Having thus accomplished the first part of his vengeance, he proceeded with the Persian army against Afrasiyab, and all the Iranian warriors followed his example. When he had penetrated as far as Turan, the enemy sent forward thirty thousand men to oppose his progress; and in the conflict which ensued, Feramurz took Sarkha, the son of Afrasiyab, prisoner. Rustem delivered him over to Tus to be put to death precisely in the same manner as Saiawush; but the captive represented himself as the particular friend of Saiawush, and begged to be pardoned on that account. Rustem, however, had sworn that he would take his revenge, without pity or remorse, and accordingly death was inflicted upon the unhappy prisoner, whose blood was received in a dish, and sent to Kaus, and the severed head suspended over the gates of the king's palace. Afrasiyab hearing of this catastrophe, which sealed the fate of his favorite son, immediately collected together the whole of the Turanian army, and hastened himself to resist the conquering career of the enemy.

As on they moved; with loud and dissonant clang; His numerous troops shut out the prospect round; No sun was visible by day; no moon, Nor stars by night. The tramp of men and steeds, And rattling drums, and shouts, were only heard, And the bright gleams of armour only seen.

Ere long the two armies met, when Pilsam, the brother of Piran, was ambitious of opposing his single arm against Rustem, upon which Afrasiyab said:—"Subdue Rustem, and thy reward shall be my daughter, and half my kingdom." Piran, however, observed that he was too young to be a fit match for the experience and valor of the Persian champion, and would have dissuaded him from the unequal contest, but the choice was his own, and he was consequently permitted by Afrasiyab to put his bravery to the test. Pilsam accordingly went forth and summoned Rustem to the fight; but Giw, hearing the call, accepted the challenge himself, and had nearly been thrown from his horse by the superior activity of his opponent. Feramurz luckily saw him at the perilous moment, and darting forward, with one stroke of his sword shattered Pilsam's javelin to pieces, and then a new strife began. Pilsam and Feramurz fought together with desperation, till both were almost exhausted, and Rustem himself was surprised to see the display of so much valor. Perceiving the wearied state of the two warriors he pushed forward Rakush, and called aloud to Pilsam:—"Am I not the person challenged?" and immediately the Turanian chief proceeded to encounter him, striking with all his might at the head of the champion; but though the sword was broken by the blow, not a hair of his head was disordered.

Then Rustem urging on his gallant steed, Fixed his long javelin in the girdle band Of his ambitious foe, and quick unhorsed him; Then dragged him on towards Afrasiyab, And, scoffing, cast him at the despot's feet. "Here comes the glorious conqueror," he said; "Now give to him thy daughter and thy treasure, Thy kingdom and thy soldiers; has he not Done honour to thy country?—Is he not A jewel in thy crown of sovereignty? What arrogance inspired the fruitless hope! Think of thy treachery to Saiawush; Thy savage cruelty, and never look For aught but deadly hatred from mankind; And in the field of fight defeat and ruin." Thus scornfully he spoke, and not a man, Though in the presence of Afrasiyab, Had soul to meet him; fear o'ercame them all Monarch and warriors, for a time. At length Shame was awakened, and the king appeared In arms against the champion. Fiercely they Hurled their sharp javelins—Rustem's struck the head Of his opponent's horse, which floundering fell, And overturned his rider. Anxious then The champion sprang to seize the royal prize; But Human rushed between, and saved his master, Who vaulted on another horse and fled.

Having thus rescued Afrasiyab, the wary chief exercised all his cunning and adroitness to escape himself, and at last succeeded. Rustem pursued him, and the Turanian troops, who had followed the example of the king; but though thousands were slain in the chase which continued for many farsangs, no further advantage was obtained on that day. Next morning, however, Rustem resumed his pursuit; and the enemy hearing of his approach, retreated into Chinese Tartary, to secure, among other advantages, the person of Kai-khosrau; leaving the kingdom of Turan at the mercy of the invader, who mounted the throne, and ruled there, it is said, about seven years, with memorable severity, proscribing and putting to death every person who mentioned the name of Afrasiyab. In the meantime he made splendid presents to Tus and Gudarz, suitable to their rank and services; and Zuara, in revenge for the monstrous outrage committed upon Saiawush, burnt and destroyed everything that came in his way; his wrath being exasperated by the sight of the places in which the young prince had resided, and recreated himself with hunting and other sports of the field. The whole realm, in fact, was delivered over to plunder and devastation; and every individual of the army was enriched by the appropriation of public and private wealth. The companions of Rustem, however, grew weary of residing in Turan, and they strongly represented to him the neglect which Kai-kaus had suffered for so many years, recommending his return to Persia, as being more honorable than the exile they endured in an ungenial climate. Rustem's abandonment of the kingdom was at length carried into effect; and he and his warriors did not fail to take away with them all the immense property that remained in jewels and gold; part of which was conveyed by the champion to Zabul and Sistan, and a goodly proportion to the king of kings in Persia.

When to Afrasiyab was known The plunder of his realm and throne, That the destroyer's reckless hand With fire and sword had scathed the land, Sorrow and anguish filled his soul, And passion raged beyond control; And thus he to his warriors said:— "At such a time, is valour dead? The man who hears the mournful tale, And is not by his country's bale Urged on to vengeance, cannot be Of woman born; accursed is he! The time will come when I shall reap The harvest of resentment deep; And till arrives that fated hour, Farewell to joy in hall or bower."

Rustem, in taking revenge for the murder of Saiawush, had not been unmindful of Kai-khosrau, and had actually sent to the remote parts of Tartary in quest of him.

It is said that Gudarz beheld in a dream the young prince, who pointed out to him his actual residence, and intimated that of all the warriors of Kaus, Giw was the only one destined to restore him to the world and his birth-right. The old man immediately requested his son Giw to go to the place where the stranger would be found. Giw readily complied, and in his progress provided himself at every stage successively with a guide, whom he afterwards slew to prevent discovery, and in this manner he proceeded till he reached the boundary of Chin, enjoying no comfort by day, or sleep by night. His only food was the flesh of the wild ass, and his only covering the skin of the same animal. He went on traversing mountain and forest, enduring every privation, and often did he hesitate, often did he think of returning, but honor urged him forward in spite of the trouble and impediments with which he was continually assailed. Arriving in a desert one day, he happened to meet with several persons, who upon being interrogated, said that they were sent by Piran-wisah in search of Kai-kaus. Giw kept his own secret, saying that he was amusing himself with hunting the wild ass, but took care to ascertain from them the direction in which they were going. During the night the parties separated, and in the morning Giw proceeded rapidly on his route, and after some time discovered a youth sitting by the side of a fountain, with a cup in his hand, whom he supposed to be Kai-khosrau. The youth also spontaneously thought "This must be Giw"; and when the traveller approached him, and said, "I am sure thou art the son of Saiawush"; the youth observed, "I am equally sure that thou art Giw the son of Gudarz." At this Giw was amazed, and falling to his feet, asked how, and from what circumstance, he recognized him. The youth replied that he knew all the warriors of Kaus; Rustem, and Kishwad, and Tus, and Gudarz, and the rest, from their portraits in his father's gallery, they being deeply impressed on his mind. He then asked in what way Giw had discovered him to be Kai-khosrau, and Giw answered, "Because I perceived something kingly in thy countenance. But let me again examine thee!" The youth, at this request, removed his garments, and Giw beheld that mark on his body which was the heritage of the race of Kai-kobad. Upon this discovery he rejoiced, and congratulating himself and the young prince on the success of his mission, related to him the purpose for which he had come. Kai-khosrau was soon mounted on horseback, and Giw accompanied him respectfully on foot. They, in the first instance, pursued their way towards the abode of Ferangis, his mother. The persons sent by Piran-wisah did not arrive at the place where Kai-khosrau had been kept till long after Giw and the prince departed; and then they were told that a Persian horseman had come and carried off the youth, upon which they immediately returned, and communicated to Piran what had occurred. Ferangis, in recovering her son, mentioned to Giw, with the fondness of a mother, the absolute necessity of going on without delay, and pointed out to him the meadow in which some of Afrasiyab's horses were to be met with, particularly one called Behzad, which once belonged to Saiawush, and which her father had kept in good condition for his own riding. Giw, therefore, went to the meadow, and throwing his kamund, secured Behzad and another horse; and all three being thus accommodated, hastily proceeded on their journey towards Iran.

Tidings of the escape of Kai-khosrau having reached Afrasiyab, he despatched Kulbad with three hundred horsemen after him; and so rapid were his movements that he overtook the fugitives in the vicinity of Bulgharia. Khosrau and his mother were asleep, but Giw being awake, and seeing an armed force evidently in pursuit of his party, boldly put on his armor, mounted Behzad, and before the enemy came up, advanced to the charge. He attacked the horsemen furiously with sword, and mace, for he had heard the prophecy, which declared that Kai-khosrau was destined to be the king of kings, and therefore he braved the direst peril with confidence, and the certainty of success. It was this feeling which enabled him to perform such a prodigy of valor, in putting Kulbad and his three hundred horsemen to the rout. They all fled defeated, and dispersed precipitately before him. After this surprising victory, he returned to the halting place, and told Kai-khosrau what he had done. The prince was disappointed at not having been awakened to participate in the exploit, but Giw said, "I did not wish to disturb thy sweet slumbers unnecessarily. It was thy good fortune and prosperous star, however, which made me triumph over the enemy." The three travellers then resuming their journey:

Through dreary track, and pathless waste, And wood and wild, their way they traced.

