The Persian Literature Volume I Part 20

Led by a prince of prosperous star, The Persian legions speed to war, And in his horoscope we scan The lordly victor of Turan.

If thou shouldst to the conflict rush, Opposed to conquering Saiawush, Thy Turkish cohorts will be slain, And all thy saving efforts vain.

For if he, in the threatened strife, Should haply chance to lose his life; Thy country's fate will be the same, Stripped of its throne and diadem."

Afrasiyab was satisfied with this interpretation, and felt the prudence of avoiding a war so pregnant with evil consequences to himself and his kingdom. He therefore deputed Gersiwaz to the headquarters of Saiawush, with splendid presents, consisting of horses richly caparisoned, armor, swords, and other costly articles, and a written dispatch, proposing a termination to hostilities.

In the meantime Saiawush was anxious to pursue the enemy across the Jihun, but was dissuaded by his friends. When Gersiwaz arrived on his emba.s.sy he was received with distinction, and the object of his mission being understood, a secret council was held upon what answer should be given. It was then deemed proper to demand: first, one hundred distinguished heroes as hostages; and secondly, the restoration of all the provinces which the Turanians had taken from Iran. Gersiwaz sent immediately to Afrasiyab to inform him of the conditions required, and without the least delay they were approved. A hundred warriors were soon on their way; and Bokhara, and Samerkand, and Haj, and the Punjab, were faithfully delivered over to Saiawush. Afrasiyab himself retired towards Gungduz, saying, "I have had a terrible dream, and I will surrender whatever may be required from me, rather than go to war."

The negotiations being concluded, Saiawush sent a letter to his father by the hands of Rustem. Rumor, however, had already told Kaus of Afrasiyab's dream, and the terror he had been thrown into in consequence. The astrologers in his service having prognosticated from it the certain ruin of the Turanian king, the object of Rustem's mission was directly contrary to the wishes of Kaus; but Rustem contended that the policy was good, and the terms were good, and he thereby incurred His Majesty's displeasure. On this account Kaus appointed Tus the leader of the Persian army, and commanded him to march against Afrasiyab, ordering Saiawush at the same time to return, and bring with him his hundred hostages. At this command Saiawush was grievously offended, and consulted with his chieftains, Bahram, and Zinga, and Shaweran, on the fittest course to be pursued, saying, "I have pledged my word to the fulfilment of the terms, and what will the world say if I do not keep my faith?" The chiefs tried to quiet his mind, and recommended him to write again to Kaus, expressing his readiness to renew the war, and return the hundred hostages. But Saiawush was in a different humor, and thought as Tus had been actually appointed to the command of the Persian army, it would be most advisable for him to abandon his country and join Afrasiyab. The chiefs, upon hearing this singular resolution, unanimously attempted to dissuade him from pursuing so wild a course as throwing himself into the power of his enemy; but he was deaf to their entreaties, and in the stubbornness of his spirit, wrote to Afrasiyab, informing him that Kaus had refused to ratify the treaty of peace, that he was compelled to return the hostages, and even himself to seek protection in Turan from the resentment of his father, the warrior Tus having been already entrusted with the charge of the army. This unexpected intelligence excited considerable surprise in the mind of Afrasiyab, but he had no hesitation in selecting the course to be followed. The amba.s.sadors, Zinga and Shaweran, were soon furnished with a reply, which was to this effect:--"I settled the terms of peace with thee, not with thy father. With him I have nothing to do. If thy choice be retirement and tranquillity, thou shalt have a peaceful and independent province allotted to thee; but if war be thy object, I will furnish thee with a large army: thy father is old and infirm, and with the aid of Rustem, Persia will be an easy conquest." Having thus obtained the promised favor and support of Afrasiyab, Saiawush gave in charge to Bahram the city of Balkh, the army and treasure, in order that they might be delivered over to Tus on his arrival; and taking with him three hundred chosen hors.e.m.e.n, pa.s.sed the Jihun, in progress to the court of Afrasiyab. On taking this decisive step, he again wrote to Kaus, saying:--

"From my youth upward I have suffered wrong.

