ASFANDIYAR'S SEVEN STAGES

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The Story of the Seven Stages of Asfandiyar :

The Seven Stages will I next set forth In words both novel and of dainty worth. Oh ! may the world's Shah live for ever, may Its potentates be slaves beneath his sway ! He showed his visage like bright Sol above, And graced the surface of the earth with love. Sol was in Aries when first he wore The crown, and East and West rejoiced therefore. The thunder-peal is rolling o'er the hills, And tulip and narcissus throng the rills, The patient tulip, arch narcissus, yea And awesome spikenard and pomegranate gay. The clouds have hearts of fire and tearful eyes, And bursts of anger mix with melodies.

The levin flasheth and the waters leap Till at the din thou rousest from thy sleep. Thus wakened look abroad and call the scene Brocade or painted by Mani in Chin, A scene that, bright in sunshine, having spied The tulip and narcissus still wet-eyed, Will laugh and cry: "Ye minxes ! thus again I weep for love of you, not wrath or pain." Earth hath no laughter while the heaven is dry. I do not call our great king's hand the sky, Which only giveth forth its rains in spring, For such is not the usance of a king.

As Sol, when it ariseth gloriously In Aries, such shall the Shah's hand be, For whensoe'er there cometh to his hand A wealth of pearls or musk from sea or land, The radiance that is his he doth not scant To proud-necked monarch and to mendicant. Abu'l Kasim ! our great Shah's hand is still Thus generous alike to good and ill. He never slackeneth in bounteousness, And never resteth on the day of stress, Delivereth battle when the times demand, And taketh heads of monarchs in his hand, But largesseth the humble with his spoils, And maketh no account of his own toils. Oh ! may Mahmud still rule the world, still be The source of bounty and of equity ! Now list to what an ancient sage hath told, And learn the legend of the Brazen Hold.

THE FIRST STAGE

How Asfandiyar slew two Wolves :

A rustic bard hath spread the board and there Set forth " The Seven Stages " as the fare. He took within his hand a cup of gold, And of Gushtasp and of the Brazen Hold, And of the doings of Asfandiyar, His journey and the counsels of Gurgsar, Spake thus:-Now when embittered, tongue and soul, Asfandiyar reached Balkh he left his sire, And set out with Gurgsar toward Turan. He marched until he came where two roads met, And camped there with his host, bade spread the board, And furnish wine and harp and minstrelsy, While all the captains of the host drew near, And sat at table with the king of men, By whose directions presently Gurgsar, In miserable plight, was brought before him, And furnished with a golden goblet filled Four times successively. Thereafter said Asfandiyar to him: "Thou luckless one ! I will advance thee to the crown and throne, Will give thee all the kingdom of the Turkmans, And will exalt thee to the shining sun, As soon as I return victorious, If thou wilt tell me truly what I ask, Nor will I harm thy children, kith or kin; But if thou go about to utter lies In any way they will not pass with me, My sword shall cleave thee, and the hearts of all Shall tremble at thy fate."

Gurgsar replied:- "0 famous, glorious Asfandiyar! From me the king shall hear naught but the truth, And be it thine to act the kingly part." "Where is the Brazen Hold," Asfandiyar Said, "for its marches march not with Iran? What roads are there to it? How many leagues? How can it be approached without mishap? Say too how many troops there are within it, And tell me what thou knowest of its height." "O kind and glorious Asfandiyar!" Gurgsar replied, "three roads lead hence to what Arjasp hath titled 'Battlestead.' One route Will take thy troops three months, the second two. The first hath water, grass, and towns, and chiefly Pertaineth to the chieftains of Turan.

The second road, that which will take two months, Will furnish for the troops but little provand; There is no grass or water for the beasts, And thou wilt find no camping-grounds. The third Will occupy but seven days; the troops Will reach the Brazen Hold upon the eighth, But that road is all lions, wolves, and dragons, And none can scape their claws; yet mightier Than lion, wolf, and savage dragon are A witch's charms, who raiseth from the deep One to the moon and flingeth to the abyss Another headlong. There are wastes, Simurghs, And bitter frosts which rise like blasts and cut The trees. Then will appear the Brazen Hold, And none e'er saw, or heard of, such another. It toppeth the dark cloud-rack. Arms and troops Abound within it. Waters and a river - A sight to cheer the soul-environ it.