The return of the defeated Kulbad excited the greatest indignation in the breast of Piran. "What! three hundred soldiers to fly from the valor of one man! Had Giw possessed even the activity and might of Rustem and Sam, such a shameful discomfiture could scarcely have happened." Saying this, he ordered the whole force under his command to be got ready, and set off himself to overtake and intercept the fugitives, who, fatigued with the toilsome march, were only able to proceed one stage in the day. Piran, therefore, who travelled at the rate of one hundred leagues a day, overtook them before they had passed through Bulgharia. Ferangis, who saw the enemy's banner floating in the air, knew that it belonged to Piran, and instantly awoke the two young men from sleep. Upon this occasion, Khosrau insisted on acting his part, instead of being left ignominiously idle; but Giw was still resolute and determined to preserve him from all risk, at the peril of his own life. "Thou art destined to be the king of the world; thou art yet young, and a novice, and hast never known the toils of war; Heaven forbid that any misfortune should befall thee: indeed, whilst I live, I will never suffer thee to go into battle!" Khosrau then proposed to give him assistance; but Giw said he wanted no assistance, not even from Rustem; "for," he added, "in art and strength we are equal, having frequently tried our skill together." Rustem had given his daughter in marriage to Giw, he himself being married to Giw's sister. "Be of good cheer," resumed he, "get upon some high place, and witness the battle between us.

"Fortune will still from Heaven descend, The god of victory is my friend."

As soon as he took the field, Piran thus addressed him: "Thou hast once, singly, defeated three hundred of my soldiers; thou shalt now see what punishment awaits thee at my hands.

"For should a warrior be a rock of steel, A thousand ants, gathered on every side, In time will make him but a heap of dust."

In reply, Giw said to Piran, "I am the man who bound thy two women, and sent them from China to Persia—Rustem and I are the same in battle. Thou knowest, when he encountered a thousand horsemen, what was the result, and what he accomplished! Thou wilt find me the same: is not a lion enough to overthrow a thousand kids?

"If but a man survive of thy proud host, Brand me with coward—say I'm not a warrior. Already have I triumphed o'er Kulbad, And now I'll take thee prisoner, yea, alive! And send thee to Kaus—there thou wilt be Slain to avenge the death of Saiawush; Turan shall perish, and Afrasiyab, And every earthly hope extinguished quite." Hearing this awful threat, Piran turned pale And shook with terror—trembling like a reed; And saying: "Go, I will not fight with thee!" But Giw asked fiercely: "Why?" And on he rushed Against the foe, who fled—but 'twas in vain. The kamund round the old man's neck was thrown, And he was taken captive. Then his troops Showered their sharp arrows on triumphant Giw, To free their master, who was quickly brought Before Kai-khosrau, and the kamund placed Within his royal hands. This service done, Giw sped against the Tartars, and full soon Defeated and dispersed them.

On his return, Giw expressed his astonishment that Piran was still alive; when Ferangis interposed, and weeping, said how much she had been indebted to his interposition and the most active humanity on various occasions, and particularly in saving herself and Kai-khosrau from the wrath of Afrasiyab after the death of Saiawush. "If," said she, "after so much generosity he has committed one fault, let it be forgiven.

"Let not the man of many virtues die, For being guilty of one trifling error. Let not the friend who nobly saved my life, And more, the dearer life of Kai-khosrau, Suffer from us. O, he must never, never, Feel the sharp pang of foul ingratitude, From a true prince of the Kaianian race."

But Giw paused, and said, "I have sworn to crimson the earth with his blood, and I must not pass from my oath." Khosrau then suggested to him to pierce the lobes of Piran's ears, and drop the blood on the ground to stain it, in order that he might not depart from his word; and this humane fraud was accordingly committed. Khosrau further interceded; and instead of being sent a captive to Kaus, the good old man was set at liberty.

When the particulars of this event were described to Afrasiyab by Piran-wisah, he was exceedingly sorrowful, and lamented deeply that Kai-khosrau had so successfully effected his escape. But he had recourse to a further expedient, and sent instructions to all the ferrymen of the Jihun, with a minute description of the three travellers, to prevent their passing that river, announcing at the same time that he himself was in pursuit of them. Not a moment was lost in preparing his army for the march, and he moved forward with the utmost expedition, night and day. At the period when Giw arrived on the banks of the Jihun, the stream was very rapid and formidable, and he requested the ferrymen to produce their certificates to show themselves equal to their duty. They pretended that their certificates were lost, but demanded for their fare the black horse upon which Giw rode. Giw replied, that he could not part with his favorite horse; and they rejoined, "Then give us the damsel who accompanies you." Giw answered, and said, "This is not a damsel, but the mother of that youth!"—"Then," observed they, "give us the youth's crown." But Giw told them that he could not comply with their demand; yet he was ready to reward them with money to any extent. The pertinacious ferrymen, who were not anxious for money, then demanded his armor, and this was also refused; and such was their independence or their effrontery, that they replied, "If not one of these four things you are disposed to grant, cross the river as best you may." Giw whispered to Kai-khosrau, and told him that there was no time for delay. "When Kavah, the blacksmith," said he, "rescued thy great ancestor, Feridun, he passed the stream in his armor without impediment; and why should we, in a cause of equal glory, hesitate for a moment?" Under the inspiring influence of an auspicious omen, and confiding in the protection of the Almighty, Kai-khosrau at once impelled his foaming horse into the river; his mother, Ferangis, followed with equal intrepidity, and then Giw; and notwithstanding the perilous passage, they all successfully overcame the boiling surge, and landed in safety, to the utter amazement of the ferrymen, who of course had expected they would be drowned,

It so happened that at the moment they touched the shore, Afrasiyab with his army arrived, and had the mortification to see the fugitives on the other bank, beyond his reach. His wonder was equal to his disappointment.

"What spirits must they have to brave The terrors of that boiling wave— With steed and harness, riding o'er The billows to the further shore."

It was a cheering sight, they say, To see how well they kept their way, How Ferangis impelled her horse Across that awful torrent's course, Guiding him with heroic hand, To reach unhurt the friendly strand.

Afrasiyab continued for some time mute with astonishment and vexation, and when he recovered, ordered the ferrymen to get ready their boats to pass him over the river; but Human dissuaded him from that measure, saying that they could only convey a few troops, and they would doubtless be received by a large force of the enemy on the other side. At these words, Afrasiyab seemed to devour his own blood with grief and indignation, and immediately retracing his steps, returned to Turan.

As soon as Giw entered within the boundary of the Persian empire, he poured out thanksgivings to God for his protection, and sent intelligence to Kaus of the safe arrival of the party in his dominions. The king rejoiced exceedingly, and appointed an honorary deputation under the direction of Gudarz, to meet the young prince on the road. On first seeing him, the king moved forward to receive him; and weeping affectionately, kissed his eyes and face, and had a throne prepared for him exactly like his own, upon which he seated him; and calling the nobles and warriors of the land together, commanded them to obey him. All readily promised their allegiance, excepting Tus, who left the court in disgust, and repairing forthwith to the house of Friburz, one of the sons of Kaus, told him that he would only pay homage and obedience to him, and not to the infant whom Giw had just brought out of a desert. Next day the great men and leaders were again assembled to declare publicly by an official act their fealty to Kai-khosrau, and Tus was also invited to the banquet, which was held on the occasion, but he refused to go. Giw was deputed to repeat the invitation; and he then said, "I shall pay homage to Friburz, as the heir to the throne, and to no other.

"For is he not the son of Kai-kaus, And worthy of the regal crown and throne? I want not any of the race of Poshang— None of the proud Turanian dynasty— Fruitless has been thy peril, Giw, to bring A silly child among us, to defraud The rightful prince of his inheritance!"

Giw, in reply, vindicated the character and attainments of Khosrau, but Tus was not to be appeased. He therefore returned to his father and communicated to him what had occurred. Gudarz was roused to great wrath by this resistance to the will of the king, and at once took twelve thousand men and his seventy-eight kinsmen, together with Giw, and proceeded to support his cause by force of arms. Tus, apprised of his intentions, prepared to meet him, but was reluctant to commit himself by engaging in a civil war, and said, internally:—

"If I unsheath the sword of strife, Numbers on either side will fall, I would not sacrifice the life Of one who owns my sovereign's thrall.

"My country would abhor the deed, And may I never see the hour When Persia's sons are doomed to bleed, But when opposed to foreign power.

"The cause must be both good and true, And if their blood in war must flow, Will it not seem of brighter hue, When shed to crush the Tartar foe?"

Possessing these sentiments, Tus sent an envoy to Gudarz, suggesting the suspension of any hostile proceedings until information on the subject had been first communicated to the king. Kaus was extremely displeased with Gudarz for his precipitancy and folly, and directed both him and Tus to repair immediately to court. Tus there said frankly, "I now owe honor and allegiance to king Kaus; but should he happen to lay aside the throne and the diadem, my obedience and loyalty will be due to Friburz his heir, and not to a stranger." To this, Gudarz replied, "Saiawush was the eldest son of the king, and unjustly murdered, and therefore it becomes his majesty to appease and rejoice the soul of the deceased, by putting Kai-khosrau in his place. Kai-khosrau, like Feridun, is worthy of empire; all the nobles of the land are of this opinion, excepting thyself, which must arise from ignorance and vanity.

