge
at Bizhan's
:
And
said
"
I will not take the saddle
oft'
my
steed
Until I have avenged Zarasp or perished." Departing with a heart oppressed by care,
And head all vengeance, unto Gustaham He spake thus " Let me have a steed of
:
thine
A handy
one, such as will clirnb with ease

so that I
The mountain-side
My
mail that one of us

to
may assume may seem a man.
A Turkman
So as
hath ascended to the heights, draw the eyes of all the host, And I desire to go and fight with him Because my soul is darkened by his deeds." But Gustaham " This is not well. Climb not When we have to march The height so rashly will all be The world ups and downs and waste. Now of my horses fit to carry armour I have but two remaining, and if he
: !
Destroy one
I shall
not obtain another
.817
size.
To take
its
place in action, strength,
and
60
Zarasp a world-lord with Rivniz, and Tiis, Who holdeth all the world of no account,
And
thine
own
sire,
Who
recketh not
how
that hunter of fierce lions, heaven's wheel may turn,

;
Have all retreated from him with sore hearts None made a fight against that Mount of Flint. Would that we had a vulture's wings or eagle's,
For none will get inside the hold afoot " Bizhan replied to him " Break not my heart, Break not mine arms and shoulders too just now, For I have sworn a great oath by the moon, The world's Judge, and the Shah's own diadem, That if I am not slain I will not ride Back from the mountain but avenge Zarasp."
!
Then Gustaham replied " This is not good, For wisdom doth not recognise such fierceness."
:
Bizhan responded " I will go afoot, And so avenge Zarasp I need no horse." Then answered Gustaham " I would not have A single hair to perish from thy head And if I had a hundred thousand steeds, Whose manes and tails were full of royal gems, I would not keep them or my treasure, life, Or iron mace or falchion back from thee.
: : :
Go thou, inspect my horses each in turn, And take whichever of them thou preferrest.
Bid that be saddled. If 'tis slain so be it." He had one charger that was like a wolf, Long in the barrel, tall, and spirited They mailed it for the brave, young atheling. Giv, mindful of Farud's deeds, fumed at heart Thereat, then sent and summoned Gustaham, And uttered many a saw concerning youth. He sent Bizhan the mail of Siyawush, Besides a royal helmet of his own. When Gustaham had brought the mail Bizhan
:
V. 818
KAI KHUSRAU
Incased himself as quick as dust and went To Mount Sapad as one on vengeance bent.
61
19
How
Farud
said to
!
Bizlian fouyJit with

"
:
Farud
Hath come
Tukhar Another chief Look forth, see who he is, and who
:
Will weep for him."
That man of words replied There is not one to match him in fran, For he is Giv's son and a valiant hero
"
Victorious like a lion in
all
combats.
Giv hath no other son, and this is dearer To him than life and wealth. Direct thy hand Against the steed, and break not the Shah's heart. Bizhan too hath the mail, and Giv hath linked
The gorget
Thereto.
of the helm, of Siyawush These neither double-headed dart Nor shaft can pierce. Bizhan may fight afoot.
Thou
He
wilt not shine as his antagonist graspeth, look a sword of adamant."

; !
:
Farud's shaft struck the charger of Bizhan

:
Thou wouldst have said " It had no life." It And when Bizhan had disengaged himself He made toward the summit, sword in hand,
fell,
And shouted
"
:
thou valiant cavalier
Remain and see now how a Lion fighteth, And realise how heroes though unhorsed
advance to battle with the sword. it if thou wilt await me, For thou shalt never think of fighting more." Farud above was angered too because Bizhan withdrew not, and again that Lion Discharged a shaft. Bizhan the brave held up
Will
still
Thou
shalt behold
v. 819
62
His shield above his head. The arrow pierced The shield but missed the mail. Bizhan sped on, And, when he reached the summit, drew his sword. Famd the noble turned away from him The ramparts rang with cries. Bizhan pursued Apace, sharp sword in hand, and gashed the bards Upon the noble steed which came to dust. Farud howbeit gained the castle-gate, The garrison secured it with all speed, And showered many stones down from the Avails Upon Bizhan, who knew that 'twas no spot To loiter at. He cried " famous one Hast thou a warrior and cavalier Thus turned from one on foot and felt no shame ? Woe for the heart and hand of brave Farud "
;
:
!
!
He
And Would need a famous lion of the desert, And if a mount of flint should turn to water
:
the scene of combat, came to Tus, said " To fight so brave a warrior
left
In
strife
with him the chieftain need not marvel

boggleth at such prowess
"
!
Imagination
"
The general Tus swore by the Lord of all send up this hold's dust to the sun. To avenge beloved Zarasp the cavalier
I will
I will
attack without delay, will
make
Turkman wretch a corpse, and with his gore Engrain the stones like coral to the core."
This
2O
Hoiv Farad was slain
Now when
And dark
v. 820
the shining sun had disappeared, night led its host across the sky,
The daughter of Piran approached her son Farud with anxious mind and aching heart,
KAI KHUSRAU
63
And
down near her darling, but all night Remained the spouse of grief and misery.
lay
She dreamed that from the
flame in front of
him she loved
lofty castle rose so well,
Illuming Mount Sapad and burning all She woke castle and the women-slaves. In pain, her soul in anguish and dismay,
The
Went out upon the wall and looking round Saw all the mountain filled with mail and spears. Her cheek flushed up and fuming at the heart She hastened to Fariid, and cried to him " Awake from slumber, my son the stars Are bringing down disaster on our heads
: ! !
The mountain
All spears and mail

If life is o'er for
is all foes, "

!
the castle-gate
said
"
?
Why such to-do me, and thou canst count not On further respite for me, mine own sire Was slain in youth, my life is wrecked like his. Gurwi's hand put a period to his days, And now Bizhan is eager for my death Yet will I struggle, perish wretchedly, And not ask quarter of the Iranians."
:
He
He gave out mail and maces to the troops, He placed a splendid helm upon his head, And with a Human breastplate girt about him Came with a royal bow grasped in his hand. Now when the shining sun displayed its face, And proudly mounted to the vault of heaven,
The war-cries of the chieftains rose on all sides, While massive maces whirled amid the din Of clarions, tymbals, pipes, and Indian bells. Farud descended from the castle-ramparts With all his gallant Turkmans. Through the dust
Raised by the horsemen, and the feathered shafts,
v. 821
The mountain-top was
like a sea of pitch.
64

;
There was no level ground or room to fight The rocks and stones played havoc with the steeds, While shouts ascended as the armies strove. Tus ready armed for battle, grasping shield
And
trenchant falchion, led the
way
in person,
Escorted by the chieftains of the host Afoot. Thus they attacked till noon was high, And then the troops of brave Farud were thinned,
V. 822
The hills and valleys had been filled with slain, The youth's good fortune had abandoned him. The Iranians marvelled at him, none had seen So fierce a Lion, but as battle pressed him He saw his fortune adverse of the Turkmans No cavalier remained with him he fought Alone he turned and fled down toward the hold. Ruhham sought with Bizhan to intercept him They charged him from above and from below.
; ; ;
:
on the lower ground Bizhan appeared, With stirrups firmly pressed and reins held loose, The youth espied the helm, drew out his mace, And went like some fierce lion at his foe,
When
Not knowing what the vaulted sky decreed. He thought to strike Bizhan upon the head, And smash both head and helmet with one buffet.
Bizhan was staggered by the young man's stroke, And lost both sense and power. Ruhham behind Saw this and shouted, clutched his Indian sword, And struck the lion-man upon the shoulder His hand fell useless. Wounded he cried out, And urged his steed which, as he neared the hold, Bizhan came up and houghed. Farud himself Afoot with certain of his followers,
;
Thus stricken in the battles of the brave, Reached and secured with speed the castle-gate. Woe for the heart and name of brave Farud His mother and the slaves drew near, embraced him,
!
KAI KHUSRAU
65
:
And
sadly laid him on his ivory throne His day, his season for the crown, were over. His mother and the female slaves plucked out
v. 823
The scented tresses of their musky hair, While the beloved Fariid plucked out their lives The throne was strewn with hair, the house
:
all
sorrow.
Then with a faint glance and a sigh he turned Toward his mother and the slaves, and said, With one last effort to unclose his lips
:
no marvel that ye pluck your hair The Iranians will come with girded loins To sack the hold and make my slave-girls captive, Make castle, castle-wall, and rampart waste. Let all whose hearts and cheeks burn for my life Go fling themselves down from the battlements That none may be the portion of Bizhan. I follow soon because he severeth
It
is
;
"
My
His
blameless
life
and
is,
in this
my
day
Of youth,
my
death."
He spake, his cheeks grew wan, soared 'mid spirit away grief and anguish. As 'twere a conjurer this drunken sky
Deludeth us with tricks threescore and ten At whiles employing blast or cloud and then The sword or dagger or the agency Of some unworthy wight. At whiles to one
Plunged in calamity 'twill grant relief, At whiles allot crown, treasury, and throne, At whiles chain, dungeon, bitterness, and grief Man must accept his lot whate'er it be Mine own affliction is my poverty. The man of wisdom, had he died at birth, Had suffered not the heat and cold of earth, But, living after birth, hath want and stress,
;
Constrained to weep a VOL. III.
life
of wretchedness.
66
THE SHAfJNAMA OF FIRDAUSI

for his heart, his usance,
is
Woe
and intents
His pillow
the dust in all events.
21
a,
How Jariiv. 824
slew herself
Now when
in failure thus
Fariid, the hapless
had passed away and inglorious son
Of Siyawush, the
And dashed them
slave-girls scaled the roof, to the ground. Jarira kindled
pyre and burned the treasures. Sword She locked the stable of the Arab steeds,
in
hand
blood
Hamstrung, and ripped them

sweat
up.
All
and
She sought the couch of glorious Farud, Upon whose coverlet a dagger lay,
And, having pressed her cheeks upon his face, Ripped up herself and died upon his breast.
The
Iranians forced the portal of the hold,
Prepared for pillaging, but when Bahrain Approached those walls his heart was rent with sorrow.
He
sought the couch of glorious Fariid,

:
With cheeks
all tears and heart a-fume, and thus Addressed the Iranians " Here is one by far More wretched and dishonoured than his sire, For Siyawush did not destroy his slaves, Nor was his mother slain upon his couch, Though round him likewise all his palace flamed, And all his home and goods were razed and burned. Still heaven's hands are long enough to reach The wicked, and it turneth not in love
v. 825
O'er
men unjust. Shall ye not shame before Khusrau who, charging Tiis so earnestly, Sent you to take revenge for Siyawush, And gave you much advice and parting-counsel
KAI KHUSRAU
67
When he shall hear about his brother's death He will cut short respect and clemency,
And
for Ruhhain and passionate Bizhan The world will have but little pleasure left." With that came Tiis the general with the drums
Along the road that leadeth to Kalat, While with him were the chiefs Gudarz and Giv,
And
therewithal a host of warriors.
The general marched along to Mount Sapad, Advancing swiftly and without remorse But when he reached the throne where wretchedly The poor, slain man lay pillowed with his mother, While on one hand beside the pillow sat,
;
All tears and wrath, Bahrain, and on the other, With all the men of battle crowding round
About him, Zanga son of Shawaran, While tree-like on the ivory throne the hero
A moon in face, a teak in stature, slept A Siyawush upon his throne of gold
With coat of mail and helmet, mace and girdle, While Giv, Gudarz, the other men of name
And
gallant chiefs, bewailed him bitterly, Then Tiis poured out his heart's blood down his cheeks
for Fariid and his own son, While Giv, Gudarz, and all the warriors With sighs and tears turned and upbraided him
In anguish
"
Thy fury beareth thee remorse as fruit Sow not the seeds of fury in the garden. Thus in thy haste and fury hast thou given
:
V. 826
A youth
Kaian stock with all his Grace, His stature, form, and bearing to the wind, Hast given Zanisp, that chief sprung from Naudar,
of
And given too that victim of thy rage Ill fortune hath left Rivniz naught undone
!
But parts and wisdom in the passionate Are like a sword that groweth blunt with
rust."
68

;
While thus they spake Tiis wept his rage and fury Abated he replied " From evil fortune No lack of toil and moil befalleth man."
;
:
He gave directions to Upon the mountain-top
his
men
to build
a royal charnel
Wherein they placed a throne of gold, the mail, Sword, mace, and girdle, then prepared the corpse, Requiring roses, camphor, musk and wine, And with the camphor they embalmed his head, His body with rose-water, musk, and gums. They set him on the throne and left him there That famed, accomplished, lion-hearted man Thus passed away. Beside the prince they set Rivniz and great Zarasp, while Tiis, with beard
;
Like camphor, shed a stream of tears of blood. 'Tis always thus However long we stay
!
Proud Elephant and Lion must away The hearts of stoneand anvil quake with Of death no root and leaf escape it here.
! ;
fear
22
How
Tiis led the
Host to the Kdsa Rud, and how Paldshdn was slain by Bizlian
v. 827
When
He
Tiis the general
Of fighting with
halted at
had made an end and left the heights, Charam three days. The blare
Fariid,
;
Of trumpets rose upon the fourth then Tiis Led forth the host and sounded pipe and tymbal, While all the earth from mountain unto mountain Turned ebon. Whatso Turkman troops he saw He slew and flung them down upon the road, Left all the marches neither woof nor warp, And thus proceeded to the Kasa riid, Where he encamped the army all the earth
:
KAI KHUSRAU
69
Was
Are
covered by his tents.

at the
"
Tiiran,
Kasa riid and from the Turkmans there came forth Shrewd Palashan, a youthful warrior,
!
Troops from Iran Such tidings reached
"
The leader
of their host, to view the foe,
the camp-enclosures and the flags. Within the lines there was a rising ground
And count
On one side, and unoccupied by troops There Giv was sitting with Bizhan, conversing On matters great and small. Appeared the flag Of Palashan, come from the Turkman host, Upon the road, whereat the gallant Giv Unsheathed his sword. " I will go forth," quoth he, " Behead, or bring him captive to our folk." Bizhan said " Man of name the Shah bestowed A robe of honour on me for this end
:
: !
According to his order I must gird Myself to fight the warrior Palashan." " Haste not to battle with this savage Lion," Giv answered. " God forbid that thou shouldst fight him, And straiten mine own day. A Lion he, This desert is his feeding-ground, he preyeth
V. 828
On none
"
but warriors."
Bizhan replied
Oh
put
me
not to shame before the world-lord
By speaking
Of Siyawush.
thus, but let
me have
hunt
the armour
Be mine
to
Then
gallant Giv gave
him
this Leopard." the coat of mail.

fast,
Bizhan, when he had made the buckles Bestrode a rapid charger, and rode off Upon the desert with a spear in hand.
Now Palashan, who had brought down Was roasting some kabab upon a fire,
And
eating with his
a deer,
bow upon
his arm,
70

his horse
The while
It
was ranging
;
free to graze
afar the charger of Bizhan, Neighed loudly, and ran in so Palashan
saw
Knew that a horseman came prepared for fight, And shouted to Bizhan " I fling down lions, And fetter divs. Declare thy name thy star
:
;
Shall weep for thee."
He
said
"
:
Bizhan
am
A brazen-bodied div when fight is toward. My grandsire is a Lion of the fray, My sire is gallant Giv, and thou shalt see My prowess. This brave day, when battle
!
breatheth,
Thou, like a carrion wolf 1 upon the mountains, Eat'st ashes, smoke, and blood How conieth it That thou art leading troops upon the waste ? " He answered not but gave his mighty steed
V. 829
The
rein.
The
warriors closed, the dark dust flew.

;
Their spear-points brake both took their scimitars, Which shivered with their strokes. The riders shook
Like leaves upon a tree, the steeds were drowned In sweat, and staggered. Then the noble Lions,
The combatants, drew forth their heavy maces. Thus went it till Bizhan with mace on shoulder
Sent up a shout, struck valiant Palashan Upon the waist, and brake his spine. His corpse,
All helmed and mailed, fell headlong from his charger. Bizhan, dismounting with the speed of dust, Cut off the warrior's head and carried it
Together with the arms and steed to Giv, Who had been troubled o'er the fight, and thought " How will the wind of battle blow to-day ? " And groaned and fidgeted upon the watch
Until Bizhan's dust rose upon the road. The youth came bringing head and mail and
1
charger,
Bizhan compares PalasMn at his meal to a wolf at a deserted
camp-fire.
KAI KHtSRAU
71
And
"
placed
them
all
before his sire

!
who
"
cried
For ever be victorious, O my son They went with joy toward the chiefs pavilion, And brought to him the breastplate, helmet, steed, And head of Palashan. Tiis gladdened so That thou hadst said " He will pour out his soul." " Son of the Backbone of the host," said he, " Head of the famed of our Shah's diadem
: !
V. 830
And
Live ever joyfully, aspiring still, banished far from thee be foeman's
ill."
3 23
How
"
the Iranians suffered in
a Snoiostorm
:
Thereafter tidings reached Afrasiyab The marches of Turan are like a sea
A
Is
host hath reached the Kasa rud, and earth
blackened in revenge for Siyawush." The king said to Piran " Khusrau hath
:
made
;
His object clear; perchance we may prevent him By marching forth with flags and drums in force If not the army from Iran will come,
And we shall see not shining sun or moon. Go gather troops together from all quarters Few words are needed." On the Iranian side
;
A A
tempest rose and none took thought of fight dense cloud came like flying dust, their lips Congealed with cold, the tents and camp-enclosures Were turned to ice, snow carpeted the mountains,
;
And
for a sennight's space earth disappeared.

:
There was but little food or rest or sleep Thou wouldst have said " Earth's face
:
is
turned to
stone."
They slew and
ate their horses.
Multitudes
72

cattle perished.
Of men and
None
at last
Possessed a charger. When the eighth day came The sun prevailed, the earth was like a sea,
The
V. 831
He
said
troops were mustered, and Tus spake of fight " The host hath suffered greatly here
: ;
we proceed upon our march. Cursed be these fields and fells, all from Kalat And Mount Sapad down to the Kasa riid " Then from the warrior-throng thus spake Bahrain " I needs must tell the general my mind Concerning this. Thou makest us keep silence Thou fightest with the son of Siyawush
'Tis well that
!
!
I told thee
'
:
Do
not so
it is
not
right.'
ill
See what a
loss
hath followed and what

"
!
May
yet confront thee, for the buffalo

"
Is still within its hide
Azargashasp
Is not
more famed than was Zarasp the
brave,"
Said Tus, " nor was Fariid slain innocent. 'Twas written thus, and what hath been hath been.
Look through the host and
see whom thou canst find and in like In courage Rivniz, aspect Through whom my cup was filled with wine and milk. His form was youthful but his words were sage. Now let us speak no further of the past, Or whether he was justly slain or not And since Giv took a present from the Shah That he might set that mass of faggots blazing, Which now is in the way, 'tis time to do it, And light up heaven with the conflagration Thus we may gain a passage for the troops." Giv said to him " This will not be a toil,
; ;
:
Or,
if it be,
a toil not unrequited."

:
Bizhan was grieved " I cannot give," he said, " Consent to this. Thou rearedst me in stress And hardihood, without a chiding word
:
KAI KHUSRAU
It must not be that I a youth sit still, While thou an old man girdest up thy loins." Giv said " My son I took this enterprise
:
!
73
V. 832
Upon my
shoulders
'tis
the time for arms,
Not for indulgence and decrepitude. Be not in dudgeon at my going, I Can burn a flinty mountain with my breath." He passed the Kasa rud albeit with stress, The world for warp and woof had ice and snow, And when he reached the barricade of faggots Its length and breadth were more than he could
used a javelin-point to kindle fire, Threw it upon the mass and burned the pile. For three weeks conflagration, wind, and smoke Allowed no passage through the burning mass,
tell
He
But when the fourth week came the army went Across the river for the fire was spent.
24
How Bahrdm
Tiis,
captured
Kabuda
left
when
the host was mustered,
the
fire
They marched in fair array, hills and plains, took due precautions, And hurried out the scouts on every side. Tazhav the cavalier one used to fight With lions dwelt at Giravgard and kept The herds there, driving them from hill to hill. News came " A host hath come forth from Iran The cattle must be driven out of reach."
For Giravgard. Camped on the
: :
He
sent a warrior with all dispatch
To tell a herdsman of Afrasiyab's Kabuda hight, an able man withal,
And
"
there was need for his ability Depart at dark and keep thyself unseen
:
V. 833
74

is,
Observe how large the Iranian army
And
see
whose are the standards and the crowns.

is to make a night-attack, the mountains and the plains with blood."
it
My
purpose
fill
And
When
was dark Kabiida drew anigh,
Like some black div, the army of fran. That night Bahram, whose lasso snared the heads
Of elephants, was on the outpost-guard, And, when Kabuda's charger neighed, Bahram Pricked up his ears, sat firm, and strung his bow Then urged his mighty charger from the spot. Without a word he let an arrow fly,
Though darkness hid Kabuda from
his sight,
;
And
struck the royal herdsman on the belt His face turned black and falling from his steed
;
He
begged
for
life.
Bahram
?
said
"
:
Tell
me
truly
Who
sent thee hither

said
"
:
Whom
wouldst thou attack
"
?
quarter thy questioning My master is Tazhav. I am his servant, And sent by him so put me not to death,
I will reply to all
:
Kabuda
If thou wilt grant
me
And
I will
guide thee to his dwelling-place."

"
:
Know that Tazhav to replied Is as a bullock to a rending lion." He cut Kabuda's head off with a dagger,
Bahram
Secured
it
me
to his royal saddle-straps,
Took it to camp and flung it down in scorn As that of one unfamed, no cavalier To fight. The voice of chanticleer and lark Arose, and yet Kabuda came not back Tazhav the warrior was sad at heart, Aware that evil had befallen him Then summoned all the troops that were about Available, and promptly led them out.
:
KAI KHUSRAU
75
25
How
the Iranians
fought with Tazhav

v. 834
up on the plain sword had turned the rear Of night to violet, Tazhav the chieftain Led forth his men. Shouts from the look-out reached The Iranians " From Turan a host hath come
Its standard,
Now when
the sun had set
and
its
To fight. Their leader is a Crocodile With flag in hand." Then from the nobles Giv
Went
forth to him, escorted
Of valiant
And
said
warriors, fiercely asked his " O lover of the fray hast

!
by a troop name,
come
With such
a force as this to meet the claws

"
?
Of Crocodiles
"
The bold Tazhav
replied
A lusty
birth
heart and lion's claws are mine.

I,
Tazhav
am
I fling
down men and pluck

from their trunks.
The
heads of valiant Lions
By
and worth
am
Iranian,
Sprung from the warriors and the Lions' seed. Now I am marchlord of the country round
chosen
Giv said
chief, "
:
the king's Nay say not

1 ran
own
son-in-law."
so, 'twill
dim thy
glory.
Would any
If
leave
and
settle
here
Unless he lived on blood or colocynth ? thou art marchlord and king's son-in-law
is it
How
With Nor go with vehemence against the brave For I who speak a hero worshipful
that thou hast not mightier powers such a band as this seek not the fray,
;
And famous
If
trample on the heads of marchlords. thou with all thy troops wilt do my bidding, And hence depart Irunward to the Shah,
76

first
Go
V. 835
Tus our general, Apply to him, and hearken to his words. I will take care that thou shalt have a gift From him goods, slaves, and steeds caparisoned. This seemeth well to me, O prudent man What say'st thou ? Shall I have to fight to-day ? Tazhav the traitor said " gallant one None lowereth my flag. Now I have here The throne and signet, horses, flocks, and soldiers Moreover in Iran no person dreaineth Of such a king as is Afrasiyab. Slaves too have I, and herds of wind-foot steeds, Which wander over mountain, vale, and plain. Look not upon my little band but me,
of all to
!
"
And
.
at the
For
I will
mace upon my saddle-bow, maul thy troops to-day till thou Then Bizhan exclaimed
:
Repent thy coming."

"
famous chief
engrosser of the fight,

!
Exalted and shrewd-hearted paladin In age thou art not as thou wast in youth.
Why givest thou this counsel to Tazhav Why so much love and amity for him
?
Our business
is to
draw the sword and mace,

;
;
And to cut out these peoples' hearts and brains." He urged his steed the battle-cry went up
They
sword and mace. A cloud of murky dust rose in the midst So that the sun became invisible, The world grew gloomy as a winter's cloud, And men beheld not shining star or moon. Bold Giv who used to rob the sky of lustre Was in the midst, Bizhan the deft of hand, Who dallied not in action, led the van. Tazhav, who wont to fight the rending lion,
laid
upon
their shoulders
And wore
his crown,
opposed them with Arzhang
KAI KHUSRAU
To help him and Mardwi the Lion two That wearied not of fight yet gat small fruit That day, for brave Arzhang withdrew himself, The more part of the Turkman troops were slain, And froward fortune turned its head away. Tazhav the valiant fled. That famous Lion,
Bizhan, pursued him, shouting eagerly, And with a spear in hand. Thou wouldst have said
"
:
77
V. 836
It is a
maddened, roaring elephant
!"
One spear-blow struck Tazhav upon the
waist,
And
all his
The man Gave not, nor did the fastenings of it break. Bizhan flung down his spear and made a clutch,
Like leopard springing at a mountain-sheep, And then, as falcon bindeth lark, snatched off
lustihood departed from him. reeled, but the Human coat of mail
That crown of great price which Afnisiyab Had set upon his head, a crown that never Was absent from his thoughts and from his dreams. He urged his steed toward the castle-gate, Pursued thus by Bizhan at lightning-speed, And, when he neared the castle, Ispanwi
Came wailing with her face suffused with tears, And cried out loudly to him " Tazhav Where are thy host, thy mettle, and thy might That thou shouldst turn thy back upon me thus, And leave me in this castle shamefully ? Give me a seat behind thee let me not
: ! ;
Be left inside the castle for the foe." The heart of proud Tazhav was set on fire, And his cheeks flamed. She mounted swift as wind Behind him on his steed and clasped his waist.
He
rushed along like dust with Ispanwi They made toward Tunin. The charger sped Awhile till man and beast were both fordone,
;
v. 837
And
then Tazhav addressed his handmaid, saying
78
"
my
fair
mate
is
My
charger
here is a grievous case exhausted with this work,

!
Foes are behind, in front is a ravine, And though we race Bizhan some distance yet Still they will have their will of us at last So as they are not enemies to thee Remain behind while I urge on my horse." Then Ispanwi alighted from the steed Tazhav's face was all tears at losing her, Yet sped he on to reach Afrasiyab, And all the while Bizhan was in pursuit, Who when he spied the moon-faced Ispanwi,
;
:
Her musky
hair descending to her feet,
Came to her, took her with all gentleness, Made room for her behind him, and returned
Toward the army
of the paladin.
He
reached the entrance of the tent of Tus,
Rejoicing,
whence arose the sound of drums, Because Bizhan, that horseman brave and wary, Was coming with his quarry from the fight.
Tus and the
Then
those lovers of the fray set themselves to pillaging the hold,

chiefs
And
afterward they went to seek the herds That roamed about the desert of Tiiran.
They
took, as warriors are wont, their lassos,
And
While
quickly furnished all the host with steeds, in the palace whence Tazhav had fled Were fierce Iranian horsemen lodged instead.
26
How
Afrasiyab had Tidings of Tils and his Host
Now when
Came
Tazhav with wet eyes and

"
:
in
dudgeon
to the presence of Afrasiyub
He
spake thus
Tus the general
arrived,
KAI KHUSRAU
79
trump and kettledrum, While as for Palashan and other nobles, Their heads were brought down to the dust in anguish. The foeman fired the marches and the fields,
a host with
And brought
Destroying
all
the herds."
Afrasiyab
Was grieved thereat and sought a remedy. He spake thus to Piran the son of Wisa
:
''
bade thee
' :
Gather troops from every
side,'
But thou hast loitered through old age or sloth, Or disaffection many of our kin Are slain, and watchful fortune's face is from us But now we may not tarry, for the world
;
Hath grown strait even to the vigilant Then all in haste Piran the general
"
!
Went from
the presence of Afrasiyab, Called up the troops from all the provinces, Served arms out, paid the soldiers, and marched forth.
The The
frontier passed he gave each right wing to Barman and to
man
his post,
V. 839
Tazhav
Two
whose strength was that of lions The left wing to the valiant Nastihan One in whose clutches lions were as lambs. The world was filled with blast of clarions, And clang of cymbals and of Indian bells, Air was a blaze of or, gules, and purpure With all the spears and divers-coloured flags, While what with troops, steeds, elephants, and camels There was no passage left 'twixt sea and sea. Piran went forth in haste. Afrasiyiib Departed from his palace to the plains,
cavaliers
And numbered all the army man by man see how many noble warriors There were. He made the total five score thousandTo
All lion-men and wielders of the sword
Then
bright and glad oft blessed Piran, and said
8o

settest forth with
"Thou
joy to victory: Ne'er may thine eye behold the bale of time." The army inarched along troop after troop,
plain
No
was
visible or sea or height

"
:
Piran
commanded
Take the short road Of these my noble and illustrious troops, So may I bring this great host like a mountain Down unawares upon yon army's head."
;
Quit the accustomed route, the foeman must not hear
He sent intelligencers And shrewdly sought to

The
"
out forthwith, learn how matters stood
Then, stubbornly proceeding on his march, Advanced toward Giravgard prepared for battle.
V. 840
chiefs reported
what the
spies
announced
:
commander tarrieth where he was No sound of drums hath risen from the troops, For all of them are drinking themselves drunk,
Tiis the
And wine is in their hands both day and night. He hath no mounted outpost on the road,
Not recking of the army of Tiiran." Piran, when he had heard this, called the chiefs, Spake unto them at large about the foe, And said thus " Never in the fight have we " Held such a vantage o'er the enemy
:
!
27
How
Piran made a Night-attack on
the Iranians
Out of that noble host Piran made choice Of thirty thousand horse with scimitars, Who marched at dead of night no tymbal sounded, No trumpet blared, none raised the battle-cry.
;
Now when
the wary chief led forth his troops Seven leagues remained betwixt them and the And first they came upon the Iranians' herds
foe,
KAI KHUSRAU
At large upon the desert of Turan, Took many beasts and bore them off withal The overseers Mishap unparalleled And herdsmen were all slain, the Iranians' fortune
!
81
Had grown
averse.
Thence
like a
murky cloud
;
The Turkmans marched upon the Iranian host All drunken and disposed in groups unarmed Howbeit Giv was in his tent alert, Giidarz the chieftain sober. Then arose The war-cry with the crash of battle-axes,
And Giv
that fight-engrosser was astound. There stood in front of his pavilion
V.
steed caparisoned in battle-gear.
The
gallant hero lion-like arrayed His body in the mail of Siyawush, And, raging like a leopard at himself In shame for his own indolence and sloth,
"
Up Up My brain is
!
"
!
quoth
filled
he.
"
How
is it
that to-night
"
?
with fumes instead of war
Then having mounted rushed
forth like a blast.
He saw the heaven dark with night and dust, And entering the chiefs pavilion Exclaimed " Up Up The enemy hath come
: ! !
While we
the warriors of the
Shah
sire,
are sleeping
"
!
Departing thence he visited his
An ox-head mace in hand. As quick as smoke He went about the host, awoke the sober, And chode Bizhan " Is this the place for wine
:
Or
"
fighting
The Iranians were hemmed
in,
The war-cry
tumult dazed the drunken, A cloud ascended and its rain was arrows. Soft pillows were beneath the drunkards' heads, Above were sword, hot mace, and scimitar. Now when dawn showed forth from the Sign of Leo, And gallant Giv surveyed the host, he saw F VOL. III.
rose, the
82

all
The waste
covered with Iranian
slain,
And
watchful fortune's head averse from them.

;
Gudarz too looked about on every side The foemen's number grew continually
Against the little force there ranged itself A host like ants and locusts. Tiis too looked,
And saw no fighting-men save Giv, Gudarz, And other cavaliers all sore bestead. 1
V. 842
The
flags
were rent, the kettledrums o'erturned,

sires,
And
the survivors' cheeks like ebony, For sires had lost their sons and sons their
that great host was utterly o'erthrown, Since so the swiftly circling vault, which now
And
Affordeth pleasure and
now
pain, decreed.
Unable
to resist
they turned their backs,
Abandoning
their
camp
in their confusion,
Disorganised, without their drums and baggage, And sorely stricken both on left and right.
On
this wise fared they
toward the Kasa
riid
strengthless mob.
With
vengeful souls and tongues

followed
Tiis,
All jeers the
Turkman horsemen
And thou
hadst said that maces from the clouds
Rained in the rear on hauberk, helm, and mail.
None made
Among
a stand, the warriors took refuge the mountains, foundered like their steeds,
spirit,
And had no
strength, or staying power.
Now
at the heights the
Turkman
host turned back,
Exhausted by the fight and long pursuit, And Tus no farther feared the foe's assault.
Who if they lived were

Alike a cause for tears.
The Iranian troops bewailed their many lost, wounded or in bonds
No crown or throne Remained, no tent, no steed, no warrior The land was barren and provided nothing, While nobody went forth to seek the wounded.
;
Inserted from C.
KAI
KHUSRAU
83
The son bewailed the
father bitterly,
And burned
The use and To keep back from thee what
in anguish for the suffering. custom of the world is this

its
purpose
is.
Its juggling tricks behind a veil are done, It acteth harshly and capriciously,
v. 843
travail long, and none from appearance reality. From wind thou earnest and to dust wilt go What They l will do to thee how canst thou know ? The more part of the Iranian troops were slain, The rest had come back wounded at their beds No leeches were, but grief and tears of blood. Tus battle-maddened was beside himself, So to Giidarz the hoary veteran, 2 Deprived of child and grandchild, home and land, There came the other veteran warriors With broken hearts to seek his leadership. He placed a watchman on a mountain-top To keep his eyes intently on the foe, 3 While outposts went their rounds on every side To find perchance a cure for this distress. He bade a noble of the Iranians
While Can
in greed's grip
tell
we
To girdle up his loins to give the Shah The news of what the captain of the host
done, and how, by their ill day opprest, They had small profit from their vengeance-quest.
1
Had
The Powers supreme that
be.
part of this line, the loss of Giidarz' sons and grandsons properly seems to belong to the subsequent battle the last part seems more applicable to the historical than to (p. 89)
to the
first
;
With regard
the legendary Giidarz. 3 " II plaa sur la montagne une sentinelle pour observer la route
d'Anbouh
"
(Mohl).
84

28
How Kai Khusrau
recalled Ttis
The courier carried to the Shah the tidings Of that eclipse of fortune. Brave Khusrau Was troubled when he heard, his bosom throbbed With grief. To anguish at his brother's case
V. 844
anguish on the troops' account. That night he uttered malisons on Tus Till cock-crow. Summoning a prudent scribe,
Was added
And pouring
out the fulness of his heart,

strain,
He
wrote a letter in a wrathful
With eyes all tears in mourning for To Fariburz the son of Shah Kaiis
his brother,
A letter
for the chieftains of the host.
First in the letter
came the
praise of
Him,
:
Who made both earth and time, thus " In Of Him Who is the Lord of sun and moon,
!
the
name
And giveth power alike to good and bad From Him come triumph and defeat, from Him
Both good and bad get might and their desire. He fashioned the world and place and time, He fashioned ant's foot and massy mountain, And hath bestowed life, lustihood, and wisdom, High throne and majesty and diadem. No man can free himself from that control The lot of one is Grace and throne, another's Misfortune, want, grief, suffering, and hardship Yet see I that All-holy God is just In everything, from yonder shining sun To darksome dust. Tus with the flag of Kawa,
;
And
And,
forty warriors wearing golden boots,

first fruit
I sent
out with a host against Turan, of revenge, my brother perished
KAI KHUSRAU
Let not Iran have such another chief Let not the host have such another leader Alas Alas my brother, young Farud
!
!
85
of nobles and the stay of heroes was in tears of anguish for my sire, A long while was I burning in that sorrow,
!
The head
I
And now my brother is the cause of tears I know not who are friends and who are foes. Go not,' I said to Tus, toward Charam
!
'
'
Breathe not upon Kaltit or Mount Sapad, Because Fariid is with his mother there.
He is a warrior of royal race He knoweth not this army whence it is, And if they be Iranian troops or what He will come forth to stop the way and stake
; ;
V. 845
His head upon the issue of a

Alas
If
!
fight.'
that warrior of royal birth

!
Whom wretched
Tus hath given to the wind he had been commander heretofore It had been evil hap for Shah Kaiis, And furthermore he slumbereth in battle,
And
only rouseth to
is
sit
down
to drink.
no prowess in his neighbourhood, And may a soul so darkened cease to be

There
!
thou shalt read this letter stir thyself Put far away from thee food, rest, and sleep Send Tus back with all speed, observe mine orders, And heed not other counsels. Thou art chief,
;
When
The captain of the host 'tis thine to wear The golden boots and hold the flag of Kawa. Illustrious Gudarz will counsel thee
;
In all haste not to fight, keep far from wine, Abstain from slumber, seek not at the first To fight through anger, tarry as thou art
;
Until the wounded are restored to health
Then Giv
will lead
thy van
for
he possesseth
86

;
Grace, stature, and the clutches of a leopard Bring from all sides material for the war, And God forfend thou think of banqueting "
!
They
sealed this letter with the Shah's

:
own
signet,
thus enjoined the messenger " Depart Upon the road repose not night or day, And take another horse at every stage." So sped the messenger until he came
;
Who
To Fariburz and gave him the dispatch, Who summoned Tus and Giv and all the
V. 846
chiefs,
Spake of the past, read the Shah's letter to them, And then a new Tree fruited in the world. The nobles and the Lions of Iran
All called a blessing down upon the Shah, The leader Tus gave up the royal standard, The drums, the elephants, and golden boots To Fariburz, and said to him " They come As worthy comrades to a worthy man.
:
May
fortune always give thee victory,
Be every day of thine a New Year's Day." Then Tvis took all the kindred of Naudar, Those warlike cavaliers and their command, And making no delay upon the road
Came from And kissed
the field of battle to the Shiih, the ground before him, while Khusrau
Vouchsafed not so
And
And
much as to look at him, only spake to utter malisons, Disgraced Tus in the presence of the court,
said at last
"
:
Thou man
of evil
mark
Let thy
name
cease
among
the illustrious.
Dost thou not fear the holy Lord of earth ? Hast thou no awe or reverence for heroes ? I gave to thee a royal helm and girdle,
And
sent thee forth to fight against the

'
foe.
'
Did not I say Go not toward Charam ? Yet didst thou go and give my heart to sorrow,
:
KAI KHUSRAU
Didst
87
And
My
first of all take vengeance on myself, minishedst the race of Siy;iwush noble brother brave Farud whose peer
!
The age had not thou slewest, and to fight With him 'twould need a host of men like thee Thereafter when thou wentest to the fray Thou wast absorbed in minstrelsy and feasting Thou hast no place among the throng of men, The things for thee are chains and straps and madhouse Nor hast thou business with the men of rank,
! !
v. 847
Because thou hast no wise considerance. Thy white beard and descent from Minuchihr Have given thee hope of life else had I bidden
;
One
!
of thine enemies to be thy
headsman.
Go Let a prison be thy home henceforth, And let thine evil nature be thy jailor." He drave Tiis out, put him in bonds, and
The
root of gladness from his bosom's core.
tore
29
Hoiv Fariburz asked a Truce of Pirdn
So Fariburz, since he was paladin
As
Ruhham
well as prince, assumed the casque display his name and native
and bade worth
By going from the mountain to Piran To treat with him " Go to Piran," he said, " Convey to him a friendly embassage, And say The process of the turning sky Hath been fraught ever thus with hate and
:
'
love
It lifteth
It
one
to
maketh
vile,
heaven on high, another sad, and calamitous,
Him Now
specially that seeketh warriors' hurt. night-attacks are not the wont of heroes
And mighty men
that brandish massive maces.
88

;
v. 848
thou wilt cease from arms we too will cease thou preferrest war then we will fight, But let there be a one month's armistice " In order that the wounded may recruit.' The brave Ruhharn went out from Fariburz, And took with him the message and the letter.
If If
He went his way, the Turkman outposts saw him, And asked him who he was and whence he came. Ruhham replied " A warrior am I, A man of prowess, weight, and watchfulness
:
The bearer
of a
message
to Piran
From
Fariburz the son of Shah Kails."
A horseman of the outpost went like dust To tell the tidings, and thus spake " Ruhham, Son of Gudarz, hath come to see the chief."
:
Piran
commanded him
to be
brought
in,
And
The Of what the
treated with all honour and respect. eloquent Ruhham approached in dread
foe
might purpose, but Piran,

told
On seeing him, received him graciously, And placed him on the throne. Ruhham then
His business, and Piran said
"
:
'Tis
no
trifle
Ye
stirred
up
strife
we marked no
sloth in Tils
He crossed the border like a savage wolf, And slaughtered great and small remorselessly. What multitudes he slew or carried off!
to him. now, although they took us unaware, The Iranians are repaid for their ill deeds So if thou art the captain of the host
Still
;
Our country's weal and woe were one
Demand
If
of
me
according as thou needest.
thou wilt have a month of armistice None of our horsemen shall go forth to If thou wilt fight I too am fain for war
V. 849
fight.
;
Prepare and set the battle in array. If ye will use the month that we accord
KAI KHUSRAU
In marching from the frontiers of Turdn,
And in a swift retreat to your own borders, Ye will behold your reputation saved
;
But
not we will close with you in fight Ask not for any armistice henceforth."
if
He
One
gave a robe of honour to Ruhhum,
suited to a
And
brave
man of his repute, Ruhham conveyed to Fariburz

one that he had brought.
A letter
like the
When Fariburz had gained a month's delay He clutched in all directions like a lion.
They loosed the fastenings of the money-bags, They gathered bows and lassos from all sides They went about, reorganised the host, And partially regained what had been lost.
;
30
How
the Iranians were defeated
by the Turkmans
When
with the ending of the month came war, For they observed their compact honourably, The soldiers' shouts went up on every side,
And
all set
forward to the battlefield
The din of trumpet, drum, and bell shook heaven, While what with chargers' crests, reins, hands, and
swords,
Bows, battle-axes, lances, maces, bucklers, And lassos, gnats could find no way. " The world," Thou wouldst have said, " is in the Dragon's maw,
v. 850
Or heaven
level with earth
"
!
Upon
the right
Was Giv son of Giidarz, an And inarchlord, on the left
archimage
the skilled Ashkash,
;
Who
shed blood in a river when he fought Before the standard at the army's centre
90
THE SHAH NAMA OF FIRDAUS1

Fariburz, the son of Shah Kaiis, of battle. He harangued his troops,
"
:
Was
And And
With men
said
Till
now our prowess hath been hidden,

;
But we
will fight to-day as lions fight, make the world too narrow for our foes
Else will our maces and our
Human
casques
Laugh at the host for this disgrace for ever." They made a heavy rain of arrows fall Like autumn tempests beating on a tree.
For arrows and the dust of shouting troops No bird had room to fly, the falchions shone Like diamonds and flamed amid the dust. Thou wouldst have said " Earth is a negro's face
:
The stars are warriors' hearts." The multitudes Of maces, spears, and trenchant scimitars
Brought Doomsday on the world. Giv from the centre Advanced with lips a-foam and raised his war-cry. He with the noble kinsmen of Giidarz,
With whom
V. 851
the issue lay for good or
ill,
Strove with their spears and arrows, showering sparks From steel. Giidarz fought fiercely with Pinin,
And slew nine hundred of his kin. Lahhak And Farshidward saw how their mighty host Was going up in dust and charged on Giv,
Upon
his
mace-men and
his valiant troops.
Shafts
Upon
Till
showers from the chieftains' bows those famous warriors clad in mail
fell in
none could see the surface of the ground, Earth was so hidden by the mass of slain, While no man turned his back upon another
Or left his post. To Farshidward
"
:
At length Human spake thus We must attack the centre,
And, routing Fariburz, deprive the host
Of his support it will be easy then To beat the right wing and to seize the baggage." They fell upon the centre, Fariburz
;
KAI KHUSRAU
Fled from
91
Human,
the fighting line was broken,
The haughty chiefs gave way, each took his course, Not one Iranian warrior stood his ground. They saw the drums and standard in position No more, and so with eyes bedimmed with fighting
They turned
their backs
upon the enemy,
And
in that action only grasped the wind. spears,

tell
and standard were o'erthrown, the Men stirrup from the rein, For they had lost all stomach for the fight The mountains and the plains were drenched with blood.
The tymbals,
could not
V. 852
Then
On
Fariburz, as foes were gathering every side, made for the mountain-skirt
With
life was whole, a one such life needs must weep. Although Giidarz and Giv with many warriorsj Of fame among the troops still held their own
those Iranians whose

for
But when Giidarz observed the centre bare, No flag of Fariburz, no chiefs or troops,
He turned with heart afire as if to flee 'Twas Doomsday for the kindred of Giidarz.
:
Giv said
to
him
"
:
ancient general
Much hast thou seen of mace, and sparth, and And if thy purpose is to flee Pinin
I
arrow,
Of
needs must scatter dust upon my head. chieftains and of veteran warriors
There will remain not one alive on earth. For thee and me there is no cure for dying.
Death
is
the very last calamity,
And, since our rugged hour hath come upon us, The foe should see thy face and not thy back.
I will
not quit
my
post, let us not
shame
:
Hast thou heard never then Thy This ancient saying from some man of lore When buttressed back to back two brethren stand A mountain-mass is but as dust in hand ?
father's dust.
'
'
92

art alive with seventy valiant sons,
Thou
And
thou hast
many Elephants and
Lions
Among thy kindred. Break we with our swords The foe's heart and uproot him though a Mountain."
Gudarz, when he had heard the Avords of Giv, And marked the helmed heads of his warrior-kin,
Repented of
his cautious rede
and took
V. 853
Guraza, Gustaham, With Barta and brave Zanga came to them, And made a compact by a binding oath " Though rnaces stream with blood we will not quit This field, but, back to back, strive to retrieve
:
A firmer
stand.
Our honour
lost."
They took
their stand
and plied
The mace. Full many a noble foe was slain, But fortune favoured not the Iranians. Then old Gudarz said to Bizhan " Depart Hence quickly, take with thee thy mace, and
:
arrows,
Direct thy horse's reins toward Fariburz, And bring me Kawa's standard. It may be
That Fariburz
will
come with
this
it
himself,
And
flush the face of earth with violet."
Bizhan on hearing
:
urged on his
steed,
Came like Azargashasp to Fariburz, And said to him " Why art thou hiding
Employ
thy reins as warriors use to do,
;
here
And
stay no longer on the mountain-top But if thou wilt not come entrust' to me The flag and horsemen with their blue steel swords." But Fariburz, no mate for wisdom, then,
Cried out
"
:
Away
And new
The
to war.
Thou art in action rash The Shah gave me the standard,

!
host, crown, throne, and leadership. Becorneth not Bizhan the son of Giv, Or any other warrior in the world."
This flag
Bizhan laid hand upon his blue
steel sword,
KAI KHUSRAU
Struck at the standard, clove it in the midst, Seized half thereof and, rushing from the throng, Made off to bear the banner to the host.
93
Now, when the Turkmans saw it on the way, A band of lion-hearted warriors Went toward Bizhan and drew their iron sparths,
And
blue steel swords, to fight for Kawa's standard.

:
Then spake Human " Yon is the violet flag Wherein is all the virtue of Iran If we can take it we shall make the world
;
8 54
Strait to the Shah."
Bizhan strung up his bow
As quick
Upon
as dust, discharged a shower of arrows his foes, and, as he drove them back,
Prepared a banquet for the ravening wolf. The cavaliers hard by said unto Giv
And Gustaham
"
:
The Turkmans
is
are retreating
Perchance Bizhan
coming with the standard." The brave chiefs of the Iranian host advancing
slew the
With massive maces

In numbers.
Turkman
horse
And
arrived apace, thence the chieftains held the ground for
Famed Bizhan
Like lion
him
it,
Up
to the host.
fierce
With Kawa's
flag,
the soldiers
he came gathered round
And
grew violet-dim with horsemen's dust. Once more the Iranian host advanced to fight,
air
And
in the foremost
rank Rivniz was
slain,
Who was as dear as life to Kai Kaus, A younger son, a prince who wore a crown, Beloved by Fariburz. When that head fell
Full
many
And Upon
a noble hero rent his clothes, Giv exclaimed " Chiefs, valiant warriors
:
this field of battle Fariburz,
The son of Shah Kaus, esteemed Rivniz Above all else. The grandson and the son Of old Kaus Fariid the son of Siyawush
94

have perished all in vain ! greater wonder hath the world in store must not let his crown fall to the foe
the ranks of war, for that would be
it
?
And now Rivniz
What
V- 855
We
Amid
Disgrace upon disgrace through
and through
The slaughter
The noble
of Rivniz."
Now
chieftain,
brave Piran,
heard the words of Giv,

the battle rose afresh.
fell
And o'er that crown On both sides many

The
and fortune quitted
Iranians, yet Bahrain the warrior Charged lion-like the foe and carried off
The crown upon
his spear-point, while both hosts
Stood wondering, the Iranians full of joy At rescuing that crown so late assumed. The combat waxed more fierce, none turned aside, They raged and smote each other on the head Until the day grew dark, and eyes were baffled. Eight of the kinsmen of Gudarz survived The rest had fallen on the battlefield. 1 Of Giv's seed there had perished five and twenty Men who were fit for diadem and treasure With seventy of the offspring of Kaiis,
;
All cavaliers and Lions in the fight,
Besides Rivniz that crowned warrior, No unit merely in the reckoning.
Were
Nine hundred horsemen, kinsmen of Piran, missing in the battle on that clay, While of the lineage of Afrasiyab The fortunes of three hundred slept, howbeit The field, the day, and therewithal the standard
The
V. 856
lustre of the world
were with Pir;in
'Twas not the Iranians' day for combating Their combat-seeking ended in mishap,
1
See Vol.
ii.
p.
4.
The eight
survivors include Gudarz himself
and
his grandson Bizhan.
KAI KHUSRAU
They turned their faces from the battlefield, Abandoning the wounded to their fate. Now Gustaham had had his charger killed As fortune turned away, and he in mail Went spear in hand afoot like one bemused.
Bizhan, approaching him as day grew dark, Said to him " Ho Get up and ride behind There is none dearer to me than thyself."
: !
95
me
So both of them bestrode a single charger. When day 'was done they sought the mountain-skirt.
Abandoning the battle in a rout. The Turkman cavaliers, with joyful hearts Released from travail and anxiety, Returned to their own camp with haughty mien And fit for fight, while on the Iranian side The ears were deafened by heart-rending cries, As all mourned on the mountain friend or kinsman. Such is the process of this ancient sky Turn as it may there is no remedy,
!
And
still it
turneth o'er us loving none,
But treating friend and enemy as one, Well may it be a cause of dread to all
Whose
fortune's
head
is
bending
to a fall
How
Bahrain returned
to look
for his Wliip on the
Battlefield
That night, when both the armies were at rest, Bahram came to his sire in haste and said " mine illustrious sire and worshipful When I retrieved that crown, and raised it cloud ward
: !
V. 857
Upon my
Those
when they pick it up, Will break their jests upon the great Bahram; The world will be all ebon in mine eyes.
spear, I lost a villain Turkmans,
whip of mine.
96

will use a
The Turkman general

That hath
I will
my name
inscribed
whip upon the
leather.
go quickly and recover it However great and long the toil may be. Doth this ill come upon me from the stars " That my renown may go down to the dust ? Said old Gudarz " O son thou wilt but end
: !
Thy
Wilt thou face the foemen's breath " So madly for a stick bound round with leather ? " Giv said My brother go not forth. New whips
fortunes.
:
!
Have I in plenty one whose haft is gold And silver, two with handles of fine pearls And other gems. When Farangis unlocked The treasury and gave so many arms And belts to me I took this whip and breastplate
unheeded in Turan. 1 Moreover Shah Kaus bestowed upon
The
V. 858
rest I left
me
whip resplendent as the moon with jewels, And five I have besides of golden work
Inwrought with royal gems, and all the seven Will I bestow upon thee. Go not forth And wantonly provoke a new engagement." Said brave Bahrain to Giv " I cannot hold
:
This shame of small account.
Your talk Of colour and design, mine of a name Now wedded to disgrace. I will recover
is all
My
whip or, by endeavouring this, Mine own head to the shears."
will bring
Bahram misread
God's purpose, and his fortune proved averse. The fool is all agog to take his leap
Just when his fortune falleth into sleep
Bahram pricked
forth
by moonlight
to the field,
And And
bitterly bewailed the slain, those luckless heart-seared ones. The body of Rivniz
1
See Vol.
ii.
p.
376.
KAI KHUSRAU
97
Was whelmed
!
in blood
and
dust, his tunic rent.

:
Bahram the Lion wept for him and cried " Alas O young and valiant cavalier
!
Men
slain like thee are
but a pinch of dust

"
!
For nobles palaces,
for thee a trench
Among his He roamed.

Of
all
brethren flung on that broad plain One, stricken by the scimitar,

still
those chiefs
lived.
He marked Bahram,
: !
" Lion I live, Wailed, asked his name, and said Though flung among the slain, and I have craved
For two days bread and water and a robe
To
"
sleep
upon
Bahram made haste to him With loving spirit and a kinsman's heart, Began to weep and lacerate his cheeks, Rent his own raiment into strips to bind The wounds, and said " Fear not 'tis but a scratch, And merely needeth binding. Thou shalt go, When I have bound it, to the host again,
:
8 59
And
He
speedily recover of thy hurts." thus restored one that was lost but
"
knew not
That he himself was doomed
He
said
While
My
Stay here, youth was fighting for the crown I dropped whip when I have found it I will come,
:
!
to lose his way. till I hurry back.
And
take thee to the
army with
all
speed."
Thence hasting to the centre of the field He searched about until he found the whip,
Which was amid a heap of wounded men With much dust showered thereon and blood
Alighting from
his steed
withal.
he took
it
up,
And heard the sound of neighing. His steed likewise Perceived the neighing of some mares, became As nimble as Azargashasp, rushed off, And
turned its head toward them while In dudgeon followed after in his tunic VOL. Ill
Bahram
G
98

helmet, with the sweat upon his face until he reached the horse
And
With hurrying,
And, having caught it, mounted carrying In hand an Indian sword but, when he spurred, The steed moved not a foot. Both man and horse Were covered o'er with dust and sweat. Bahram
;
V. 860
Was so chagrined that with his scimitar He slew the steed. Thence to the battlefield He went as swift as wind. There all the plain Was covered with the dead, and all the ground Like cercis-bloom. " How can we make our way
Upon
" the plain," he said, " without a horse ? The foe grew ware of him and from the centre
There hasted forth a hundred cavaliers To capture him and from the battlefield Convey him to Piran. Bahram the Lion Strung up his bow and showered shafts upon themA hero's shafts so who could bide about him ? He slew or wounded most of them and sprang Like some fierce lion at his enemies. The rest withdrew and sought Piran, exclaiming " Behold a Lion both in pluck and might, Who though afoot will do his kind in fight "
:
!
32
How
Balirdm was slain by Tazhdv
The troops on their return informed Prnin Of that youth's deeds, and much talk passed
Piran inquired
"
:
thereon.
Who
is this
man
One
What name
:
Hath he among the noble

"
"
?
replied
Bahram
the lion- queller, the host's lustre."

:
" Bahram Arise. Piran said to Ruin him living take If canst thou not Can escape.
KAI KHUSRAU
The age
For he
will rest
is
from strife. Take troops enough, famed and valiant."

V. 861
Hearing this went off on hostile thoughts intent. Bahrain perceived him quick as dust and showered Shafts on him, sitting on a mound the while,
Rum
A Lion bold with shield before his head. Rum son of Piran was arrow-pierced,
The others lost all keenness for the fight. They came disheartened to the paladin, Full of concern and dudgeon, saying thus " None ever fought so, and we have not seen
:
In any stream so fierce a crocodile." Piran was sore distraught at this account, And trembled like the leaf upon the tree
;
Then mounting on his fiery steed went forth, Accompanied by many warriors, And coming to Bahrain said "Famous chief!
:
Why
Thou
is it
When
that thou combatest afoot ? thou wast in Tiiran with Siyawush
usedst to be prudent, shrewd, reserved

sit
We
should eat bread and

together and
Should
salt together, we become fast friends.
With such high
lineage and native worth, Such lion-manhood and exceeding prowess, Thy head must not be levelled with the dust, And kin and country sorrow for thy sake.
Come let us make a covenant by oath On such wise as shall satisfy thy heart Then will I make affinity with thee
And, having made
it,
will
advance thee more.
Thou
On
canst not fight against these famous troops foot Be not a traitor to thyself."
!
Bahram
said
"
:
Paladin wise, shrewd, and ardent,

for three days,
249
seq.
My
lips
have tasted nothing

1
See Vol.
ii.
p.
ioo

I
And day and

v. 862
But yet
must resume the
night have I been combating fight forthwith
Unless thou wilt provide
me
with a steed
To bear me back to the Iranians, Back to the old Giidarz son of Kishwad."
Piran said
That
Know'st thou not, atheling can countenance no such design ?