The monarch crosseth to the plain by boat When he will hunt, but should he stay within For five score years the plain could furnish naught That he would need, because inside the hold Are tilth and pasture, fruit-trees and a mill." Asfandiyar, on hearing this, was troubled Awhile and sighed, but said: "There is no way For us save this; the short road is the best In this world," and Gurgsar retorted thus:- "0 king! none e'er by puissance and pains Hath made the passage of the Seven Stages Without foregoing life."

The chieftain answered:- If thou art with me thou shaft see the heart And strength of Ahriman. What, sayest thou, Will meet me first? What must I fight for passage?" Gurgsar replied: "0 famed and fearless man ! Two wolves, each like a lusty elephant, A male and female, having horns like stags And all a-gog to make a fight of lions, Broad in the neck and breast and thin of flank, With monstrous elephants' tusks, first will confront thee." Asfandiyar then bade lead back Gurgsar Bound as he was in miserable plight, And blithe himself assumed his Kaian casque, And held his court.

When Sol displayed its crown On high, and heaven showed earth its mysteries, The din of drums rose from the royal tent, Earth turned to iron, air to ebony, While in high spirits and with fair array The prince set forward toward the Seven Stages, And toward Turan. When he approached the First He chose a veteran among the host, A watchful man, hight Bishutan, who guarded The army from the foe, and said to him:- "Maintain good discipline among the troops. I am disturbed by what Gurgsar hath said, And will go on. If evil shall befall me It must not come upon my followers." He went and armed; they girthed his night-hued steed. The chief, when he had drawn anigh the wolves, Sat firmly like a mighty elephant.

The wolves beheld his breast and neck, his waist, His warrior-handgrip, and his iron mace, And like grim elephants and keen for fight Made at him from the plain. The hero strung His bow and, roaring like a rending lion, Rained arrows down upon those Ahrimans, And hardily employed the horsemen's sleights. The steel-tipped shafts disabled both the beasts, And neither could approach unscathed. With joy Asfandiyar perceived them growing weak And sore distressed, unsheathed his watered glaive, And charged. He hacked-their heads and made the dust Mire with their blood, lit from his noble steed, Acknowledging his helplessness to God, And washed the wolves' gore from his arms and person, Then sought a spot that had not been defiled Upon the sand and turning toward the sun, With troubled heart and cheeks besmirched with dust, Exclaimed: "0 righteous Judge ! Thou hast bestowed Upon me strength, Grace, prowess. Thou hast laid These beasts upon the dust and to all good Art Guide."

When Bishutan came with the host They saw the hero at the place of prayer. The warriors were astonied at his exploit, And all the troops thought: "Shall we call these wolves Or lusty elephants? May such a heart And sword and hand live ever ! Never may The throne of kingship, majesty, and feast, And host lack him." The wary warriors Approached and pitched the tent-enclosure round him; They set a golden board whereat to dine, Partook of victuals and called out for wine.

THE Second STAGE

How Asfandiyar slew two Lions :

As for Gurgsar his portion was chagrin About those fierce wolves and Asfandiyar, Who bade the prisoner be brought before him. They brought him quaking, with his face all tears. The prince bestowed on him three cups of wine, And asked: "What wonder shall I next behold By thine account?" He answered thus the chief:- "O monarch crowned and leonine of heart ! Upon the next stage lions will assail thee, Such as no crocodile would dare encounter; The lusty eagle, valiant though it be, Will fly not in their path."Asfandiyar Laughed with light heart, and said: "O feckless Turkman! Tomorrow thou shalt see a valiant man Address the lion with the scimitar."

