MINUCHIHR, SAM, ZAL AND RUSTAM

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Chapter 7 Minuchihr, Sam, Zal & Rustam How Minuchihr ascended the Throne and made an Oration :

They mourned for Faridun for seven days, Upon the eighth Shah Minuchihr came forth And set the royal cap upon his head; He countercharmed the spell of sorcerers And reigned twice sixty years. The paladins Throughout the world called praises down on him. When he assumed the crown he gave the world Glad news of justice, Faith, humanity, Of goodness, knowledge, purity, and said:- "I sit enthroned upon the circling sphere, Dispensing love and justice, wrath and strife. Earth is my thrall, heaven mine ally, the heads Of kings my quarry. Mine are Faith and Grace, Mine to bestow good fortune and to harm. I wreak revenge by night; the raging fire Upon Barzin am I, and lord of scimitar And golden boot. I set up Kawa's standard And light the clouds, I draw my sword and give No quarter on the battlefield. My hands Become a bounteous ocean when I feast, But when I mount my steed my breath is fire. I cut the practice of the wicked short And make the earth a red brocade of blood, I wield the mace, I illustrate the crown And light the kingdom from mine ivory throne; Yet in despite of all I am a slave - A servant of the Maker of the world. Smite we our faces with our hands and weep, Let all our conversation be of God, Of whom we hold the crown, the throne, and host We give Him praise and He is our defence. We tread the path of Faridun the blest - Our grandsire : he was old, but we are young. Who ever in the seven climes of earth Departeth from the Way, abandoneth The Faith, inflicteth hurt on mendicants, Oppresseth any one of his own kin, Uplifteth in the pride of wealth his head, Or causeth sorrow to the suffering, All such are infidels in my regard And worse than evil-doing Ahriman. All evil-doers that hold not the Faith Are banned by God and us: hereafter we Will put our hand upon the scimitar, And in our vengeance desolate their realm." All men of name throughout the earth invoked Their blessings on him with one voice, and said:- "Thy glorious grandsire, O benignant Shah Taught thee the conduct of the throne and crown. Be ever thine the throne of mighty men, The crown and archimages' Grace. Our hearts Obey thy word, our souls are pledged to thee."

Thereat rose Sam, the chief of paladins, And said to Minuchihr: "O judge most just! I from the Shahs have gotten eyes to see, And see thee just: my part is to applaud. Shah of Iran art thou by long descent - The chosen of the Lions and the brave. May God watch o'er thy body and thy soul, Thy heart be glad, thy fortune slumber not. Thou mindest me of days of yore and art My place of shelter at the royal throne. Thou art a lion steadfast in the fight, Thou art a sun resplendent in the feast. Be time and earth the dust upon thy feet, Thy place upon the turquoise throne. Since thou Hast cleansed earth with thine Indian scimitar Sit at thine ease and take thy pleasure here. Henceforward all the warfare is for us; Thine are the throne, the wine-cup, and the banquet. The fathers of my race were paladins - The shelter of the Shahs and of the great - And from Garshasp to famous Nariman Were chiefs and swordsmen. I will compass earth And put a scantling of thy foes in bonds. Thy grandsire made me paladin, thy love And counsel made me wise." The Shah returned His praise, bestowing many a kingly gift, And then Sam with the paladins withdrew And so departed on his homeward way, While all the world conformed to righteous sway.

The Birth of Zal :

Now will I fashion from the legend-store A tale of wonder from the days of yore; Give me thine ear, my son! and learn from me How Sam became the sport of destiny.

Now Sam was childless and in that regard In need of solace. One among his wives - A Beauty rosy-cheeked with musky hair - Gave him the hope of offspring, for that Moon Was sun-faced, ripe, and was with child by him, And grievously she suffered with her burden. When many days had passed the babe was born - A Beauty like the world-illuming sun, And like it too in loveliness of face; But all his hair was white, and since 'twas so They kept the thing from Sam for one whole week The women of that famous paladin Wept in the presence of the little child, But not one dared to tell the hero Sam That his fair spouse had borne a hoary babe. Anon the infant's nurse, with lion's courage, Came unabashed before the paladin, As one who brought good news, blessed him and said :- "May Sam the hero's days be fortunate, And may his foemen's hearts be rooted out! God hath bestowed on thee what thou didst ask - The very gift whereon thy soul was set Behind thy curtain, seeker after glory! Thy moon-faced spouse hath borne a stainless son, A paladin, a child of lion-heart, A boy of spirit, fashioned of pure silver, And with two cheeks that favour Paradise. Thou wilt not see a faulty part in him Except this blemish - that his hair is white. So heaven willed, O seeker after glory Content thee and be not morose and thankless." The horseman Sam descended from his throne; He went behind the curtain to " Young Spring," And saw a goodly boy with hoary head. None hath beheld or heard of such; his hair Resembled snow and yet his cheeks were ruddy. Sam at that sight despaired. Great was his fear Of coming shame; he left the path of wisdom For courses of his own, looked up to heaven And prayed to be forgiven his offence. "O Thou," he said, "above all harm and loss! Good ever cometh of Thine ordinance. If I have sinned by any grievous sin, Or yielded to the faith of Ahriman, Oh! may the Almighty hearken to my prayer And in His secret counsels pardon me. My troubled mind is writhing for sheer shame, The hot blood is a-tingle in my veins For this brat like a brat of Ahriman, With dark eyes and with hair like jessamine. When any nobles come to speak with me, And set their eyes on this ill-omened cub, What shall I say that this div's bantling is - A fay or leopard with its spots? The great Will laugh at me in public and in private Till shame shall make me curse and quit Iran." He spake in wrath with frowns and railed at fortune, Then bade some take the child and carry it Beyond those fields and fells and far away. There was a certain mountain named Alburz, Nigh to the sun and far removed from men, Where the Simurgh had nested, for the place Was uninhabited. They left the child Upon the mountain and returned. Time passed, While for no fault the infant paladin, Unable to distinguish black from white, Was outcast from his father's love; but He, Who fostereth all, took up the castaway. Once when the lioness her cub had fed, "If I should give thee my heart's blood," she said, "I should not look for thanks. I live in thee; My heart would break if thou shouldst break with me."

