The Persian Literature Volume I Part 28

Having thus possessed himself of a leader of such skill and intrepidity, he thought it necessary to turn his attention to external conquest, and accordingly addressed a letter to Alias, the ruler of Khuz, in which he said:--"Thou hast hitherto enjoyed thy kingdom in peace and tranquillity; but thou must now resign it to me, or prepare for war."

Alias on receiving this imperious and haughty menace collected his forces together, and advanced to the contest, and the king of Rum a.s.sembled his own troops with equal expedition, under the direction of Gushtasp. The battle was fought with great valor on both sides, and blood flowed in torrents. Gushtasp challenged Alias to single combat, and the warriors met; but in a short time the enemy was thrown from his horse, and dragged by the young conqueror, in fetters, before the king.

The troops witnessing the prowess of Gushtasp, quickly fled; and the king commencing a hot pursuit, soon entered their city victoriously, subdued the whole kingdom, and plundered it of all its property and wealth. He also gained over the army, and with this powerful addition to his own forces, and with the booty he had secured, returned triumphantly to Rum.

In consequence of this brilliant success, the king conferred additional honors on Gushtasp, who now began to display the ambition which he had long cherished. Aspiring to the sovereignty of Iran, he spoke to the Rumi warriors on the subject of an invasion of that country, but they refused to enter into his schemes, conceiving that there was no chance of success. At this Gushtasp took fire, and declared that he knew the power and resources of his father perfectly, and that the conquest would be attended with no difficulty. He then went to the king, and said: "Thy chiefs are afraid to fight against Lohurasp; I will myself undertake the task with even an inconsiderable army." The king was overjoyed, and kissed his head and face, and loaded him with presents, and ordered his secretary to write to Lohurasp in the following terms: "I am anxious to meet thee in battle, but if thou art not disposed to fight, I will permit thee to remain at peace, on condition of surrendering to me half thy kingdom. Should this be refused, I will myself deprive thee of thy whole sovereignty." When this letter was conveyed by the hands of Kabus to Iran, Lohurasp, upon reading it, was moved to laughter, and exclaimed, "What is all this? The king of Rum has happened to obtain possession of the little kingdom of Khuz, and he has become insane with pride!" He then asked Kabus by what means he accomplished the capture of Khuz, and how he managed to kill Alias. The messenger replied, that his success was owing to a youth of n.o.ble aspect and invincible courage, who had first destroyed a ferocious wolf, then a dragon, and had afterwards dragged Alias from his horse, with as much ease as if he had been a chicken, and laid him prostrate at the feet of the king of Rum. Lohurasp enquired his name, and he answered, Gushtasp. "Does he resemble in feature any person in this a.s.sembly?" Kabus looked round about him, and pointed to Zarir, from which Lohurasp concluded that it must be his own son, and sat silent. But he soon determined on what answer to send, and it was contained in the following words: "Do not take me for an Alias, nor think that one hero of thine is competent to oppose me. I have a hundred equal to him. Continue, therefore, to pay me tribute, or I will lay waste thy whole country." With this letter he dismissed Kabus; and as soon as the messenger had departed, addressed himself to Zarir, saying: "Thou must go in the character of an amba.s.sador from me to the king of Rum, and represent to him the justice and propriety of preserving peace. After thy conference with him repair to the house of Gushtasp, and in my name ask his forgiveness for what I have done. I was not before aware of his merit, and day and night I think of him with repentance and sorrow. Tell him to pardon his old father's infirmities, and come back to Iran, to his own country and home, that I may resign to him my crown and throne, and like Kai-khosrau, take leave of the world.

It is my desire to deliver myself up to prayer and devotion, and to appoint Gushtasp my successor, for he appears to be eminently worthy of that honor." Zarir acted scrupulously, in conformity with his instructions; and having first had an interview with the king, hastened to the house of his brother, by whom he was received with affection and gladness. After the usual interchange of congratulations and enquiry, he stated to him the views and the resolutions of his father, who on the faith of his royal word promised to appoint him his successor, and thought of him with the most cordial attachment. Gushtasp was as much astonished as delighted with this information, and his anxiety being great to return to his own country, he that very night, accompanied by his wife Kitabun, and Zarir, set out for Iran. Approaching the city, he was met by an istakbal, or honorary deputation of warriors, sent by the king; and when he arrived at court, Lohurasp descended from his throne and embraced him with paternal affection, shedding tears of contrition for having previously treated him not only with neglect but severity.