When night grew dark the monarch gave command, And they resumed the march. He led the host Apace amid the gloom, blood in his eyes, Despite at heart, and when the sun had doffed Its dusky cloak and donned brocade of gold He reached the station for the brave - the plain Where he must fight the lions. He commanded That Bishutan should come to him, advised him At large, and said: "I go to fight in person, Committing this exalted host to thee."

He went his way, and drawing near the lions Turned all the world to darkness in their hearts. There were a lion and a lioness, And bravely both came forth to fight with him, The lion first. He smote it with his sword; Its face grew coral-hued; 'twas cloven from head To midriff; which appalled the lioness, Yet, like her mate, she came on savagely. The chieftain emote her on the head, which fell And rolled upon the sand. Her paws and breast Were tulip-hued with blood. He bathed himself And, looking to all-holy God alone As his Protector, said: "O righteous Judge! Thou heat destroyed these creatures by my hand:' Meanwhile the troops camp up, and Bishutan Surveyed the lions' breasts and limbs while all Acclaimed Asfandiyar. That valiant leader Thereafter went to his pavilion where They served to that pure prince delicious fare.

THE THIRD STAGE

How Asfandiyar slew a Dragon :

Asfandiyar then ordered to his presence The luckless and malevolent Gurgasar, Gave him three goblets filled with rosy wine, And, when the wine had cheered that Ahriman, Addressed him thus and said, "Ill-fated wretch Tell what thou knowest of tomorrow's sight." Gurgsar returned reply: "High-minded king May evil-doers ne'er approach to harm thee, Gone hast thou into battle like a fire, And made a shift to over-pass these bales, But know'st not what will come on thee tomorrow, Have mercy then upon thy wakeful fortune, For when tomorrow thou shalt reach the stage A greater task by far confronteth thee. There will encounter thee an awesome dragon, Whose breath doth draw forth from the deep the fish. A flame of fire proceedeth from its maw; Its body is a mountain made of flint.

Now if thou wilt retrace thy steps 'tis well; My very soul is pleading in this counsel. Thou hast not any pity for thyself, And by that token came this host together." Asfandiyar replied: "Thou evil one! I mean to drag thee in thy chains with me To be a witness that this sharp-clawed dragon Escapeth not my trenchant scimitar." At his command some carpenters were fetched, And therewithal some long and heavy beams. He had a goodly wooden carriage built All set about with swords and with a box, Framed by a clever carpenter, whereon That seeker of the diadem sat down, And harnessed to the break two noble steeds' To put it to the proof. He drove awhile In mail, armed with a falchion of Kabul, And helmed for fight. Or ever all was ready For battle with the dragon night grew dark, As 'twere a negro's face, while Luna showed Her crown in Aries. Asfandiyar Gat on his steed Shulak; his noble host Marched after him. Next day when it was light, And night's black flag was furled, the heroic world-lord Assumed his breastplate and resigned the host To glorious Bishutan, had break and box, Wherein he sat, brought forth, attached two steeds Of noble stock, and sped toward the dragon.

Afar it heard the rumble and beheld The prancing of the battle-steeds. It came, Like some black mountain, and thou wouldst have said:- The The sun and moon are darkened." Its two eyes Seemed fountains bright with blood, while from its gullet Fire issued, and like some dark cavern gaped Its jaws. It bellowed at Asfandiyar, Who, seeing the monster, drew his breath and turned To God for help. The horses strove to 'scape, The dragon's mischief, but it sucked them in, Them and the break, and in his box dismayed The warrior. In the dragon's gullet stuck The sword-blades, and blood poured forth like a sea; It could not free its gullet, for the swords Were sheathed within it. Tortured by the points And chariot the dragon by degrees Grew weak, and then the gallant warrior, Arising from the box, clutched his keen glaive With lion-grip and hacked the dragon's brains Till fumes of venom rising from the dust O'erpowered him; he tumbled mountain-like, And swooned away. Then Bishutan and all His mighty host came up in tears and grief Lest ill should have befallen Asfandiyar, The troops all wailed, dismounted, and advanced Afoot while Bishutan came hurrying, And poured rose-water o'er the hero's head.

