Mihrab again waited on Zal, who received him graciously, and asked him in what manner he could promote his wishes. Mihrab said that he only desired him to become his guest at a banquet he intended to invite him to; but Zal thought proper to refuse, because he well knew, if he accepted an invitation of the kind from a relation of Zohak, that his father Sam and the King of Persia would be offended. Mihrab returned to Kabul disappointed, and having gone into his harem, his wife, Sindokht, inquired after the stranger from Zabul, the white-headed son of Sam. She wished to know what he was like, in form and feature, and what account he gave of his sojourn with the Simurgh. Mihrab described him in the warmest terms of admiration--he was valiant, he said, accomplished and handsome, with no other defect than that of white hair. And so boundless was his praise, that Rudabeh, who was present, drank every word with avidity, and felt her own heart warmed into admiration and love. Full of emotion, she afterwards said privately to her attendants:

"To you alone the secret of my heart I now unfold; to you alone confess The deep sensations of my captive soul.

I love, I love; all day and night of him I think alone--I see him in my dreams-- You only know my secret--aid me now, And soothe the sorrows of my bursting heart."

The attendants were startled with this confession and entreaty, and ventured to remonstrate against so preposterous an attachment.

"What! hast thou lost all sense of shame, All value for thy honored name!

That thou, in loveliness supreme, Of every tongue the constant theme, Should choose, and on another's word.

The nursling of a Mountain Bird!

A being never seen before, Which human mother never bore!

And can the h.o.a.ry locks of age, A youthful heart like thine engage?

Must thy enchanting form be prest To such a dubious monster's breast?

And all thy beauty's rich array, Thy peerless charms be thrown away?"

This violent remonstrance was more calculated to rouse the indignation of Rudabeh than to induce her to change her mind. It did so. But she subdued her resentment, and again dwelt upon the ardor of her pa.s.sion.

"My attachment is fixed, my election is made, And when hearts are enchained 'tis in vain to upbraid.

Neither Kizar nor f.a.ghfur I wish to behold, Nor the monarch of Persia with jewels and gold; All, all I despise, save the choice of my heart, And from his beloved image I never can part.

Call him aged, or young, 'tis a fruitless endeavour To uproot a desire I must cherish for ever; Call him old, call him young, who can pa.s.sion control?

Ever present, and loved, he entrances my soul.

'Tis for him I exist--him I worship alone, And my heart it must bleed till I call him my own."

As soon as the attendants found that Rudabeh's attachment was deeply fixed, and not to be removed, they changed their purpose, and became obedient to her wishes, anxious to pursue any measure that might bring Zal and their mistress together. Rudabeh was delighted with this proof of their regard.

It was spring-time, and the attendants repaired towards the halting-place of Zal, in the neighborhood of the city. Their occupation seemed to be gathering roses along the romantic banks of a pellucid streamlet, and when they purposely strayed opposite the tent of Zal, he observed them, and asked his friends--why they presumed to gather roses in his garden. He was told that they were damsels sent by the moon of Kabulistan from the palace of Mihrab to gather roses, and upon hearing this his heart was touched with emotion. He rose up and rambled about for amus.e.m.e.nt, keeping the direction of the river, followed by a servant with a bow. He was not far from the damsels, when a bird sprung up from the water, which he shot, upon the wing, with an arrow. The bird happened to fall near the rose-gatherers, and Zal ordered his servant to bring it to him. The attendants of Rudabeh lost not the opportunity, as he approached them, to inquire who the archer was. "Know ye not,"

answered the servant, "that this is Nim-ruz, the son of Sam, and also called Dustan, the greatest warrior ever known." At this the damsels smiled, and said that they too belonged to a person of distinction--and not of inferior worth--to a star in the palace of Mihrab. "We have come from Kabul to the King of Zabulistan, and should Zal and Rudabeh be of equal rank, her ruby lips may become acquainted with his, and their wished-for union be effected." When the servant returned, Zal was immediately informed of the conversation that had taken place, and in consequence presents were prepared.