However he now made him ample atonement, and ordering a golden chair of royalty to be constructed and placed close to his own, they both sat together, and the people by command tendered to him unanimously their respect and allegiance. Lohurasp repeatedly said to him:--

"What has been done was Fate's decree, Man cannot strive with destiny.

To be unfeeling once was mine, At length to be a sovereign thine."

Thus spoke the king, and kissed the crown, And gave it to his valiant son.

Soon afterwards he relinquished all authority in the empire, a.s.sumed the coa.r.s.e habit of a recluse, retired to a celebrated place of pilgrimage, near Balkh. There, in a solitary cell, he devoted the remainder of his life to prayer and the worship of G.o.d. The period of Lohurasp's government lasted one hundred and twenty years.

GUSHTaSP, AND THE FAITH OF ZERDUSHT

I've said preceding sovereigns worshipped G.o.d, By whom their crowns were given to protect The people from oppressors; Him they served, Acknowledging His goodness--for to Him, The pure, unchangeable, the Holy One!

They owed their greatness and their earthly power.

But after times produced idolatry, And Pagan faith, and then His name was lost In adoration of created things.

Gushtasp had by his wife Kitabun, the daughter of the king of Rum, two sons named Isfendiyar and Bashutan, who were remarkable for their piety and devotion to the Almighty. Being the great king, all the minor sovereigns paid him tribute, excepting Arjasp, the ruler of Chin and Ma-chin, whose army consisted of Diws, and Peris, and men; for considering him of superior importance, he sent him yearly the usual tributary present. In those days lived Zerdusht, the Guber, who was highly accomplished in the knowledge of divine things; and having waited upon Gushtasp, the king became greatly pleased with his learning and piety, and took him into his confidence. The philosopher explained to him the doctrines of the fire-worshippers, and by his art he reared a tree before the house of Gushtasp, beautiful in its foliage and branches, and whoever ate of the leaves of that tree became learned and accomplished in the mysteries of the future world, and those who ate of the fruit thereof became perfect in wisdom and holiness.

In consequence of the illness of Lohurasp, who was nearly at the point of death, Zerdusht went to Balkh for the purpose of administering relief to him, and he happily succeeded in restoring him to health. On his return he was received with additional favor by Gushtasp, who immediately afterwards became his disciple. Zerdusht then told him that he was the prophet of G.o.d, and promised to show him miracles. He said he had been to heaven and to h.e.l.l. He could send anyone, by prayer, to heaven; and whomsoever he was angry with he could send to h.e.l.l. He had seen the seven mansions of the celestial regions, and the thrones of sapphires, and all the secrets of heaven were made known to him by his attendant angel. He said that the sacred book, called Zendavesta, descended from above expressly for him, and that if Gushtasp followed the precepts in that blessed volume, he would attain celestial felicity.

Gushtasp readily became a convert to his principles, forsaking the pure adoration of G.o.d for the religion of the fire-worshippers.

The philosopher further said that he had prepared a ladder, by which he had ascended into heaven and had seen the Almighty. This made the disciple still more obedient to Zerdusht. One day he asked Gushtasp why he condescended to pay tribute to Arjasp; "G.o.d is on thy side," said he, "and if thou desirest an extension of territory, the whole country of Chin may be easily conquered." Gushtasp felt ashamed at this reproof, and to restore his character, sent a dispatch to Arjasp, in which he said, "Former kings who paid thee tribute did so from terror only, but now the empire is mine; and it is my will, and I have the power, to resist the payment of it in future." This letter gave great offence to Arjasp; who at once suspected that the fire-worshipper, Zerdusht, had poisoned his mind, and seduced him from his pure and ancient religion, and was attempting to circ.u.mvent and lead him to his ruin. He answered him thus: "It is well known that thou hast now forsaken the right path, and involved thyself in darkness. Thou hast chosen a guide possessed of the attributes of Iblis, who with the art of a magician has seduced thee from the worship of the true G.o.d, from that G.o.d who gave thee thy kingdom and thy grandeur. Thy father feared G.o.d, and became a holy Dirvesh, whilst thou hast lost thy way in wickedness and impiety. It will therefore be a meritorious action in me to vindicate the true worship and oppose thy blasphemous career with all my demons. In a month or two I will enter thy kingdom with fire and sword, and destroy thy authority and thee. I would give thee good advice; do not be influenced by a wicked counsellor, but return to thy former religious practices.