Now when the atheling had oped his eyes He thus addressed the exalted warriors:- "The venom's fumes o'ercame me, for the dragon Ne'er struck me." Rising from the ground like one Awakening from a drunken drowse he sought The water, plunged therein, and bathed, bespeaking A change of raiment from his treasurer. Then in the presence of all-holy God He wallowed in the dust and wept, exclaiming:- "Who could have slain that dragon if the World-lord Had not assisted him?" His soldiers too Bent to the earth and praised the righteous Judge; But thus to find alive Asfandiyar, Whom he thought dead, was grievous to Gurgsar

THE FOURTH STAGE

How Asfandiyar slew a Witch :

Asfandiyar pitched by the water-side His tent-enclosure while the troops camped round him. He set forth wine, called boon-companions, Rose to his feet, and drank to Shah Gushtasp, Commanding too to bring Gurgsar who came. Before him, quaking. Then Asfandiyar Gave him to drink three cups of royal wine, Spake laughingly with him about the dragon, And said: "Thou worthless fellow! now behold How with its breath that dragon sucked us in ! When I go forward for another stage What greater toils and troubles are in store?" Gurgsar replied. "0 conquering prince ! thou hast The fruit of thy good star. When thou alightest Tomorrow at the stage a witch will come To greet thee. She hath looked on many a host, But quailed at none. She turneth waste to sea At will and maketh sunset at mid day, Men call her Ghul, 0 Shah ! Face not her toils In these thy days of youth. Thou hast o'ercome The dragon; now turn back; thou shouldst not bring Thy name to dust."

The atheling replied:- "Tomorrow, knave ! thou shall recount my prowess, For I will break the warlocks' backs and hearts, So will I maul that witch, and trample down Their heads by might of Him, the one just God." When day donned yellow weeds, and this world's Lustre Sank in the west, he marched on, packed the loads, With prayer to God, the Giver of all good, And led the army onward through the night. When Sol had raised its golden casque, begemming The Ram's face, and the Champaign was all smiles, The prince gave up the host to Bishutan, And took a golden goblet filled with wine, Called for a costly lute and, though he went To battle, dight himself its for a feast. He had in view a wood like Paradise; Thou wouldst have said: "The sky sowed tulips there." The sun saw not within it for the trees, And streamlets like rose-water flowed around. He lighted from his steed as seemed him good, And, having chosen him a fountain's marge Within the forest, grasped the golden goblet. Now when his heart was gladdened with the wine The hero took the lute upon his lap, And out of all the fulness of his heart Began to troll this ditty to himself:-"Oh! never is it mine to see Both wine and one to quaff with me, But mine 'tie ever to behold The lion and the dragon bold, And not, from bales' clutch, liberty.

Tis not my lot to look upon On earth some glorious fay-cheeked one, Yet now if God will but impart A winsome breaker of the heart The longing of mine own is won." Now when she heard Asfandiyar the witch Grew like a rose in springtide, saying thus:- "The mighty Lion cometh to the toils With robe and lute and goblet filled with wine." Foul, wrinkled, and malevolent she plied Her magic arts amid the gloom and grew As beauteous as a Turkinan maid, with cheek As 'twere brocade of Chin and musk-perfumed, Of cypress-height, a sun to look upon, With musky tresses falling to her feet. Her cheeks like rosaries, she drew anear Asfandiyar, with roses in her breast. The atheling, when he beheld her face, Plied song and wine and harp more ardently, And said: "O just and only God ! Thou art Our Guide upon the mountain and the waste. I wanted even now a fay-faced maid Of beauteous form as my companion; The just Creator hath bestowed her on me, Oh ! may my heart and pure soul worship Him." He plied her with musk-scented wine and made Her face a tulip-red. Now he possessed A goodly chain of steel which he had kept Concealed from her. Zarduhsht, who brought it down From Paradise for Shah Gushtasp, had bound it About the prince's arm. Asfandiyar Flung it around her neck; her strength was gone; She took a lion's form. The atheling.