Throughout the expanse of earth the beasts we find More tender to their young than are mankind. The babe remained where thrown, exposed both day And night. He sucked his finger-ends and wailed. Now when the young Simurghs grew ravenous The mother, soaring o'er her nest, beheld Earth like a heaving sea, and wailing there A child rock-cradled with the dust for nurse, His body bare, his lips unwet with milk, The dark drear soil about him and above The noonday sun. Would that he had had pards For dam and sire, he had at least been shaded! The Lord gave loving instincts to that fowl, Which thought not to devour the child herself, But swooped down from the clouds and with her talons Took up the infant from the heated rocks, Then bare him quickly off to Mount Alburz, Where were her nest and young, for them to tear Regardless of his cries; but God, who giveth All good, had ruth on him, his lot was other; For when the fowl and all her brood beheld That infant, who was weeping tears of blood, They lavished love on him in wondrous wise, Astonied at his goodly face. The bird Chose for him all the tenderest prey, and made Her little guest suck blood instead of milk. Long was he lost to sight; but when he came To man's estate a caravan passed by And saw one like a noble cypress-tree, His breast a silver mount, his waist a reed, And rumour of him spread, for neither good Nor bad remaineth hid; so Sam in fine Heard of that high-starred youth of Grace divine.

Hum Sam had a Dream touching the Case of his Son :

One night when Sam was sleeping, seared in heart And overwhelmed by that which time had wrought, He dreamed that from the land of Ind there came A noble rider on an Arab steed Apace, and gave him glad news of his son - That lofty bough of his of fruitful promise. When he awoke he called the archimages, Conversed with them at large, told them his dream And of the gossip of the caravans "What say ye," said he, "touching this affair? Is it a fair presumption to your minds That this child liveth, or hath winter's cold Or summer's heat destroyed him? " Old and young There present answered thus the paladin:- "Ingrates to God experience good in naught; For pards and lions on the sands and rocks, And fish and crocodiles in waterways, All cherish their own little ones and give God thanks; but thou didst break the covenant With Him who giveth good, and cast away An innocent because of his white hair, Which shameth not a body pure and bright. Say not, 'The child is dead,' but gird thyself And ever persevere in quest of him, Since one whom God regardeth will not die Of heat or cold. And now in penitence Incline to Him - the Author of all good, The Guide." So next day and in sore distress Sam went to Mount Alburz, and when night came Slept ill at ease. He saw a standard raised Above the Indian mountains, and a youth Of beauteous visage with a mighty host, Upon his left an archmage, on his right A sage of noble aspect. Of these twain One came to Sam and said in chilling tones:- "Audacious man and impious in throe aims Is there no fear of God before throe eyes? If to thy mind a bird is nurse enough What booteth it to be a paladin? If white hair be a blemish in a man Thy beard and head have grown like willow-leaves God gave thee such and such things: why hast thou By throe injustice frustrated the gift? Abhor thy Maker then, for day by day Thy body changeth hue. Thou didst despise Thy son, who is the fosterling of God - The kindliest Nurse for him. As for thyself, Love is not in thee." Sam roared out in sleep As when a mighty lion is ensnared; He feared that dream portended chastisement From destiny. Aroused, he called to him The men of lore and bade the chiefs to horse. He came in haste toward the mountain-peak To seek his castaway, and there beheld A height whose top was midst the Pleiades: Thou wouldst have said: "It will obstruct the stars." Upon the top was built a lofty nest, Where Saturn's influence could not injure it; Tall posts of ebony and sandal-wood Laced with lign-aloe stayed it underneath. Sam gazed in wonder on that stony peak, On that majestic bird and weird abode. The building reached to Spica, and was raised Without hand-labour, with no stones and earth.

A youth stood there - the counterpart of Sam, Who watched him as he walked about the nest, Then laid his cheeks upon the ground, and gave Thanks to the Maker, in that He had made Such bird upon the mountain, and had raised Its stony summit to the Pleiades, Acknowledging? He is a righteous Judge, All powerful and higher than the high." He sought to find a path or any track Whereby the wild beasts scaled the precipice; And walked around the mountain giving thanks, But saw no way to climb it. He exclaimed:- "O Thou above all place, o'er sun and moon And shining rainbow! I prostrate myself Before Thee, pouring out my soul in awe. If this youth springeth from my loins indeed, Not from the seed of evil Ahriman, Assist thy servant to ascend this height And show me mercy, sinful as I am." Thus prayed he to the Just: his prayer was granted. When the Simurgh looked from the height and saw Sam with his company, she knew that they Came not for love of her but for the youth, To whom she said: "Thou who hast seen the unease Of vide and nest! I am the only nurse That fostered thee, the source of all thy weal, And gave to thee the name Dastan-i-Zand, Because thy sire dealt with thee treacherously; Command thy valiant guide to call thee so When thou returnest home. Thy sire is Sam, The hero, paladin of paladins, And most exalted of the mighty men. He bath come hither searching for his son, And with him high estate hath come to thee. Now must I take thee up and bear thee back Unscathed to him." He listened while she spake, His eyes were filled with tears, his heart was sad. Though he had seen no man, still he had learned Of her to speak in accents like her own, With much of wisdom and of ancient lore; Thus had he language, wisdom, and right redo, And looked to God for succour. Now observe His answer to the fowl? Hast thou in truth Become aweary of my company? Thy nest is unto me a shining throne, Thy pinions are my glorious diadem, And next to God I owe my thanks to thee, For thou hast turned my hardship into ease." The bird replied? If once thou dost behold The crown, the throne, and doings of the court, This nest will seem to thee of small account. Make but one trial of the ways of fate. I do not send thee hence in enmity; I pass thee to a kingship. I would faro Have kept thee here with me, but for thyself To go is better. Bear this plume of mine About with thee and so abide beneath The shadow of my Grace. Henceforth if men Shall hurt or, right or wrong, exclaim against thee, Then burn the feather and behold my might, For I have cherished thee beneath my plumes And brought thee up among my little ones. Now like a black cloud will I bear thee off And carry thee to yonder spot uninjured. Let not thy heart forget to love thy nurse, For mine is breaking through my love of thee."