Weigh well, therefore, what I say." Arjasp sent this letter by two of his demons, familiar with sorcery; and when it was delivered into the hands of Gushtasp, a council was held to consider its contents, to which Zerdusht was immediately summoned. Jamasp, the minister, said that the subject required deep thought, and great prudence was necessary in framing a reply; but Zerdusht observed, that the only reply was obvious--nothing but war could be thought of. At this moment Isfendiyar gallantly offered to lead the army, but Zarir, his uncle, objected to him on account of his extreme youth, and proposed to take the command himself, which Gushtasp agreed to, and the two demon-envoys were dismissed. The answer was briefly as follows:--

"Thy boast is that thou wilt in two short months Ravage my country, scathe with fire and sword The empire of Iran; but on thyself Heap not destruction; pause before thy pride Hurries thee to thy ruin. I will open The countless treasures of the realm; my warriors, A thousand thousand, armed with shining steel, Shall overrun thy kingdom; I myself Will crush that head of thine beneath my feet."

The result of these menaces was the immediate prosecution of the war, and no time was lost by Arjasp in hastening into Iran.

Plunder and devastation marked his course, The villages were all involved in flames, Palace of pride, low cot, and lofty tower; The trees dug up, and root and branch destroyed.

Gushtasp then hastened to repel his foes; But to his legions they seemed wild and strange, And terrible in aspect, and no light Could struggle through the gloom they had diffused, To hide their progress.

Zerdusht said to Gushtasp, "Ask thy vizir, Jamasp, what is written in thy horoscope, that he may relate to thee the dispensations of heaven."

Jamasp, in reply to the inquiry, took the king aside and whispered softly to him: "A great number of thy brethren, thy relations, and warriors will be slain in the conflict, but in the end thou wilt be victorious." Gushtasp deeply lamented the coming event, which involved the destruction of his kinsmen, but did not shrink from the battle, for he exulted in the antic.i.p.ation of obtaining the victory. The contest was begun with indescribable eagerness and impetuosity.

Approaching, each a prayer addrest To Heaven, and thundering forward prest; Thick showers of arrows gloomed the sky, The battle-storm raged long and high; Above, black clouds their darkness spread, Below, the earth with blood was red.

Ardshir, the son of Lohurasp, and descended from Kai-kaus, was one of the first to engage; he killed many, and was at last killed himself.

After him, his brother Shydasp was killed. Then Bishu, the son of Jamasp, urged on his steed, and with consummate bravery destroyed a great number of warriors. Zarir, equally bold and intrepid, also rushed amidst the host, and whether demons or men opposed him, they were all laid lifeless on the field. He then rode up towards Arjasp, scattered the ranks, and penetrated the headquarters, which put the king into great alarm: for he exclaimed:--"What, have ye no courage, no shame!

whoever kills Zarir shall have a magnificent reward." Bai-derafsh, one of the demons, animated by this offer, came forward, and with remorseless fury attacked Zarir. The onset was irresistible, and the young prince was soon overthrown and bathed in his own blood. The news of the unfortunate catastrophe deeply affected Gushtasp, who cried, in great grief: "Is there no one to take vengeance for this?" when Isfendiyar presented himself, kissed the ground before his father, and anxiously asked permission to engage the demon. Gushtasp a.s.sented, and told him that if he killed the demon and defeated the enemy, he would surrender to him his crown and throne.

"When we from this destructive field return, Isfendiyar, my son, shall wear the crown, And be the glorious leader of my armies."

Saying this, he dismounted from his famous black horse, called Behzad, the gift of Kai-khosrau, and presented it to Isfendiyar. The greatest clamor and lamentation had arisen among the Persian army, for they thought that Bai-derafsh had committed such dreadful slaughter, the moment of utter defeat was at hand, when Isfendiyar galloped forward, mounted on Behzad, and turned the fortunes of the day. He saw the demon with the mail of Zarir on his breast, foaming at the mouth with rage, and called aloud to him, "Stand, thou murderer!" The stern voice, the valor, and majesty of Isfendiyar, made the demon tremble, but he immediately discharged a blow with his dagger at his new opponent, who however seized the weapon with his left hand, and with his right plunged a spear into the monster's breast, and drove it through his body.