"From Nauder certainly thou are descended, Not from a stranger, not from foreign loins; But though thy ancestor was wise and mighty Art thou of equal merit? No, not thou! Regarding Khosrau, thou hast neither shown Reason nor sense—but most surprising folly!" To this contemptuous speech, Tus thus replied: "Ungenerous warrior! wherefore thus employ Such scornful words to me? Who art thou, pray! Who, but the low descendant of a blacksmith? No Khosrau claims thee for his son, no chief Of noble blood; whilst I can truly boast Kindred to princes of the highest worth, And merit not to be obscured by thee!" To him then Gudarz: "Hear me for this once, Then shut thy ears for ever. Need I blush To be the kinsman of the glorious Kavah? It is my humour to be proud of him. Although he was a blacksmith—that same man, Who, when the world could still boast of valour, Tore up the name-roll of the fiend Zohak, And gave the Persians freedom from the fangs Of the devouring serpents. He it was, Who raised the banner, and proclaimed aloud, Freedom for Persia! Need I blush for him? To him the empire owes its greatest blessing, The prosperous rule of virtuous Feridun." Tus wrathfully rejoined: "Old man! thy arrow May pierce an anvil—mine can pierce the heart Of the Kaf mountain! If thy mace can break A rock asunder—mine can strike the sun!"

The anger of the two heroes beginning to exceed all proper bounds, Kaus commanded silence; when Gudarz came forward, and asked permission to say one word more: "Call Khosrau and Friburz before thee, and decide impartially between them which is the most worthy of sovereignty—let the wisest and the bravest only be thy successor to the throne of Persia." Kaus replied:

"The father has no choice among his children, He loves them all alike—his only care Is to prevent disunion; to preserve Brotherly kindness and respect among them."

After a pause, he requested the attendance of Friburz and Khosrau, and told them that there was a demon-fortress in the vicinity of his dominions called Bahmen, from which fire was continually issuing. "Go, each of you," said he, "against this fortress, supported by an army with which you shall each be equally provided, and the conqueror shall be the sovereign of Persia." Friburz was not sorry to hear of this probationary scheme, and only solicited to be sent first on the expedition. He and Tus looked upon the task as perfectly easy, and promised to be back triumphant in a short time.

But when the army reached that awful fort, The ground seemed all in flames on every side; One universal fire raged round and round, And the hot wind was like the scorching breath Which issues from red furnaces, where spirits Infernal dwell. Full many a warrior brave, And many a soldier perished in that heat, Consumed to ashes. Nearer to the fort Advancing, they beheld it in mid-air, But not a living thing—nor gate, nor door; Yet they remained one week, hoping to find Some hidden inlet, suffering cruel loss Hour after hour—but none could they descry. At length, despairing, they returned, worn out, Scorched, and half-dead with watching, care, and toil. And thus Friburz and Tus, discomfited And sad, appeared before the Persian king.

Then was it Khosrau's turn, and him Kaus Despatched with Giw, and Gudarz, and the troops Appointed for that enterprise, and blessed them. When the young prince approached the destined scene Of his exploit, he saw the blazing fort Reddening the sky and earth, and well he knew This was the work of sorcery, the spell Of demon-spirits. In a heavenly dream, He had been taught how to destroy the charms Of fell magicians, and defy their power, Though by the devil, the devil himself, sustained, He wrote the name of God, and piously Bound it upon his javelin's point, and pressed Fearlessly forward, showing it on high; And Giw displayed it on the magic walls Of that proud fortress—breathing forth a prayer Craving the aid of the Almighty arm; When suddenly the red fires died away, And all the world was darkness, Khosrau's troops Following the orders of their prince, then shot Thick clouds of arrows from ten thousand bows, In the direction of the enchanted tower. The arrows fell like rain, and quickly slew A host of demons—presently bright light Dispelled the gloom, and as the mist rolled off In sulphury circles, the surviving fiends Were seen in rapid flight; the fortress, too, Distinctly shone, and its prodigious gate, Through which the conquerors passed. Great wealth they found, And having sacked the place, Khosrau erected A lofty temple, to commemorate His name and victory there, then back returned Triumphantly to gladden king Kaus, Whose heart expanded at the joyous news.

The result of Kai-khosrau's expedition against the enchanted castle, compared with that of Friburz, was sufficient of itself to establish the former in the king's estimation, and accordingly it was announced to the princes and nobles and warriors of the land, that he should succeed to the throne, and be crowned on a fortunate day. A short time afterwards the coronation took place with great pomp and splendor; and Khosrau conducted himself towards men of every rank and station with such perfect kindness and benevolence, that he gained the affections of all and never failed daily to pay a visit to his grandfather Kaus, and to familiarize himself with the affairs of the kingdom which he was destined to govern.

Justice he spread with equal hand, Rooting oppression from the land; And every desert, wood, and wild, With early cultivation smiled; And every plain, with verdure clad, And every Persian heart was glad.



KAI-KHOSRAU

The tidings of Khosrau's accession to the throne were received at Sistan by Zal and Rustem with heartfelt pleasure, and they forthwith hastened to court with rich presents, to pay him their homage, and congratulate him on the occasion of his elevation. The heroes were met on the road with suitable honors, and Khosrau embracing Rustem affectionately, lost no time in asking for his assistance in taking vengeance for the death of Saiawush. The request was no sooner made than granted, and the champion having delivered his presents, then proceeded with his father Zal to wait upon Kaus, who prepared a royal banquet, and entertained Khosrau and them in the most sumptuous manner. It was there agreed to march a large army against Afrasiyab; and all the warriors zealously came forward with their best services, except Zal, who on account of his age requested to remain tranquilly in his own province. Khosrau said to Kaus:

"The throne can yield no happiness for me, Nor can I sleep the sleep of health and joy Till I have been revenged on that destroyer. The tyrant of Turan; to please the spirit Of my poor butchered father."

Kaus, on delivering over to him the imperial army, made him acquainted with the character and merits of every individual of importance. He appointed Friburz, and a hundred warriors, who were the prince's friends and relatives, to situations of trust and command, and Tus was among them. Gudarz and his seventy-eight sons and grandsons were placed on the right, and Gustahem, the brother of Tus, with an immense levy on the left. There were also close to Khosrau's person, in the centre of the hosts, thirty-three warriors of the race of Poshang, and a separate guard under Byzun.

In their progress Khosrau said to Friburz and Tus, "Ferud, who is my brother, has built a strong fort in Bokhara, called Kullab, which stands on the way to the enemy, and there he resides with his mother, Gulshaher. Let him not be molested, for he is also the son of Saiawush, but pass on one side of his possessions." Friburz did pass on one side as requested; but Tus, not liking to proceed by the way of the desert, and preferring a cultivated and pleasant country, went directly on through the places which led to the very fort in question. When Ferud was informed of the approach of Tus with an armed force, he naturally concluded that he was coming to fight him, and consequently determined to oppose his progress. Tus, however, sent Riu, his son-in-law, to explain to Ferud that he had no quarrel or business with him, and only wished to pass peaceably through his province; but Ferud thought this was merely an idle pretext, and proceeding to hostilities, Riu was killed by him in the conflict that ensued. Tus, upon being informed of this result, drew up his army, and besieged the fort into which Ferud had precipitately retired. When Ferud, however, found that Tus himself was in the field, he sallied forth from his fastness, and assailed him with his bow and arrows. One of the darts struck and killed the horse of Tus, and tumbled his rider to the ground. Upon this occurrence Giw rushed forward in the hopes of capturing the prince; but it so happened that he was unhorsed in the same way. Byzun, the son of Giw, seeing with great indignation this signal overthrow, wished to be revenged on the victor; and though his father endeavored to restrain him, nothing could control his wrath. He sprung speedily forward to fulfil his menace, but by the bravery and expertness of Ferud, his horse was killed, and he too was thrown headlong from his saddle. Unsubdued, however, he rose upon his feet, and invited his antagonist to single combat. In consequence of this challenge, they fought a short time with spears till Ferud deemed it advisable to retire into his fort, from the lofty walls of which he cast down so many stones, that Byzun was desperately wounded, and compelled to leave the place. When he informed Tus of the misfortune which had befallen him, that warrior vowed that on the following day not a man should remain alive in the fort. The mother of Ferud, who was the daughter of Wisah, had at this period a dream which informed her that the fortress had taken fire, and that the whole of the inhabitants had been consumed to death. This dream she communicated to Ferud, who said in reply:—

"Mother! I have no dread of death; What is there in this vital breath? My sire was wounded, and he died; And fate may lay me by his side! Was ever man immortal?—never! We cannot, mother, live for ever. Mine be the task in life to claim In war a bright and spotless name. What boots it to be pale with fear, And dread each grief that waits us here? Protected by the power divine, Our lot is written—why repine?"