: :
"
What
Thou
I suggested is the better course man act not recklessly. Consider that the horsemen of our host
art a brave
Hold it no small dishonour to themselves That many of the scions of the great Men who wore diadems, well skilled in war
Were killed or wounded by thee in the fight, And smirched with dust. Who will approach
Iran
Now
And
but with tingling in his blood and brain If there were no fear of Afrasiyab,
!
that his heart would be enraged at me, I would, youth provide thee with a steed
To bear thee homeward
to the paladin."
spake thus, turned about, and went his way, Love in his heart but prudence in his head, While from the host Tazhav a man whose might
He
And
" I
Surpassed an elephant's came forth to meet him, asked him what had passed. Piran replied
:
There
is
no warrior equal
to
Bahram.
gave him out of kindness much good counsel, Showed him his course, and proffered goodly league
found no access to his heart He fain would go back to the Iranian host." " Love will not win his soul Tazhav replied
Mine
offers
Now
V. 863
I will
will
Afoot
go and if I capture him put him 'neath the stones forthwith."

field
He
hurried to the
Where brave Bahram was all alone in And, when he saw Bahrain with spear
impetuously, arms,
in hand,
KAI KHUSRAU
Cried loudly like a furious elephant, And said to him " Thou wilt not get away In this fight from these famous warriors.
:
101
Dost thou expect to go back to Iran ? Dost thou expect to lift thy head on high ? Thou hast cut off our princes' heads. Abide, For now thine own time draweth to a head." He bade his mates " Lay on and give it him With arrow, double-headed dart, and dagger." The troops closed in a body on Bahrain, All who were chief among the valiant men, While he the hero having strung his bow
:
Dimmed with his shafts the When arrows failed he took

Till plain
brightness of the sky.
and
his spear in hand, hill were like a sea of gore,
And when
With
The
the spear was cloven he still shed blood rnace and sword like raindrops from a cloud. Bahrain fight continued on this wise
:
Was wounded by
the shafts of his brave foes,
And, when the hero's strength and vigour failed, Tazhav came up and struck him from behind A sword-cut on the shoulder. Brave Bahrain Fell from the hillock on his face the hand That used to wield the sword was smitten off; He ceased from combating and all was over. E'en fell Tazhav grew hot of heart for him, And, as in shame and grief he turned his reins,
;
He
felt
the
warm
blood tingling in his veins.
33
How
Giv slew Tazhav in Revenge for

its
Bahrdm
When
About
"
bright Sol showed
back, Giv, heart-oppressed

:
Joy
his brother, spake thus to Bizhan of heart brother cometh not
my
my
102
v. 864

;
We must go forth and ascertain his case Let us not have to sorrow for the slain."
The valiant pair departed swift as dust Toward the battlefield the place of strife. They sought him everywhere and, having found him, Rushed anxiously toward him, shedding tears Of blood. He lay a wreck of gore and dust One hand was severed all was over with him. The gallant Giv fell from his charger's back, And roared out like a lion. At the sound Bahrain moved, turned, and gaining consciousness " seeker after fame Spake thus to Giv
; ; :
!
When
thou hast shrouded me upon my bier Avenge me on Tazhav that Bull may not
;
Withstand the Lion.
The son
the first Piran, of Wisa, proved a friend to me, Unlike the chiefs of Chin who sought revenge, And then Tazhav, the injurious, gave these wounds,
Giv,
From
Forgetting birth and rank."
when Bahrain
:
this, wept tears of gall and said by God the Judge Omnipotent, By white day and by azure night that till I shall avenge Bahrain my head shall see
"
Had spoken
I swear
No
covering save a
Human
helm."
All vengeance
And
V. 865
grief he mounted, Indian sword in hand. Now when the world's face dusked Tazhav returned
From
outpost duty. Spying him afar Brave Giv rode toward him with a freer breath
On seeing him thus parted from the host, No chiefs or warriors near. Giv loosed his lasso, And caught the foe about the waist forthwith,
Then placed the
And
wheeled round, from Tazhav saddle-back, lightly dragged Flung him to earth disgraced and all forlorn,
lasso "neath his thigh,
KAI KHUSRAU
103
And springing from the saddle bound his hands. Giv, mounting, like a madman haled Tazhav Along the ground who begged for mercy, saying
"
No fight is left in me, thou valiant man What have I done that of this countless host Thou givest me to-night a glimpse of Hell ? "
1
Giv struck him with the whip two hundred times

Across the head, and answered thus " No words Dost thou not know, thou wretch that thou hast set
: ! !
One
fresh tree in the garden of revenge that will reach to heaven, one whose trunk
Is fed
Since thou
on blood while daggers are its fruit ? must hunt Bahrain thou shalt explore
strait gullet, for the
life
ill
The Crocodile's
"
That robbed Bahram of
wrung
Giv's heart too."
art the eagle and the lark I," Tazhav replied. " I bore Bahram no grudge, Nor caused his death the cavaliers of Chin
;
Thou
am
Had
slain
him
"
ere I came."
"
Pernicious wretch
"
!
spare thine excuse and futile words." Giv dragged him to Bahram, the wounded Lion. And said " Behold this faithless head I pay The savage with the meed of savagery. I thank the Maker, the Omnipotent, That fate hath granted to me time enough
Said Giv,
v. 866
To take thy foeman's
life
before thine eyes."

:
Tazhav begged quarter, saying " That hath been Which was to 'be. How will it profit thee " To take my head ?
Then wallowing
Before
I will
in the dust
!
Bahram he
cried
"
:
noble
man
be thy soul's slave and wait upon The keeper of thy tomb."
Then
To Giv
"
:
said
Bahram
Whoever
liveth
hath
to die.
104
Though he hath done me hurt he need not taste The pangs of death, so spare his guilty head
That he may keep my memory alive." But Giv, who saw his brother with such wounds,
that did the hurt a captive, seized Tazhav's beard with a shout and headed him
And him
As 'twere a lark Bahrain wept blood and marvelled At heaven's processes, then raised a cry Whose like, so strange it was, none ever heard
! :
"
My
If I shall slay, or thou slay in presence, brothers or rny kinsmen will be slain !"
my
This
said, the
Tis ever thus with
brave Bahrain gave up the ghost. this world He that would

!
Obtain the reins must bathe his hands in blood,

V. 867
Shun thou ambition's mood. Slay or be slain Brave Giv wailed o'er Bahrain and strewed dark dust
!
On his own head, then, having bound his brother Upon Tazhav's steed, mounted presently. He brought the body from the battlefield, And had a royal sepulchre prepared. He filled the skull with spicery and musk,
Enwrapped the corpse in silk of Chin, and In royal state upon an ivory throne To sleep, suspending over it a crown,
set it
And
painting the tomb's portal red and blue

:
Thou wouldst have said " Bahrain hath never The famous warriors were absorbed in grief
For fortune changed, and
for
been."
Bahrain their
chief.
34
How
the Iranians went back to
Khusrau
When
Began
"
And crown
Full
bright Sol topped the mountains, and the head of white day showed, the scattered troops
to gather, and their converse ran many of the Iranian host are slain
:
KAI KHUSRAU
Our leader's fortune hath deserted him, So mighty were the Turkmans' hands in The army must not tarry longer here We verily must go before the Shah,
:
105
fight
If his heart see how fortune turneth. Be not intent on war then thou and I Have no occasion to exert ourselves. The sires have lost their sons, the sons their And most are wounded or in sore distress But if the Shah shall bid us to engage, And shall equip a noble host, then we
;
And
sires,
And make
Will march, our hearts filled with revenge and the world too narrow for our foes."
tears, their
strife,
Thus minded they retreated from those marches,

Their eyes surcharged with
hearts with
anguish, As brother sorrowed over brother's blood,

sighs were on their tongues for They marched together to the Kasa
And
kinsmen
riid,
slain.
Farewelling with their tongues their fallen friends. The scouts that went forth from the Turkman host
Saw none remaining on
the battlefield,
:
And
"
tidings reached Piran the son of Wisa The land is cleared of the Iranians." Piran, on hearing this, without delay
Sent forth spies secretly on every side
And, being certified that that proud foe Was gone indeed, released his heart from care. He set forth with an escort at the dawn, And went about to view the battlefield. The plain and mountains, valleys and ravines, Had tents and tent-enclosures numberless.
He gave them to the soldiers, marched away, And marvelled at the process of the world
:
One day
Now
all is
another day a fall, gladness and then terror

rise,
all,
106
In sooth our best course is the cup to raise That inaketh earth look bright, and fleet the days. Piran sent one to tell Afrasiyab, Who heard and joyed released from care and trouble. The multitude light-hearted in their gladness Adorned the road whereby Piran must pass They decorated all the roofs and doors, And poured out drachms in showers upon his head. As soon as he approached Afrasiyab The king went forth with gifts to Avelcome him, And called down many a blessing on him, saying
;
:
"
Thou hast no peer among the paladins." Then from the palace of Afrasiyab
v. 869
For two weeks rose the sounds of harp and rebeck, While on the third Piran resolved to go Rejoicing to his home. The Turkman king Made ready presents for him thou wouldst be
:
Impatient
if
I told of the dinars,
The royal jewels, belts of gold with gems, The Arab steeds with golden furniture, The Indian scimitars with golden sheaths, The splendid throne of teak and ivory, The couch of turquoise and the amber crown, The girls from Chin, the boys from Rum, with beakers Of turquoise filled with musk and spicery.
And added many
This wealth Afrasiyab sent to Piran, other gifts beside,
While as the general left the royal presence The king addressed him thus " My loyal hero Be prudent, keep the fellowship of priests,
:
And guard the army from the enemy. Dispatch in all directions trusty men
To act as spies and privily withal, For Kai Khusrau is now possessed of wealth Beneficence and justice deck his land. Since noble lineage and crown and throne
;
KAI KHUSRAU
Are thine desire not any good beside. Be not secure because the foe hath gone, But seek fresh tidings as occasion serveth. Thy soul will suffer if thou sleep'st at ease So long as Rustam is the paladin
107
The only man that giveth me concern

For his whole business is to seek revenge. I fear that he will rouse himself and lead
of Iran against Turan." Piran, as captain of the host and kinsman, Accepted all the counsel of the king,
The armies
And
set forth
with his troops toward Khutan.
Now
that the story of Fariid is ended Hear the campaign wherein Kamiis contended.
PART
II
THE STORY OF KAMUS OF KASHAN

ARGUMENT
THE poet, having offered up his praises to the Maker, goes on to tell of the wrath of Kai Khusrau with the host. Ultimately,
however, at Rustam's request, he restores Tus to favour, and sends him against Turtin. Tus is again unsuccessful, and is
beleaguered on a mountain. The news reaches Kai Khusrau, who dispatches Rustam with reinforcements, while Afrasiyub sends Kamus of Kashan and the Khan of Chin with vast hosts to assist
his
general Piran.
Fierce fighting follows,
and Kamus
is
slain
by Rustam.
NOTE
scenes this campaign is a variant of the preceding In both Tus commands the Iranians and is defeated, in both the Gudarzians suffer great losses, in both there are a snowstorm and a night-attack, and in both the Iranians take refuge on a mountain. Naturally the details vary, but the general similarity is unmistakable. Nothing but the existence of a variant can account for the fact that Tus is put in command again after his behaviour in the first campaign, and there is a legend, probably known to Firdausi, which puts a different com1 In the poem the difficulty is got over plexion on the matter. of the intervention Rustam, who begs the culprit off, as he by does later on in the case of Gurgin. 2 In the second night-attack, in which the positions of assailants and defenders are reversed, Human takes just the part that Giv is represented as taking on the first occasion. If we are content to regard the account given in the poem
its earlier
In
one.
of the latter part of this
campaign merely as Firdausi has pre3
sented
it,
perhaps we
may identify the Kashan with which Kamus'

and situated
:;
name
1
is
associated as that mentioned by Tabari

2
in
See
p. 14.
See
p. 331.
1 08
Z T.
iv.
184.
KAI KHUSRAU
109
Ferghana, which is now a province of Russian Turkistan. We ought not, however, to overlook the probability that reminiscences of the Parthian civil wars of the days of Gotarzes and Vardanes have been embodied in the story. In this case, as in that of the wars of Gushtasp and Arjasp later on, what in reality were civil broils came in time to be looked back upon as wars between Iran
and Turan.
With the historical fact of the great Persian satraps ranging themselves in opposing camps before us, there seems no reason why the Kashari originally intended may not have been the one in Persia on the highroad between Ispahan and Tihran.
Firdausi's account, however, clearly favours
that in Turkistan,
and we must not forget that the nomads took part in the contention between the rival Parthian princes. 1 28. The story of Rustam's fight with Ashkabus is famous both on account of its own merits and for the curious legend told
in connexion with it. One day, it is said, at the court of Mahmud a discussion arose as to the merits of Firdausi as a poet, and it was arranged between his supporters and detractors in the presence of the Sultan that he should put one of the legends,
which nothing but the bare facts remained, into verse the same day, to ascertain how far his version could be considered an improvement on the original. The story chosen was that of Rustam's fight with Ashkabus of Kashan. Firdausi's rendering
of of the episode delighted the assembly, the lines about the stringing and discharging of the bow especially fascinating Mahmud,
several times and praised them highly. That night Firdausi dreamed that he met Rustam at the gate of Makna Bad. The hero was on foot, fully armed, of terrible aspect, and with bow in hand, just as the poet had described him. Rustam greeted the poet graciously, but wept and said "I desire to pay my debt to thee, but have not power to do so. However, when I took the torque from the neck of the foe, and
who repeated them
desired not to retain
it,
made
a hole in the ground yonder with
the head of my spear, and buried the torque there. Go now and take it up. " He pointed out a little hillock on the sand, and, Firdausi having placed an arrow upon his bow, shot at it.
remembered the dream and, some time afterward, happening to Makna Bad in attendance on the Sultan, he made the story known. The mound was excavated, and several torques The Sultan gave them to Firdausi, of red gold were discovered. who refused to keep them for himself, and distributed them
pass by
among the other

1
court poets. 2
2
See
p. 10.
C. Persian Preface, pp. 39-41.
io
The Prelude
V. 870
In His
name
Who
is
Lord of moon and sun,
The name revealed by wisdom to the heart, The Lord of being and uprightness One
That brooketh not perverseness on thy part
The Lord of Saturn, Mars, and Sol, from Whom Our gospel are, our hopes, and dread of doom
!
know not how

I
to praise
Him
though in thought
;
pour
my
soul.
He
fashioned space and time
The emmet's
From
Bright
foot with proofs of Him is fraught. yonder circling sun to earthly grime,
And
Let
water, all are witnesses, give thy soul assurance, that He is.
fire, air,
it
Who hath
And
Of
less or
be thine the Maker to revere, no need of aught, no need of crown
throne, of minister
and
treasurer,
;
Yet, though And bow before His bidding and decree.
more, of fortune's smile or frown He needeth naught, His slaves are we,
He created wisdom and the mind, Past doubt, and set the heaven and stars on high, In Him supreme the sole Creator find,
Since
And Source
v. 871
Of night and Of food and sleep,
of happiness and misery, day, of circling sphere above,

of anger
and of
love.
Of Rustam's wondrous deeds there is no His legend in the hearts of all is rife
scant,
crocodile in water, elephant On land, wise, shrewd of heart, a
man
of strife,
KAI KHUSRAU
in
Consummate both
A man
war and valiancy, of knowledge, wit, and weight was

in
he.
His battle with Kamiis I next present In mine own words but based on document, So turn now to the rustic minstrel's lay,
Mark what
that
man
world-proven hath to
say.
How
Klnisrau reviled Tils
The troops with Fariburz, Giidarz, and Giv The shatterer of hosts went to Iran In grief with tearful cheeks. When they had reached The road toward Charam and had KaLit
Above, the waters of Mayam below, They spake about the conflict with Farud, And all their gain was anguish and remorse. Fear of the Shah filled every heart with pain, For they were guilty and their eyes wept blood. They came before Khusrau with souls abashed,
With wounded
For having
and as men in fault monarch's blameless brother, And yielded crown and signet to the foe They came with hearts seared and with folded arms,
livers,
slain their
As slaves are wont, before their sovereign. Khusrau regarded them with angry looks
:
His heart was full of pain, his eyes of tears, And thus he spake to God " O righteous Judge Thou gavest to me fortune, throne, and prowess,
But now I shame before Thee. Thou dost know, Far better than I know, the why and how Of things, or else I should command to set
v. 872
A thousand
stakes forthwith
all
And Tus and
upon the open, that carried arms with him
112
THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUS1
Should be impaled. I mourned my father's death, My heart was filled with sorrow, pain, and trouble,
And now
For
I I said
' :
new vengeance for Farud, must needs smite off the head of Tus.
there
is
Avoid Kalat, avoid Charam, Though people should shower drachms upon thy head, Because Farud is with his mother there. He is a hero of the Kaian race A warrior.' Should he know vile Tus or why The army marched ? Of course he would attack, And from the mountain slaughter many chiefs. Why did inhuman and insensate Tus March in such haste against that hold ? Good sooth The Master of the sky no longer favoureth Him and the host. The kindred of Giidarz Fared ill through him. Be he, his elephants, And drums accursed. I gave him robes of honour And gifts, and sent him forth to fight my brother Away with chiefs like Tus son of Naudar May no such paladins be generals
!
Alas
alas
the son of Siyawush
Farud
with that stout heart, that mace and sword,

like his sire,
was slain though innocent, my general and by my troops None know I worse than Tus, and he is ripe For chain and pit. Brainless and veinless too The wretch is as a dog to me."
Who,
Slain by
He
With
writhed
873
stricken liver to avenge his brother And father's blood, dismissed the troops disgraced, Wept his heart's blood, and shut to them the door
Of audience, being wounded to the soul With anguish for Farud. The warriors Went sad and sorry to the court of Rustam,
And
thus excused themselves
"
:
Who
wished to fight Farud
Still
God willed it so when the son,
KAI KHUSRAU Of Tiis was slain the chieftains' heads grew dark At that disgrace and, when his son-in-law
Rivniz
fell too,
113
misfortune's worst was done.
Who knew
heart
?
the
And wished
to
name and bearings of Fariid, wound him through our monarch's

Perchance he
will refrain
Plead with the Shah.
From vengeance on
The son
the host.
Was
not Rivniz,
of Kai Kaiis, slain grievously In fight as well a younger son and warrior, Dear to the father of moon-faced Khusrau ?
Such is the issue that all battles have, To this a crown, to that a narrow grave
"
!
How Khusrau
pardoned the Iranians
When Sol had gilt earth's face, and darksome Was taken in the toils, shouts rose before
The palace
portal
:
night
and the peerless Rustam Came to the Shah, and said " O great Khusrau Throne, crown, and signet-ring rejoice in thee. The Shah is wroth with Tiis and with the host, But pardon their wrong-doing for my sake. When Tiis beheld his son and son-in-law Both slaughtered, prudence left his brain and heart, For first, he is not wise but choleric, And next, a son's life is no light concern So when Rivniz was slain before his face,
! ;
And that proud cavalier Zarasp withal, No wonder if he blazed. The Shah should
Take vengeance on him.
not
v. 874
Then again the host
Was
disposed toward thy glorious brother Because he had not visited the Shah. Know that the date when each must die is fixed, VOL. III. H
ill
U4

be not grieved hereat.
And
Or
Our
spirit passeth,
else is
made
to pass.
Three hundred
spells
Will not delay

"
it."
Kai Khusrau replied

sorrowed for this youth, But now thy rede is solace to my soul, Though still I ache at heart."
paladin
!
Then Rustam The ground before the monarch of the world. So when the sun had shot its rays on high,
kissed
And
hastened to ascend upon

it
its
curve,
When
The
"
had rent
its
turquoise robes of gloom,
So that
ruddy, shining form showed through, general, Giv, and other warriors
its
Approached the Shah with

Live fortunate
till
blessings,
and Tus
said
time shall be no more.
Be earth the
And
crown and throne, heaven the guardian of thy Grace and fortune.
basis of thy
is
My
heart
sorrowful,
my
liver
wounded
With pain
Of shame,
for
my
misdeed,
is all
my
tongue
my mind is full excuse, my soul
All fault, I burn as 'twere Azargashasp In anguish for the pure souls of Farud
of Zarasp. If I am guiltier Than others I am writhing for
And
my
deed.
When
valued with Bahrain and with Rivniz

;
Mine own life is not worth a single mite So if the Shah will cease from wrath with me,
And
with this noble but offending host,
V. 875
go forth to cancel this disgrace, And will exalt our fallen heads anew I will share all the army's toils myself,
I will
;
Be it to keep my life or lose my head. Henceforth I will not look at throne and crown, My head shall see naught but a helm of Rum." The monarch graciously received these words
KAI KHUSRAU
His heart grew fresh as roses in the spring. He counselled much with Rustam, with the chiefs And warriors, then sent Tiis 'gainst Turan With elephants and shawms and kettledrums. The company dispersed without delay, And Rustam also homeward took his way.
115
How Khusrau
sent Tiis to
Turdn
night's bent
When
bright Sol showed, and
when from
bow
Dawn brake, Tiis with the great men of the host Came to Khusrau who said " Trace of this feud
:
Begun by Salm and Tur It had fresh impulse given by Miniichihr, But never was a Shah so shamed as I, Or earth so glutted with his warriors' gore The hills have girt them with Giidarzians' blood For whom weep bird and fish by land and sea.
Is never lost.
!
O'er the Turanians' waste the Iranians' hands
And
Are your counsels and trunks lie scattered " to vengeance ? Are all heart-stirred ? Auspicious ye The gallant warriors, with folded arms Before that sunlike and aspiring one,
feet
!
All kissed the ground together warriors, Such as Ruhham, Gurgin, Gudarz, and Tiis, Kharrad and Zanga son of Shawaran, Bizhan and Giv and other men of might. " Well starred, good-hearted Shah who They said
:
V. 876
hast
The heart withal
to
pluck out
lions'
hearts
We
and hang Our heads in reverence, Shah before thee. If now the Shah so biddeth we will all
all
of us are slaves of thine
Ii6
Pour out our souls in fight, nor shall he mark Aught ill from us if sun and moon shall lour not." Khusrau then summoned Giv and seated him
Upon
the throne of greatness, praised
him much,
Bestowing many a gift and mark of favour, And said " Thou seekest toil on mine account,
:
But sharest not my treasures. Tiis though leader Must not employ the drums and elephants
Against thy counsel rashly.
Didst not see
his soul rejoice!)
itself
How
in Bahrain's case
skill in
(may
Great
warfare fashioned for
dwelling through the quest of fame And ill advice ? Brief though our sojourn be Fame should remain behind us, not disgrace."
dark, strait
Khusrau gave money, called the commissaries, Spake much with Tus, and sought a lucky day
According to the stars for setting forth. The chieftain Tiis then came as general, Received the standard, elephants, and drums,
And
v. 877
did obeisance while the soldiers shouted.

chargers'
The earth heaved underneath the
tramp
;
dust-cloud gathered from the horses' hoofs The trumpet's blast went up. What with the mass
Of mail and Kawa's flag earth's face all turned To violet. "The sun," thou wouldst have said, " Is quenched, the sky and stars are all asleep." The Shah abode upon the plain with mace
And Had
elephant
till
Tiis
the general
passed, who on an elephant outspread turquoise litter and thus Shahd-ward sped.
KAI KHUSRAU
117
The Message of Piran
to the
Army
of Iran
cameleer bore blast-like to Piran

:
This message " I have reached the river Shahd In arms and ready to contend with thee."
Piran, on hearing this, was sorely grieved That, 'gainst his will, he needs must pack the loads, And went forth with his chiefs choice cavaliers
And
brave
to learn about the Iranian host,

chiefs,
How many
and who, were there with
Tiis.
He drew his troops up on his side the stream, And sent a greeting to the Iranian chief. He said " I everywhere showed kindliness
:
To Farangis and
to the Shah.
fire,
I cried,
Siyawush But now the antidote doth bear the bane,

I
And
seethed as on fierce
these
for
share in
all
ills."
Tiis
was
distressed,
Grieved at the words and sufferings of Piran, And said " Go to Piran of ardent soul,
:
V. 878
thou speak'st sooth we have no quarrel. say abandon thy surroundings, Drop fealty, And bar this door of fear and road of loss. Go to the Shah alone, he will requite thee, Give thee a royal crown and paladinship. When he recalleth thy good deeds thy pangs Will pain him to the heart. Giidarz and Giv And other chieftains, nobles shrewd of heart,
'
:
And
If
Agree
herein.'
"
The envoy went like wind and told what he had heard From Tiis and from Gudarz of ardent soul. Piran made answer " I by night and day
Back
to Piran
:
Will ope
my
lips to praise
the chieftain
Tiis.
n8
I will go over, taking of my kin Those who are wise and list to mine advice, And send them, bag and baggage, to Iran. An honoured head is more than crown and throne."
He
But sought
did not purpose acting in this way, to gain occasion by delay.
How
Afrdaiydb sent an
Army
to
Pi ran
Piran dispatched a camel-post by night
To tell Afrasiyab " Troops have arrived With shawms and tymbals from 1 ran, commanded By Giv, Giidarz, and Tus, whom I have duped
:
And much
Or
V. 879
advised with.
Choose a warrior-host
We
else the war will be inglorious. may uproot the foe and fire their land,
Else in their vengeance for prince Siyuwush The Iranian army ne'er will rest from strife."
Afrasiyab thereat convoked his captains,
Told what had chanced, and said
"
:
Prepare for war."
Afrasiyab arrayed a power that dimmed The eye of Sol ; that host, so great that earth Was hidden, on the tenth day reached Piran,
having victualled and disposed the troops, loaded up the baggage, marched in haste, Regarding not his promise, to the Shahd.
Who
And
"
scout came in to Tus and said to him Bind thou the drums upon the elephants Because Piran, perceiving downfall nigh,
:
Spake
guilefully.
And army
the tyrant's standard drawn up on the river-bank."
We see
Tus put his battle in array. They ranged The elephants and tymbals on the plain. The two lines, like two mountains, clashed in
fight
KAI
KHUSRAU
119
The Iranian horsemen and the Turkman troops. The dust-clouds of the hosts so dimmed the sun That fire rose from the stream the flash of sword, Of dart and javelin and thou hadst said " " With the stir Earth planted air with tulips Of horsemen with their golden belts, and all The golden helmets and the golden shields, A cloud in hue like sandarach arose, And earth became like ebony with dust. The horsemen's heads beneath the mighty maces Seemed anvils 'neath smiths' hammers. Thou hadst
:
!
V. 880
said
"
The river is a wine-press running blood, " The air is like a reed-bed with the spears Then many heads were caught in lasso-coils, Then many an honoured form was cast away. The shroud was mail, the pillow blood and dust The bosom had been hacked by scimitars.
!
Earth was a cercis-bloorn,
air
ebony
The din
What
of tymbals filled the starry heaven. though the ambitious man a crown
may
gain.
Or but the battle's surge of blood and dust, Yet from this world of our's depart he must,
Whate'er his portion antidote or bane. wot not of the end but, this I know, It is a cause for tears to have to go.
I
Haw Tus
slew
Arzhang
There was a famous Turkman named Arzhang, One whose renown in warfare reached the clouds. He sent the dust up from the battlefield, And challenged the Iranians. Tus from far Saw him and shouted, drew his sword and asked
120
THE SHAH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI

"
:
That son of Zira
Who
He
is
thy fellow in the

"
:
What name bearest thou ? Turkman host ? "
said
Arzhang
am
I,
a warrior
A noble Lion who

Now
And
V. 88 1
will I
make
can bide his time. the earth quake under thee,
cast thy
Tiis,
head upon the field of fight." hearing but disdaining all reply,
glittering falchion in his
Smote with the
hand
:
That chieftain on the helm, and thou hadst said " " His body never bore a head at all Piran grieved sorely and the Turkman host, And none came forth, but all the warriors And chieftains of Tiiran drew scimitar And massive mace, and shouted to each other, Those Lions " Let us charge and make the world
!
Strait to the heart of Tus."

"
To-day we will prepare. If any noble of the Iranians

Shall
Then Be not
said
Human
cast down.
come
A man
to fight
to challenge us we will dispatch him and will mark the issue,
What we need rashly. but when the host tymbals sound in camp, Then from beyond the stream be onslaught made
But not provoke them
Is respite for a day, Is stirring, and the
With mace
in
hand
if
God and
fortune aid."
How Human
fought
witli
Tus
Human
bestrode and spurred his eagle-steed.

:
Thou wouldst have said " He is an iron wall, " He came before Or Mount Alburz in mail The host to fight and grasped a glittering spear.
!
Tus too advanced
earth rang with clarion-blare.
KAI KHUSRAU
"
121
from luckless Wisa," he exclaimed, Tree like this up-springeth Hast thou indeed come forth to fight since thou Hast come forth mounted and with spear in hand By the Shah's life and head I would oppose thee
so
"
And
V. 882
A miserable
Without my breastplate, mace, and Human casque, Just like a pard that clutcheth .at its prey Among the mountains. Thou shalt see how heroes
Fight
"
if
thou venturest."
Human
Be not
o'erweening for it is
replied
not good. hath fate come Though upon one luckless chief, And by thy hand, hold not the rest in scorn.
Arzhang had deemed himself no man at all matched with me upon the day of battle. But have the Iranian warriors no shame ? Doth not the warm blood boil in any breast In that their leader hath to champion them ? Have their hands failed to fight ? Where are Bizhan And Giv those noble ones and where Gudarz, Son of Kishwad, that taker of the world ?
If
If
thou art paladin
why
?
hast thou
left
The centre
for the field
The wise
will
own not
Thy kinship and the sane will hold thee mad. Go, hold up Kawa's standard generals
;
Come not to fight in person. Look for one On whom the Shah bestowed a robe of honour, Some warrior in quest of crown and signet, And order him to battle with the Lion, And bring the hand of the high-handed down.
Ill
If
would befall this noble host of thine thou wert slain by me, thy troops become
spiritless,
Abandoned,
Discomfited.
and,
if
they lived,
V. 883
Save Rustam son of Zal, And Sam the cavalier, I see no noble Like thee within Iran whose ancestors
122
No need of army thou wilt fight in person Go thy way That some aspirant from the host may face me Besides, if thou wilt list to true advice, Wherein my soul and heart confirm my tongue, The bravest smart when they encounter me." Tus said " Exalted man I am the leader,
Were men renowned and Shahs.
!
If
But
am
Thou
withal a horseman of the fray. art a leader of the Turkman troops

!
Thyself Why then hast thou come on the If thy heart will accept advice of mine
Seek,
'tis
field
Come
counsel, for a league with me. with the noble captain of thy host
my
Before the Shah because, while one surviveth,
These troops will rest no jot from this revenge. Give not thyself thus madly to the wind,
And may my
counsel ne'er recur to thee.
Leave those who should be slain to fight with us, For not one guilty shall escape our vengeance, So act the wise man's part. The Shah directed
: '
Harm
not Piran.
He
is
my
foster-sire,
Experienced, and
my
friend.
Strive not with
him
Unjustly, wantonly, and " Hear thine advice.'
see that
he
"
V. 884
Right or wrong, bidden by a king of glorious race, We must go forth we have no remedy, But must surrender all our heart to him. Piran himself desireth not this strife, For he is noble, good, and generous." While Tus was parleying, the face of Giv Resembled sandarach, he left the host " he cried, Tus of glorious race Like wind, " " A wily Turkman with his lips afoam Hath come between the lines why should he speak So long with thee apart ? Seek not the door
said
:
Human
When
KAI KHUSRAU
Of
peace, speak only with thy scimitar." Human, on hearing, raged and said to
:
123
Giv Of sleepless fortune " Wretchedest of all The free perish Giidarz son of Kishwad Upon the day of battle at Ladan
! !
Thou sawest me with Indian sword in hand Where not one of his seed survived that read not
The
inscription thereupon. Is like the face of Ahriman,
For thee, thy fortune and mourning If Tus slay me Is ever in thy house. Men still will use the mace and kettledrum. Piran is living and Afrasiyab, Who will avenge me promptly,. but if Tus Shall perish by my hand none of his troops
Bewail thy brothers' pangs, " at Tus son of Naudar ? thou Why " " What wrath is this ? said Tiis, " I am thy foe Come let us wheel about, begin the encounter, And bend our brows in battle."
Will reach Iran.
railest
v. 885
Then Hiiman
"
All heads beneath a
crown or helm must

'tis
die.
field,
Since death must come
best
upon the
And by
the hand of some skilled cavalier, leader, prince, and ardent warrior."
Then, grasping each his massive mace, they charged. Earth reeled, day darkened, and a dust-cloud gathered Above the scene of strife. Thou wouldst have said " The night hath come on them by day, the sun The lustre of the world is blotted out !" Those mighty maces clashed and bent like bows Of Chach, the ring of steel rose to the sky, The wind of that contention reached the Shahd Thou wouldst have said: "Stone heads are in those
:
!
helms,
Those warriors' blows have blackened death's own face
"
!
They took
in
hand
their Indian scimitars,
124

sent sparks streaming out of stone and steel with the chieftains' might the trenchant blades
And
V. 886
Till
First bent, then shivered.
Dust-smirched and athirst

other's leathern belt,
Each warrior clutched the
And
pressed with
all his
weight upon the stirrups,
But neither came
to dust.
Human's
belt snapped.
He
leapt
upon
a fresh steed while Tus took
His quiver, strung his bow, and set thereon A poplar arrow. He began to shower His shafts upon his noble foe and wheeled
To left and right as horsemen use to do. The points of steel and eagle-plumes bedimmed The mid-day sun, the world became as 'twere
Night's second watch, its face like diamonds. Pierced by a poplar shaft Human's steed fell He raised his shield to save his face and head.
;
On seeing him afoot upon the field, And holding not his own, the Turkman
chiefs
Brought him a noble mount, but when Human Had seated him upon the bark-lined saddle, With Indian sword in hand, the men of name And warriors all drew near to him and said " It groweth dark, there is no time, and strife
:
V. 887
Is over for the day. May evil eyes Be far from thee and fighting end in feast." the warrior turned his rein (Tus raising
Human
His own lance to him), left the field, and sought Piran. A shout rose from the Turkman host " How didst thou fare when face to face with Tus,
:
Our hearts were full for thee " God only knoweth what we felt
warrior
?
!
That Lion
Replied
"
:
brave and veteran warriors
The day
Yon And
us triumph, we shall take all joy will be your portion, shining nag, I shall have the stars of heaven for mine."
will bring
KAI KHUSRAU
Tiis for his part "
125
was shouting through the night

Is
Till
cock-crow
raging lion should
Human the man my foeman be."
for
me
How
the Iranians
and Turanians fought
the second
Time
Now when
And
high heaven had made its Crown of Jet, on Lapislazuli, The pickets hurried forth on every side, And set the watch around the camps, but when
flung Pastilles
Sol showed in Cancer, and the world became Fair as a Human's face, from both the camps
The sound
of tymbals rose, the world
was
filled
With the blare of clarions, air was thick with flags, Which gleamed red, yellow, black, and violet, The warriors bared their weapons, and rode forth To battle. Thou hadst said " Heaven, earth, and time
:
Don iron," while the radiant sun was By dust of caracoling cavaliers,
veiled
And, what with neigh of steeds and din of drums, Heaven kissed the earth. Human the chieftain wheeled
Before the ranks, a shining dart in hand, And cried " When I shall raise the battle-shout,
:
Urge on my charger and seethe up with rage, Then draw ye forth your falchions as one man, And hold your shields of Chin above your heads. See nothing but your horses' crests and reins, I want no bow, I want no lance's point, But armed with sword and club and massive mace, As is the use and wont of warriors,
Throw down your
And
reins upon your horses' necks, and take the buffets as they come." give This said, the gallant horseman lion-like Went to Piran " paladin " he cried,
:
!
126
"

warriors,
Unlock the weapons of our
Keep not
And
Thy
dinars within the treasury, hoard not arms. If we prevail to-day
On
heart shall pluck the fruit of favouring stars." his side Tus arrayed his host as 'twere
of chanticleer.
The eye
The
warriors blessed him,
And hailed him
Who
as the paladin of earth, triumphed in the battle, and whose valour
Sent dust up from Human. Then to Gudarz, Son of Kishwad, said Tus " Let all wot well That if we march forth, and our foes prevail, Our trust must be in God, not in ourselves
: ;
V. 889
day At present let the chiefs with golden boots Remain with Kawa's standard. Let none quit The mountain this is not the day and season For strife and stir. Good sooth the enemy " Out-number us two hundred times or more Gudarz replied " If God will but avert Our evil day the fact of more or less Irnporteth not. Daunt not the Iranians, For if the sky turn over us for ill To wait is no avail. Array the host Dash not our souls with what may be." So Tus, The chieftain, put the battle in array Men, drums, and elephants of war the footmen Went with the baggage to the heights, Gudarz
;
! ! :
He may
assist us, else the
is lost.
shared with Gurgin The left, the troops were ranked, anon the sky Shook with the roar of drum and clarion,
right,
V. 890
r
Was
on the
Ruhham
fhe heart
of circling heaven was rent, the sun
Was choked with dust, none saw the ground beneath him,
The murky clouds rained showers of diamonds, Fire flashed from helm and sword, the spear-heads
gleamed,
KAI KHUSRAU
127
And
"
massive
said
:
maces whirled.
iron,
Thou wouldst have
The
air is
mace and
And
Horseshoes and mail." swords were lamps that

one knew head from
!
and the earth The plains and dales ran blood,

lit
No
"
'
foot,
a world of night. such was the din

:
Tiis said to Giidarz Of drum and clarion the and cometh astrologer hath told me Night until the To-day night's third watch is passed The warriors from their scimitars will pour Blood on the field, like rain from some dark cloud But victory, I fear me, in the end
:
Will rest with our revengeful
"
foes.'
Shidush,
Ruhham, Giv, Gustaham, Kharrad, Fdrhad, And brave Barzi'n came forth between the hosts,
Came
While
liver- wounded,
eager for revenge,
Like troops of divs upon a
murky
night,
Human
in all quarters din assailed the clouds. on his side mountain-huge led forth
tell,
His army troop on troop, and none could
Amid the mass of maces, mallets, And spears, the stirrups from the
"
swords,
reins.
He
said
v. 891
Our work to-day must not be like the fight Of yesterday, but we must sweep the earth Of foe in en lest they seek revenge hereafter." Then Tiis advanced with foot-men, elephants,
And kettledrums, while spear-men, pavisers, And javelin-men drew up before the horse-men.
"
Leave not your
And
and hold posts," he said, in front of and we will see spears you,
of their chivalry."
"
your shields
The massive mace-play
128

IO
Hoiv the Turanians used Sorcery against the Host of Iran
Among
the Turkmans there was one Baziir
By name, adept in magic, versed in guile And sorcery, and learned in the tongues
Of Chin and ancient
Piran said
V. 892
"
:
Persia.
To that warlock
Scale the mountain-top and send Snow, cold, and blast upon the Iranians." That sorcerer sped thither, and forthwith
Came snow and
storm.
The Iranian spearmen's hands
Failed in the snow and stress.
Amid
the
the tumult
And And
icy blast the warriors' war-cry rose,
arrows rained.
"
"
Let
all
army
While their hands None can show prowess."

Piran bade.
charge," freeze to their spears
With
like a lusty div.
a shout
Human
Charged They slaughtered so That 'twixt the lines there was a sea of gore, The vales and wastes were filled with snow and blood, The horsemen of Iran were overthrown, Till corpses left no room to wheel the ground Was blocked by snow and fallen. Tiis the leader And other chiefs cried bitterly to heaven " Higher than all knowledge, sense, and reason, Not at, or in, but everywhere we all Are Thy transgressing slaves and in our straits
;
: !
Appeal
to Thee, for
Thou
wilt help the helpless,
V. 893
Lord of fire and icy blast. Deliver us from this excessive cold We look for aid to Thee and Thee alone." A sage approached Ruhham and showed the height Where bold Bazur was stationed with his spells. Ruhham wheeled round and quitting field and host,
art the
;
And
And
girding
up
his mail-skirts to his waist,
KAI KHUSRAU
Clornb to the mountain- top.
129
The warlock saw him,
And, grasping a
steel
mace
of Chin, advanced
Ruhham, approaching, quickly drew His trenchant scimitar and hacked away The warlock's hand. Like Doomsday came a blast, And swept the murk from heaven. Staying thus The sorcerer's hand the brave Ruhham descended,
fight.
To
Regained the
Resumed
its
and mounted while the azure vault and radiant sun.

plain,
:
air
Ruhham said to his sire " 'Twas sorcerer's work, And how he played the mischief as we fought "
!
The Shah's troops saw the field a sea of blood Strewn with Iranian heads and headless trunks. Then spake Giidarz to Tus " No need have we
:
For elephant or drum-beat. Let us all Draw sword and charge, and slay or else be Good sooth our time is coming to an end This is no day for lasso, shaft, or bow." " Tiis said thou experienced veteran
!
slain.
ridded of that icy blast. Why should our heads be scattered to the winds, Now that the Helper giveth Grace and strength ?
is
The sky
Expose not thou
thyself, for in this strife

-
Our warriors will avail to do our will. Go not to meet thy fate or recklessly Advance against our foes but tarry thou With Kawa's standard at the army's centre, And blue steel sword in hand. Bizhan and Giv
Together lead the right
Is
;
upon the
is
left
V. 894
Gustaham
Ruhham
;
with Shidush
Before the lines
For vengeance. Back to the Shah, but death is nobler far For me than shame and every foeman's jeers.' Such is the world, all anguish and all woe Seek not addition if thou canst forbear,
VOL.
III.
]
Guraza's lips are foaming If I shall be slain, retreat
130

will bite thee
For that
some day and
will ne'er
Prolong existence for thee here below. Again arose the blast of clarions,
The clangour
What What
of the gongs and Indian bells. with the din of warlike cavaliers,
The gleam
of sword
and crash of
battle-ax,
with darts, maces, shafts, and javelins,
The earth became as 'twere a sea of pitch. The plain was filled with trunkless heads and arms, The crashing of the maces filled all ears,
But, since the face of cruej fortune loured The Iranian warriors showed the foe their backs.
Then
Tiis,
Giidarz,
and gallant Giv,
Shidiish,
Bizhan, and lion-like Ruhham all took Their lives in hand and went in quest of fame
Before the embattled
lines.
All those with
Tiis,
poured out their blood but those behind them fled. Before the host, Then said an archmage to that warrior-chief: " The army is no longer at thy back The foe must not surround thee and destroy Both host and general." Tiis said to Giv " Our soldiers' brains and wisdom are no mates Since they have left us thus, and in their folly Turned from the fight go thou and rally them Protest our foemen's jeers, our monarch's shame." Giv went the host returned the plain and desert Seemed filled with slain. Then Tiis addressed the
chiefs,
:
: ;
The nobles and the
"
V. 895
captains This is a struggle and a

:
strife of chiefs
is
But
since the cheek of

all
day
darkling now,
And
the land
is
like a sea of blood,
Seek we a resting-place if night can rest. Our slain perchance a bed of sand may have, And coverlet of earth by way of grave."
KAI KHUSRAU
131
II
How
the Iranians retreated to
Mount Hamdn-an
And
The Iranians drew back with heads abashed livers wounded for their friends, and when The moon rose o'er the mountains as it were
king triumphant on his turquoise throne, Pirun the chieftain called his warriors,
said
"
:
And
Not many
of the foe remain,

its
And, when the Topaz Sea shall dash
waves
Upon
I will
the
Realm
of Lapislazuli,
destroy those that survive and The Shah's heart writhe."
make
The troops went off rejoicing, the night before the tent-enclosure Sat sleepless through the sounds of harp and rebeck
And
all
But for their part the Iranians mourned, the sires Lamented for their sons, the killed and wounded Hid all the plain, earth ran with great men's blood. To right and left the field was strewn with hands
And
feet unsortable.
All night
men
raised
Their stricken friends,
bound up and
stitched their
wounds,
Left strangers to their fate, and burned the slain. Full many of the kindred of Giidarz
Were hurt
or killed or captive.
He
The
wailed, earth
chiefs all
At the news shook beneath the Iranians' rent their raiment, he himself
: !
cries,
v. 896
" None Cast dust upon his head, exclaiming With hoary head hath seen such ills as mine
Why
Now
must
I still survive
with
my
white hairs
that so
many
of
my
sons are laid
In dust ? Since that dark day when I was born I have not doffed my tunic. When I went
With heroes and
my
cavaliers to
war
132

and
My grandsons
But none
of
my
!
sons supported me,

first
them surviveth our

soil
fight
Upon Turanian
Was once for all And hence I see
sun extinguished with Bahrain,
May
be
my
so
many
"
chieftains slain."
Tus, hearing of Giidarz, wept tears of blood, And turned as pale as sandarach. He raised
Had not Naudar, Magian cry That holy man," he said, " set in life's garth My feet and roots then travail, pain, and grief, Woe for the dead and anguish in the strife, Had ne'er been mine, for since I girt my loins
bitter
:
My heart hath oft been pierced though I Now where there is a pit inter the slain,
Restore each trunk
survive.
its head, and bear the baggage Toward Mount Hamawan. Take all the army, The tents, and tent-enclosures to the mountain. We will dispatch the Shah a camel-post
;
His heart
I
will
burn and he
will
send us troops.
purposed when I sent the cavalier To carry news of us before the battle, That Kai Khusrau should send the son of Zal
To
lead the reinforcements to the field."
He
With
loaded up and, thinking of the slain anguish, called his men to horse again.
12
How
V. 897
the
Host of Turdn beleaguered Mount
Ham divan
Now when
the bright sun showed its crown, and strewed with Camphor, Tus, good sooth Throne The Ivory
!
What while the foe were sleeping with fatigue, Had marched ten leagues, and fared thus day and night With heart all sorrow and unbroken fast.
He
reached Mount
Hamawan and
ranked his troops
KAI KHUSRAU
133
Upon its outskirts. Every eye was bloodshot, Their hearts were seared, their souls like ravens' plumes
Then spake Tiis to Giv and said wisdom and illustrious chief For three days we have marched with neither food Nor sleep Come eat a little and repose At ease without thy mail Piran no doubt
anguish.
:
With
"
full of
Will follow us anon intent on
fight.
Go
to the
The
thyself, and leave behind freshest of our soldiers with Bizhan."
mount
Giv bare the wounded, weary of the world
And And
"
mountain-hold, chose the freshest of his troops for duty. This mountain-top," he said, " must be our home.
life,
sick of
up
to the
We
must
recruit."
The outpost-guards descended To hold the approaches that no foe might pass, And, what with challenges and sound of gongs, Thou wouldst have said: "The stones and rocks cry
out
"
!
Now when
The
As
the sun rose o'er the mountain- tops Turkmans' hearts were full of eagerness.
V. 898
A sound
of
rose from Pmin's pavilion an earthquake. He led forth the host Like fire, and told Human " The contest surely
:
Will soon be over.
All their cavaliers
Are
slain or, being
wounded, cannot
;
fight."
;
He beat the drums a shout He led in person. When they

"
:
rose from the waste
reached the
field
They only found a camp without an army, And one who went to spy came to Piran,
And
said
There
is
not an Iranian here

rose,
"
A shout
of
triumph
:
the troops awaited
The orders of Piran who thus addressed The wise men " Sages famed and worshipful What shall we do now that our foes have fled
"
?
134
The horsemen of the host, both old and young, Wroth with the paladin, exclaimed " The Iranians Have fled defeated, and the battlefield
:
and blood This is no time them. We should follow up the foe. Strange if thou partest with thy wits and wisdom The fugitive from wind plunged into water, And we had better hasten than delay." Piran replied " In war the foot of haste Is feebler than delay's. A sea-like host
Is full of dust
!
To
fear
Is gathering before Afrasiyab Let us delay till that great power with
;
all
;
Its warriors
Then Such
will
is
and fighting-men shall come we leave none living in Iran

:
the counsel of the wise.

said to Piran
"
:
Enough.
!
Human
v. 899
Vex not thy
soul so
much
paladin on this account,
host
all
Brave
men who
paladins and cavaliers, wield the lasso and the sword
Have left their ground, their tents, and tent-enclosures, Abandoned all and fled. Be sure of this,
That they were forced to
flee
and once
for all
Show
us their backs.
We
will not let
them reach
;
Khusrau and muster at his court afresh Then from Zabulistan will Rustam march
Upon
us, this
Now
And
is
delay cause fearful loss. the time for me to fall on them,
put in practice ruse and artifice. have the certainty of laying hands Upon Giidarz and Tus the general,
We
The
royal standard, elephants, and drums " Shall we do better by delaying here ?
:
Piran replied " Be still thus shrewd and ardent. So do because thy star and rede are good,
And
heaven's vault
set forth
He
is not so high as thou." with his army in pursuit,
KAI KHUSRAU
135
And bade Lahhak

The The
girdle
Now tarry not but ply rein with ten score cavaliers and loose not
:
"
from thy
loins
till
thou hast seen

like wind,
Where
the Iranians are."
He went
And
At midnight The Iranian outpost-guards caught sight of him Upon the dusky plain, and from the mountain
Rose shout and sound of gong. Twas not the time, He saw, to tarry, went back to Piran,
took no thought of rest and food.
And gave him

"
tidings of the Iranian host 'Tis on Mount Hamawan with front well guarded." " Piran said to Human Ply rein and stirrup
:
:
In haste, take with thee cavaliers enough, Take nobles, warriors, and men of name, For with their flag and troops the Iranians
V. 900
Have taken refuge on Mount Hamawan. This war involveth further toil, so sharpen Thy wits to find a remedy if thou
;
Canst capture Kawa's legacy his standardThen daylight will be darkened to our foes.
If
thou prevailest cleave the
flag
and
staff
To pieces with thy trenchant
scimitar.
Lo, I will follow after thee like wind,
And
dally not."
Human
chose thirty thousand
Turanian horse with shields and scimitars. Now, when the shining sun displayed the face That filleth earth with love, that army's dust Appeared afar and from the look-out rose The watchman's shout " An army from Tiiran
:
Appeareth
Its dust
Upward
"
!
to the
darksome clouds
ascendeth
Assumed
Tus, on hearing this, his mail, rose din of trump and drum,
And
all
the Iranian chivalry in mass
136
Ranged on the mountain's foot. Whenas Human Beheld that mighty army brandishing Sword, mace, and spear, and raging like fierce lions With Kawa's standard in their midst, he shouted Thus to Giidarz and Tiis " Ye left 1 ran With elephants and drums to be avenged Upon Tiiran and to invade our coasts Now to the mountain have ye fled like game, In utter rout and all fo'rdone with fight Feel ye no shame hereat and no disgrace ? Are food and rest and sleep in rocks and stones ? To-morrow, when the sun shall top the hills,
:
V. 901
I turn this thy stronghold to a sea. Will bring thee from this lofty mountain down, Will make thy hands fast in the lasso's coils, And send thee to Afrasiyab, deprived
Will
Of provand, rest, and sleep, and thou shalt know That this thy shift is but a shiftless one,
And one
to be deplored."
"
camel-post
" Our thoughts were other. Did we And we made ready to attack the foe, But all the mount is troops and kettledrums, The standards wave behind Giidarz and Tiis Take order that as soon as bright day shineth, And when the world's Light showeth in the sky, Thou mayst be here with troops in war-array,
!
full speed. " expect ? he said.
He sent Piran What sort of fight
And make
the plain's face dark with hosts of men.'

; ;
The message roused Piran no time was lost That night he marched on with a sea-like host.
KAI KHUSRAU
137
13
How Pirdn
went in Pursuit of the Iranians
to
Mount
Hamdwan
Sol, aweary of its veil of gloom, bursten through it and come forth, Piran, The leader, reached Mount Hamawan, and earth
When
Had
hidden by the dust of troops. " Abide," Thus said he to Human, " here where thou art Set not the troops in motion for a while.
Was
I will
And
hold parley with the Iranian leader, say Why hast thou set up Kcdwa's standard
'
'
Who
He
"
told
him
of
Mount Hamawan and now

"
?
When
there what hopeth he
In hate and vengeance came anear the Iranian host and cried
:
Illustrious Tiis, the lord of elephant,

!
Of mace and kettledrum
five months have passed Since thou provokedst war, and on the field The noblest kinsmen of Gudarz lie headless, While thou hast fled, thy soldiers panting after,
v. 902
And
like a
mountain-sheep hast taken refuge,

!
Full of revenge and rancour, in the heights But thou wilt surely come within the toils."
Exalted
Tiis replied
"
:
Thou
didst set wreak afoot
mock thy falsehoods. among the mighty
Throughout the world
No shame
They
Ne'er
of
for Siyawush. Hast thou thy vain words ? Hot though they be
will not bring
me
to those toils of thine.
may the world possess a paladin Like thee among the men of might and name.
Thou by an oath
didst ruin Siyawush,
earth with his blood, thou madest him in Tiiran now war and vengeance stay Stay In earth through him. Alas for that great prince
;
!
And wreck
138

noble
And
face once gladdened all Thou by this practice, such deceit and lies, Wilt gain no lustre in a true man's sight.
man whose
We
could not forage on the battlefield,
And therefore have I marched to Hamawan. News now hath reached the monarch of the world, Who with his mighty men will come anon. The great men of the host have gathered Zal And Rustam of the elephantine form And when the Shah is fairly on the march
;
I will
not leave Tiiran
field, fell,
or crop.
Since thou art here behold a task for
men
This
is
no time
for ruse
and ambuscade."
Pfran on that sent forward troops to seize

v. 903
The approaches, and the army mountain-like Moved, troop on troop, upon that mountain-skirt. Piran, when thus the foemen's foraging
Was
"
straitened, laid his plans.