Isfendiyar then cut off his head, remounted his horse, and that instant was by the side of Bishu, the son of the vizir, into whose charge he gave the severed head of Bai-derafsh, and the armor of Zarir. Bishu now attired himself in his father's mail, and fastening the head on his horse, declared that he would take his post close by Isfendiyar, whatever might betide. Firshaid, another Iranian warrior, came to the spot at the same moment, and expressed the same resolution, so that all three, thus accidentally met, determined to encounter Arjasp and capture him. Isfendiyar led the way, and the other two followed. Arjasp, seeing that he was singled out by three warriors, and that the enemy's force was also advancing to the attack in great numbers, gave up the struggle, and was the first to retreat. His troops soon threw away their arms and begged for quarter, and many of them were taken prisoners by the Iranians. Gushtasp now approached the dead body of Zarir, and lamenting deeply over his unhappy fate, placed him in a coffin, and built over him a lofty monument, around which lights were ever afterwards kept burning, night and day; and he also taught the people the worship of fire, and was anxious to establish everywhere the religion of Zerdusht.

Jamasp appointed officers to ascertain the number of killed in the battle. Of Iranians there were thirty thousand, among whom were eight hundred chiefs; and the enemy's loss amounted to nine hundred thousand, and also eleven hundred and sixty-three chiefs. Gushtasp rejoiced at the glorious result, and ordered the drums to be sounded to celebrate the victory, and he increased his favor upon Zerdusht, who originated the war, and told him to call his triumphant son, Isfendiyar, near him.

The gallant youth the summons hears, And midst the royal court appears, Close by his father's side, The mace, cow-headed, in his hand; His air and glance express command, And military pride.

Gushtasp beholds with heart elate.

The conqueror so young, so great, And places round his brows the crown, The promised crown, the high reward, Proud token of a mighty king's regard, Conferred upon his own.

After Gushtasp had crowned his son as his successor, he told him that he must not now waste his time in peace and private gratification, but proceed to the conquest of other countries. Zerdusht was also deeply interested in his further operations, and recommended him to subdue kingdoms for the purpose of diffusing everywhere the new religion, that the whole world might be enlightened and edified. Isfendiyar instantly complied, and the first kingdom he invaded was Rum. The sovereign of that country having no power nor means to resist the incursions of the enemy, readily adopted the faith of Zerdusht, and accepted the sacred book named Zendavesta, as his spiritual instructor. Isfendiyar afterwards invaded Hindustan and Arabia, and several other countries, and successfully established the religion of the fire-worshippers in them all.

Where'er he went he was received With welcome, all the world believed, And all with grateful feelings took The Holy Zendavesta-book, Proud their new worship to declare, The worship of Isfendiyar.

The young conqueror communicated by letters to his father the success with which he had disseminated the religion of Zerdusht, and requested to know what other enterprises required his aid. Gushtasp rejoiced exceedingly, and commanded a grand banquet to be prepared. It happened that Gurzam a warrior, was particularly befriended by the king, but retaining secretly in his heart a bitter enmity to Isfendiyar, now took an opportunity to gratify his malice, and privately told Gushtasp that he had heard something highly atrocious in the disposition of the prince. Gushtasp was anxious to know what it was; and he said, "Isfendiyar has subdued almost every country in the world: he is a dangerous person at the head of an immense army, and at this very moment meditates taking Balkh, and making even thee his prisoner!

"Thou know'st not that thy son Isfendiyar Is hated by the army. It is said Ambition fires his brain, and to secure The empire to himself, his wicked aim Is to rebel against his generous father.

This is the sum of my intelligence; But thou'rt the king, I speak but what I hear."

These malicious accusations by Gurzam insidiously made, produced great vexation in the mind of Gushtasp. The banquet went on, and for three days he drank wine incessantly, without sleep or rest because his sorrow was extreme. On the fourth day he said to his minister: "Go with this letter to Isfendiyar, and accompany him hither to me." Jamasp, the minister, went accordingly on the mission, and when he arrived, the prince said to him, "I have dreamt that my father is angry with me."--"Then thy dream is true," replied Jamasp, "thy father is indeed angry with thee."--"What crime, what fault have I committed?