Tus, according to his threat, attacked the fort, and burst open the gates. Ferud defended himself with great valor against Byzun; and whilst they were engaged in deadly battle, Bahram, the hero, sprang up from his ambuscade, and striking furiously upon the head of Ferud, killed that unfortunate youth on the spot. The mother, the beautiful Gulshaher, seeing what had befallen her son, rushed out of the fort in a state of frenzy, and flying to him, clasped him in her arms in an agony of grief. Unable to survive his loss, she plunged a dagger in her own breast, and died at his feet. The Persians then burst open the gates, and plundered the city. Bahram, when he saw what had been done, reproached Tus with being the cause of this melancholy tragedy, and asked him what account he would give of his conduct to Kai-khosrau. Tus was extremely concerned, and remaining three days at that place, erected a lofty monument to the memory of the unfortunate youth, and scented it with musk and camphor. He then pushed forward his army to attack another fort. That fort gave way, the commandant being killed in the attack; and he then hastened on toward Afrasiyab, who had ordered Nizad with thirty thousand horsemen to meet him. Byzun distinguished himself in the contest which followed, but would have fallen into the hands of the enemy if he had not been rescued by his men, and conveyed from the field of battle. Afrasiyab pushed forward another force of forty thousand horsemen under Piran-wisah, who suffered considerable loss in an engagement with Giw; and in consequence fell back for the purpose of retrieving himself by a shubkhun, or night attack. The resolution proved to be a good one; for when night came on, the Persians were found off their guard, many of them being intoxicated, and the havoc and destruction committed among them by the Tartars was dreadful. The survivors were in a miserable state of despondency, but it was not till morning dawned that Tus beheld the full extent of his defeat and the ruin that surrounded him. When Kai-khosrau heard of this heavy reverse, he wrote to Friburz, saying, "I warned Tus not to proceed by the way of Kullab, because my brother and his mother dwelt in that place, and their residence ought to have been kept sacred. He has not only despised my orders, but he has cruelly occasioned the untimely death of both. Let him be bound, and sent to me a prisoner, and do thou assume the command of the army." Friburz accordingly placed Tus in confinement, and sent him to Khosrau, who received and treated him with reproaches and wrath, and consigned him to a dungeon. He then wrote to Piran, reproaching him for resorting to a night attack so unworthy of a brave man, and challenging him to resume the battle with him. Piran said that he would meet him after the lapse of a month, and at the expiration of that period both armies were opposed to each other. The contest commenced with arrows, then swords, and then with javelins; and Giw and Byzun were the foremost in bearing down the warriors of the enemy, who suffered so severely that they turned aside to attack Friburz, against whom they hoped to be more successful. The assault which they made was overwhelming, and vast numbers were slain, so that Friburz, finding himself driven to extremity, was obliged to shelter himself and his remaining troops on the skirts of a mountain. In the meantime Gudarz and Giw determined to keep their ground or perish, and sent Byzun to Friburz to desire him to join them, or if that was impracticable, to save the imperial banner by despatching it to their care. To this message, Friburz replied: "The traitors are triumphant over me on every side, and I cannot go, nor will I give up the imperial banner, but tell Gudarz to come to my aid." Upon receiving this answer, Byzun struck the standard-bearer dead, and snatching up the Derafsh Gavahni, conveyed it to Gudarz, who, raising it on high, directed his troops against the enemy; and so impetuous was the charge, that the carnage on both sides was prodigious. Only eight of the sons of Gudarz remained alive, seventy of his kindred having been slain on that day, and many of the family of Kaus were also killed. Nor did the relations of Afrasiyab and Piran suffer in a less degree, nine hundred of them, warriors and cavaliers, were sent out of the world; yet victory remained with the Turanians.

When Afrasiyab was informed of the result of this battle, he sent presents and honorary dresses to his officers, saying, "We must not be contented with this triumph; you have yet to obscure the martial glory of Rustem and Khosrau." Piran replied, "No doubt that object will be accomplished with equal facility."

After the defeat of the Persian army, Friburz retired under the cover of night, and at length arrived at the court of Khosrau, who was afflicted with the deepest sorrow, both on account of his loss in battle and the death of his brother Ferud. Rustem was now as usual applied to for the purpose of consoling the king, and extricating the empire from its present misfortunes. Khosrau was induced to liberate Tus from his confinement, and requested Rustem to head the army against Piran, but Tus offered his services, and the champion observed, "He is fully competent to oppose the arms of Piran; but if Afrasiyab takes the field, I will myself instantly follow to the war." Khosrau accordingly deputed Tus and Gudarz with a large army, and the two hostile powers were soon placed in opposition to each other. It is said that they were engaged seven days and nights, and that on the eighth Human came forward, and challenged several warriors to fight singly, all of whom he successively slew. He then called upon Tus, but Gudarz not permitting him to accept the challenge, sent Giw in his stead. The combatants met; and after being wounded and exhausted by their struggles for mastery, each returned to his own post. The armies again engaged with arrows, and again the carnage was great, but the battle remained undecided.

Piran had now recourse to supernatural agency, and sent Baru, a renowned magician, perfect in his art, upon the neighboring mountains, to involve them in darkness, and produce by his conjuration tempestuous showers of snow and hail. He ordered him to direct all their intense severity against the enemy, and to avoid giving any annoyance to the Turanian army. Accordingly when Human and Piran-wisah made their attack, they had the co-operation of the elements, and the consequence was a desperate overthrow of the Persian army.

So dreadful was the carnage, that the plain Was crimsoned with the blood of warriors slain.

In this extremity, Tus and Gudarz piously put up a prayer to God, earnestly soliciting protection from the horrors with which they were surrounded.

O Thou! the clement, the compassionate, We are thy servants, succor our distress, And save us from the sorcery that now Yields triumph to the foe. In thee alone We place our trust; graciously hear our prayer!

Scarcely had this petition been uttered, when a mysterious person appeared to Reham from the invisible world, and pointed to the mountain from whence the tempest descended. Reham immediately attended to the sign, and galloped forward to the mountain, where he discovered the magician upon its summit, deeply engaged in incantations and witchcraft. Forthwith he drew his sword and cut off this wizard's arms. Suddenly a whirlwind arose, which dissipated the utter darkness that prevailed; and then nothing remained of the preternatural gloom, not a particle of the hail or snow was to be seen: Reham, however, brought him down from the mountain and after presenting him before Tus, put an end to his wicked existence. The armies were now on a more equal footing: they beheld more clearly the ravages that had been committed by each, and each had great need of rest. They accordingly retired till the following day, and then again opposed each other with renewed vigor and animosity. But fortune would not smile on the exertions of the Persian hosts, they being obliged to fall back upon the mountain Hamawun, and in the fortress situated there Tus deposited all his sick and wounded, continuing himself in advance to ensure their protection. Piran seeing this, ordered his troops to besiege the place where Tus had posted himself. This was objected to by Human, but Piran was resolved upon the measure, and had several conflicts with the enemy without obtaining any advantage over them. In the mountain-fortress there happened to be wells of water and abundance of grain and provisions, so that the Persians were in no danger of being reduced by starvation. Khosrau, however, being informed of their situation, sent Rustem, accompanied by Friburz, to their assistance, and they were both welcomed, and received with rejoicing, and cordial satisfaction. The fortress gates were thrown open, and Rustem was presently seen seated upon a throne in the public hall, deliberating on the state of affairs, surrounded by the most distinguished leaders of the army.

In the meanwhile Piran-wisah had written to Afrasiyab, informing him that he had reduced the Persian army to great distress, had forced them to take refuge in a mountain fort, and requested a further reinforcement to complete the victory, and make them all prisoners. Afrasiyab in consequence despatched three illustrious confederates from different regions. There was Shinkul of Sugsar, the Khakan of Chin, whose crown was the starry heavens, and Kamus of Kushan, a hero of high renown and wondrous in every deed.

For when he frowned, the air grew freezing cold; And when he smiled, the genial spring showered down Roses and hyacinths, and all was brightness!

Piran went first to pay a visit to Kamus, to whom he, almost trembling, described the amazing strength and courage of Rustem: but Kamus was too powerful to express alarm; on the contrary, he said:

"Is praise like this to Rustem due? And what, if all thou say'st be true? Are his large limbs of iron made? Will they resist my trenchant blade? His head may now his shoulders grace, But will it long retain its place? Let me but meet him in the fight, And thou shalt see Kamus's might!"

Piran's spirits rose at this bold speech, and encouraged by its effects, he repaired to the Khakan of Chin, with whom he settled the necessary arrangements for commencing battle on the following day. Early in the morning the different armies under Kamus, the Khakan, and Piran-wisah, were drawn out, and Rustem was also prepared with the troops under his command for the impending conflict. He saw that the force arrayed against him was prodigious, and most tremendous in aspect; and offering a prayer to the Creator, he plunged into the battle.

'Twas at mid-day the strife began, With steed to steed and man to man; The clouds of dust which rolled on high, Threw darkness o'er the earth and sky. Each soldier on the other rushed, And every blade with crimson blushed; And valiant hearts were trod upon, Like sand beneath the horse's feet, And when the warrior's life was gone, His mail became his winding sheet.

The first leader who advanced conspicuously from among the Tartar army was Ushkabus, against whom Reham boldly opposed himself; but after a short conflict, in which he had some difficulty in defending his life from the assaults of his antagonist, he thought it prudent to retire. When Ushkabus saw this he turned round with the intention of rejoining his own troops; but Rustem having witnessed the triumph over his friend, sallied forth on foot, taking up his bow, and placing a few arrows in his girdle, and asked him whither he was going.