"
We," said Human,
Must get possession

I will
of the mountain's foot,
And
deal so that the Iranians

"
:
Shall never gird themselves for vengeance more."
Piran replied
The wind
is
in our face,
;
think of fighting with it so But as they have not room for foraging, And nobody would guard a barren rock,
And none would
They will no longer heed their general With warlike eyes grown dim the troops
;
will
come
To seek not fight but quarter For grace and not for setting
'tis
a day
in array."
KAI KHUSRAU
139
How
Were
"
the Iranians
made a Night-attack
;
Giidarz and Tiis suspected this the chiefs in dismay. Said old Giidarz to Tus
We must fight now. If we have three days' provand We have not more, and not one road is open We have no tents, no huts, no baggage-train,
!
And
Is
this great host will starve
So,
when
seen,
the sun
wan
of face
and
night's dark veil
is
9<H
Choose we brave
cavaliers,
descend the heights,
And
try our fortune in a night-attack,
To perish one by one, or else to gain The hero's crown. Such is the end of battles One hath the dust, another rank and glory." Tus hearkened to Giidarz his heart was full Of pain and of the ancient feud. He bode Till night appeared. The sun set all was dark. When one watch passed, and men had fallen silent, Tus made him ready, called the men of action, Gave one wing to Bizhan, one to Shidush And bold Kharnid the glorious flag he gave To Gustaham with much advice and counsel, Then, shouldering with Giv, Ruhham, and others The massive mace, made for Piran and shocked
! ;
Like
fire
the
Turkman
centre.
All the field
Grew
like a sea of blood, a
mighty shout
Rose from the host, the standard of Piran cloven, and his troops were panic-stricken. Hiiman, when he had heard that cry, bestrode His Arab black, came up, saw many slain, And many turning from the fight dismayed, Wept tears of blood upon his breast, and shouted " Was there no outpost here ? Had ye no stomach For fight ? We are three hundred to their one
Was
HO
It is
ill

sleeping on the field of battle
!
905
out with sword and mace, and up with shield Of Chfn. Now that the moon o'er yonder height
!
Ho
Is
On
Or
drawing forth its sword, cut off the foe every side and let none, combatant
laggard, 'scape."
Arose the clarions'
blast,
The warriors pressed forward, and surrounded The Iranian cavaliers like savage lions. Sparks flashed from helm and sword thou wouldst
:
have said
"
raining maces from the clouds Night, scimitars, and dust concealed the stars And shining moon. Thou'dst said " The Iranians
is
! :
The sky
"
Are walled by coats
of mail
"
!
and in a murk
to his
!
As
of a sea of pitch
:
Then
men
;
Human exclaimed Enough slay not the chiefs them me Bring captive and not arrow-pierced."
:
"
" Their plight is hopeless now. They shouted back on with mace and javelin, Lay on, lay
And crown these
chieftains' heads with

:
crowns of blood."
!
Then Tiis said to Ruhham and Giv " Good sooth Our lives are but a jest Unless the Almighty
!
Shall save our souls and bodies from this scath
We
Or struggling
are but poised upon an eagle's wings, " in the waters of the deep Like savage lions leaping from their lairs
!
They charged
And pipe and Rose from the

The
"
V. 906
together, while the sound of drum clang of Indian bells and gongs
foe,
men
could not see their reins,
horses' crests, or spear-points at their eyes.

fight
Ye have no room," exclaimed Human, "for Or flight, and evil fortune drave you forth, That ill might reach the guilty."
'Mid such
strife
!
Abode that warrior-three with
paltry powers
KAI KHUSRAU
141
Much thought
The prowest
"
they then of Rustam, everywhere
Bizhan, and Good sooth
in the fray, and of Shidiish, Gustaham, of great and small

"
!
said they,
!
"
one of the Iranian host
Would
came not to a fight, help us here of maw to the crocodiles But madly
!
We
Woe to the throne and portal For they will capture us anon
And
Zal are in Zabulistan
"
!
!
of the Shah,
!
Great Rustam
Iran
Will be destroyed
The din of mace and drum Reached the Iranian host, and Giv and Tiis Said Shidush and Gustaham, Returned not " The Lion " Tiis is long engaged Guraza " Said to Bizhan " Our leader's task is long Anon the din of drums rose from the plain, Air turned pitch-dark and earth to ebony. The warriors made toward the voice of Tiis. The field ran blood. As they came up behind All drew their massive maces. Tiis, aware That succour had arrived, roared tymbal-like, Loosed rein, and pressed his stirrups, for he felt His fortune rising, while Ruhham and Giv, Cheered by the voice of brave Bizhan, became Like lions. Thus they fought till break of day,
!
v. 907
Until the world's Light shone above the mountains, Then they recalled the host and drew it off
Toward the rocky heights. The chieftain " From set of sun Harangued the troops
:
Tiis to
drum-beat
Far from the noble be the evil eye, And may our fighting end in festival. I never heard of warriors displaying Such gallantry as I have seen in you.
first prayer is that Holy God will keep Afar from us the eyes of evil ones.
My
142
He
is my refuge evermore and He Will take you out of this. I trust withal
In Him that presently and swift as smoke An army may come up to our support.
Assuredly my speedy camel-post Hath reached ere now the monarch of the world.
My letter
And
will inflame his heart
anew,
to aid us,
The elephantine
chief will
come
We
And
with a noble company of Lions. shall return in triumph, well content,

eager to behold Khusrau again. that triumphant world-king
his kindness
We will report to
And through
All that hath passed in public and in private,
and his
satisfaction
Obtain, each one of us, the fruits of fortune." Both hosts ceased fighting, 1 breathed themselves, and
left
The
battle drawn.
On
both sides scouts advanced
Upon
that plain of valiant warriors.

forth,
Human came
And
saw corpses block the road,

"
:
Withdraw to-day The battle hath not answered our desires, But when our warriors, approven horsemen,
thus addressed Piran
And men have

Such
as the
rested I will
make
a fight
sun and
moon
ne'er saw."
They went, Their converse done, each on his schemes intent.
15
How Kai Khusrau had

:
Tidings of his Host
News reached Khusrau " Piran hath gained Tiis hath retired upon Mount Haniawan, And many a chieftain of the host is missing.
1
the day,
Beading with P.
KAI KHUSRAU
The Son
portal of the palace of Gvidarz, of Kishwad, is void of men of war
chiefs.
143
And
The very
The rose no longer groweth The world through them is
stars are wailing them, in the garden,

filled
with dust and blood,
And
Tus' high star hath fallen
"
!
Kai Khusrau, The famous, heard, and his heart quaked. He bade The elephantine Rustaru come to court, And with his host. The sages and the archmages, Famed and experienced of Iran, all came
;
Khusrau, the chief of chieftains, loosed his tongue, Told how the host had fought, and said to Rustam " Exalted one our ancient state, I fear, Is tottering, whereat my heart is full Of dread. Thou fosterest the crown and throne, World-ruling fortune hath its light from thee, The heart of heaven is on thy sabre's point,
!
v 99
-
And under
thee are sky and time and earth.

brain
;
Thou didst dig out the White Div's heart and The age's hopes are based upon thy love,
Earth
is the servant of thy charger's dust, time to thee is like a loving mother. The sun is set a-burning by thy sword,
And
And Venus weepeth at that mace of thine. Thy plumed and pointed shafts make lions weary
Of
fighting with thee on their
day of
bale.
Since thou hast been a
man and worn
helm
No foe hath cast his eye upon Iran. Now Tus, Giidarz, and Giv and other chiefs, With many of the warriors of this land,
Have with
Full
Full
full
hearts and eyes that flowed with tears
Fled from the
many
soldiers of Afrasiyab. of the kindred of Giidarz
on the day of fight and sleep in dust. Those of the army that escaped with life
144

;
Are broken-hearted on Mount Hamawan Their heads are lifted heavenward they pray The Almighty, who is Lord of time and place, That elephantine Rustam may perchance
;
Come
As
I
in God's strength at my command. the letter in the night perused I shed my heart's blood freely on my cheeks.
to
them
910
the thing to no one for three days Save only unto God the Succourer,
I told
But now, because the matter hath surpassed

All bounds, my heart is full of care therefor. Thou art the hope of host and general
:
Mayst thou be sound in health and bright in mind; May thy head flourish and thy heart rejoice,
Be thy pure person free from hurt of foe. Ask me for plenty of whate'er thou wilt, Of steeds, of arms, of treasure, and of troops.
counsels and a joyful heart So great a work must not be slackly done." The hero answered " May the signet-ring And crown ne'er lack thee. Heaven remembereth not
: :
Go with good
A king like
And
I
thee for Grace, for stature, justice,

since
Khusrau hath heard that ever Kubad assumed the imperial diadem
rede.
have been girded in Iranian quarrels,

not sat at rest a single day.
And have
Mine have been waste, gloom, lion, elephant, Enchanters, lusty dragons, mighty men
and of Mazandaran, and massive maces, and withal nights, Long journey ings and thirsts, for I preferred
Both Dark
of Tiiran
The door
of travail to the stead of ease.
So many toils and hardships have I seen That I have never asked a day of pleasure. Thou art the world's king, and a slave am I Girt to perform thy hests. Let not the Shah
KAI KHUSRAU
Grieve for the
slain,
145
but
let
thy foes look wan.

to Tus,
With
belted waist will I
draw near
v 9"
-
And
gird me to avenge the Iranians, For liver-wounded have I been and girt
With mourning
for the scions of Giidarz."
Kai Khusrau heard Rustam's words he wept. And said " Without thee I desire not life, Or majesty or crown or royal throne.
:
When
Now -be
And crowned heads
the welkin in thy lasso's noose, in thy bonds."
The
treasurer
Unlocked the royal hoard of jewels, crowns, Dinars, helms, lassos, bows, and belts, oped too The sacks of drachms. The Shah gave all to Rustam, Thus saying " O illustrious warrior
: !
Go with the mace-men of Zabulistan, And mighty men and warriors of Kabul,
Swift as the blast, not tarrying thyself Or bidding others tarry. From the host
Choose thirty thousand swordsmen dight
for war,
And give to Fariburz son of Kaiis Some troops to go on first and seek
'
revenge."
said
:
The peerless Rustam kissed the ground and The bridle and the stirrups are my mates.
will
We
urge on the chiefs
far be repose
And
idleness from us."
He
:
paid the troops,
Went forth upon the plain, prepared for war, And said to Fariburz " Lead forth at dawn,
Conduct the van, and sleep not day or night Until thou come to Tus the general.
Say
to
him
' :
Risk not
fight,
And
Not Son
be not rash.
Lo
use guile, gain time, like a blast I come,

v. 912
dallying upon the road. Gurgin, of Milad, approved in war, will know What to advise thy host in weal and woe.' "
VOL.
III.
146

16
How
"
Farilurz asked
fo
Wife Faranyis,
the
Mother
of Kai Khusrau warrior, distributor of crowns,

"
!
Lord of the breastplate, battle-ax, and Rakhsh Said Faribtirz, " I have a secret wish That I can tell to no one in the world
Except to
thee,
paladin of earth,
signet,
!
Who
And
well deservest ring

art the stay
and crown and and refuge of the host

!
In thee the warriors exalt their helms. great one of Iran and may God bless thee, That I and noble Siyawush were brothers,
Know
And one
in blood.
'Tis
fit
that I should take

!
His widow as
this
my
wife, exalted chief
upon the Shah, and thou wilt set Urge A crown upon my head."
Then Rustam answered

"
:-
I will achieve thy wish." 'Tis thine to bid. The elephantine chief went in and said
:
!
"
O famed Khusrau I have a thing to ask That will exalt my head above the moon,
v. 913
And I will ask it with the monarch's leave, For God approveth. Love and justice reach All men through thee, twin-visaged like the sk}*. Now Fariburz among the chiefs and princes Hath not a peer; withal for rede and prowess I do not see his match, and he desireth
This of the Shah
the place of Siyawush,
So that, when he is marching to avenge His brother's blood, the guardian of his house
And May
wealth, the confidant in all his cares, be the daughter of Afrasiyab,

else,
None
they twain to be as sun and moon."
KAI KHUSRAU
"
147
Khusrau on hearing gave consent and said famous man the feet of fortune trample
!
All that reject thy counsel. Naught but good Will come from words of thine. Live ever glorious
cannot urge this, as thou know'st. Such speech To her would be misplaced, but I will give
I
My
mother,
if
she will consent to listen,
The counsels most conformable with wisdom." They went together to the moonlike dame The peerless Rustam and benignant Shah, Who said to her " Thou memory of my sire,
:
In good and
ill
my
refuge
may
govern,
toil
But thou
art Shcdh to
me.
Thou know'st the
And
travail of the
army
!
in this war,
How many
of our
mighty men have perished

I
In battle with Tiiran
mean
to
send
A host with
The
Rustam son
of Zal as chief,
While Fariburz
will lead the van,
and Rustam
be
v. 914
Himself be champion.
wife of Fariburz.
?
He would have thee What is thy pleasure

all
Therein
good thy mates." On hearing this she thought about old times, Distressed and vexed at heart at length in tears
;
Be greatness and
She said " I blame not Rustam if I did It would be misplaced now, for only heaven Can say him nay when he requesteth aught."
:
Then Rustam
All perish
!
said to her
!
"
:
Extolled for spotless worth
O dame of dames, Oh may thy foes

!
Thou, may be, wilt hear my counsel. Thou knowest that a woman cannot rest
Without a
And
For
spouse, the young without the young, best of all a mate of Kaian race,
man is
Is far
woman's sake, and she more eager than her spouse for her.
for the
Victorious Fariburz son of Kaiis, Fit for the crown, the lustre of the throne,
148
The brother and the peer of Siyawush, Is ruler of the more part of 1 ran The peopled land and desert both are his. By leave, advice, and order of the Shah
;
Do I approve thee as the prince's spouse. What sayest thou ? Is he approved by thee ?
Doth Fariburz appear a fitting mate ? Thou wilt do well to hearken to my words Heed what I tell thee and the Shah's advice." The Shah of ladies held her peace awhile In grief, ashamed to speak before her son, Then sighing deeply answered Rustam thus
:
"
V. 915
prowess, leader of the folk there is none like him in Iran Although He cannot take the place of Siyawush
!
full of
tongue, as thou inayst say, in fetters reason of By thy words, O paladin What doth the famous monarch now command
is
Yet
my
perform his will." like the roses in the spring, Thus, blushing The monarch's mother gave consent. The matter,
to
must be girded
was soon sped and drew up the contract. They archmages Then Fariburz became Shah's sire-in-law, And being franked by Kai Khusrau and Rustam Increased his quality and dignity, And gained a robe of honour and new crown. 1
Since
so instant,
:
Rustam was
called the
Three days prepared, the fourth achieved, the business, Then Rustam with his gallant warriors Fared toward the plain, while Fariburz with troops
Went
In heaven.
1
in advance, resplendent as a star Arose the din of clarions,
" C'est ainsi que Feribourz devint, par 1'ordre de Ke'i Khosrou, beau-pere du roi, et Rustem fut alors libre de partir. Khosrou combla d'honneurs le Pehlevan, et lui donna, un rang plus e"leve, une robe d'honneur et une nouvelle couronne " (Mohl).
KAI KHUSRAU
149
And
matchless Rustam led his army forth. The Shah, the world-lord, with his mind all care, Fared with him for two leagues, while Rustam turned
Two And
stages into one upon his way, rested not at all by night or day.
How
One
Tus saw Siydwush in a Dream

V. 916
hour of drum-beat, Tus, Heart-seared and full of trouble, slept and dreamed
night, about the
That from the deep a radiant lustre rose About an ivory throne, and Siyawush Thereon with Grace and crown, with smiling
lips
And tongue Upon him.

"
fair-spoken, turned a sun-like face " Stay the Iranians here," he said,
fight.
is
For thou shalt conquer in the

rosary
all
Lament not
The kindred
of Giidarz, for there
here
How
new, and we will quaff, we wot not, underneath its blooms." long With joyful heart released from pain and grief Tus woke. Then to Giidarz " World-paladin
:
have beheld a vision in my sleep Take note that Rustam like a rushing wind " Will come anon He bade the pipes to sound, The troops upon the mountain left their posts,
I
! !
The
warriors of Iran girt
up
their loins,
And set up Kawa's standard, while Piran Upon the other side led forth his powers The dust-clouds dimmed the sun its eye was dazed By warriors' shouts and by the rain of arrows.
; ;
The two hosts met, but not a champion showed

Before the
"
lines.
Human
said to Piran
We
must
attack.
Why
hesitate
The troops
150
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI Man and

!
Are not out hunting.

Piran said
"
:
beast bear weight."
Peace Tis not the time for haste Or argument. Yestreen from yonder lines, And unawares, three with a paltry force
is driving from the mountain-tops. found the whole plain like a stream of blood, And famous heads laid low. The Iranians hold A barren rock, their chargers sniff at thorns Like musk. Wait till they burn upon the crags,
Assailed us, cold
hungry
lions they,
we sheep
Whom
V. 917
And
The
die resourceless.
Leave no way
to pass,
Side, front, or rear-ward.

foe will
?
Since without your fighting
come
to hand,
why change
?
delay
For haste
serve
Why
should we fight
Ten horse
will
As scouts upon the plain. Wait we until Our foes lack food and drink, and ask for quarter. Unless they can subsist on thorns and flints
When
And
And
provand
faileth they will take to
them
die."
They
left
the
field,
went
to their tents,
scouts were posted while the warriors loosed Their belts and turned to sleep and banqueting.
The chieftain Tiis went also to his camp, With full heart and with cheeks of ebony, And thus addressed Gudarz " Affairs grow dark The fortunes of the Iranians are distraught.
: !
Troops compass us, our beasts' feed is all thorny, And food is not o'er-plenteous with the host Unsheathe at dawn. Kank on the mountain-skirts. If our good star prove helpful it will give us
Our will upon our foes, while if the Judge Of heaven shall end us with the scimitar, No more or less can hap than His decree,
So measure not your breaths in your dismay. Death too with high renown is goodlier
KAI KHUSRAU
Than
life
151
with fear and overthrow."
They
closed
v. 918
With what
their fortune-favoured chief proposed.
18
How
Afrdsiydb sent the
Khdn and Kdmus
to help
Pirdn
When
from the sign of Cancer Sol reached

:
out,
And rent the musk-hued Veil, a messenger Came from the monarch to Piran and said
"
Troops throng from every side
a host whose dust
Would make
a desert of the sea of Chin
Upon the battle-day. A chief is there From Ma wara 'u'n-Nahr his head is raised
;
O'er circling heaven

Is his
;
a hundred lions' strength

!
he quelleth mighty elephants In height a cypress and in looks a moon, A potentate whose toys are crowns and thrones,
Kamiis, this chief of chiefs, will have his will
The troops comprise Tiis. All those that dwell 'twixt Sipanjab and Rum. I reckon first the Khan of Chin, whose crown
Upon Gudarz and
Is
heaven, his throne the earth, next brave Manshur,
Whose falchion layeth warriors' heads in dust, And next Kamiis, the swordsman of Kashan, Whose eyes ne'er saw defeat. His works all prosper
When
wroth he bringeth blast and snow." Piran harangued the army of Turan, And said " Ye chiefs and warriors of the king
is
:
he
Rejoice ye, young and old at this good news, Sent by the king, and be ye bright of soul Now must we wash the trouble from our hearts
!
I will
not leave Iran
The pains and
or crop. troubles of the king are over

field, fell,
In seeking vengeance and arraying troops,
152
V. 919
And ye shall see Afrasiyab supreme By land and sea, at home and in fran." From those approaching powers fresh messengers
Kept coming
to the captain of the host
"
:
!
famous paladin Live glad and bright of soul for evermore. Be thy heart joyful to behold these kings,
With joyful news
And may thy

All, till
soul cease troubling.
From Kashmir
thou comest to the river Shahd, Is elephants and litters, flags and troops, While from Saklab Kundur the lion-man Is coming with that warring Heaven Biward Of Kiit, with Garcha from Sagsiir, Shangul From Hind. Flags fill the air and swords the earth. Chaghan hath sent Fartiis, the Light of hosts, Gahan hath sent Gahar, who scorcheth heroes,
With Shamiran
of Shakn, first of the age,
and sword. and head take thy thy pleasure here, For this glad news would make an old man young." Piran laughed out with all his heart and soul, Thou wouldst have said " He that was dead reviveth Thus spake he to Human " I will go forth To meet them. They have had a longsome march, Equipped for fight and full of care. They hold Their heads as high as doth Afrasiyab, For they have treasure, lustre, throne, and state. I will go forth and see what men they are, How many, with what chiefs and warriors, Will do obeisance to the Khan of Chin,
scattereth poison with his spear
Who
Now
lift
"
!
And
kiss the
ground before
his throne withal
I will
And
behold Kamus, the exalted one, find Tiis an opponent in Shangul.

I will gird
Returning hither
myself
life,
To rob the Iranians

And,
if
of the breath of
they cannot hold their own, will
make
KAI KHUSRAU
153
Day dark and strait to them. I will secure With heavy bonds about their feet and necks Those that survive among the Iranian chiefs, And then dispatch them to Afrasiyab,
Not taking rest or sleep till it be done, Behead the common soldiers that I capture, Burn them, commit their ashes to the winds,
v> 92
And
Then
take no thought about the place again. will I part our army into three,
the Iranian monarch's day.
And darken
I will dispatch
one army unto Balkh,

bitter to the Iranians,
And make day
Another to Kabulistan and bring Kabul the ashes of Zabulistan,
And And
lead the third compact of
mighty Turkmans
none,
Lions 'gainst Iran.
I will spare
Not women, little children, young or old, But overthrow Iran, both field and fell. May not a hand or foot be left to them But till I order matters seek not fight." Thus spake Piran and went with wreakful heart Thou wouldst have said " His very skin hath burst."
!
Away with care For two days let us labour but to keep Watch on Mount Hamawan, for fear our foes Steal oft' by night just when our flags will fill
said to the troops
:
Human
"
Completely road,
plain, valley, stream,
and
hill."
19
How
the
Khan
of Chin came to
allies
Hamawan
Piran on reaching his
beheld
The plains and valleys full of horses' hoofs. The tents and tent-enclosures filled the world With red and yellow, blue and violet.
154
THE SH AH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI

enclosure was a standard
Amidmost each
Wrought
V. 921
He
"
Chin and painted silk. stood amazed and asked himself in wonder
of brocade of
"
Is this a paradise, or banquet-hall,
The
starry heaven, or orbit of the moon ? He came afoot and kissed the ground before
The Khan, who, seeing him, embraced him, marvelled At such a chest and neck, much greeted him, Made much of him, set him upon the throne,
And
said
"
:
Oh
well
is
me
that I should
"
!
sit
In such good spirits by the paladin He then asked " Of the army of Iran Who hath the signet, and who hath the crown
:
Who are their warriors, What troops have they And wherefore sit they on the mountain-top "
? ?
monarch live for ever, Piran replied " And may the Maker bless thee who hast joyed
: !
Thy
I
slave's heart with
thy questions.
Through thy
fortune
am both well and happy, and my soul Desireth but the dust upon thy feet. The king inquireth of the Iranians
:
They have no signet, diadem, or throne, And, having longed for war beyond all measure, Are left with only rocks to gaze upon For foiled, dishonoured, and reduced in strength, They went in full flight to Mount Hamawan.
;
Their general is Tiis, a man of valour, Who feareth not a lion in the field.
Their chieftains are Giidarz son of Kishwad, all men of noble birth. Giv, and Ruhham
Now
This
by the fortune of the

is
illustrious
Khan
see.
the last host that their chief shall
They come not on the
plain at battle-time,
And
save the flinty rocks have naught to hand."

said
"
:
The Khan
Stay, and bring thy comrades too.
KAI KHUSRAU
Content of heart to-day And not anticipate."
will
155
we quaff wine,
v. 922
He decked the tents " Tis Paradise," Like gardens in the spring " Thou wouldst have said, for colour and device."
:
20
How
the
Iranians
tool-
Counsel how
to act
to the vault of heaven and of Gudarz grew troubled " Why are the Turkmans still to-day ? Are they At counsel or bemused ? But be they sad Know that if aid Or glad I look for ill Hath come to them ill hap hath come to us
Now when
Sol
mounted
The hearts
of Tiis
Consider
Or,
If
all
if still
the Iranian troops as slain living, fleeing from the fight.
Rustam cometh not upon the field Disaster will befall us from yon host, And we shall have no sepulture, no grave,
But
horses' hoofs will trample on our heads Giv said to Tus " O general of the Shah
: !
"
What
aileth thee to think

ill
;
upon mishap
We need not look for We are His worshippers,
thy Helper and have broadcast Much seed of good. Such fortune hath the Shah, The lord of scimitar and throne and crown, That God will not withdraw His help from us, And leave our enemies to work their will. With Rustam's coming all our soldiers' cares Will end. Let no man cease to trust in God
;
God
is
Though day should turn to night. Let not thy heart Be straitened needlessly because our foes
Forbear to fight one day they have not shut Heaven's door on us. Fear not the foe's designs.
:
156
V. 923

ordaineth loss for us
If
God most high
Quit vain imaginings for come it will. Let us construct a trench before the host,
As
warriors use, then draw the sword, provoke
A fight
and slay our
foes
we
shall
no doubt
Perceive their aims and lay their secret bare. News from Iran will come and there will be
Light on the boughs of our
tall Cypress-tree."
21
How Gadarz had
Tidings of the Coming of Rust am
Giidarz departed from the host and clomb The mountain-summit. From the look-out
A grievous
"
cry
Are ruined now The whole world eastward, grew as dark as night With dust, which standard-bearing elephants
!
came The Iranian warriors As yon bright sun declined
Sent up, and through that dust the shining sun
Was
"
lustreless
"
Giidarz heard that and cried
Dark earth
is
my
sole hiding-place
"
!
His cheeks
Became
He
as pitch, and like one arrow-pierced " share is ever strife and battle, cried
:
My
V. 924
and bane for antidote. and grandsons, men in the land, but all were slain Reputed For Siyawush, and all my luck hath gone I hope no more from life, my day is dark Would that my mother had not brought me
My
lot ill-hap
had a host
of sons
forth,
High heaven
ne'er turned o'er
me
"
He
said
"
:
Look
forth
Long-sighted upon the hosts and see who cometh.
man and
bright of
To the watch mind

!
KAI KHUSRAU
157
Where
Look
is
the banner of the Iranian chief?
to our left
and
right."
:
" I see
The watchman answered no movement and reconnaissance On our side, but on theirs all is astir " Of us thou wouldest say They are asleep.'
;
' :
And And
I
Thereat the paladin shed bitter tears, " cried in sorrow Saddle me my steed,
:
for the future
make my bed
of brick
mine eyes and arms once more, go Embrace Shidush, Bizhan, Kuhham, and Giv, Those brave, impetuous cavaliers, kiss each Farewell upon the cheek and shower tears." Ris gallant bay was saddled when there came Th watchman's shout " Rejoice, world-paladin Ana banish care, for on the road that leadeth Toward Iran a black, day-darkening dust
to
fill
:
Ariseth
many
standards like the
moon
;
Are
from the centre of a host The first one hath a wolf, a moon the next, The third a dragon with a lion's head In gold upon the staff
lifted
''
!
"
Then
live for ever,

"
!
And may
the evil eye be far from thee Gudarz exclaimed. " When what thou utterest
To such good purpose

I will
shall be brought to pass bestow on thee such varied treasures
V. 925
That thou shalt have no need to toil henceforth. Hereafter, when we go back to Iran, Some day, and to the monarch of the brave,
I will forthwith present thee at his throne,
And
lift
thy head above the nobles there.
Now
prithee leave thy look-out-post, approach

;
Our generals, and tell what thou hast seen Be quick use whom thou wilt upon the road."
;
"
may
not leave the look-out for the host,"
158

"
The watchman
That
I
said,
but when
'tis
grown
so dark
can see no longer I will carry, Like the Simurgh, the tidings to the troops
Down from my
"
station here."
Rejoined
Be shrewd
Look
forth from this
The paladin and bright of soul. high mountain yet again,

of heart
will
And
"
see
how soon they
be here."
He
Yon
host will reach
answered
Mount Hamawan to-morrow
At dawn."
The paladin conceived such joy
As would have brought a corpse
to
life.
Piran,
For his part, swift as flying dust-clouds led Those reinforcements 1 to the battlefield. A horseman went on first to tell at large The joyful news which when Human had heard He laughed and said " Now surely sleepless fortune Is with us." From the field a shout of joy Rose cloud-ward from the army of Turan. The Iranian nobles full of care and pain, With faces sallow and with livid lips, Dispersed themselves upon the mountain-side
:
To give their last instructions. Everywhere Groups gathered and bewailed themselves, and
"
said
:-
Woe
for these warriors of royal race,
Who
v. 926
are forgotten by the Iranians,

lions' maws will be their tombs, " earth be saturate with heroes' blood
!
For now the
And
The
chief bespake Bizhan
"
:
Arise, explore
This secret, scale the mountain-top and
mark
us,
The character and number of this host. See by what road they are approaching
1
See
18
and
19.
KAI KHUSRAU
159
What
camp-enclosures and what thrones they have."
Bi'zhan the son of Giv then went apart, And climbed the mountain's solitary peak,
and horsemen, elephants and troops ran back to the general, With heart all pain and soul all care, and said " Earth's surface hath become like indigo, So many are the troops and elephants The flags and spears pass count, the sun is dim In heaven with dust, the troops are countless, boundless, " The ear is deafened by their kettledrums Tiis listened, sad at heart and face all tears,
flags
Saw
On
all sides,
Then called to him the captains, sorely grieved About his men, and said " Time showeth me
:
Naught but the woes of war. I have experienced Full many a rise and fall, but never fear Like this. We have but one resource although
:
Our arms and troops
are few
we
will get ready,
Attack to-night, and make earth a Jihun
With
There
blood.
will
If
we
' :
shall perish in the fray

:
Men
be generals while there are kings shall not say He died ingloriously,'
to lay
Although they have
me
in the dust."
The leaders present all agreed thereto. Now when the face of earth became like pitch,
When
Venus, Mars, and Mercury were hidden,

Pisces,
V. 927
And when the moon rose from the Sign of And to the navel rent the robe of night,
The watchman with a face like sandarach Ran in to Tus and said " General The Shah hath sent an army from Iran "
:
! !
The leader Tus laughed with the other
chiefs,
!
And
said
"
:
O men
of
name and
warriors
We need not now seek fight since aid hath come, We have our times for haste and for delay.
The elephantine hero by God's strength
160

;
Will come to our assistance with this host
Then on the Turkmans will we satisfy Our lust, and our renown shall reach the sun." They thought no more about a night-attack The troops and leader joyed; the watchman made
;
Their
spirits bright again,
and young and old

Tiis sent forth his scouts,
Told those glad tidings. Shouts and the clang of
bells rose
from the mount,
And
the folk, grown happy and soul-bright, Talked of the chief of paladins all night.
all
22
How
the
Khan
of Chin went
to reconnoitre the
Army
of Iran
Whenas the sun And black night
arrayed
host in heaven, disappeared, the Khan of Chin

its
Assembled the Turanian
chiefs
:
and warriors,
" We will not fight thus addressed Piran a and do need we day's repose, To-day,
And
But, while our proud chiefs and man-slaying horsemen Rest from the travail of the tedious road,
And from
v. 928
their hurried
march
o'er hill
and
dale,
I will
Upon
survey the Iranians the field."
how they
"
:
fare
Piran replied
Is a Avise
The Khan
king and worshipful, so let him what Do he will to-day for he is leader." There rose a clamour from the camp-enclosure With sounds of kettledrum and clarion.
They mounted seats upon five elephants, Housed with brocade of Chin of turquoise hue, And broidered with gold thread. The seats themselves
Were gemmed with

The
emeralds, the fittings golden, were made of leopard-skin, saddle-flaps
KAI KHUSRAU
bells, gongs, and rattle-boxes. heads were decked with crowns, and all Wore torques and ear-rings. With so many flags Of painted silk the air was yellow, red,
161
And golden were

The
drivers'
And
violet like some bazar The troops marched to the
in Chin.
field as if to
keep
feast, the earth was beauteous as the eye Of chanticleer with trappings, colours, drums,
And
The kings set forth, the air was filled pipes. With blare of clarions, the spearpoints gleamed, The plain was black with troops. Tus from afar Saw them and ranged in line what men he had, The warriors of Iran girt up their loins, And Giv brought Kawa's standard. From the plain Of battle to the summit of the mount The army of Iran stood troop on troop. Now when Kamiis went forward with Manshur,
Bi'ward,
Shangul the
prescient,
and the Khan
To view Mount Hamawan, they never thought To face a foe, but when the Khan afar Looked forth and heard the Iranian horsemen's war-cry " Behold a host It pleased him and he said Of men-o'erthrowing, warlike cavaliers
:
!
Piran the chieftain told us otherwise, But brave men's qualities should not be hidden.
v. 929
The
chieftain
masketh the
pit's
mouth with brambles,

chase.
And thither will his horse speed at the What better is it vainly to besmirch
The foemen's prowess on the day of fight ? I have not looked on cavaliers and chiefs
So stamped with chivalry and manliness."
"
Men reck not of so few," Upon a field like this."

"
"
Piran replied,
But," said the Khan,

"
:
"
What
VOL.
shall
we do
"
?
Piran said
III.
Thou hast
L
fared
62
Far over hill and dale. Let us remain Three days to rest the troops. I will divide The host the day of fight and fear is over. Half of our warlike, glorious cavaliers Shall fall upon the foe from dawn till noon With double-pointed dart, sword, bow, and mace And then till night ariseth from the hills The other half shall strive. At dark will I Bring up the rested troops and press the foe We will not let them have a moment's peace We and our eager cavaliers in arms." " Karniis replied Not good No such delay With all these men and such strife toward For me Why seek so long a respite ? Let us both Attack and straiten dale and height for them.
;
Hence we
will
march upon
{ ran, will
leave not
all fields
Throne, crown, or diadem, lay waste
And fells, and act as warriors and Lions. No women, little children, old or young, No Shah, or man of rank or paladin
V. 93 o
Will I leave in Iran, no
field or fell,
No
Why
hall or palace or four-footed beast. should we pass so many evil days
To get but care and grief and needless pain ? But ope not to our foes a door to-night To get away. As soon as morning breatheth The troops must move. I with the king of Hind Will bear my flag up yonder height. To-morrow Thou shalt behold a heap of corpses there To make the Iranians weep that look thereon." The Khan said to Piran " There is no course
:
Save
this
he
is
a peerless general."
The nobles all agreed to what Kami'is, The conqueror of Lions, had proposed. The conference being o'er they went their way,
And
passed
all
night in ordering their array.
KAI KHUSRAU
163
23
How
Fariburz reached Mount
Hamdwan
Whenas the sun had pitched a camp-enclosure Of gold brocade upon the azure realm A loud cry from the look-out reached Gudarz "O captain of the host the troops have come Their dust hath dimmed the day They are at hand Gudarz sprang up, had his swift charger brought,
:
!
!"
And
rode toward that dark dust with anxious heart.
He
came.
When
near to them he spied the flag

v. 931
1
Of Fariburz the chief, who led the van, The well approven and the new Shah's kinsman. Then old Gudarz alighted as withal 2 Did Fariburz the wise, the army's Lustre. The twain embraced. Gudarz wept tears of blood " Old chief," said Fariburz, Upon his breast.
"
Still
Hath
Still
forced to fight cost thee dear

!
revenge for Siyawush Alas those cavaliers

!
Gudarzian
reach thee, Be over-turned
May much good news of them may the fortune of the foe
!
Praise to the Lord of sun
And moon
"
that I have seen thee safe and sound."
Giidarz wept blood for those that slept in dust.

" Observe," he made reply, how evil fortune Is ever bringing evil on my head
!
No No
But
son or grandson hath survived this strife, soldiers, flags, and kettledrums are left
!
dismiss
is
Now
thought of conflicts past time for the fighting and emprise.

all
The troops on
plain and dale have made earth like raven's wing, so many are they, and all
of
The host
Tus
1
is
as the one black hair

slight
With a
change of reading.
P.
Reading with
164

a white bull by comparison
!
Upon
The wastes and settlements of Chin, Saklab, Of Rum and Hind, can have no creature left All must have girt themselves to fight with us But till thou tellest me where Rustam is
!
be straightened from its griefs." behind me," Fariburz replied, " Intent on war. All through the night till dawn He marcheth with all speed. Now where shall I
My
"
back
will not
He
is
" Encamp and whither lead this little band ? Giidarz made answer " What did Rustam
:
say
His words should be reported."

V. 932
"
:
Fariburz
the peerless Rustam Replied Bade us not fight. on the field/ he said. Stay Ye must not show yourselves before the host,
Illustrious one
' ! '
But take your ease until my flag appeareth. Then Fariburz, Giidarz in company, Marched toward Mount Hamawan right speedily.
'
'
24
How
Pirdn took Counsel
icith the
Khan
of Chin
from his look-out the Turanian watch Espied these troops he went back to the host. " Gird all your loins for fight," he told Piran, " For from Iran an army hath arrived,
When
Advancing
o'er
the plain
"
The general
Went
Is
An army I know how not, Iran, great " Or who the leader is. What shall we do ? Karmis said " Keep thyself to thine own force.
to the
Khan
of Chin,
and said
"
coming from
:
Thou hast the warriors
An army
of Afrasiyab like the waters of the sea
KAI KHUSRAU
Yet what hast thou accomplished in five months Against a foe so small ? Now that the earth Is full of troops led by the Khan, Manshiir, And me, let us display our prowess thou
;
165
Hast locked the door but we
Although
will bring the key. the world's face be as silk of Chin
With
soldiers from Kabul, Zabul, and Hind, I fight alone, the Iranians should Yet,
Were
nothing.
Thbu
scare
wilt say of
them
'
:
They
;
are
not.'
Thou wouldest
me
with illustrious
;
Rustam
Him
will I slaughter first
if
once I catch him
His name shall not be talked of any more. Thou art oppressed and fearful of this host Approaching from Sistan, but once behold
V. 933
My
hand
in battle,
when
the dust-cloud riseth
Upon
A hero
the plain, and thou wilt recognise in the world, what brave men are,
fight is."
And what
Piran said
"
:
Live for ever

thee.
fulfilled,
May
evil's
!
Enough
hand be always far from may what thou sayest be

prove thine equal."
And no one
"
Said the
Khan
;
Thou hast allowed Kamus
to lead the attack
will perform his word, for he hath Mountains As his allies and Elephants for mates. Daunt not the troops, for these Iranians Are no great matter, and I will not leave One noble in Iran, but send up dust From hill and vale as for the men of worship I will dispatch them to Afrasiyab In heavy fetters and behead the rest.
;
,
He
We
A
will not leave Iran a leaf, a tree,
Shah, a palace or a crown or throne." Piran with smiles did reverence to the chiefs,
i66
THB^SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSI
to the to the
And
Back Such
Khan
of Chin, then
went rejoicing
camp, where all the nobles sought him, as Human, Lahhak, and Farshi'dward Great men and Lions on the day of battle. " A host," they said, " arriveth from Iran, Led by a sable flag a noted scout Went forth to spy and is but now returned.
;
They say
'tis
Fariburz son of Kaus,
A
"
noble, loyal soldier."

:
Said Piran Let us dismiss our cares. In Rustam's absence We need not be afraid of Fariburz His breath is no cure for a bane like this.
;
v. 934
But though according to Kiimus indeed The elephantine Rustam is no man In war, God grant he come not though Kamiis " Be such a Crocodile
!
Human
"
replied
thou keep thy spirit dark with care ? This is not he, or army from Si'stan Here are the blood and dust of Fariburz." Piran said " I have given u p the throne And state in dudgeon with the sun and moon, For when I heard that from Iran a host Marched, and was coming to this battlefield, My brain went, anguish filled my soul and head, And from my heart I drew a chilly sigh." Kulbad said " Why this grief ? What need is there To weep because of Rustam or of Tus ?
Why dost
With
all
And
scimitars
our soldiers, maces, elephants, we block the wind itself.
Why fear
What
And
then Rustam, Tus, and Kai Khusrau

?
are the Iranians but as dust to us
They were dispersed
in flight from straggled to their tents."
yonder
field,
Anon Tus heard
KAI KHUSRAU
"
167
The land
is full
of beat of kettledrum,
elephantine Rustam hath arrived With Fariburz and soldiers from Iran." He bade bring forth the drums, Mount Hamawan, Wherefrom shouts rose, grew ebon with dark dust,
And
And
earth shook underneath the trampling steeds.

at large
Then Tus harangued the troops, he spake About M;izandaran, what Rustam did
In battle with the divs, and
The
soldiers called
They
said
"
:
triumphed. on their chief, Be ware of heart and bright of mind.
how he
down
blessings
We may
pour out our souls at this good news,

corneth
Which easeth them. When peerless Rustam Yon host will not withstand the Crocodile. Then will we battle on this mount forthwith To cast this shame off from the Iranians.
The standard of the illustrious Khan, the crown, The golden shields, and throne of ivory,
His elephant-attendants crowns of gold, Their golden girdles and their golden torques, Their golden cymbals and their golden bells, Unmatched on earth, his jewelled parasol
1
v. 935
Of peacocks' tails, these will we seize, and more, When we are fighting with our lives at stake." Tus said " We are exposed to fear and blame
1
surround the mount, our nobles' heads Are snared. When Rustam corneth he will speak Upbraidingly, not asking what hath chanced, And say Thou wast a bird caught in a net The cause was sodden but the fight was raw. As with the general so with the host I have not seen one eager for the fray So let us charge like lions, and the foe
foes
' :
Our
'
May
yet be shifted on this side the mount."

replied to
The troops
him
"
:
Refrain from words like these,
let
Soar not so high. none advance
i68

Rustain hath surveyed the scene of strife. make prayer to God, the Guide to good. His command, Who holdeth sun and moon,
Till
We will
By
The matchless Rustam
will approach this field. for have disaster thy star ? Bestow Why Dinars and drachms upon the poor."
The troops
Raised shouts of joy upon the mountain-top As merrily they sought their place of rest, Each man to spend the night as seemed him
best.
25
How
Giv and Tus fought with Kdtnus
When
93 6
Sol laid
hand on Taurus, and the
larks
Began to carol o'er the plain, a shout Ascended from the encampment of Kamus,
That man-o'erthrowing chief who led the van.
He massed his troops and gave out mail Was full of fight, his head of vapouring. He changed his robe for armour, donned
his heart
helm
Instead of crown, a breastplate for a tunic, And chose troops panoplied in steel and iron. The armies' dust began to show itself,
Men And
could not see their way for scimitars coats of mail. Then from the Iranian look-out
:
;
shout rose " On our side a host hath come The standard of the elephantine chief
behind it. On the other l Turanian troops have clouded all the
Is visible
air.
horseman like a rock, And earth is shaken by his charger's hoofs. His mace's head is like a buffalo's Troops follow him and spearmen lead the way.
Their leader
is
'
Reading with P.
KAI KHUSRAU
169
Thou well mayst muse A mace like that "

!
at one that shouldereth
On
The drum-roll
his side Tiis sent
up
he heard the watchman, His soul grew bright, he joyed, while from Giidarz A horseman sped to Fariburz to say
to the clouds,
:
of Tiiran arrayed for battle Is near at hand. They must not in full force
"
The army
Assail us scattered thus and overthrow us.
Act
as thy nature biddeth, for thou art noble and Shah's son. The dust of Rustam
Is rising
from the road, and he
is
entering
The
field."
All being ready, raised the glorious flag. Right, left, and centre, rear and baggage-train,
And And
Giv.
Then Fariburz joined force with Tiis They ranged the host on Hamawan,
937
The clarions blared and all the host came on As 'twere the starry sky so when Kamus Advanced to fight he had no need to wait, But, like a river speeding down a height, Led on his troops and fronted Hamawan.
;
When
"
Air was like indigo and earth was hidden. he was near he faced toward the mount,
It is
And with
The
his cheeks all smiles addressed his powers a coward's business to oppose
Iranians, yet a vast, brave host is here

!
And not Piran, Human, and all that crew What champion have they to contend with me Then shouting to Mount Hamawan he cried " Ye lion-men upon the day of battle
: !
"
?
Behold
This
my
breast,
my
stature,
arm
of mine, this sword
and my bearing, " and mace

!
Then
Giv,
On
hearing, flared up, raged,

said,
But
and drew his sword, when he drew nearer to Kamiis

:
iyo
"

a furious elephant can
None but
match him
"
!
He
took and strung his bow, he called on God,
The Giver of all good, and showered arrows From bow like clouds in spring upon Kamiis, Who, when he marked Giv's mastery, concealed
His own head 'neath his shield, and with his lance Charged wolf-like. Air was full of dust, and earth
Of death.
V. 938
Giv's waist,
On drawing near his foe he speared who reeled and, as he reeled, Kamiis
Plucked out his own sword, shouted, raged, proclaimed His name, came grimly on the cavalier,
And
Tiis
clave his lance obliquely like a pen. from the centre saw the fight with grief,
"
:
And thought
Can wield
Giv
is
not
man enough
He
left
only
a spear like that."
the centre
With shouts
Giv and join the fray. Kamiis wheeled, rode between the chiefs, and struck The steed of Tiis a sword-blow on the neck That prince's face became like ebony.
to succour
;
The charger fell, the gallant rider rose Then like a roaring lion took his stand,
;
And on
Two
the battlefield with spear afoot

hosts.
;
Contended with Kamiis before the
noble warriors fought one cavalier
He
of
Kashan was
till
still
insatiate
the sun's place darkened, all the field Was in confusion and, when it grew ebon, Kamiis and Tiis gave o'er. The hosts again
Thus,
Went
to their several
camps on mount and
plain.
The Coming of Rustam
Now when
And when
heaven's sphere grew void of sun and moon, the scouts came forth from both the hosts,
KAI KHUSRAU
The watcher in the look-out loosed his tongue " The plain is full of dust, the night is dark, The level and the upland ring with cries,
:
171
And
And
there are
!
many
lights
among
the troops.
v. 939
Good sooth
the elephantine chief hath come, with an army from Zabul."

Giidarz,
this,
On
hearing
descended mid the
murk
The rocks
Though
in haste, the dragon-standard shone night was dark and earth was violet-dim.
He
lighted from his steed, while Rustani too
Alighted and advanced like rushing wind. The twain embraced and from them both arose
bitter cry o'er those Giidarzian chiefs,
And
that gain-seeking which had proved a loss. Giidarz said " Brave, wise, ardent paladin Both crown and throne receive their light from
:
thee,
And what thou

More
art
utterest
is
truth indeed.
thou
to the Iranians
than father
And
Are
mother, treasure, throne, and precious stones. Without thee we are fish on land, our heads
petrified, our bodies in the grave. I observed thy goodly countenance,
When
Thine eager salutations and thy love, I grieved no longer for the dear ones gone
:
Through thy good fortune only smiles remained." Then Rustam answered him " Be glad of heart,
And
very heedful of thy noble self, Because the world is but deceit and It showeth thee its wealth and that
is
toil,
is all.
One man
Is
rich,
another poor
this
all
man
go,
J
V. 940
honoured, that despised, but

is
;
must
no remedy I know no worse Calamity than death, but may that pang Afflict not thee, and may we all die fighting."
There
172
THE SH AH NAM A OF FIRDAUST
When Tus, Giv, and those valiant warriors, The Iranian cavaliers, had heard the news Of Rustain's coming to Mount Hamawan,
And
being seen by veteran Giidarz,
blared.
They went like wind, shouts rose, and clarions The soldiers and the chiefs approached afoot,
Their loins were girded but their hearts at ease. They raised a cry of anguish for those slaughtered
Amid
Was moved
the dust of fight the heart of Rustam he girt himself anew for vengeance
;
Then, hearing what had chanced in that campaign, Lamented all the sufferings of the troops,
.
And gave much
Ye chiefs counsel, saying strife faceth and war's result us, grave Is feast to one and funeral to another."
:
"
to-day
That warrior, that Lustre of the world,

Set
up
his camp-enclosure while his powers
Encamped behind him on Mount Hamawan, And raised their leader's standard. Mighty Rustam
V. 941
Sat on the throne and
all
the chiefs assembled.
Here sat Gudarz and Giv, there Tus and others, While Rustam, with a lamp in front of him, Discoursed at large of matters great/ and small, How chiefs and troops had fought, and whether now Bright sun and shining moon would favour them. The chiefs spake to the gallant paladin Of that innumerable host of foes, Spake of Kamus, Shangul, the Khan of Chin, Manshur, and of the warriors of Tiiran
:
"About Kamus himself we cannot speak, For we have had no means of seeing him l He is a Tree whose Fruits are mace and sword,
.
He would
And, though the clouds rained stones upon his head, not flee from elephants of war His head is full of wreak, his heart of strife.
:
"Car nous
n'osons pas le regarder" (Mohl).
KAl KHUSRAU
Earth
173
;
No And from
not able to contain Manshiir warrior ordereth a host like him

is
this
mountain
litters,
to the river
Shahd
Stretch flags and
elephants and troops,
Whose helmets and cuirasses pass compute. Grim are the looks of all upon the plain, Which is a mass of tents, around are pitched The tent-enclosures of brocade of Chin, And had the captain and the host not come
All
had been lost. Praise to the Lord of victory, thus hath put a period to our stress Past doubt we live through thee we all despaired Of respite." For a while the paladin Grieved for the slain, wept, and grew dark of soul, Then said " Look from the orbit of the moon Down to the gloomy face of sombre earth All is distress and anguish, care and toil. Such is the manner of this Wayside Inn, Such is the manner of the circling sky Whiles strife and poison, and whiles sweets and love
Who
We
by nature or by violence 'Tis better not to mark the why and how, For all must go as soon as time is up. Blame not the circling of the sky. Now may
die
;
V. 942
The
all-victorious
World-lord be our
will take
aid,
And may
our foemen's fortunes be o'erthrown. our

full
Henceforward we
revenge,
And
rid the world of foes."
The mighty men

Praised
Live ever famed and glad With signet, crown, and sword, and never be The court of Kai Khusrau bereaved of thee."
said
:
him and
"
174
27
How
the Iranians
and Turanians arrayed
their Hosts
When When
o'er
the hills the world-illumer shone, day seized on the two dark curls of night,
And, having cast aside its pitchy weeds, Bit with its teeth the moon's lips till they bled, The sound of drums rose from the camp-enclosures,
The warriors came

:
forth.
Human
the chieftain the Iranians
Went out to reconnoitre every side, And thought " What reinforcement have
To need those
tents
and those pavilions
"
He saw a camp-enclosure of brocade Of turquoise hue with many slaves about, And in its front a general's flag and spear It seemed to him that fortune had changed He saw another army's camp-enclosure
:
sides.
With flags as bright as moons, for Fariburz, Son of K&us, with elephants and drums
Had pitched near Tiis. Human in deep concern Went to Piran and said " To-day is wedded
:
To heavy
toil.
The
Iranians' cries
and clamour
;
Were
greater yesternight than heretofore So went I forth alone from camp at dawn, And viewed the foe on all sides. From Iran A mighty host hath come to succour them. Now one pavilion is of green brocade
;
V. 943
hath a dragon for device, And soldiers from Zabul are round about With bucklers and with falchions of Kabul.
Its standard
I
think that Rustam, sent forth by the Shah, Hath come with reinforcements to the field." " Tis an evil time Piran made answer
: !
If
Rustam taketh
He
part in this campaign will not spare Kamus, the Khan of Chin,
KAI KHUSRAU
Shangul or any warrior of Turan." With that he left the camp and going forth Observed the forces of the foe, and thence
17 S
Came hurrying to Kamiis, came to Manshiir And to Fartiis, and said " I went this morn, And made the circuit of the Iranian host.
:
Great reinforcements have arrived and chiefs
Both numerous and eager for the fray. Methinketh too that elephantine Rustam, Of whom I spake before the company, Hath come to succour them, all bent on vengeance, Straight from the Shah."
" "
wise one
"
!
said
Kamus,
Thy heart produceth naught but ill surmise. Know thou that Kai Khusrau hath come to war,
But do not therefore vex thy heart in vain. Why harp so much on Rustam ? Name no more Zabulistan. If he beholdeth me With flag in hand his heart will mourn at fight.
Go thou, array the host, lead forth the troops, And bring the standards to the battlefield.
When
Ye must
go forth to combat with the host not loiter. Now shalt thou behold
of
The combating
men.
The wilderness
Shall be a sea of blood."
The paladin
Rejoiced to hear
v. 944
and ceased to fret at Rustam. He came with joyful heart and resolute, And bathed his spirit in the stream of valour. He gave out helms and mail to all the troops,
And
Then going
And May wisdom
kept in mind the language of Kamus, to the Khan he kissed the ground, " said to him O monarch, live for ever
:
!
upon thy thoughts. That thou hast trod was long and difficult
feed
The way
;
Thou boughtest
toil,
foregoing feasts for us,
76
to

to Afrasiyab crossed the sea. Our soldiers'
1
And
do reverence
Hast ened
backs are straight-
By
thee.
Now
act as native worth requireth,
Bedeck the elephants with
And
bells and gongs, stun the world with blare of clarions.

I
To-day
make
the attack
do thou remain
At the army's
centre with the elephants
And kettledrums, keep guard upon my rear, And help to raise my helmet to the clouds. Kamus said thus to me Lead thou the van/ And brandishing his mace swore many oaths, And said I will not tight save with this mace
'
'
To-day though stones should shower from the clouds.' The Khan on hearing bade the clarions sound Thou wouldst have said " The very dust hath feet " Both earth and heaven shook at the tymbal-din,
: :
!
"
put all love away. He gave To set a litter on an elephant,
And
And
command
earth's face
seemed
like indigo.
He
reached
In state the army's centre, and the sky Was like a dark cloud with the flying dust.
And thou
945
There was a sound of gongs and Indian bells, " Men's hearts are in their hadst said
:
mouths
"
!
The many turquoise thrones upon the backs Of elephants and that blue sea of flags Took all the lustre from the eyes of men,
And none
Dust
filled
possessed his soul in quietude. the eyes and gullet of the sky
said
"
:
Thou wouldst have

"
Its face is
smeared with
pitch
Now when
the
Khan had
reached the army's centre
The moon went erring from its way in heaven. The right led by Kamus was like a mountain
;
" la
mer de
la
Chine" (Mohl).
KAI KHUSRAU
They took the baggage-train toward the waste. Pfran went toward the left wing, and with him There went Human his brother and Kulbad.
177
When Rustam
He
Of
saw the movements of the Khan
too arrayed his troops, bade Tiis bind on The drums and dress the army like the eye
chanticleer.
He
said
"
:
We
shall behold
whom the heaven turneth in its What are the revolutions of the sky,
O'er
love,
And which
of these great
men hath
;
lived his time.
I loitered not,
Rakhsh made
three stages one,
But now his hoofs are tired he is o'erwrought By march and toil. I dare not tax his strength
By going
Assist
forth myself as challenger
me
then to-day and work your will
Upon
the foe."
The captain of the host Struck up the fifes and drums the war-cry rose, And trumpet-blare. Giidarz drew up the riglU, And sent the baggage to Mount Hamawan, While Fariburz arrayed the left the world At the army's centre Seemed all a reed-bed
;
; !
Was Tiis son of Naudar. Earth was all And air all storm, so that the world was
dust,
hidden;
!
v. 946
The warriors could not even see themselves The mighty Rustam climbed the heights to view The Khan and army of Tiiran he saw
;
them The troops were from Kashan and Shakn and Wahr, With divers coats of mail and divers helms, Troops from Chaghan and Chin, Saklab and Hind, Gahan and Rum, Sind and the Indus-banks.
!
host so mighty that the sea of Rum Seemed but a lump of wax compared to
In every quarter there were alien tongues, Strange flags and meats What with the elephants,
!
SoMohl.
VOL.
III.
178
THE SHAHNAMA OF F1RDAUSI
The adornments of the thrones of ivory, The armlets and tiaras, torques and crowns, The world was like the garth of Paradise
A goodly but
terrific spectacle
He stood astonied on the height and thought " When will the sky show love to us again What will the next jest of old heaven be ? " He gat down from the mount but lost not heart, Went not before the army and its chief, But said " Since first I girt me ne'er have I
:
Dwelt anywhere a
Full
year,
and
have seen
general
many a host, but greater never saw." He bade advance the drums, and Tus the
Marched from the mountain
Prepared to dip his wreakful They marched till noon, then ranked them two leagues
long,
V. 947
to the plain to battle, spear in blood.
The daylight vanished in the army's dust, The sun divided not 'twixt night and day. The air was dark with spears and javelins, The sun became confounded, and the din Of horsemen and of horses on the plain Rose over Mars and Saturn. Rocks of flint Fled at the horsemen's shouts and crash of axes, Both sword and forearm reddened o'er with blood, The ground groaned underneath the horses' shoes The body of the coward lost all heart, While brave men turned their mail to winding-sheets. Kamiis addressed the host " Since we must tread The sky to-day, bring all your lassos, maces,
:
And swords upon

The
aspirant's head beneath the stones Unless he quit himself with valiancy."
1
this glorious battlefield. will lie

'
More
literally,
" take his
life in
hand."
KAI KHUSRAU
179
28
How Eustam
four/ht with
Ashkdbtis
warrior
Was
like a kettledrum's,
named Ashkabus, whose voice came forth to challenge

:
The Iranians, bent to lay some foeman's head in dust. He cried " Which of you famous men Will come to fight with me, that I may make " His blood to flow in streams ?
Ruhham on
Sent up his battle-cry, stormed like the sea, Took up his bow the horseman's ambuscade
hearing
And showered
arrows on that famous chief,

in
But he was clad
panoply of
steel,
And arrows were like wind upon his tunic. Ruhham then raised his massive mace. The hands
Of both grew weary, but Ruhham's mace failed Upon the other's helm, much as he sought To deal a fatal blow, till Ashkabus, His heavy mace in hand, while earth seemed iron And heaven ebony, smote brave Ruhham Upon the helm and smashed it, who thus worsted Wheeled round and sought the heights. Tiis at the
centre
Raged and spurred forth to go at Ashkabus, But matchless Rustam said to him in wrath " Ruhham's fit comrade is a bowl of wine.
;
He holdeth swords as playthings in his cups, And vaunteth of himself among the brave Now whither hath he gone, who was a match
For Ashkabus, with cheeks
like
sandarach
fit
Keep in the army's centre And I will fight afoot."
thy
place
He
Upon
slung his bow
his arm, stuck arrows in his belt,
i8o

"
:
shouted, saying Thine adversary coineth
And
thou man of war go not back."
949
He of Kashan laughed in astonishment, Then checked his steed and, calling to his foe, " What is thy name, Said, laughing still, to him And who will mourn thee when thy head is off? " The peerless Rustam answered " Hapless one
:
Why my name among the folk ? mother called me by this name Thy death My Fate made me for the hammer of thy helm."
askest thou
'
'
!
He
of
Kashan
"
replied
Without a horse
"
!
Thou givest up thyself to Then peerless Rustam
slaughtering " Senseless challenger
Hast thou ne'er seen foot-soldiers lay proud heads Beneath the stones ? Do lions, crocodiles, And leopards fight on horseback in thy country ?
Now I,
foot-soldier as I am, will teach Thee how to fight, mounted warrior Tus for this purpose sent me forth afoot That I might get a horse from Ashkabiis. He of Kashan like me will foot it then,
!
And
Is
all will laugh at him. Afoot one man worth three hundred cavaliers like thee Upon this plain, this day, and in this fight."
Kashan inquired " Where are thine arms ? I see not aught but mockery and jests." " Thou shalt see the bow and arrows Quoth Rustam life shall end." Whereby thy He marked the pride Of Ashkabus in his fine steed, and shot
He
of
An
arrow at its breast the charger fell Headforemost. Rustam laughed and cried aloud " Prithee nurse Sit by thy noble comrade Its head and rest thee from the fight awhile."
;
!
V. 950
Then Ashkabus,
His face
his
body quivering,
like sandarach, strung
up
his bow,
KAI KHUSRAU
181
And showered
"
shafts on Rustam, who exclaimed In vain thou weariest thy wicked soul, Thine arms, and body."
Choosing from his girdle
shaft of poplar
wood he drew
of
it
forth
;
Bright-pointed, feathered with four eagle- plumes
Then took
his
bow
Chach
in
hand and
;
set
His thumbstall to the deer-hide string he straightened His left arm, curved his right the bent bow sang the deer-hide The shaft's point reached his ear
; ; ;
hummed
The
Was
its notch he loosed and struck the breast Of Ashkabus the sky kissed Rustam's hand " and fate cried " Give Then destiny cried " Take " " Excellent the angels " Good The heavens cried He of Kashan expired, thou wouldst have said " " His mother never bare him Both the hosts Beheld that light. Kamiis marked with the Khan The lofty stature, strength, and fire of Rustam, And, when he had withdrawn, the Khan dispatched A cavalier, who drew the arrow forth All bloody to the plumes They passed it round And thought it was a spear The Khan's heart aged When he beheld the feathers and the point.
shaft's point at his back ;

;
bussed his finger and
" "
!
He spake thus to Piran " Who is this man ? What is his name among the Iranian chiefs
:
'
'
They are a paltry remnant,' were thy words, Not on a par with men of high degree,' A mountain Whereas their arrows are like spears Hath little heart to fight them thou didst make The matter small indeed, but thine account
! ;
v. 951
Was
false
"
throughout
"
"
None know
I of this class,
"
Piran replied,
within the Iranian host,
i8 2
None who can send his arrows through a tree-trunk, Nor know I what this miscreant's aims may be. The men possessed of stature, Grace, and prowess
Among
And
The
I
in the fight world as black as
the Iranian host are Tus and Giv, Human hath often made
ebony
to Tus.
know not who is this Iranian, Or who among our troops will prove
But
I will
will
his
;
match
We
go and ask among the tents

his
make out
name
at all events."
29
Hoio Piran held Converse concerning the Coming of Rustam
Piran went full of care and pale of face To ask the chiefs. Hiiman the valiant said
"
Wise men do not depreciate their foes. The nobles of 1 ran are in good heart They would break iron/ thou rnay'st say and now That reinforcements reach them from Iran
;
' ;
They
Whatever cavalier Piran replied Shall come forth from f ran to succour Tus
:
raise their war-cry "
on the
battlefield."
need not fear if Rustam be away. not break my heart about Ruhham Or yet about Gurgin for be assured That saving Tus they have no warrior
I shall
; ;
We
Gurgin and Fariburz match not Kamus.

v. 952
Each
soldier of our host too, with so great in view, will seek his own renown." figfht o
Thence sped he to Kamus, went to Mansln'ir And to Fartiis, and said " To-day was fought A great fight and a Wolf showed 'mongst the Sheep See to the cure and who hath shown himself So harmful in the infliction of these wounds ."
:
KAI KHUSRAU
Kauius replied Our fight to-day was such That fame was turned to shame since Ashkabus Was slain therein while Giv and Tus rejoiced. My heart was riven at this man on foot Because our troops were panic-stricken at him. He is the tallest man on earth, we have not
:
183
"
One
His bow
in the host to tight him. the shaft is here. ;

;
Thou
didst see
Hath not his strength The man of Sigz, of whom thou spakest And he hath come upon the field afoot,
savage lion he surely is the warrior,

oft,
Come
Pi'ran replied:
to give succour to the Iranian host." " is not like this one,
He
But an exalted cavalier and hero." Kamiis, whose wary heart was all intent
Upon
How
the matter, said " Describe to me fareth on the field that lion-man.
:
What knowledge hast thou of his height and strength What language holdeth he with chiefs in fight ? What sort of man is he, and what his aspect ? On what wise shall I go to combat with him,
For
if
he be the one that hath arrived

myself?"
Pi'ran replied
: !
I take the field

"
Forbid
it,
heaven
fight
!
that
And purpose
Rustam should come hither, Thou wouldest see a hero,
Tall as a cypress,
From whom Hath turned with tears a warrior-liege is he, The first to draw the scimitar, and fighteth
;
and with Grace and beauty, Afrasiyab on many a field
V. 953
In wreak for Siyawush his foster-child. No one can wield his arms though many try. In battle, when he girdeth up his loins, His body hath a savage lion's strength. No crocodile can lift his mace when dropped In fight his bow-string is of lion-hide
; ;
84
His arrows, shaft and point, weigh ten sitir. If any flint-rock should encounter him 'Twould turn to wax or something softer still. He weareth, when he goeth forth to battle, Chain-mail, and buckleth o'er it his cuirass,
And
'
over that a garb of leopard-skin.