She thus consoled his heart, then took him up, Bore him with stately motion to the clouds, And swooping down conveyed him to his sire. The youth had hair descending to his breast, An elephantine form and cheeks like spring. His father seeing him groaned bitterly, Then quickly did obeisance to the bird, And offered thanks and praises o'er and o'er. "O queen of birds," he said, "the righteous Judge Gave thee thy power and might and excellence, That thou shouldst be the helper of the helpless, And in thy goodness justest of the just. May'st thou for ever make thy foes to grieve And always be as mighty as thou art." With that the bird, watched by the eyes of Sam And all his company, soared mountainward. He gazing on the youth from head to foot Adjudged hire fit for crown and throne; he had A lion's breast and limbs, a sunlike face, The heart of paladins, a hand to seek The scimitar, white lashes but with eyes Pitch-coloured, coral lips and blood-red cheeks. Except his hair there was no fault at all; None could discern in him another flaw. Sarn's heart became like Paradise; he blessed His stainless child. "Have no hard thoughts," he said, "Forget the past and warm thy heart with love Toward me - the meanest of the slaves of God. Henceforth since I have thee I swear by Him I will not fail in gentleness to thee, But will fulfil thy wishes good and bad Henceforth thy will shall be my rule of right." He clothed the young man like a paladin And turned to leave the mountain: having reached The plain he chose a charger for his son, As well as royal robes for him to wear, And gave to him the name of Zal-i-Zar, Though the Simurgh called him at first Dastan. Then all the troops with gladness in their hearts Sought Sam. The drummers led on elephants. And dust rose like a mount of indigo. There was a sound of drums and clarions, Of golden gongs and Indian bells, while all The horsemen shouted. Thus they journeyed home Until all joyfully they passed within The city, greater by one paladin.

How Minuchihr took Knowledge of the Case of Sam and Zal :

"Sam hath returned in triumph from Alburz! " Such tidings from Zabul came to the Shah, Who joyed exceedingly: the Maker's name Was often on his lips. He had two sons, Both well beloved, one hight Naudar, the other Zarasp, both brave and wise, and both endowed With Grace and Faith, both like Azargashasp Upon the plain. He said: "Let famed Naudar Go with despatch to Sam and look upon His child that hath been nurtured in a nest, Congratulate him on the Shah's behalf Upon the joy that hath revealed itself And bid him come in person to the Shah To tell his tale, and afterwards depart Home like a loyal liege." Now when Naudar Reached Sam the son of Nariman he saw The new young paladin. Then Sam the horseman Alighted, and Naudar and he embraced. Sam asked about the Shah and chiefs, Naudar Delivered all their greetings. Skin, on hearing The message of the great king, kissed the ground, And hasted as commanded to the court. When he drew near the Shah went out to meet him. Skin saw the flag of Minuchihr, dismounted And went afoot. He kissed the ground and said:- "For ever live glad and of ardent soul! " But Minuchihr bade that true-hearted man, That worshipper of God, to mount again. They went toward the palace; Minuchihr Sat down with great rejoicing nn the throne, And placed the royal crown upon his head. On this side sat Karan, on that side Sam, Both glad and well content. The chamberlain Approached with stately step and brought in Zal, Equipped with golden mace and golden crown. The Shah marked with amaze that lofty stature And goodly face, "the abode," as thou wouldst say, "Of life and love." He said to Sam? Safeguard him For my sake, never give him needless pain, But find thy happiness in him alone, For he hath royal Grace and lion's claws, The wise man's heart, the prudence of the old. Teach him our customs both in war and feast; Bird, nest, and height he knoweth; can he know What honour and court-usages demand? " Then Sam told all the story to the Shah About the lofty mountain and Simurgh, And how the precious one was lodged and nurtured Within the nest till he could feed himself; Told wherefore he had cast the child away, And said thus? Heaven revolved above my head For many years; the world at length was filled With strange reports of Zal and the Simurgh. Commanded by the Lord of all the world I went to Mount Alburz - no easy place - And saw a mountain-peak among the clouds; Thou wouldst have said: ' It is a dome of flint Upon a sea!' The nest like some tall palace Was there, well fenced from harm on every side, With Zal and with the young of the Simurgh Within it: thou hadst said:-'They are one brood.' His breath exhaled the very scent of love, And every thought of him rejoiced my heart. Oft ran I round the Mount but path was none; A yearning for my lost son came to me; My heart burned so that life was well-nigh gone. I prayed in secret to the holy Judge:- Resource Resource of men, without a want Thyself! Thy witness doth extend to every place, And heaven turneth only at Thy word. A slave am I, whose heart is full of sin Before the Master of the sun and moon; My hope is in Thy mercy - that alone I have no other ground of confidence. This slave of Thine - the fostered of the fowl - Brought up in misery and wretchedness, Who bath but skins to wear instead of silk And sucketh raw flesh, not his mother's breast - Restore to me! Disclose for me a way To him and cut this present trouble short. Sear not my soul for my defect in love; Oh! pardon me this once and cheer my heart.' When I had spoken thus, the Lord vouchsafed To grant my prayer immediately: the bird Flew up, and soaring to the clouds wheeled round Above the head of me the infidel; Then from the mountain like a cloud in spring Came with the form of Zal clasped to her breast, And odours that fulfilled the world with musk. Mine eyes were tearless, and my lips were dry; I feared the bird and yearned upon my son, So that my wits departed clean away. She brought him to me like the kindliest nurse, Whereat my tongue began to utter praise; And strange! I did obeisance to the fowl! She left my son and went, 'twas God's decree, And I have brought him, lord of earth! to thee, And told what heretofore was mystery."

