"Now am I with my horse prepared to join The field of warriors!" Thus the hero said, And placed the saddle on his charger. Zal Beheld him with delight,--his withered heart Glowing with summer freshness. Open then He threw his treasury--thoughtless of the past Or future--present joy absorbing all His faculties, and thrilling every nerve.

In a short time Zal sent Rustem with a prodigious army against Afrasiyab, and two days afterwards set off himself and joined his son.

Afrasiyab said, "The son is but a boy, and the father is old; I shall have no difficulty in recovering the empire of Persia." These observations having reached Zal, he pondered deeply, considering that Garshasp would not be able to contend against Afrasiyab, and that no other prince of the race of Feridun was known to be in existence.

However, he despatched people in every quarter to gather information on the subject, and at length Kai-kobad was understood to be residing in obscurity on the mountain Alberz, distinguished for his wisdom and valor, and his qualifications for the exercise of sovereign power. Zal therefore recommended Rustem to proceed to Alberz, and bring him from his concealment.

Thus Zal to Rustem spoke, "Go forth, my son, And speedily perform this pressing duty, To linger would be dangerous. Say to him, 'The army is prepared--the throne is ready, And thou alone, of the Kaianian race, Deemed fit for sovereign rule.'"

Rustem accordingly mounted Rakush, and accompanied by a powerful force, pursued his way towards the mountain Alberz; and though the road was infested by the troops of Afrasiyab, he valiantly overcame every difficulty that was opposed to his progress. On reaching the vicinity of Alberz, he observed a beautiful spot of ground studded with luxuriant trees, and watered by glittering rills. There too, sitting upon a throne, placed in the shade on the flowery margin of a stream, he saw a young man, surrounded by a company of friends and attendants, and engaged at a gorgeous entertainment. Rustem, when he came near, was hospitably invited to partake of the feast: but this he declined, saying, that he was on an important mission to Alberz, which forbade the enjoyment of any pleasure till his task was accomplished; in short, that he was in search of Kai-kobad: but upon being told that he would there receive intelligence of him, he alighted and approached the bank of the stream where the company was a.s.sembled. The young man who was seated upon the golden throne took hold of the hand of Rustem, and filling up a goblet with wine, gave another to his guest, and asked him at whose command or suggestion he was in search of Kai-kobad. Rustem replied, that he was sent by his father Zal, and frankly communicated to him the special object they had in view. The young man, delighted with the information, immediately discovered himself, acknowledged that he was Kai-kobad, and then Rustem respectfully hailed him as the sovereign of Persia.

The banquet was resumed again-- And, hark, the softly warbled strain, As harp and flute, in union sweet, The voices of the singers meet.

The black-eyed damsels now display Their art in many an amorous lay; And now the song is loud and clear, And speaks of Rustem's welcome here.

"This is a day, a glorious day, That drives ungenial thoughts away; This is a day to make us glad, Since Rustem comes for Kai-kobad; O, let us pa.s.s our time in glee, And talk of Jemshid's majesty, The pomp and glory of his reign, And still the sparkling goblet drain.-- Come, Saki, fill the wine-cup high, And let not even its brim be dry; For wine alone has power to part The rust of sorrow from the heart.

Drink to the king, in merry mood, Since fortune smiles, and wine is good; Quaffing red wine is better far Than shedding blood in strife, or war; Man is but dust, and why should he Become a fire of enmity?

Drink deep, all other cares resign.

For what can vie with ruby wine?"

In this manner ran the song of the revellers. After which, and being rather merry with wine, Kai-kobad told Rustem of the dream that had induced him to descend from his place of refuge on Alberz, and to prepare a banquet on the occasion. He dreamt the night before that two white falcons from Persia placed a splendid crown upon his head, and this vision was interpreted by Rustem as symbolical of his father and himself, who at that moment were engaged in investing him with kingly power. The hero then solicited the young sovereign to hasten his departure for Persia, and preparations were made without delay. They travelled night and day, and fell in with several detachments of the enemy, which were easily repulsed by the valor of Rustem. The fiercest attack proceeded from Kelun, one of Afrasiyab's warriors, near the confines of Persia, who in the encounter used his spear with great dexterity and address.