'
it 'tis more Than tunic and cuirass to him, not burning With fire and wetting not with water. He Hath wings when wearing it. The steed whereon He rideth is, thou wouldst say, Mount Bistiin
Babr-i-Bayun he calleth
In motion, ever neighing in the tight, And making sparks fly out of dust and stone
But, wondrous as he is, it well That thou wilt hold him not a
may be man in
battle,
And
'tis
Who
He
not strange that thou art worshipful hast such limbs and shoulders, neck and arms."
the
Whenas Kamus,
man
so prudent, heard
gave his eyes and ears up to Piran, Whose words in sooth proved grateful. All aiire He answered " Paladin be shrewd of heart
: !
And
bright of mind. Propose what oaths thou wilt Oaths such as kings of wakeful fortune take And I will swear a greater oath to thee,
that will cheer thy wounded heart, that I, In His strength Who is Master of the sun, Will not take off the saddle from my steed Till I have made thy spirit glad and bright, And this world as a needle's eye to them." Piran called many blessings down on him, And said " Shrewd-hearted king who sayest sooth
One
v. 954
are in all things subject to thy will, Which leaveth little of the fray to us." Piran then went the circuit of the host,
We
And,
visiting the enclosures and the tents, Apprised the Khan and all of these events.
KAI KHUSRAU
185
How
the Iranians
and Turanians
set the
Battle in
Array
Whenas
And
the air glowed with the setting sun, dark night 'gan to stalk athwart the sky, The warriors of the ariny of Turan,
The men
of
wisdom and the

to the
scimitar,
Khan's pavilion, body Full of revenge and fight the lion-man Kainus, the conqueror of elephants,
in a
Came
Manshur the brave, the arbiter of battle, With Shamiran from Shakn, Shangul from Hind, The king of Sind and from Saklab Kundur.
They
all
advised at large about the war,
And
spake
much
of Iran,
till all
agreed
That they must wash their hands in blood, then parted,
Each to his tent, for rest or pleasure there But when the moon, then slender grown and humped, Left the dark chevelure of gloomy night,
;
And, being in the presence of the sun, Arose with watery looks and bathed its cheeks, The soldiers of both hosts began to stir, And, as their shouts arose, the Khan of Chm Exclaimed " We must not hesitate to fight As yesterday we did and had to deem Piran the man most needful non-existent. Far have we marched with succours to this war,
:
v. 955
And
if
we
We
And
shall disgrace our
slack to-day as yesterday name for manliness.
To-morrow too Afrasiyab will praise us, And we may rest. Attack we then in force,
mountain-like advance against our foes
;
The nobles of ten provinces are here, We must not sleep or feast." The mighty men
186

"
:
The conduct of the host Thine are the realms of Chin And of the Turkmans. Mark thou here to-day How scimitars shall shower from darksome clouds
Arose and said
Is thine to-day.
"
!
On his side Rustam thus harangued the troops The time hath come if we have lost a few There is but one in several hundred slain
"
;
;
Let not your hearts be straitened for my part I will not live except with fame and honour. With cheeks like ebony the Turkman troops Withdrew from Ashkabus, so fill ye, all
;
!
Your hearts with vengeance, frown, ye cavaliers For I have put the shoes on Rakhsh to-day, And on him will incarnadine my sword. Be instant for to-day we start afresh, And all the earth is now the treasury Of Kai Khusrau. Arm for the strife. Win crowns
!
And
Gifts
V. 956
earrings.
Purses shall ye have of me, from Zabul and turbans from Kabul."
blessed
The mighty
signet
him
"
:
Ne'er
may crown and
Lack thee
"
!
He donned
With confidence upon the
his
armour and went forth
battlefield.
He put his chain-mail under his cuirass, And over it he donned Babr-i-Bayan. He wjore a helmet wrought of steel of Chin
One
to
make foemen meditate on
death.
He girded up his loins by God's command, And mounted Rakhsh like some mad elephant.
The heavens were confounded at his mien, Earth darkened where his charger's hoofs were seen.
KAI KHUSRAU
187
31
How Ahvd
ivas slain
by
Kdmus
The drums and trumpets sounded from both hosts, No room remained for guile or grammarye The mountains and the plains were all a-quake, The earth was troubled by the tramp of steeds.
;
Kamus commanded the Turanian right, Behind him were the mighty elephants
And
baggage.
On
the
left
the lord of
Hind
Stood clad in mail, a Human sword in hand, And in the centre was the Khan of Chin.
The sky grew
dark, the earth shook.
Fariburz,
Like Sol irradiant in Aries, Commanded on the left wing of Iran. Giidarz, son of Kishwad, encased in steel,
Was
Son
on the
right,
and in the centre
Tiis,
of Naudar, in front were drums and clarions. From all parts of the host a shout arose
A
It
And
shout which rent the ears of elephants e'en from water rose the fumes of fire
v. 957
was a fight surpassing warriors' dreams. The first man that appeared between the lines, His heart's blood all afoam upon his lips, Was that famed chief Kamiis accompanied By soldiers, elephants, and kettledrums. He, bearing in his hand an ox-head mace,
(i
Cried like a furious elephant trumpeting Where is that man on foot who challenge th Let him come and see Illustrious heroes ?
:
bow and arrow that will cost him life." The gallant warriors illustrious Tus, Ruhham, and Giv beheld Kamus, but none Desired to strive with him the field remained Void of Iranian chiefs none had the strength
;
;
88
THE SHAH NAM A OF FIR DA USI

;
To
fight with him for They were like deer.
he was like a pard Yet was there one, Aiwa, A Zabuli, who promptly drew his sword. He used to bear the spear and guard the back Of Rustam, was a skilful cavalier, And had with liver-burning toil and trouble Acquired from him the use of arrow, mace,
And
The
"
spear.
ancient
What said the sage, the eloquent, man Now listen and perpend
?
:
Let not thy prowess fill thee with conceit, But look well to the ground beneath thy feet
V. 958
To match
Would
a rivulet against the sea be a contest of insanity."
adventured on Kamus, was Who for his part eager for the fray, They cleared an ample space. He of Kashan Came wolf-like, with his spear unhorsed his foe With ease, then wheeled his steed and trampled The fallen till the dust was red with gore.
Now when Aiwa
o'er
32
How
The
Kdmtis was slain by Kustum
peerless Rustam grieved about Aiwa, Let loose the twisted lasso from its straps, And took his massive mace as for a strife
mad elephant arm lasso on his with As he advanced " Kamus said Bluster not And mace in hand.
Of
chiefs.
He
roared like some
So
"
much
"
about a thread of sixty
coils."
The
On
lion roareth bravely," catching sight of game.
Rustam said, Thou wast the
first
To put the
And thou
Thou
this dispute, hast slain a noble of Iran.
girdle on in
sayest that
my
lasso
is
a thread
KAI KHUSRAU
189
Now
shalt thou see

fate
how
tight the knots will hold.

!
doth drive thee on, man of Kashan Thy Since here no place is left thee save the dust." Kamiis the valiant urged his dun steed on, His foe a lasso-bearing Elephant, And let out with his glittering glaive, intent To sever Rustam's head. The point alighted On Rakhsh's neck and clave the battle-mail, But failed to wound. The elephantine hero Coiled, whirled, and flung the lasso round his foe, Then spurred away and made the leather fast Beneath his thigh while Rakhsh flew eagle-like. Kamiis undaunted tightly gripped his steed, Pressed firmly on the stirrups, loosed the reins, And sought by force to break the twisted thong, Becoming frantic, but the raw hide held.
The elephantine hero, checking Rakhsh, Wheeled, jerked Kamiis headforemost to the ground,
Came up, secured him in And said to him " Thou

:
the lasso's
art not
coils,
In vain are
dangerous now. spells thy soul Hath made a fruitless bargain with the Div." He bound his prisoner's hands behind the back,
all
thy charms and
Firm
as a rock, then grasped the coils, returned
Afoot, his foe beneath his arm, and told The warriors " This lover of the fray
:
match himself with me in strength, Essayed But 'tis the wont with this deceitful world At times to elevate, at times bring low. It causeth both our happiness and grief,
to
And
one
is
Now
this illustrious warrior,
whiles on earth, whiles in the clouds. who ever
Was wont
to prove the lion's Set forth to desolate Iran, to
match
in right,
make
fells,
den of
lions of our fields
and
And
leave behind no palaces or bowers
go

roses in Zabul or in Kabul.
Of
He would
Till
not lay aside that mace of his

;
v. 960
he had slaughtered Rustam son of Zal But now his helm and hauberk are his shroud, His crown is dust, and his juppon the grave. On what wise do ye purpose slaying him, " Because Kamus the warrior's work is done ?
Then Rustam
Before the chiefs
flung Kamus upon the ground the warriors left their ranks,
;
They hacked Such

is
his
body with
their scimitars,
And drenched
the stones and dust beneath with blood.
Now
All
the course of heaven and destiny, causing joy, then pain and misery
!
is toil,
anguish, trouble,
Thy courage will Thy body hath a load Thy spirit dwelleth in
and distress not make it more or less.

;
of guilt to bear, a world of care
And
not bravery thy thoughts elate, For stretched above thee is the hand of Fate.
let
all
With
And
The
offer
thy might incline to virtue's ways, unto God the Guide thy praise.
with brave
strife
In death when
Now
I tell
Kamus hath reached its goal that gave took back the soul. valour and revenge will fill the scene
He
the battle with the
Khan
of Chin.
PART
III
THE STORY OF RUSTAM AND THE
KHAN OF CHIN
ARGUMENT
There are abortive negotiations, but the campaign continues. Turanian chiefs are slain by Rustam, who takes the Kh;in of Chin prisoner. He also slays Kufur, the man-eater. Afnisiyab summons Puladwand to his aid, but again Rustam is triumphant. He returns victorious to Iran, is welcomed and rewarded by Kai Khusrau, and then departs to Sistan.
Many
NOTE
14. It is said that when Firdausi was buried in his own garden at Tus, 1 the great Shaikh of the time Abul Kasim of Gurgan refused to be present because, he said, Firdausi, though a learned and religious man, had deserted his principles and spent his time in discoursing of men of bad religion and fire-worshippers. That night the Shaikh had a dream of Paradise. He saw a magnificent palace with a jewelled throne, and asked whose it was. "It is for Firdausi," was the reply. Then the poet appeared wearing a green robe and an emerald-coloured crown upon his head. " O Firdausi " said the Shaikh, " whence this rank and " The poet answered " From a couplet or two consplendour ? the Unity of God." The Shaikh, when he woke, went fessing and prayed at Firdausi's tomb. Probably the lines referred to
! :
are those at the

;$
end
of this section.
Cannibalism was not unknown in former times among the savage tribes of the North, as we learn from Herodotus. On the upper waters of the Borysthenes (the Dnieper) dwelt the Androphagoi proper, who seem to have been of Finnish race, some tribes of which appear to have retained their cannibalistic
20.
1
Cf. Vol.
i.
p. 45.
C, Persian Preface, p. 60,

191
and
note.
192
On the steppes east propensity as late as the Middle Ages. 1 of the Caspian dwelt the Massagetse, and to the north of them, and south-east of the Ural Mountains, the Issedones. Both these tribes were to some extent cannibals. 2 The legend in the text of a man-eating community can be accounted for without
difficulty.
How
the
Khan
of
Ohm
had Tidings of
the Slaying
of Kdmiis
Now,
v. 961
God And Guide to good. Thine end of life will come, And thou wilt rest within the other home,
But
first
enlightened sage speak but to name the Sustainer of heaven's circling frame,
!
narrate again this tale of yore

is
Told by the rustic minstrel from his store. Anon news reached the Khan " Kamiis Upon the field, and day is turned to gloom
:
slain
And
bitterness before the chiefs of Balkh,
Kashan, and Shakn."

All looked on one another,
And asked " Who can this prowest warrior be ? What is his name ? Who is he ? Who can face him ? "
:
Thus
"
to
Human
the Lion spake, Pi'ran
My How shall our warriors desire to fight When our brave Crocodile hath just been He was a peerless noble not a horseman
;
soul hath
had enough of
strife to-day.
slain
elephantine, and the man That could in battle bind him with the lasso
Had form more

Might well
An
in days of fight seize by the head elephant and dash it to the ground."
1
Herodotus, iv. 18 and 106. Ibid. i. 216 and iv. 26.
BAG,
Vol.
i.
p. 193.
KA I KHUSRAU
The troops
in sore distress about
to
193
Kamus
:
Came
"
in a
To whom
the Khan, body weeping Piran did reverence sadly, saying
thou exalted
Thou hast
dome beheld and heard how we have

o'er
yon azure
fared
From
first to last
upon
this battlefield.
Devise a remedy for our misfortune

Thyself without consulting any one. Choose from our army's spies one that can bring Hid things to light and find out who he is
This lion-hearted one for
whom
our host
all face
Hath not
match
then we will
field."
death,
And
"
'Tis
fight
him on
the
what concerneth
me
I fain
The Khan replied would know
The name
Who
of this pernicious paladin, taketh Lions in his lasso's coils
v. 962
;
But seeing death may not be remedied, And wishes, prayers, and vigour naught For to that end we all are mother-born,
avail,
And
yield our necks thereto against our wills,
While none escapeth turning heaven's Not if he dash to earth an elephant,
decree,
Let not your hearts be sorrowful for him, Who perished in the twisted lasso's coils,
For with
my
lasso I will bring to earth
The man
that slew
Kamus, and make Iran
Run
river-like with blood to glut the heart
Of king Afrasiyab."
He
Full
then assembled
many
a noble from the
army
And
"
bravest of the brave

for this warrior
and said
swordsmen to them
:
with his archery, This lasso-flinging, hero-taking horseman, 'Tis needful that ye spy out where he is
As
Upon
the left or right wing of their host VOL. III.
194
THE SH AH NAM A OF FIRDAUSI

;
Then
Inquire withal about his name and land will we do his business out of hand."
How
Chingish fared
ivith
Rmtam
A lusty
A man
cavalier
By name Chingish
a faithful liege a seeker of renown
of valour and adventurous,
Stepped forth and volunteered. He thus addressed The Khan " Exalted all the world would have Thy love. Though this man be a lion I Will make him lifeless when I take the field, Will fight him single-handed and convert
:
!
The glory
of Iran to infamy.
I will be foremost to
avenge Kamus,
And
thus restore his honour after death."
The Khan applauded him.

Before his lord,
V. 963
who
said
"
:
He kissed the ground Achieve this vengeance,
Bring me yon overweening head, and I Will give thee from my hoards so many gems That thou shalt never need to toil again."
Chingish spurred forth swift as Azargashasp, Approached the Iranians, drew a poplar arrow, And cried " This is my field, the heads of nobles Are in my clutch. If that bold lasso-flinger,
:
Who
And
useth sometimes lasso, sometimes shaft, took Kamiis, will come upon the field,
His station shall be void."
He roamed
And
cried
"
:
about,
Where is that lion- warrior ? " Then Rustam with his mace bestirred himself, And straightway mounted Rakhsh. "I am," he said,
"
That chief-o'erthrowing, Lion-capturer,
KA1
I
KHUSRAU
artillery,
195
have mace,
time
to
lasso,
and
And now
"Tis
for thee, as for the brave
Kamiis
Chingish
rub eyes in the dust."

purpose
Rejoined: "What are thy name, thy race, and That I may know whose blood I shed amid
The dust
Ne'er
of battle
"
Rustam answered
"
:
Wretch
may
the tree that taketh thee for fruit
Bloom
in the garth.
To thee
my name
and spear-point
Are death, thy mail and helm thy winding-sheet." That insolent came wind-like, strung his bow, Which seemed a raining cloud, and said to Rustam,
His mail-clad opposite " Stay, valiant horseman Thou shalt have fight enough."
:
!
The other
raised
His shield, perceiving that the shafts would pierce His mail. Chingish marked well that elephant-form, Tall as a straight-stemmed cypress in a garden, Beheld that steed a Hill beneath a Hill And not aweary thought " To run away
:
V. 964
Is better
And
In
than to bring myself to harm," spurred his heavy-laden charger on

intending to rejoin his troops
;
flight,
But Rustam, that bold horseman, urged on Rakhsh Like fire and followed up his noble foe. As like a furious elephant he gained Upon Chingish the plain was full of hubbub, And both the armies saw amazedly How Rustam caught the charger of Chingish
And
held it by the tail until the rider In terror threw himself upon the ground His helm fell off him and he begged for life, But peerless Rustam stretched him on the dust,
;
Struck
off his head,
and thought
of
him no more.
The Iranian nobles
praised their paladin,
196

glittering spear in hand, rode to
foe.
Who,
and
fro
Between the Iranian army and the
How
the
Khan
of Chin sent
Human
to
Rnstam
;
Much grieved the Khan and raged at that mishap He said thus to Human " Now time and place
:
Are straitened
to us.
Go, for thou art shrewd,

of
And
In
learn the
name
"
:
yon great paladin."
anvil I or ivory the warrior had no peer fight. For valour and discretion, so despise not replied
Human
No
Kamus
V. 965
The cavalier that lassoed him. I go To learn whom God will favour on this field." As swift as wind he went inside his tent, Took other helmet, flag, and horse, and changed The fashion of his mail and shield, then went,
And, drawing near to Rustam, paused to scan That hero's neck and limbs, and said " Renowned one, Brave lasso-flinger, warlike cavalier By God, I tremble for my monarch's throne When I behold a foeman such as thou art. In this great host I see no valiant noble And chief like thee. One courting such a combat Could make the dust fly from a lion's heart Tell me about thy country, race, and home,
: !
!
Inform me of thy parentage and name. I have not seen among the Iranian host A man save thee who hath the heart to fight. I love a warrior, and most of all The man that hath the temper of a pard So now if thou wilt let me know thy name, Land, stock, and home, thou wilt confer a favour,
;
For thou wilt ease
my
heart."
KAI KHUSRAU
The paladin
Said
"
:
197
Noble warrior of ardent soul
Why Why
And
tell
not thy name, country, realm, and
home
hast thou
so
come with
?
much
talk
this bland courtesy, If thou desirest peace,
v. 966
Not further loss in war, find him that shed The blood of Siyawush, and so involved us
all the fire of feud. Find in thy host Alike the guilty and the innocent Find too the men, the steeds caparisoned,
In
And
goods which Siyawush took from Iran Send all to us, and I will wish no longer To fight the Turkmans ye shall be my friends
; ;
not speed revenge, seek strife, Or lay the heads of nobles in the dust. I will communicate with Kai Khusrau, Will purge his heart and brain of grief and vengeance, And send to him the culprits he may pity them, And pardon their offence. Now will I tell thee
all,
In
I will
Their names, and

perish
!
may
their
names and schemes both
was Garsiwaz, and afflict Iran sought Next any that thou knowest of Tiir's seed That made this Water brackish wantonly, Such as Gurwi the son of Zira, born Unjust and loveless perish all his race
of the offence
to trouble
The head
Who
They did the injury to Siyawush, Which was the key to all these bonds of bale
Next those who wrecked
heart,
their monarch's
brain
and
And made
blood flow like water, also those

Iranians,
Who
And
The
had no quarrel with the
yet have taken part in this campaign, mighty men that are of Wisa's race,
Men
double-faced and pied to every one,
198
V. 967
Such as Human, Lahhak, and Farshidward, Kulbad and Nastihan the lion-man.
If ye
And end
accomplish this that I demand, our quest for vengeance, I will shut
;
The door of our revenge upon thy country Thou shalt not need to clothe thy breast in mail But if thou speakest in another sense
I will
renew our quarrel by fresh wars,
And by the life and head of great Khusrau Make reek the marches of Turan. Shangul Shall not survive nor yet the Khan of Chin,
Or warrior of the country Thou hast essayed me on
of Turan.
this battlefield
;
My way
One
of tight is always this. of the nobles of Iran am I,
and mode
Wont to encounter Lions in the fray, And many heads have I removed from
Whose
bodies
V. 968
only winding-sheet was grimy dust. I ne'er have spoken on this wise before, My purpose first and last hath been revenge Now therefore hearken to me and embrace These fair proposals." At these words Human Was sore afraid and trembled like a leaf, For hearing Rustam talk in such a strain He saw what vengeance would befall his kin, And answered " Lion-hearted warrior With strength and form and stature such as thine Thy proper seat is on the Iranian throne. At least thou art a mighty paladin Or some redoubtable f ranian chief. Thou hast inquired about my race and name, But not accorded what I asked of thee. My name is Kuh. A warrior brave am I.
; :
!
My
I
sire is Biisipas
the lion-like.
this host
have accompanied
from
far,
KAI KHUSRAU
199
strife.
And come
a soldier to this scene of
Now
I too
that thou hast
my name and
which
race aright
must ask
for thine,
I require
!
That I may make thy wishes known to all. So now if thou wilt let me know thy name
What
Will
I will return rejoicing to the camp. thou hast spoken on this battlefield
I detail in
presence of the host,
And
in the presence of Manshiir, the
Khan
:
Of Chin, and Turkman warriors and chiefs." But Rustam said to him " Seek not my name Say what I seemed to thee. My heart is burning
:
With
Of Siycdwush hath pierced his
love toward Piran, because the slaughter liver too

;
He
is
the gentlest
to
man
in all Turan.
will see
"
Speed him
What
time
me forthwith and we may bring."
Human
Then thou
replied
!
great one
art eager to behold Piran What knowest thou of him or of Kulbad, " Piilad, or of Gurwi the son of Zira ?
"
"
Why
if
ask so
Try not to
for these
many questions ? Rustam make a river run up-hill

:
"
said.
As
mighty
hosts, dost
is left
thou not see

to thee
"
?
That
they fight or not
How
Pirdn took Counsel with
Human and
the
Khan
Human
And
Is
withdrew with
"
:
all
his favour changed,

!
told Piran
ill
favourite of fortune
!
v. 969
Great
hath come on us This lion-heart Rustam of Zabul, and we may now

for
Weep
our troops.
1
He
talked at large with me,

P.
Reading with C and
200
Recalling what we each had done amiss, And I, my brother was the first accused.
!
He
Of Of About Bahrain and those Gudarzians,
of revenge for Siyawush, past events, of waste and settlement, what he purposed and of righteous dealing,
spake
much
And
Of
all
that
fell.
His love
is all
for thee
whom
he spake
He
I
calleth
now
at large with kindliness. for thee of all this host

;
know not why. Go see him spear in hand, Set like a hill upon another hill, With mail and mace and
leopard-skin cuirass,
Bestriding his great, furious Elephant. Then wilt thou see that I have told no lies
E'en
He
receiveth brightness from his sword. will not budge without an interview
fire
;
thy sake that he tarrieth thus. Bespeak him fairly when thou seest him, Draw not thy sword, and act not hastily." Piran replied " Exalted one I fear My time hath come. If yonder warrior Be Rustam, then this plain will be a scene Of grief for us. Our fields already burn I know not what our evil star hath done." He went with tearful eyes before the Khan,
It is for
:
!
Pierced through the

V. 970
liver,
angry, seared at heart,

!
And
said to
him
"
:
monarch
be not hasty,
Because the case
is
altered with us now.
Whenas Kamus
Is
the warrior's time had

to
come
The thought occurred

Rustam, with
his
me
' :
This Iron Wall
raw hide
lasso-coils.'
Afrasiyab may come But none will dream
in all his
pomp,
;
of seeing Rustam's back
Divs sicken fighting him. What is one Or one whole plain-full in opposing him He hath been long lord of Zabulistan,
man
?
KAI KHUSRAU
201
And foster-sire erewhile to Siyawush, And warreth like a father in his anguish To make the world strait to Afrasiyab This elephantine one hath summoned me Of all this countless host, I know not why
;
go and ascertain his will Because my spirit is brought low with care." The Khan said " Go, say that which must be said With courtesy. If he desireth peace And wealth, why toil our armies on this plain ? Agree to give great gifts and then return Tis better not to court so great a fight But, since he is arrayed in leopard-skin, Good sooth he may be bent upon a conflict
But
I will
Then we
will battle likewise in full force,
And
press
all
him
Put we our
closely on the field of strife. trust in God and war with Rustam
;
With
And
Nor
our strength his body is not brass iron, but is blood and hair and flesh,
:
we have to fight him in the sky burn Why thy heart with care and grief ? Know this, even if he feed on stone and iron, That, Shafts and two-headed darts will pierce him. We
shall
Outnumber them
To be
in
three hundred times.

this battlefield.
'Tis
ill
v. 971
dudgeon on
This Zabuli, this famous warrior, Outvieth not an elephant in fight,
And
I will
That he no more
show him with mine own such play will meet me in the fray."
How
Pirdn came
to
Rustam
Piran departed full of pain and Heart-rent at Rustam's doings.
fear,
He
approached
202

of Iran
The array
and cried
!
"
:
chief,
And
I heard that thou lover of the fray Hadst called for rae of all this countless host
Of Turkmans, and have come forth from my lines To thine to see what thou wouldst have of me." When noble Rustam knew that from the Turkmans A warrior approached he met Piran Before the host, an iron helm on head. " What is thy name, Turkman " he demanded, " What is thy will and purpose in this coming ? " The other said " Piran am I, the chief Of yonder chieftains. Thou hast asked Human, The son of Wisa, for me in kind words,
! :
Which made my
Declare to
:
heart yearn toward thee, paladin
me which of the chiefs thou art." He answered " I am Rustam of Zabul,
V. 972
My sword is from Kabul, my clothing mail." Piran, on hearing noble Rustam's words, Dismounted and did reverence. Rustam said " I greet thee from the bright-souled Sun Khusrau, O paladin and from his mother too, The daughter of Afrasiyab, who dreameth
: !
Of thy love every

"
night."
Pinin replied
I greet thee also, elephantine chief In God's name and the host's. May
!
He Who
giveth
All good things bless thee, may thy signet be passport to the sky. Thanks be to God,
Refuge, that I see thee here. Are Zal, of Sam, Zawara, Faramarz, Those men of prudent hearts and prosperous-
My
The son
May
this
world never know the want of them

spirits,
Are they in health, good
and estate
Now
speak unless thou take it ill That subjects should complain of those in power. I planted in the Garden once a Tree,
will I
KAI KHUSRAU
203
Whose
leaves proved colocynth,
whose
fruit
proved
blood,
And it hath caused me many grievous tears, For, though 'twas once rny treasure and my
It
life,
grief and yieldeth bane Instead of antidote, for Siyawush Esteemed me as his sire and shield from harm, While I gave him my daughter and a province, That he might illustrate my race but some Have slain him and my daughter cruelly,
;
now hath brought me
And haply thou wilt say it served me right. Great are the care, the anguish, and the pains, That I have suffered both from king and people, And God
Although
shall be
my
to call the
witness in the world, Almighty as a witness
Is wrong, and though so long a time hath passed, And I have heard much counsel from the wise,
That mourning hath not ceased within
my
house,
v. 973
And
That
that
I
my
soul
is still
aflame with
grief,
pour out
my
am
;
blood instead of tears,

in the leech's hands.
And
constantly
That act hath ruined me, heaven hath not turned
As I could wish I, since I learned the fate Of Siyawush, have done naught, good or ill, But been between two realms and two great kings In anguish, misery, and impotence.
I risked
v.974
my
life for
Farangis, whose father
Had sought to slay her, but I kept her hidden In mine own house, providing for her there.
She
in return
would have
my life,
!
would have
Her foemen's heads from me

paladin
1
!
All grief
am
I,
and both
sides rail at me.
have no way to flee Afrasiyab, I have no other resting-place or home I am concerned for treasure, lands, and herds, And see not any pretext for departing
;
;
204
I
have my sons and many women-folk, Such are the cares and ties of every one. Whene'er Afrasiyab comrnandeth war He will not suffer me to close mine eyes Against my will I must lead forth the host, I may not disobey. The occasion now Is one for pity not for war with me. Had I no other pain and grief at heart About my kin save that Pilsam was slain. But there are many other gallant youths, Who have not had their fill of combating,
;
l
.
And
I
seeing that I tremble for my life speak about my sons and property.
!
By God
the Conqueror, paladin Be not incensed against me, harbour not A grudge against my kin, keep God in mind,
v. 975
Now
Than
by the
illustrious soul of
is
Siyawush
I swear that death
better far for
me
;
breastplate, sword, and helm, for if our troops Engage thou wilt see mountains of the slain Yet those from Shakn, Kashan, Saklab, and Hind The lands between the Indus and this marchAre guiltless of the blood of Siyawush,
Though brought
as soldiers to this battlefield.
Peace bettereth war with me. Be not too hard. Speak out thy mind thou art more wise than I,
;
And
mightier in
war and prowess."
Rustam
Replied not as Piran desired but said " Since I and other warriors of the Shah
:
Armed for the field I have seen naught but good From thee the least injurious of Turkmans. Thou hast done righteously in all and sought
To lead Tiiran aright. The leopard knoweth That war and strife are evils, rocks and mountains
1
See Vol.
ii.
p. 350.
KAI KHUSRAU
205
Know that, but when the king of kings is bent On vengeance we must pour the arrows in. On two conditions there may be peace yet
;
Consider
One
is
ye will consent to them that thou shalt send to Kai

if
:
Khusrau
In bonds
those that through the prince's death have set this scene of strife, Insensately authors of the war, and those, not Although blood of that just head, The guilty of the
all
Although they may be not upon the field. The other is thou shalt prepare thyself, And come with me to our victorious Shah. As to the goods which thou wilt leave behind,
And
dost esteem so precious, thou shalt have
Ten for each one from him, so prate not thou About the baggage of the Turkman host." Pirun reflected " To desert Tiiran,
:
v. 976
And go
before that king were grave indeed Again by thus demanding those in fault
for
In wreak
Siyawush he
will bring
low
Afrasiyab's great
men
his kith
and kin
The man with thrones and
treasure, place
and power.
?
How could I dare to speak of such a thing He asketh what is quite preposterous
!
Human, Kulbad, and Farshi'dward the men That brought about the anguish of Giidarz Are all involved, and this can never be No river in the world can run such water. I must adopt mine own expedient, Take mine own way."
:
He
said
"
:
paladin
Mayst thou be ever young and bright of mind. I will depart and tell this to the chiefs
Manshur, Shangul, and to the Khan of Chin And send a cameleer to tell the king Thy words, and rouse him from his slumbering."
206
How
the
Turanians took Counsel for Battle with
the Irdnians
Piran departed to the host like wind, Assembled those that were of Wisa's race, And told the secret, saying " Our fall or rise
:
Hath come,
Is
for
know ye
that this Lion-heart
Rustam, who hath ta'en the field in grief chiefs and Lions from Zabulistan And nobles from Kabulistan. With him There are Giidarz and Giv and Tus, and we Must fight, though 'gainst our wills, and be disgraced. Since Rustam is the avenger and the leader No horsemen in the world will hold their own.
With
He seeketh of the Turkmans those in fault, And trouble th not about the innocent.
Who
And
The
v. 977
to
is
your knowledge is not guilty here, not much affected by our king ?
will be desolate,
Behold our country
warriors of Iran will

all
work
their will,
the young, the old, the monarch, The treasure, army, throne, and diadem. I said to our unjust king Be not thou
And
be
lost,
'
So
fiery
and stormful,
else
some
day,
And with no warning, thou Thy wit be burned and thy
wilt be
heart's eye
consumed, sewn up.'

advice,
The imperious monarch brooked not mine Or that of the illustrious company,
But made away with noble Siyawush Without consulting with the brave and
wise.
nothing Throne, elephants of war, or diadem The Iranian king will be rejoiced thereat While grief and pain will be our warriors' portion. Woe for our gallant hearts and this great host,
;
Thou
wilt see
left of state or
crown,
KA1 KHUSRAU
207
!
Endowed with Grace, tall stature, crown, and state All will be spoiled henceforth before your eyes, None will turn happy from the battlefield,
For they will tread us 'neath their horses' hoofs Our wakeful fortune's light will be bedimmed.
;
My
For
heart
is
burning for Human,
my
soul
Is flaming for Rum, for Rustam's heart Is brimming with revenge for Siyawush
whom
go
I will
his eyebrows are fulfilled with frowns. sadly to the Khan and tell him
What
this revenge
hath cost me."

Swift as dust
He went with full heart and with lips all sighs, And found the camp-enclosure full of clamour,
With bloody
For many
"
tulips set
on saffron cheeks,
of the kindred of
Kamus
They exclaimed
! :
Had come demanding
vengeance.
Afrasiyab will dream no more of greatness Why did this king, who hath no man to fight
On
We,
days of battle, thus begin the feud ? to avenge Kamus, with tearful eyes
v. 978
Will lead the army of Kashan to Chin, And thence and from Barbar, from the Buzgush, From the Sagsars and from Mazandaran Will we bring mace-armed troops to slaughter Rustam That none may hear his voice. Afrasiyab,
If fain for vengeance,
must not
rest or sleep."
Moreover from the kindred of Chingish
And Ashkabus
Arose, while
a din like beating
all in
anguish
for their
drums kinsmen
Were raining tears of gall on saffron cheeks, And saying midst their tears " We will not rest Or sleep henceforth till we have fired Sistan, And given its people doleful nights and days, Have set the head of Rustam of Zabul
:
Upon
the stake in grief for our great dead,
208
And, having burned his body, strewn the ashes

Before his palace-gate."
Piran was dazed, His favour darkened at their lamentations, And thus he said " Afflicted, helpless men,
:
Possessed by pain and care and fed on grief Ye surely cannot know that your own time
Is
"
almost
o'er."
:
He sought the Khan and said war of ours is growing long. A Crocodile, whose mail is leopard-skin, Hath come up from the river to the fight, For Rustam hath brought troops from every side, And famous chiefs our toils are thrown away,
This
little
;
unjust deeds receive just punishment. Afrasiyab was so infatuate
And
V. 979
That Siyawush was murdered by his hand, Urged to it by the insensate Garsiwaz. Now Siyawush was great, a royal prince Brought up by Rustam of Zabulistan, Who fighting to avenge his fosterling Will bring the heavens down. No leopard's claws Or trunk of elephant, no lofty mountain
Or
river Nile
will
aught avail with him

host.
When he shall take the field before his He rideth on a horse that needeth not
ship in seas of blood. We may not reckon This conflict trifling all have seen his power.
;
A fire
Our The
hath fallen from azure heaven and caused
hearts to
priests,
fume with
fear.
Convoke the
:
sages,
the great, and find the remedy champion competent to take the field
We may
perchance escape these

albeit
1
ills
and reach
Our homes
with diminished fortunes.
" ni les flots de 1'Indus " (Mohl).
KAI KHUSRAU
209
Men
should act
fairly ever,
not be
first
To seek a
quarrel."
Troubled
at Piran
:
The Khan invoked the Maker's name and said " How shall we act encountered by such hosts ? " Then said Shangul " To what end is this talk,
:
Exalted one
From
sped o'er flood and waste clime to every help Afrasiyab, Receiving gifts and armlets if we fight not
?
;
We
We came like lions and shall go like foxes. We sprang like fearless lions, losing not
One day upon the march, why such alarm
Because one man from Sigz encountereth us ? Shame on such talk Thou must take other order. Grant that he is a furious Elephant, And grappleth Lions on the battle-field, Still, though he slew Karnus the warrior, We must not hesitate, and since 'tis clear, Because Piran is sleepless with dismay, That some one holdeth Rustam in respect,
!
now extend my hand
as succourer.
No
Nor
Elephant is he or Lion's match, is his prowess as Piran asserteth.
We
must be firm herein, and not erase All thoughts of vengeance on him from our hearts.
Draw we our maces at the dawn, advance Across the plain, make air like clouds in spring, And pour a rain of arrows on the foe
;
Then through the dust of horse and crash of axes Observe me None must know head from foot.
well,
And, when
I raise
We
And
are
we
!
the war-cry, charge amain. warriors and cavaliers
Good sooth
shall we, lifeless
above a hundred thousand strong, though 'not slain, thus vilely
Shrink from one

VOL.
III.
man
When
I confront the Sigzian
210

;
Send ye the dust-clouds skyward
let
none 'scape
this,
coward's heart
is
naught."
On
Piran, old as he was,
:
hearing
grew young of heart, And said " Live happy, free from grief and While all the nobles and the Khan of Chin Acclaimed the king of Hind.
care,"
Now when
Came
V. 981
Piran
to his tent the chiefs resorted thither
Human, Barman, and Nastihan, whose minds Were poised 'twixt hope and fear. Human inquired
"
What
is
thy purpose
Doth
it
furnish ground
"
For peace, or are the armies to engage ? Piran told what Shangul had said, and how
The
Human
"
troops agreed to battle on, whereat was sore displeasured and, incensed
:
Against ill-starred Shangul, said to Piran None can escape the sky and what it bringeth."
He met Kulbad and

If
said
"
:
Shangul
is
mad
Rustam be what I have seen, and heard From chiefs, Shangul, Kundur, Manshur, will not
Survive this
battlefield,
nor will the Khan.
Withdraw we for a while and reckon up Our chance of gain or loss. Thou wilt behold Of this unbounded host, whose massive maces Might quell the world, the more part laid to earth With blood-drenched helms and mail for winding-sheet." Kulbad replied " wielder of the sword
:
Keep thou canst from evil presages, And sadden not the hearts .of thine own side The matter may be other than we think. The better course for thee is not to fret
if
Or worry over
ills
not come as yet."
KAI KHUSRAU
211
Ho ic Rustam
harangued his Troops
On
his side
Rustam
called his
mighty men
V.
Tiis,
Giv, Gudarz, Ruhham, and Fariburz, Kharrad the warrior and Gustaham,
cavalier,
Gurgin the veteran, the

''
of war Bizhan. " wisdom said the peerless chief, Addressing them at large in fitting words, " Ye archimages wise and shrewd of heart The man whom God doth render fortunate Is fit for crown and throne he will possess The world, prevail in war, and will not fear The leopard, elephant, or crocodile. Our strength is all from God, and to what end Are we upon this darksome earth of ours ? To think no evil, but to choose the way Of God and wisdom, since the world is no man's,
illustrious
And that Ye men
man
of
And
'tis
not well to take
much joy
therein
Our worth is based on right and hardihood While knavery involveth harm and loss. Piran was heart-seared when he came to me
So
hastily,
he spake in
many words
Of his good offices to Siyawush, Of his own travail and anxiety,

his entreaties Farangis the Escaped Dragon's breath and yet withal heart foreboded that Piran would be My
;
And how through
Among
the
first to
perish in this war,
His son and brother die before his eyes
With many of the noblest of his kin, And that Khusrau would slay Afrasiyab Such was my dream. Know that they all
:
will perish
:
Beneath our
feet,
not one
man
will survive
212
V. 983
Howbeit I would not that this hand of mine Should slay their general he hath no craft But honesty, and thinketh not of ill. It' then he shall accomplish what he said, Be ancient wrongs forgotten if he yield The culprits and the goods, the strife is done, The war for me is over in this world To deal uprightly is the best of all things. If from these chiefs with thrones and elephants An army like the blue sea he dispatch Both crowns and wealth, I shall not trouble further About the Turkmans. They will all pay tribute
; ;
Not being able to contend with us, And we will spare their lives because the All-giver Hath taught us wisdom and right ways. The world
Is full of treasures, thrones,
and crowns
man
Were
fortunate indeed to win
them
"
all
!
Giidarz in hearing this stood up and said To Rustam " thou chieftain good and just, The host's support, the adornment of the throne The crown and throne and helm are bright through
:
!
thee.
Resplendent wisdom is thy capital And provand of thy soul. Peace is no doubt A better thing than war, but mark this well The ox hath yet his hide. I will repeat To thee a saying of the olden times
:
'
righteousness E'en as the shoulders shun the burden's stress.'
The
souls of evil
men shun
Piran
now
giveth pledges in his
strait,
But some day he will struggle to evade them. The Maker fashioned him a double-dealer, So hearken not to him and 'scape his guile. When first we set the battle in array We held a parley and forwent the fight Because an envoy came to say from him
:
KAI KHUSRAU
'
213
averse from strife and battlefield, And, recking not of county and of tents,
I
am
Have girded up my
' :
loins to serve the Shah.'
He heard from us much counsel and advice, And said Henceforth is war no mate of mine
I will
depart and compass this affair Without delay, announcing to my kin My course herein, for I have throne and treasure And cattle, and for them I will provide.'
I said
' :
v. 984
Thy
right course
is
to
come
at once
Throne, wealth, and goods await thee in Iran But keep the matter secret that thy fault
May
not be patent to Afrasiycab.'
when we had spoken, went his way, And all that night companioned with the wind. He sent Afrasiyab a cameleer
Piran,
To say Array thy troops a host hath come.' Thou wouldst have said that we had held no parle, Because it came to nothing, and Pir;in
'
:
Upon
the tenth day led his
army
forth
troops.
plain and filled the world with Just now he set, Oleader of the host
!
Toward the
Upon thy path another toy just now, On seeing thy lasso's coils, he feared for
;
life.
Their whole reliance was upon Kamus,
And generals like Fartiis and like Manshur But since he hath beheld Kamus' fortune Wrecked, and his slaughter in the lasso's coils,
;
Piran
now knocketh
to
Not daring
at the door of peace, remain upon the field,
And, since he knoweth that his fall is nigh, Employeth colour, stratagem, and guile. As. for the criminals, the wealth, and goods, Which I,' he said, will gather and surrender,'
'
'
Thou
wilt perceive that
when the tymbals sound,

to war,
And
Tiis
and Fariburz advance
214
V. 985

will in
He
person lead the van and ever

All his words are
is
Renew the combat. And Ahriman alone

If
lies,
his
fit
mate.
befell
thou
art deaf to
!
me mark what
My
son Bahrain
And
Piran thus held us back, set an ambush such that, when the day
Of battle came, he showed to us so great A graveyard of Gudarzians that I Must weep blood all my life, and have for leech
An
Indian sword."
Said Rustam
And wisdom
wedded.
He
is
We
and that old man differ, But, in as much as he hath done us good, I would not fight him to the bitter end. Remember how he acted toward the Shah, And how he mourned the fate of Siyawush. If he should break his word and set on us I have my lasso at my saddle-straps To take fierce Elephants. But I will fancy
;
Be thy words thou sayest. 'tis no secret

:
"
as
No
ill
at first
we may escape
a conflict
he should be faithless, he But, The outcome pain and grief."

if
shall find
Gudarz and
"
:
Tiis
fail Praised Rustam, saying To cozen thee, and in thy presence sleights,
Sol itself would
Deceptions, falsehoods, and Piran's own words Take on no lustre. May the earth ne'er lack
Our monarch's head and. crown, and mayst thou hold The chiefest place for ever." Rustam said
:
"
dark and now our brains are dazed with talk Quaff we till midnight, then safeguard our troops, And we shall see what God hath purposed for us."
'Tis
"
v. 986
He said moreover to the Iranians To-night as we are drinking I will take

:
KAI KHUSRAU
Will shoulder
215
Some happy omen Sam
and,
the cavalier's
when morrow cometh, own mace,
Wherewith I fought against Mazandaran, Attack the Crocodile in his own lair,
And
capture camp-enclosure, crown, tiara, Mace, mighty elephant, and ivory throne These will I bring and give the Iranians,
:
If after all I gird
my loins
for war."
The noble
For
rest
lieges raised a
shout and went
and slumber each
man
to his tent.
How
the Iranians
and Turanians
set the
Battle in
Array
Whenas the sun displayed its shining crown The moon appeared as 'twere a silver shield,
But terror-stricken
Before the tent of
at the rising din
Declined and hid her face.

Tiis,
;
The tymbals sounded

;
With
chargers' dust
the world grew ebon it filled the air the ground
indigo, and Rustarn donned his mail. The army of Iran drew up in line, The sons intent on fight, the sires on vengeance. Giidarz son of Kishwad was on the right
Turned
In armour, brandishing a mace of steel, While Fariburz was stationed on the left,
the vengeance from his chieftains' hearts. 1 Tiis son of Shah Naudar was in the centre,
And washed
And
Then peerless all earth thronged with troops. Rustam Advanced to view the opposing chiefs the Khan, Whose elephants made earth like indigo, Was in the centre, on the right Kundur
;
A gallant
1
horseman
lion-like in battle
I.e.
by giving them so much that they wanted no more.
216

:
And on the left the veteran Gahar The earth was wounded 'neath the horsemen's
Piran,
his
hoofs.
upon Approached Shangul, the lover of the fray, And said to him " famous man of Hind Folk from Shirwan to Sind perform thy bidding. Thou said'st to me To-morrow with the dawn Will I from all sides lead the host to fight Then will I challenge Rustam and bring down To dust that head which reacheth to the clouds.' He answered " I abide by what I said, Thou shalt see from me neither more nor less.
:
!
rounds before the host,
'
"
Now
Of
will I
go before this vanquisher
chiefs, and nail him through with arrow-points, Avenge Kamiis and press the Iranians." With that he made three battles of his host, He beat the drums and dust rose from the plain.
They marched, each
battle,
An
army-front extending
o'er
with huge elephants two miles.
The heads of all the drivers were adorned With gaudy colours each man wore a crown
;
And earrings, with a gold torque round his neck, And belt of gold about his loins. The beasts Were draped with housings of brocade of Chin
Surmounted by a throne and Then there arose the blast of
seat of gold.
clarions,
;
And all the elephants of war advanced Upon the right marched thirty thousand men
Illustrious cavaliers
armed with the spear
Another thirty thousand on the left With bows and shields of Chin. The elephants Were in the centre with the Khan, a throng That rolled earth's surface as they marched along.
KAI KHUSRAU
217
How Rustam
reproached Pirdn
V. 988
Shangul went forth with Indian sword in hand Between the opposing lines a parasol Of Indian make, compact of eagles' plumes, O'ershadowed him. Around him was an escort Which followed as he willed. On seeing this
;
And
Piran rejoiced, feared not the fight with Rustam, thus addressed Human " To-day will fate
:
Dispose the matter to our hearts' content
With this equipment and such cavaliers, Each one so gallant, proud, and lion-like
So go not thou thyself before the line, Think not of fighting this day or the next Let thy post be behind the Khan of Chin, Because thou need'st not fight, and if moreover He of Zabul, he of the sable standard, Beholdeth thee, our cause is lost. Be ours To note the progress of events, and see What sport our wakeful fortune will afford." Pi'ran went thence toward the Iranian host To where the elephantine hero stood
;
Dismounted, did obeisance many times, And said " High heaven taketh Grace from thee.
:
Ne'er
may
thy days decline
Ne'er
may
thy face
!
Show
I
grief!
When
I returned,
paladin
gave thy message both
to old
and young.
?
I talked to
them of all thine excellence, Though who on earth can praise thee worthily
spake moreover both of peace and war, But how Employing every sort of plea. Can we do this,' they said at last, and stay Revenge as thou advisest ? We can give As much as he shall ask of gold and treasure,
I
'
'
V. 989
2i8

as for giving
But
It
up the
guilty folk
it
save the kinsmen of Afrasiyab Know'st thou as guilty ? Be not rash in promise, For all the men that Rustain asketh of us
Whom
may
not be.
Consider what
meaneth.
Are
chiefs
How
shall
we
great men with thrones and diadems or how can we give them up ?
like these would make a young man gray. such an army hath arrived from Chin, Saklab, Khatliin, and from our own Tiiran,
Demands
When
How should Afrasiyab desire a peace When he hath brought such hosts o'er
I got
sea and land
'
And
so I
Now
no lack of blame in their reply, have returned to thee in haste. of these troops an army like the sea
thee not but call thee
'
Is hurriedly preparing for the fight,
And know
him
of Sigz.'
The king of Hind is fain to fight with With bow and arrow and with Indian
But sure
thee
sword,
am
I that in the
end
this host
Will weep because of elephantine Rustam." When Rustam heard this he was very wroth,
And
said thus to Piran
"
:
Thou
luckless one
Why Why wilt

The king
hast thou so
guile and subterfuge thou walk upon a precipice ?
much
of earth hath spoken much to me In public and in private of thy lies. E'en now when I esteemed thee wise and prudent Thou wast but one great lie from head to foot. Thou wallowest recklessly in thine own blood
In evil case, but worse awaiteth thee. Although a spot were Hell 'twere Paradise
Contrasted with the
'
soil
beneath thy
'
feet.
I prithee leave,' I said, this black, bad land, And change it for a settled realm such life.
;
Of. Vol.
ii.
p. 100,
and
note.
KAI KHUSRAU
As
this is wholly worthless, for
219
thy head
v. 990
Is in the Dragon's
maw.
Thou mayst behold
Oar gracious, just, young, fair, and courteous Shah.' But eating snakes l and wearing leopard-skin Are sweeter than both colour and brocade In thine esteem. None will contest the point,
And thou
Thou
wilt eat of that

"
:
which thou hast sown."
Piran replied
fortune's favourite,
!
Who
and goodly Tree such things as well as thou And may the homage of the chiefs be thine. My heart and spirit are at thy command,
fruitful, flourishing,
knoweth
of
My
life for
And
will address the
thine, I will advise to-night, assembled host besides."
With
This being said, to join the troops he went guileful heart and head on vengeance bent.
IO
How
the Battle
was joined
Piran departed and the opposing hosts Stood like two glittering mountains on the earth, While Rustam thus harangued the Iranians " My loins are girt for battle, be it yours To think but of revenge, and let each warrior
:
Frown, for no small strife fronteth us to-day, But one that will appraise both wolf and sheep. The reader of the stars hath said to me
:
'
troubled by this coming fight My 'Twill be betwixt two mountains, troops in mass
heart
is
;
Will bathe the world in blood, the veteran chiefs Will gather, and the strife unman the world
;
Then feud
Like wax.'
will cease to stalk, the steel
mace grow
Have no
1
misgivings, whosoe'er
and hardship.
I.e.
suffering trouble
220
v. 99 1
to fight with me, for I will bind His hands within the twisted lasso's coils Although the starry heavens be his ally. Let no one tremble at yon famous chiefs. If my life endeth on the battlefield,
May come
And
doubtless I shall not die at a feast,
is enduring fame, canst not stay, why make so much ado Set not thy heart upon this Wayside Inn, Trust not a Hostelry so perilous,
All that thou needest
Thou
souls allied to wisdom reckon not Their day as good or ill. E'en lords of crown And treasure may not fix their hearts on this
Where
Our Wayside Inn."

The
"
troops replied
Thy
hests
Are higher than sky and moon, and our keen swords Shall make our fame last till the Judgment Day." The armies closed. " A black cloud," thou hadst said, " Hath risen raining shafts and scimitars,
And
all
the world
is
like a sea of pitch."
The glorious visage of the sun grew dark With eagles' plumes and arrow-heads of steel. Thou wouldst have said " Amid the cloud of dust The lances' heads have smirched the stars with gore What while the ox-head maces crashed around Thou wouldst have said " The sky is raining stones And midst the flashing of the diamond swords
: : :
"
!
!"
cloud hath risen and its rain is blood The briars and dust were drenched with gore and
!
"
"
brains,
The helms were smashed upon the wearers

v. 992
"
:
heads,
Since first I girt myself Said gray Giidarz To play the man I have seen no such strife, Or heard of such among the haughty chiefs
;
Such is the slaughter that one half alone " Of men is safe, the other is o'erthrown
!
KAI KHUSRAU
221
How
"
Shangul fought with Must am and fled
Shangul came forth before the host and shouted. I vanquish heroes and I love the fray, And I will see," he said, " what battle-gear Of manliness this man of Sigz possesseth."
The
voice reached Rustara,

"
who looked
forth, beheld
him,
And
Mine one petition to the Maker, Both publicly and privily, hath been That of this mighty host some alien Might have the pluck to challenge me to fight.
said
:
I will not leave Shangul, the Khan of Chin, Or any warrior of Turan alive."
He came and shouted " Base-born miscreant Zal named me Rustam wherefore call'st thou me The man of Sigz Know that the man of Sigz
:
!
'
'
Will be thy death, thy mail and helm thy shroud." This said, he grasped a life-destroying spear,
And urged his heavy mountain of a steed. He charged like wind, loosed his heroic arm, And thrusting with his spear unhorsed Shangul,
Dashed him down headlong, and rode over him, Yet harmed him not. Then Rustam quickly drew
His scimitar, but from the hostile host
v. 993
Came warriors with swords of tempered steel Men from Turan, Saklab, and Hind surrounded
;
The paladin
as 'twere
an onager,
:
And snatched Shangul from that fierce Elephant He 'scaped from Rustam, scathless 'neath his mail,
Fled with a care-worn visage to the Khun, And said " This is no man he hath no equal
:
On earth he is a furious Elephant Upon a Mountain we may fight in

;
;
mass,
222
let not any one attack the Dragon In single combat, for he cannot 'scape." " This morn thy views and words were other," said The Khan, and bade the troops charge mountain-like In full force to hem Rustam in and end His life. That Lion drew his scimitar, And brake the left wing of the host of Chin Each stroke strewed trunkless heads upon the plain. No mountain could withstand him in the fight, Or elephant his fury. Warriors Beset him till they dimmed the sun above him, While from the many spears, swords, shafts, and maces,
;
But
Employed against the lion-taking chief, One would have thought that he was in
a reed-bed,
And
V. 994
all
the realm a winefat running blood.
At every blow he
And
as
sliced a hundred spears, an angry lion roared and raged.
Behind him came the warriors of Iran With vengeful hearts and eager for the
:
fray.
As for the maces, mallets, spears, and swords, Thou wouldst have said " Hail falleth." Corpses,
hands, Heads, coronets, and helmets of the slain
Filled all the field, high
dust,
heaven seemed earth with
a neck and breast were cloven piecemeal. The troops all cried " The plain is like a mountain The hosts of men from Chin and With slain "
:
!
And many
Shakn,
From Hind,
Saklab, Harat, and from Pahlav
Stretched o'er plain, height, and river, and they
all
Were smitten by one man

"
:
Then
Its
to
Kulbad
Piran turned, saying charms, for he is irresistible;

1
This battlefield hath lost
Of. p. 109.
KAI KHUSRAU
There
is
223
no leader like him in the world.
No
sage would credit that one cavalier O'erthrew three hundred thousand warriors.
This feud hath brought

!
ill
on Afrasiyab
Where will he find repose and rest from Rustam ? Good sooth we shall be blamed when he inquireth
Concerning this campaign, and then if he Is wroth our heads will be in jeopardy."
12
How Rustam
Hath harmed us
not.
fought with Sdwa
Said Rustam to the Iranians
Now
This fight will I take from

:
"
y
Chin
995
These elephants, this wealth, these splendid crowns, And thrones, bestow them on Iran and make The day a happy and a glorious one. I want no helper from the Iranians, God and the feet of Rakhsh are help enough. I will not leave a man from Chin, Saklab,
to set his foot upon the ground, our day of victory high heaven Illumineth our star, but ill betideth
And Shakn
For
'tis
The men
If
of evil words
and
evil deeds.
affordeth strength my glossy Rakhsh Shall show his mettle, I will make this plain
God
A graveyard,
And
and the
fertile
land a salt-marsh.
Resume ye now your

swift as wind.
posts, be diligent, Attend. When I advance
Sound gong and bell, and make the whole earth ebon With dust of cavaliers and tymbal-din.
Ply ye your axes and your massive maces, Like blacksmiths' hammers on a mass of steel,
And fear ye not the numbers of the foe, But make the very water reek to heaven.
224

;
Cleave ye the ranks of Chin and of Saklab Earth must not see the sky. Watch well my helm, And, when I raise the war-cry, charge amain."
v. 996
Thence like a raging elephant, and bearing His ox-head mace and shouting as he went, He sought the foemen's right, and first encountered Kundur. He routed that wing utterly, And many a head and helmet disappeared. A kinsman of Kamus, one Sawa hight, Proud and o'erweening, came to counter Kustam, With Indian sword in hand. He wheeled about In quest of vengeance for Kamiis and cried " mighty Elephant now shalt thou mark
:
!
wave of Nile 1 I will avenge Kamus, The hapless nevermore shalt thou see battle." When Sawa's words reached Rustam he drew forth His massive mace, raised it aloft, and smote His foeman's head and helm. Thou wouldst have
!
:
said
"
That head hath never even seen its body !" He flung down Sawa, and rode over him The enemy Till every trace was lost. Were panic-struck, the banner of Kashan Was overthrown none durst withstand him more Because the hoofs of Rakhsh their fruitage bore.
;
13
How Rustam
slew
Gdhdr of
G all an
all
Thence Rustam sought the other wing, while The foe were in dismay, where stood Gahar The warrior of Gahan, a lion-man Who had a dusky banner. He was wroth
1
"
elephant furieux, tu vas voir
le
tumulte des
flots
de 1'Indus
(Mohl).
KAI KHUSRAU
225
On seeing Rustam's helm, roared lion-like, And said to him " I will avenge Tiiran And Chin upon this Sigzian on this field
:
To
fight
him
is
A lion's heart
among the chiefs and massive mace are mine."
my
part
He spurred forth to encounter mighty Rustam, But turned like flower of fenugreek on seeing The helm of Rustam close, and thought " As well
:
v. 997
Plunge in the river Nile as fight against This furious Elephant Thou saidst The fight Will profit thee,' but others said Not so.' Both courses are not well. To flee and save One's head is better than to have it trampled
' !
'
By showing
The centre While like
prowess."
Then he
fled
toward
in the sight of all the troops, a tree upon a mountain-top
Rose Rustam's standard mid the host. He followed Gahar like dust, earth reddened, air grew dark He speared and pierced the girdle of his foe, Rent both the corslet and its clasps, then flung him Down as the leafage falleth from a bough Struck by a mighty blast. He overthrew That dusky flag, and thou hadst said " Gahar
; :
He
of
Gahan
ne'er lived."
The Iranians marked
That deed,
and left the dust of battle Rose, they advanced the drums and glorious standard, Illustrious Giidarz and Tiis came on, The trumpets' blare hailed Rustam's victory. " Send me a thousand noble cavaliers," He bade, " and I will take yon elephants, That ivory throne, the gold, torques, pearls, and crow LI From him of Chin and give them to Iran,
to right
To the
victorious
monarch
of the brave."
thousand warriors of Iran advanced In mail with ox-head maces. Rustam cried,
VOL.
III.
226

:
v.998
That they might gird them for revenge " I swear By our Shah's life and head, the sun and moon, Iran's host, and the dust of Siyawush, That if one flee before the prince of Chin He shall experience bonds, or pit and gibbet, And have a paper cap set on his head." The troops knew Rustam's lion-appetite, Which longed to claw the haunches of the stag, And made toward the Khan, men seared in heart, Whose leader aimed at crowns. He led the charge, Let fleet Rakhsh have the reins, and spurted blood Up to the moon. The stars looked down upon That battlefield whence such a dust-cloud rose That none could see the ground. What with the
shouts
and thud of lances none Discerned 'twixt rein and stirrup thou hadst said "The sun is veiled, earth tortured 'neath the horse-
Of
cavaliers
hoofs
"
!
grew black, black as an Ethiop's face no way for slain mails, helms, and saddles saw They Filled all the field, and heads farewelled their bodies. The horsemen's dust went down the wind, the earth Rang with the clash of steel, and many a chief Exposed his head for glory. Rustam shouted, " And thou hadst said " It is the raging sea " These elephants, the bracelets, ivory throne, Crowns, diadems, and torques will in Iran Be worthy Kai Khusrau, the world's young king. What business can ye have with crown and pomp, Who, spite of all your might and toil and prowess, Will only set the shackles on your hands, And bring a twisted lasso round your loins ?
air
;
; :
!
The
Then
will I
send you to the king of earth