How Zal went back to Zabulistan :

The Shah then ordered the astrologers, The archmages and the other men of lore, To ascertain the horoscope of Zal And so forecast the prince's destiny:- "What will he be on reaching man's estate? Ye must inform me as to this at large." They found the horoscope of Zal and said:- This This youth will be a famous paladin, A noble, shrewd, and valiant cavalier." The Shah rejoiced and Sam's heart ceased from care. The ruler of the earth prepared a gift Of such a sort that he was blessed by all, Of Arab steeds with golden furniture, Of Indian scimitars with golden sheaths, Of furs and gold, of jewels and brocade, Of carpets also an abundant store, Of Ruman slaveboys in brocade of Rum With jewelled patterns on a golden ground, Of bowls of emerald and turquoise cups, Of others of pure silver and red gold Containing saffron, musk, and camphor: these The servants brought with suits of mail and casques, Horse-armour, lances, maces, bows and arrows, A throne of turquoise and a crown of gold, A ruby signet-ring and golden girdle. Anon the monarch had a patent drawn, Like Paradise - all praise - investing Sarn With Mai of Hind, Danbar, Kabulistan, All from the Indus to the sea of Chin, And from Zabul up to the stream of Bust, Drawn strictly in accord to precedent. The patent written and the gifts prepared, They ordered out the horses for that chief Of paladins, who rising spake and said:- "O chosen lord of justice and of right! Know that between the Moon and Fish no Shah Like thee e'er wore the crown; thy goodness, prudence, Beneficence, and rede rejoice the age. In thine eyes all the world's wealth is despised May men remember no one's name but thine." He then advanced and kissed the throne. They bound The kettledrums upon the elephants And started for Zabulistan. The towns And villages turned out to gaze. When Sam Approached Nimruz 'twas bruited that the prince - The lustre of the world - had come with presents, A crown of gold, grant, patent, and gold girdle. Sistan was decked throughout like Paradise; Its bricks were gold and all its soil pure musk. They flung about dinars, musk, drachms, and saffron, And made a holiday for all alike. The aspiring chief's from all sides went to Sam, And said: "May this youth's steps prove fortunate For thee, blithe-hearted, famous paladin! " And as they blessed him showered gems o'er Zal. For each man worthy was a gift prepared, A robe of honour suited to his station As being eminent in rank or lore, While emulation caused all hopes to soar.

How Sam gave the Kingdom to Zal :

Thereafter Sam set forth before his son The various virtues that adorn a king, And having called the fathers of the realm Harangued them in set terms at large, and said:- "Ye holy archimages, wise of heart! Our monarch in his wisdom ordereth That I should march upon Mazandaran Against the Kargasars. I take with me A mighty host; my son - mine own heart's blood And partner of my life - abideth here. I in the days of youth and arrogance Pronounced a monstrous sentence on the boy. God gave to me a son: I cast him out In ignorance, not wotting of his worth. Him the Simurgh, that noble bird, bare off, Him too the Maker passed not by in scorn. What I despised was precious to the fowl, Which reared hire till he seemed a lofty cypress, And when the tune for pardon came the Lord Of all the world - God - gave him back to me. Regard him as my representative, As mine own self committed to your charge; I leave to you to teach him what is good And kindle every virtue in his breast. Hold him in honour, give him sound advice, Impart good principles and lofty aims, For as the Shah commandeth I depart With other chiefs against our enemies." He turned to Zal and said: "Be peaceful, just, And liberal, hold Zabulistan as home And all things there as subject to thy will. Be thine to make the home more beautiful And friends more happy. Of my treasure-hoards I leave the key with thee, thy gain is weal, Thy loss is woe to me. In feast and fight Do whatsoe'er thy bright soul holdeth good." Zal answered: "Can I live on here? If one Was ever born defective it was I, And I have cause to wail. Put me not further Than ever from thee now that peace hath come. While I was neath the talons of the bird, Sucked blood and fared in dust, dwelt in a nest And had a fowl for friend, I was esteemed A fowl myself; but she that fostered me Is far away. Such is fate's fostering i I have no portion of the rose but thorns And must submit." Sam answered? "Be at ease. Let thy heart rest; command whate'er thou wilt. The astrologers declare a gracious purpose Concerning thee - that here shall be thyhome With host and crown. We cannot thwart heaven's will; Thy portion is to spread around thee love. Now gather to thee cavaliers and sages, Delight in men of wisdom, list and learn From them, be instant both in feast and bounty, And instant too in justice and all knowledge." He ceased. The din of tymbals rose, earth turned To iron and the air to ebony; The Indian bells and gongs clanged at the portal As Sam the chief departed to the war With troops equipped and eager. For two stages Zal went to see his father lead the host. His sire then clasped him closely. Rose wild wailing; Zal wept his heart's blood down his cheeks, but Sam Bade him return and go with happy heart Back to the throne and crown; yet Zal returned In grief - a happy life without his father He sat upon the famous ivory throne, He set the shining crown upon his head, He took the armlet and the oxhead mace, The golden necklace and the golden girdle, And called the archmages out of every province In quest of knowledge both of men and things. Astrologers and men of sanctity, Brave warriors and warlike cavaliers, Were with him night and day and counselled him In every matter, whether great or small. He profited so much that thou hadst said:- "He shineth as a star! " In policy And understanding he had not a peer, His horsemanship was famous with the great, Folk thronged him in amazement at his beauty, And whether near or distant used to think The camphor locks of Zal as black as ink.