Made at her with his scimitar, and said:- "Thou wilt not injure me though thou hast reared An iron mountain. Take thy proper shape, For now the answer that I make to thee Is with the scimitar."Within the chain There was a fetid hag, calamitous, With head and hair like snow, and black of face. With trenchant sword he smote her on the head, Which with her body came down to the dust. Sight failed, so loured the sky when that witch died, While blast and black cloud veiled the sun and moon. The atheling clomb to a hill and shouted As 'twere a thunder-clap. Then Bishutan Came quickly with the host, and said: "Famed prince! No crocodile or witch, wolf, pard and lion, Can stand thy blows, and by that token thou Wilt be exalted still. Oh! may the world Desire thy love!" The head-piece of Gurgsar Flamed at these triumphs of Asfandiyar.

THE FIFTH STAGE

How Asfandiyar slew the Simurgh :

The atheling laid face upon the ground Awhile before the Maker of the world, Then pitched his camp-enclosure in the wood. They spread the board in fitting mode and then Asfandiyar gave orders to the deathsman:- "Bring hither in his bonds that wretch Gurgsar." They brought him to the prince who, seeing him, Gave him three cups of royal wine. Now when The ruddy wine had gladdened him thus said Asfandiyar: "Thou wretched Turkman ! mark Upon the tree the head of that old witch, 'Who turneth,' so thou saidst, 'the plain to sea, And doth exalt her o'er the Pleiades.' And now what marvel shall I see next stage, Judged by the standard of this witch?"

He answered:- "0 Elephant of war in battle-time! Upon this stage thou hast a harder task Be more than ever cautious and alert. Thou wilt behold a mount, with head in air, And thereupon a bird imperious, One like a flying mountain, combative, And called Simurgh by merchants. With its claws It beareth off the elephant at sight, The pard on land, the crocodile from water, And feeleth not the effort. Weigh it not With wolf and witch. Upon its mountain-horns It hath two young, their wills to hers affined, And when it flieth the earth is impotent, The sun is put to shame. 'Twill profit thee To turn back for thou canst not strive against Simurgh and mountain-height."

The hero laughed. "A wonder ! " he exclaimed. "I will sew up Its shoulders with mine arrows, cleave its breast With Indian scimitar, and bring its head From height to dust." When bright Sol showed its back, Which ruffled all the bosom of the west, The chief of warriors led the army forth, And pondered that account of the Simurgh. Thus he and host fared onward all the night. Whenas the shining sun rose o'er the mountains The Lamp of time gave freshness to the earth, Transforming dale and plain. Asfandiyar Gave up the army to its chief and took To steed and box and break. He sped along, Like an imperious blast, and spying in air A peak stayed in its shadow break and steed, Absorbed in contemplation. The Simurgh Marked from the mount the box, the troops behind it, And all their trumpeting, and, swooping down Like some dark cloud obscuring sun and moon, Essayed to seize the chariot with its talons, As leopard seizeth quarry, but transfixed Its legs and pinions with the swords, and all Its might and glory passed away. It beat Awhile with claws and beak while strength remained, And then was still. On seeing this its young Flew off with screams and weeping tears of blood Down from the eyry, blurring every eye Beneath their shade. When the Simurgh thus sank With all its wounds and bathed steeds, box, and break In blood, Asfandiyar, all armed and shouting, Emerged and hewed to pieces with his sword That bird now mastered, once so masterful; Then prayed thus to the Maker who had given Such mastery to him in good and ill, And said: "0 righteous Judge ! Thou hast bestowed Upon me wisdom, puissance, and prowess, Hast driven out the sorcerers and been My Guide to every good."

With that arose The sound of clarions, and Bishutan Set forward with the host. None could behold The desert for the bird, but only saw Its form and talons bathed in blood which covered The earth from range to range, and thou wouldst say "The plain was lost in plumes! " Men saw the prince Blood-boltered, 'twas a sight to fray the moon, And all the captains, cavaliers of war, And mighty men applauded him. Anon Gurgsar heard tidings of that famed chief's triumph, Quaked, paled, and fared with tears and heart all anguish. The world's king had the tent-enclosure pitched, His joyous warriors round him. Then to dine They spread brocade, took seat, and called for wine.