;
I will not spare Manshiir or yet the Khan Of Chin. I give you life and that is all
KAI KHUSRAU
Your crowns and
Else with our horse-hoofs
signet-rings are for another I, unless ye yield,
;
227
v. 999
Will send dust rnoonward from this
battlefield."
H
How
"
the
Khan was
talten
Prisoner
The Khan let loose his tongue, reviling Rustam. Thou miscreant," he said, " in soul and body For quarter for Iran, its Shah and people, Thou must appeal to me. Thou Sigzian, And vilest of mankind wouldst seek to make A common soldier of the king of Chin ? "
! !
They sent a very grievous rain of arrows As when the winds of autumn blast a tree The air was clothed with eagles' plumes no warrior E'en dreameth of such strife Giidarz, beholding That shower of steel, alarmed for Rustam's safety,
; :
!
Said to
Ruhham
"
:
laggard
tarry not,
But with two hundred horsemen ply the reins, And with your bows of Chach and poplar shafts Guard in the battle peerless Rustam's back." And then to Giv " Lead on the host and yield not
:
To-day is not a time For peace and pageant, leisure or repose. Advance toward the right wing with the troops, And find out where Piran is with Human.
Before our foes.
the peerless Rustam Ne'er may the eyes Is dashing heaven to earth Be blest that curse him on the day of battle."
Mark how
before the
Khan
To
raged like a leopard and rushed forth Rustam's back, who said to him, That Lion " My Rakhsh, I fear, hath had enough When he is weary I will go afoot, This is a host like ants All blood and sweat.
fight at
:
Ruhham
228

locusts
drivers.
!
v. 1000
And And
Fight against the elephants
We
will take
them
:
to Khusrail
novel present from Shingan and Chin."
he cried " May Ahriman Wed Turkistan and Chin Ho luckless ones, Resourceless, wretched, fed on grief, and lost Have ye ne'er heard of Rustam ? Or hath wisdom Fled from your brains ? He holdeth dragon-men Of no account, and chooseth elephants
Then from
his post
As
opposites.
Would ye
still
fight with
me
"
Whose
He
only gifts are mace and scimitar ? loosed his twisted lasso from its straps,
Flung the raw coil upon his saddle-bow, And urged his charger on. A shout arose To split a dragon's ear. Where'er he cast The noose he cleared the ground of mighty men, Yet wished he only to contend with Chin With lasso on his arm and frowning brow.
every time that Rustam in the fight Unhorsed a chieftain with the coiling noose,
Now
V. iooi
The leader Tus sent cloudward from the field The sound of trump and drum, while an Iranian Made fast the prisoner's hands, and took him off Toward the heights. Now when from elephant-back The Khan, saw earth rise like the Nile, and there,
Astride a lofty Hill, an Elephant That grasped a lasso made of lion's hide, And brought down vultures from the murky clouds, While stars and moon looked on, he chose a chief,
Learned in the Iranian tongue, and said " Approach Yon lion-man and say Fight not so fiercely. These troops of Chin, of Shakn, Chaghan, and Wahr Have in their hearts no interest in the feud, Nor have the kings of Chin and of Khatlan Thou hast no quarrel with these aliens, But with Afrasiyab, who knoweth not
:
'
KAI KHUSRAU
The
fire
229
And by
We
And And
all
from water, but hath raised the world, war brought evil on himself. of us have greed and long for fame,
this
still
Yet peace
bettereth war."
With
guileful heart the
:
fluent tongue
v. 1002
near to Rustam, " O chieftain, lover of the fray said Since fight is over for thee now seek feast. Thou surely harbourest not revenge at heart For what hath passed against the Khan of Chin
!
man drew
he withdraweth, for the strife When by thy hand Kamiis Is ended now. Was slain, the heads of all our chiefs were turned." But Rustam answered thus " The elephants, The crown, and ivory throne must all be mine.
Withdraw
as
Ye set your faces to lay waste Iran What need is there for talk and blandishments He knoweth that his host is in my hands, And that I check the ardour of mine own.
:
spare his own head, but his elephants, Torque, crown, and throne of ivory are mine." The messenger replied " lord of Rakhsh
I
: '
Spare not upon the waste the uncaught gazelle The plain is all men, elephants, and troops. Who hath crown, wealth, and grandeur like the Khan
!
'
Who
knoweth too the outcome of the day,

will quit the field
And who
cried
"
with victory
"
?
When Rustam
:
heard he spurred on Rakhsh and
vanquish lions and apportion crowns, Am strong, and have a lasso on mine arm.
I
Is this the
day
Whenas
my When that fierce Lion shall behold mine He will be taken and distaste e'en life." He flung the lasso coiled and took the
the
Khan
for jest, the time for counsel ? of Chin shall see lasso,
armlet,
heads
v. 1003
230

cavaliers,
Of
And then
the
neared that white elephant, Khan of Chin, grown desperate,

creature's
Smote with the goad the
head and, roaring
Like thunder in the month of Farwardin, Took and hurled forth at Rustam deft of hand
double-headed battle-dart in hope To worst him and to take his noble head
But Rustam, scathless, flung his lasso high, Dragged from his elephant the Khan of Chin Noosed by the neck, and dashed him to the ground, Where others bound his hands and drove him on Toward the Shahd afoot without his crown, His litter, throne, or elephant, and there They made him over to the guards of Tus That chieftain sent the drum-roll to the sky.
;
This tricky Hostelry is ever so Whiles it exalteth, whiles it layeth low, And thus it will be while the sky doth move
:
Whiles
strife
and poison, and whiles sweets and

;
love.
Thou raisest one to heaven on high, and one Thou makest vile, afflicted, and fordone From pit to moon, so dost Thou one elate
;
From moon
such is another's fate One hath a throne, one is to fishes hurled In wisdom not caprice, Lord of the world Thou art the height and depth thereof, I trow Not what Thou art Thyself. Thyself art Thou.
to pit,
! !
15
How
V. 1004
the
Host of
the
Turanians was defeated
Then peerless Rustam seized his massive mace, The great and small were all alike to him The battlefield was such that ant and gnat Had scarcely room to stir on plain and dal e
; ;
KAI KHUSRAU
Blood ran in streams from wounded and from
slain
231
Flung headlong down or headless. When the foe's Bright fortune loured 'twas nearly night, there came A blast with murk, light quitted sun and moon, And then the foe, not knowing head from foot,
Took
to the desert
and the longsome
road.
Piran beheld that fight and fortune grown So gloomy to Manshur, Fartiis, the Khan,
And Turkman
wounded
chiefs;
saw
standards
down,
the
Laid vilely in the dust, and thus he said To Nastihan the warrior and Kulbud
:
lay by two-headed dart and sword." Giv overthrew the sable flag, the foe Dispersing by the roads and pathless tracts.
l<
We must
He routed all the right wing, made the dales And plains like feathers of a francolin, And sought upon the army's left and right To find Piran, but when they found him not
The warriors returned to vengeful Rustam. The war-steeds were disabled with the work They all were wounded and fordone with fight. The troops went to the mountain well content With Rustam and his escort at their head,
;
Their bodies injured but their hearts rejoicing About the battle, as is this world's use.
V. 1005
The helms and mail were smirched with blood and

dust,
The
horses' bards were riven.
Heads,
feet,
swords,
And stirrups were begored, the hills and dales Were hidden by the slain, the troops so masked
That none could know another till they bathed. their bodies and forgot their pains Because their foes were bound in heavy chains.
They washed
232
16
How Rmtam
"
divided the Spoil
"
Disarm," said Rustam to the Iranians. Before the All-conquering we need not mace, Or belt or treasure. Stoop ye all your heads
To darksome
dust, then crown them, for the chiefs Are minished not by one for whom our hearts Would now be mourning. When the tidings reached The world's king he repeated them to rne Forthwith The chieftain Tus hath gained the moun'
tains,
Defeated by Piran and by Human The Shah's words robbed me of my

!
'
wits,
my
brain
Seethed for the fray, while for Giidarz, Bahrain, And for Rivniz my heart turned ebon-black. I sped forth from Iran without delay
Intent upon the fight, but when I saw The Khan, the men of name and warriors,
Especially Kamiis, his Grace and stature,
Such shoulders and such
limbs, such hands and mace, then methought For since My time is o'er I girt me as a man I have not looked In my long life on better men or arms
Why
'
'
v. 1006
'
Assembled anywhere. I have invaded Mazandaran, a land of divs, where nights Are dark and maces massive, yet my heart Forwent its courage never and I said I tender neither heart nor life.' Howbeit
:
In this campaign
my
My
If
heart
the lustre of the world

fall in
days were plunged in gloom, was darkened

will be well,
now we
sorrrow in the dust

it
Before all-holy
God
hath given strength, success, and aid From Saturn and the sun. Long be it so.
For
He
KAI KHUSRAU
233
!
God
grant that fear may never fall on us Let men too bear the Shah the news forthwith Let him adorn his throne, set on his head
The
And may
royal cap, give great gifts to the poor, their blessings be upon his soul.
Now put we off our mail and rest in peace. No doubt both grief and longing pass away,
And
But
still 'tis
fate is counting up our every breath, good to add up cups of wine,

:
And
Quaff we
not to stare at yon unloving sky till midnight then, and let our talk
Be of the mighty men, with thanks to God, The Conqueror, from whom are manhood, fortune, And prowess we should not possess our hearts
;
Too much in sorrow and laboriousness In this our Wayside Inn."
The nobles
blessed him,
!
And
signet lack thee never All honour to the stock, the native worth, And mother that brought forth a son like thee.
said
:
"
May crown and
A man of elephantine
Is
Rustam's strain
more exalted than the turning sky. Thou knowest what thou hast achieved through love For us. Let heaven rejoice because thou livest.
We
But now we
were as good as slain, our days were done, live and light the world through thee."
y. 1007
Then having bade to fetch the elephants, Crown, ivory throne, and golden torques, he brought Forth royal wine and goblets, and first gave " The monarch of the world," and when he grew
:
Blythe in his cups they parted glad and gay. When Luna rent the robe of night and set
Its turquoise throne in heaven the scouts dispersed About the plains and hills, and when the rust Of night's rest passed, when day's bright Falchion
showed.
234

earth grew jewel-like, the drum-roll rose
And
Before his tent, the chiefs arrived, and Rustam Said " We have found no traces of Piran
:
!
Return we
to the field
and send our troops
In quest of him."
V. 1008
Bizhan the lion-man Advancing came upon a world of corpses, Of goods, and treasure all the plain was strewn With wounded men flung down and bound of others Still living they saw none. Tents and enclosures Filled all the earth, and tidings came to Rustam " The foe hath fled the field." Like lion wroth He raged about the Iranians' sloth and slackness, And said reviling them " Hath no one wisdom Paired with his brain ? How when two mountains thus Shut in our foes could they escape in mass From us ? Did not I say Send forward scouts, And make each gorge and dale like plain and waste ? l Ye thought of ease and rest, the foe of toil And march. Slack bodies bring forth care and travail, But he who chooseth labour fruiteth treasure.
:
'
'
How
I
can
'
say
am
at ease to-day
'
tremble for Iran."
Then
leopard-like
"
He
Or
raged
at Tiis
?
and said
Is this a
bedroom
battlefield
See to Human, Kulbad,

to Piilad thyself
:
Piran, Ruin,
and
Henceforth with thine own host upon this plain We are not of one province, thou and I. If ye have strength fight on your own account,
For how should ye have me, when I have gained The victory and its results are spoiled ? See from what company the scouts were drawn,
1
"
Et de convertir en plains
les vallees et les ravins en les
comblan
avec des marts" (Mohl).
KAI KHUSRAU
235
And who is head man of the family, And when thou findest any of those scouts
him be beaten on the feet and hands With sticks, take what he hath, make fast Set him upon an elephant and thus Dispatch him to the Shah for execution. The ivory thrones, the jewels, and dinars,
Let
his feet,
Brocade, crowns, treasure, coronets, and all That they took from us, seach for and bring hither, For there were many kings upon this plain
;
The most
illustrious of the
world were here
From Chin and from Saklab, from Hind and Wahr, And all possessed of realms and treasuries.
First let us choose a present for the Shah, And then portion of the spoils and thine."
my
his warriors went and gathered all The golden girdles and the amber crowns, The ivory thrones and the brocade of Rum, The arrows, the horse-armour, and the bows, The iron maces and the Indian swords, And raised a mountain 'twixt the other two The troops stood round and gazed. Then had an
Tus and
v. 1009
archer,
cavalier, broad-chested, strong, and valiant, Shot a four-feathered arrow o'er the heap,
The
When
And
"
carry had not reached from end to end Rustarn saw the spoil he stood amazed,
!
oft
invoking the Creator said
Our changeful
lifetime giveth feast
and
fight
By turns, transferring wealth from host to host. It giveth now with curses, then with blessings
;
One gathereth wealth
Katnus was minded, To burn Iran. With these huge elephants, These havings, troops, and stores, their joy was In them and in their multitudes of men,
for others to enjoy. and the Khan as well,
all
236
And for a while God was not in their thoughts, God who created heaven and earth and time, Much manifest and much mysterious.
is not, their goodly wealth is not, Their aims and unjust doings are no more Now will I send the Shah these chosen chiefs
Their host
every realm on their huge elephants, Together with these golden thrones and crowns,
From
And goods on
Such goods
v. ioio
lusty camels.
I will
send
as are
most worthy
myself with
to be sent,
all
And journey hence
dispatch
To Gang, for heroes cannot brook delay. To spare the guilty and the murderers Is weakness let us wash our hands in blood.
;
I will
The
allow the bad no rest but bring heads of these idolaters to dust,
to all the
"
And show
Gudarz
way
replied
Mayst thou remain till Then matchless Rustam sought a messenger To bear the first news to the imperious Shah, And chose out Fariburz son of Kaiis, Commended by his kinship, and thus said
:
of Holy God." thou of goodly rede place shall be no more."

!
"
Famed
chief, of royal race, thyself a king,
Accomplished, understanding, nobly born,
Both glad thyself and making others glad Take up a task. Go, bear to our young Shah My letter, and convey with thee the captives, The camels, and this wealth all that there is Torques, treasure, bracelets, crowns, and diadems, The mighty elephants and ivory thrones."
!
"
O raging Lion, Fariburz replied, My loins are girded even now to ride."
'
"
KAI KHUSRAU
237
How Rustam
wrote a Letter to
Kai Khusrau
scribe,
Then Rustam summoned an experienced
And
The
wrote a kingly letter in fit terms With ambergris for ink on painted silk
letter
opened with the praise of God, Who is and who will be for evermore, The Maker of the sun and moon and Saturn
v.
ion
Of Grace and crown and might the Artist He Heaven, earth, and time are His the soul and wisdom Obey Him. May He bless the Shdh, and may The age not have him in remembrance only. I came between two mountains as thou badest The troops of three realms were assembled there. More than a hundred thousand in good sooth Opposed us, men who drew the scimitar Troops from Kashan and Shakn, from Chin and Hind A host which stretched from the Indus unto Chin While from Kashmir to the outskirts of Mount Shahd We saw but litters, tents, and elephants.
;
;
:
feared not for the empire of the Shah,

;
;
But slew our foes we fought for forty days The world is strait Thou wouldst have said
'
:
to them.'
were kings with treasures, crowns, and thrones. Now 'twixt the mountains over dale and waste One cannot pass along for blood and slain,
They
all
And
in good sooth for forty leagues the soil To tell the whole Is turned to clay with blood. Were tedious. All the kings that I have bound,
Plucked with my lasso from their elephants, Lo I have sent the Shah, with gifts and jewels King- worthy, but war on myself; perchance Gurwi may meet my sword. His head shall crown My spear in wreak for our Head Siyawush.
!
v. 1012
238
May every tongue be filled with praise of thee, And turning heaven's summit be thine earth." He gave the letter, when it had been sealed,
In charge to Fariburz, that royal prince,
With captive kings and elephants, and set The spoils upon three thousand camels' backs.
So Fariburz son of Kaiis went forth Rejoicing, and made speed to reach Khusrau.
The elephantine
And
hero, with the chiefs warriors of the arrny, saw him off With fond embraces when they said farewell,
tears rained from the eyelids of the prince.
While
Then Rustam, when the dark night's tresses showed, ^Departed on his way toward the host. They sat with harp and wine and minstrelsy,
This reveller with harp and that with pipe, Until they went their ways in full content,
Each
to his rest.
Hued like a gold dinar Sol burst the Veil of Lapis-lazuli, Whereat the clarion's blast rose from the court
Before the chief's pavilion.
All ready-girded,
Matchless Rustam,
his swift steed,
mounted
And bade
Their way was hard
the soldiers take supplies with them. the longsome desert route.
war. and matchless
"
They marched to To Tus and Giv

:
Rustam
!
said
Ye
gallant chiefs
this time
Will I fight strenuously and press the foe. Who knoweth if this crafty man of Sind Will bring a host from Hind, Saklab, and Chin But I will so bemuse and daze his wits,
his body dust upon the tomb Of Siyawush. that Hind, Shingan, Saklab, And Chin shall bless him nevermore."
?
And make
He
The drums, the dust ascending
filled
beat
the
air,
KAI KHUSRAU
1
239
And earth was full of men, while shouts rose cloudward From those illustrious chieftains keen for fight.
They marched two stages from the battlefield Because the ground was blackened with the slain. The chieftain saw a wood and called a halt, And, while his soldiers darkened plain and stream, Indulged in song and wine till some were filled With mirth and pleasure, and some lay bemused, While envoys came from all the districts round, From all the chiefs and men of name, to bring Him presents, arms, and many an offering.
18
How Kai
K/tusrau made Answer
to
Rustam's Letter
Heaven turned, some days elapsed, and then one went " told the Iranian monarch Fan'burz, Son of Kaus, approacheth." Shah and chiefs Went out to welcome him with trumpets, tymbals, And many troops. When Fariburz drew near,
And
And caught sight of the Shah, he kissed the ground, And offered many praises, saying thus " Shah of goodly fortune may high heaven Be glad of heart through thee and may the world
:
!
Thrive through thy justice," then gave Rustam's
letter.
V. 1014
The king of kings perused it, marvelling At what the chief reported of that fight,
Inspected prisoners, camels, elephants, And wounded men, and, having ridden apart,
Put
off his royal cap, got off his steed,
And, wallowing in the dust before his God, Exclaimed " O holy Ruler of the world The oppressor wrought on me oppressively, And made me fatherless all grief and anguish
: !
"
la terre etait
couverte de morts " (Mohl).
240
But Thou didst free me from my pains and woes, And give me crown and realm. Both earth and time Became my slaves, the world my treasury
;
thanks to Thee, not to the host, But grant me one thing spare me Rustam's life." This done, he passed before the elephants, And captives whom he sent to join the wretched In ward, then bade to bear with all dispatch The booty to the treasurer and make ready
I offer
pleasant dwelling for the Khan of Chin. He spent a day in writing his response, And set a new Tree in the garth of greatness. He first praised God, the Author of his triumph,
and turning sky, and love, Who hath set up the heaven and graced the earth With night and day, Who giveth unto this So dark a fortune, and to that the throne That he deserveth. Grief and gladness come
of the sun
"
The Master
From
Whom
are war, alliances,
v. 1015
From Holy God the Source And reverence," then said "
:
of courage, awe,
paladin
in body, bright in soul. All that thou spakest of have reached the court
Be ever pure
The
prisoners, the elephants, the crowns,
Brocade of Chin, the thrones of ivory, Arabian steeds, and torques, and diadems, With camels in great plenty, tapestries, And wearing-stuff's, and showers of offerings, To grace our hocktides, feasts, and festivals. What man could wish to meet thee in the fight Unless he was already sick of life ? Now of thy toils among Turanian foes, By night and day upon the field, I had
Continual news, yet opened not
my
lips,
But night and day before

Presented broken-hearted
all-holy
God
my
petitions.
KAI KHUSRAU
241
He that hath Rustam for his paladin May well continue young heaven hath no servant Like thee, and may it tender still thy fortune."
;
V. 1016
The gracious letter being done, and sealed By Kai Khusrau, he bade to be prepared
A robe of honour, belts, horse-furniture, A hundred crisp-locked slaves with golden girdles, A hundred noble horses with gold trappings, A hundred camels laden with brocade
Two
Of Chin, a hundred more with tapestries, rings of shining rubies and a crown Of state compact of gold and lustrous pearls, A suit of royal raiment worked in gold, With armlet, torque, and golden belt, and presents
treasure in themselves
for every chief.
He
A
"
sent to Fariburz a blue steel sword, mace, a golden crown, and golden boots,
:
And bade him go to Rustam and
say thus not We must pause to rest or eat or sleep In fighting with Afrasiyab. Perchance
lasso yet
Thy
may
take that great king's head."
So far Fariburz resumed his journeying, Such was the pleasure of the Iranian king.
9
the Case of his
:
How
"
Afrasiyab had Tidings of
Army
Thereafter tidings reached Afrasiyab A Flame hath issued from the river Shahd, 1 And in the persons of Kamiis, Manshur,
Khan, Tiiran hath been o'erthrown. from Iran to war Such as left heaven scarce room to turn. The conflict Continued forty days days dark as night
of the
And
An army came forth
So Mohl.
VOL.
III.
2 42
Because the horsemen's dust concealed the sun.
v. 1017
Our fortune slept, no cavalier of all Our countless host remained still serviceable Our mighty men and famous paladins Have all been bound in heavy bonds and flung
;
Disgraced upon the backs of elephants Encircled by a host that reached for miles.
of Chin too and the mighty men thousands have been carried to Iran By There was no room upon the battlefield To pass along, so many were the slain Pi'ran, who hath with him a noble army,
The Khan
Hath marched toward Khutan. but none of Chin, Kashan, or Hind is left who hath not read The inscription on the scimitar of Rustam. Now all the marches for two miles and more
Are
full of blood,
the earth
is
void of chiefs
elephants, while an Iranian host, Led on by matchless Rustam bent on war, Approacheth. If they meet us in the fight
And
Account the
hills as plains,
the plains as
hills."
Heart-stricken and astound, Afrasiyab Called all his priests and nobles. " From Iran," He said, " a host, hath met our chiefs in battle,
Our mighty army with
And implements
its countless troops of war hath been o'erthrown,
While I am prostrate, thou mightst say, with Both for Kamiis and for the Khan of Chin.
grief
Now
What
If
that so
many
troops are slain or maimed,

?
The more
part of the nobles bound in bonds, What cure shall we apply shall we do ?
treat the matter with light hearts.
We may not
A
v. 1018
Rustam is the chief he will not leave thorn or weed upon these fields and fells,
He was a reed-like stripling when I marched On Rai, yet took me from my saddle so
KAI KHUSRAU
That warriors wondered. Belt and button broke tumbled from his grasp beneath his feet. 1 Such was the prowess that I saw in him And I have heard reports of his exploits, When single-handed with his massive mace,
I
! ;
243
Against the mighty of Mazandaran, As well as of the havoc wrought by him our own chiefs in this last battlefield." The nobles rose and said " Although the famous Of Chin and of Saklab have fought Iran Our realm is scathless and our host intact. Why stimulate the foe by fearing Rustam ? We all must die, our loins are girt not loosed,
:
On
And Rustam,
if
he trample on our land,
Shall pay the penalty, for when we arm For vengeance no Iranian will survive."
He heard, preferred And called to him his

;
those valiant with their tongues,

chiefs, refrained
from
sleep,
Repose, and feast, unlocked his treasury And gave out pay his griefs inspired his soul.
Earth was so
"
The
troops that one might say hath come down to the fray." starry sky
full of
20
How Rustam
This
coil of
ill
fought with Kdfiir the Man-eater

v. 1019
grew clear as Fariburz,
Glad-hearted, with the monarch's robe of honour, And with the crown with earrings, 2 came to Rustam,
Whereat that elephantine hero joyed. The great men of the army met and praised The paladin " May earth be prosperous
:
Through Rustam, be the Shah's life glad, and may fran still flourish, field and fell, through him."
1
See Vol.
i.
p. 374,
and
Vol.
ii.
p.
14.
The crown
of state.
See
p. 241.
244
Thenco Rustam led the army on its march, Reached Sughd and spent two sennights there, engaged In hunting onager and quaffing wine,
And
in such pleasures fleeted time a while.

a
On marching one By name Bidad

By
folk
stage thence he saw a city a hold inhabited

flesh.
whose only food was human
The lovely there were ever perishing, While at the table of a king so loathly The flesh of growing youths alone was served. Those slaves that were the goodliest, and were Unblemished in their faces and their forms,
v. 1020
Supplied the provand for the monarch's board Such was his food. The peerless Rustam called
;
Three thousand cavaliers all clad in mail On barded steeds and sent them to that hold With Gustaham and two more valiant chiefs Bfzhan the son of Giv was one, Hajir 2 The other both redoutable in fight. The king's name was Kafur he held the city By patent. When he heard that from Iran A host, led by a famed and warlike chief, Approached, he armed as did his pard-like people, Who were skilled lasso-flingers, cavaliers, And Stones and Anvils in the fray. Kafiir Encountered Gustaham the armies closed 'Twas such a fight as when a lion chargeth
;
; ;
Upon a deer full many Iranians Were slaughtered and keen fighters turned their When Gustaham saw this, and that the world
;
heads.
Was
in that curst div's hand,
To shower
shafts
he bade his troops the horseman's ambuscade.

<!
:
No arrow-head Will dent an anvil. Ply sword, mace, and lasso, And take yon leaders' heads within the noose."
Kafiir said to his chiefs
1
I.e.
"
Unjust."
Reading with P.
KAI KHUSRAU
245
Awhile they fought so that the stream flashed tire, of the Iranians were slain A sky of bale turned o'er them. Gustaham Said to Bizhan in haste " Ride hence. Tell Rustam " 'Pause not, but come with ten score cavaliers.' Bizhan the son of Giv went off like wind, And told the matter to the matchless one, Whose stirrups felt his weight as with his men He rode, who heeded neither hill nor dale. He reached the field of battle, as it were A torrent rushing from the gloomy hills, And shouted to Kufur " Unskilful knave Now will I bring thy fighting to an end." Kafur came rushing with a furious charge Against the royal and fruit-bearing Tree, And hurled his sword, as though it were an arrow,
And many
v. 1021
To
Received
strike the lion-taking chief, but Rustam it on his shield and took no harm.
Kafiir next flung his lasso o'er the son Of Zal, who ducked his head. Then Rustam raised
His war-cry like an angry elephant, Whereat Kafur stood still in blank amaze, And Rustam smote his head-piece with the mace, Which smashed together helmet, head, and neck His brains ran down his nostrils, and Kafur The warrior fell. Then Rustam, slaughtering still Without distinction as to great or small,
:
Charged
at the castle-gate,
Made
And
fast the portal, " called to him

:
but those within poured down showers of arrows, O man of strength and sense,
!
Thou Elephant arrayed
What
'
The
in leopard's hide did thy father name thee at thy birth lasso-flinger,' or The sky of fight ?
'
'
Alas for
Its
all
is
thy
'
name
against this city Warstead with the knowing ones.

toil
! '
When
Tiir the son of
Faridun had
left
246

skilled in every way, their aid began to build these walls
Iran he called
men
And by
Of
stones and timber, brick and reeds, thus built
them
By toil and sorcery, expending toil And draining treasury, and gallant men Have striven much to send up dust therefrom,
But none hath mastered them or profited. Here are munitions and abundant food,
get naught But strife, for catapults reach not these walls, Fenced by Tur's magic and the breath of priests." Now Rustam when he heard grew full of thought, His battle-loving heart was like a thicket, Such fighting liked him not, he brought up troops From every side, here was Gudarz, there Tus With trumpets, drums, and elephants behind The army from Zabul was on the third side, Mail-clad and armed with falchions of Kabul.
;
With subterranean ways to bring in more. Though thou mayst toil for years thou wilt
The veteran Rustam took
his
bow
in hand,
him As he picked off the head of every one Who showed himself above the battlements The shaft-points whispered secrets to those brains
all
And
the fortress stood astound at
An
intercourse that
made no harmony.
In order to dislodge the garrison
He undermined
V. 1023
the walls, propped them with posts Smeared with black naphtha and, when half way round,
He brought Tur's ramparts down fire. on all sides. Rustam bade advanced troops " On to the assault; ply bow and poplar shaft." The brave defenders threw away their lives With one accord to save their treasured wealth, Their children and their country and their kin Far better for them had they ne'er been born The Iranian warriors advanced on foot,
Set
them on
The
KAI KHUSRAU
took their bows and arrows, and their shields, Advanced supported by the javelin-men, And led on by Bizhan and Gustaham. The raging of the fire and shower of shafts Left no resource but flight, and those that passed The castle-walls fled weeping o'er the plain. Then the besiegers barred the castle-gate And set themselves to pillaging and slaughter.
247
And
How many old What multitudes they slew And young they carried captive from the city Much silver, gold, and other precious things,
!
With
beasts
and slaves
both boys
and
girls
the
Iranians
Bore off with them, and marched back to the camp. The matchless Rustam, having bathed and prayed, Said to the Iranians " God must have in store
:
things than these give praise to Him For victory and benefits vouchsafed." With one consent the great men laid their faces
Still better
;
Upon
the ground and offered thanks to God,

"
:
Then lauded Rustam

They said, Thou with
"
Thine
inferior,"
;
V. 1024
might
sit
contented with his fame
And
Are
thine elephantine form, thy pluck, " lion's claws hast never fight enough
!
This strength and Grace Rustam said from God ye also have your shares, And none can blame the Maker of the world." He bade Giv, with ten thousand buckler-men, On barded steeds to haste and stay the Turkmans From massing on the marches of Khutan. When night revealed its dusky curls, and when The moon's back bent with trouble, Giv departed With those brave cavaliers and spent three days In raiding, then, what time the sun displayed Its crown and mounted on its ivory throne, Returned with many noble warriors captive,
The
''
peerless
gifts
248
With many fair-cheeked Idols of Taraz, With noble horses, and all kinds of arms. Then Rustam sent a portion to the Shah,
And gave
Gudarz,
the rest as booty to the host.
Giv and Gustaham, Ruhhain, Shidush the valiant and Giv's son Bizhan Thereafter rose and lauded him anew. Thus spake Gudarz " Exalted one thy love
Tiis,
: !
Is needful to the world.
not open Our lips by night or day henceforward save To praise thee. Live glad and bright-souled for ever,
Still
We may
old in
wisdom and
still
young
;
in fortune.
God gave
No
one hath
sire
thee purity of race like thee e'er been born of stainless mother.
May
This native worth ne'er

v. 1025
succeed to sire and son to son, fail. Thou needest naught, Art favoured by the stars, and chief of nobles,
Thy refuge be the Master of the world, Be earth and time thy partisans. Whoever Hath travelled o'er earth's surface and beheld The world and peace and battle and revenge, Hath nowhere seen a better host than this, Nor ever heard from time-worn archimages
Of such kings, elephants, and ivory thrones, Such men and steeds, such treasure and such crowns, And yet the stars saw it discomfited We pondered but saw none to work our cure Till, as we cried out in the Dragon's breath, Thy bow delivered us. Crown of fran, The Stay of chieftains, and pre-eminent,
!
Art thou.
We
are thy lieges.
God reward
thee,
And
ever keep the smiles upon thy face. Repay we cannot, we can only praise."
Then
peerless
"
Rustam lauded them
"
:
May
earth,"
Said he, be peopled always with the brave. The nobles of Iran are my support
KAI KHUSRAU
249
My My My
bright heart witnesseth to what I say cheek is freshened by your goodly faces,
spirit is
radiant by your love." will tarry here three days, and illumining the world, Rejoicing
made
:
He added "We
But march
with Afrasiyab Upon the fourth and set the streams In full assent arose the company,
to battle
afire."
v. 1026
And
called for wine
and harp and minstrelsy.
21
How
Afrdsiydb had Tidings of the Coming of Rustam

"
:
Afrasiyab had tidings
Rustam cometh
To battle While all
news that wrung his heart swiftly his silken raiment turned to thorns.
"
"
Who can assay to combat Rustam ? Troops are enough, but where is a commander ? What man can go and challenge him to battle, " For havoc clingeth to his glittering sword ?
He
said
:
The host
said
"
:
Shun not
fight with
him
so
much,
For thou art one that in the dust of strife Canst send the wave of carnage to the rnoon. There is no stint of treasure, arms, and men
the quest of battle grieve thy heart Be not concerned because thou hast to light
Why
let
This cavalier
Grant him
all
iron
look at our gallant troops and brave he is but one.

!
Enough of him. Prepare the remedy With thine own army, and bring down his head From cloud to dust that done, we need not fear Shah or Iran. Then Kai Khusrau, his throne, The country of Iran and bough on tree Will cease to flourish. Mark this noble host,
;
These youths war-worthy.
We
for land
and
child,
250
V. 1027
For wife and kindred, will give up our lives Before we yield our country to the foe." Now when Afrasiyab had heard those words
1 put that ancient battle from his thoughts, Both for his fatherland and his own sake He took a fresh resolve and made reply " I will bring forth the implements of war Since matters press, permit not Kai Khusrau To rest upon his throne, glad and rejoicing In fortune, but by long contention bring The head of Rustam of Zabul to dust. I will not spare my grandson or his troops,
:
He
But lay
this quarrel with the scimitar."
He gave commandment to array the host, And march forth to new wars. The nobles blessed him, And called the chiefs to vengeance. There was one, A man of lion-heart by name Farghar,
Quick
to discern the cage
and shun the springe.
The
king,
who had observed and everywhere

his feat of arms, put strangers forth,
Approved
noble man now seek The Iranian host and spy on warlike Rustam. Observe his horsemen's numbers and equipment, And who of ours is acting as their guide. Mark their war-elephants, their warriors,
And
said to
him
"
And
all
about their host both good and bad."
Farghar departed to his work as spy
Upon
V. 1028
Absorbed in
"
the Iranians, while the ambitious king, care, denied himself to strangers,
his son Shida for consult.
"
And summoned
thou," he said,
who
art
endowed with wisdom

?
When will thy troops be here to share thy cares Know that yon countless army, which hath come
With
all
those cavaliers to fight with us,

in
'
1 The battle Mohl translates
which he had encountered Rustam.

oublia les anciennes guerres.
"
See
p. 243.
'
KAI KHUSRAU
Is led
251
by Rustam of the
lion-heart,
scimitar converteth dust to clay. Katniis, Manshur, the Khan of Chin, Gahar,
Whose
The glorious Fartiis, Kundur, Shangul The king of Hind an armament that stretched Down to the river Indus from Kashmir Are slain or captive through the victory Of lion-taking Rustam. Forty days, With lulls at whiles, they fought but Rustam triumphed,
Dragged with his lasso from their elephants Our warriors and bound them. Cavaliers And nobles from all climes, the mighty leaders, The arms and ivory throne, steeds, crowns, and camels Dispatched he to Iran, and by that token
Is
now invading us with
his
proud
chiefs
And famous men. I shall Or much wealth here with

But send
not leave
my throne, fortune so inconstant,

:
And
This
I
my treasures, crowns, belts, golden torques, bucklers to the banks of the Almas
no time for joyance, harp, and song. dread deft-handed Rustam, who is safe
is
;
E'en in the gullet of a crocodile He is not human on the day of battle,
He writheth not when

For
hit nor crieth out
'
'
pain, he feareth not spear, sword, and arrow, Or rnaces raining from this ancient sky He is of brass and iron,' thou wouldst say, And not of man's race but an Ahriman So mighty are his arms on days of fight That earth's back wearieth with the weight thereof He weareth chain-mail, breast-plate, tiger-skin, And helm he roareth like a thunder-cloud
!
'
1029
elephants sustain not his attack, Or ships upon the azure sea l his weapons
'
Huge
The Mountain under him

1
is
swift as wind,
" Sur les flots de 1'ludus " (Mohl).
252

'
And, thou wouldst say, begotten by the Swift as gazelle and terrible as lion It goeth gallantly at height and river,
sky.'
And would,
If
put upon Contended with

Is
its
dare affirm, fare like a ship Oft have I mettle.
made
Though But now by way of proof I will to war Once more to see if fortune favoureth us, And so if God aftbrdeth us His aid, And if high heaven revolveth as we would, We will not leave Iran or Shah perchance
; :
its rider, but his breast-plate of leopard-skin, which foiled weapon I tried ax and arrow many a time
my
It
may be mine to terminate this feud, While should the might of Rustam's hand prevail I will betake me o'er the sea of Chin
Betimes and leave these marches of Tiiran To him." Then Shida answered " Prudent king Live happily while crown and throne endure.
:
Thou
hast Grace, wisdom, lofty mien, high birth,

:
And fortune, heart, and manhood, thou dost need No monitor, yet heed this turn of fate Men like Piran, Human, and Farshidward,
Kulbad and Nastihan have had their armour Destroyed, and their hearts shattered, in the fight Their grief hath broken Thou wouldst have said
:
'
them.'
Launch not thy

v. 1030
vessel while these war- winds blow,
Since thou art ware that this great host hath come, Thou art the warrior-king experienced
And tried in war now by thy life and head, By sun and moon, by throne and cap, I swear This matter of Kamus and of the Khan
;
Hath
filled
my
heart with pain,
my
head with venge-
ance.
KAI KHUSRAU
Our business is to lead the host to Gang, Not contemplating battle but to call
253
An army up from Chin and from Machin, And after that o'erthrow the enemy."
When he had spoken he withdrew to rest, Haste in his head and vengeance in his heart. The dark night oped its melancholy eyes, The moon had grown round-shouldered with distress, And all the world resembled sable musk What time Farghdr came from the Iranian host. He reached the presence of Afrasiyab By night the time for quiet and repose
And
I
thus reported From this lofty court I went to Rustarn, binder of the Di'v.
' :
saw a camp-enclosure green and vast

;
With
cavaliers resembling ravening wolves. standard stood erect charged with a dragon It is alive Thou wouldst have said There stood
'
'
Whose
Within the tent a huge, fierce Elephant, girded waist was like a tiger's loins. him Before was a steed, a piebald bay
;
Thou wouldest say It never taketh rest.' The bridle hung down from the saddle-bow,
' :
coiled hide-lasso
The
from the saddle-straps. chiefs were such as Tiis, Giidarz, and Giv,
Fariburz, Gurgi'n, and brave Shidush. is the scout with Gustaham
And
Guraza
Accompanied by Giv and by Bizhan.'" The king grieved at the tidings of Farghar. Then came one to Afrasiyab to say
:
"
Piran the chieftain hath arrived like dust
v. 1031
With great men and with warriors of the fight." The king told what Farghar had said and asked " Who is a match for Rustam in the fray ? " Piran said " What resource have we in war
:
Except the quest of glory on the
field
254

let
So
Our
us struggle for our fatherland, children, and our kin."

Afrasiyab
Thereat grew instant to engage and bade Piran march forth 'gainst battle-loving Rustam.
the presence and went forth to war the plain, shouts rose, the tymbals sounded, The troops' dust turned the world to ebony.
They
left
Upon
So mighty was the host that thou hadst said The whole world will be hidden by the dust The tymbal-players sent their din on high As elephant on elephant filed by.
"
"
!
22
AfrdsiydUs Letter
to
Piilddu-and
Afrasiyab set forward from his palace,
And hasted bent on vengeance to the waste. He gave all needful orders to Piran, And then withdrawing cleared his tent of strangers.
They
"
set a scribe before
him.
"
Write," said he,
A letter unto Puladwand and make The matter known. First praise All-holy God, Who stablisheth and overthroweth us The Lord of Saturn and the turning sky, The Lord of Venus and the shining sun.
v. 1032
Give praise next
to that binder of the strong
The fortunate chieftain Puladwand, declare What we have suffered from this famous fighter,
And these renowned and all-accomplished From Tiis, Giidarz, and other warriors.
Then tell him The master of
all
chiefs,
about
my grandson's
mighty Shah
case
Iran, the
Whom
'
erst I cherished like dear life itself
That no
Now,
if
might reach him. Then proceed taketh side with us, heaven high
ill
blast
:-
KAI KHUSRAU
Let Puladwand come hither.
255
Many
troops
fell
Brought from the marches of Saklab and Chin Have been o'erthrown and writhe, much field and Been harried by the warriors of Iran.
Their host
is
like a
moving
hill,
their chiefs
Are such as Kustam who is in command, Gudarz the warrior and Giv and Tus
:
tymbals to the clouds. Rustam, who alone hath vexed our land, Shall have been slain by thee no host will come Against it. Be thou our deliverer. If by thy hand his term shall reach its end
They
raise the din of
When
The face of earth will surely be at rest. Then from my populous kingdom will I take But one half of my treasures as my share The other half, and half my crown, are thine,
;
Since both the fight and toil are thine to-day.' They sealed the letter with the royal seal,
"
And
Girt
To
Shida, as the moon arose in Cancer, up himself in presence of his father go grief-laden on the embassage.
to
He came
Through
Puladwand
as swift as fire
v. 1033
apprehension of calamity,
Saluted him, delivering the letter
And
telling Rustarn's deeds.
Now
Puladwand,
king whose aspirations reached high heaven, Lived in the mountain-parts of Chin and had No peer in all the land. He lacked not troops
of war he was a Crocodile His troops were pards. He called his governors And priests, and held discourse with them at large, Told what the letter said and, being a prince Both youthful and imperious, commanded To bear the drums and camp-enclosure forth Upon the plain. He gathered troops and di'vs. The battle-cry went up. He led the way,
;
And men
256
Equipped with shield, with quiver, and with lasso, And followed by his standard. He descended The mountains, crossed the water, and drew near Afrasiyab, at whose gate tymbals sounded, And all went forth to welcome Puladwand. The veteran monarch first embraced the chief, Then spake much of the past, told whence arose The Turkmans' trouble and the remedy. While going to the palace they considered
v. 1034
New
stratagems.
strife
Afrasiyab discussed
policies,
The waiting and the forward

Told of the
and outcry that had come him Upon through the death of Siyawush, Told of the Khan, Manshur, and brave Kamus, " Recalling what had passed, and said My pain Is all through one who weareth leopard-skin. Mine arms are impotent on him and on That hide, that helmet, and that shield of Chin. Plains hast thou trodden and a longsome road
:
Now
fashion us a
of
this
The mind
remedy Puladwand grew
for this."
full of
thought
reply
:
How
"
knot should be loosed.
He made
We
must not hurry

is
This
the self-same
Rustam
in so great a war. that laid waste
And took Mazandaran
with his huge mace,
Who
I
rent the
Of Bid, and have not prowess to contend with him, Or power enough to frustrate his attack Still let my body and my soul await
Div's side, the liverstead of Pulad son of Ghundi.
White
Do
will, may wisdom ever be thy guide. thou incite the host against his host, Our numbers may bewilder him, and I Will plan a stratagem, for otherwise
Thy
We have not
strength to break his breast and neck."
Afrasiyab grew blythe of
mind and brought
KAI KHUSRAU
Bright wine and harp and lyre, When Puladwand Was in his cups he roared out to the king " Dark to Jamshid, Zahhak, and Faridun
:
257
Made I their provand, slumber, and repose The Brahman hath been frighted at my voice, And this my noble host, and I will hew
!
To
pieces with my trenchant sword amain " This Zabuli upon the battle-plain
!
23
How Pdlddwand
As soon
fought with Giv and Tus

v. 1035
as Sol displayed its shining flag,
And night's deep violet silk grew safflower-hued, Drums sounded from the portal of the king,
The troops' shouts reached the clouds, and Puladwand Of lusty form with lasso on his arm Led on the troops.
When
both the hosts were ranked
The air turned violet-dim, the earth was darkened. Then matchless Rustam donned his tiger-skin, 1 And, mounted on his huge, fierce Elephant, Raged and assailed the right wing of the foe,
O'erthrowing many a Turkman warrior. This Puladwand descried and, having loosed
His twisted lasso from the saddle-straps, Encountered Tus like some mad elephant, With lasso on his arm and mace in hand He seized Tus by the girdle, easily Dismounted him, and dashed him to the ground. Giv, when he looked upon the fight and saw
;
The head
of
Tus son
of
Naudar
o'erthrown,
Urged on Shabdiz, devoting soul and body To fight, and mailed, armed with an ox-head mace,
Strove like a savage lion with the div,
1
Kakhsh.
VOL.
III.
258

flung his lasso round his foeman's head,
Who
Ruhham was
with Bizhan
they both observed
The mace, the prowess, and dexterity Of Piiladwand, and went to bind his hands With lassos, but that wary warrior
his steed and raised his battle-cry. Those two brave warriors of noble birth, Those haughty Lions casting such long shadows, He flung to earth, and trampled on in scorn, In sight of all the horsemen on the plain, And reaching Kawa's standard clave the staff Asunder with his sword. The Iranians wailed,
Urged on
v. 1036
No warrior stood his ground upon the field. When Fariburz, Giidarz, and the other chiefs
Beheld the traces of that warrior-div
They
"
said to
is
There
Rustam, that avenging one not left upon this battlefield

of
single
man
name
still
in the saddle,
Or horseman of the warriors of this host, Whom Puladwand hath brought not to the ground With arrow or with lasso, mace or sword The field of battle is a field of woe, And 'tis for Rustam to deliver us." Anon arose a cry of pain and grief From both the wings and centre then Giidarz, The man of eld, supposing that Bizhan, The lion-taking chieftain, and Ruhham, His offspring both, had perished in the fight,
'
"
Cried in his anguish to the righteous Judge I had so many sons and grandsons once That I extolled my head above the sun,
But they are slain before me in the wars, So greatly have my day and fortune changed Slain in their youth while I live on hoar-headed He doffed his casque, he laid his girdle by,
!
"
!
And then began
to wail right bitterly.
KAI KHUSRAU
259
24
How Rustam
fought with Puladwand
Now Rustam when he heard was sorely grieved, He shook as 'twere a bough upon a tree,
near to Puladwand, and seeing His mountain-height grieved for those gallant four Like onagers contending with a lion, Saw one host sorely stricken and the other " Our day hath darkened, Unbroken, and he thought Our nobles' heads are dazed Good sooth the strife Hath turned against us and our fortune sleepeth " Then gripping with his legs he urged on Rakhsh,
: ! !
And drawing
v *37
-
And raging
challenged Puladwand to fight, " thou ill-conditioned div Exclaiming

: !
Thou shalt behold a change of fortune now." The voice of Rustam reached those warriors, And he, perceiving them dismounted, said " Thou Almighty Ruler of the world Thou art above the unseen and the seen.
: !
Far rather would
I lose
mine eyes
in battle
Than look upon this miserable day, Whereon such cries have risen from Iran, Such from Human', Piran, and yon fierce
Giv and
div
Ruhham and Tus
are all unhorsed,

at lions
!
And
e'en
Bizhan who used to mock
The chargers of the great are pierced with arrows, The riders fight afoot as best they may." Then closing with the div he threw his lasso, But Puladwand, brave horseman though he was, Ducked in alarm, he had had fight enough But when the cast had failed and he was safe He said to Rustam " thou gallant one, Thou veteran Lion and illustrious,
; :
Who
scarest
mighty elephants
ere long
260

shalt behold the billows of the deep, now the fire of mine attack,
Thou
v. 1038
Consider
Thou
Or
might, and enterprise. shalt behold no traces of thy Shah, His nobles, or his mighty men henceforth,
My
lasso, courage,
of thy land, unless in dream, for I Will give thine army to Afrasiyab."
and guile Said Rustam. Let no warrior play the shrew Or he will give his head up to the winds Assuredly. Though thou be brave and proud
"
"
How much more shirking, blustering,
"
?
Thou art not Sam nor yet stiff-necked Garshasp." Then Puladwand recalled a saw of old " They who unjustly seek to cause a fight
:
Return with
livers pierced
and
'tis
faces white
If friend or foe
harm
thee
well thou
still
Do thy devoir alike to good and ill." He thought " This is that Rustam who o'ercame By night with his huge mace Mazandaran," And then he said " O man approved in war
: :
!
Why
And
stand we here so long to no result ? Two mighty Elephants, two warlike Lions,
;
"
Were they
they wheeled, the dust rose from the waste, elephantine Rustam with his mace Struck his foe's head all present heard the crash.
:
Such darkness filled the eyes of Puladwand That he relaxed his hold upon his bridle, And, swerving to the right hand in his pain,
Exclaimed
"
:
An
ill
day
this
"
Now
Looked
for the brains of
matchless Rustam
to pour he kept his seat, Invoked the Maker of the world and said
Puladwand
From both
"
his ears but, since
O Thou
am
The
If I
exalted over fortune's wheel, Lord, the All-seeing, and the Nourisher
fighting in
an unjust cause
KAI KHUSRAU
261
My spirit
But
if
doteth not upon this world
the wrong is with Afrasiyab Deprive me not of strength and skill in arms.
v. 1039
It is not
From bondage by
For
if I
meet that thou shouldst loose my soul the hand of Puladwand,

to perish
by his prowess No warrior will remain throughout Iran, No husbandman and no artificer, No dust, no country, and no field or fell." He said to Puladwand " What harm hast thou Got from the whirling mace ? Thy hands relax Thy sable reins. Down, div and beg thy life." He said " Thy mace hath harmed me not."
:
! :
am
They
closed,
And Puladwand employed his sword of steel With many a feint and many an artifice,
But
Which
That
failed to pierce through Rustam's tiger-skin, filled the liver of the div with blood.
fierce one raged at fate because his sword Availed not on his foeman he was troubled
;
At Rustam's neck and shoulders, and again " Doff this tiger's legacy, Spake to him This armour, with that sable helm of thine, And put on others. I will do the like,
:
And come
That
I will
is
with speed."
But Rustam
no channel
said
"
:
Not
so.
for a warrior's stream.
not change my gear, do thou keep thine." Then both the warriors wheeled till Puladwand,
V. 1040
Whose massive mace fell but without effect On Rustam's tiger-skin and coat of steel,
Wrestling is the test 'twixt man and man. Take we each other by the leathern belt, That we may know which one the will of fate
Said
:
"
Dismisseth worsted from the battlefield."
Then Rustam
said
"
:
ill-conditioned div
262

canst not stand a warrior's blow, but like
Thou
fox employest craft.
What
?
profit is
it
To have thy head ensnared
Hast wile or spell In wrestling that will free that neck of thine From mine encircling arms ? "
They made
a pact
That none should interfere from either side, Then, lighting from their chargers, both the foes Took time wherein to breathe them and repose.
25
The Wrestling of Rustam and Pulddicand
These two exalted warriors bent on fight Prepared themselves to wrestle, and agreed " No one on either side shall intervene." The space between the hosts was half a league.
:
surveyed that fight as Puludwand matchless Rustain those grim Lions closed, Who felt each other, then each warrior
stars
The
And
v. 1041
Seized his opponent by the leathern belt, When Shida looked on Rustam's chest and neck
He drew
His
sire
a deep, cold sigh and thus bespake

"
:
This mighty man, Rustam, binder of the Div, Will by his strength and prowess lay the head Of our brave warrior-div upon the dust, And thou wilt see our soldiers take to flight, So strive not vainly with the turning sky."
Afrasiyab
Whom
thou
call'st
The
sire replied
"
:
My
brain
is
fraught with care
On
that account, go and observe the prowess
Of Piiladwand in wrestling. Speak to him In Turkman and advise him. He may get The elephantine Rustam off his feet.
When thou hast got Let thine appeal be to the scimitar.'"

Tell Piiladwand
'
:
him down
KAI KHUSRAU
But Shida
Agreed If thou
said
"
:
263
This
is
not what the king
to in the presence of the host. art rash and breakest covenant
Thy
warfare will not issue in success.
Befoul not this clear stream, else he that loveth Fault-finding will discover cause for blame."
Afrasiyab began to chide, becoming In his fierce wrath distrustful of his son,
And
said to
him
"
:
If
Piiladwand the div
Shall be o'erthrown by this antagonist None will remain alive upon the field
;
Thou hast
He
Upon
a valiant tongue, no prowess else." plied his reins and came forth lion-like
the ground, observed the strife and shouts Like thunder, then he said to Piiladwand " If thou, exalted Lion gett'st him down
: !
We need not
In wrestling rip him open with thy dagger boasting but accomplishment." Giv marked the king's wild words and eagerness,
;
Then urging on his charger came in haste, Because the enemy had broken troth,
v. 1042
And said to Rustarn " thou warrior What orders givest thou thy servants ?
:
!
Speak
Observe Afrasiyab, his eagerness, . And wild words He hath come forth to inflame The heart of thine antagonist and prompt him
To use his dagger in a wrestling-bout But Rustain said " A man of war am I, in wrestling, And, when engaged O O O bide my time.
! : '
"
What do
rent?
ye fear
Why
are your hearts
thus
now will I bring down from heaven above The head and neck of Piiladwand to dust But if I have not strength of hand therefor
E'en
;
What need
Although
thus wantonly to break
my
heart
this witless warlock
doth transgress
264
The covenant of God, why should ye fear The breach ? He poureth dust on his own head."
Then, like a
lion,
reaching out he clutched

of that fierce Crocodile,
The chest and neck
And, straining hard, uprooted Puladwand, As though he were a plane-tree, from his place, Raised him aloft, dashed him upon the ground, And uttered praises to Almighty God. A shout rose from the army of Iran
;
The The
drummers drums
;
marched
out
with
the
kettle-
And
blast of clarion, the clang of gong Indian bell ascended to the clouds.
Now Rustam
Hath not
thus imagined
"
:
Puladwand
a sound joint in his body left, His bones are broken and his cheeks become
V. 1043
The colour of the bloom of fenugreek," S flung his leg across the gallant Rakhsh,
And
But,
left
when
the Dragon's body as it lay the lion-clutching hero reached

;
His army, Puladwand glanced arrow-like, fled with all speed to Afrasiyab With full heart and with tears upon his face. When Rustam saw that Puladwand still lived, And troops were everywhere upon the plain, His heart grew straitened, he led on the host, Called unto him the veteran Giidarz, And ordered " Let them send a shower of arrows,
And
And make
the air as 'twere a cloud in spring." Bizhan was on one wing, Giv on the other
With veteran Ruhham and brave Gurgin. Thou wouldst have said " They have enkindled
:
fire,
And
with their falchions set the world ablaze

said to his troops treasure lost, why throw
all
"
Then Puladwand
Renown, and
"
:
With
"
?
throne,
away
Our
lives or
think at
of further strife
KAI KHUSRAU
And, with his very life-cord snapped in twain By Rustam, marched his army from the plain.
265
How
"
Afrdsiydb
fled
from Rustam
:
Piran spake thus unto Afrasiyab The surface of the world is like a sea
I
' :
cannot tarry here say Secure from Rustam of the deadly hand ? By murdering the youth beloved by him
Did not
We
'
Thou
How
And
hast transfixed our hearts with arrow-points. thou fare ? None of thine own remaineth, Puladwand the div hath marched away.
wilt
y. 1044
The horsemen of Iran on barded chargers Exceed in sooth a hundred thousand men The lion-catching Rustam is their leader,
And air is full of arrows, earth of blood. From sea and plain, from mountain and from Our warriors assembled when men failed
;
waste,
We
tried the divs.
Great were the
strife
and shouts,
But now, For thee
place is left the only prudent course is flight. Since thou art here the treasure of the earth
;
since
Rustam came, no
to further Chin. Leave here thus for battle and betake thee, Thy troops ranged Thou and thy kindred, seaward."
Thou shouldst withdraw
The king saw

fight was hopeless, took the advice, and They left his flag but he himself departed, And went in haste toward Machin and Chin.
That
fled.
The armies came together face to face, The earth grew like a darksome cloud, anon The peerless Rustam shouted to his host " Take not your bows and arrows or your spears,
:
266
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAUSi

battle with the
But
Is it
mace and
scimitar,
And show
a prowess worthy of your standing. the time for pards to shun the fray
"
When
they perceive the quarry in the lair ? The soldiers left their spears upon the mount,
And, shouting, made the dales and plains of fight Impassable with corpses. Half the living Asked quarter, and the others fled pell-mell There was no shepherd and the flock was scattered The plain was filled with handless, neckless trunks. Then Rustam spake and said: "Enough are slain. These changes are the lot of all, at whiles
;
v. 1045
Producing bane, at whiles the antidote. Put off your arms and do more good henceforth, Why set your hearts upon this Wayside Inn, Which now is joyful and then sorrowful,
Which now assaileth us like Ahriman, And then is like a bride all scent and colour Choose calm, untroubled lives, for who can say
?
That cursing
is
a better thing than blessing
"
?
chose gold, silver, raiment yet unworn, Youths, horses, swords, and casques to send the Shah, Took for himself crowns, musk, and ambergris, And lavished on the troops the residue.
He
He fain had found the monarch of Tiiran, Path and no path they sought him everywhere. Folk gave no trace of him by land or sea No tidings reached them of Afrasiyab.
;
The
Iranians set themselves to desolate

fired his settlements beside
His banquet-houses and his palaces,
And Rustam
That conflagration blazed up
far
and wide.
KAI KHUSRAV
267
27
How Rustam
returned to the Court of the
Shah
Before they left Turan they loaded up Crowns, thrones, and precious armour they had captured So many camels and such herds of horses
;
That none could murmur at the lack of beasts. There rose a shouting and a blare of trumpets, They brought the camel- bells and brazen gongs, And entered on their march toward Iran, A host thus decked with colour and perfume. As soon as news of Rustam reached the Shah A shout came from the city and the court, And cloudward from Iran rose tymbal-din Proclaiming that the lord of mace and mail Had come. One common joy was in the world Among all classes and degrees of men.
I0 4 r'
The Shah's heart grew like Paradise above, He offered praises to Almighty God, Bade bring the elephants, and journeyed forth. The world was decked according to the custom,
Wine, harp, and minstrelsy were in request, The necks of all the elephants that went Were drenched with saffron, musk, and wine.
drivers
The
Wore
coronets upon their heads, and earrings

their ears.
sifted
poured down saffron ambergris on musk. When matchless Rustam saw the exalted crown, While all around was echoing applause, He lighted from his steed and did obeisance.
Depended from
Men
And drachms, and
Khusrau inquired about the tedious inarch, Embracing Rustam long and heartily, And, calling many a blessing down on him, Bade him remount and, as they fared together
268
within hand, said thus " Why hast thou stayed So long and burnt us through our love of thee ? "
Hand
"
v. 1047
Apart from thee," thus Rustam made reply, Our hearts have not enjoyed a moment's pleasure." They reached at length the palace of the Shah, The far-famed court there on the golden throne Sat Kai Khusrau with noble Rustam, Tiis,
"
;
Giv, Fariburz, Gudarz, Farhad,
And
brave Ruhham.
Gurgm, The Shah spake of the

! !
war,
The field, and fighting of the Turkman host. Gudarz replied " O sire the tale is long Our first needs are the flagon, wine, and rest,
:
afterward thou mayest question us." They spread the tables and the Shah said smiling " Good sooth thou hast been famished by the march."
:
!
And
He set wine on the And then inquired of
board, called minstrelsy, all that had occurred,
About Afrasiyab and Puladwand, The twisted lasso and the wrestling-bout, About the Khan, Kamiis, and Ashkabiis,
And that vast army with its elephants And drums. Gudarz addressed him thus No mother will bring forth a cavalier
Like Rustam.
"
:
Shah
Though a div or lion cometh Or dragon, none escapeth his long clutch. A thousand blessings be upon the king, Above all on this famous paladin." The words so pleased Khusrau that thou hadst
said
"
:
He
raised his
head
to Saturn."
He
rejoined
"
World-conquering paladin, alert and with wisdom for his monitor The
shrewd
man
Is circumspect in time's vicissitudes. Be evil's eye far from this paladin,
And may
his life be
1
one long
que
la
festival."
"
"
II
parait
route t'a altere
(Mohl).
KAI KHVSRAU
269
They spent a week with wine in hand. The crown, The throne, and company rejoiced in Rustam, While some to melody of pipe and strings
Sang
in heroic strains his combatings.
I04 8
28
How Rustam
icent
back
to Sistdn
The peerless Rustam tarried with the Shah One month in revelry. At length he said
:
"
full of virtues,
wearer of the crown
The monarch of the world is wise and good, But yet I long to see the face of Zal." The great Shah then unlocked his treasury-door,
And
Such
of the precious things there stored away gifts as jewels, crowns, and finger-rings,
Brocade and raiment from Barbar, and slaves, With earrings and with crowns, a hundred steeds
And
camels, saddled or for porterage,
With golden trays of aloes and of musk, Two golden slippers, and a mace to match
Inlaid with jewels that a king might wear, Gifts that became a man of such renown,
The Shah
sent matchless Rustam, and went out

;
Two stages with him on the journey home And Rustam when the king was wearying Of that long road gat down and homaged him,
Bade him
farewell,
then
left
Iran behind,
And
And
hastened onward to Zabulistan. The world became obedient to the Shah,

settled in accordance to his will. This tale too have I ended and 'tis long This battle with Kamiis and from my song
No jot
Left out
hath fallen. Had but one word been it would have caused my soul chagrin.
270
I
joyed o'er Piiladwand who added not His steel chains to the chains that we have got. 1 Now hear the battle with Akwan and know How famous Rustam fared against that foe.
1
"
Pulddwand," with the change of one
letter,
would mean
" a steel
chain."
PART IV
THE STORY OF THE FIGHT OF RUSTAM WITH THE DlV AKWAN
ARGUMENT
The poet half apologises for introducing this story into the Shiihnama, but pleads that we live in a world of wonders. The tale runs thus Complaints are brought to Kai Khusrau of the ravages made among the herds by a certain onager which the Shah perceives to be the div Akwan. Accordingly he sends
:
Rustam
by the
to the rescue,
div,
who
is,
however, taken at a disadvantage
and only saves his life by his ready wit. He then falls in with Afrasiyab and his meiny, and defeats them singlehanded. Afterward he again encounters Akwan, slays him, and
returns
home
in triumph.
NOTE
This story is a variation on the theme "the devil is an ass." Firdausi probably introduced it into the Shahnama to explain the references in Part V. Afrasiyab uses, "the boulder of the div Akwan," to cover the entrance of the pit in which Bizhan
is
imprisoned. Rustam, when he comes to deliver Bizhan, represented as lifting the stone single-handed and flinging
is
it
far away. 1
In Zoroastrian theology Urmuzd was supposed to be surrounded of his own divine qualities, who were known as the Ameshaspentas, " the immortal well-doers." They were six in number, and among them was one named Vohu Manau, i.e. Good Thought. Corresponding to these on Ahriman's side were six impersonations of his evil qualities, one of which was Akem Manau, i.e. Bad Thought. These good and evil impersonations were opposed to one another in pairs. Vohu Manau, for instance, was antagonised by Akem Manau. It has been suggested by
by impersonations
See pp. 309, 345.