How Zal visited Mihrab of Kabul :

One day Zal set forth on a royal progress With chiefs attached to him in rede and Faith To view Kabul, Dunbar, Margh, Mai and Ind. At every stage he set him up a throne And called for wine and harp and minstrelsy. He lavished treasure and indulged in pleasure, As is the fashion in this Wayside Inn, And reached Kabul with gladness in his heart. There was a certain monarch hight Mihrab, A wealthy and successful potentate, In stature like a noble cypress-tree, With cheeks like springtide and with pheasant's tread; He had a sage's heart, a ruler's brain, A warrior's shoulders and archmage's sense. Descended from Zahhak, he ruled Kabul, But having not the power to fight with Sam Paid yearly tribute. Hearing that Sam's son Had come, he left Kabul at dawn with treasure, With steeds caparisoned, slave-boys, dinars, Musk, rubies, spicery, brocade of gold, Silks, beaver-skins, a royal jewelled crown And golden torque with emerald ornaments. He took the chiefs and army of Kabul As escort. Tidings reached the son of Sam :- "The stately chief is coming in his state." Zal went to meet and greet him courteously With every honour due. In merry mood They came together to the turquoise throne; A table fit for paladins was spread And all sat down with gladness to the feast. There, while cup-bearers handed cups and wine, Mihrab observed the son of Sam, on whom He joyed to gaze, and whom he longed to serve. Zal's wit and prudence made Mihrab exclaim:- "His mother is immortal! " When Mihrab Rose from the board, Zal marked his mien and limbs, And said before the chiefs? Who girdeth him More gracefully? Who hath such mien and carriage? Men would pronounce him matchless in the fight." One of the noble chieftains said to Zal :- "He hath a daughter in his house whose face Is fairer than the sun, like ivory From head to foot, with cheeks like Paradise, And as a teak in height. Two musky ringlets Fall o'er her silvern neck, the ends of them Would serve for ankle-rings. Her cheeks are like Pomegranate-blossoms, she hath cherry lips, Her silvern breasts bear two pomegranate-grains, Her eyes are twin narcissi in a garden, Their lashes blackness rapt from raven's plumes, Her brows are like two bows made at Taraz, Whipped with the purest musk. If thou wouldst seek A moon, there is her face; if thou wouldst scent The musk, there is her hair. From head to foot She is as Paradise - all music, charm, And beauty." This raised tumult in the heart Of Zal, and rest and reason fled from him; He thought? There is no doubt that this fair maid Is like the sun and moon, for since the sire Is comely still, how fair the child must be!" Night came; Zal sat in sad and anxious thought, Concerned for her whom he had never seen, But when the sun's rays struck the mountain-tops An Arab chief once said in this regard :- "A horse shall while I live my comrade be, The vault of circling heaven shall shelter me; I want no bride to make me delicate, And cause the wise to mock at mine estate." Zal, who was stricken to the heart by care, Kept brooding o'er the matter, sorely pained For fear lest scandal might result and dim His glory. Thus heaven oft revolved above, And all the while his heart was full of love.

How Rudaba took Counsel with her Damsels :

It came to pass that at the dawn one day Mihrab walked stately from the audience-chamber, And going toward his women's bower beheld Two Suns within the hall; one was Rudaba, The fair of face, the other was Sindukht, The prudent and devoted; both were decked Like garths in spring - all colour, scent, and grace. He gazed upon Rudaba wonderingly, Invoking blessings on her. In his eyes She seemed a cypress neath the orbed moon, Encrowned with ambergris, decked with brocade And gems - a very Paradise of wealth! Sindukht, whose smiles displayed her pearly teeth, Between her jujube lips asked of Mihrab :- "How did thy visit prosper? May the hand Of ill be far from thee! What is he like - Sam's hoary son? What is he suited for - A nest or throne? Doth he behave as man, And walk in chieftains' steps? " Mihrab replied:- "O fair-faced Cypress with the silvern breast! Of all the warrior-paladins of earth Not one can tread his steps; there is no portrait Inside our halls with such a bridle-hand, Or such another cavalier on horseback. He is in heart a lion and in strength An elephant: his hands are like the Nile. When he is on the throne he scattereth gold, When he is in the fray he scattereth heads. His cheek is ruddy as the cercis-bloom Shrewd, young in years and fortune too is he, In battle like the baleful crocodile, On horseback like a dragon with sharp claws. He layeth in the fight the dust with blood And brandisheth his falchion of blue-steel. He hath this one defect - his hair is white; Fault-finders find in him no other fault; Yet this white hair of his becorneth him, And thou wouldst say: ' He fascinateth hearts.'" On hearing this Rudaba blushed, with cheeks Red as pomegranate-blossoms, while her heart Became fulfilled with fire for love of Zal: She could not eat or rest in peace; a change Came in her disposition and demeanour, For passion had usurped the place of wisdom. How goodly were the teacher's words? "Deny All talk of men when there are women by; The heart of woman is the Div's abode, If thou suggestest she will find the road." Rudaba had five Turkman waiting-maids, Five faithful slaves, all girls of prudent minds; To them she said: "I have a secret for you, Since all of you are in my confidence, Attend upon me, and dispel my cares; Know then, all five of you, and understand, And luck go with you all your years, that I I am in love, and like a raging sea Whose billows surge to heaven! Mine ardent heart Is full of love for Zal, and in my sleep I cannot tear my thoughts from him. His love Possesseth me, heart, mind, and wits; I muse Upon his features day and night; and now Means must be found to free me from my woe. None knoweth of my secret but yourselves, For ye are good and love me." Then the slaves Thought in amaze? "The princess doth amiss!" Rose at her like so many Ahrimans And said: "O crown of ladies in the world! O daughter eminent among the mighty, Admired from Hindustan to Chin, and like A shining signet in the women's bower! No cypress in the garden equalleth Thy height; thy cheeks outshine the Pleiades.