At first Sudaveh, false and treacherous, Sought to destroy my happiness and fame; And thou hadst nearly sacrificed my life To glut her vengeance. The astrologers Were all unheeded, who p.r.o.nounced me innocent, And I was doomed to brave devouring fire, To testify that I was free from guilt; But G.o.d was my deliverer! Victory now Has marked my progress. Balkh, and all its spoils, Are mine, and so reduced the enemy, That I have gained a hundred hostages, To guarantee the peace which I have made; And what my recompense! a father's anger, Which takes me from my glory. Thus deprived Of thy affection, whither can I fly?

Be it to friend or foe, the will of fate Must be my only guide--condemned by thee."

The reception of Saiawush by Afrasiyab was warm and flattering. From the gates of the city to the palace, gold and incense were scattered over his head in the customary manner, and exclamations of welcome uttered on every side.

"Thy presence gives joy to the land, Which awaits thy command; It is thine! it is thine!

All the chiefs of the state have a.s.sembled to meet thee, All the flowers of the land are in blossom to greet thee!"

The youth was placed on a golden throne next to Afrasiyab, and a magnificent banquet prepared in honor of the stranger, and music and the songs of beautiful women enlivened the festive scene. They chanted the praises of Saiawush, distinguished, as they said, among men for three things: first, for being of the line of Kai-kobad; secondly, for his faith and honor; and, thirdly, for the wonderful beauty of his person, which had gained universal love and admiration. The favorable sentiments which characterized the first introduction of Saiawush to Afrasiyab continued to prevail, and indeed the king of Turan seemed to regard him with increased attachment and friendship, as the time pa.s.sed away, and showed him all the respect and honor to which his royal birth would have ent.i.tled him in his own country. After the lapse of a year, Piran-wisah, one of Afrasiyab's generals, said to him: "Young prince, thou art now high in the favor of the king, and at a great distance from Persia, and thy father is old; would it not therefore be better for thee to marry and take up thy residence among us for life?" The suggestion was a rational one, and Saiawush readily expressed his acquiescence; accordingly, the lovely Gulshaher, who was also named Jarira, having been introduced to him, he was delighted with her person, and both consenting to a union, the marriage ceremony was immediately performed.

And many a warm delicious kiss, Told how he loved the wedded bliss.

Some time after this union, Piran suggested another alliance, for the purpose of strengthening his political interest and power, and this was with Ferangis, the daughter of Afrasiyab. But Saiawush was so devoted to Gulshaher that he first consulted with her on the subject, although the hospitality and affection of the king const.i.tuted such strong claims on his grat.i.tude that refusal was impossible. Gulshaher, however, was a heroine, and willingly sacrificed her own feelings for the good of Saiawush, saying she would rather condescend to be the very handmaid of Ferangis than that the happiness and prosperity of her lord should be compromised. The second marriage accordingly took place, and Afrasiyab was so pleased with the match that he bestowed on the bride and her husband the sovereignty of Khoten, together with countless treasure in gold, and a great number of horses, camels, and elephants. In a short time they proceeded to the seat of the new government.

Meanwhile Kaus suffered the keenest distress and sorrow when he heard of the flight of Saiawush into Turan, and Rustem felt such strong indignation at the conduct of the king that he abruptly quitted the court, without permission, and retired to Sistan. Kaus thus found himself in an embarra.s.sed condition, and deemed it prudent to recall both Tus and the army from Balkh, and relinquish further hostile measures against Afrasiyab.