271
272

Akwdn
is
Professor Noldeke that

authorities for
Akuman, and that the
a mistake of Firdausi or of his div Akw;in is really none
other than Akem Manau in disguise. 1 Similarly Aaishma daeva (div), the demon of wrath, appears to be the Asmodeus of the
Book
of Tobit.
The Prelude
V. 1049
Be adoration as thy duty, sage To God the Lord of soul and wisdom raised, Yet let this question thy bright mind engage Can any praise Him as He should be praised ? All knowledge that we have is feebleness For such poor weaklings who can tears repress ?
!
Philosopher in vain thou biddest me In many words to make thy path mine own, The best word witnesseth God's unity,
!
Albeit, said or not said,
God
is
One.
What
things soever pass before thine eyes Accord to this conviction of thy mind,
Walk then
Or
the beaten track
else discussion will
if thou art wise no limit find.
Born, soul and body, in a single breath
Of mighty moment is thyself to thee, Yet here thou hast but brief reprieve from death,
And
Think
in another
first
home thy
rest will be.
and base on the thought well understood Thy worship That He who keepeth turning heaven in place Is He that is thy Guide to every good. The world is full of wonders to thy view, And none hath means to judge them here below
of the Creator then
Thy
So
soul
let
wonderful, thy body too, thy first task be thyself to know,
is
And next
the sky which turneth over thee

1
NIN,
p. 10, note.
KAI KHUSRAU
in
all its
273
daily mutability.
The rustic minstrel's tale of days of old Thou mayest not be willing to receive^ For men of wisdom who shall hear it told,
And weigh
Yet,
if
it
learnedly, will disbelieve
thou wilt the inner meaning scan, Thou wilt accept it and from carping cease, So hear the story of the ancient man Though it may be his words will fail to please.
V. 1050
How Khusrau summoned Rustam
to
ficjlit
the
Div Akwan
Thus saith the storying minstrel Kai Khusrau One morn adorned his Rose- bed like the spring. Such chieftains as Giidarz, Tus, Gustaham,
:
Barzin son of Garshasp, sprung from Jamshid, With Giv and with Ruhham the veteran,
Gurgin and sage Kharrad
And
sat with the Shah, drained the goblet to the king of kings
Right merrily.
When
there arrived a
One hour of day had passed herdsman from the plain,

.
Who
came
before Khusrau,
first
kissed the ground,

:
And then addressed that Shah of glorious race " An onager hath come amongst the herds, And seemeth like a div escaped from bond
!
Thou wouldest say
He
'
savage lion breaketh our steeds' necks he is in colour

: ! ; ; :
'
It is a
'
As 'twere the sun itself thou wouldest say The sky hath washed him in a bath of gold.'
Drawn from
There
is
neck and reaching to his tail musk. If thou Wouldst judge by his round haunches and his
his
a line as black as
feet
Thou wouldest
'
say
He
is
a noble steed.'
"
Khusrau, aware that 'twas no onager, VOL. III.
274
For onagers surpass not steeds in strength, And having heard that people near the stream,
Where this man used to turn the herds to graze, Made much complaint about Akwan the div,
Said to the hind
"
:
This
is
no onager,
:
And I have knowledge of it. Go thy way." He then addressed the chiefs " Ye paladins,
v. 1051
With Grace and
state
we need one
lion-fierce
Among He scanned
yourselves to
go on
this emprise."
the warriors but found none to please
him, For only Rust am son of Zal could help In such a cause, and so Khusrau prepared A letter couched in just and loving terms,
Gurgin son of Milad, " Bear to the son of Zal smoke like both night and day, My letter, go And slumber not within Zabulistan. Greet Rust-am much and lovingly from me, Live while heaven itself shall last,' Say to him And add when he hath read the letter through: My Grace is all from thee, aspiring chief Show us thy face, arise, and come. When thou
gave
it
And
to
To whom he
said
'
'
Hast read the
Gurgin Or onager
letter stay not in Zabul.' departed like a rushing wind,
"
in terror for its
life,
And gave
the letter
when he reached the
chieftain,
Who
heard, obeyed, and went to court in state, There kissed the ground before the throne and blessed
:
!
The imperial fortunes, saying thus " O Shah Thou calledst me, and here am I girt up To do thy will. Be might and goodness thine." Khusrau, on seeing Rustam, welcomed him, Gave him a seat upon the royal throne,
And
" O paladin afterward spake thus and thou live ever bright of soul. glad Mayst
:
!
KAI KHUSRAU
This day
is
275
:
blessed since I look on thee

all
My A work
fortunes
is
depend on thy shrewd mind. toward, O elephantine one

!
v. 1052
For which I summoned thee of all the mighty, So that, if thou distaste not my command, Thou mayest gird thee to win crown and treasure. A hind hath said An onager hath come
'
Among
the herds.'
"
The Shah
told o'er the tale,
further enterprise. Go, and in dealing with it have a care, For it may be malicious Ahrirnan."
"
And added " Now, And undertake this

:
matchless one,
make ready
Through thy good

whether
it
fortune,"
Rustam made
;
reply,
"
lion, div, or dragon, The servant of thy throne is not afraid It shall not 'scape scimitar's sharp blade."
Now
be
my
How Rustam
went in Quest of the
Dw
He went
forth like a lion to the chase,
and under him where that hind was tending His cattle and that div was roaming loose. 1 Three days he searched the champaign mid the And on the fourth perceived a Thing careering,
A lasso on his arm A Dragon, went to
steeds,
rushing by him like the north wind's blast. was a glossy beast of golden hue, But with fell mischief 'neath its hide. Then Rustam
It
And
Spurred fleet-foot Rakhsh but thought as he drew near " I need not cast but noose it with my lasso There is no call to spoil it with the sword;
:
I will
convey
it
living to the Shah."

1
Reading with
P.
276
So Rustam flung his royal lasso forth, Intent to take the creature by the head.
The
V. 1053
lusty onager perceived the noose,
And
"
vanished instantly.
is
This
no onager
Then Rustain knew must proceed
By craft not force. It is Akwan himself, And I must smite him with a whiff of steel.
The sages told me that this is his haunt, But his appearance as an onager Is strange The scimitar must now avail To make blood overflow that yellow gold."
!
Just then the onager appeared again Again the chieftain urged his swift career,
;
Strung up his bow and from his wind-like steed Let fly an arrow like Azargashasp, But even as he drew his royal bow The onager was gone the second time. Then Rustam rode about the open plain A day and night in want of sustenance, And nodding in the saddle, till he found
A fountain like
He
To use
rose-water. Lighting there watered Rakhsh and sank to sleep fordone, But first ungirthed his steed, took off the saddle
And
poplar pummel as his pillow, spread beside the spring his saddle-cloth
its
For sleep while Rakhsh
to
pasturage sped forth.
How
the
Div Akwdn flung Rustam
into the
Sea
When from afar Akwan saw Rustain sleeping He came as swift as wind, delved round about
Rustam lay, and raised it skyward. When Rustam woke from sleep he woke to sorrow,
The
place where
his wise
And
head was
filled
with consternation.
KAI KHUSRAU
277
He
"
thought
So
!
this foul div
hath laid
for
me
courage,
!
v. 1054
A snare like this Woe for my strength and My neck, and blows with mace and scimitar
This matter will
make
desolate the world,
Achieving
all
Afrasiyab's desire,
While Tiis, Giidarz. Khusrau, the throne and crown, The elephants and drums, will be no more.
Through me the world will suffer, since Akwan Hath spoiled my marketing. Who will take vengeance On this curst div ? No one will match him now." Then said Akwan to Rustam in his plight
:
"
Now, elephantine chieftain take thy choice To fall upon the mountains or the waves
!
So whither shall
"
I fling thee far
from
men ? "
:
The elephantine hero communed thus In every case naught bettereth artifice. He will do contrary to what I say He will not recognise an oath or keep
;
If I say, Throw pact. Then will this evil-natured

'
me
in the sea,'
Ahriman
Fling
the mountains, dash me there and destroy me. I must use Some scheme to make him fling me into water," Then said " A sage of Chin hath spoken well Whoe'er is drowned his soul will never see Surush in Paradise, his lot will be To tarry in his place in misery, And not to find a welcome to the sky.
me upon
To
pieces,
'
v. 1055
Let
me not therefore fall upon the ocean To make the fishes' maws my winding-sheet, But drop me on the mountains that the lions
And tigers may behold a brave man's hands.' Akwan at this roared like the sea, and answered
:
"
thee to the place wherein Thou wilt be lost for ever to both worlds."
will I fling
Now
And, acting contrary
to
Rustam's words.
278
Dropped him upon the sea. As Rustam fell He drew his sword, and when the crocodiles
Approached they turned aside from fighting him. He struck out with his feet and his left hand While with his right he fought his way along, Not resting for a moment from his toils, But acting as a warrior in all.
If valour could avert the fatal
day
Time had not taken Rustam's stance away, But know that circling time is ever thus At whiles all sweet, at whiles all venomous.
He
The
struggled bravely, reached the shore, beheld desert, and gave praises to the Maker,
delivered thus His slave from
ill.
Who had
He
rested, took his
armour
off,
and
laid
His tiger-skin cuirass beside the stream.
Whenas
v. 1056
his lasso and his armour dried That savage Lion donned his coat of mail, And went back to the stream where he had slept When that malignant di'v had raged at him But glossy Rakhsh was nowhere in the mead, And Rustam, wroth and raging at his luck, Went plodding doggedly with reins and saddle In Rakhsh's track till in his quest he came Upon a meadow-land of streams and shaws Well stocked with francolins and cooing doves. The herdsman of Afrasiyab who kept
;
The steeds lay fast asleep within a coppice, While Rakhsh was prancing madly like a div Among the herd and neighing. Rustam cast His royal lasso, caught Rakhsh by the head, Then rubbed the dust away and saddled him, With thanks to God, the Giver of all good, Put on the bridle, mounted, took in hand His trenchant scimitar, and drove the herd
Therewith,
still
calling
on the name of God.
KAI KHUSRAU
The herdsman,
Still
279
him To mount upon their lofty-crested steeds. They took each man his lasso and his bow To learn what foe dared come upon the pasture,
to approach so many cavaliers. These went together hotly in pursuit To strip the warlike Lion of his hide, But Rustam, when he saw them rushing on, Drew quickly from his waist his vengeful sword, Roared like a lion, and proclaimed " My name Is Rustam son of Zal the son of Sain." He slew the more part with his scimitar, Which when the herdsman saw he showed his back, And fled away with Rustam following, His bow upon his arm slung by its string.
:
at the tumult, raised his head, half asleep, and called the horsemen with
And
How
Afrcinydb came
Rustam
It
to inspect his Steeds, slew the Div Akiran.
and how
happened strangely that Afrasiyab

sped forth like a blast to view his steeds, brought with him wine, harps, and warriors
v. 1057
Had And
To merrymake upon the watered plain every year the herdsman loosed the herds. The monarch on arriving saw them not. Then suddenly rose clamour, horse on horse Passed, and Afrasiyab saw far away The dust of Rakhsh, and other noble chargers. The ancient herdsman rushed up franticly In evil plight and wounded by an arrow, Then in amazement told Afrasiyub " Though single-handed, Rustam hath borne off" Our horse-herds, killed no few of us, and gone
Where
28o

:
The Turkmans clamoured " He is all alone, And we must arm, for this is past a jest. Have we become so wretched, weak, and frail That one can shed our blood ? The very herds Will shame thereat We cannot let it pass." The monarch with four elephants and troops Went in pursuit of Rustam who, when they Had overtaken him, took from his arm His bow and charged against them furiously.
!
He
Shafts from his
rained upon them, as the clouds rain hail, bow and strokes from his steel sword.
He dropped his arrows and his scimitar, When sixty gallant chiefs had been o'erthrown,
V. 1058
And
taking up his mace slew forty more. Afrasiyab in dudgeon showed his back While Rustam took the four white elephants.
The warriors of Tiiran were in despair, For Rustam came behind them with his mace, And, like a cloud in spring, for two leagues onward Rained blows like hail and beat in helms and casques.
He turned back, driving And herds, and took the
off the
elephants
Yet when His valiant heart was ready
baggage-train withal, he went back to the spring at leisure

still
for fight
The div Akwan again encountered him,
And
said
"
:
Art thou not surfeited with
strife
Thou hast escaped the ocean and the claws Of crocodiles, and come back to the waste To battle. Now shalt thou behold thy fate,
For never shalt thou seek to
fight henceforth."
The
peerless
Rustam, hearing what the div
Said, roared out like a lion of the fray, Released his twisted lasso from its straps,
Flung
it,
and caught the div about the waist
Then Rustam, turning in his saddle, raised His mace as 'twere the hammer of a smith,
KAI KHUSRAU
281
And smote
his
the div like
some mad elephant

;
head and smashed it, brains and neck Upon The hero lighted, drew his blue steel sword And cut the div's head off, then offered up
Thanksgivings to Almighty God through
Whom
He had achieved the victory that day. Know thou that every one that is the
Of
ill,
thrall
and offereth not to God his praise, And whosoever doth transgress the ways Of manhood, is a div, not man at all. The wisdom that rejecteth what I tell
May
If
miss the goodly inner sense as well then a paladin be full of might
A man
of lusty limbs and lofty height Let him, and not Akwan, thy hero be,
And let thy tongue tell tales of chivalry. What sayest thou, O man exceeding old, Experienced much in this world's heat and
v. 1059
cold
Who
knoweth what vicissitudes will here Betide us often in time's long career, Time which by virtue of its length alone Will bear away all that we call our own ?
Who
knoweth what yon turning vault's decree Assigneth him of war or revelry ?
How Rustam
went back
to the
Land
of Iran
When Rustam had cut off the vile div's He mounted on his elephantine steed,
Collected
all
head
the herds in front of him,
With all the baggage that the Turkmans left, And went off with the elephants and goods, When to the Shah Illustrating the world. Came tidings " Rustam hath returned in triumph
:
He
girt
himself to noose that onager,
282
But he hath taken div and elephant, The elephant by land, the crocodile By sea the lions, divs, and warriors That counter him escape not from his sword " Khusrau prepared to go and welcome Rustam The warriors put their casques upon their heads,
:
!
And
took the standard of the king of kings

clarions, bells,
With
and mighty elephants.
When Rustam saw
the exalted monarch's flag
V. 1060
Advancing on the way to welcome him He lighted from his steed and kissed the ground Midst shouting troops and din of trump and drum. The chieftains of the army went afoot To him the king of kings urged on his steed. That chief of chiefs, the crown-bestowing prince, Bade Rustam mount, and thus they reached the palace With open hearts and mutual good-will.
;
Then Rustam portioned to the Iranians The horse-herds, keeping Rakhsh as his own mount,
And
sent the elephants to join the Shah's,
Since Lions do not fare with elephants. For one week there was feasting in the
hall,
Wine, harp, and minstrelsy were in request, While Rustam o'er the wine discoursed at large,
"
told the Shah the story of Akwan never saw so fine an onager, Such neck and limbs, and such magnificence But when my scimitar had cleft his hide
And
I
No friend or foe had pitied Was like an elephant's, his
His head hair was long,

him.
His mouth was full of tusks like some wild boar's, His eyes were white, his lips were black, his form Was ill to see. No camel is so large And strong. The waste became a sea with blood, Which spurted, when I had beheaded him, " Up to the welkin and came down like rain
!
KAI KHUSRAU
Then Kai Khusrau amazed put by
his cup,
283
And gave God thanks
such a paladin, Since none had seen such wonders that a Such as was Rustam should exist at all In all his manliness and mien and stature. He said " Unless the Lord had given me A share both in His justice and His love I never should have had a liege like this
for
:
man
v. 1061
With whom to hunt down divs and elephants." Thus spent they two weeks joyfully their talk
;
Was
all
of wine
and banquet.
On
the third
The matchless Rustam purposed
to
go
home
Victorious and glad. " I yearn for Zal, The son of Sam," he said, " and such desire May not be blinked, but I will go apace,
to the court. We must prepare Fresh vengeance, for revenge for Siyawush Is not thus easily to be forgone
And come back
By
taking steeds and herds."
The world's great king Unlocked the portal of his treasury, Brought forth the precious jewels hoarded there, And filled a cup with treasure. Of king's raiment
Five changes
made throughout
of cloth of gold,
With
golden-girdled slave-boys brought from
Rum,
handmaids decked with golden torques, With tapestries and thrones of ivory, Embroideries, dinars, and turquoise crowns, " All these the Shah sent Rustam, saying: Take
likewise
And
This
gift
with thee, but stay with us to-day,
And
afterward
make ready
to depart."
They spent the day together quaffing wine, But Rustam was resolved to go at dawn.
The Shah went two days with him and embraced him At parting. Rustam cottoned to the road, Khusrau returned. Well ordered 'neath his signet
284
The world became as he would have it be. The ancient sky revolveth ever so, At whiles like arrow and at whiles like bow.
'Twixt
V. 1062
The matter of Akwan with what befell him and Rustam endeth. Now I tell The conflicts of Bizhan, and thou shalt hear
Of
strivings that will ask of thee a tear.
PART V
THE STORY OF BlZHAN AND MANfZHA
ARGUMENT
The poet describes how the tale was first told to him to while away the depression caused by a sleepless night, and then narrates as follows Kai Khusrau at a feast receives a petition for succour from the people of Irman, whose country is being ravaged by wild boars, and sends Bizhan and Gurgin to clear the country
:
of
them.
Bizhan, through the machinations of Gurgin,
who
envies him, falls in love with Afrasiyab's daughter Manizha, who carries oft' Bizhan to Turiin and hides him in her palace.
He
attendant.
discovered and imprisoned in a pit with Manizha as his In the meantime Gurgin has returned to Iran, where his lame story rouses suspicion. Kai Khusrau, by means of the divining-cup, ascertains the situation of Bizhan and despatches
is
Rustam
to deliver him.
is
by Bizhan, Afnisiyab
This Rustam achieves, Gurgin defeated, and all ends happily.
is
pardoned
NOTE
For the historical basis of this story, see p. 1 1. The tale of Bizhan and Manizha is the second of the great love-stories of the Shahnama, that of Zal and Rudaba in Vol. I. 1 being the first, and that of Gushtasp in Rum, which will be in Vol. Mohl probably is right in given IV., being the third.
considering the present story to be one of Firdausi's early works. " Le caractere de fraicheur qui se remarque dans ce recit s'accorde
bien avec la supposition que cet episode est une osuvre de la jeunesse de Firdousi et la versification porte quelques traces de manque d'experience, telles que Pemploi frequent de Yelif final ajoute a cause de la rime ou du metre. Cet expedient est regu dans la poesie persane mais Firdousi n'en fait nulle part autant d'usage qu'au commencement de 1'histoire de Bijen et de
;
;
Menijeh."
1
p. 256, scq.
285
P.
Vol.
iii.,
Preface.
286
THE SHAHNAMA OF FIRDAVSI

as to the terminal alif perhaps
"
The point
may be
exemplified
:
sufficiently for the English reader
by the following stanza

:
Jog
on, jog on, the foot-path way,
And
A
As
merrily hent the stile-a merry heart goes all the day,
tires in
Your sad
a mile-a."
in the English so in the Persian
an "a"
is
added
arbitrarily
to help out the metre, but the analogy is not exact. In addition to Mohl's reasons given above we may adduce the
bold Zoroastrian allusions the outcome perhaps of a youthful enthusiasm. 2 The loss of Bizhan too is regarded as the first serious trouble of the Gudarzian family, 3 though it would not be
prudent to lay much stress upon that

indications.
I.
in the absence of other
In Mohl's opinion the friend referred to both here and
in the Prelude to the
Shdhnama
10)
was
Muhammad
Lashkari. 4
was suspended Babylon for practising magic arts. 2. Such an appeal would be characteristic of the Armenians (Irmiinians) who, broken by adversity, ceased long ago to be a
Firdausi, however, has left the sex indeterminate. Hdrut was an angel who, with his mate Marut,
feet in a well at
by the
self-reliant people.
23. For the div Akwan see Part IV. According to Zoroastrian belief divine beings, men, the lower animals, plants, waters, sun and moon, &c., all had their immortal principle, known as their fravashi. These fravashis were worshipped especially at the beginning of the Zoroastrian year, and the month Farwardin obtained its name from the At this season the spirits of deceased ancestors were practice. supposed to revisit the houses of their descendants, and such fravashis, like the manes of the Romans, were objects of peculiar
10
and
12.
veneration.
The divine beings whose blessings are invoked by 17. Rustam on Kai Khusrau are members of a class formerly known as Yazatas (gods) and now as Izads. Some of them, among other
functions, presided over the Zoroastrian Calendar, and gave their names to the days of the month and to the months of the
5
year.
They may be regarded

qualities parcelled out.
the
divine
and the good creation
as celestial satraps of
among whom Urmuzd have
been
Bahman
bihisht
1
over
Perfect
presides over Good Thought, ArdiRectitude, Shahrir over Perfect Rule,

2
The Winter's
Tale, iv.
6
3.
*
See pp. 317, 327.

P.
Id. pp. 320, 323, 330.
Vol.
iii.,
Preface.
See Vol.
i.
p. 88.
KAI KHUSRAU
and Khurdud over Health.
Azar over
Fire,
287
Sapandiirmad over Bountiful Devotion, Murddd over Immortality, The above are all Ameshapentas. 1 Bahnim presides over Victory, Tir over Mercury, Dai over Business,
Aban over Waters, while Farwardin
represents
the Fravashis. 2
The Prelude
The night was
No
like jet dipped in pitch, there lent planet lustre to the firmament,
Io6 3
The moon, appearing in her new array In readiness to take her throneward way, Much brightness lost by sojourning below
;
Her waist was shrunk, her heart was full of woe, Her crown was well-nigh lapis-lazuli Through rust and dust she journeyed through the Night's retinue had spread out everywhere
sky.
A
"
Was
carpet black as raven's plumes, the air like rust-eaten steel thou wouldst have cried
;
smirched with pitch On every side, Like same black serpent with its jaws stretched wide, Was very Ahriman, each sigh of whom Was like a negro making charcoal fume.
Its face is
!
"
The garden and the stream's lip seemed to be Like billows surging on a pitchy sea O'er which the circling heaven paused wonderingly.
lost its power thou wouldst have said Earth sleepeth with a pitch-like robe o'erspread." The world's heart trembled at itself no sounds Were heard but watchmen ringing on their rounds The birds refrained from song, the beasts were still,
;
The sun had
"
The
world's lips closed alike for good or
ill,
And
I
height and depth were lost. Of that long vigil strait at heart
Amid
I rose.
the woes
v. 1064
had one
in the house, a loving wight,

1
Seep.
271.
See above.
288
To
whom
I called
and bade
to bring a light.
Descending
to the
garden presently
said to
My
"
darling Idol
came and
?
!
me
Will sleep not visit thee " I said Mine Idol I am not at one With slumber. Bring a candle like the sun, Set it in front of me, then spread the board, Take up the harp, and let the wine be poured."
What
need
:
"
?
for light
My darling Idol fetched me lamps a-shine, Fetched quinces, oranges, pomegranates, wine, And one bright goblet fit for king of kings,
Then
"
plied at whiles the wine, at whiles the strings. Hariit performed enchantment," thou hadst said,
My
And
heart grew victor over drearihead, it seemed day with me in dark night's stead.
Hear what
my
loving comrade said to that sun-faced
me
of
What
Thus
"
time the goblet had joined company.

said to
me
Moon
mine
May heaven have joyance of that life of thine. Quaff thou thy wine while from this volume's store
I will
read out to thee a tale of yore.
Or ever part thereof shall reach thine ear Thou wilt admire the process of the Sphere. The theme is love, spell, war, and stratagem,
All worthy that a sage should list to them." " " Moon-face said I to that Cypress-stem,
!
"
Recite, recite,"
who answered
weave
it
"
:
That
will
I,
And thou
I said
:
shalt
"
Begin,
my
into poetry." fair-faced Moon

I
to read,
And make ine love thee more. From my distemperature, and

v. 1065
may
be freed
sleep betide
In musings, darling mate
by thee supplied.
Then will I turn the story, every whit, To verse exactly as thou tellest it, And, telling, offer praise to God above,
O my
discreet
companion and
my love
"
!
KAI KHUSRAU
That darling Idol read the
tale to
289
me
Out of the book of ancient legendry, So now give ear the while that I rehearse,
And
exercise thy
judgment on
my
verse.
How
the
Irmdnians appealed
to
Kliusrau
When
And
Kai Khusrau went forth
sought to
to take revenge, order of the world, the change
The throne and state departed from Tiiran, But his throne topped the sun because he leagued Heaven and Iran together, and lavished love
the noble race, the age renewed youth and bathed his face in loyalty And though the prudent maketh not his couch A torrent-bed though dry, yet for a while The more part of the world acknowledged him That sought to be avenged for Siyawush. One day he sat carousing in his joy,
Upon
Its
And
drinking to the warriors of the host.
His throne was ornate with brocade, a crown Of gems was on his head, and in his hand
A jewelled
Thus, all enraptured, the The nobles present He listened to harp. Were Fariburz the son of Kai Kaiis,
cup of wine.
And Gustaham, Giidarz son of Kishwad, Gurgin son of Milad, Farhad, and Giv,
Shapiir the brave, Tiis, shatterer of hosts Head of the scions of Naudar Kharrad,
v. 1066
These loyal paladins in hand. Inside the goblets wine royal The wine was like carnelian of Yaman, And in the midst were handfuls of dog-roses. Before Khusrau stood slaves with fairy-faces, T VOL. III.
bold Bizhan.
And Had
290

ringlets fell
Whose musk-black
on skins of jasmine.
in the presence the chamberlain. stood Girt for attendance
The banquet-hall was decked, and
An
Approaching him discreetly from the curtain " Irmanians wait without usher said Chiefs of the march between this and Turan They fain would have an audience of the Shah, For they have travelled far to seek redress." The prudent chamberlain approached the throne,
:
:
Announced
his tidings, sought the royal pleasure, introduced the envoys in due form. They came before the presence of the Shah
And
With
They
tears
and
"
cries for aid
their
;
Their faces swept the ground

said
:
as
arms were folded, they drew nigh

!
triumphant live for ever, For thou art worthy of unending life. We come for succour from a distant land, Khan-i-Irman, between this and Turan, And bring this message Ever live, Shah In every clime the succourer from the evil, O'er all seven climes the king, and in each state The help against the bad. Turan and we Confine, which is a source of bale to us, While toward Iran there was a forest-tract
' :
!
O Shah
v. 1067
Our present cause of trouble. What a wealth Of cultivated lands was ours therein, And fruit trees, our chief means of sustenance Now do us right, monarch of Iran Because wild boars in numbers numberless, With tusks like elephants', and -big as hills. Have seized on all those woods and meads, and put The country of Irman in consternation.
!
What mighty
ruin have they brought on us

!
Both in our cattle and our growing crops The boars delight in rending with their tusks
The
cultivated trees whereof
we
speak.
KAI KHUSRAU
291
Hard
stones will not withstand such tusks, and fortune

"
!
May
be hath utterly abandoned us Now when the Shah had heard
the
suppliants'
He
words was much grieved and, pitying them, addressed

"
:
The exalted warriors
Who among my
renown
?
chiefs
And mighty men

all
is
eager for
Let such depart to yon boar-wasted
forest,
And, Behead them with his sword. My gems and other treasures."
intent on
fame and combating,

I will
not grudge
him
At his bidding The treasurer laid upon the dais a salver Of gold whereon they showered mingled gems " They brought ten steeds, whose brand-mark was With golden bridles, trapped them with brocade Of Rum, and called the nobles from the throng.
;
Kaiis,"
" "
name and worship " said earth's king, What man will make my toil his own and then
O men
of
My
treasure his
"
None answered him
word
Except the son of Gi'v of glorious race Bizhan who stood forth midst the warriors,
And
"
called God's blessing down upon the Shah Ne'er may thy palace see another master.
v. 1068
And
I will
be thy bidding done throughout the world. adventure on this enterprise

:
At thy command I only live for thee." Giv, who was standing by, marked with displeasure His son's words, called down blessings on the Shah. Then took Bizhan to task "What boyishness Is this, and this conceit of thine own might ? A youth may have both wit and native worth, But he must train to win accomplishment He must exhaust all kinds of good and ill, Must taste of every salt and bitter. Go not
:
;
292
paths that thou hast never trodden or brag Before the Shah so recklessly."
By
Bizhan,
Shrewd, though impulsive, and of sleepless fortune, " My victorious sire Replied in anger to me in thy thoughts, not weakness Impute But bear with what I tell thee I am young In enterprise but I am old in counsel, And I, Bizhan, who am the son of Giv, The army-shatterer, will behead the boars." The Shah rejoiced thereat, invoked God's blessing, Bade him depart, and said " Thou man of worship
:
!
Thou art a buckler ever The lord that hath such
'gainst all ill. lieges as thou art
Would
be a fool to fear a foe."
He
:
then
Said to Gurgin son of Milad " Bizhan Is ignorant of the road toward Irman,
So bear him company with mule and steed To show the way and be his help in need."
How
Bizhan went
to figlit the
wild Boars
v. 1069
Bizhan made ready for his setting forth, Girt him, and set a casque upon his head, He took with him Gurgin son of Milad To help in battle and in time of need, And left the court with cheetahs and with hawks To hunt withal upon his longsome journey. Like foaming lion he fared and took the heads From onager and antelope the plain
;
Was
thick with
breasts
wild sheep torn
their
hearts
and
Felt the
warm
impress of the cheetah's claws.
KAI KHUSRAU
His lasso ringed the necks of onagers,
293
like Tahmuras who bound the Div, While overhead the pheasants clutched by falcons Dyed jasmine-leaves with blood. Thus sped the twain,
He seemed
And thought
The
forest that
the road a garden, till they reached had caused the Shah's concern.
Now when
Boiled in
Bi'zhan cast eyes thereon the blood
him with excitement, while the boars

:
Roamed freely, knowing not " Bizhan hath mounted." On drawing near the forest to attack
"
spake thus to Gurgin son of Milad inside or stand aside, and when I go to shoot the boars seek yonder pool.
:
He
Go thou
Then, when a tumult riseth from the wood, Take up thy mace, be ware, and with one blow Behead each boar escaping."
v. 1070
The warrior, answered With our young Shah.
"
:
But Gurgin, Such was not the compact Thou hadst the jewels, silver,
for this field
;
And
gold,
and didst adventure

to
Ask but mine aidance then
show the way."
Bizhan heard with amaze, his outlook darkened, But lion-like he went inside the forest.
Undaunted strung his bow, roared mightily As 'twere a cloud in spring, and brought the leaves Down like a shower of rain, then sword in hand Like some mad elephant he chased the boars While they rushed at him, tusking up the earth. Then came one boar, a very Ahriman,
Whose
tushes cut through
trees
like
files
through
stone,
And
Rose
rent his hauberk while the reek of fight o'er the mead. Bizhan's sword smote the boar
clave
its
And
So
elephantine form.
;
The
beasts
grew fox-like all were stained With blood from sword-cuts they had had enough
fierce before
;
294
Of combating. Bizhan cut off their heads, tied them to his charger's saddle-straps, That he might lay the tusks before the Sh;ih
And
And
furthermore, in order to display His courage to the Iranian chiefs, he flung Some headless trunks, like mountains, on a wain, And buffalos were wearied with the strain.
How
v.
Gurgin beguiled Bizhan
1071
Malevolent Gurgin, the insensate one, Apart drew near the forest sullenly,
And all the wood gloomed in He praised Bizhan and made

That matter grieved his
his eyes albeit a show of joy.
heart,
And Ahriman
To do Bizhan
seduced him.
He
he feared disgrace, was fain
a mischief; 'twas his wish, And so ordained. He thought not of the Maker, But he that diggeth pitfalls in the way
to walk warily himself. Gurgin for his own profit and renown Spread out his nets upon the young man's path, And said O paladin, thou Heart of combat, And Soul of wisdom many an enterprise Like this thou wilt achieve through thy high fortune
<l
:
!
Hath reason
And
For
God's support. Now I must tell thee somewhat, have been here often in past time
With Rustain and with Giv and Gustaham, With Gazhdaham and Tiis son of Naudar.
How many
v. 1072
a feat of prowess done by us
Avitnessed on this spacious plain Feats that have raised our reputations high, And rendered us the dearer to Khusrau
!
Hath heaven
There
is
a pleasure-ground not far away,
KAI KHUSRAU
295
And only two days' journey from Tiiran, Where thou wilt see a plain all red and yellow1
One
to rejoice a hero's heart, all
woods
And
pleasances and
rivulets, a spot
Fit for a paladin, with painted silk
For soil, and airs musk-laden thou wouldst say Perchance it is rose-water in the streams.' The jasmine-branches bend beneath their burden The roses, which the pheasants love to haunt, Are there the idols, and their worshippers
: : '
The bulbuls singing
in the cypress-boughs.
Now
Yon And on
this present for a little while river's marge will be like Paradise,
from
the plain and uplands thou wilt see In merry parties fay-faced damsels sitting. Manizha, daughter of Afrasiyab, Will make that garden radiant as the sun,
perfect pictures, All daughters of the Turkmans, modest maids,
And
with a hundred handmaids with
As
tall as cypress-trees,
musky
hair,
And
cheeks like
roses,
dreamy
That savoureth rose-water on Will set up her pavilion on yon meadows. Thou wilt behold the plain bedecked throughout With riches like an idol-house in Chin. Now if we go toward that pleasure-ground, And hurry o'er the journey in one day,
eyes, and their lips
wine
We may bear
And win
And
all
off some of those fay-faced damsels, the approbation of Khusrau." In this wise spake Gurgin. Bizhan was young,
He was
Some
the paladin was stirred in him. a youth and followed youthful fashion, whiles pursuing fame and some whiles passion.
296
How
v. 1073
Bizhan went
to see
Manizha, Daughter of Afrdsiydb
They set off on the tedious journey, one Led by desire, the other by revenge.
Bizhan, the refuge of the host, alighted
Between two forests after one day's march. He and Gurgin enjoyed two days with hawk
And cheetah in those meadows of Irman. On hearing that that marriageable maid Had come, and decked the whole waste like
Of
chanticleer, told
the eye
Gurgin informed Bizhan,

of the minstrelsy
will I," thus
and feasting, Bizhan responded, " Go forward and examine from a distance The scene and manner of the Turkmans' revels Then with my polished spear-head lifted skyward Will I turn rein. We shall advise the better, As feeling more assured, when we have seen." He bade the treasurer " Bring the crown that used,
And
him
"
Whereat
Now
Worn by my
The
sire, to light the banquet-hall,

is
Because our way
banquet-ward.
Bring likewise
v. 1074
earrings and the torque that Kai Khusrau Bestowed on me, and Giv's bejewelled armlet." He donned a glittering tunic made in Hum, And stuck an eagle's feather in his crown. They put the saddle on his steed Shabrang While he bade bring the girdle and the signet That marked the paladin, and having mounted
Went
to the spot in haste.

forest,
He reached the His heart preoccupied with its desires, He drew anigh that Fair's pavilion, Desire contending in his heart the while, And went beneath a lofty cypress-tree
KAI KHUSRAU
For shelter from the sun. The plain, with all sounds of harp and song gave, thou hadst said, His soul a welcome. When the fair one saw The visage of the chieftain from her tent
Its
297
The cheeks as 'twere Canopus of Yaman, Or jasmine blossoming mid violets While on his head he wore the crown that marked
chief of paladins, and all his breast Blazed with brocade of Rum, the maiden yearned For love of him, who came in quest of love,
find out who he is yon moonlike one. Can it be Siyawush returned to life, Or else a fairy ? Question him and say How hast thou come and who hath brought thee
:
And Go And
"
sent her nurse as envoy, saying thus 'neath the boughs of yonder lofty cypress,
:
'
hither
Art thou of fairy-birth or Siyawush That thou dost fill our hearts with love for thee, For thou hast lit a raging fire of love,
Unless the Resurrection be upon us, Because for years have I been holding revel
Upon these meads each spring, and we have None in this pleasance but I now see thee,
;
seen
noble Cypress
and
it is
enough.'
art man or fairy Come to our festival. I have not looked On aught resembling thee, O moon-faced one " Inform us of thy name and whence thou comest.'
Say
to
him
'
Whether thou
V. 1075
The nurse, when she had come and done obeisance, Gave him Manizha's message, and his cheeks Bloomed like the rose. He saw his wish achieved,
And answered
thus
"
:
am
not Siyawush,
!
Or fairy-born, sweet-spoken messenger But from Iran the country of the free. Bizhan am I, the son of Giv, and came
298
All keenly thence to battle with wild boars. I took their heads and threw them by the way
To bear their tushes to the Shah but hearing About this pleasance did not hurry back To Giv, son of Giidarz, if so good fortune Might show me though but in a dream the face Of her the daughter of Afrasiyab
;
And now
With
If
I see that all the plain is decked treasures like an idol-house in Chin.
thou wilt show me kindness I will give thee crown of gold with earrings and a girdle, And thbu shalt lead me to yon lady fair,
And
bring her heart to love me."
She returned.
And
"
bore the secret to Mam'zha's ear
v. 1076
His countenance and mien are such and such, In such and such wise hath the Maker made him. Manizha sent an answer back forthwith " What seemed a fancy is within thy grasp, For now come to me with thy noble gait, And shed a light on this dark soul of mine.
:
Mine eyes
will brighten at the sight of thee, Vale, plain, and tents will turn to rosaries."
With neither heart nor ear for aught beside Her words he followed and she acted guide. 1
6
Hoiv Bizhan
ivent to the
Tent of Manizlia
No room was
left for
further parleying.
Forth from beneath the shadow of the cypress Bizhan proceeded hastily afoot Toward Mam'zha's tent and entered it,
1
"
La reponse de Menijeh
fit
du coeur
et
de
1'oreille
de Bijen un
palais" (Mohl),
KAI KHUSRAU
In favour like a stately cypress-tree, Girt with a golden girdle round his loins. Mam'zha came and clasped him to her breast,
299
Asked
Unloosed the royal girdle from his waist, of his journey, equipage, and business,
said
"
:
And
Who
came with thee
to fight the boars
Why Who
trouble with a mace, O comely one, hast a shape like this, such mien and bearing
"
?
They bathed his feet in musk and pure rose-water, Then hasted to set meat, they spread the board With various viands in profuse abundance, And held high revelry with wine and harp,
Excluding every stranger from the
tent.
The handmaids standing in attendance there Played on the lyre and lute. The ground resembled The colours of a peacock with brocade
All dappled with dinars like leopards' backs, While all the tent-enclosure was adorned
With inusk and jewels, ambergris and

Old wine in crystal cups gave
to
gold.
New
Bizhan strength, but, when three days and nights had

at last.
passed
In pleasure, sleep and drink prevailed
How Manizha
carried off Bizhan to her Palace

V- 10 77
Mam'zha, when her time for going home Arrived, still longed to gaze upon Bizhan, And, since his face was gloomy, called her handmaids, And bade them mingle with a grateful draught A drug that maketh senseless. This they gave him, And he, bemused already, swallowed it His head sank down and he was lost to sense.
;
She made a
litter to
transport the sleeper,
300

side,
couch for him on one
on the other
An
easy seat for her. She sprinkled Upon his couch, and with rose-water
camphor
drenched
The sandal -wood.
On coming
She
veiled the sleeper in a
near the city
woman's wrapper,
She prepared
Bizhan
And, entering the palace privily
By
night, preserved her secret.

for
chamber and, impatient
To wake, poured in his ear a rousing potion To bring his senses back. He woke and found
That jasmine-bosomed beauty in his arms, His head and hers both resting on a pillow,
And
in the palace of Afrasiyab Distracted with himself he turned for refuge

!
To God from Ahriman and thus exclaimed " As for myself there will be no escaping, O God Almighty hence. But oh that Thou Wouldst execute my vengeance on Gurgin, And hear the pains and malisons that I He led me into this, Invoke on him
:
! !
Reciting over
me
Manizha said
to
a thousand spells." him " Be of good cheer,

:
v. 1078
treat all save the present as mere wind, Adventures of all kinds occur to men,
And
And
feast
and
light
by turn."
They banqueted
Before
them was the gibbet
or espousal
They
called the rose-cheeked damsels
from their bowers,

;
And decked them

These
in brocade of
Chin
forthwith
And Anon
girls with fairy faces took the harp, fleeted day and night in merriment.
the chamberlain got wind thereof,
And, since one acting

Will shake the fruit
on an
idle
rumour
tree of bale,
down from the
He took upon him
to investigate,
KAI KHUSRAU
301
who the man was, from what country, And what he sought in coming to Turan,
Inquiring
So learned the truth and, fearing for his life, Went, as the only way to save himself, Before Afrasiyab and said to him " " Thy daughter hath a lover from Iran The monarch called on God, and thou hadst said
:
!
trembled like the willow in a blast." Then from the lashes of his eyes he wiped The tears of blood and raged, and spake this saw " One with a daughter in his house to guard May have a crown indeed but is ill-starred." He was confounded at Manizha's deed,
Called to
"
"
He
him
princely
"
:
Kurakhan and
said
Advise
If so
it
me
in the. matter of this wanton."
Then Kurakhan
"
Examine with more

to say,
care
be there
is
is
no more
But hearing
not seeing."
Instantly
:
The monarch looked at Garsiwaz and said " What we have borne and still bear from Iran
And why doth

Go
fortune link in one
ill
?
chain
v. 1079
Iranian troubles and an evil child
take with thee some prudent cavaliers, Keep watch upon the palace roof and gates
well,
Look
and any
man whom
thou shalt see
Therein secure with bonds and drag to me."
How
Garsiwaz brought Bizlian
before,
Afrasiyab
As Garsiwaz approached the gate the sound Of feast and revelry was heard within, The music of the rebeck and the harp Rose from the palace of Afrasiyab.
302

cavaliers seized
The
on the roof and
gates,
occupied the outlets everywhere. When Garsiwaz found that the palace-portal
And
Was fastened, and heard revels going on, He broke down all obstructions, rushed within, And sought the chamber where the stranger was. Now when he reached the door and saw Bizhan
His blood boiled up with rage, for in that chamber There were three hundred handmaids busied all With harp and wine and singing, and among them, With red wine at his lips and making merry, Then Garsiwaz cried out in anguish Bizhan " O reckless and abandoned profligate Now art thou in the savage Lion's clutch. How wilt thou 'scape with life ? " Bizhan writhed, thinking " How can I fight unarmed, without Shabrang, Or aught to ride ? Luck, sure, hath gone to-day Where now is Giv son of Gudarz, that I Must throw away my life ? I see no helper,
! :
1
But God."
He
V. 1080
always carried in his boot

;
he drew and holding Bizhan am I and sprung The door exclaimed From that high chief of paladins and nobles, Kishwad. None e'er shall break my skin unless His body is aweary of its head, And though 'twere Doomsday none should see
blue-steel dagger
this
"
:
my
back."
He
Hath
If
cried to Garsiwaz
"
:
111
fortune thus
Thou knowest my forefathers, and rank My monarch, my among the chiefs

dealt with me.
;
ye will fight I am prepared to bathe My hands in blood in battle, and behead Full many a Turkman chief; if thou wilt bear Before the king I will explain. Do thou
me
KAI KHUSRAU
Ask him
to spare
303
all
my
life,
and make
end
In happiness."
Then Garsiwaz, perceiving

The
resolution, the dexterity, And readiness to fight shown
by Bizhan, Confirmed a covenant with him by oaths,

courteously advised him, thus obtaining
And
The dagger from him by that covenant, And making him a prisoner by smooth words Then bound him cheetah-like from head to foot. With fortune gone will prowess aught avail ? Thus is it with yon hump-backed sky above, Thou'lt feel its harshness when it looketh love. They carried him with sallow cheeks and eyes
;
Fulfilled with tears before Afrasiyab.
when he came with pinioned arms bare of head before the sovereign, Did reverence and said " Vouchsafe, king To seek the truth. I came not to this court
The
hero,
And
v. ioSi
By any wish
of
mine
none
is to
blame.
I left Iran to fight against wild boars, And chanced on this Turanian festival.
I sent
my
kindred and
falcon that
to sleep
my
retinue
astray,
To seek a
had gone
beneath a cypress-tree, So that its shade might shield me from the sun. A fairy came. She spread her Avings and took me, She left my charger, Still sleeping, in her arms. And bore me where the escort of thy daughter
And went
With
troops of cavaliers and
many
litters
Passed by upon the plain. Then there appeared Hemmed in by horse a Turkman parasol,
And brand-new
litter
canopied with silk

;
Within a lovely Idol slept her crown Was lying on her pillow. Suddenly The fairy called on Ahriman, and, rushing
304

among
the horsemen, set rne
Like wind
Inside the
down
litter, and recited charms Above the charmer there, that I might sleep
Until I reached the palace of the king So I was not to blame, nor hath Mam'zha Been smirched by what hath passed. Assuredly That fay had marred my fortune by her spells." " Thine evil day Afrasiyab replied Hath corne apace. Departing from Iran Thou soughtest fight and fame with mace and lasso Now with hands bound thou tellest women's dreams Like one bemused, and triest lies upon me
;
:
To save thy
V. 1082
life."
:
Bizhan replied " O king Hear what I say to thee and be advised. Boars with their tusks and lions with their claws
!
Are alway fit for fighting so are heroes That have their scimitars and bows and arrows But how when one is naked with bound hands, The other in a panoply of steel ?
;
How
can a lion pounce without sharp claws

fierce
?
However
If
now
the king would see
My prowess shown to all, let him provide A horse and massive mace for me, and make
Choice of a thousand chieftains from the Turkmans Then hold me not a man if I leave one
Alive of
all
;
the thousand on the
field."
The king regarded him with angry looks At this, then turned to Garsi'waz, and said " Dost thou not see that this fell Ahriman
Is
meditating further
ills
for
me,
foot,
And not contented with the evil done Would fight as well ? Take him bound hand and
Just as he
is,
and
rid the world of him.
Command
to set a gibbet in the road Before the gate, there hang the wretch alive,
KAI KHUSRAU
305
And
never speak of him to me again, So that no native of Iran may dare Henceforth to cast an eye upon Turan."
They dragged him, stricken to the heart with anguish, His eyes a-stream, forth from Afrasiyab, And, when Bizhan the wretched reached the door, His feet stuck in the mire made by his tears. He said " If God Almighty hath decreed That I must die in miserable plight I do not fear the dying or the gibbet My smart is for the warriors of Iran, And royal fathers' blame when I am dead. Alas mine adversaries will exult, Their lust will all be satisfied upon me. Alas the king of kings the looks of Giv Alas thus to be parted from the brave
:
Io8 3
Go, breezes to the country of f ran, And bear my message to the well-loved Shah.
!
Tell
him
'
:
His body Say from

'
is
Bizhan is in an evil case beneath the Lion's claws.'

;
me
to Giidarz son of
Kishwad
My
He
glory hath departed through cast me into evil so that now
Gurgm
I see
not any one to succour me.'

'
:
And to Gurgin What greeting shall I have From thee, false warrior beyond the grave
!
'
'
How
Pirdn begged Bizlian's Life from Afrdsiydb

his youth,
Howbeit God had mercy on
And
foiled the king's intent, for as they dug hole wherein to plant the gallows-tree,
it chanced, was seen approaching. he reached the place and saw the road
Pfran, for so
Now when
VOL.
III.
306
All occupied by Turkmans under arms, And that a lofty gibbet had been reared, Wherefrom a twisted lasso dangled down,
asked the people " Wherefore is this gibbet Who hath incurred the anger of the king ? "
He
Then Garsiwaz made answer " For Bizhan The Iranian, the monarch's enemy." Piran urged on his charger and, when near Bizhan, beheld him stricken to the heart And naked, with his two hands bound behind him Firm as a rock, his mouth parched, his cheeks wan.
:
v. 1084
How earnest thou hither from Iran no doubt for blood." Bizhan related all that he had suffered From his false friend. Piran had pity on him, And weeping bade them leave Bizhan awhile " Detain him here that I Unhung he said have an with the sovereign, audience May And show him what will be the happiest course."
Piran inquired of
earnest
him
"
Thou
He galloped palace-ward, approached the king In humble attitude with folded arms, And walking quickly to the throne called down
With fervour blessings on Afrasiyab. When, like an honest guide and minister, He stood before the throne, the king knew
That he was standing there
to ask a boon,
"
:
well
And
None
If
smiling said to
him
What
wouldst thou
Speak.
is more honoured with me than thyself. thy petition is for gold or jewels, For realm or army, I will not withhold My treasures. Why hast thou bestowed these pains Piran, the loyal, heard and kissed the ground, " Sit on the throne for ever, Leaped up and said And may good fortune haunt no other place.
:
"
!
The monarchs
of the earth proclaim thy praises,
KAI KHUSRAU
The bright sun blesseth
fortune
I I
307
thee.
Through thy good
followers, or power. ask not for myself, none of thy subjects Hath need to ask my fortune is thy rule,
;
need not horses,
My
stay thy glorious chiefs.
Concerned
am
Lest any suffer through my reticence, And my good name be lost. Have I not often
v. 1085
'
Advised the king erewhile ? But since my words Availed not I have held my peace of late. Slay not the son of Kai Kaus,' I said, 'Twill make thee enemies of Tiis and Rustam, And Siyawush who is of Kaian race
'
Hath
girt his loins to serve thee loyally
Peace will be broken and the Iranians Will trample on us with their elephants.' Yet didst thou out of simple wantonness
Slay Siyawush, and mingle bane with sweets. may be that thou hast forgotten Giv, And Rustam the brave chief of paladins.
It
Hast thou not seen what
ills
the Iranians
of Tiiran
Have wrought upon the country
By trampling with their beasts the greater part, And turning fortune's stream to bitterness ?
As
yet Zal's sword-point is not worn away Inside its sheath, for Rustam scattereth heads
Therewith, and spurteth blood upon the sun. Wilt thou seek war in peace, and wantonly Sniff at the bloom of bane ? If thou shalt shed Bizhan's blood in this matter from Tiiran There will go up a dust-cloud of revenge.
Thou
Ope
art a wise king we are only lieges thy heart's eye, consider how the Shah
;
Requited thee for former injuries. In sooth thou art provoking fresh demands,
And
bringing into fruit the tree of bale.
308

bear,
We cannot
And master
v. 1086
mighty sovereign,
!
of the world
another war.
!
Giv, none better and brave Rustam, That savage Crocodile, and him who will
Thou knowest
Come
forth to fight us for his grandson's sake, " Giidarz, son of Kishwad, whose hand is steel
!
As he threw water on the raging

:
fire
" Dost thou not know Afrasiyab replied What he hath done, and brought disgrace upon us Both here and in Iran ? Dost thou not see
How mine abandoned Upon my hoary head, Of all my women-folk

For
daughter hath heaped shame
and made the names

the
common
talk
this disgrace all lands and mine own troops Will ever make court their laughing-stock If he shall live all men will wag their tongues
my
At me,
I shall
And
"
ever from
be wretched and despised, mine eyes shed tears of gall."

: !
Piran did reverence ofttimes and replied monarch of good fortune and just speech
the king hath said.
'Tis as
His only object
good name. But let my lord consider The prudent counsel that I offer him.
Is his
Let us confine Bizhan with heavy chains, Such that he would prefer death on the gibbet
'Twill be a
warning
to the Iranians,
Who
will not strive to injure
us hereafter,
For no one readeth on the muster-roll
The names of captives in thy prison-house." The monarch acted as Piran advised,
Perceiving that his heart and tongue agreed. Good ministers with their good counsellings
Illume the Grace divine and throne of kings.
KAI KHUSRAU
309
10
How
Afrasiyab
"
Afrasiydb put Bizhan in

:
Ward
commanded Garsiwaz
Prepare a gloomy pit and weighty bonds, Secure with chains Bizhan's hands to a yoke
Bridge-like, as
V. 1087
Humans do, from head to foot Chain him and make all sure with heavy rivets Then throw him in the pit head first no more Of sun and moon for him Take elephants,
!
And fetch the boulder of the div Akwan, Which God raised from the ocean-depth and Upon a wood in Chin. Thus will I be
cast
Avenged upon Bizhan. Convey this stone, Which covereth the dungeon of Arzhang, Upon high-crested elephants, and cover Bizhan's, then leave him to go mad with anguish. Take horsemen, sack the palace of that wanton Manizha, who hath shamed her qualityDeprive her of her fortune, crown, and state, And say to her Thou wretched and accursed,
' :
and crown head Thou my among the kings, diadem And cast my upon the dust.' Then drag her naked to the pit and say Behold him whom thou sawest on the throne
art
Who
unworthy
of the throne
hast abased
'
Here
in this pit
And
wait
Thou art his Spring, him in his gloomy cell.' upon

!
console him,
"
So Garsiwaz departed from the presence. They carried out the monarch's evil purpose They haled the son of Giv back from the gallows,
;
And
bore
him
to the pit's
There fettered His waist with Human chains, his hands with gyves, While smiths with steel and hammers made secure
mouth in his bonds, him from head to foot in iron,
310
The massive
rivetings, and then they flung him Head-foremost down the pit and set the stone Upon it. Garsiwaz thence led his troop To where the daughter of Afrasiyab
V. 1088
Dwelt, gave up
And made
her treasury to spoil, a fresh disposal of the wealth.

all
Manizha was reduced to naked feet, Bare head, and single wrap. He hustled her Forth to the pit. Her eyes wept tears of blood Her cheeks were like the spring. " Behold," he said, " thou art to be house and home Henceforth Thy
;
!
This prisoner's drudge
"
turned back, and Mamzha, The spouse of woe, roamed wailing o'er the plain. Now when a day and night had passed she came
He
With lamentations
A passage large
Thereafter
to the pit, and made enough to pass one hand.
when the sun
rose o'er the hills
She used
to gather food at every
door
it
By day-long wanderings and pass The crevice to Bizhan, and weep.
through
Thus she
Lived for a while in abject misery.
How
Gurgin returned
to
Iran and
lied about
Bizhan
When
one week passed, and still Bizhan returned not, Gurgin began to search on every side In haste and bathed his face in tears of blood. Repenting of his ill intents he sought
The
v. 1089
place wherein Bizhan
Went all about the And heard not e'en
He
sought too in
had gone astray, saw no one, a twitter from the birds. the mead, and all at once
forest but
KAI KHUSRAU
Spied in the distance on the river-bank,
311
With bridle broken and with saddle dragging, With hanging lip and in an angry mood, His comrade's steed, and knew " Bizhan is sped He will not live to come back to Iran.
:
By
111
gibbet or by prison or by bonds
hath befallen him from Afrasiyab." 1 Repentant and perplexed he flung his lasso, And turning led Bizhan's steed from the meadow Back to his tent where he abode one day, Then, sleepless and unresting, sought Iran. The Shah, on hearing that Gurgm had come Without Bizhan, would fain have been the first To question him, so told not Giv, yet Giv Heard of his brave son's loss, rushed to the street, Pierced to the heart with anguish and with cheeks All tears, and cried " Bizhan returneth not I wis not why he stayeth in Irman."
: !
Then, vengeful as a crocodile at heart,
He gave command to put the poplar saddle Upon Kishwad's own bay, which he was wont
To hold reserved against the day
of need,
And, having mounted, To meet Gurgin and ask him where Bizhan " Good sooth " he thought, Was, and about the case. " Gurgin hath done him mischief secretly. I will behead Gurgm or see my son." Gurgin on catching sight of Giv dismounted,
!
parted like a blast
v. 1090
Ran up to him and, wallowing in the dust With head uncovered and torn cheeks, exclaimed
thou that art the chosen of the host, Chief of Iran and captain of the Shah Why hast thou come to meet me on my way ? Why hast thou come thus weeping tears of blood
!
"
I shall
not wish to live

1
if
aught more wretched
"
II laissa
tomber son lacet" (Mohl)
312
now betide me. All ashamed am I To look thee in the face I too am pouring The hot blood from mine eyes, but be not troubled About his life. No harm hath come to him As I will prove to thee." Giv, when he saw
Shall
;
His son's horse and Gurgin, all dust and dazed Like one bemused, thus leading it, and when He heard those words, fell from his steed and swooned. His head was hidden by the dust. He rent The raiment that he wore as paladin, Plucked out his hair, and with a cry of anguish Poured dust upon his head. " Thou," he said,
"
Who
art the
Almighty Master
of the sky,
!
And
hast endowed
it
my
heart with sense and love
I hold
good,
now
that
my
son
is lost,
That thou shouldst snap my cord of life and take My spirit to the mansions of the blest Thou knowest best the anguish of my heart. I had no son but him to soothe my griefs Or aid me now ill hap hath severed us,
: ;
And I am left thus in the He asked Gurgin again

V. 1091
Dragon's
"
:
maw
"
How
up To quit thy sight ?
Hath
fate filled
his place or did
went it all he will
Who
How
"
What ill befell him ? Speak him the meshes of the sky ? What div encountered him upon the mead ? Who murdered him and ruined everything ?
flung at
didst thou find this charger riderless " didst thou quit Bizhan ?
?
Where
Gurgin replied Compose thyself and listen. In respect To fighting with the wild boars in the wood, thou paladin and understand, Know,
!
And
be for aye the lustre of the throne,
KAI KHUSRAU
went to fight the boars and reached Irinan. saw a wood converted to a waste, With trees cut down and trampled pasturage. It was a haunt of boars, the people melted We raised our spears in fight, Because of them
!
313
We We
wood Wild boars came charging like so many mountains, Not one by one but everywhere in herds. We battled like two lions, and day failed
And made
a mighty shouting in the
Before our hearts were satiate of
strife.
threw their elephantine carcases In heaps and prized their teeth out. Thence we Our faces toward Iran and merrily Went after game. An onager was started, And none will see a goodlier sight. Its coat
We
set
Was
Its face
like Gulgiin's, the charger of Gudarz was like Farhad's grey Shabahang,
;
With
lirnbs like the Simurgh's,
and hoofs
like steel.
Twas like Bizhan's Shabrang in head and And tail, its neck was lion-like, its speed
Like wind.
Rakhsh.'
ear
'
Thou wouldst have

tall
said
Its
sire
is
Like some
elephant
it
charged Bizhan,
head.
!
10 92
Who
Was
flung his lasso o'er
its
To
fling
one with to be borne away Bizhan sped after The onager

!
Off rushed
it,
And through
dust
the beast's pace and the horseman's
A reek
The
heaved like the sea, and onager both vanished. My steed was weary, so I ran o'er hill And plain, but found no traces of Bizhan, Except this steed whose saddle dragged behind. My heart burned at his plight How will he fare
arose, the earth
lassoer
'
In his contention with the onager ? I tarried long upon the pasture, searching
'
3M
On all sides for him, and have come back hopeless, For that fisrce onager was the White Dfv " Shrewd Giv, on hearing, deemed " Bizhan is sped
! :
"
!
He marked
That could not look him in the
Gurgin's confused account, those eyes face, those cheeks
terror of the Shah, that body and that conscience-stricken heart, A-tremble, And ascertaining that his son was lost, ^And that the whole account was fraudulent,
Grown wan with
Was moved by Ahriman to lay Gurgin Dead on the road in vengeance for Bizhan, The well-beloved, although disgrace might
follow.
Albeit on reflection he perceived That this would leave the matter dark, and said " What shall I gain by slaying him save pleasing
:
v. 1093
Malignant Ahriman ? How will it aid Bizhan to slay Gurgin ? We must employ Another means revenge is no great task He is no wall to stop my lance's point So let us tarry till his guilt is clear
;
;
Before the Shah."
He
"
cried out at
Gurgin
!
Thou wicked and injurious Ahriman Thou hast deprived me of my Sun and Moon The choicest of the horsemen and my Shah
And
set
me
searching
all
the world for aid.