They who to gather roses came--went back With precious gems--and honorary robes; And two bright finger-rings were secretly Sent to the princess.

Then did the attendants of Rudabeh exult in the success of their artifice, and say that the lion had come into their toils. Rudabeh herself, however, had some fears on the subject. She anxiously sought to know exactly the personal appearance of Zal, and happily her warmest hopes were realized by the description she received. But one difficulty remained--how were they to meet? How was she to see with her own eyes the man whom her fancy had depicted in such glowing colors? Her attendants, sufficiently expert at intrigue, soon contrived the means of gratifying her wishes. There was a beautiful rural retreat in a sequestered situation, the apartments of which were adorned with pictures of great men, and ornamented in the most splendid manner. To this favorite place Rudabeh retired, and most magnificently dressed, awaiting the coming of Zal, whom her attendants had previously invited to repair thither as soon as the sun had gone down. The shadows of evening were falling as he approached, and the enamoured princess thus addressed him from her balcony:--

"May happiness attend thee ever, thou, Whose lucid features make this gloomy night Clear as the day; whose perfume scents the breeze; Thou who, regardless of fatigue, hast come On foot too, thus to see me--"

Hearing a sweet voice, he looked up, and beheld a bright face in the balcony, and he said to the beautiful vision:--

"How often have I hoped that Heaven Would, in some secret place display Thy charms to me, and thou hast given My heart the wish of many a day; For now thy gentle voice I hear, And now I see thee--speak again!

Speak freely in a willing ear, And every wish thou hast obtain."

Not a word was lost upon Rudabeh, and she soon accomplished her object.

Her hair was so luxuriant, and of such a length, that casting it loose it flowed down from the balcony; and, after fastening the upper part to a ring, she requested Zal to take hold of the other end and mount up. He ardently kissed the musky tresses, and by them quickly ascended.

Then hand in hand within the chambers they Gracefully pa.s.sed.--Attractive was the scene, The walls embellished by the painter's skill, And every object exquisitely formed, Sculpture, and architectural ornament, Fit for a king. Zal with amazement gazed Upon what art had done, but more he gazed Upon the witching radiance of his love, Upon her tulip cheeks, her musky locks, Breathing the sweetness of a summer garden; Upon the sparkling brightness of her rings, Necklace, and bracelets, glittering on her arms.

His mien too was majestic--on his head He wore a ruby crown, and near his breast Was seen a belted dagger. Fondly she With side-long glances marked his n.o.ble aspect, The fine proportions of his graceful limbs, His strength and beauty. Her enamoured heart Suffused her cheek with blushes, every glance Increased the ardent transports of her soul.

So mild was his demeanour, he appeared A gentle lion toying with his prey.

Long they remained rapt in admiration Of each other. At length the warrior rose, And thus addressed her: "It becomes not us To be forgetful of the path of prudence, Though love would dictate a more ardent course, How oft has Sam, my father, counselled me, Against unseeming thoughts,--unseemly deeds,-- Always to choose the right, and shun the wrong.

How will he burn with anger when he hears This new adventure; how will Minuchihr Indignantly reproach me for this dream!

This waking dream of rapture! but I call High Heaven to witness what I now declare-- Whoever may oppose my sacred vows, I still am thine, affianced thine, for ever."

And thus Rudabeh: "Thou hast won my heart, And kings may sue in vain; to thee devoted, Thou art alone my warrior and my love."

Thus they exclaimed,--then Zal with fond adieus Softly descended from the balcony, And hastened to his tent.

As speedily as possible he a.s.sembled together his counsellors and Mubids to obtain their advice on the present extraordinary occasion, and he represented to them the sacred importance of encouraging matrimonial alliances.

For marriage is a contract sealed by Heaven-- How happy is the Warrior's lot, amidst His smiling children; when he dies, his son Succeeds him, and enjoys his rank and name.