Thy portrait hath been sent out to Kannuj, To Mai, and to the monarch of the West. Hath modesty departed from thine eyes And all consideration for thy sire That thou shouldst long to clasp upon thy bosom One whose own father hath rejected him - One fostered on a mountain by a fowl - A spectacle for all the folk? No mother Excepting his hath borne an aged babe. Such offspring is ignoble. Strange indeed For two such coral lips and musky hair To seek a dotard! Why, all folk love thee; Thy portrait is in all their palaces; Thy stature, face, and hair are such that Sol Would come from his fourth heaven to be thy spouse!" Rudaba heard, her heart flared up like fire Before a blast of air. She shrieked at them, With frowns that shut her eyes, exclaiming? Bah! Ye strive in vain: it booteth not to hear. If to some star I lost my heart, could I Find any satisfaction in the moon? Clay-eaters do not gaze upon the rose Although the rose is better than the clay. If vinegar will cure a body's liver, Then honey will but make the anguish worse. I want not Caesar or Faghfur of Chin, Or any of the princelings of Iran Zal,son of Sam, is tall enough for me And lion-like in shoulder, neck, and arm; For whether people call him old or young To me he giveth peace of soul and mind. Talk not of other men, be his my heart, Bit as it is by love of one whom I Have never seen! It chooseth by report. I do not love his face and hair but him; 'Tis for his merits that I seek his love:' The slaves, on hearing her distracted voice, And having learned her secret, cried? Thy slaves Are we and serve thee with devoted hearts. Command us! Naught but good will come of it." One said: "O Cypress-stem! let none else know. A hundred thousand of us for thy life! May all Creation's wisdom be throe aid! Should there be need to study grammarye, And stitch up eyes with artifice and spell, Then will we fly like an enchanter's bird, Or run along like deer to give thee aid, So we may bring this king to thee our Moon, And lay him at thy feet." Rudaba smiled, Turned safflower cheeks toward the slave and said:- "If thou canst compass this thou wilt have planted A tall tree bearing rubies day by day Which wisdom in its breast will bear away."

How Rudaba's Damsels went to see Zal :

The slaves arose and went, remediless Themselves they sought a remedy for her. So donning raiment of brocade of Rum, And twisting roses in their hair, they went, The five of them, toward the river-side, Like jocund spring - all colour and perfume. 'Twas Farwardin, the first month of the year, And Zal's encampment was beside the stream; The damsels were upon the farther bank. Their talk was all of Zal. They gathered roses Along the river-side. Their cheeks were like A rosary, and roses filled their laps; But still they gathered roaming here and there. When they came opposite the royal tent Zal, spying them from his high throne, inquired:- "Who are these flower-worshippers? " One said:- "The Beauty of Kabulistan hath sent Forth from the palace of bright-souled Mihrab Her waiting-maidens to the rosary." Zal's heart beat fast, and being love-distraught He walked attended by a single slave Beside the stream. Upon the further bank He saw the girls, drew himself up and bade The Turkman slave-boy bring the bow; then looked For game and lighted on a water-fowl. The ruddy Turkman slave-boy strung the bow And laid it in the paladin's left hand, Who flushed the fowl and shot it as it rose. Blood dyed the water. Zal said: "Go across And fetch yon crippled bird." The gallant Turkman Crossed in a boat. The slave-girls questioned him About the paladin? This lion-limbed And elephantine-bodied warrior - Who is he? Of what people is he king? What foe could counter him? We never saw A finer cavalier or better shot." The pretty slave-boy bit his lip and said:- Speak Speak not so of the king. The son of Sarn Is monarch o£ Nimruz, and other kings Call him ' Dastan.' The sky revolveth not O'er cavalier like him, nor will time see His peer." The damsels laughed and answered thus The moon-faced boy? Say not such things because Mihrab hath now a Moon within his palace, Who is a whole head taller than thy king, A teak in stature, ivory in hue, Crowned with a crown of musk, a thing divine. Her eyes are pensive and her eyebrows arched; Their column is a silvern-reed. Her mouth Is narrow as the heart of one forlorn, Her tresses' ends are coiled like ankle-rings, Her witching eyes are full of dreamy light, Her cheeks are tulip-like in hue, her locks Like musk; her soul is breathing through her lips. A matchless Moon is she! We from Kabul Approach the monarch of Zabul in state, And 'tis our policy to introduce Our lady's ruby lips to those of Zal, Which is but well and seemly, for she is Of equal rank." On hearing this the slave-boy Flushed ruby-like. " The Sun should wed the Moon," He said. " Whene'er the world would make a match The hearts of all concerned find room for love, And when the world would cause a severance It parteth mate from mate without a word. Love's bond is hidden but its rupture seen, And both are common. Still the bachelor Enjoyeth peace at home, and since he hath No daughter, will not hear reproachful words. Once said the male hawk to his brooding mate:- 'If hen-birds only from these eggs thou bring Thou makest of the sire a sexless thing.'" Now when the laughing slave-boy had returned Zal asked? What was it that they said to thee To make thee laugh and show thy silvern teeth? " He told the paladin, whose heart grew young With joy. He bade the moon-faced youth? Return And say thus to yon damsels: ' Stay awhile Among the roses; ye perchance may take Some gems as well as blossoms from the garden, So go not till ye hear from me.'" He took Gold, jewelry, and drachms, with five rich pieces Of gold brocade and bade his slaves? Convey them To yonder girls, tell none and be not seen." They took the treasures with an ardent message And gave them to the damsels in Zal's name. Then said one damsel to the moon-faced page:- "A matter never can be kept concealed Unless it be confined to only two; Three are no casket, four are all the world. So say to him, shrewd, trusty boy: ' If thou Hast secret things to say tell us in person.'" Rudaba's damsels said to one another:- The The Lion hath been taken in the toils. The wishes of Rudaba and of Zal Have been fulfilled, and matters promise well." The black-eyed youth, who brought the monarch's gifts And acted for him, went and told his chief In secret what those charming damsels said. Zal went. Those rosy Idols of Taraz Drew near and did obeisance. He inquired About that Cypress-stem, her mien and looks, Her speech, her wisdom, and her rede, to see If she were worthy of him. " Speak," he said, "Without attempting to prevaricate.