"Is it because I have with ceaseless toil Spread wide the Zendavesta, and converted Whole kingdoms to that faith? Is it because For him I conquered those far-distant kingdoms, With this good sword of mine? Why clouds his brow Upon his son--some demon must have changed His temper, once affectionate and kind, Calling me to him thus in anger! Thou Hast ever been my friend, my valued friend Say, must I go? Thy counsel I require."

"The son does wrong who disobeys his father, Despising his command," Jamasp replied.

"Yet," said Isfendiyar, "why should I go?

He is in wrath, it cannot be for good."

"Know'st thou not that a father's wrath is kindness?

The anger of a father to his child Is far more precious than the love and fondness Felt by that child for him. 'Tis good to go, Whatever the result, he is the king, And more--he is thy father!"

Isfendiyar immediately consented, and appointed Bahman, his eldest son, to fill his place in the army during his absence. He had four sons: the name of the second was Mihrbus; of the third, Avir; and of the fourth, Nushahder; and these three he took along with him on his journey.

Before he had arrived at Balkh, Gushtasp had concerted measures to secure him as a prisoner, with an appearance of justice and impartiality. On his arrival, he waited on the king respectfully, and was thus received: "Thou hast become the great king! Thou hast conquered many countries, but why am I unworthy in thy sight? Thy ambition is indeed excessive." Isfendiyar replied: "However great I may be, I am still thy servant, and wholly at thy command." Upon hearing this, Gushtasp turned towards his courtiers, and said, "What ought to be done with that son, who in the lifetime of his father usurps his authority, and even attempts to eclipse him in grandeur? What! I ask, should be done with such a son!"

"Such a son should either be Broken on the felon tree, Or in prison bound with chains, Whilst his wicked life remains, Else thyself, this kingdom, all Will be ruined by his thrall!"

To this heavy denunciation Isfendiyar replied: "I have received all my honors from the king, by whom I am appointed to succeed to the throne; but at his pleasure I willingly resign them." However, concession and remonstrance were equally fruitless, and he was straightway ordered to be confined in the tower-prison of the fort situated on the adjacent mountain, and secured with chains.

Dreadful the sentence: all who saw him wept; And sternly they conveyed him to the tower, Where to four columns, deeply fixed in earth, And reaching to the skies, of iron formed, They bound him; merciless they were to him Who had given splendour to a mighty throne.

Mournful vicissitude! Thus pain and pleasure Successive charm and tear the heart of man; And many a day in that drear solitude, He lingered, shedding tears of blood, till times Of happier omen dawned upon his fortunes.

Having thus made Isfendiyar secure in the mountain-prison, and being entirely at ease about the internal safety of the empire, Gushtasp was anxious to pay a visit to Zal and Rustem at Sistan, and to convert them to the religion of Zerdusht. On his approach to Sistan he was met and respectfully welcomed by Rustem. who afterwards in open a.s.sembly received the Zendavesta and adopted the new faith, which he propagated throughout his own territory; but, according to common report it was fear of Gushtasp alone which induced him to pursue this course. Gushtasp remained two years his guest, enjoying all kinds of recreation, and particularly the sports of the field and the forests.

When Bahman, the son of Isfendiyar, heard of the imprisonment of his father, he, in grief and alarm, abandoned his trust, dismissed the army, and proceeded to Balkh, where he joined his two brothers, and wept over the fate of their unhappy father.

In the meantime the news of the confinement of Isfendiyar, and the absence of Gushtasp at Sistan, and the unprotected state of Balkh, stimulated Arjasp to a further effort, and he despatched his son Kahram with a large army towards the capital of the enemy, to carry into effect his purpose of revenge. Lohurasp was still in religious retirement at Balkh. The people were under great apprehension, and being without a leader, anxiously solicited the old king to command them, but he said that he had abandoned all earthly concerns, and had devoted himself to G.o.d, and therefore could not comply with their entreaties. But they would hear no denial, and, as it were, tore him from his place of refuge and prayer. There were a.s.sembled only about one thousand hors.e.m.e.n, and with these he advanced to battle; but what were they compared to the hundred thousand whom they met, and by whom they were soon surrounded.

Their bravery was useless. They were at once overpowered and defeated, and Lohurasp himself was unfortunately among the slain.

Upon the achievement of his victory, Kahram entered Balkh in triumph, made the people prisoners, and destroyed all the places of worship belonging to the Gubers. He also killed the keeper of the altar, and burnt the Zendavesta, which contained the formulary of their doctrines and belief.