And is it not a glorious thing to say-- This is the son of Zal, or this of Sam, The heir of his renowned progenitor?

He then related to them the story of his love and affection for the daughter of Mihrab; but the Mubids, well knowing that the chief of Kabul was of the family of Zohak, the serpent-king, did not approve the union desired, which excited the indignation of Zal. They, however, recommended his writing a letter to Sam, who might, if he thought proper, refer the matter to Minuchihr. The letter was accordingly written and despatched, and when Sam received it, he immediately referred the question to his astrologers, to know whether the nuptials, if solemnized between Zal and Rudabeh, would be prosperous or not. They foretold that the nuptials would be prosperous, and that the issue would be a son of wonderful strength and power, the conqueror of the world.

This announcement delighted the heart of the old warrior, and he sent the messenger back with the a.s.surance of his approbation of the proposed union, but requested that the subject might be kept concealed till he returned with his army from the expedition to Karugsar, and was able to consult with Minuchihr.

Zal, exulting at his success, communicated the glad tidings to Rudabeh by their female emissary, who had hitherto carried on successfully the correspondence between them. But as she was conveying an answer to this welcome news, and some presents to Zal, Sindokht, the mother of Rudabeh, detected her, and, examining the contents of the packet, she found sufficient evidence, she thought, of something wrong.

"What treachery is this? What have we here!

Sirbund and male attire? Thou, wretch, confess!

Disclose thy secret doings."

The emissary, however, betrayed nothing; but declared that she was a dealer in jewels and dresses, and had been only showing her merchandise to Rudabeh. Sindokht, in extreme agitation of mind, hastened to her daughter's apartment to ascertain the particulars of this affair, when Rudabeh at once fearlessly acknowledged her unalterable affection for Zal,

"I love him so devotedly, all day, All night my tears have flowed unceasingly; And one hair of his head I prize more dearly Than all the world beside; for him I live; And we have met, and we have sat together, And pledged our mutual love with mutual joy And innocence of heart."

Rudabeh further informed her of Sam's consent to their nuptials, which in some degree satisfied the mother. But when Mihrab was made acquainted with the arrangement, his rage was unbounded, for he dreaded the resentment of Sam and Minuchihr when the circ.u.mstances became fully known to them. Trembling with indignation he drew his dagger, and would have instantly rushed to Rudabeh's chamber to destroy her, had not Sindokht fallen at his feet and restrained him. He insisted, however, on her being brought before him; and upon his promise not to do her any harm, Sindokht complied. Rudabeh disdained to take off her ornaments to appear as an offender and a supplicant, but, proud of her choice, went into her father's presence, gayly adorned with jewels, and in splendid apparel. Mihrab received her with surprise.

"Why all this glittering finery? Is the devil United to an angel? When a snake Is met with in Arabia, it is killed!"

But Rudabeh answered not a word, and was permitted to retire with her mother.

When Minuchihr was apprised of the proceedings between Zal and Rudabeh, he was deeply concerned, antic.i.p.ating nothing but confusion and ruin to Persia from the united influence of Zal and Mihrab. Feridun had purified the world from the abominations of Zohak, and as Mihrab was a descendant of that merciless tyrant, he feared that some attempt would be made to resume the enormities of former times; Sam was therefore required to give his advice on the occasion.

The conqueror of Karugsar and Mazinderan was received on his return with cordial rejoicings, and he charmed the king with the story of his triumphant success. The monarch against whom he had fought was descended, on the mother's side, from Zohak, and his Demon army was more numerous than ants, or clouds of locusts, covering mountain and plain.

Sam thus proceeded in his description of the conflict.

"And when he heard my voice, and saw what deeds I had performed, approaching me, he threw His noose; but downward bending I escaped, And with my bow I showered upon his head Steel-pointed arrows, piercing through the brain; Then did I grasp his loins, and from his horse Cast him upon the ground, deprived of life.

At this, the demons terrified and pale, Shrunk back, some flying to the mountain wilds, And others, taken on the battle-field, Became obedient to the Persian king."