Astonished, Ushkabus cried, "Who art thou? What kindred hast thou to lament thy fall?" Rustem replied:—"Why madly seek to know That which can never yield thee benefit? My name is death to thee, thy hour is come!" "Indeed! and thou on foot, mid mounted warriors, To talk so bravely!"—"Yes," the champion said; "And hast thou never heard of men on foot, Who conquered horsemen? I am sent by Tus, To take for him the horse of Ushkabus." "What! and unarmed?" inquired the Tartar chief; "No!" cried the champion, "Mark, my bow and arrow! Mark, too, with what effect they may be used!" So saying, Rustem drew the string, and straight The arrow flew, and faithful to its aim, Struck dead the foeman's horse. This done, he laughed, But Ushkabus was wroth, and showered upon His bold antagonist his quivered store— Then Rustem raised his bow, with eager eye Choosing a dart, and placed it on the string, A thong of elk-skin; to his ear he drew The feathered notch, and when the point had touched The other hand, the bended horn recoiled, And twang the arrow sped, piercing the breast Of Ushkabus, who fell a lifeless corse, As if he never had been born! Erect, And firm, the champion stood upon the plain, Towering like mount Alberz, immovable, The gaze and wonder of the adverse host!

When Rustem, still unknown to the Turanian forces, returned to his own army, the Tartars carried away the body of Ushkabus, and took it to the Khakan of Chin, who ordered the arrow to be drawn out before him; and when he and Kamus saw how deeply it had penetrated, and that the feathered end was wet with blood, they were amazed at the immense power which had driven it from the bow; they had never witnessed or heard of anything so astonishing. The fight was, in consequence, suspended till the following day. The Khakan of Chin then inquired who was disposed or ready to be revenged on the enemy for the death of Ushkabus, when Kamus advanced, and, soliciting permission, urged forward his horse to the middle of the plain. He then called aloud for Rustem, but a Kabul hero, named Alwund, a pupil of Rustem's, asked his master's permission to oppose the challenger, which being granted, he rushed headlong to the combat. Luckless however were his efforts, for he was soon overthrown and slain, and then Rustem appeared in arms before the conqueror, who hearing his voice, cried: "Why this arrogance and clamor! I am not like Ushkabus, a trembler in thy presence." Rustem replied:

"When the lion sees his prey, Sees the elk-deer cross his way, Roars he not? The very ground Trembles at the dreadful sound. And art thou from terror free, When opposed in fight to me?"

Kamus now examined him with a stern eye, and was satisfied that he had to contend against a powerful warrior: he therefore with the utmost alacrity threw his kamund, which Rustem avoided, but it fell over the head of his horse Rakush. Anxious to extricate himself from this dilemma, Rustem dexterously caught hold of one end of the kamund, whilst Kamus dragged and strained at the other; and so much strength was applied that the line broke in the middle, and Kamus in consequence tumbled backwards to the ground. The boaster had almost succeeded in remounting his horse, when he was secured round the neck by Rustem's own kamund, and conveyed a prisoner to the Persian army, where he was put to death!

The fate of Kamus produced a deep sensation among the Turanians, and Piran-wisah, partaking of the general alarm, and thinking it impossible to resist the power of Rustem, proposed to retire from the contest, but the Khakan of Chin was of a different opinion, and offered himself to remedy the evil which threatened them all. Moreover the warrior, Chingush, volunteered to fight with Rustem; and having obtained the Khakan's permission, he took the field, and boldly challenged the champion. Rustem received the foe with a smiling countenance, and the struggle began with arrows. After a smart attack on both sides, Chingush thought it prudent to fly from the overwhelming force of Rustem, who, however, steadily pursued him, and adroitly seizing the horse by the tail, hurled him from his saddle.

He grasped the charger's flowing tail, And all were struck with terror pale, To see a sight so strange; the foe, Dismounted by one desperate blow; The captive asked for life in vain, His recreant blood bedewed the plain. His head was from his shoulders wrung, His body to the vultures flung.

Rustem, after this exploit, invited some other hero to single combat; but at the moment not one replied to his challenge. At last Human came forward, not however to fight, but to remonstrate, and make an effort to put an end to the war which threatened total destruction to his country. "Why such bitter enmity? why such a whirlwind of resentment?" said he; "to this I ascribe the calamities under which we suffer; but is there no way by which this sanguinary career of vengeance can be checked or moderated?" Rustem, in answer, enumerated the aggressions and the crimes of Afrasiyab, and especially dwelt on the atrocious murder of Saiawush, which he declared could never be pardoned. Human wished to know his name; but Rustem refused to tell him, and requested Piran-wisah might be sent to him, to whom he would communicate his thoughts, and the secrets of his heart freely. Human accordingly returned, and informed Piran of the champion's wishes.

"This must be Rustem, stronger than the pard, The lion, or the Egyptian crocodile, Or fell Iblis; dreams never painted hero Half so tremendous on the battle plain."

The old man said to him:

"If this be Rustem, then the time has come, Dreaded so long—for what but fire and sword, Can now await us? Every town laid waste, Soldier and peasant, husband, wife, and child, Sharing the miseries of a ravaged land!"

With tears in his eyes and a heavy heart, Piran repaired to the Khakan, who, after some discussion, permitted him in these terms to go and confer with Rustem.

"Depart then speedful on thy embassy, And if he seeks for peace, adjust the terms, And presents to be sent us. If he talks Of war and vengeance, and is clothed in mail, No sign of peace, why we must trust in Heaven For strength to crush his hopes of victory. He is not formed of iron, nor of brass, But flesh and blood, with human nerves and hair, He does not in the battle tread the clouds, Nor can he vanish, like the demon race— Then why this sorrow, why these marks of grief? He is not stronger than an elephant; Not he, but I will show him what it is To fight or gambol with an elephant! Besides, for every man his army boasts, We have three hundred—wherefore then be sad?"

Notwithstanding these expressions of confidence, Piran's heart was full of alarm and terror; but he hastened to the Persian camp, and made himself known to the champion of the host, who frankly said, after he had heard Piran's name, "I am Rustem of Zabul, armed as thou seest for battle!" Upon which Piran respectfully dismounted, and paid the usual homage to his illustrious rank and distinction. Rustem said to him, "I bring thee the blessings of Kai-khosrau and Ferangis, his mother, who nightly see thy face in their dreams."

"Blessings from me, upon that royal youth!" Exclaimed the good old man. "Blessings on her, The daughter of Afrasiyab, his mother, Who saved my life—and blessings upon thee, Thou matchless hero! Thou hast come for vengeance, In the dear name of gallant Saiawush, Of Saiawush, the husband of my child, (The beautiful Gulshaher), of him who loved me As I had been his father. His brave son, Ferud, was slaughtered, and his mother too, And Khosrau was his brother, now the king, By whom he fell, or if not by his sword, Whose was the guilty hand? Has punishment Been meted to the offender? I protected, In mine own house, the princess Ferangis; And when her son was born, Kai-khosrau, still I, at the risk of my existence, kept them Safe from the fury of Afrasiyab, Who would have sacrificed the child, or both! And night and day I watched them, till the hour When they escaped and crossed the boundary-stream. Enough of this! Now let us speak of peace, Since the confederates in this mighty war Are guiltless of the blood of Saiawush!"

Rustem, in answer to Piran, observed, that in negotiating the terms of pacification, several important points were to be considered, and several indispensable matters to be attended to. No peace could be made unless the principal actors in the bloody tragedy of Saiawush's death were first given up, particularly Gersiwaz; vast sums of money were also required to be presented to the king of kings; and, moreover, Rustem said he would disdain making peace at all, but that it enabled Piran to do service to Kai-khosrau. Piran saw the difficulty of acceding to these demands, but he speedily laid them before the Khakan, who consulted his confederates on the subject, and after due consideration, their pride and shame resisted the overtures, which they thought ignominious. Shinkul, a king of Ind, was a violent opposer of the terms, and declared against peace on any such conditions. Several other warriors expressed their readiness to contend against Rustem, and they flattered themselves that by a rapid succession of attacks, one after the other, they would easily overpower him. The Khakan was pleased with this conceit and permitted Shinkul to begin the struggle. Accordingly he entered the plain, and summoned Rustem to renew the fight. The champion came and struck him with a spear, which, penetrating his breast, threw him off his horse to the ground. The dagger was already raised to finish his career, but he sprang on his feet, and quickly ran away to tell his misfortune to the Khakan of Chin.

And thus he cried, in look forlorn, "This foe is not of mortal born; A furious elephant in fight, A very mountain to the sight; No warrior of the human race, That ever wielded spear or mace, Alone this dragon could withstand, Or live beneath his conquering brand!"

The Khakan reminded him how different were his feelings and sentiments in the morning, and having asked him what he now proposed to do, he said that without a considerable force it would be useless to return to the field; five thousand men were therefore assigned to him, and with them he proceeded to engage the champion. Rustem had also been joined by his valiant companions, and a general battle ensued. The heavens were obscured by the dust which ascended from the tramp of the horses, and the plain was crimsoned with the blood of the slain. In the midst of the contest, Sawa, a relation of Kamus, burst forward and sought to be revenged on Rustem for the fate of his friend. The champion raised his battle-axe, and giving Rakush the rein, with one blow of his mace removed him to the other world. No sooner had he killed this assailant than he was attacked by another of the kindred of Kamus, named Kahar, whom he also slew, and thus humbled the pride of the Kushanians. Elated with his success, and having further displayed his valor among the enemy's troops, he vowed that he would now encounter the Khakan himself, and despoil him of all his pomp and treasure. For this purpose he selected a thousand horsemen, and thus supported, approached the kulub-gah, or headquarters of the monarch of Chin. The clamor of the cavalry, and the clash of spears and swords, resounded afar. The air became as dark as the visage of an Ethiopian, and the field was covered with several heads, broken armor, and the bodies of the slain. Amidst the conflict Rustem called aloud to the Khakan:—

"Surrender to my arms those elephants, That ivory throne, that crown, and chain of gold; Fit trophies for Kai-khosrau, Persia's king; For what hast thou to do with diadem And sovereign power! My noose shall soon secure thee, And I will send thee living to his presence; Since, looking on my valour and my strength, Life is enough to grant thee. If thou wilt not Resign thy crown and throne—thy doom is sealed."