But Rustem with his javelin soon transfixed The Tartar knight--who in the eyes of all Looked like a spitted chicken--down he sunk, And all his soldiers fled in wild dismay.

Then Rustem turned aside, and found a spot Where verdant meadows smiled, and streamlets flowed, Inviting weary travellers to rest.

There they awhile remained--and when the sun Went down, and night had darkened all the sky, The champion joyfully pursued his way, And brought the monarch to his father's house.

--Seven days they sat in council--on the eighth Young Kai-kobad was crowned--and placed upon The ivory throne in presence of his warriors, Who all besought him to commence the war Against the Tartar prince, Afrasiyab.

KAI-KOBaD

Kai-kobad having been raised to the throne at a council of the warriors, and advised to oppose the progress of Afrasiyab, immediately a.s.sembled his army. Mihrab, the ruler of Kabul, was appointed to one wing, and Gustahem to the other--the centre was given to Karun and Kishwad, and Rustem was placed in front, Zal with Kai-kobad remaining in the rear.

The glorious standard of Kavah streamed upon the breeze.

On the other side, Afrasiyab prepared for battle, a.s.sisted by his heroes Akbas, Wisah, Shimasas, and Gersiwaz; and so great was the clamor and confusion which proceeded from both armies, that earth and sky seemed blended together.[8] The clattering of hoofs, the shrill roar of trumpets, the rattle of brazen drums, and the vivid glittering of spear and shield, produced indescribable tumult and splendor.

Karun was the first in action, and he brought many a hero to the ground.

He singled out Shimasas; and after a desperate struggle, laid him breathless on the field. Rustem, stimulated by these exploits, requested his father, Zal, to point out Afrasiyab, that he might encounter him; but Zal endeavored to dissuade him from so hopeless an effort, saying,

"My son, be wise, and peril not thyself; Black is his banner, and his cuira.s.s black-- His limbs are cased in iron--on his head He wears an iron helm--and high before him Floats the black ensign; equal in his might To ten strong men, he never in one place Remains, but everywhere displays his power.

The crocodile has in the rolling stream No safety; and a mountain, formed of steel, Even at the mention of Afrasiyab, Melts into water. Then, beware of him."

Rustem replied:--"Be not alarmed for me-- My heart, my arm, my dagger, are my castle, And Heaven befriends me--let him but appear, Dragon or Demon, and the field is mine."

Then Rustem valiantly urged Rakush towards the Turanian army, and called out aloud. As soon as Afrasiyab beheld him, he inquired who he could be, and he was told, "This is Rustem, the son of Zal. Seest thou not in his hand the battle-axe of Sam? The youth has come in search of renown."

When the combatants closed, they struggled for some time together, and at length Rustem seized the girdle-belt of his antagonist, and threw him from his saddle. He wished to drag the captive as a trophy to Kai-kobad, that his first great victory might be remembered, but unfortunately the belt gave way, and Afrasiyab fell on the ground. Immediately the fallen chief was surrounded and rescued by his own warriors, but not before Rustem had s.n.a.t.c.hed off his crown, and carried it away with the broken girdle which was left in his hand. And now a general engagement took place. Rustem being reinforced by the advance of the king, with Zal and Mihrab at his side--

Both armies seemed so closely waging war, Thou wouldst have said, that they were mixed together.

The earth shook with the tramping of the steeds, Rattled the drums; loud clamours from the troops Echoed around, and from the iron grasp Of warriors, many a life was spent in air.

With his huge mace, cow-headed, Rustem dyed The ground with crimson--and wherever seen, Urging impatiently his fiery horse, Heads severed fell like withered leaves in autumn.

If, brandishing his sword, he struck the head, Horseman and steed were downward cleft in twain-- And if his side-long blow was on the loins, The sword pa.s.sed through, as easily as the blade Slices a cuc.u.mber. The blood of heroes Deluged the plain. On that tremendous day, With sword and dagger, battle-axe and noose,[9]

He cut, and tore, and broke, and bound the brave, Slaying and making captive. At one swoop More than a thousand fell by his own hand.