THE SIXTH STAGE

How Asfandiyar passed through the Snow :

Asfandiyar, the illustrious prince, then bade Gurgsar to come and gave him in succession Three cups of wine whereat his checks became Like bloom of fenugreek, and then the prince Addressed him: "Miscreant in mind and body ! Observe the doings of this whirling world ! Evanished are Simurgh and lion, wolf And dragon sharp of claw and valorous!" Gurgsar then lifted up his voice and said:- "0 famous, glorious Asfandiyar God is thy Helper, 0 most fortunate ! The royal Tree hath come to fruit; howbeit Tomorrow there confronteth thee a task That none in war expecteth. Thou wilt take No thought of mace or bow or sword, and see No opening for fight, no way of flight, For snow, a spear's length deep, will come upon thee, A crisis will confront thee, thou with all Thy famous army wilt be lost therein, 0 glorious Asfandiyar ! No marvel If thou turn back, nor need my words offend thee; Thou wilt be guiltless of this army's blood, And quit this road for other. Sure am I That earth will rive beneath a mighty blast, The trees be levelled. E'en if thou shalt make At last thy way through to the plain beyond The next stage will be thirty leagues across, An arid wilderness of dust and sand, Which birds and ants and locusts traverse not. Thou wilt not see a drop of water there; Its soil is ever seething with the sun. A lion cannot pass that sandy waste, Nor swift-winged vulture fly across the sky.

No herbage groweth in the arid soil, And that is tutty-like, all shifting sands. Thus wilt thou fare along for forty leagues; Men's souls will fail and horses lose all heart. Thy host then will approach the Brazen Hold, Which thou wilt find upon no fruitful spot. Its soil is in the maw of poverty; Its summit holdeth conclave with the sun. Outside the castle beasts look not for food, The army will not have a horseman left. Though there should come a hundred thousand men, Sword-wielders from Iran and from Turan, And should beleaguer it a hundred years, And shower arrows there, it recketh not How many enemies or few there be; They are but as a knocker on the door."

The Iranians heard Gurgsar, were pained, and said:- "0 noble prince ! forbear with all thy might To compass thine own ruin. If things are As said Gurgsar we cannot blink that we Came hither to our death and not to wreck The Turkmans. Thou hast traversed this rough road, And 'scaped disaster from wild beasts. Not one Of all our warriors and heroic Shahs Can reckon up so great a tale of toils As thou hast met with in these Seven Stages. So thank the Maker for it all, and since Thou wilt return victorious thou mayst go Light-hearted to the Shah, while if thou marchest To war elsewhere the whole state of Iran Will homage thee. So, as Gurgsar saith, hold not Thy person cheaply and involve not all A host in slaughter, for this ancient sky Will play now tricks. Now that we are triumphant And glad there is no need for thee to fling Thine own head to the winds."

On hearing this That young, heroic paladin replied "Why fray me thus and open for yourselves The door of terror? Came ye from Iran To counsel then and not for high renown? If this was then the mind of all of you Why did ye gird yourselves to fare with me Since at this miserable Turkman's words Ye tremble like a tree? Where then are all The counsels and the presents of the Shah, The golden girdles, thrones, and diadems, Where all your oaths, your bonds, and covenants By God 'neath favouring stars that now your feet Should falter thus and one march wreck your plans? Turn back then happy and victorious, But as for me may I seek naught but fight. The World-lord is my conquering ally, And fortune's head reclineth on my breast.