The Khakan, filled with indignation at these haughty words, cautioned Rustem to parry off his own danger, and then commanded his troops to assail the enemy with a shower of arrows. The attack was so tremendous and terrifying, even beyond the picturings of a dream, that Gudarz was alarmed for the safety of Rustem, and sent Reham and Giw to his aid. Rustem said to Reham:—"I fear that my horse Rakush is becoming weary of exertion, in which case what shall I do in this conflict with the enemy? I must attack on foot the Khakan of Chin, though he has an army here as countless as legions of ants or locusts; but if Heaven continues my friend, I shall stretch many of them in the dust, and take many prisoners. The captives I will send to Khosrau, and all the spoils of Chin." Saying this he pushed forward, roaring like a tiger, towards the Khakan, and exclaiming with a stern voice:—"The Turks are allied to the devil, and the wicked are always unprosperous. Thou hast not yet fallen in with Rustem, or thy brain would have been bewildered. He is a never-dying dragon, always seeking the strongest in battle. But thou hast not yet had enough of even me!" He then drew his kamund from the saddle-strap, and praying to God to grant him victory over his foes, urged on Rakush, and wherever he threw the noose, his aim was successful. Great was the slaughter, and the Khakan, seeing from the back of his white elephant the extent of his loss, and beginning to be apprehensive about his own safety, ordered one of his warriors, well acquainted with the language of Iran, to solicit from the enemy a cessation of hostilities.

"Say whence this wrath on us, this keen revenge? We never injured Saiawush; the kings Of Ind and Chin are guiltless of his blood; Then why this wrath on strangers? Spells and charms, Used by Afrasiyab—the cause of all— Have brought us hither to contend against The champion Rustem; and since peace is better Than war and bloodshed, let us part in peace."

The messenger having delivered his message, Rustem replied:—

"My words are few. Let him give up his crown, His golden collar, throne, and elephants; These are the terms I grant. He came for plunder, And now he asks for peace. Tell him again, Till all his treasure and his crown are mine, His throne and elephants, he seeks in vain For peace with Rustem, or the Persian king!"

When the Khakan was informed of these reiterated conditions, he burst out into bitter reproaches and abuse; and with so loud a voice, that the wind conveyed them distinctly to Rustem's ear. The champion immediately prepared for the attack; and approaching the enemy, flung his kamund, by which he at once dragged the Khakan from his white elephant. The hands of the captured monarch were straightway bound behind his back. Degraded and helpless he stood, and a single stroke deprived him of his crown, and throne, and life.

Such are, since time began, the ways of Heaven; Such the decrees of fate! Sometimes raised up, And sometimes hunted down by enemies, Men, struggling, pass through this precarious life, Exalted now to sovereign power; and now Steeped in the gulf of poverty and sorrow. To one is given the affluence of Karun; Another dies in want. How little know we What form our future fortune may assume! The world is all deceit, deception all!

Piran-wisah beheld the disasters of the day, he saw the Khakan of Chin delivered over to Tus, his death, and the banners of the confederates overthrown; and sorrowing said:—"This day is the day of flight, not of victory to us! This is no time for son to protect father, nor father son—we must fly!" In the meanwhile Rustem, animated by feelings of a very different kind, gave a banquet to his warrior friends, in celebration of the triumph.

When the intelligence of the overthrow and death of Kamus and the Khakan of Chin, and the dispersion of their armies, reached Afrasiyab, he was overwhelmed with distress and consternation, and expressed his determination to be revenged on the conquerors. Not an Iranian, he said, should remain alive; and the doors of his treasury were thrown open to equip and reward the new army, which was to consist of a hundred thousand men.

Rustem having communicated to Kai-khosrau, through Friburz, the account of his success, received the most satisfactory marks of his sovereign's applause; but still anxious to promote the glory of his country, he engaged in new exploits. He went against Kafur, the king of the city of Bidad, a cannibal, who feasted on human flesh, especially on the young women of his country, and those of the greatest beauty, being the richest morsels, were first destroyed. He soon overpowered and slew the monster, and having given his body to be devoured by dogs, plundered and razed his castle to the ground. After this he invaded and ravaged the province of Khoten, one of the dependencies of Turan, and recently the possession of Saiawush, which was a new affliction to Afrasiyab, who, alarmed about his own empire, dispatched a trusty person secretly to Rustem's camp, to obtain private intelligence of his hostile movements. The answer of the spy added considerably to his distress, and in the dilemma he consulted with Piran-wisah, that he might have the benefit of the old man's experience and wisdom. Piran told him that he had failed to make an impression upon the Persians, even assisted by Kamus the Kashanian, and the Khakan of Chin; both had been slain in battle, and therefore it would be in vain to attempt further offensive measures without the most powerful aid. There was, he added, a neighboring king, named Puladwund, who alone seemed equal to contend with Rustem. He was of immense stature, and of prodigious strength, and might by the favor of heaven, be able to subdue him. Afrasiyab was pleased with this information, and immediately invited Puladwund, by letter, to assist him in exterminating the champion of Persia. Puladwund was proud of the honor conferred upon him, and readily complied; hastening the preparation of his own army to cooperate with that of Afrasiyab. He presently joined him, and the whole of the combined forces rapidly marched against the enemy. The first warrior he encountered was Giw, whom he caught with his kamund. Reham and Byzun seeing this, instantly rushed forward to extricate their brother and champion in arms; but they too were also secured in the same manner! In the struggle, however, the kamunds gave way, and then Puladwund drew his sword, and by several strokes wounded them all. The father, Gudarz, apprised of this disaster, which had unfortunately happened to three of his sons, applied to Rustem for succor. The champion, the refuge, the protector of all, was, as usual, ready to repel the enemy. He forthwith advanced, liberated his friends, and dreadful was the conflict which followed. The club was used with great dexterity on both sides; but at length Puladwund struck his antagonist such a blow that the sound of it was heard by the troops at a distance, and Rustem, stunned by its severity, thought himself opposed with so much vigor, that he prayed to the Almighty for a prosperous issue to the engagement.

"Should I be in this struggle slain, What stay for Persia will be left? None to defend Kai-khosrau's reign, Of me, his warrior-chief, bereft. Then village, town, and city gay, Will feel the cruel Tartar's sway!"

Puladwund wishing to follow up the blow by a final stroke of his sword, found to his amazement that it recoiled from the armor of Rustem, and thence he proposed another mode of fighting, which he hoped would be more successful. He wished to try his power in wrestling. The challenge was accepted. By agreement both armies retired, and left the space of a farsang between them, and no one was allowed to afford assistance to either combatant. Afrasiyab was present, and sent word to Puladwund, the moment he got Rustem under him, to plunge a sword in his heart. The contest began, but Puladwund had no opportunity of fulfilling the wishes of Afrasiyab. Rustem grasped him with such vigor, lifted him up in his arms, and dashed him so furiously on the plain, that the boaster seemed to be killed on the spot. Rustem indeed thought he had put a period to his life; and with that impression left him, and remounted Rakush: but the crafty Puladwund only pretended to be dead: and as soon as he found himself released, sprang up and escaped, flying like an arrow to his own side. He then told Afrasiyab how he had saved his life by counterfeiting death, and assured him that it was useless to contend against Rustem. The champion having witnessed this subterfuge, turned round in pursuit, and the Tartars received him with a shower of arrows; but the attack was well answered, Puladwund being so alarmed that, without saying a word to Afrasiyab, he fled from the field. Piran now counselled Afrasiyab to escape also to the remotest part of Tartary. As the flight of Puladwund had disheartened the Turanian troops, and there was no chance of profiting by further resistance, Afrasiyab took his advice, and so precipitate was his retreat, that he entirely abandoned his standards, tents, horses, arms, and treasure to an immense amount. The most valuable booty was sent by Rustem to the king of Iran, and a considerable portion of it was divided among the chiefs and the soldiers of the army. He then mounted Rakush, and proceeded to the court of Kai-khosrau, where he was received with the highest honors and with unbounded rejoicings. The king opened his jewel chamber, and gave him the richest rubies, and vessels of gold filled with musk and aloes, and also splendid garments; a hundred beautiful damsels wearing crowns and ear-rings, a hundred horses, and a hundred camels. Having thus terminated triumphantly the campaign, Rustem carried with him to Zabul the blessings and admiration of his country.



AKWAN DIW

And now we come to Akwan Diw, Whom Rustem next in combat slew.