Zal beheld his son with amazement and delight. The Turanians left the fire-worshippers in possession of the field, and retreated towards the Jihun with precipitation, not a sound of drum or trumpet denoting their track. After halting three days in a state of deep dejection and misery, they continued their retreat along the banks of the Jihun. The Persian army, upon the flight of the enemy, fell back with their prisoners of war, and Rustem was received by the king with distinguished honor. When Afrasiyab returned to his father, he communicated to him, with a heavy heart, the misfortunes of the battle, and the power that had been arrayed against him, dwelling with wonder and admiration on the stupendous valor of Rustem.

Seeing my sable banner, He to the fight came like a crocodile, Thou wouldst have said his breath scorched up the plain; He seized my girdle with such mighty force As if he would have torn my joints asunder; And raised me from my saddle--that I seemed An insect in his grasp--but presently The golden girdle broke, and down I fell Ingloriously upon the dusty ground; But I was rescued by my warrior train!

Thou knowest my valour, how my nerves are strung, And may conceive the wondrous strength, which thus Sunk me to nothing. Iron is his frame, And marvellous his power; peace, peace, alone Can save us and our country from destruction.

Poshang, considering the luckless state of affairs, and the loss of so many valiant warriors, thought it prudent to acquiesce in the wishes of Afrasiyab, and sue for peace. To this end Wisah was intrusted with magnificent presents, and the overtures which in substance ran thus: "Minuchihr was revenged upon Tur and Silim for the death of Irij.

Afrasiyab again has revenged their death upon Nauder, the son of Minuchihr, and now Rustem has conquered Afrasiyab. But why should we any longer keep the world in confusion--Why should we not be satisfied with what Feridun, in his wisdom, decreed? Continue in the empire which he appropriated to Irij, and let the Jihun be the boundary between us, for are we not connected by blood, and of one family? Let our kingdoms be gladdened with the blessings of peace."

When these proposals of peace reached Kai-kobad, the following answer was returned:

"Well dost thou know that I was not the first To wage this war. From Tur, thy ancestor, The strife began. Bethink thee how he slew The gentle Irij--his own brother;--how, In these our days, thy son, Afrasiyab, Crossing the Jihun, with a numerous force Invaded Persia--think how Nauder died!

Not in the field of battle, like a hero, But murdered by thy son--who, ever cruel, Afterwards stabbed his brother, young Aghriras, So deeply mourned by thee. Yet do I thirst not For vengeance, or for strife. I yield the realm Beyond the Jihun--let that river be The boundary between us; but thy son, Afrasiyab, must take his solemn oath Never to cross that limit, or disturb The Persian throne again; thus pledged, I grant The peace solicited."

The messenger without delay conveyed this welcome intelligence to Poshang, and the Turanian army was in consequence immediately withdrawn within the prescribed line of division, Rustem, however, expostulated with the king against making peace at a time the most advantageous for war, and especially when he had just commenced his victorious career; but Kai-kobad thought differently, and considered nothing equal to justice and tranquillity. Peace was accordingly concluded, and upon Rustem and Zal he conferred the highest honors, and his other warriors engaged in the late conflict also experienced the effects of his bounty and grat.i.tude in an eminent degree.

Kai-kobad then moved towards Persia, and establishing his throne at Istakhar,[10] he administered the affairs of his government with admirable benevolence and clemency, and with unceasing solicitude for the welfare of his subjects. In his eyes every one had an equal claim to consideration and justice. The strong had no power to oppress the weak.

After he had continued ten years at Istakhar, building towns and cities, and diffusing improvement and happiness over the land, he removed his throne into Iran. His reign lasted one hundred years, which were pa.s.sed in the continued exercise of the most princely virtues, and the most munificent liberality. He had four sons: Kai-kaus, Arish, Poshin and Aramin; and when the period of his dissolution drew nigh, he solemnly enjoined the eldest, whom he appointed his successor, to pursue steadily the path of integrity and justice, and to be kind and merciful in the administration of the empire left to his charge.