1
Where through thy
practice, guile, and lies shall Henceforward find contentment, rest, and sleep ? I will not suffer thee to go at large Until I have an audience with the Shah Then with my poniard will I wreak on thee Revenge for him who was mine Eye to me."
;
KAI KHUSRAU
3'5
I2
How
Giv brought Gurgin before Khusrau
eyes and vengeance in his heart Giv went before the Shah, blessed him, and said " For ever fleet the world in joy, O king Thou blessed, well-starred monarch seest thou not What hath befallen me ? I had one son A youth who was my care both night and day. I wept for fear of danger to him, burned Shah For fear of losing him and now, with an idle hath come back tongue, Gurgin With guilty soul, and evil news of him My stainless and illustrious minister. Gurgin hath brought a steed in disarray, But not another token of Bizhan
With bloodshot
If
now my
will
My
He
lord will carefully consider case, and see me righted in the matter,
do justice for
me on Gurgin
The man that put this dust upon my head." The Shah was troubled at Giv's grief, assumed The crown in anger, sat upon the throne With pallid cheeks in sorrow for Bizhan,
And said to Giv " What is Gurgin's account ? Where saith he that he left his upright comrade
:
V. 1094
"
?
Giv told the

"
tale
about his gallant son
As given by Gurgin.
Brood not nor
;
Then
said
Khusrau
;
Bizhan is safe be easy fret hopeful touching that lost son of thine, For I but now heard from the archimages The men of wisdom shrewd of heart and famous
And
That
I shall lead the Iranian cavaliers
Against Turan anon to seek revenge For Siyawush, and with mine elephants
3i6

Bizhan
will take the field
;
Destroy that land.
And
fight like Ahriman. Depart in peace Good sooth, I greatly long for him myself."
So Giv withdrew in tears, pale and distraught. Gurgin, on coming to the palace-gate,
Found
it
deserted
all
the paladins
with Giv lamenting for Bizhan. Gurgin, his wicked soul fulfilled with shame, Went in to audience. Having reached Khusrau
Had gone
He
Then
kissed the ground and offered reverence, laid the boars' tusks hard as diamonds
:
Before the throne and did obeisance, saying " May Kai Khusrau be all victorious,
Year's Day, and may the heads Of all thy foes be severed by the shears, E'en as the heads of these wild boars."
life like
His
New
Gazed on
the
?
tusks
and
asked
"
:
How
The Shah went the

evil
journey
Where did Bizhan part company ? What Hath Ahriman wrought on him "
?
1095
When Khusrau
Spake thus Gurgin stood all confused with tongue That idly blabbed and guilty soul. His cheeks Were pale, he shook in terror of the Shah, And babbled much and incoherently Of forest, onager, and pasturage. Now, when his words accorded not, Khusrau, Perceiving him malicious and confused, Was wroth and drave him out, upbraiding him, And saying " Hast thou heard not Zal's old saw To meet the offspring of Gudarz in strife
:
: '
Would put
But
a period to a lion's life ? for the shame, and that thou wouldest
'
make
An
I
evil
ending in the sight of God,

off
would bid Ahriman pluck
thy head,
KAI KHUSRAU
As
"
317
'twere a bird's."
:
Then said he to a smith Forge heavy shackles with the rivets strong."
He had
:
Gurgin's feet fettered presently,
Because the knave is schooled by bonds, and said To Giv " Compose thyself. Do thou be instant In seeking for him everywhere, and I Will send out many cavaliers well armed In all directions to obtain some news About him, and be prompt and vigilant But. if I hear not soon, still keep thy wits And wait for Farwardin, until the sun The object of our worship groweth bright.
;
When
The
roses glad the garden, breezes strew
petals o'er thy head,
when
earth
is
donning
Its robe of green, and zephyrs sigh o'er roses, Then shall pious prayers rise to Urmuzd
my
Prayers that our God commandeth. Then will Call for the cup that mirroreth the world,
And
I
stand before God's presence. In that cup shall behold the seven climes of earth,
field
Both
Will
offer
and fell and all the provinces, reverence to mine ancestors,
My
chosen, gracious lords, and thou shalt

is.
know
all."
Where thy son

Giv was
The cup
will
show me
:
And " May time and earth ne'er be deprived of thee May heaven above attend thy will, and may No ill befall thee from the evil eye."
To search
Giv had gone the Shah sent cavaliers in every quarter for Bizhan In all Iran and all Turan they sought For traces of him, but discovered naught.
;
rejoiced, ceased from solicitude, smiling did obeisance, saying thus
When
3i8

13
How Kai Khuxrau saw
Bizhan in
the
Cup
that
showed the World
Year's Day arrived Giv yearned For consultation with that glorious cup, And came, bent double on his son's account
When jocund New
But hopeful, to Khusrau who, seeing him With shrunken cheeks and sorely stricken
heart,
arrayed himself in Human garb To seek God's presence. Then before the Maker
Went and
v. 1097
and ofttimes blessed the Shining One, 1 Imploring of the Succourer succour, strength, And justice on pernicious Ahriman, And, thence returning to his throne, assumed The Kaian crown, took up the cup, and gazed. He saw the seven climes reflected there, And every act and presage of high heaven, Their fashion, cast, and scope, made manifest. From Aries to Pisces he beheld
cried
.
He
All mirrored in
it Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Leo, Sol and Luna, Mercury, And Venus. In that cup the wizard-king
Was wont
to see futurity.
He
scanned
The seven climes for traces of Bizhan, And, when he reached the Kargasars, beheld him
By God's decree fast fettered in the pit, And praying in his misery for death, With one, the daughter of a royal race,
Attending him. The Shah, with smiles that lighted The da'is, turned his face to Giv and said " Bizhan is yet alive be of good cheer
:
;
Thou
wilt not
mind,
I wot, his
life is
being chained
"
And
1
prisoned since his

II
whole in him,
(Mohl).
"
invoqua longtemps ses graces sur la coupe brillante
KAI KHUSRAU
For he is now a prisoner in Tiiran, Attended by a maid of noble birth. Yet filled ain I with sorrow for his plight, He hath such travail, hardship, and affliction And both of them are weeping like a cloud When it is springtide, such a life is theirs He hath no hope of seeing kith or kin,
!
319
But pineth trembling like a willow-bough, Blood in his eyes and anguish in his heart. He calleth on his kinsmen and he weepeth As 'twere a cloud in spring his life is such That he desireth death Who will come forward To rescue him, who rise with girded loins ?
; !
Who Who
is
there that will brave the Dragon's breath,

this
v. 1098
durance liberate Bizhan ? None save deft Rustam he who from the deep Will drag the crocodile. Gird up thy girdle, Haste to Nimriiz, and rest not night or day. Bear him my letter and breathe naught hereof.
from
Him
The
will I
summon
to
case,
and soon,
me, let him know Giv abate thy woe."

!
H
How
Kliusrau
lurote
a Letter
to
Rustam
A
"
scribe
was
called, the
Shah instructed him

liege
:
To
write to
Rustam
as
from lord to
paladin by birth and worshipful, Exalted o'er the warriors of the world
Thou
dost remind
me
of thine ancestors,
And
art for ever girdled for the fray.
Thou Heart of monarchs and thou Prop of kings, With loins girt up to succour every one Pards yield them to thy manhood, crocodiles Howl in the deep for fear of thee. Thou cleansedst
!
320

of the
torest off the
Mazandaranian divs, heads of evil men. How many a crowned head hast thou dethroned, And severed from the dai's Many a foe Is dead through thee, and many a land laid waste. Chief paladin and refuge of the host Thine influence is mighty with the Shahs
The world
And
Thou
As
hast o'erthrown
all
And by thy
Thy name
bearing
lit
sorcerers with thy mace, the crown of kings.
Khan, upon their signets. 'Twould break the heart of any to undo Knots tied by thee while thou undoest all And art a blessed heaven to the Kaians.
is
for Afrasiyab
and
for the
writ in full
v. 1099
Breast, arm,
God, who hath given thee elephantine might, and hand, and glorious birth, bestowed
them
For succouring those that cry, and lifting them From their dark pit. An instance for thine aid, And to a worthy kinsman, hath occurred, Such as no scion of Giidarz before Experienced from div-faced Turanians. Giidarz and Gi'v both place their trust in thee,
Who
art a hero now in every land Thou know'st what place they have in mine esteem, Thou know'st their courage, speech, and prudent
;
counsel
Regard not then
this thing as
And
ask whatever
men and means
burdensome, thou wilt,

:
Because this family ne'er grieved till now The world hath heard of few more glorious. Giv had not any son excepting this,
Who
He
I
was
at once a son
and succourer.
very great grandsire's friend
;
Giv's influence with
me
is
hath been both
my
and mine
always find
him where
I look for
him,
KAI KHUSRAU
321
And he hath
stood by ine in weal and woe. thou hast read my letter tarry not, But rise and come to me with Giv forthwith,
When
v.
noo
That we may take advice that

In
;ill
shall result
Men,
I will provide points gloriously. I swear treasure, and all requisites.
By thine exalted name and glorious footsteps That thou shalt work thy will upon Turan. Take order for the road Bizhan will be Delivered haply from captivity."
:
15
How
Giv bore the Letter of
Kai Kliusrau
to
Riistam
it,
Giv took the letter when the Shah had sealed Did reverence and, departing to his house,
Prepared to take his journey to Sistan.
He mounted all the horsemen of his kin, And, having first commended him to God. Departed through the desert to the Hirmund, As one that r'ideth post, or like the game That he put up, performing two days' journey In one. With wounded hearts and eager steps The party faced the deserts and the heights. Now when the watchman saw Giv from the look-out He passed the word on to Zabulistan " A cavalier with mounted troops hath reached The Hirmund a standard fluttereth behind him A falchion of Kabul is in his hand." Z;il heard the watchman's shout and bade his steed Be bridled, then pricked forth to meet the comers, Who haply might prove foes, but when he saw Giv's withered face he was astound and hasted, " Supposing Something hath befallen the Sh<ih " Since Giv hath been sent hither from Iran
:
VOL. in.
322

near at hand the paladin and escort across the road and greeted Zal,
When
Drew up
v.
not
Who asked about the Iranians and the Shah, The chieftains and Turanians. Giv then gave To Zal the greetings of the great the Shah's And high-born warriors' and told his anguish For his lost son " Thou seest me wan, mine insteps
:
All dappled leopard-like with tears of blood
"
!
Then asked where Rustam

"
He
will return
"
was, and Zal from hunting onager

"
replied:
At
I
sunset."
I will go," Giv said, and see him a letter for him from Khusrau." " he will come anon, not," Zal answered,
;
have
"
Go
till
he cometh tarry in the house, pass one day with us in happiness." Reflecting on the case they reached Zal's palace, And even as Giv entered Rustam came. Giv went to meet him and, on drawing nigh, Dismounted from his horse and did obeisance. His heart was yearning and he wept. When Rustam Saw Giv heart-stricken and in tears he thought " Iran then and the Shah our age's Moon So
And
Have perished
"
!
He
Lighting and embracing Giv asked about the wearer of the crown
Khusrau
about Giidarz,
Tiis,
Gustaham,
And
the warriors both great and small Shapiir, Ruhham, Bizhan, Farhad, Gurgin,
all
And
v.
1
102
every one. At mention of Bizhan Giv uttered an involuntary cry, And said to Rustam " thou worshipful,
:
The
Joy
choicest of the princes of the earth hath returned to me at sight of thee,

!
And through
All those
whom
thy kindly greetings and thy words. thou hast named are well and send
KAI KHUSRAU
and messages, of the mighty Except Bizhan, Who is reported fettered in a dungeon. Now seest thou not what stroke of evil fortune Hath fallen full upon my hoary head ? I had but one son in the world, and he Was both a son and upright minister, And I have lost him None e'er saw our race In such affliction Ever since have I Been in the saddle, as thou seest me, And speeding like the bright sun, night and day,
salutation, peace,
323
Thee
O champion
Just like the mad, to find some trace of
him
.
The Shah hath
in his world-reflecting cup.
He stood before And praising on

Of Farwardin
the Maker, much imploring the royal feast the Urmuzd

left
then
the Fane of Fire,
Went
The
to his throne, girt up his loins, assumed crown, and set the shining cup before him.
for Bizhan,
He searched therein past measure And indicated him as in Turan,
In heavy fetters and disastrous plight, And, having thus revealed him by the cup, Sent me to thee in haste. I come in hope,
Although my cheeks are pale and dim mine Because I look to thee alone for aid,
eyes,
Who
girdest up thy loins to succour all." Giv spake, the lashes of his eyes were charged With tears of gall, and from his heart he heaved A chilling sigh. When he had given the letter To Rustam he narrated what Gurgin
v.
103
Had done, then bitterly bewailed Bizhan, And poured down tears of blood upon his
breast
For he and Rustam had been long akin, That chieftain's daughter was the wife of Giv, While Rustam had Giv's sister for his spouse, And gallant Faramarz by that brave dame.
324
Bizhan withal, that hero eminent In every company, had for his mother
The daughter
of the elephantine Rustam,

"
:
Be not concerned hereat, Because I will not take from Rakhsh the saddle Till I have clasped Bizhan's hand in mine own, And have demolished all his bonds and prison. By God's strength, since the Shah requireth it, Will I release him from that darksome pit."
said to
Who
Giv
Ho>o Rustam made a Feast for Giv
Thence they departed to the hall of Rustarn, Discussing as they went what course to take. When Rustam had perused the monarch's letter
He was o'erwhelmed at what Khusrau had said, And all the praises that the worldlord Shah
Gave to his famous captain of the host. Then Rustam said to Giv " I will dispatch, And ready me to go as he commandeth. I know how thou hast laboured, thine achievements,
:
And thy concernment
in all enterprise.
How mighty
is
thine influence with me,
Who
hast wooed war on every battlefield, Alike in the revenge for Siyawush, And in the war against Mazandaran
!
Thou hast borne
travail too in
coming
hither,
And
I
faring
by
a route so arduous.
Although
v.
1
joy exceedingly to look upon thee I am concerned about Bizhan.
104
cannot bear to see thee in such

fortune-stricken.
grief,
And
And
As the Shah commandeth
In this his letter I will take the road, also out of my concern for thee
KAI KHUSRAU
Will undertake the matter of Bizhan, Will do my best and, if All-holy God
Shall leave
I will
325
my
body and
my
soul together,
not grudge Bizhan life, troops, and treasure. and by the fortune ~ I o o-ird me in God's strength *
Of our victorious worldlord. I will rescue Bizhan from bondage and from darksome pit, And will re-seat him on the famous dais. Abide with me three days in joy, quaff wine, Be free from care, for no division parteth My house from thine, and thou and I are one In treasure, soul, and body." At his words Giv sprang up, kissed his hands and head and feet, " O man of name, Applauded him, and said Endowed with strength and manhood, worth and
:
fortune
Mayst thou have ever thus the heart and strength Of elephants and archimages' prudence. Thou dost partake all excellence, and so Hast cleansed my heart from rust."
Giv's heart content,
When Rustam
:
saw
That
"
and felt would turn out well, he told his steward Set out the board and call the chiefs and sages." Then Faramarz, Zawara, Zal, and Giv
himself assured
all
Sat at the banquet of the valiant chief. Cup-bearers and musicians with their harps
v. 1105
Came
The The harps descanted and the cups went round.

Carousing thus in Rustam's palace Giv Abode three days and made no haste to leave.
to the hall of jewelled tracery handles of the goblets blushed with wine,
;
326
17
How Rustam
came
to
Khusrau
;
The fourth day they prepared to go, 'twas time So Rustam bade to pack the loads and make
While
Girt
All ready for the journey to Iran, at his gate his noble horsemen gathered, for the road. He came forth, mounted Rakhsh, Dight
up
And hung
his loins, put on a Riiman vest, his grandsire's mace beside the saddle,
Intent on feats of arms and strategy.
Rakhsh struck the sky above him, but the head Of crown-bestowing Rustam topped the sun.
their loads up, leaving Faramarz Within Zabul, and Rustam, Giv, and troops Picked Zabuh's, a hundred thousand strong
They took
Set forth upon the march toward Iran All hurried on with vengeance in their hearts.
:
When Rustam
v.
1 1
reached Iran, and when the throne
Of Kai Khusrau was coming

06
A sweet
And
"'Tis
breeze wafted to
to
him
into sight, in its love
gaiety the welcome of the sky.
Then Giv drew near

fit
Rustam saying thus
and tell the Shall That matchless Rakhsh hath measured all the road."
that I go
first
Said Rustam
'
Be
Go rejoicing, say to " of distress.' thy quit

:
"
him
When
:
Giv approached
The royal presence with much praise and homage The Shah demanded " Where was Rustam left ?
How
Thy
have ye sped
"
?
Giv answered
"
:
Shah renowned
He
fortune bringeth all things to success. disobeyed thee not, I found his heart
to thee.
Devoted
When
gave thy
letter
KAI KHUSRAU
327
He pressed it to his face and eyes, and hitched His reins to mine as should a faithful liege. I have pushed on that I might tell the Shah That matchless Rustam is upon the road." " " But," said Khusrau, where is that Prop of chiefs, That Seed of loyalty ? We needs must honour One both so good and faithful." Giv replied " Two stages back I came on first to tell thee."
:
Then Kai Khusrau gave orders to the sages, The royal princes, and the mighty men, To go forth with the host to welcome Rustam, Who came obedient to the Shah's command.
They
And
told Giidarz son of Kishwad, Farhad, Tiis chief of the offspring of Naudar.
The more
part of the warriors and nobles,

V. 1107
Mace-bearers and foe-slayers, then arose And dight themselves to go and meet the guest, According to the usance of Kaiis.
The world was azure-dim with horsemen's dust, The standards fluttered, and the chargers neighed. When they drew near to Rustarn they dismounted
And
did obeisance.
That chief paladin,
Alighting, greeted all the veterans, And asked about the Shah and how things went
Beneath resplendent sun and shining moon Then swiftly as the bright Azargashasp The warriors and Rustam all remounted.
He came
With measured
Then
raised
before that Shah, who loved his lieges, tread and offered reverence,
to revere
For 'twas his duty

thou
and
love,
"
:
his head,
gave praise, and said
Be
Associate with the throne throughout thy years, Urmuzd himself be present in this court,
Bahman
be guardian of thy throne and crown,
328

Ardibihisht, Bahrain, and Tir
May good
Watch over thee, and may Shahrir endow thee With triumph, fame, Grace, majesty, and prowess. Be thine own sentinel Sapandarmad,
May wisdom be the life of thy bright soul May Dai and Farwardin bless thee, the door Of ill be barred, and may Azar make night
;
As bright
as day to thee, thyself rejoice, illume the world, and may Aban crown Thy
all
Make
thine undertakings glorious
V.
108
Be turning heaven before thee as a slave, And may Murdad protect thy flocks and herds Be ever glad in person and in fortune, May ancestor and issue smile on thee, And may Khurdad spread joy o'er field and fell." When Rustam standing there had offered praise The king of kings accorded him a seat " Thou art well come Upon the throne, and said Far be the hand of evil from thy life. Thou art the paladin of this world's Kaians,
:
Who
readest others but art read of none,
The Kaians' choice, the backbone of the host, The warden of Iran, the army's refuge. Thou hast rejoiced me by the sight of thee, Who art so vigilant and worshipful
!
Zawara, Faramiarz, and Zal are they " Hale, happy, and content ?
And
Rustarn answered,
:
Descending from the throne and kissing it " Shah most honoured and of sleepless fortune Thereby all three are well and happy blest Indeed is he whom thou remeuiberest."
:
KAI KHUSRAU
329
l8
How Kai Khusrau
held Feast with the Paladins
The chamberlain threw wide the garden-gate,
And made all ready for a royal revel. He gave command to set the golden crown And throne beneath a bower that scattered roses, And laid down court-brocade o'er all the pleasance, Which shone as 'twere a lamp. They had a tree
It
Set up above the Shah's throne to enshadow and the crown. The stem thereof was silver
The branches were of gold and jewelry, The jewels manifold and clustering, The leaves of emeralds and carnelians,
And
The
fruit
fruits
hung down,
and
all
like earrings, from the boughs. were golden oranges and quinces
All hollow
perforate like reeds,
And charged with musk worked up
with wine that
when The Shah set any one upon the throne The breeze might shower musk on him such showers Descended on the Shah what time he came,
;
And
took his seat upon the throne of gold.

v. 1109
All the cup-bearers wearing coronets Of jewels, gold brocade, and robes of Chin, With torques and earrings, stood before the throne, All clad in gold. All hearts were full of mirth.
The wine was
in their hands, their cheeks were flushed,
Though no one was bemused, like cercis-bloom, Or like brocade of Chin. The aloe-wood Burned and the harps descanted. Then the Shah Gave orders to the chamberlain on duty, And said " Call Tiis, Gudarz, and all the chiefs." He ordered Rustam to approach the throne, And sit with him beneath the tree. He said
:
:
330
"

ourselves
!
Thou happy bond 'twixt fortune and Thou art a shield betwixt Iran and ill
v.
1 1
10
For aye with outstretched wings like the Simurgh, And oft hast toiled for country and for king. Thou knowest how the offspring of Giidarz In peace and war, in profit and in loss, Stand in my presence with their loins girt up, And always are my guides to what is good, While, more than all, Giv shielded me from harm. Such grief ne'er came before upon this house (What greater sorrow than to lose a son ?) And wert thou not to undertake the task I see none other helper in the world. Now remedy this matter of Bizhan's, Who hath been ill-entreated by Tiiran, And take of steeds and armour, men and treasure, Whate'er is needed. Think it not a toil." When Rustam heard he kissed the ground, sprang up, And blessed the Shah " thou fair- famed," he said, " Who like the sun art potent everywhere Be greed and wrath and need afar from thee, And may thy foe's heart burn and agonize. Thou art Shah, lord, and chief above all kings,
:
!
And
inonarchs are the dust upon thy feet. The throne, the bright sun, and the shining moon Have never looked on such another Shah. Thou hast discerned between the good and bad, And bound the Dragon with thy charms and chains.
My mother gave me birth to toil for thee Thine own part is enjoyment and repose.
I
am
obedient to the Shah's commands,
And go where thou shalt bid. By royal Grace, And by my massive mace, I plucked the heart
Out of the divs erst in Mazandaran E'en so for Giv sake, though the sky should rain Fire on my head, I will not heed and, though
;
KAI KHUSRAU
The
spear-points reach the lashes of mine eyes, I will not turn rein from Khusrau's behest.
331
But by thy Grace
And
will compass this achievement, ask for neither chief nor warriors."
When Rustam
With
had thus
said,
Giidarz and Giv
And
Fariburz, Farhad, the brave Shapur, other chiefs, invoked on him God's blessing.
They took the cup and, pledging Zal and Rustam, Became bemused with wine. Thus revelling The Shah oped festively the door of spring.
19
How Rustam made
Petition for Gurgin to the
Shah
Gurgin heard bruit of Rustam and, aware That thus a key to loose his grief had come, " Man of fortune, Grace, Dispatched this message And fame, thou Tree of greatness, loyalty, And treasure. Gate of noble men and Bond Of bale if words of mine afflict thee not I will address thee touching what I did.
:
!
Mark the behaviour of this hump-backed sky In quenching wantonly the light within me, And pointing out to me the path of darkness 'Twas written thus, and what hath been hath been.
!
V.
mi
I will lie
down
in fire before the

;
Shah
over
;
If I
may
if
find forgiveness
all is
my hoar head if my good name be lost wilt plead for me, I will go, thou So, Swift as a mountain-sheep, along with thee, And wallow in the dust before Bizhan
With
If I
may win mine
unstained honour back."
When Rustam heard he heaved a deep, cold sigh; The anguish shown and message sent perturbed him
He
grieved at that request so fondly urged,
332

: :
bade the envoy " Go, return, and say Insensate wretch hast heard not what the leopard Said by the deep stream to the crocodile
And
'
If passion gain the upper hand of wit, " Then nobody will 'scape the clutch of it
'
"
The sage that quelleth passion hath a record As of a noble Lion thine hath been
;
An
ancient fox's, yet thou didst o'erlook I should not grant thy frantic wish The snare
!
should bring thy name before Khusrau, Yet, since I see thee in such straits and all Confounded, I will ask him to forgive thee,
That
And lighten thy dark moon. Then, if Bizhan By God the Ruler of the world's command
Escape, thou wilt be freed and save thy
life
v.
112
Should heaven will otherwise Giv's revenge. Deem life and person as unworth thy love. First will I go forth on my quest and vengeful In God's strength at the bidding of the Shah, But if I fail that man of prowess Giv " Will then take wreak on thee for his brave son.' Thus passed a night and day, and Rustam spake
From
Naught to the Shah, but when upon the morrow The sun displayed its crown and took its seat
Upon its silver-sheening ivory throne, Came Rustam flying unto Kai Khusrau
To ask a boon of that victorious Shah While speaking of Gurgm, his fallen fortune, " Chieftain And wretched plight. The Shah said
:
mine! Thou wouldst then break my bonds and break with me, Because I swore by throne, crown, Mars, and Venus, And sun and moon Gurgin shall see but ill From me unless Bizhan be freed from bondage.' Excepting this ask of me what thou wilt Of swords and signet-rings, of thrones and crowns."
'
KAI KHUSRAU
333
!
He
If
answered Virtuous and famous prince he intended harm he suffereth,

:
"
And
But
is if
prepared to offer up his life the Shah will not forgive him
;
first
He
will
be outcast from the Faith and honour.

the
Whoever turneth from
way
of
wisdom
Will writhe for his ill-doing at the last. Vouchsafe to call to mind Gurgin's exploits,
How
If for
And been
he hath taken part in every fight, a champion with thine ancestors
my sake the Shah will pardon him His fortunes may be somewhat brightened yet." The Shah, that Rustam might not plead in vain,
Gurgm from gloomy
pit
Released
and chain.
20
How Rustam
The Shah asked Rustam
For
this
equipped his Escort

"
:
When
campaign
Demand
wilt thou depart whatever thou wilt
Troops, treasure, and companions for the journey.
Malevolent Afrasiyab, I fear me, Will not long spare Bizhan. The king is headstrong, And the injurious Div, who taught him magic, Anon will turn his heart aside and prompt him
V. 1113
To
"
slay our swordsman."
Rustam thus
achieve this enterprise by stealth, For only craft will loosen such a coil.
I will
replied
We
But
must not give occasion for alarm, set off in the guise of merchantmen,
tarry for a while within Turan. is a case for drawing in the rein,
And
This
And
not a time for maces, swords, and spear- points.
I shall require
much
silver, gold,
and gems
334

start in
hope but we shall stay in fear. need garments too and carpetings For giving presents and as merchandise." On hearing Rustam's words Khusrau commanded His treasurer to bring him whatsoever His minister directed from the hoards Laid up of yore. The royal treasurer Undid the purses and bestrewed the throne With jewels and dinars. Came matchless Rustam, Inspected all, and chose whate'er was needed. He took ten camel-burdens of dinars, Five score of other ware he next commanded The chamberlain " Choose out a thousand horse. Some of the proud and noble lion-men Must also gird themselves Gurgm and Zanga,
I shall
;
:
We
V. 1114
The son of Shawaran, next Gustaham, The Falchion of the brave, and fourth Guraza, The sentinel of warriors, throne, and crown, To lead the host, Ruhham, Farhad, two men Of valour, and Ashkash that lion-hero. These seven warriors must make them ready
To overlook the escort and the goods."
Vied in their preparations
These, every one in his allotted part, for the start.
2I
City of
How
Rustam, went
to the
Khutan
to
Pirdn
Then Rustam
wielders,
bade
those
chieftains,
those
mace-
Those dealers out of death,
to gird
themselves
At dawn what time the officer on duty Came to the gate. At daybreak, when the cock They bound the drums upon the elephants, While Rustam came forth like a lofty cypress,
crew,
KAI KHUSRAU
Mace
in his
335
hand and
lasso
on his saddle.
He
left
And Went
the royal portal with his troops, called down blessings on the land.
first,
The
took
chiefs
the soldiers
in
followed, and
all
Their lives
arrows,
hand, their guides were spears
and
And
every hand had been imbrued in blood.

:
When Rustam reached the marches of Turan He picked out all the chiefs, then bade the troops
"
Abide here cheerfully, move not unless
All-holy
God
deprive
me
of
my
life,
Be dight for battle and prepared for bloodshed." Thus in those marches of fran he left them, And went, he and the chiefs, towards Turan. He doffed his mail and donned a merchant's dress, The warriors undid their silver girdles, And he arrayed them all in woollen robes. They fared toward Turan a caravan All scent and colour. There were eight fine steeds, One Rakhsh, the others were the warriors" mounts, Ten camels bearing bales of jewelry,
V. 1115
And
bearing soldiers' uniforms. The waste rang like the horn of Tahmuras
five score
With
bells and shouting. Rustam journeyed on Until he reached the city of Pi'ran,
For there was one in those Turanian marches Belonging to that chief, but he himself Was at the chase his palace was unguarded. Now when he came back from the hunting-field The matchless Rustam saw him on the road,
;
And
A golden goblet
having covered over with brocade filled with precious stones it and Gave therewithal two splendid steeds,
With saddles made of gold adorned with jewels, To the attendants, and preceding them
Strode to Piran's throne swiftly, did obeisance,
336

said
"
:
prince whose fortune and whose prowess Are famous in Iran and in Tiiran Thy Grace and crown are peerless, for thou art King's minister and glory of the throne." Pi'ran, so God ordained it, knew not Rustam, But questioned him and said: "Whence art thou?
!
And
Speak
What man He said
art
"
thou and wherefore hast thou come
"
?
am
thy subject.
God
assigned
me
A cistern in thy city. I have measured A long and grievous journey from Iran
v. 1116
To
traffic in Tiiran.
I sell
and buy,
And deal in every sort of merchandise. My soul hath good assurance of thy love,
Such was the power
If
of
hope within
my
heart
now
the paladin will take

I will
me
'neath
and sell jewels. will do me hurt, none Through thy just dealing The cloud-rack of thy love rain gems upon me."
His wing
buy
cattle
Then Rustarn offered him before the lords The cup of royal gems, and splendid Arabs With coats too sleek to hold the wind-borne
This wealth with
dust.
a blessing Rustain gave, And fairly clinched the matter. When Pi'ran Beheld the jewels in the brilliant cup
many
He
praised and welcomed Rustam, seating him " Depart Upon the turquoise throne, and said
:
Content and enter with all confidence, For I will lodge thee near me be at ease About thy goods, thou hast no foernan here. Go fetch thy wares, seek buyers on all sides, Make my son's house thy home, and be to me
;
As
"
'twere a kinsman."
Rustam answered thus

I will abide
here with
paladin
What
my caravan, goods I have are thine,
KAI KHUSRAU
337
me be where I may, have jewels of all kinds, And must not lose one, by thy conquering fortune We will remain outside in great content." " Pi'ran replied Go then and choose thy place,
And
'twill
be well with
But
in that I
guards for thy defence." So Rustam chose a house, appointed it, And filled the warehouse with his goods and packs. News spread " A caravan out of Iran
I will station
:
And
Hath
visited the noble paladin,"

V. 1117
And
When
buyers everywhere pricked up their ears tidings reached them of those jewel-merchants.
Those that would buy brocade or stuffs or gerns Departed toward the court-gate of Piran, And when the sun arose the world to grace The warehouse had become a market-place.
22
How
Manizlia came before Rustam

to the city
;
Manizha heard and hurried
Bare-headed, weeping bitterly, she came
That daughter of Afrasiyab to Rustam, And, wiping from her lashes with her sleeve The tears of blood, blessed, greeted him, and said " Enjoy'st thou life and wealth ? God grant that thou Mayst ne'er have reason to repent thy toils. May heaven perform thy will, the evil eye Not harm thee, and since thou hast heart of hope
:
May this thy travail not result in loss. May wisdom ever be thy monitor, And may Iran be blessed and fortunate. What know'st thou of the warriors of the
Giidarz, and the Iranian host ? Have tidings of Bizhan not reached Iran
Shah,
?
Of Giv,
VOL. in.
338
Will not his supplications aught avail, That such a youth a scion of Giidarz May be released from irons ? His feet are galled With fetters and his hands with blacksmiths' rivets
V. 1118
hath been dragged in chains, made fast in bonds Poor wretch his clothes are soaked in his own blood I get no rest myself for I must beg. His lamentations fill mine eyes with tears." Then Rustam in alarm roared out at her, And drave her forth. " Be off I" he cried. " I know not Khusrau or this young chief. I have no tidings About Giidarz and Giv, and thou hast chattered
! !
!
He
My
wits away."
Manizha looked at Rustam, and showered tears of blood Wept bitterly, Upon her bosom in her wretchedness. chieftain full of wisdom She said to him " Such heartless words as these become thee not. Drive me not from thee if thou wilt not talk, For I am stricken to the heart with anguish. Is it indeed the custom of Iran " To tell the poor no news ?
:
!
"
He answered thus then ? Did Ahriman What ailed thee, woman, Give thee a foretaste of the Day of Doom ? Thou didst prevent my trafficking, and therefore I rated thee but do not take to heart My hastiness, my thoughts were on my trade. Besides I have no home within the land Of Kai Khusrau, I know naught of Giidarz And Giv, and ne'er have travelled in those marches." He bade to give the mendicant such food As was at hand, then questioned her at large " Why is't that fortune is so dark with thee ? Why ask about the Shah's throne and Iran ? " Why look upon the road that leadeth thither ?
:
KAI KHUSRAU
339
him Why ask about my case, ? From the mouth and trouble My travail, my Of yonder pit have I with aching heart
She said
to
:
"
Made
haste to thee,
noble
man
to ask
The latest news of Giv and of Giidarz, The warriors, and thou didst shout at me As fighters shout Fear'st not the Judge of all The daughter of Afrasiyab am I Manizha. Never had the sun beheld My form unveiled, but now with eyes all blood, And heart all pain, with sallow cheeks I roam
!
From door
So
to door and gather barley bread, hath God willed Can fortune be wretched ?
!
V. 1119
more
Oh that Almighty God would end it for me, Because resourceless and in yon deep pit Bizhan beholdeth neither night nor day, Nor sun nor moon, but yoked and riveted In heavy bonds is praying God for death. Hence are my griefs redoubled, hence these tears. Thou mayst, if thou art journeying to Iran,
!
Hear of Giidarz son of Kishwad, or see About the court-gate Giv or gallant Rustam Then say Bizhan is in a pit and, save Thou cornest quickly, all is over with him.
'
For iron
thou wouldst look upon him tarry not, " is below him, stone above.' " Thus Rustam answered her O fair of face of rain these tears love ? Why Why not invite
If
: !
Thy
He may
nobles' intercession with thy sire be pitiful, his blood may stir,
;
His liver burn but for my fear of him I would have furnished thee with countless things." Then said he to the cooks " Bring forth for her Of every kind of victual that she needeth." He bade them fetch a bird hot from the spit,
:
340

as he
in soft bread, 1 slipped in, As with a fairy's touch, his signet-ring, And said " Convey this to yon pit. guide
And,
wrapped
it
Art thou to those who have no help beside."
23
How
v.
1 1
Bizhan heard of
the
Coming of Rust am
20
Manizha came back to the pit's mouth, running, The food wrapped in a cloth clasped to her breast,
And
And
gave
said
:
all to
Bizhan.
He saw
amazed,
pit,
Called to the sun-faced damsel from the

"
Where
didst thou get the food,
my
love
That thou hast speeded thus ? How much of And hardship hath befallen thee, and all On mine account, my love and succourer " Manizha answered " From a caravan.
! :
toil
A merchantman a man possessed of wealth Came hither from Iran in search of gain, With merchandise of all kinds great and small A holy man of Grace and understanding, Who bringeth many jewels of all sorts. He is a man of might and open heart, And hath put up a booth before his house He gave to me the cloth just as it is
;
:
'
Pray
'
for
me
to the Maker,' were his words.

to the to
Go to the dungeon And take from time
man
in bonds,
time what he
may
need.'
"
Bizhan with hope amid his fears unrolled The good bread, in perplexity began To eat, observed the ring, and read the name, Then burst out laughing in his joy and wonder. " It was a turquoise ring with " Rustam graven
1 Bread in Persia usually is made up into flexible loaves about one foot wide, two or three feet long, and half an inch thick.
KAI KHUSRAU
Fine as a hair thereon.
341
Bizhan beholding
The
fruit
And Had
upon the tree of faithfulness, wotting that the key to loose his sorrow
come, laughed out and that right royally, So that the sound was heard outside the pit. Manizha marvelled when she heard him laugh
From that dark dungeon fettered as he was, And said " The mad will laugh at their own
:
acts
:
"
!
She paused in sheer amazement, then she said

"
destined to high fortune

laugh, for
is
why
!
this laughter
? ?
V. 1121
Why
What
Doth
thou discern'st not night from day the mystery ? Reveal it Tell me
!
better fortune
show thee countenance

:
"
Bizhan replied to her " I am in hope That fortune will undo this grievous coil. Now if with me thou wilt not break thy faith, And make a covenant with me by oath, I will reveal the matter every whit, For though for fear of harm one go about To sew up women's lips the words will out.' "
'
Mam'zha hearing
'
this
wept
!
bitterly
"
What hath malicious fortune brought," she Woe is me My day is done, Upon me
?
said,
is stricken, and mine eyes o'erflow Bizhan gave my heart and home and wealth. now he And treateth me with such distrust My father and my kin abandoned me, I run about unveiled before the folk,
My
heart
gave withal
my
treasures
up
to spoil,
My crown, dinars, and jewels, every whit. I did hope in Bizhan but hope no more.
My world is darkened and mine eyes are dim, For he concealeth secrets thus from me,
But Thou dost know me
"
:
better,
my God
"
!
Bizhan replied Tis true. Thou hast lost all For me, and I." he added, " needs must tell thee,
342

!
Tis
iny beloved mate and prudent comrade fit thou counsel me in all, my brain
through suffering, so know that he The jewel-merchant, he whose cook provided The dainty meal for thee came to Turan On mine account, for else he had no need Of gems. The Maker pitied me, and I
Is void
v.
1 1
22
Perchance shall see earth's broad expanse. This man me from these longsome griefs and thee From plodding to and fro in heat and anguish. Do thou draw near and say to him in private O thou the paladin of this world's Kaians, Affectionate of heart and good at need Inform me if thou art the lord of Rakhsh ?
Will free
:
'
'
'
Manizha
left
the forest like the wind,
Rustam hearing her, from afar had come to him for help, Knew that Bizhan had made the secret known
the message.
And gave
Who
To that slim Cypress with the rosy cheeks.

and said " My Fair may God Ne'er take away from thee Bizhan's devotion. What toils must thou have borne these many clays That thou hast grown so woe-begone with care
He
pitied her
him Yea God who heareth cries for help Hath given unto thee the lord of Rakhsh,
Tell
'
:
from Zabul Iranward, from Iran Turanward, trod the weary way for thee.' When thou hast said this keep the matter
Who
secret,
And
give good ear at night to any sound. Collect dry fuel from the wood to-day
And, when night cometh, set the pile ablaze To guide me to the opening of the pit." l Manizha, joyful at the words and freed
From trouble, hastened to the mountain-top, Where in the pit her lover was confined,
1
Line inserted from P.
KAI KHUSRAU
343
And
said
"
:
have repeated
:
all
thy message
To that illustrious, glorious one whose steps Are blessed. He answered I indeed am he, Whose name and sign are asked for by Bizhan.
'
thou who goest with a heart so seared, washest both thy cheeks with tears of blood " We are dappled like a pard with galls Say On hands and girdlestead on thine account, And now that we have certain news of thee Thou shalt behold our deadly falchion's point, Now will I rend the earth beneath my grasp, And fling that seated boulder to the sky." He said to me As soon as heaven is dark, And night freed from the clutches of the sun, Set thou a fire, as 'twere a mount, ablaze, And make it bright as day about the pit, " To guide me on the road.' Bizhan rejoiced,
And
'
'
v. 1123
Although a prisoner
Said
"
:
still,
To Him, the Almighty Maker
and, looking up of the world,

!
Thou
compassionate and holy Judge my Helper out of every ill. Pierce with Thy shaft my foeman's heart and
art
soul.
do me right on him that did the wrong Thou knowest all my sorrows, pain, and grief. Perchance I may regain my native land, And leave behind me this malignant star And thou, my toil-worn mate, thou who hast made Life, body, heart, and goods a sacrifice For me, and in thy toil on my behalf Hast counted every trouble as a joy, Hast given up the crown and throne and girdle, Thy parents and thy kindred and thy treasure If I do but escape this Dragon's clutch, While I am still within the time of youth,
:
! !
Now
344
I,
like the devotees who worship God, Will run toward thee with mine arms outstretched,
And, like a servitor before a king, Gird up my loins to make thee fair return. Bear yet this toil, thy guerdon shall be great In goods and treasure."
Bird-like to the
She
flew for wood, with

"
:
arms
full
boughs watched the sun,

night rise o'er the
And thought
hills?"
Oh
when
will
When
Its
Sol
o'er
army The world, its features hidden, taketh Manizha went and set a-blaze a fire,
had vanished and dark night had led the mountain-tops what time
rest,
That scorched the eye of pitch-black night, and listened To hear the clanging of the kettledrum Which told that Rakhsh the brazen-hoofed had come.
24
How Rustam
v. 1124
took Bizhan out of the Pit
Then Rustam buckled on his Rum an mail, With prayers for succour and support to Him,
Who is the
"
!
Lord of sun and moon, and said
Oh may the eyes of evil men be blinded, And may I have the strength to save Bizhan." At his command the warriors girt themselves
;
With girdles of revenge, put on their steeds The poplar saddles, and prepared for combat Then matchless Rustam led them toward the
fire.
When
''
he approached the boulder of Akwan, Approached that pit of sorrow, smart, and anguish, " Dismount," he told the seven warriors,
And
strive to clear the pit's mouth of the stone." They strove in vain and sorely galled their hands.
KAI KHUSRAU
345
still,
Now
while their sweat ran, for the stone stood
The lion-chief alighted, hitched his skirt Of mail beneath his belt and, asking strength
From God
Back
its
source, grasped, raised,
and hurled the
boulder
to the forest of the land of Chin Earth shook thereat. Then asked he of Bizhan With lamentable cries " How earnest thou To such a luckless plight ? Thy portion here Was wont to be all sweetness why hast thou " Received then from the world a cup of poison " Bizhan replied How fared the paladin the ? Upon way Thy greeting reached mine ear, And this world's poison was made sweet to me.
:
Such as thou seest is my dwelling-place, Mine earth is iron and my heaven stone, While through exceeding anguish, hardship, sorrow, And toil I have renounced this Wayside Inn." Said Rustain " God had pity on thy life, And now, O man wise and magnanimous
:
!
V. 1125
There is one thing that I desire of thee Grant pardon to Gurgin son of Mi'lad For my sake, putting from thee hate and malice.' He answered " O my friend how shouldst thou
:
know
What
have been mine ? And know'st thou not, noble lion-man that which Gurgin Hath done to me ? If I behold him ever My vengeance shall bring Doomsday down on him." " If thou show'st malice and wilt not attend
conflicts
!
To what I say," said Rustaiu, " I will leave thee Bound in the pit, and mount, and hie me home."
When
wail went
Rustam's answer reached the captive's ear up from that strait prison-house
"
:
As he replied Of warriors, of
The wretchedest am
kindred, and
I
!
my
my
people
346
I

to
must put up to-day too with the wrong The great wrong which Gurgin hath done Yea I will do so and will be content
:
me
My
heart shall rest from taking vengeance on him." Then Rustam let his lasso down the pit,
And drew up
thus Bizhan with fettered

hair
feet,
With naked body, with long
wasted by affliction, pain, His form blood-boltered, and his visage wan By reason of those bonds and rusty fetters. Now Rustam cried aloud when he beheld Bizhan with body hidden by the iron, And putting forth his hands he snapped the chains And bonds, and freed Bizhan from ring and fetter. They went toward Rustam's house on one side of him Bizhan rode, on the other side Mam'zha.
;
And
and nails, and want,
v. 1126
The youthful
And
pair sat in their sorry plight, told their story to the paladin.
Then Rustam bade them bathe the young man's head, And clothed him in new robes. When afterward
Gurgin approached and, prone upon the dust, Sought to excuse his evil deeds, and writhed For words so ill-advised, Bizhan condoned
Then they loaded up the camels, on the steeds, while Rustam the saddles put Assumed his favourite mail and mounted Rakhsh.
The matter.
And
The warriors drew
forth their scimitars
the shrewd with the The army's Ear went baggage-train. Then matchless Rustam bade Bizhan " Away,
:
And massive maces, sent the baggage on, And dight themselves for strife. Ashkash
And journey
For in
with Mam'zha and Ashkash,
my
vengeance on Afrasiyab
Now
not eat, repose, or sleep. do such exploits at his gate That on the morn his troops shall laugh at him.
To-night
I shall
Avill I
KAI KHUSRAU
347
pit,
Thou
And
hast endured enough with bonds and shouldst not share the fight."
Bizhan said
I lead since
"
:
Nay,
ye for
me renew
the fray."
25
How Rustam
attacked the Palace of Afrdsiydb by Night
The baggage thus consigned to shrewd Ashkash, The seven warriors set forth with Rustam. With bridles on their saddle-bows they drew The sword of vengeance. While all slept within
II2 7
He reached
the court-gate of Afrasiyab,

bar,
And, breaking with his hands both bolt and

Fierce as a lion flung himself inside.
In every quarter sounds of tumult rose, glittered, arrows rained, the chieftains' heads Were all struck off, their hands were filled with dust,
Swords
Their mouths with blood, while Rustam in the porch Cried " May sweet sleep distaste thee For thy bed
:
!
Thou hadst
a throne, Bizhan
Didst see an iron
had but a wall between us ? I
pit.
Am
And
I
Rustam
'tis
no season
of Zabul, the son of Zal, this for sleep and couching.
have burst through thy prison, door and bar, that huge boulder stood on guard for thee. Bizhan is free both head and foot from bonds Let no one thus maltreat a son-in-law Of fighting and revenge for Siyawush, And dust from Rakhsh's feet upon the plain, Thou hadst enough yet fain wouldst slay Bizhan I know thy wicked heart and drowsy head." Bizhan too cried " Dense and malignant Turkman Bethink thee of yon throne, thy glorious seat,
Where
And me
withal that stood in chains before thee.
348
I
challenged combat leopard-like, but thou Didst bind iny hands together firm as rock. Now see me free upon the plain a man
Whom
v. 1128
savage lions will not seek to fight." " Hath sleep enfettered Afrasiyab exclaimed
:
My
warriors
Cut
off these
All ye
who seek a
signet or a
men's retreat, " crown

!
On all sides was the sound of hurried steps, The bloodshed made a river at the gate,
And when a soldier of Turan appeared His place was void forthwith, The Iranians Came seeking vengeance, but Afrasiyab Escaped by flight. The lord of Rakhsh rode in
Upon the carpets of brocade. The warriors Took the fair slaves who caught them by the hand Took too the noble steeds with poplar saddles.
Whose flaps of pard-skin were beset with gems, Then left the royal palace, packed the baggage, And stayed not in Turan but hastened on
To save the booty and avoid mishap. So spent was Rustam that he scarce endured His helmet, while the horses and their riders Had no pulse left. He sent to bid the host " Unsheathe your vengeful scimitars no doubt The earth will be bedimmed by horses' hoofs,
: ;
Because Afrasiyab
will gather
him
mighty host whose spears will veil the sun." They marched along, those warlike cavaliers,
All ready for the fray, with sharpened lances And reins well gathered in. scout ascended
The look-out and from

the
v. 1129
surveyed the route would come. Whereby Mam'zha then was sitting in her tent Before her were her handmaids and her guide, And matchless Rustam spoke to her this saw
far
Turkman
cavaliers
"
If
musk
be poured away the scent will stay."
KAI KHUSRAU
Such
is
349
the fashion of this Wayside Inn,

!
Whiles sweets and smiles, whiles travail and chagrin
26
Hmv
Afrdsiydl) went to fight
icitli
Rustam
When
Sol rose o'er the hills the

to
Turkman horsemen
rose.
march. The city was astir, Prepared thou hadst And, said, a deafening clamour
Before the court-gate of Afnisiyab The troops formed rank, the great
loins,
men
loosed their
And bowed
Exclaiming
their heads in dust before the king,

"
:
What must
Will
be done
Things with us have passed all bounds ? This business of Bizhan
Will be a lasting stigma, the Iranians call us men no more, but women armed.""
Thereat Afrasiyab raged like a pard, He bade Piran fight for shame. To bind the tymbals on, and thus he said
And bade them

"
This flouting from Iran is over-much The brass blared at the court-gate of the king, The troops were all in motion in Turan, The warriors ranked themselves before the palace, Arose the din of trump and Indian bell,
!
"
And
to the frontier
left
from Turan a host
Marched that
earth no surface save the sea.
Now when
Saw
the Iranian
earth heave ocean-like he

said
"
:
watchman from the look-out came to Rustain,

world
is
v. 1130
And
Make
ready, for the

"
!
black
With dust
"
of
horsemen
Rustam made
We
reply
fear not,
we
will strew
it
on their hands."
He left Manizha with the baggage, donned His battle-mail, went to a height, observed
350
foe, and roared out like a savage lion. That gallant horseman spake a proverb, saying " What doth a fox weigh in a lion's claws ? " Then to his valiant warriors he shouted " The wage of war confronteth us to-day. Where are the swords and iron-piercing darts ? Where are the ox-head maces and the spears ?
:
The
Now
is
the season to display your prowess,
And rank yourselves upon the battlefield." Anon arose a sound of clarions,
While matchless Rustam mounted Rakhsh and led His army plainward from the heights what time The foe was seen approaching. 1 Both the hosts Deployed upon that broad expanse and formed
Two camps empanoplied.
Then Rustam chose
His battle-ground, whereat the world grew black With horse-raised dust. Ashkash and Gustaham Were on the right with many cavaliers, Upon the left were Zanga and Ruhham.
All rose superior to that conflict. Rustam, The warriors' warden and the host's support,
Was
at the centre with
Of Giv.
Bizhan the son Behind the host was Mount Bistun,
In front a citadel of scimitars. Afrasiyab, when he beheld that host, With Rustam who was seen commanding it, In dudgeon donned his armour for the battle, And bade his troops to halt. He drew them up In due array against the foe. The earth Was hidden and the air like indigo. The left wing he intrusted to Piran, While brave Human departed to the right The centre he consigned to Garsiwaz And Shida; he himself o'erlooked the whole.
;
" aussitot
que 1'armee cnnemie eut paru dans
le
defile
de la
niontaync opposic" (Mobl).
KAI KHUSRAU
The matchless Rustam went about the
host,
351
And seemed a sable mountain in his mail. He cried: "Thou luckless Turkman, thou
To To
province, crown,
and throne
disgrace thou hast no heart
v. 1131
fight like cavaliers, yet shamest not Before thy warriors, but assailest us,
And
coverest the earth with
men and
steeds,
Though when the armies grapple I shall see Thy back toward the tight. Hast thou not heard
Those sayings of old times which Zal repeateth
affrighted at a plain Of onagers stars ape the sun in vain The lusty mountain-sheep if it shall hear
lion
is
; ; '
:
No
A wolfs
No No
fox
claws
named
will shiver, heart e'er so
and ear
is
daring, try he
much,
'
onagers the lion's claws will touch ? Be never king as light of wit as thou, Or he will give his kingdom to the winds.
Upon
this plain
thou shalt not get away
Alive and scathless from
my
hands to-day."
27
How
As soon
Afrdsiydb ivas defeated by the Iranian*
as that
grim Turkman heard the words

: !
He
"
shook, drew one quick breath, then cried in fury warriors of Turan are we engaged
In banquet, feast, or battle on this field ? Ye must endure hard toil in this emprise,
For
I will give
you treasure
in return."
;
They shouted when they heard the monarch's words The sun so gloomed with dust that thou hadst said " " Earth is submerged Upon the elephants
: !
The drums were beaten, horns and trumpets bloAvn. The warriors with their breastplates formed a wall
v. 1132
352
Of iron on the battlefield. The plain Shook and the hills re-echoed with the shouts
Raised by the cavaliers upon both sides The trenchant swords flashed mid the clouds of dust Thou wouldst have said " The Day of Doom hath
;
;
come
"
!
Steel sparths descended like a storm of hail Upon the coats of mail, the helms, and casques, While at the gleam of Rustain's dragon-flag
The bright sun's face grew azure-dim he veiled The air with arrows, " Smearing," thou hadst said, " The sun with pitch." Where'er he urged on Rakhsh
;
He trampled on
in his
the heads of cavaliers.
hand he bore an ox-head mace, Grasped And seemed a dromedary broken loose. He came forth from the centre like a wolf,
And
scattered
all
the foemen's vast array.

as leaves are
Then horsemen's heads were shed
shed
Before the blast, and fortune left the Turkmans. Swift as the wind Ashkash upon the right Sought to engage the swordsman Garsivvaz,
Gurgin, Farhad, and brave
Ruhham
o'erthrew
The left wing of the monarch of Turan, While in the centre dexterous Bizhan
Esteemed the Blood flowed
standard
V. 1133
all averse, all of Tiiran The warriors slain, so flung His Indian scimitar away and, mounting
battlefield a banquet-hall. in streams, the Turkman
monarch's
Sank, he beheld his fortunes
A fresh
Toward
steed, fled attended by his nobles Turan, balked of revenge, and followed
By
And
lion-taking Rustam, who rained mace arrow on the enemy, and blasted
For two leagues, thou hadst said, like dragon grim The warriors. A thousand cavaliers
KAI KHUSRAU
353
Were
captured. Rustam then returned to camp In order that he might divide the spoil, And, when the elephants were loaded, he Marched back to Kai Khusrau victoriously.
28
How Rustam
returned to
Kai KTiusrau
When
tidings reached the gallant
Shah
"
:
The Lion
;
Hath come back from the Wood victorious Bizhan is free from prison and from bonds, And from the clutches of his dragon-foe
;
The army of Tiiran is overthrown, The foe's whole purpose foiled," he went
rejoicing,
And fell upon his face, before the Maker. Whenas Gudarz and Giv received the news
They hasted
to the conquering Shah.
shout
Went
The
up, troops mustered, and the tymbal-players Set forth, the trumpet sounded at the gate,
soldiers shouted.
All the riding-ground black with chargers' hoofs, the kettledrums Roared through the city, horsemen proudly pranced, And mighty elephants tusked up the earth.
Was
Before the army went the drums and horns, Gudarz and Tiis came after with the standard.
Upon one side were pards and lions chained, Upon the other were brave cavaliers. In such wise the victorious Shah commanded
The troops to go to meet their paladin. They set forth on their journey troop on troop The earth was mountain-like with warriors. When they distinguished Rustam from the rest, Gudarz and Giv alighted, as did all The other mighty men and Rustam also, To whom both young and old did reverence.
;
V. 1134
VOL.
III.
354

him and
said
:
Giidarz and Giv saluted

"
thou illustrious and valiant chief! May God be thy protection now and ever, May sun and moon both circle to thy wish. Of thee the lion learneth to be bold,
Of thee may heaven weary nevermore
Thou
hast
made
all
our kindred slaves to thee
Through whom we have recovered our lost son. Thou hast delivered us from pain and grief,
And made
us
all
thy servants in fran."
The chiefs remounted and approached in pomp The palace of the monarch of the world, And, when that chief the refuge of the host
Drew near the city of the king of kings, The Shah himself, the warden of the troops And crown of chiefs went out to welcome him. When Rustam by the pomp knew that the Shah
Had
come, he lighted and did homage, grieved That Kai Khusrau had come so far. The world-lord Took Rustam in a close embrace and said " Thou Stay of chieftains and thou Soul of honour As glorious as the sun are all thy gests, And thine achievements broadcast through the world." Then quickly taking by the hand Bi'zhan, Who was abashed before his Shah and sire, 1
:
!
v. 1135
The matchless Rustam brought, presented him,