The first thing that Saiawush undertook after his arrival at Khoten, was to order the selection of a beautiful site for his residence, and Piran devoted his services to fulfil that object, exploring all the provinces, hills, and dales, on every side. At last he discovered a beautiful spot, at the distance of about a month's journey, which combined all the qualities and advantages required by the anxious prince. It was situated on a mountain, and surrounded by scenery of exquisite richness and variety. The trees were fresh and green, birds warbled on every spray, transparent rivulets murmured through the meadows, the air was neither oppressively hot in summer, nor cold in winter, so that the temperature, and the attractive objects which presented themselves at every glance, seemed to realize the imagined charms and fascinations of Paradise. The inhabitants enjoyed perpetual health, and every breeze was laden with music and perfume. So lovely a place could not fail to yield pleasure to Saiawush, who immediately set about building a palace there, and garden-temples, in which he had pictures painted of the most remarkable persons of his time, and also the portraits of ancient kings. The walls were decorated with the likenesses of Kai-kobad, of Kai-kaus, Poshang, Afrasiyab, and Sam, and Zal, and Rustem, and other champions of Persia and Turan. When completed, it was a gorgeous retreat, and the sight of it sufficient to give youthful vigor to the withered faculties of age.

And yet Saiawush was not happy! Tears started into his eyes and sorrow weighed upon his heart, whenever he thought upon his own estrangement from home!

It happened that the lovely Gulshaher, who had been left in the house of her father, was delivered of a son in due time, and he was named Ferud.

Afrasiyab, on being informed of the proceedings of Saiawush, and of the heart-expanding residence he had chosen, was highly gratified; and to show his affectionate regard, despatched to him with the intelligence of the birth of a son, presents of great value and variety. Gersiwaz, the brother of Afrasiyab, and who had from the first looked upon Saiawush with a jealous and malignant eye, being afraid of his interfering with his own prospects in Turan, was the person sent on this occasion. But he hid his secret thoughts under the veil of outward praise and approbation. Saiawush was pleased with the intelligence and the presents, but failed to pay the customary respect to Gersiwaz on his arrival, and, in consequence, the lurking indignation and hatred formerly felt by the latter were considerably augmented. The attention of Saiawush respecting his army and the concerns of the state, was unremitting, and noted by the visitor with a jealous and scrutinizing eye, so that Gersiwaz, on his return to the court of Afrasiyab, artfully talked much of the pomp and splendor of the prince, and added: "Saiawush is far from being the amiable character thou hast supposed; he is artful and ambitious, and he has collected an immense army; he is in fact dissatisfied. As a proof of his haughtiness, he paid me but little attention, and doubtless very heavy calamity will soon befall Turan, should he break out, as I apprehend he will, into open rebellion:--

"For he is proud, and thou has yet to learn The temper of thy daughter Ferangis, Now bound to him in duty and affection; Their purpose is the same, to overthrow The kingdom of Turan, and thy dominion; To merge the glory of this happy realm Into the Persian empire!"

But plausible and persuasive as were the observations and positive declarations of Gersiwaz, Afrasiyab would not believe the imputed ingrat.i.tude and hostility of Saiawush. "He has sought my protection,"

said he; "he has thrown himself upon my generosity, and I cannot think him treacherous. But if he has meditated anything unmerited by me, and unworthy of himself, it will be better to send him back to Kai-kaus, his father." The artful Gersiwaz, however, was not to be diverted from his object: he said that Saiawush had become personally acquainted with Turan, its position, its weakness, its strength, and resources, and aided by Rustem, would soon be able to overrun the country if he was suffered to return, and therefore he recommended Afrasiyab to bring him from Khoten by some artifice, and secure him. In conformity with this suggestion, Gersiwaz was again deputed to the young prince, and a letter of a friendly nature written for the purpose of blinding him to the real intentions of his father-in-law. The letter was no sooner read than Saiawush expressed his desire to comply with the request contained in it, saying that Afrasiyab had been a father to him, and that he would lose no time in fulfilling in all respects the wishes he had received.