KAI-KauS

When Kai-kaus[11] ascended the throne of his father, the whole world was obedient to his will; but he soon began to deviate from the wise customs and rules which had been recommended as essential to his prosperity and happiness. He feasted and drank wine continually with his warriors and chiefs, so that in the midst of his luxurious enjoyments he looked upon himself as superior to every being upon the face of the earth, and thus astonished the people, high and low, by his extravagance and pride.

One day a Demon, disguised as a musician, waited upon the monarch, and playing sweetly on his harp, sung a song in praise of Mazinderan.

And thus he warbled to the king-- "Mazinderan is the bower of spring, My native home; the balmy air Diffuses health and fragrance there; So tempered is the genial glow, Nor heat nor cold we ever know; Tulips and hyacinths abound On every lawn; and all around Blooms like a garden in its prime, Fostered by that delicious clime.

The bulbul sits on every spray, And pours his soft melodious lay; Each rural spot its sweets discloses, Each streamlet is the dew of roses; And damsels, idols of the heart, Sustain a more bewitching part.

And mark me, that untravelled man Who never saw Mazinderan, And all the charms its bowers possess, Has never tasted happiness!"

No sooner had Kai-kaus heard this description of the country of Mazinderan than he determined to lead an army thither, declaring to his warriors that the splendor and glory of his reign should exceed that of either Jemshid, Zohak, or Kai-kobad. The warriors, however, were alarmed at this precipitate resolution, thinking it certain destruction to make war against the Demons; but they had not courage or confidence enough to disclose their real sentiments. They only ventured to suggest, that if his majesty reflected a little on the subject, he might not ultimately consider the enterprise so advisable as he had at first imagined. But this produced no impression, and they then deemed it expedient to despatch a messenger to Zal, to inform him of the wild notions which the Evil One had put into the head of Kai-kaus to effect his ruin, imploring Zal to allow of no delay, otherwise the eminent services so lately performed by him and Rustem for the state would be rendered utterly useless and vain. Upon this summons, Zal immediately set off from Sistan to Iran; and having arrived at the royal court, and been received with customary respect and consideration, he endeavored to dissuade the king from the contemplated expedition into Mazinderan.

"O, could I wash the darkness from thy mind, And show thee all the perils that surround This undertaking! Jemshid, high in power, Whose diadem was brilliant as the sun, Who ruled the demons--never in his pride Dreamt of the conquest of Mazinderan!

Remember Feridun, he overthrew Zohak--destroyed the tyrant, but he never Thought of the conquest of Mazinderan!

This strange ambition never fired the souls Of by-gone monarchs--mighty Minuchihr, Always victorious, boundless in his wealth, Nor Zau, nor Nauder, nor even Kai-kobad, With all their pomp, and all their grandeur, ever Dreamt of the conquest of Mazinderan!

It is the place of demon-sorcerers, And all enchanted. Swords are useless there, Nor bribery nor wisdom can obtain Possession of that charm-defended land, Then throw not men and treasure to the winds; Waste not the precious blood of warriors brave, In trying to subdue Mazinderan!"

Kai-kaus, however, was not to be diverted from his purpose; and with respect to what his predecessors had not done, he considered himself superior in might and influence to either Feridun, Jemshid, Minuchihr, or Kai-kobad, who had never aspired to the conquest of Mazinderan. He further observed, that he had a bolder heart, a larger army, and a fuller treasury than any of them, and the whole world was under his sway--

And what are all these Demon-charms, That they excite such dread alarms?

What is a Demon-host to me, Their magic spells and sorcery?

One effort, and the field is won; Then why should I the battle shun?

Be thou and Rustem (whilst afar I wage the soul-appalling war), The guardians of the kingdom; Heaven To me hath its protection given; And, when I reach the Demon's fort, Their severed heads shall be my sport!

When Zal became convinced of the unalterable resolution of Kai-kaus, he ceased to oppose his views, and expressed his readiness to comply with whatever commands he might receive for the safety of the state.

May all thy actions prosper--may'st thou never Have cause to recollect my warning voice, With sorrow or repentance. Heaven protect thee!

Zal then took leave of the king and his warrior friends, and returned to Sistan, not without melancholy forebodings respecting the issue of the war against Mazinderan.