If ye speak truth it will advantage you, But if I think that ye impose upon me An elephant shall trample you to death." With cheeks that had become like sandarac The slave-girls kissed the ground before the chief, And one of them - the youngest of the troop, A girl of tenderness and ready speech, Spake thus to Zal? Among the mighty none Hath e'er been born of woman in this world Who could compare with Sam in looks and stature, In purity, in courage, sense, and knowledge; Or yet with thee, thou valiant cavalier, Of lofty bearing and of lion-limbs! Or with Rudaba in her loveliness, A silvern Cypress, coloured and perfumed, Compact from head to foot of rose and jasmine, While over it Canopus of Yaman Is shining. One would say: 'Her face distilleth Wine, and her locks are scents.' Insidious lassos Fall from her head, that cupola of silver, O'er cheeks of roses to the very ground. Her head is all a-twine with ambergris And musk, her person all a-shine with jewels. Her locks and ringlets are like musky mail Where ' there is link on link' as one might say. Thou wilt not see in Chin so fair an Idol The moon and Pleiades bow down to her." The chief on fire rejoined in sugared tones: - "Say, Say, if thou knowest, how I may approach her. I love her, heart and soul, and long to see Her face." She answered? We, if thou shah bid us, Will haste back to the palace of our Cypress, And then beguile her, telling all we can About the chief of paladins, his prudence, His looks, his converse, and his ardent soul, And 'tis an honest work. We will ensnare Her musky head and bring her lips to Zal's. The paladin, a lasso in his hand, May haply stroll toward our stately home And fling the noose around a pinnacle. The Lion will rejoice to hunt the Lamb. Then gaze thy fill on her. Our talk shall be The earnest of far more felicity."

How the Damsels returned to Rudaba :

The girls departed, and Zal thought the night A year. Meanwhile they reached the palace-gate, Each with two sprays of roses, where the porter, On catching sight of them, prepared to chide, And spake with sternness, hardening his heart:- "A nice time this to be beyond the gates! I marvel at your gadding so about." The Idols, when they found a word to say, Flew out at him in their embarrassment:- "This day is just like any other one There is no foul div in the rosary. 'Tis spring. We gather roses in the garden, And spikes of hyacinth upon the ground. Moon-faced Rudaba bade, and so we went Hence after roses out of love for her; Then wherefore speak to us in such a tone For plucking them? " "But this is not the time," He said, "for pranks like these; for bear in mind That Zal the chieftain now is at Kabul The land is covered with his tents and troops. Do ye not see Mihrab at early dawn Go from his palace-gate and mount his steed? Why, every day he goeth to and fro Now he and Zal have come to be such friends, And if he saw you carrying your roses Would have you down upon the ground forthwith. Quit not the Haram more, and would to God That nothing great or small may come of this." They went within and told the Moon in private :- "We ne'er saw Sun like this with ruddy cheeks And hair all white." Rudaba's heart inflamed In expectation of beholding Zal. They laid his jewels and dinars before her, While she minutely questioned them: "How found ye The son of Sam? Doth he deserve his fame? " The five, encouraged, chattered on and said :- "Zal is the finest horseman, with such mien And Grace - a lofty cypress of a man. Imperial Grace and dignity are his. What fragrance, colour, stature, limbs, he bath How slim a waist and what an open chest His eyes are twin narcissi water-blue, His lips like coral and his cheeks like blood. His hand and forearm are like lion's paws. A shrewd man he, with an archmage's heart And royal Grace! while as for his white hair It is a blemish - but no cause for shame. This chief of paladins bath downy cheeks, Like cercis-bloom through silver habergeon, Such as to make one cry : 'Be ever thus No change can make thee dearer than thou art.' We told him he should see thee; he was hopeful When we departed. Now devise a scheme To entertain him. Tell us what to tell him." She answered: "Once ye told a different tale This Zal, who was the nursling of a bird, Was so white-headed and so wizened! Now His cheek is like the cercis-bloom, and he Is tall and handsome, and a paladin! And ye have bragged about my face to him And asked for payment for your gossiping."

She spake with smiles and blushes on her cheeks, As'twere pomegranate-blooms, then bade one damsel :- "Be off with you at dawn. Take him good news, Hear what he bath to say and say to him :- Thy wish is granted; be in readiness; Come and behold thy Moon in all her charms.'" The waiting-maid departed, gave the message, And came back to the Cypress of Taraz. "Devise some means to compass it," she said, "For God bath granted thee thy whole desire, And may the ending be a happy one! " Rudaba soon made ready, while her kin Suspected naught. She had her own pavilion Like jocund spring and decked with great men's portraits. The servants draped it with brocade of Chin, Set golden trays about as ornaments, Then mingled wine with musk and ambergris And scattered emeralds and carnelians. Here were narcissus, violet, cercis-bloom And rose, there lily and the jasmine-spray. The goblets were compact of gold and turquoise, The viands saturate with clear rose-water; Thus from the chamber of the sun-faced one Rose fragrant odours wafting to the sun.