This compliance and prompt.i.tude, however, was not in harmony with the sinister views of Gersiwaz, for he foresaw that the very fact of answering the call immediately would show that some misrepresentation had been practised, and consequently it was his business now to promote procrastination, and an appearance of evasive delay. He therefore said to him privately that it would be advisable for him to wait a little, and not manifest such implicit obedience to the will of Afrasiyab; but Saiawush replied, that both his duty and affection urged him to a ready compliance. Then Gersiwaz pressed him more warmly, and represented how inconsistent, how unworthy of his ill.u.s.trious lineage it would be to betray so meek a spirit, especially as he had a considerable army at his command, and could vindicate his dignity and his rights. And he addressed to him these specious arguments so incessantly and with such earnestness, that the deluded prince was at last induced to put off his departure, on account of his wife Ferangis pretending that she was ill, and saying that the moment she was better he would return to Turan. This was quite enough for treachery to work upon; and as soon as the dispatch was sealed, Gersiwaz conveyed it with the utmost expedition to Afrasiyab. Appearances, at least, were thus made strong against Saiawush, and the tyrant of Turan, now easily convinced of his falsehood, and feeling in consequence his former enmity renewed, forthwith a.s.sembled an army to punish his refractory son-in-law.

Gersiwaz was appointed the leader of that army, which was put in motion without delay against the unoffending youth. The news of Afrasiyab's warlike preparations satisfied the mind of Saiawush that Gersiwaz had given him good advice, and that he had been a faithful monitor, for immediate compliance, he now concluded, would have been his utter ruin.

When he communicated this unwelcome intelligence to Ferangis, she was thrown into the greatest alarm and agitation; but ever fruitful in expedients, suggested the course that it seemed necessary he should instantly adopt, which was to fly by a circuitous route back to Iran. To this he expressed no dissent, provided she would accompany him; but she said it was impossible to do so on account of the condition she was in.

"Leave me," she added, "and save thy own life!" He therefore called together his three hundred Iranians, and requesting Ferangis, if she happened to be delivered of a son, to call him Kai-khosrau, set off on his journey.

"I go, surrounded by my enemies; The hand of merciless Afrasiyab Lifted against me."

It was not the fortune of Saiawush, however, to escape so easily as had been antic.i.p.ated by Ferangis. Gersiwaz was soon at his heels, and in the battle that ensued, all the Iranians were killed, and also the horse upon which the unfortunate prince rode, so that on foot he could make but little progress. In the meantime Afrasiyab came up, and surrounding him, wanted to shoot him with an arrow, but he was restrained from the violent act by the intercession of his people, who recommended his being taken alive, and only kept in prison. Accordingly he was again attacked and secured, and still Afrasiyab wished to put him to death; but Pilsam, one of his warriors, and the brother of Piran, induced him to relinquish that diabolical intention, and to convey him back to his own palace.

Saiawush was then ignominiously fettered and conducted to the royal residence, which he had himself erected and ornamented with such richness and magnificence. The sight of the city and its splendid buildings filled every one with wonder and admiration. Upon the arrival of Afrasiyab, Ferangis hastened to him in a state of the deepest distress, and implored his clemency and compa.s.sion in favor of Saiawush.

"O father, he is not to blame, Still pure and spotless is his name; Faithful and generous still to me, And never--never false to thee.

This hate to Gersiwaz he owes, The worst, the bitterest of his foes; Did he not thy protection seek, And wilt thou overpower the weak?

Spill royal blood thou shouldest bless, In cruel sport and wantonness?

And earn the curses of mankind, Living, in this precarious state, And dead, the torments of the mind, Which h.e.l.l inflicts upon the great Who revel in a murderous course, And rule by cruelty and force.

"It scarce becomes me now to tell, What the accursed Zohak befel, Or what the punishment which hurled Silim and Tur from out the world.

And is not Kaus living now, With rightful vengeance on his brow?

And Rustem, who alone can make Thy kingdom to its centre quake?

Gudarz, Zuara, and Friburz, And Tus, and Girgin, and Framurz; And others too of fearless might, To challenge thee to mortal fight?

O, from this peril turn away, Close not in gloom so bright a day; Some heed to thy poor daughter give, And let thy guiltless captive live."

The effect of this appeal, solemnly and urgently delivered, was only transitory. Afrasiyab felt a little compunction at the moment, but soon resumed his ferocious spirit, and to ensure, without interruption, the accomplishment of his purpose, confined Ferangis in one of the remotest parts of the palace:--

And thus to Gersiwaz unfeeling spoke: "Off with his head, down with the enemy; But take especial notice that his blood Stains not the earth, lest it should cry aloud For vengeance on us. Take good care of that!"