One day as Kai-khosrau was sitting in his beautiful garden, abounding in roses and the balmy luxuriance of spring, surrounded by his warriors, and enjoying the pleasures of the banquet with music and singing, a peasant approached, and informed him of a most mysterious apparition. A wild ass, he said, had come in from the neighboring forest; it had at least the external appearance of a wild ass, but possessed such supernatural strength, that it had rushed among the horses in the royal stables with the ferocity of a lion or a demon, doing extensive injury, and in fact appeared to be an evil spirit! Kai-khosrau felt assured that it was something more than it seemed to be, and looked round among his warriors to know what should be done. It was soon found that Rustem was the only person capable of giving effectual assistance in this emergency, and accordingly a message was forwarded to request his services. The champion instantly complied, and it was not long before he occupied himself upon the important enterprise. Guided by the peasant, he proceeded in the first place towards the spot where the mysterious animal had been seen; but it was not till the fourth day of his search that he fell in with him, and then, being anxious to secure him alive, and send him as a trophy to Kai-khosrau, he threw his kamund; but it was in vain: the wild ass in a moment vanished out of sight! From this circumstance Rustem observed, "This can be no other than Akwan Diw, and my weapon must now be either dagger or sword." The next time the wild ass appeared he pursued him with his drawn sword: but on lifting it up to strike, nothing was to be seen. He tried again, when he came near him, both spear and arrow: still the animal vanished, disappointing his blow; and thus three days and nights he continued fighting, as it were against a shadow. Wearied at length with his exertions, he dismounted, and leading Rakush to a green spot near a limpid fountain or rivulet of spring water, allowed him to graze, and then went to sleep. Akwan Diw seeing from a distance that Rustem had fallen asleep, rushed towards him like a whirlwind, and rapidly digging up the ground on every side of him, took up the plot of ground and the champion together, placed them upon his head, and walked away with them. Rustem being awakened with the motion, he was thus addressed by the giant-demon:—

"Warrior! now no longer free! Tell me what thy wish may be; Shall I plunge thee in the sea, Or leave thee on the mountain drear, None to give thee succour, near? Tell thy wish to me!"

Rustem, thus deplorably in the power of the demon, began to consider what was best to be done, and recollecting that it was customary with that supernatural race to act by the rule of contraries, in opposition to an expressed desire, said in reply, for he knew that if he was thrown into the sea there would be a good chance of escape:—

"O, plunge me not in the roaring sea, The maw of a fish is no home for me; But cast me forth on the mountain; there Is the lion's haunt and the tiger's lair; And for them I shall be a morsel of food, They will eat my flesh and drink my blood; But my bones will be left, to show the place Where this form was devoured by the feline race; Yes, something will then remain of me, Whilst nothing escapes from the roaring sea!"

Akwan Diw having heard this particular desire of Rustem, determined at once to thwart him, and for this purpose he raised him up with his hands, and flung him from his lofty position headlong into the deep and roaring ocean. Down he fell, and a crocodile speedily darted upon him with the eager intention of devouring him alive; but Rustem drew his sword with alacrity, and severed the monster's head from his body. Another came, and was put to death in the same manner, and the water was crimsoned with blood. At last he succeeded in swimming safely on shore, and instantly returned thanks to Heaven for the signal protection he had experienced.

Breasting the wave, with fearless skill He used his glittering brand; And glorious and triumphant still, He quickly reached the strand.

He then moved towards the fountain where he had left Rakush; but, to his great alarm and vexation his matchless horse was not there. He wandered about for some time, and in the end found him among a herd of horses belonging to Afrasiyab. Having first caught him, and resumed his seat in the saddle, he resolved upon capturing and driving away the whole herd, and conveying them to Kai-khosrau. He was carrying into effect this resolution when the noise awoke the keepers specially employed by Afrasiyab, and they, indignant at this outrageous proceeding, called together a strong party to pursue the aggressor. When they had nearly reached him, he turned boldly round, and said aloud:—"I am Rustem, the descendant of Sam. I have conquered Afrasiyab in battle, and after that dost thou presume to oppose me?" Hearing this, the keepers of the Tartar stud instantly turned their backs, and ran away.

It so happened that at this period Afrasiyab paid his annual visit to his nursery of horses, and on his coming to the meadows in which they were kept, neither horses nor keepers were to be seen. In a short time, however, he was informed by those who had returned from the pursuit, that Rustem was the person who had carried off the herd, and upon hearing of this outrage, he proceeded with his troops at once to attack him. Impatient at the indignity, he approached Rustem with great fury, but was presently compelled to fly to save his life, and thus allow his herd of favorite steeds, together with four elephants, to be placed in the possession of Kai-khosrau. Rustem then returned to the meadows and the fountain near the habitation of Akwan Diw; and there he again met the demon, who thus accosted him:—

"What! art thou then aroused from death's dark sleep? Hast thou escaped the monsters of the deep? And dost thou seek upon the dusty plain To struggle with a demon's power again? Of flint, or brass, or iron is thy form? Or canst thou, like the demons, raise the dreadful battle storm?"

Rustem, hearing this taunt from the tongue of Akwan Diw, prepared for fight, and threw his kamund with such precision and force, that the demon was entangled in it, and then he struck him such a mighty blow with his sword, that it severed the head from the body. The severed head of the unclean monster he transmitted as a trophy to Kai-khosrau, by whom it was regarded with amazement, on account of its hideous expression and its vast size. After this extraordinary feat, Rustem paid his respects to the king, and was received as usual with distinguished honor and affection; and having enjoyed the magnificent hospitality of the court for some time, he returned to Zabulistan, accompanied part of the way by Kai-khosrau himself and a crowd of valiant warriors, ever anxious to acknowledge his superior worth and prodigious strength.



THE STORY OF BYZUN AND MANIJEH[49]

One day the people of Arman petitioned Kai-khosrau to remove from them a grievous calamity. The country they inhabited was overrun with herds of wild boars, which not only destroyed the produce of their fields, but the fruit and flowers in their orchards and gardens, and so extreme was the ferocity of the animals that it was dangerous to go abroad; they therefore solicited protection from this disastrous visitation, and hoped for relief. The king was at the time enjoying himself amidst his warriors at a banquet, drinking wine, and listening to music and the songs of bewitching damsels.

The glance of beauty, and the charm Of heavenly sounds, so soft and thrilling, And ruby wine, must ever warm The heart, with love and rapture filling. Can aught more sweet, more genial prove, Than melting music, wine, and love?

The moment he was made acquainted with the grievances endured by the Armanians, he referred the matter to the consideration of his counsellors and nobles, in order that a remedy might be immediately applied. Byzun, when he heard what was required, and had learned the disposition of the king, rose up at once with all the enthusiasm of youth, and offered to undertake the extermination of the wild boars himself. But Giw objected to so great a hazard, for he was too young, he said; a hero of greater experience being necessary for such an arduous enterprise. Byzun, however, was not to be rejected on this account, and observed, that though young, he was mature in judgment and discretion, and he relied on the liberal decision of the king, who at length permitted him to go, but he was to be accompanied by the veteran warrior Girgin. Accordingly Byzun and Girgin set off on the perilous expedition; and after a journey of several days arrived at the place situated between Iran and Turan, where the wild boars were the most destructive. In a short time a great number were hunted down and killed, and Byzun, utterly to destroy the sustenance of the depredators, set fire to the forest, and reduced the whole of the cultivation to ashes. His exertions were, in short, entirely successful, and the country was thus freed from the visitation which had occasioned so much distress and ruin. To give incontestable proof of this exploit, he cut off the heads of all the wild boars, and took out the tusks, to send to Kai-khosrau. When Girgin had witnessed the intrepidity and boldness of Byzun, and found him determined to send the evidence of his bravery to Kai-khosrau, he became envious of the youth's success, and anticipated by comparison the ruin of his own name and the gratification of his foes. He therefore attempted to dissuade him from sending the trophies to the king, and having failed, he resolved upon getting him out of the way. To effect this purpose he worked upon the feelings and the passions of Byzun with consummate art, and whilst his victim was warm with wine, praised him beyond all the warriors of the age. He then told him he had heard that at no great distance from them there was a beautiful place, a garden of perpetual spring, which was visited every vernal season by Manijeh, the lovely daughter of Afrasiyab.

"It is a spot beyond imagination Delightful to the heart, where roses bloom, And sparkling fountains murmur—where the earth Is rich with many-colored flowers; and musk Floats on the gentle breezes, hyacinths And lilies add their perfume—golden fruits Weigh down the branches of the lofty trees, The glittering pheasant moves in stately pomp, The bulbul warbles from the cypress bough, And love-inspiring damsels may be seen O'er hill and dale, their lips all winning smiles, Their cheeks like roses—in their sleepy eyes Delicious languor dwelling. Over them Presides the daughter of Afrasiyab, The beautiful Manijeh; should we go, ('Tis but a little distance), and encamp Among the lovely groups—in that retreat Which blooms like Paradise—we may secure A bevy of fair virgins for the king!"

Byzun was excited by this description; and impatient to realize what it promised, repaired without delay, accompanied by Girgin, to the romantic retirement of the princess. They approached so close to the summer-tent in which she dwelt that she had a full view of Byzun, and immediately becoming deeply enamoured of his person despatched a confidential domestic, her nurse, to inquire who he was, and from whence he came.

"Go, and beneath that cypress tree, Where now he sits so gracefully, Ask him his name, that radiant moon, And he may grant another boon! Perchance he may to me impart The secret wishes of his heart! Tell him he must, and further say, That I have lived here many a day; That every year, whilst spring discloses The fragrant breath of budding roses, I pass my time in rural pleasure; But never—never such a treasure, A mortal of such perfect mould, Did these admiring eyes behold! Never, since it has been my lot To dwell in this sequestered spot, A youth by nature so designed To soothe a love-lorn damsel's mind! His wondrous looks my bosom thrill Can Saiawush be living still?"