Now by my manhood I will none of you As comrades whether I am slain or slay, And by my manhood, might of hand, and triumph Will show the foe what prowess is. Withal Ye shall not lack for tidings of my Grace Imperial, famed, and that which I have wrought In His name, who is Lord of Sun and Saturn, Upon this stronghold by my might and manhood." The Iranians looked upon Asfandiyar, Beheld his eyes all wrath, and went before him To make excuses: "Let the prince forgiveOur fault if he see fit. Oh ! may our souls And bodies be thy ransom, such hath been, And will remain, our covenant with thee. We grieve for thee, O prince! Our toil and strife Have not reduced us to extremities, And, while a chief surviveth, none of us Will shrink from fight." Their leader, hearing this, Grieved for his words and praised the Iranians. "Prowess,"

He said, "will show itself. If we return Victorious we shall enjoy the fruits Of our past toil; it will not be forgotten, And your own treasuries shall not be void." The prince took counsel till the world grew cool, And zephyrs wafted from the mountain-top, Then trump and clarion sounded from the court-gate, And all the host set forward, sped like fire, And called upon the Maker. When the dawn Rose o'er the mountain-tops, and night drew o'er Her head her filmy wimple as a veil Against the blazing sun which pressed behind, That mighty host - all mace-men clad in armour - Reached their next stage. It was a glorious day In spring, a day to gladden heart and world. The prince bade pitch the tent and tent-enclosure, Then had the board spread and the wine brought forth. With that there came a fierce blast from the mountains, And sore dismayed him. All the world became Like ravens' plumes, and none knew plain from upland. From that dark cloud descended showers of snow; The earth was filled with snow and raging blast, And o'er the desert for three days and nights The fury of the wind was measureless.

The tents and tent-enclosure were soaked through, And not a man could stand or stir for cold. The air was woof, the snow was like the warp; The chief, resourceless, called to Bishutan:- "This plight of ours is one with misery. I met the dragon's fumings like a man, But strength and manhood now avail us not. Make supplication, all of you, to God ! Call ye upon Him, offer to Him praise, That He may cause these ills to pass from us, Else we are naught henceforth."

Then Bishutan Made prayer to God, who is the Guide to good, While all the soldiers lifted up their hands, And offered supplications numberless. Thereon a gentle breeze arose which bare The clouds away and heaven became serene, And when the Iranians had taken heart They offered thanks to God. They stayed three days And, when the world's Light shone upon the fourth, The leader called the officers to him, And apake to them at large and graciously:- "Leave baggage here and take but gear of war. Let every chief that hath a hundred beasts Load half of them with water and supplies, The other half with means of serving them. Leave all the other baggage here, for now The door of God is opened unto us.

When any man hath lost all hope in God His portion of success is small indeed; But we by help of God shall overcome That evil-doer and idolater, While ye shall be the richer for yon hold, And all have crowns and treasures."

When the sun Drew o'er its head its yellow veil, and when The west became like flower of fenugreek, The warriors, having loaded up the beasts, Marched with the king of men. Now in the night A sound of cranes came from the sky above. Asfandiyar was wrathful at the sound, And sent this message to Gurgsar: "Thou said'st:- There is no water for thee on this stage, Nor rest nor sloop withal.' Yet cranes give note Above ! Why didst thou make us dread a drought?" Gurgsar replied: "The baggage-beasts will get But brackish water here, and thou wilt find The fountains poisonous, though birds and beasts Use them."The chief said: "In Gurgsar have I A hostile guide." He bade the host proceed. Invoking God they hurried on at speed.

THE SEVENTH STAGE

How Asfandiyar crossed the River and slew Gurgsar :

When one watch of the darksome night had passed There rose a clamour from the plain in front. The young prince, smiling on his charger, rode Forth from the centre of the army vanward. When he had ridden past the troops he saw A deep, unfathomed river. Now a camel, One of the caravan whose cameleer Had kept it in the front, had tumbled in. The chieftain seized and dragged it from the mud, And that malignant Turkman of Chigil quaked. At the bidding of the prince he came - That fell Gurgsar - both seared of heart and fettered. "Base villain ! " said the prince, "why hast thou used This snake-like subtlety? Didst thou not say 'Here thou wilt find no water, and the sun Will burn thee up'? Why didst thou make out water To be but dust and wouldst have wrecked the host, Thou miscreant? "

He said: "Thy host's destruction Would be as bright to me as sun and moon. I get from thee but fetters; what should I Wish but thy bale and loss?" The chieftain laughed, Stared, was amazed at him, but showed no wrath, And said: "Gurgsar, thou man of little wit! When I return victorious from the fight Thou shall be captain of the Brazen Hold Far be from me to harm thee. All the realm Is thine if thou wilt give me honest counsel. I will not hurt thy children, kith, or kin."