Rose
to his feet,
and made the bent back
straight.
Thereafter he delivered to the
Shah
:
thousand captives from Tiiran in bonds.

blessed
The monarch
him
lovingly and said
"May heaven ever favour thy desires, May thy hand flourish, may thy heart rejoice, And thy pure body 'scape all hurt from foes.
How
blest is Zal,
who
!
will
bequeath the world

is
A Memory like
thee
Blest
Zabul,
P.
Reading with
KAI KHUSRAU
355
Whose
Blest
inilk
hath nourished such undaunted heroes.

blest are its warriors,
;
is f ran,
Possessing such a paladin as thee Yet is my fortune higher than them all In having such a servant of my throne.
Thou
art Iran's
crown and the
chieftains' stay,
And
"
lacking thee I care not for the world." Then said the monarch of the world to Giv
The Almighty's purposes toward thee are good, Who hath restored to thee by Rustam's hand Thy son, thy well beloved, and in triumph." Giv blessed the Shah and said " Live and rejoice As long as time shall be, may thy head flourish Through Rustam ever, and may he possess The heart of glorious Zal with happiness."
:
29
How Kai Khusrau made

Khusrau commanded
"
:
a Feast
Let the board be spread,
And
call
the chiefest nobles to the feast." the guests had risen from the table
V. 1136
;
Now when
They had the place
set for a drinking-bout. Fair slaves illumed the hall, with cup-bearers
And
earringed harpers harping on their harps Their heads were crowned with massive coronets Of gold with patterns traced thereon in gems. All cheeks were ruddy as brocade of Rum,
And
And
fairy fingers
made
the harps resound.

full of
There were gold chargers
purest musk,
in the front a laver of rose-water.
The Shah, resplendent with imperial Grace, Shone like a full moon o'er a straight-stemmed cypress. The paladins, the lieges of Khusrau, All left the palace, well bemused. Next morning
Came Rustam
to the court,
with open heart
356
And girded loins, for leave to hie him home. He took much prudent counsel with the Shah,
gave commandment, and a change of raiment Bejewelled, with a tunic and a crown,
vase of royal gems, a hundred steeds All saddled and a hundred laden camels,
Who
hundred
fair-faced
handmaids ready
girt,
A hundred
Were
slaves adorned with torques of gold, brought before the master of the world,
Who gave them all to Rustam of Zabul. That hero kissed the ground and then stood upright. He set upon his head that royal crown, He bound that royal girdle round his loins, Did homage to the Shah, then left the presence,
And made
Next
In
toil
his preparations for Sistan.
to the nobles that
had been with Rustam

:
and
The Shah
They The
left
fight, in happiness and sorrow, gave gifts, to each in his degree
the palace of Khusrau, rejoicing. Shah, when he had finished with the chiefs,
And
sat at leisure
v. 1137
Bizhan to While for At large of that strait dungeon, of his conflicts, And what had happened in those evil days. The Shah forgave him and much pitied too The pains and sorrows of the luckless damsel, Called for a hundred garments of brocade Of Rum, gem-patterned on a ground of gold,
crown, ten purses also of dinars, and carpets and all kinds of wealth, And said thus to Bizhan " These precious things
Girl-slaves
:
on his throne, commanded come, and spake of all his troubles, his part Bizhan informed the Shah
mournful soul, Use her not hardly, speak no chilling word, Consider all that thou hast brought on her.
Bear
to the lady of the
Go through
this world rejoicing
by her
side,
KAI KHUSRAU
357
And
How
And
take thou heed of time's vicissitudes, it will raise one to the heights of heaven,
bear him all unharmed by care and anguish, Then how that heaven will fling him to the dust, Where all is fear, anxiety, and dread The man whom fortune cherished on its breast
!
It casteth
wantonly to depths of need,

!
And And
raiseth thence another to the throne,
The world
setteth on his head a jewelled crown is not ashamed of such ill doings,
;
For it respecteth no one and, although For ever dominating good and bad, Ensueth not the peace of any one."
Such
is
the
manner
of our earthly lot

ill,
It leadeth us alike to
good and
live
And
noble hearts
may
untroubled
not.
still
So long as poverty oppresseth
The
And
As
I
story of Gudarz I next unfold of Piran that of Bizhan is told

;
have heard
it
in the tales of old.
N D EiX
Afrasiyab,
This Index and the Table of Contents at the beginning of the volume are complementary. References to the latter are in Roman numerals.
makes
his
prepara-
AAISHMA DAKVA,
Abbreviations,
272
Aboii, genius, 287, 328

list of, 3
250 sends Farghar to spy Rustam, 243, 250 consults with Shida, 250
tions, 243,
on
Abul Kasim
of
Gurgan, shaikh,
concerning Fir-
191 his dream
dausi, 191 Afrdsiyab, ruler of Turan, v, vi,

vii,
viii,
describes Rtistam, 251 receives Farghdr's report, 253 consults with Piran, 253 bids Pirdn continue the war,
ix, 8,
12,
13, 15,
254 sends Shida to summon PuMd-
21, 23, 26, 27,
29,
40, 42,
47>
73,
76
seg.,
94,
100,
106, 108, 118, 123, 134, 136,

143, 146, 152,- 153, 164, 165, 176, 183, 185, 191, 193, 200
seq.,
wand, 255 consults Puladwand, 256 interferes in the light be-
207
sea.
211, 213, 218,

seq.,
tween Rustam and Puladwand, 263 withdraws to Chin and

Miichin, 265 goes in pursuit of Rustam and is defeated, 280 hears of the case of Bizhan
223, 228, 241, 242, 249
260
seq.,
seq.,
268, 295, 320,
271,
277
300, 337,
285,
se.q.,
298,
333,
304
339, 34 6 s9-
Kai Khusrau's oath to take

vengeance on, 21
hears of the approach of the I' rdnian host, 71
bids Piran gather troops, 71,
and Manizha, 301 consults Kurakhan, 301 sends Garsiwaz to search

Manizha's palace, 301
sentences Bizhan to death,
304
respites Bizhan, 308
79
numbers the
loss of
host, 79
kindred in battle, 94 rewards Piran, 106

reinforces Piran, 118
imprisons Bizhan, 309 disgraces Manizha, 309

escapes from Rustam, 348 bids Pir;tn prepare for war,
announces
referred to, 206 to his chiefs the
349 arrays the

host
against
defeat of his host, 242 exhorted by his host to con-
Rustam, 350 rlees from Rustam, 352

Ahriman, the Evil Principle,
359
17,
tinue the war, 243, 249
36o
INDEX
123, 214, 228, 251, 266, 275,
Armenians (Irmanians),
Arsacid, dynastic
title,
the, 286
277, 287, 293, 294, 300, 303, 304, 314, 316, 318, 338
Artabanus
9,
III.,
Parthian king
Akein Manau,
Akuma"n, 272
271,
272
270
271
seq.,
10
Akwan,
div, viii, 7,
280
seq., 284,
309
7,
Artabanus, son of Artabanus 111,9 Aryans, 10 Arzhang, Turanian hero, vi, 76,
77,
1
Story of, viii, Professor

the, 271
19 seq.
Noldeke
on
challenges the I'ninians, 119
Firdausion, the, 273, 281 boulder of, 271, 276, 309, 343,
344, 347
Arzhang, dungeon of, 309 Ashkabus, Turanian hero, vii,

179 seq., 183,
1
109,
86, 207,
268
Rustam's
fight with, 109, 179
removed from pit's mouth by Rustam, 345 appears in the form of an

onager, 273
foils
seq.
worsts Ruhham, 179 parleys with Eustam, 180

slain
by Rustam,
181
pursued by Rustam, 275
Ashkdnian, dynasty, 9, II Ashkash, Tranian hero, 33,

89- 347, 350,
34,
Rustam, 276
352
takes
offers
Rustam
at a disadvan-
tage, 276
goes with Rustam to rescue Bizhan, 334
Rustam a
choice of
conveys
I'ran,
baggage
346
toward
deaths, 277
outwitted by Rustam, 277
Asmodeus, demon, 272

Azar, genius, 287, 328
by Rustam, 281 described by Rustam, 282

slain
Azar Abddagdn, Tabriz or

of,
Alburz, mountain, 120

Alif, terminal, Firdausi's
use
the Fire-temples there, 20 Azargashasp, spirit of the lightning, 20, 23, 53, 72, 92, 97,
114, 194, 276, 327
285
Almds, river, 251 Alwd, Rustam's spear-bearer,

1
vii,
88
B
BABR-I-BAYAX,
a surcoat of leopard or tiger skin worn
slain
by Kamus, 188
Ambuh,
place, 41 Ameshaspentas, the, 271
by Rustam in
1
battle, 184,
Androphagoi, the, 191 Apologue, 332 Apothegms, 53, 91, 96,

348,
86
167, 188,
212, 260, 277, 301, 316, 341,
referred to, 278 Babylon, 286 Bactrian plains, 10
35. 35 *
Baghdad,
city, 35
Arabs, the, 14 Aral Sea, 10

Ardibihisht,
Bahman (Vohu Manau), ameshaspenta, 286, 327 Bahra'm, genius, 287, 328
ameshaspenta, 286,
328
Aries, constellation, 26, 38, 187,
Bahrain (Y'ardanes), I'ranian hero and Parthian king, v, vi,

ii,
3i8 Arjasp, ruler of Turdn, 109 Armenia, country (Irman), 12
13,
15,
19, 43,
46
seq.,
67,
72,
74,
94
seq.,
114
116,
132, 200, 214, 232
INDEX
Bahrain, the loss of his whip, n, 95 his interview with Fardel, 47
seq.
aeq.,
361
211, 234, 247, 248, 253,
seq.,
259, 264, 271, 284
289,
aeq.,
291
aeq.,
330
seq.,
337
349, 350, 35 2
ix, 7, 11, 12,
?
of, viii,
Fariid presents his mace to, 50 reports his interview with
and Manizha, Story

285
Fariid to Tus, 51
historical basis of,
1 1
save Fanid, 51,52 reproaches the I'ranians, 66

tries to
Mohl
his
on, 285
Firdausi on, 287
slays Kabiida, 74 rescues the crown of Rivniz,
ham
friendship with Gustathe son of Gazhda-
94
becomes
97
fey, 95
succours a
wounded
brother,
ham, 15 his relations with Giv, 1 5 undertakes to slay Palashan,

26
to carry
off
finds his whip, 97 loses his horse, 97
and handmaid
h<iv,
the crown of Taz-
attacked by Turkmans, 98 Ruin, 99 wounds Ruin, 99 his interview with Piran, 99 attacked by Tazhav, 101
27
swears to avenge Zarasp, 59 borrows a steed from Gusta-
ham, 59
the mail of Siydwush, 60, 69 worsts Fariid, 62 praises Farud to Tits, 62 rights with Farud, 64
Palashan, 70 pursues Tazhav, 77 takes Ispanwi captive, 78 his prowess with Kasva's standard, 93 shan-s his steed with Gusta-
found by Giv, 102 his death and burial, 104 Balkh, city, 153, 192
Baluchistan (Makran), 34 Barbar, Barbaristan, country, 207, 269 Barman, Turanian hero, 79, 210
Barta, I'ranian hero, 25, 92 Barzin, 1'ranian hero, 25, 127, 273 Bazur, Turanian warlock, 128 Bid, a div, 256 Bidad, city, 244 seq.
stormed by Rustam, 246

Bihistun, rock of, 9 Gotarzes' inscription on,
9,
ham, 95 goes in quest of Bahrain, 102 attacks Biddd, 244
Birthmark, of Siyawush, 49 Fanid, 49 Kai Khusrau, 49 note Bi*tun, mountain, 12, 184, 350 Biward, Turanian hero, 152, 161
goes to summon Rustam, 245 worsted by Pdladwand, 258 volunteers to go to the help
of the Irmanians, 291 goes to Irmdn with Gurgin, 292 destroys the wild boars, 293 envied by Gurgin, 294
comes to aid Piiau, 152 Bizhan, franian hero, vi, viii,

ii aeq.,
15, 20, 45,
ix,
59 aeq.,
121,
his steed, 296, 302, 313 his interview with Manizha's
67, 69 seq., 76 seq., 81, 92,

93, 95,
101,
102,
nurse, 297
visits
115,
Manizha, 298
129, 130, 133, 139, 141,
157
drugged, 299
362
Bizhan,
INDEX
wakes
in
AfrdsiyaVs
palace, 300 holds revel with Manizha, 30x3
Chaghan, place, Charam, place,
152, 177, 228

40,
41,
52,
68,
85, 86, iii, 112
discovered by Garsiwaz, 302 taken before Afrasiyab, 303 sentenced to death, 304
his lament, 305
Charinda, river, 10 note Chin, country (often = Turan),

46, 49, 103,
104, 106,
125,
128, 129, 140, 152, 161, 164,
imprisoned, 309 searched for by Gurgin, 310 his parentage, 324 receives Rustam's ring, 340
177, 186, 207, 218, 222 seq., 2 35- 2 37> 238, 240 seq.,
2$iseq.,2SS, 265, 277, 295,

298, 309, 345
Rustam's conditions
345 released, 346
for,
of
re-
Khan
seq.,
of,
1
vii,
viii,
108,
151
lease
60, 164 seq., 172, 185,
187, 190, 191,
pardons Gurgin, 346 joins in attack on Afrasiyab's

palace, 347 presented to Kai
207
seq.,
198 seq., 205, 217, 221, 226 seq.,
240 seq., 251 Story of Rustam and the,

vii, viii, 191 silk of, 104, 165
Khusrau by
Avith
Rustam, 354
holds
converse
Kai
shield
of,
125, 140, 256
Khusrau, 356
Boars, wild, devastate Irman, 290 slain by Bizhan, 293
mace
sea
of,
129
of, 151, of,
252
154, 160,
brocade
173,
Borysthenes, river (Dnieper), 191 Boulder, of the div Akwan, 271,

276, 309, 343 seq., 347
216, 240, 241, 300, 329 steel of, 1 86
removed from pit's mouth by Rustam, 345 Brahman, 29 Brand-mark of Kaiis, 291 Busipas, nonce name assumed by
Hiiimin, 198
prince of = Khan, 226 king of = Khan, 227, 228
robes of, 329 Chingish, Tiiranian hero, vii, 194, 195, 207 volunteers to avenge Kamiis,
194 challenges Rustam, 194
slain by Rustam, 195 Claudius, Emperor, 10 Climes, the seven, 290, 317, 318 Crocodile = Kamiis, 192
Buzgiish, tribe,
207
C^SSAR, 9 Calendar, Zoroastrian, 286 Cancer, constellation, 125,

255
151,
D
DAHAE, nomad
tribe, 10
Cannibalism, 191, 244 Canopus, star, 297 of Yaman, 297 Caspian, sea, 10, 192
Cluich, city of
its
Dai, genius, 287, 328 Diiman-i-Kuh (mountain-skirt), 1 5

Div,
Turan famous for bows (Ttishkand), 123,
demon
(Daeva), 70, 74, 200,
232, 244, 255,25756-7., 261,

268, 273 seq., 320, 330
181, 227
1
See Vol.
ii,
p.
55 note.
INDEX
Div, the White, 143, 256, 314 =Ahriman, 189, 293, 333 binder of the, = Rustani, 253,
Fariburz, son of
vii,
363
Kai Kdus,
aeq.,
vi,
13, 14, 24, 32, 45,
50,
164,
84
seq.,
145
163,
262
166, 167, 169, 174, 177, 182,

viii, 7,
Akwan,
270
seq.,
280
ix,
187,211, 213,215, 238, 239,

241, 253, 258, 268, 289, 331 his claims to the throne sup-
309 Divining-cup, Kai Khusrau's, 285, 317, 318, 323

seq., 284,
Dnieper, river (Borysthenes), 191
Dragon = Afrasiyab,
Palashan, 26
Giv, 58
22,
46,
211,
219, 222, 248, 319, 343
ported by Tus, 13 Kai Khusrau's letter to, 84 reads to the chiefs Kai Khusrau's letter, and supersedes
Tiis, 86 sends Ruhhdm to Pinin, 87 obtains an armistice and prepares to renew the cam-
Rustam, 222
Pula"d\vand, 264
Aliriman, 330
paign, 89
fights
and
is
defeated, 90
returns to
I'rdn,
in
E
ELEPHANT -Rustam,
asks
221, 253
Rustam
to support his
= Rakhsh,
257
Erinde, river, 10, 11 Ethiop, 226
suit to Farangis, 146 marries Farangis, 148 leads the van of Rustam's
expedition to succour Tus, 148
FARA*MARZ, son of Rustam,

31.
18, 30,
meets Giidarz, 163 joins forces with Tus, 169 goes to Kai Khusrau with
tidings of victory, 236 seq. returns to the host, 241, 243 Faridun, Shah, 21, 37, 245, 257
35,
3 6.
202, 323,
325,
326, 328
appointed to expel the Turk-
mans from Zcibulistan, 31 his parentage, 323 Farangis, daughter of Afra"siyab,

wife of Siy.iwush, mother
of
Farshidward, Turanian hero,

166, 198, 205, 252
90,
Kai Khusrau,
vi,
96,
Fartus, Turanian hero, 152, 182, 213, 231, 251 comes to aid Pi ran, 152
of the coming of Rustam, 175 Farud, son of Siyawugh and halfbrother of Kai Khusrau, v,
vi, 8, 13, 14,
117, 203, 2ii
hears
referred to, 146 seq., 202 her marriage to Fariburz,
148 Farghar, Turanian hero, 250 goes to spy on Rustam, 250

reports to Afrasiydb, 253
42
seq., 72, 85,
87* 93. 107, seq. hostility of Tus to, 13
Hi
37
Farhad (Phraates), franian hero, n, 20, 25, 34, 45, 48, 127, 268, 289,313, 327, 331,352
his steed, 313,
Story
of, v, vi,
referred to, 39
advised by Tukhdr, 47,

seq.
52
goes with Rustam to rescue Bizhan, 334
his interview with
Bahrdm,
47 seq.
364
Farud, birth-mark
gives his
of,
INDEX
49
mace
to
Bahnim, 50
his eighty slaves, 55 their mockery of Tus, 56 of Giv, 58
Gahir, comes to aid Pirdn, 152 Gang, stronghold, 236, 253 Garcha, Turanian hero, 152
slays the steed of Tus, 56 wounds the steed of Giv, 58 slays the steed of Bizlian, 61,
comes to aid Pintn, 152 Garslulsp, Iranian hero, 260, 273 Garsiwaz, brother of Afrasiyab,
viii, 197,
208, 301 seq., 306,
worsted by Bizhan, 62
attacks the
I'rttuians,
63
his prowess, 64
350, 352 goes to Manizha's palace, 301 finds Bizhan, 302 takes Bizhan before Afnisiyab, 303 ordered to execute Bizhan,
39, 31,
mortally wounded, 64
dies, 65
his
mother and
his slaves de-
34
imprison Bizhan, 309 disgrace Manizha, 309
stroy themselves, 66 his burial, 68
Kai Khusrau's
seq.,
grief for, 84
Gazhdaham, Iranian
33) 40, 45, 294
hero, 15, 25,
112
of
Farwardin, genius, 287, 328
name
day and month,
230,
286, 317, 323
Ferghdna, region in Turkestan,

109
Firdausi, 11, 108, 109, 191, 269,
271, 272, 285, 286
Geopothros (Gotarzes), 9 Ghundi, a div, 256 Giravgard, Turanian stronghold on the Oxus, 73, 80
occupied by the Iranians, 78 Giv, Iranian hero, v, vi, vii, viii,
ix, 9, 11, 13, 15,
18, 19, 27,
and the three

of,
poets, legend
15
33, 45,
48
seq.,
57
seq.,
67,
his version of
Rustam's
fight
with Ashkabus, 109 legend about, 109 legend of Shaikh Abiil Kasim
of
6^ seq., 75,76,81,82,85,86, 1 89 seq., 96, 101 seq., 108,

1 1
Gurgan's dream about,
W
155.
114
seq., 121
seq., 127, 129,
133. !39 seq., 143, 154, 57 IS9 l6l I6 9, 17,

>
191
on the Story of Kamiis, 269 Bizhan and Mauizha an early work, 285 his use of the terminal Alif, 285, 286 his account of how he came to write the Story of Bizhan
his Story of
182, 183, 187, 206, 211, 227, 231, 238, 244, 245. 2 47, 248,
253> 255, 259, 264, 268, 273, 289, 291, 292, 294, 296 seq.,
302, 305, 307 seq., 311 seq.,
330
seq.
seq.,
337 seq., 350, 353
and Manizha, 287

Fravashi. immortal principle, 286, 287
an liistorical character, 9 his relations with Bizhan,
undertakes to slay Tazhiiv, 28 burn the barricade at the

his horse
G
GAHXN,place,vii,i52, 177,224,225 Gahdr, Turanian hero, vii, 152,
216, 224, 225, 251
Kdsa rud, 29 wounded by Farud,
58 lends Bizhan the mail of Siyawush, 60, 69
INDEX
Giv,sees Paldshan approaching, 69 bums the barricade at the
10 Grace, or Glory, the divine,
25, 30,
86, 114,
365
Gotarzes, his character in history,

19, 21,
Kasa
riid,
73
parleys with Tazhav, 75 rouses the I/ranians, Si rallies the host, 91 has many of his kindred
slain, 94 urges Bah
i
32,
34, 35- 39,
6 7>
252,
129, 144, 149, 182,
183,
207,
217,
247,
274, 328, 330, 33i, 340, 355
dm
not to return
to the battlefield, 96 goes in quest of Bahr.im, 102 takes Tazhav captive, 102 buries Bahrdin, 104 made adviser to Ti'is, 116
Gudarz (Gotarzes), franian hero and Parthian king, vii, 8, u, 12, 15, 18, 19, 24, 28, 33,
38,40,41,45
8l
seq.,
aeq., 50,
51,67,
85, 88 seq., IOO, III,
112, 115, 117, 118, 121, 123,
126, 127, 129 seq., 134, 136,

137,
seq.,
interrupts Tus' parley with Human, 122

raids
'39,
143,
145,
H9
154
seq., 163, 164, 169,
Khutan, 247
171, 172, 177, 187, 205, 206,
his steed, 257
211 seq., 220, 225, 227, 232,

236, 246, 248, 253 seq., 258,
264, 268, 273, 277, 289, 298,
302, 305, 308, 313,320, 322, 327, 329 seq., 337 seq., 353,
worsted by Puladwand, 258

interferes in
the
fight
be-
tween Rustam and Puladwand, 263

opposes Bizhan's expedition
to Irnuin, 291
questions Gnryin Bizhan, 311
about
354, 357 his numerous descendants, 33 advises Tus to avoid Kaldt,
wroth with Gurgin, 314 appeals to Kai Khusrau, 315 comforted by Kai Khusrau,
3I5.3I8
sent to
supersedes Tus, 83 loss of his descendants, 83

note, 94, 131
summon Rustam,
319
informs Kai Khusrau about Farud and the defeat of

the frdnians, 83
met by
tells
Zal, 321 Bizhaii's case
to Rus-
sends
Bizhan
for
Kdwa's
tam, 322
his wife
Rustam's daughter,
323 ap326 353
standard, 92 and the franian watchman,

156 seq.
323
Rustam's wife, Rustam's announces proach to Kai Khusrau, goes to welcome liustam,
his sister
(iivgan, 1'ninian hero, 34
meets Fariburz, 163 Rustam, 171 warns Rustam not

Piran, 212
to trust
sends
Ruhhdm
to help
Rus-
Gotarzes (Gtidarz), Parthian king
tam, 227
praises Rustam, 248 his steed, 313
and I'ranian hero, oseq., 109 memorial tablet of, 9

Geopothros, 9
coin
his
of,
9
10,
goes to 353
welcome
the,
108,
Rustam,
115,
war with Vardaues,

Meherdates, 10
scq.
Giidarzians,
200,
214
366
INDEX
Gustaham, son
IS.
Gulgiin, steed of Gudarz, 313 Gurdza, Trdnian hero, 20, 25, 34,
of
Gazhdaham, 1
127,
19, 25,
33, 45, 48, 59'
goes with
45, 48, 92, 129, 141, 253 Rustam to rescue
60, 92, 93,
129,
139,
141, 211, 244,245, 247, 248,
Bizlian, 334 Gurgdn, Shaikh Abul Kdsini

191
of,
253, 273, 289, 294, 322, 350 his friendship with Bizhan, 1 5
Gurgin, I'ranian hero,

12, 19, 20,
viii, ix, 11
25, 48, 108, 115,
126, 145, 182, 211, 253, 264,
lends Bizhan a steed, 60 mounts behind Bizhan, 95 attacks Bidiid, 244 sends Bizhan to summon
268, 273, 285, 289, 292, 294

seq., 300, 305,
310
seq., 322,
undertakes
323, 331 seq., 345, 346, 352 embassage to
Rustam, 245 goes with Rustam to rescue Bizhan, 334
Afritsiydb, 29 goes with a letter from Kai Khusrau to Rustam, 274
H
I'rdnian hero, 244 attacks Bida"d, 244
,
accompanies Irmdn, 292

refuses
to
Bizhan
to
Hamdwan, mountain,
vi, vii, 132,
against 293 envies and beguiles Bizhan,
Bizhan help the wild boars,
135. '37. 138, 142,144, 153, 154, 158, 161, 164, 167, 169, 172, 177
294 goes with Bizhan in quest of Manizha, 296 searches for Bizhan, 310 finds Bizhan's steed, 311
questioned by Giv about Bizhan, 312 his false account of Bizhan's
disappearance, 313 Giv's wrath with, 314 appears before Kai Khusrau,
occupied by the Iranians, 132 Hardt, city, 222 Hiirut, angel, 286, 288
Herodotus, 191 Hind, v, 30, 152, 162, 164, 165, 177,204, 221,222,235, 237, 238, 242 king of Shangul, 162, 210,
218, 251 lord of = Shangul, 187
man of=Shangul, 216 Hirmund, river, 321

Huma"n, Tura*nian hero,
vi,
vii,
imprisoned, 317
9>9 I >93,
IO 8, 120 seq., 133
appeals to Rustam, 331 released, 333 goes with Rustam to rescue Bizhan, 334 pardoned by Bizhan, 346
seq., 142, 149, 152, 153, 158,
166, 169, 174, 177, 182, 192
196
seq.,
202, 205, 210, 217,
227, 232, 234, 252, 259, 350 parleys with Tiis, 121
Gunvi, Turanian hero,

237
197, 199.
Gushtdsp, Shah, 109 in Rum, Story of, referred 285

1
leads the host against 127 counsels Pinin, 134
Tiis,
to,
pursues
the
I'nfnians
to
Mount Hamawan,
ii.
135
Cf. Vol.
418 note.
INDEX
Hrimdn,
rallies
367
the
Turdnians,
K
KABAB, small
skewered
roasting, 69
139 reconnoitres the frdnians, 174 informs Piran of the arrival

of Riistam,
1
pieces
of
meat
for
together
74
parleys disguised with Rustain, 196 Hyrcania, country (Mdzandardn),

9,
10
of,
Kabiida, one of Afrdsiydb' s herdsmen, vi, 73 slain by Bahram, 74 Kdbul, Kdbulistan, city and country,
17, 35.
Giv, prince
M5.
'53.
165,
174, 186, 190, 202, 206, 321 Kdfur, king of Biddd, viii, 191,
IGHRIRAS, brother
fraj,
of Afrdsiydb, 8
244 worsts the f ninians, 244

slain
Indus, river, 177, 204, 237, 251 youngest son of Faridun, 8

vi,
vii,
viii,
8,
by Rustam, 245
9,
Kaian, Kaianian, race and dynasty, v, 5 seq.,

67,
14,
I'ran,
13,
19, 20,
and passim
rrdnians, the,
vi,
vii,
43,
112, 147, 307, 318, 320,
ix,
13, 23,
30, 46, 63,
and passim
(Armenia),
12,
328, 342
Kai Kdus, Shah,

20
seq., 24,
v,
7,
9,
13,
14,
Irmdn,
country
30, 45, 51, 84,
285, 290, 292, 296, 311
devastated
by wild
85, 88, 90, 93, 96, 113, 145,
boars,
147, 166, 174, 236, 238, 239,
290 Irmdnians (Armenians), the, viii, 286, 290 complain to Kai Khusrau of the wild boars, 290 Isnapwi. See Ispanwi
Ispahan, city, 109 Ispanwi, the slave-girl of Tazhav,
14, 27, 77
289, 307, 327
requires
Kai
Khusrau
to
swear vengeance on Afrdsiyab, 21
Kai Khusrau, Shdh,
v, vi, viii, ix,
7 seq., 13 seq., 47, 49 note,

55, 57,66, 84, 106, 108,
seq., 132, 134,
in
142 seq., 166,
taken captive by Bizhan, 78

Issedoues, tribe, 192 Izads (Yazatas), the, 286
173. '75. 186, 191, 197, 198,
202, 205, 211, 226, 228, 238

seq., 249, 250,
267
seq., 271,
273, 277, 282, 283, 285, 286,
289, 294 seq., 315 seq., 326
JAMSHID, Shdh,
Jarira,
7, 57,
257, 273
daughter of Piran and mother of Fariul, vi, 43
353 seq. the last link with the Vedas, 7 his reign, the longest in reseq., 338.
referred to, 39
spect of subject-matter in the poem, 7

divisions
of, 7
advises Farud, 42 her dream, 63 her anguish, 63, 66
Jewelled
329
tree,
Kai
Khusrau's,
Jilu'in, river (the
Oxus), 58, 159
of, 8 subject-matter of, 8 accession of, 17 goes on a hunting expedition,
episodes of, 7, 8 warlike character
Jupiter, planet, 318
19
3 68
INDEX
his return
Kai Khusrau, swears to take vengeance on Afrasiyab. 21

prepares for war, 23 seq. offers a reward for the head of Palashan, 26
from slaying the
Akwdn, 282 rewards Rustam, 283

div
hears at a feast of tlie case of the Irmanians, 290

calls for volunteers, 291
crown
of Tazhav, 27 slave of Tazhav, 27 head of Tazhav, 28 for
burning the barricade
sends Bizhan and Gurgin to Irman, 292 comforts Giv for the loss of
Bizhan, 315, 318 imprisons Gurgin, 317 promises Giv to consult the divining-cup about Bizhan,
317 sends Giv to summon Rustam, 3'9 sends the host to meet Rns-
Kasa rud, 28 for going on an embassage to Afrasiyab, 29 warns Tus to avoid Kalat, 39
at the
birth-mark of, 49 note hears of the death of Farud,

84 hears of the defeat of the
Iranians, 84
his
tam, 327
Tiis,
wrath with
84
seq..
welcomes Rustam, 328

his jewelled tree, 329 requests Rustam to
in
writes to Farihurz, 84 disgraces Tus, 86
rescue
Bizhan, 330
releases Gurgin at
imprisons Tus, 87 pardons Tus and the Iranians,

114 hears of the peril of the Iranians on Mount Ham-
Rustam's
request, 333
equips Rustam for his quest of Bizhan, 333
welcomes
rewards
Rustam on
Rustam
and
his
his
wan and summons Rustam,

142 seq.
return, 354
sends Rustam to succour the

Iranians, 145 furthers the suit of Fariburx
to Farangis, 147 hears of Rustam's
victory,
comrades, 356 holds converse with Bizhan, 356 gives gifts to Manizha, 356 Kai Kubad, Shah, 34, 49, 51, 57,
144
Kalat, stronghold, 14, 39, 41, 67, 72, 85, in, 112
-i-Nadiri, 14
239 disposes of the captives and spoil, 240 sends gifts to Rustam and the host, 241
Kdmus, Tura'nian
hero, vi,
vii,
goes to meet Rustam on his return in triumph, 267 gives a feast to the chiefs. 268
107, 108, 151, 152, 161, 162,
rewards Rustam, 269 holds a court and hears

the
164 seq., 168 seq., 172, 175, 176, 178, 181 seq., 187 seq., 200, 207, 209, 213, 216, 224,
229, 232, 235, 241, 242, 251, 252, 256, 268, 269
of
1
of
doings of the div Akwan, 273 writes to summon Rustam, 274
Kashan, Story
of, vi,
vii,
goes to welcome
Rustam on
08 Firdausi on the, 269
INDEX
Kamus, comes
151 his plan of
to the aid of Pirdn,
369
of Chin, the, comes to the aid of Pirdn, 151 holds a council of war with
Khdn
campaign adopted,
162
leads the attack, 168 hears of the coming of Rus-
Rustam
viii,
the chiefs, 185 and, Story
of,
vii,
tam, 175
191 hears of the death of Kdnnis,
Rustam
to, 183
described by Pirdn
192
referred to, 225
challenges Rustam, 187 parleys with Rustam, 188

fights,
sends 228
fights
envoy
to
Rustam,
and
is
taken prisoner
by, Rustam, 189 his end, 190
Kannuj, city, 35 Kdran, I'rdnian hero, 9

Kargasdrs, tribe, 1 318
with Rustam, 230 imprisoned by Kai Khusrau, 240 Khdn-i-Irmdn = Irmdn, 290 Kharrdd, Trdnian hero, 115, 127,
Khatldn,
139, 211, 273, 289 name of a district in
Kdsa
rtid, river, vi, 28, 29, 68, 69,
71, 72, 82, 105
barricade at the, 29
burnt by Giv, 73
Badakhshdn, 218, 228 Khurddd, ameshaspenta, 287, 328 Khutan, region in Turdn, ix, 107,
109,
Kashdn,
city,
vi,
vii,
108,
151, 170, 177, 180, 181, 188,
192, 204, 207, 224, 237, 242
242, 247 raided by Giv, 247 King, the ideal, 16

of Sind, 185
Kdmus of, Story of, vi, vii,

in Turdn, 108 in Trdn, 109
108
Kishwdd, Iranian hero,

33, 45,
100,
19,
24,
121, 123, 126,
man of=Kdni6s, 189 Kashmir, country, 35, 152, 237,251

Kdt, region, 152 Kdus, Shdh. See Kai Kdus
143,154,187,215,289, 302,
305, 308, 311, 327, 339
Kubad, Shah. See Kai Kubad Kuh, nonce name used by Humdn,
198
brand-mark of, 291 Kdwa, flag of, 25, 38, 39,

85, 116, 121,
seq., 149, 161
48, 84,
129, 135
Kulbad, Turanian hero,

234, 252
166, 177,
126,
198, 199,205, 210, 222, 231,
Bizhan's prowess with, 93

half of
staff
it
Kundur, Tiirdnian hero,

2IO, 215, 251
152, 185,
taken by Pirdn, 94
cloven
of,
by
Piilad-
wand, 258
overthrown by Rustam, 224, Kurdkhdn, Turdnian hero, 301

counsels Afrdsiydb, 301
Khan
of Chin, the, vii, viii, 108,
151 seq.,
60
seq.,
164 seq.
Kutch, region, 34
172, 175 seq., 181, 184, 185,
187, 190 seq., 196, 198 seq.,
205, 207 seq., 215, 217, 221, 222, 226 seq., 235, 241, 242,
251, 252, 256, 268, 320
LADAN
i.
seq.,
(Pashan), battle of, 13 80 seq., 89 seq., 123
See Vol.
p. 253 note.
VOL.
III.
370
INDEX
90,
135,
Lahhdk, Turdnian hero,

1
Manshiir comes t o the aid of Pirdn

,
66, 198
iSi
pursues the Iranians toMount

135 Leo, constellation, 81, 318
Hamdwan,
hears of the coming of Rustam, 175
Mark
Mardwi, Turdnian hero, 77 of Siydwush. See Birth-
M
MACHJN
(China), 46, 253, 265
mark
Mars, planet, no,
33 2
159, 178, 318,
Mahabhdrata, the, Indian Epic, 8 Mahmtid, Sultdn, 15

his approval of Firdausi's version of the fight between
Mdnit, angel, 286
Massagetae, tribe, 192 Ma wara'u'n - Nahr (Kuhistdn, Transoxania), 151
Rustam and Ashkabtis, 109 Mail of Siytiwush, 58, 60, 61, 69, 8 1
Mayam,
place, 40, 41, 53,
in
Mazandardn, country (Hyrcania),

144, 167, 207, 215, 232, 243, 256, 260, 324,
Maknd
Bid, city in Tran, 109

of Afrdsiydb,
Manizha, daughter
viii, ix,
330
285, 295 seq., 304,
308
7,
seq.,
337
seq., 348,
349
Bizhan and, Story
of, viii, ix,
Meherdates (Milad), 10 seq. Mercury, planet, 159, 318 Mesopotamia, Arab invasions
of,
n,
12,
285
1 1
H
Mihrddt. See Meherdates Milad, Iranian hero, 11,
12,
historical basis of,
Mohl
on, 285
25,
Firdausi on, 287 sends her nurse to Bizhan,

297
invites Bizhan to visit her, 298
29, 145, 274, 289, 293, 345
Mimichihr, Shah, 9, 30, 87, 115 Mithraddt. See Meherdates Mithrates. See Meherdates
drugs Bizhan, 299
wakes
him
in
Afrdsiydb's
palace, 300 holds revel with Bizhan, 300
Mohl, on the Story of Bizhan and Manizha, 285, 286 Mountain = Rakhsh, 221, 251
Mountain-skirt
(Daman-i-Kuh),
disgraced, 309 made Bizhau's attendant, 310 referred to, 318, 319
I5.9L95
Muhammad
Lashkari, friend of
287, 328
Firdausi, 286
hears of the arrival of Rustam's caravan, 337 her interviews Avith Rustam,
337, 342 bears Rustam's ring to Bizhan, 340 kindles signal fire forRustam,
Mnrddd, ameshaspenta,
344
receives gifts from
rau, 356
NADIR, Shall, 14 Narimdn, frdnian hero, father of Sdm, 17, 35 Nastihan, Turanian hero, 79, 198,
210, 231, 252 Xastuh, frdnian hero, 46 Naudar, Shah, 8, 24, 39,
67, 86,
112,
Kai Khus151, 161,
Manshur, Ttirdnian hero,
50, 57,
177.
165, 172, 175, 182, 185, 199,
123, 132,
205, 210, 213, 226, 231, 241,
187, 215, 257, 289, 294, 327
251
256
Nile, 38, 41, 58, 208, 224, 225
INDEX
Nimruz, country, 1 17, 35, 319 Noldeke, Professor, on the div Akwstn, 271 Nurse, Manizha's, 297 her interview with Bizhan,
297
371
Piran, marches on Giravgard to
surprise the 1'ranians, 80
captures the frdnians' herds,

81
defeats the Iranians, 82, 94
Ruhha'm's embassy to, 87 grants a month's armistice to Fariburz, 88

the div
ONAGER,
seq.
Akwan
as,
273
his losses in battle, 94 takes half of Kawd's standard,
Oxus, river
(Jihiin), 10 note
94 sends Ruin to attack

8
Bah ram,
goes to see Bahrdm, 99 hears of the Iranians' retreat,

105
PAHLAV,
city
and
district,
222
vi, 26,
Paldshan, Turanian hero,

69, 70, 79
informs Afrdsiydb and turns in triumph, 106

goes to Khutan, 107 goes to oppose Tiis, 117 informs Afrasiyab of Iranian invasion, 118
is
re-
surveys the Iranian host, 69 Parthian, dynasty, 9, n history, events of, reproduced
in distorted form in
the
the
Shalmama, Pashan (Ladan),

80,
n
battle
of,
reinforced, 118 joins battle with Tus, 118
15,
89 Pashang, father of Afrasiydb, 15 Pashang (Shida), son of Afrasiyab,

15
sends a warlock to bring a snowstorm on the Iranians,

128
defeats the Iranians, 131 takes counsel with his chiefs,

133
Pashang, father
Persia, 109, 128
of Miniichihr, 25
Phraates (Farhdd), Pilsam, Turanian hero, 204 Pit sin, Turanian hero, vi, vii, viii, ix, 13, 26 note, 39, 42, 58,
71,
pursues the Iranians, 134 sends Lahhak and Human on

in advance, 135 reaches Mount
Hamawan,
137
87
seq., go, 91, 94,
98
seq., 102,
108,117, 118, 120,

125, 128, 131, 133
122,
123,
beleaguers the Iranians, 138 attacked by Tiis, 139 hears of the approach of reinforcements, 151
seq., 142,
149
seq., 158, 160,
161, 164 seq., 169, 174 seq., 181 seq., 192, 193, 199 seq.,
harangues his host, 151

goes to meet his allies, 153 his plan of campaign rejected,
162
216
seq., 222,
227, 231, 232,

349, 350, 357
234, 242, 252, 253, 259, 305

seq.,
335
seq.,
hears of the arrival of Iranian

succours, 164 seq.
of
appointed
to
oppose
the
frdiiians, 71, 79
Rustam, 174
See Vol.
i.
p.
396 note.
372
INDEX
Rawlinson, Sir Henry, his account of Gotarzes' inscription at Bihistlin, 9 Rivniz, son-in-law of Tiis,
v, 14,
Pirau, takes counsel with Ktimus and the chiefs, 175, 182
attacks the Trdnians, 176

describes
183
Rustam
to
Kdmus,
25, 45, 51 seq., 57,60,68,
parleys with Rustam, 202

reports
to
prepares to attack Farud, 51

to, 55 his burial, 68 Rivniz, son of Kai
his
interview 206
retreats, 231
kindred his with Rustam,
referred
KMs,
14, 93,
declines Rustam's terms, 217
94, 96, 113, 114, 232

slain, 93 the battle for his crown, 94 Romans, the, 286
counsels
Afra"siya"b,
253
urges Afrasiydb to withdraw to Chin, 265

335 entertains
city
of,
Ruda'ba, the mother of Rustam,
Rustam
in
dis-
285 Story of Zal and, referred

285
to,
guise, 336
pursues Rustam, 349

Pisces, constellation, 26, 159, 318
Ruhham, Trdnian
139
hero, 19, 33, 48,
64, 67, 87 seq., 115, 126, seq.,

seq., 154, 157, 179,
Pishddian, dynasty,
9, 13
182,
Pronunciation, note on, 4
187, 211, 227, 248, 258, 259,
PuMd, Turanian hero, 199, 234 PuUd, a div, 256 PuMdwand, Turanian hero or div,
viii, 191,
254
seq.,
268, 270
summoned by
Afrasiya'b, 254
goes to help Afrasiyab, 255 takes counsel with Af rdsiydb,
264, 268, 273, 322, 350, 352 mortally wounds Farud. 64 his embassy to Piran, 87 attacks Ba"zur, 128 worsted by Ashkabiis, 179 goes to the help of Rustam,
227
256 worsts Tus, 257

Giv,
worsted by PiiMdwand, 258 goes with Rustam to rescue

Biz-
Ruhham, and
han, 258 twain cleaves in

standard, 258
Kawa's
Bizhan, 334 Ruin, sou of Pirdn, 98, 207, 234 sent by Pirdn to attack Baliram, 98
challenged by Rustam, 259 overthrown by Rustam, 264 withdraws with his army from the field, 265
wounded by Bahram, 99 Rum, the Eastern Roman Empire,

106. 151, 164,
296
sea
of,
177
of, 26, 235, 291, 297,
brocade
R
RAI,
city, 242 Rakhsli, Rustam's steed, 146, 177,
355
helm
of,
114
in,
Gushtdsp
ferred
Story
of,
re-
186, 189, 194, 195, 223, 224,
226, 227, 229, 259, 264, 275, 276, 278, 279, 313, 324, 326,
335, 342, 344. 346 seq,, 350,
285 Rumans, the, 309 Rustam, Trdnian hero,

to,
v, vii, viii,
ix,
14,
17 seq., 24, 35, 36,

121, 134, 138,
352
referred to, 184, 228, 253
40, 107 seq.,
141 seq., 155, 164 seq., 171
INDEX
seq., 177, 182 seq.,
373
his
186
seq.,
Rustam,
wrath with Piran,
274
seq.
seq.,
294, 307, 308, 319
his account of the
Turkman
occupation of Ziibulistiin, 14 goes to do homage to Kai
218 unhorses Shangul, 221 his prowess in battle, 222 seq. overthrows Kundur, 224
slays Sawa, 224
Khusrau, 17 witnesses Kai Kliusrau's oath

to avenge Siyawush, 22
Gahdr, 225 attacks the Khiln of Chin,

225 seq.
is victorious, is
proposes to Kai Khusrau to expel the Turkmans from

Zdbulistrtn, 30 his fight with
231 seq.
wroth with Tus and the
Ashkabiis,
legend about, 109 asks Kai Khusrau to pardon Tus and the I'ranians iu the matter of Farud, 113
fritnians, 234 sends Fariburz to Kai Khusrau with tidings of victory,
236
seq.
leads on the host, 238 readies Sughd, 244
summoned by Kai Khusrau,
H3
advocates the marriage of Fariburz and Farangis, 146 marches to succour Tus, 148 meets Giidarz, 171 takes counsel with Tus and the chiefs, 172 arrays the host, 177 parleys with Ashkabiis, 180
slays Ashkabus, 181
sends troops to attack Biddd, 244 slays Kdfiir, 245 besieges and storms Bidad, 246 sends Giv to raid Khutan,
247
praised by Giidarz, 248 described by Afrasiy;ib, 251 attacks the Turanians, 257
described by Piran, 183 harangues the troops,

219, 223, 232, 235
186,
challenges Pulddwand, 259 overthrows PiiLldwand, 264 defeats the Turanians, 266 divides the spoil, 266
challenged by Kamus, 187 his spear -bearer slain by Kamus, 1 88 parleys with Kamus, 188 takes Kamus prisoner, 189 and the Khan of Chin, Story
of, vii, viii, 191
ravages Tunin, 266

returns in triumph, 267 asks Kai Kliusrau's leave to return to Zal, 269
rewarded by Kai Khusrau, 269 his fight with the div Akwan,
Story
of, viii,
referred
to,
193
slays Chingish, 195
summoned
271 to court
by Kai
parleys with Huma~n, 196 his conditions of peace, 197,

205
parleys with Piran, 202
Khusrau, 274
foiled
pursues the div Akwan, 275 by Akwiln, 276 taken at a disadvantage by
proposes peace on terms to the I'ranians, 21 1 \varned by Giidarz not to trust Piitin, 212
Akwan, 276
offered a choice of deaths
by
Akwdn, 277 outwits Akwan, 277
374
INDEX
finds
Rustam,
Rakhsh among
AfnisiyaVs herds, 278 encounters Afrasiyab's herds-
Rustam, presents Bizhan to Kai Khusrau, 354 rewarded by Kai Khusrau, 3 56

goes to Sistau, 356
men, 279
defeats Afrasiya"b, 280 slays Akwdn, 281
carries off the spoil, 281
S
SAGSAR and
tribe,
1
welcomed by Kai Khusrau,

282
tells
Sagsa"rs, district
and
152, 207
his
adventure
with
Akwdn, 282
rewarded by Kai Khusrau,
283 returns home, 283 summoned to court in
Saklab, country (Slavonia), 152, 164, 177, 185, 2O4, 2l8, 221
seq.,
235, 238, 243, 255

37,
Salm, eldest son of Faridvin,
"5
the
Sam,
1'ninian hero, father of Zal,

35, 121, 202, 215, 260, 279,
matter of Bizhan, 319 seq. visited by Giv, 322 his daughter Giv's wife, 323 his wife Giv's sister, 323 promises to help Giv, 324 goes with Giv to court, 326 his address to Kai Khusrau,
327
283
Sapad, mountain, 41,

61, 63, 67, 72, 85
52, 54, 58,
Sapandarmad, ameshaspenta, 287,

328
Sasaniau, dynasty, 9 Saturn, planet, 32, no, 178, 232,
237, 254, 268, 318
undertakes
the
rescue
of
Sawa, Turanian hero,

slain
vii,
224
Bizhan, 330
his plan, 333 chooses his comrades, 334 goes disguised to Turan, 335
by Rustam, 224
Shaba"hang, Farhad's steed, 313 Sliabdiz, Giv's steed, 257 Shabrang, Bizhan's steed, 296,
302, 313
gives presents to Piran, 336 welcomed by Piran, 336
Shahd,
river,
11,
116,
118,
123,
opens a market, 337 his interviews with Manizha,

337, 342
152, 173, 230, 241
Shahd, mountain, 237

Shahna'nia, 7, 9, n, 14, 271, 286 editions of, 3 historic element in mythical
sends food and his ring to Bizhan, 340 removes boulder of Akwan
from
pit's
mouth, 345
for release
Period of, 8 seq. Prelude to, referred
to,
286
makes conditions
Shahrir, ameshaspenta, 286, 328
with Bizhan, 345 releases Bizlian, 346 arrays his troops

Afrisiyab, 350
Shakn, region,
against
152, 177, 185
192,
204, 222, 223, 228, 237
Shamiran, Turanian hero, 152, 185
comes to aid Piran, 152

351
mocks Afrdsiydb,
Shangul, king of Hind,
vii, 152,
defeats Afra"siya"b, 352 his triumphant return, 353

1
161, 172, 185, 198, 205, 209,
210, 216, 217, 221, 251

i.
See Vol.
p.
279 note.
INDEX
Shangul, comes
209, 216 to aid Pintn, 152 volunteers to fight Rustam,
375
of, 58, 60, 61, 69,
Siyawush, mail
Si
Snowstorm, 108
liero,
challenges Rustam, 221
Shapur,
I'rttnian
19,
289,
Trdnian host distressed by, 71, 128
322, 331 Slui \vanin, Iranian hero, 20,
Sughd,
34,
Sulta"n,
district
and
city (Samar-
kand), 244
43,45.48, 67, 115, 334 Shida (Pashang), son of Afrasiydb, 250 seq., 262, 263, 350 consulted by his father, 250
seq.
Mahmud,
109
Surush, angel, 277
goes on embassy to Puladwand, 255

refuses
fight to
TABAEI,
historian, 108
Tacitus, historian, 10 and note, 15
interfere in the
between Rustam and Puladwand, 263

Shidush, I'ntnian here, 33, 45, 48,
127, 129, 130, 139, 141, 157,
Tulimuras, Shah, 293 horn of, 335

Tardz, city and district, 248 Idols of, 248
Taurus, constellation, 168
248, 253
Siangan, region, 228, 238 Shirwan, city, 216

Sigz,
Tawaba, Trdnian hero, 25 Tazhav, an rranian deserter to

183, 209,
seq.,
man
of
(Rustam), 1
Afrasiyab, vi, 100 seq.
27,
28,
73
218, 221
sends
Kabuda
to spy out the
Sigzian = Rustam, 209, 225, 227
I'rdnian host, 73
Simurgh, mythical bird,

330
Sind,
158, 313,
parleys with Giv, 75 defeated, 77

flees
region and river (Indus),

10 note, 177, 185, 216, 238
with Ispanwi, 77
pursued by Bizhan, 77
escapes to Afnisiya'b, 78 attacks Bahra"m, 100 taken prisoner by Giv, 102
king of, 185 Sinde, river, 10

Sipanjab, region, 151 2 Sistan, country, viii,
191, 207, 321,
Sitir,
165,
166,
Till ran, city, 109
356
Tir, genius, 287,
Persian measure of weight, 184 Siyiiwnsh, son of Kai Kaus, v,

vi, vii, 8, 13, 18, 19, 21, 22,
Tobit,
Book
seq.
of,
328 272
v,
Tukhar, Farud's counsellor,

tells
43
29,
39, 42, 43- 49, 5i, 52,
57,66,67,71, 72,87,93,99,
112, 117, 118, 137, 146, 148,
149, 156, 163, 183, 197, 199,
Farud the blazons of the Tnlnian chiefs, 44 counsels Farud, 47, 52 seq. Tiir, second son of Faridun, 7,
30, 37, 115,
197-245, 246
200, 201, 203 seq., 211, 214,

226, 237, 238, 256, 283, 289, 297, 307, 3'5> 3 2 4, 347
Turan,
v, vi,
8,
n,
15,
25,
29,
and passim
Turanians
30, 115, 320,
2
birth-mark
1
of,
ii.
49
p. 100 note.
(Turkmans), 322
i.
vi,
vii,
See Vol.
See Vol.
p.
396 note.
376
Tnrkistan,
v, 109,
INDEX
228
vi,
Tus, retreats to
30,
Mount Hamawan,
Turkmans
Tiis,
(Turanians),
132
63, 81, 93,
and passim
v, vi, vii, viii,
makes a night-attack upon

Piran, 139
son of Nauclar,
II, 13, 18,
19,24,25,137*63.,
60, 62, 64, 66 seq., seq. 76, 78, 80, 82 seq., 108, ill
45
harangues the host, 141 hears of the approach
of
seq.,
132
seq.,
136
seq., 145,
149
163,
seq., 154, I5S, 159- 161,
166,
167,
169,
170,
succours, 159 takes counsel with the host, 167 arrays the host, 169
172, 174, 177 seq., 182, 183,

187, 206, 211,
213
seq., 22$,
228,
230,
232,
248,
259,
234,
235,
and chiefs take counsel with Rustam, 172 Rustam's wrath with, 234
collects the spoil, 235
238, 255,
246,
257,
289,
253, 254, 268, 273,

307,
worsted by Pulawand, 257

Tus,
city, 14
277,
294,
322,
327, 329 his hostility to Farfid, 13, 51,
legendary origin of, 14 legend concerning Firdausi's

burial at, 191
62 marches on Kalat, 40
sends chiefs to attack Farud,
47 seq Bahrain's remonstrance with,
Si his horse slain
U
URAL
Mountains, 192
Principle, 271,
Urmuzd, the Good
by Farud, 56
286, 317, 327 the name of the first
resolves to attack Kaldt, 62 his remorse for the death of

Fariid, 67 builds a charnel for Farud,
day
of
the month, 323
Rivniz, and Zantsp, 68 marches from Kalt, 68
VARDANES
seq.,
(Bahram), Parthian king and I'ranian hero, 9

109
10,
defeats Tazhav, 77
occupies Giravgard, 78 defeated by the Turkmans, 82
his
wars with Gotarzes,

of, 10,
assassination
deprived of his command, 83
character
of, 15
Kai Khusrau's wrath with, 84, in, 112

superseded, 86 returns to Kai Khusrau, 86 disgraced, 86
imprisoned, 87 pardoned, 114 challenges Piran to battle, 117
joins battle with Piran, 118,
Venus, planet,
332
143, 159, 254, 318,
Virgo, constellation, 24
Vohu Manau (Bahman), amesVonones

haspenta, 271 I., Parthian king, 10
WAHR,
region, 177, 228, 235
126
parleys with
Warstead=Bidail, 245
Human,
121
prays to be delivered from snowstorm, 128
White Div, the. See Div Wisa, Turanian hero, 79, 102, 105, 121, 197, 202, 206
INDEX
Zdl, goes to do
377
homage
17
to
Kai
Khusrau,
YAMAN,
country, 289, 297 carnelian of, 289
witnesses
Kai
Khusrau's
Canopus of, 297 Yazatas (Izads), the, 286
oath to avenge Siyawush, 22 son of=Bustam, 132
and Btiddba, Story of, referred

to,
285
ZABUL,
J
Zdbulistsdi,
country,
14,
meets Giv, 321

sayings of, 316, 351 Zandavasta, 8 Zanga, Trdnian hero, 20,
134, 141, 145, 153, 165, 171,
7S '86, 190, 199, 200, 202, 206 seq., 217, 246, 250,
74>
!
34, 43,
269, 274, 321,326,342, 347,

354,
356
45,48, 67,92, 115, 350 goes with Bustam to rescue

Zap-asp,
Zdbul, occupied by the Turkmans,

14, 3
Bizhan, 334 son of Tus,

57,
59,
v, 24, 53, 54,
a native of Zabul, 201, 257, 326 Zahhiik, Shah, 257.

Ziibuli,
188,
60,
67,
72,
113,
114
goes against Farud, 53

referred
138,
to, 55 his burial, 68
Zdl, father of
21,
Bustam,
121,
8, 17, 18,
22, 35,
132,
141,147,190,202, 221, 245,

269, 274, 279, 283, 307, 321,
Zawara, brother of Bustam,

202, 325, 328
Zira,
30,
322,325,328,331, 347, 3Si,

354, 355
1
Turanian hero,
199
120,
197,
See Vol.
i.
p.
396 note.
END OF VOL.
III.
Printed by BALLANTYNE,
HANSON &>
Co.
Edinburgh &* London
University of Toronto
Library
DO NOT
REMOVE
THE
CARD
FROM
THIS
POCKET
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What is the story about?

What is the story about?

What are some of the main characters mentioned?

What are some of the main characters mentioned?

MMMMMMMM

ARTHUR GEORGE WARNER,

that are the dwellings of to-day

LONDON KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER &

The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved

THE KAIANIAN DYNASTY

How KAI KHUSRAU,

TO AVENGE SIY^WUSH, SENT

A HOST AGAINST TlJRAN

the Nobles did

Kai Khusrau made a Progress through

THE STORY OF FARDD THE SON OF SIYAWUSH

The Prelude How Tiis went

THE STORY OF FARDD THE SON OF SIYAWUSH

Kasa Rud, and how

Paltkhan was slain by Bizhan

THE STORY OF KAMUS OF KASHAN

The Prelude How Khusrau

Khusrau pardoned the Iranians Khusrau sent Tiis to Turin

-115 -117 .118 .119

the Turanians used Sorcery against the Host of Iran

THE STORY OP KAMtJs OP KASHAN

the Iranians took Counsel

Hamawan how to act

How How How

Mount Hamawan Piran took Counsel with the Khan of Chin

Giv and Tus fought with

THE STORY OP RUSTAM AND THE KHAN OF CHIN

How How How How How How

the Khan Kamus

Chin had Tidings

Chingish fared with Rustam

Piran took Counsel with

the Turanians took Counsel for Battle with the

224 227 230

THE STORY OF RUSTAM AND THE KHAN OF

The Prelude How Khusrau summoned Rustam

PART V. THE STORY OF BIZHAN

BZHAN AND MANfzHA

23. 24. 25.

Macau's edition of the Shahndma.

History of Ancient Geography. F.R.G.S.

Corpus Inscriptionum Graecarum.

Persia Past and Present, by Professor A. V. Williams Jackson.

History and Coinage of the Parthians.

John Malcolm, G.C.B.

Professor Rawlinson's Parthia in the Story of the Nations'

Chronique de Abou-Djafar-Mo'hammed-Ben-Djarir-BenYezid Tabari. Traduite sur la version Persane d'Abou'Ali

The second edition

as in " water." " as in pique." " rude." as in as in " servant."

" as in give." g is always hard " buch." German in the kh as ch

THE KAlANIAN DYNASTY

trace a connexion with Indian mythology. appears as Sushravas. In the Zandavasta he

the last of the Shahs in whose names we can In the Vedas he