Minuchihr, gratified by this result of the expedition, appointed Sam to a new enterprise, which was to destroy Kabul by fire and sword, especially the house of Mihrab; and that ruler, of the serpent-race, and all his adherents were to be put to death. Sam, before he took leave to return to his own government at Zabul, tried to dissuade him from this violent exercise of revenge, but without making any sensible impression upon him.

Meanwhile the vindictive intentions of Minuchihr, which were soon known at Kabul, produced the greatest alarm and consternation in the family of Mihrab. Zal now returned to his father, and Sam sent a letter to Minuchihr, again to deprecate his wrath, and appointed Zal the messenger. In this letter Sam enumerates his services at Karugsar and Mazinderan, and especially dwells upon the destruction of a prodigious dragon.

"I am thy servant, and twice sixty years Have seen my prowess. Mounted on my steed, Wielding my battle-axe, overthrowing heroes, Who equals Sam, the warrior? I destroyed The mighty monster, whose devouring jaws Unpeopled half the land, and spread dismay From town to town. The world was full of horror, No bird was seen in air, no beast of prey In plain or forest; from the stream he drew The crocodile; the eagle from the sky.

The country had no habitant alive, And when I found no human being left, I cast away all fear, and girt my loins, And in the name of G.o.d went boldly forth, Armed for the strife. I saw him towering rise, Huge as a mountain, with his hideous hair Dragging upon the ground; his long black tongue Shut up the path; his eyes two lakes of blood; And, seeing me, so horrible his roar, The earth shook with affright, and from his mouth A flood of poison issued. Like a lion Forward I sprang, and in a moment drove A diamond-pointed arrow through his tongue, Fixing him to the ground. Another went Down his deep throat, and dreadfully he writhed.

A third pa.s.sed through his middle. Then I raised My battle-axe, cow-headed, and with one Tremendous blow, dislodged his venomous brain, And deluged all around with blood and poison.

There lay the monster dead, and soon the world Regained its peace and comfort. Now I'm old, The vigour of my youth is past and gone, And it becomes me to resign my station, To Zal, my gallant son."

Mihrab continued in such extreme agitation, that in his own mind he saw no means of avoiding the threatened desolation of his country but by putting his wife and daughter to death. Sindokht however had a better resource, and suggested the expediency of waiting upon Sam herself, to induce him to forward her own views and the nuptials between Zal and Rudabeh. To this Mihrab a.s.sented, and she proceeded, mounted on a richly caparisoned horse, to Zabul with most magnificent presents, consisting of three hundred thousand dinars; ten horses with golden, and thirty with silver, housings; sixty richly attired damsels, carrying golden trays of jewels and musk, and camphor, and wine, and sugar; forty pieces of figured cloth; a hundred milch camels, and a hundred others for burden; two hundred Indian swords, a golden crown and throne, and four elephants. Sam was amazed and embarra.s.sed by the arrival of this splendid array. If he accepted the presents, he would incur the anger of Minuchihr; and if he rejected them, Zal would be disappointed and driven to despair. He at length accepted them, and concurred in the wishes of Sindokht respecting the union of the two lovers.

When Zal arrived at the court of Minuchihr, he was received with honor, and the letter of Sam being read, the king was prevailed upon to consent to the pacific proposals that were made in favor of Mihrab, and the nuptials. He too consulted his astrologers, and was informed that the offspring of Zal and Rudabeh would be a hero of matchless strength and valor. Zal, on his return through Kabul, had an interview with Rudabeh, who welcomed him in the most rapturous terms:--

Be thou for ever blest, for I adore thee, And make the dust of thy fair feet my pillow.

In short, with the approbation of all parties the marriage at length took place, and was celebrated at the beautiful summer-house where first the lovers met. Sam was present at Kabul on the happy occasion, and soon afterwards returned to Sistan, preparatory to resuming his martial labors in Karugsar and Mazinderan.