The nurse communicated faithfully the message of Manijeh, and Byzun's countenance glowed with delight when he heard it. "Tell thy fair mistress," he said in reply, "that I am not Saiawush, but the son of Giw. I came from Iran, with the express permission of the king, to exterminate a terrible and destructive herd of wild boars in this neighborhood; and I have cut off their heads, and torn out their tusks to be sent to Kai-khosrau, that the king and his warriors may fully appreciate the exploit I have performed. But having heard afterwards of thy mistress's beauty and attractions, home and my father were forgotten, and I have preferred following my own desires by coming hither. If thou wilt therefore forward my views; if thou wilt become my friend by introducing me to thy mistress, who is possessed of such matchless charms, these precious gems are thine and this coronet of gold. Perhaps the daughter of Afrasiyab may be induced to listen to my suit." The nurse was not long in making known the sentiments of the stranger, and Manijeh was equally prompt in expressing her consent. The message was full of ardor and affection.

"O gallant youth, no farther roam, This summer-tent shall be thy home; Then will the clouds of grief depart From this enamoured, anxious heart. For thee I live—thou art the light Which makes my future fortune bright. Should arrows pour like showers of rain Upon my head—'twould be in vain; Nothing can ever injure me, Blessed with thy love—possessed of thee!"

Byzun therefore proceeded unobserved to the tent of the princess, who on meeting and receiving him, pressed him to her bosom; and taking off his Kaiani girdle, that he might be more at his ease, asked him to sit down and relate the particulars of his enterprise among the wild boars of the forest. Having done so, he added that he had left Girgin behind him.

"Enraptured, and impatient to survey Thy charms, I brook'd no pause upon the way."

He was immediately perfumed with musk and rose-water, and refreshments of every kind were set before him; musicians played their sweetest airs, and dark-eyed damsels waited upon him. The walls of the tent were gorgeously adorned with amber, and gold, and rubies; and the sparkling old wine was drunk out of crystal goblets. The feast of joy lasted three nights and three days, Byzun and Manijeh enjoying the precious moments with unspeakable rapture. Overcome with wine and the felicity of the scene, he at length sunk into repose, and on the fourth day came the time of departure; but the princess, unable to relinquish the society of her lover, ordered a narcotic draught to be administered to him, and whilst he continued in a state of slumber and insensibility, he was conveyed secretly and in disguise into Turan. He was taken even to the palace of Afrasiyab, unknown to all but to the emissaries and domestics of the princess, and there he awoke from the trance into which he had been thrown, and found himself clasped in the arms of his idol. Considering, on coming to his senses, that he had been betrayed by some witchery, he made an attempt to get out of the seclusion: above all, he was apprehensive of a fatal termination to the adventure; but Manijeh's blandishments induced him to remain, and for some time he was contented to be immersed in continual enjoyment—such pleasure as arises from the social banquet and the attractions of a fascinating woman.

"Grieve not my love—be not so sad, 'Tis now the season to be glad; There is a time for war and strife, A time to soothe the ills of life. Drink of the cup which yields delight, The ruby glitters in thy sight; Steep not thy heart in fruitless care, But in the wine-flask sparkling there."

At length, however, the love of the princess for a Persian youth was discovered, and the keepers and guards of the palace were in the greatest terror, expecting the most signal punishment for their neglect or treachery. Dreadful indeed was the rage of the king when he was first told the tidings; he trembled like a reed in the wind, and the color fled from his cheeks. Groaning, he exclaimed:—

"A daughter, even from a royal stock, Is ever a misfortune—hast thou one? The grave will be thy fittest son-in-law! Rejoice not in the wisdom of a daughter; Who ever finds a daughter good and virtuous? Who ever looks on woman-kind for aught Save wickedness and folly? Hence how few Ever enjoy the bliss of Paradise: Such the sad destiny of erring woman!"

Afrasiyab consulted the nobles of his household upon the measures to be pursued on this occasion, and Gersiwaz was in consequence deputed to secure Byzun, and put him to death. The guilty retreat was first surrounded by troops, and then Gersiwaz entered the private apartments, and with surprise and indignation saw Byzun in all his glory, Manijeh at his side, his lips stained with wine, his face full of mirth and gladness, and encircled by the damsels of the shubistan. He accosted him in severe terms, and was promptly answered by Byzun, who, drawing his sword, gave his name and family, and declared that if any violence or insult was offered, he would slay every man that came before him with hostile intentions. Gersiwaz, on hearing this, thought it prudent to change his plan, and conduct him to Afrasiyab, and he was permitted to do so on the promise of pardon for the alleged offence. When brought before Afrasiyab, he was assailed with further opprobrium, and called a dog and a wicked remorseless demon.

"Thou caitiff wretch, of monstrous birth, Allied to hell, and not of earth!"

But he thus answered the king:—

"Listen awhile, if justice be thy aim, And thou wilt find me guiltless. I was sent From Persia to destroy herds of wild boars, Which laid the country waste. That labour done, I lost my way, and weary with the toil, Weary with wandering in a wildering maze, Haply reposed beneath a shady cypress; Thither a Peri came, and whilst I slept, Lifted me from the ground, and quick as thought Conveyed me to a summer-tent, where dwelt A princess of incomparable beauty. From thence, by hands unknown, I was removed, Still slumbering in a litter—still unconscious; And when I woke, I found myself reclining In a retired pavilion of thy palace, Attended by that soul-entrancing beauty! My heart was filled with sorrow, and I shed Showers of vain tears, and desolate I sate, Thinking of Persia, with no power to fly From my imprisonment, though soft and kind, Being the victim of a sorcerer's art. Yes, I am guiltless, and Manijeh too, Both by some magic influence pursued, And led away against our will or choice!"

Afrasiyab listened to this speech with distrust, and hesitated not to charge him with falsehood and cowardice. Byzun's indignation was roused by this insulting accusation; and he said to him aloud, "Cowardice, what! cowardice! I have encountered the tusks of the formidable wild boar and the claws of the raging lion. I have met the bravest in battle with sword and arrow; and if it be thy desire to witness the strength of my arm, give me but a horse and a battle-axe, and marshal twice five hundred Turanians against me, and not a man of them shall survive the contest. If this be not thy pleasure, do thy worst, but remember my blood will be avenged. Thou knowest the power of Rustem!" The mention of Rustem's name renewed all the deep feelings of resentment and animosity in the mind of Afrasiyab, who, resolved upon the immediate execution of his purpose, commanded Gersiwaz to bind the youth, and put an end to his life on the gallows tree. The good old man Piran-wisah happened to be passing by the place to which Byzun had just been conveyed to suffer death; and seeing a great concourse of people, and a lofty dar erected, from which hung a noose, he inquired for whom it was intended. Gersiwaz heard the question, and replied that it was for a Persian, an enemy of Turan, a son of Giw, and related to Rustem. Piran straightway rode up to the youth, who was standing in deep affliction, almost naked, and with his hands bound behind his back, and he said to him:—

"Why didst thou quit thy country, why come hither, Why choose the road to an untimely grave?"

Upon this Byzun told him his whole story, and the treachery of Girgin. Piran wept at the recital, and remembering the circumstances under which he had encountered Giw, and how he had been himself delivered from death by the interposition of Ferangis, he requested the execution to be stayed until he had seen the king, which was accordingly done. The king received him with honor, praised his wisdom and prudence, and conjecturing from his manner that something was heavy at his heart, expressed his readiness to grant any favor which he might have come to solicit. Piran said: "Then, my only desire is this: do not put Byzun to death; do not repeat the tragedy of Saiawush, and again consign Turan and Iran to all the horrors of war and desolation. Remember how I warned thee against taking the life of that young prince; but malignant and evil advisers exerted their influence, were triumphant, and brought upon thee and thy kingdom the vengeance of Kaus, of Rustem, and all the warriors of the Persian empire. The swords now sleeping in their scabbards are ready to flash forth again, for assuredly if the blood of Byzun be spilt the land will be depopulated by fire and sword. The honor of a king is sacred; when that is lost, all is lost." But Afrasiyab replied: "I fear not the thousands that can be brought against me. Byzun has committed an offence which can never be pardoned; it covers me with shame, and I shall be universally despised if I suffer him to live. Death were better for me than life in disgrace. He must die."—"That is not necessary," rejoined Piran, "let him be imprisoned in a deep cavern; he will never be heard of more, and then thou canst not be accused of having shed his blood." After some deliberation, Afrasiyab altered his determination, and commanded Gersiwaz to bind the youth with chains from head to foot, and hang him within a deep pit with his head downwards, that he might never see sun or moon again; and he sentenced Manijeh to share the same fate: and to make their death more sure, he ordered the enormous fragment of rock which Akwan Diw had dragged out of the ocean and flung upon the plain of Tartary, to be placed over the mouth of the pit. In respect to Byzun, Gersiwaz did as he was commanded; but the lamentations in the shubistan were so loud and distressing upon Manijeh being sentenced to the same punishment, that the tyrant was induced to change her doom, allowing her to dwell near the pit, but forbidding, by proclamation, anyone going to her or supplying her with food. Gersiwaz conducted her to the place; and stripping her of her rich garments and jewels, left her bareheaded and barefooted, weeping torrents of tears.