Gersiwaz, who was but too ready an instrument, immediately directed Karu-zira, a kinsman of Afrasiyab, who had been also one of the most zealous in promoting the ruin of the Persian prince, to inflict the deadly blow; and Saiawush, whilst under the grasp of the executioner, had but time to put up a prayer to Heaven, in which he hoped that a son might be born to him to vindicate his good name, and be revenged on his murderer. The executioner then seized him by the hair, and throwing him on the ground, severed the head from the body. A golden vessel was ready to receive the blood, as commanded by Afrasiyab; but a few drops happened to be spilt on the soil, and upon that spot a tree grew up, which was afterwards called Saiawush, and believed to possess many wonderful virtues! The blood was carefully conveyed to Afrasiyab, the head fixed on the point of a javelin, and the body was buried with respect and affection by his friend Pilsam, who had witnessed the melancholy catastrophe. It is also related that a tremendous tempest occurred at the time this amiable prince was murdered, and that a total darkness covered the face of the earth, so that the people could not distinguish each other's faces. Then was the name of Afrasiyab truly execrated and abhorred for the cruel act he had committed, and all the inhabitants of Khoten long cherished the memory of Saiawush.

Ferangis was frantic with grief when she was told of the sad fate of her husband, and all her household uttered the loudest lamentations. Pilsam gave the intelligence to Piran and the proverb was then remembered: "It is better to be in h.e.l.l, than under the rule of Afrasiyab!" When the deep sorrow of Ferangis reached the ears of her father, he determined on a summary procedure, and ordered Gersiwaz to have her privately made away with, so that there might be no issue of her marriage with Saiawush.

Piran with horror heard this stern command, And hasten'd to the king, and thus addressed him: "What! wouldst thou hurl thy vengeance on a woman, That woman, too, thy daughter? Is it wise, Or natural, thus to sport with human life?

Already hast thou taken from her arms Her unoffending husband--that was cruel; But thus to shed an innocent woman's blood, And kill her unborn infant--that would be Too dreadful to imagine! Is she not Thy own fair daughter, given in happier time To him who won thy favour and affection?

Think but of that, and from thy heart root out This demon wish, which leads thee to a crime, Mocking concealment; vain were the endeavour To keep the murder secret, and when known, The world's opprobrium would pursue thy name.

And after death, what would thy portion be!

No more of this--honour me with the charge, And I will keep her with a father's care, In my own mansion." Then Afrasiyab Readily answered: "Take her to thy home, But when the child is born, let it be brought Promptly to me--my will must be obeyed."

Piran rejoiced at his success; and a.s.senting to the command of Afrasiyab, took Ferangis with him to Khoten, where in due time a child was born, and being a son, was called Kai-khosrau. As soon as he was born, Piran took measures to prevent his being carried off to Afrasiyab, and committed him to the care of some peasants on the mountain Kalun. On the same night Afrasiyab had a dream, in which he received intimation of the birth of Kai-khosrau; and upon this intimation he sent for Piran to know why his commands had not been complied with. Piran replied, that he had cast away the child in the wilderness. "And why was he not sent to me?" inquired the despot. "Because," said Piran, "I considered thy own future happiness; thou hast unjustly killed the father, and G.o.d forbid that thou shouldst also kill the son!" Afrasiyab was abashed, and it is said that ever after the atrocious murder of Saiawush, he had been tormented with the most terrible and harrowing dreams. Gersiwaz now became hateful to his sight, and he began at last deeply to repent of his violence and inhumanity.

Kai-khosrau grew up under the fostering protection of the peasants, and showed early marks of surprising talent and activity. He excelled in manly exercises; and hunting ferocious animals was his peculiar delight.

Instructors had been provided to initiate him in all the arts and pursuits cultivated by the warriors of those days, and even in his twelfth year accounts were forwarded to Piran of several wonderful feats which he had performed.