Gurgsar grew hopeful at the words. In wonder He kissed the ground and asked to be forgiven. The prince replied: "Thy words are passed, but water Hath not been turned to land by thy wild talk. Where is the ford? Thou must direct us right." Gurgsar rejoined: "No arrow plumed and pointed, When ironed thus, can find its way across. Thou shalt work magic with the mighty stream If thou wilt but unfetter me."

The hero Astonished bade to loose him, and Gurgsar, When he had seized a camel by the halter, Descended to the stream and at a spot That was within his depth essayed the passage. The soldiers followed him in single file. Inflating at Asfandiyar's behest Their water-skins forthwith, and binding them Along the barrels of their beasts of burden, They all plunged in. The host and baggage reached Land, and reforming to the left and right Marched till the Brazen Hold was ten leagues off. The captain of the host sat down to meat, The slaves attended him with cups of wine And, at that mighty Lion's bidding, brought His tunic, helmet, coat of mail, and sword.

In merry pin the hero gave command, And when they brought Gurgsar thus said to him:- "Now that thou hast escaped calamity Good words and truthful will become thee well. When I behead Arjasp and make rejoice The spirit of Luhrasp; when I behead Kuhram, who slaughtered Farshidward and troubled My soldiers' hearts; behead Andariman, Who slaughtered eight and thirty of our chiefs When he prevailed; when for my grandsire's death I take revenge in all ways; when I make The lions' maws their tombs and gratify The Iranian warriors' lust; when I stitch up Their livers with mine arrows and take captive Their wives and children, shall I call then glad Or grieved thereat? Tell all thy heart to me." Heart-straitened, hostile both in speech and soul, Gurgsar retorted: "How long wilts thou use Such converse? Be accursed and justly so.

May every evil star control thy life, Thy waist be cut asunder with the sword, Thy gory body flung upon the dust, The earth thy bed, the grave thy winding-sheet." Roused by his words, and raging at the oaf, The prince smote with an Indian sword his head, And clave him, crown to midriff. To the river They flung him presently, and that malignant Grew food for fishes. Then Asfandiyar Gat on his steed, girt up his warrior-loins In wrath, and mounted on a height to view The hold. He saw a mighty iron rampart Extending over forty leagues by three, But saw not any earth or water there.

The wall was broad enough for cavaliers To gallop round upon it four abreast. Whenas Asfandiyar beheld that wonder He heaved a sigh, and said: "I cannot capture A place like that ! I suffer for my sins. Alas for all my fighting and my toil ! Repentance is the only fruit thereof." He looked around upon the waste and saw Two Turkmans coursing with four hounds. Descending With spear in hand he unhorsed both the Turkmans, Brought them upon the heights and questioned them:- "What is this splendid hold? How many horsemen Are there within?"

They told about Arjasp At large and of the hold. "Observe," they said, "How long and wide it is ! One gate is toward Iran and one toward Chin, while m it are A hundred thousand swordsmen - all renowned, Exalted cavaliers - yet all of them Are slaves before Arjasp and bow the head To his command and counsel. There is provand fast all compute with stores of grain in case Fresh food should fail, while if the monarch closed The gates for ten years there is food enough, Great though his host is, while, if he so willed, A hundred thousand noble cavaliers Would come to him from Chin and from Machin. He hath no need of aught from any one, For he possesseth provand and defenders." They spake. His Indian sword the chieftain drew, And put to death the simple-minded two.

Source :

http://www.heritageinstitute.com/
zoroastrianism/shahnameh/
page31.htm