Then smiled the good old man, and joyful said: "'Tis ever thus--the youth of royal blood Will not disgrace his lineage, but betray By his superior mien and gallant deeds From whence he sprung. 'Tis by the luscious fruit We know the tree, and glory in its ripeness!"

Piran could not resist paying a visit to the youth in his mountainous retreat, and, happy to find him, beyond all expectation, distinguished for the elegance of his external appearance, and the superior qualities of his mind, related to him the circ.u.mstances under which he had been exposed, and the rank and misfortunes of his father. An artifice then occurred to him which promised to be of ultimate advantage. He afterwards told Afrasiyab that the offspring of Ferangis, thrown by him into the wilderness to perish, had been found by a peasant and brought up, but that he understood the boy was little better than an idiot.

Afrasiyab, upon this information, desired that he might be sent for, and in the meantime Piran took especial care to instruct Kai-khosrau how he should act; which was to seem in all respects insane, and he accordingly appeared before the king in the dress of a prince with a golden crown on his head, and the royal girdle round his loins. Kai-khosrau proceeded on horseback to the court of Afrasiyab, and having performed the usual salutations, was suitably received, though with strong feelings of shame and remorse on the part of the tyrant. Afrasiyab put several questions to him, which were answered in a wild and incoherent manner, entirely at variance with the subject proposed. The king could not help smiling, and supposing him to be totally deranged, allowed him to be sent with presents to his mother, for no harm, he thought, could possibly be apprehended from one so forlorn in mind. Piran triumphed in the success of his scheme, and lost no time in taking Kai-khosrau to his mother. All the people of Khoten poured blessings on the head of the youth, and imprecations on the merciless spirit of Afrasiyab. The city built by Saiawush had been razed to the ground by the exterminating fury of his enemies, and wild animals and reptiles occupied the place on which it stood. The mother and son visited the spot where Saiawush was barbarously killed, and the tree, which grew up from the soil enriched by his blood, was found verdant and flourishing, and continued to possess in perfection its marvellous virtues.

The tale of Saiawush is told; And now the pages bright unfold, Rustem's revenge--Sudaveh's fate-- Afrasiyab's degraded state, And that terrific curse and ban Which fell at last upon Turan!

When Kai-kaus heard of the fate of his son, and all its horrible details were pictured to his mind, he was thrown into the deepest affliction.

His warriors, Tus, and Gudarz, and Bahram, and Friburz, and Ferhad, felt with equal keenness the loss of the amiable prince, and Rustem, as soon as the dreadful intelligence reached Sistan, set off with his troops to the court of the king, still full of indignation at the conduct of Kaus, and oppressed with sorrow respecting the calamity which had occurred. On his arrival he thus addressed the weeping and disconsolate father of Saiawush, himself at the same time drowned in tears:--

"How has thy temper turned to nought, the seed Which might have grown, and cast a glorious shadow; How is it scattered to the barren winds!

Thy love for false Sudaveh was the cause Of all this misery; she, the Sorceress, O'er whom thou hast so oft in rapture hung, Enchanted by her charms; she was the cause Of this destruction. Thou art woman's slave!

Woman, the bane of man's felicity!

Who ever trusted woman? Death were better Than being under woman's influence; She places man upon the foamy ridge Of the tempestuous wave, which rolls to ruin, Who ever trusted woman?--Woman! woman!"

Kaus looked down with melancholy mien, And, half consenting, thus to Rustem said:-- "Sudaveh's blandishments absorbed my soul, And she has brought this wretchedness upon me."

Rustem rejoined--"The world must be revenged Upon this false Sudaveh;--she must die."

Kaus was silent; but his tears flowed fast, And shame withheld resistance. Rustem rushed Without a pause towards the shubistan; Impatient, nothing could obstruct his speed To slay Sudaveh;--her he quickly found, And rapidly his sanguinary sword Performed its office. Thus the Sorceress died.

Such was the punishment her crimes received.

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.