How Zal went to Rudaba :

At dusk they locked the gate and took the key, And then a damsel went to Zal and said:- "All is prepared, so come." Thereat the chief, All wooer-like, set out toward the palace. Meanwhile black-eyed and rosy-cheeked Rudaba - A cypress over which the full moon shone - Went to the roof, and, when the son of Sam The cavalier appeared, that high-born maid Unlocked her coral lips and cried to him:- "Thou art well come, O youth of noble birth! The Maker's blessing be on thee, the arch Of circling heaven be underneath thy feet, And may my maid be blithe of heart and glad, For, top to toe, thou art as she described thee. To foot it thus from thy pavilion Must irk thy royal feet." He heard the voice And saw upon the wall a sun-cheeked damsel, Whose beauty set the roof a-gleam like gems, Whose blushes set the ground a-flush like rubies. He thus made answer? O thou moon-faced one My blessing and the Grace of heaven be thine. How many nights with eyes up-turned to Spica Have I entreated Him who ruleth all, To let me privily behold thy face! Now thou dost make me happy with thy voice, Thy tender words and gentleness. Oh! find Some means to let me look on thee! For why Shouldst thou be on the roof and I below? " The fairy-faced one heard the chieftain's words And doffed her scarlet wimple instantly. Then from her lofty cypress-form she loosed A lasso, such as none could plait, of musk Coil within coil it was, and snake on snake; Strand over strand it lay upon her neck. She loosed her tresses o'er the battlements And when they straightened out they reached the ground. Then spake Rudaba from the wall above:- "O paladin! O child of warrior-race! Now speed thee quickly and gird up thy loins, Exert thy lion-breast and royal hands. Seize these black tresses which hang down beside me All dedicate to thee." Zal gazed on her In marvel at her hair and face. She heard Him kiss that musky lasso oft. He said:- "This is not well; may no sun shine when I Shall lay a wanton hand upon my Life And put a spearpoint to this wounded heart." He took a lasso from his servant, coiled And lightly flung it in his breathless haste. The noose caught and he mounted. Fairy-face Advanced to welcome him, she clasped his hand, And both intoxicate with love descended, Hand clasped in hand, to her pavilion Gold-arabesqued - a meeting-place for kings, A Paradise adorned - a blaze of light. Slave-girls attended on the Houri there, While Zal in rapt astonishment beheld Her face, her hair, her loveliness and grace, Her bracelets, torque, and earrings: her brocade And jewels were like gardens in the spring; Her cheeks were like twin tulips in a garth; Her crispy love-locks twisted curl on curl.

Zal sat in royal grace by that fair Moon, His dagger in his belt and on his head A ruby coronet. Rudaba looked And looked with stolen glances at him still; Looked at that form, that neck, that grace, that height, Which used to make rocks brambles 'neath his mace, And at those cheeks whose lustre fired her soul. The more she gazed the more her heart inflamed They kissed and clung intoxicate with love. What lion hunteth not the onager? Thus spake the chieftain to the moon-faced maid:- "O silver-bosomed Cypress, musk-perfumed! The Shah will ne'er consent, and Sam will wring His hands and storm, but still by God I swear That I will never break my troth to thee. Nay I will first hold soul and body cheap And wear a shroud. I will seek God and pray Him, With all the instancy of devotees, To wash all opposition, wrath, and vengeance From both their hearts, and if He hearkeneth Thou shalt become my wife before the world." Rudaba answered? I too swear by Him - The God of Faith and right - that none but Zal Shall be my lord; the Maker is my witness." Their love waxed ever as the moments sped, For wisdom was afar and passion near. So fared they till the day began to break And drum-call sounded. Zal farewelled his Moon, Embracing her as warp and woof embrace. Both wept and both adjured the rising sun:- "O glory of the world! one moment more! Thou needst not rise so soon." Then from aloft Zal dropped his lasso and descending straight Went from the palace of his lovely mate.

How Zal consulted the Archimages in the Matter of Rudaba :

The warriors, when bright Sol rose o'er the hills, Went to the levee of the paladin, And then dispersed while Zal bade call the sages. They came - the ministers, archmages, heroes And glorious chieftains, men both wise and ardent - Well pleased at being summoned. Zal, all smiles And yearning, oflered first his praise to God, Then roused the archimages to attention By thus addressing them? Let all our hearts Regard with fear and hope the righteous Judge, Who is the Lord of circling sun and moon, And showeth souls the way of righteousness. To give Him all the praise that we can give We must bow down before Him night and day. By Him the jocund world abideth fast, By Him is justice done in heaven and earth. He bringeth summer, spring, and autumn-tide With fruit to fill the branches of the vines; Youth hath from Him its time of scent and bloom, Age hath from Him its time of saddened looks. None can transgress His will and ordinance Without Him not an ant can walk the earth. He bringeth increase to the world by pairs, And not by one; there is no One but God, Who bath not any partner, mate, or peer, But all His creatures hath He made in pairs. This was His scheme - earth and its good for man; But save for pairing we had never known Its possibilities. Again, we never See youth unmated stable in the Faith, And thirdly, men though of a mighty stock Unmated lose their vigour. What can show More goodly than a chief of paladins, Whose soul is gladdened by his progeny? He at life's close will have a New Year's Day In children who will keep his memory thus:- 'This is the son of Zal the son of Sam.' Thus crown and throne are graced; the father's time Being over fortune resteth with the son. All these apply to mine own case, and are The roses and narcissi of my garden. My heart is lost, my wisdom fled! Declare The remedy for this. I have not spoken Before I suffered both in brain and wits. The palace of Mihrab - I love it all! His land is heaven to me forwhy my heart Rejoiceth in the daughter of Sindukht. What say ye now? Will Sam too be rejoiced? And will Shah Minuchihr, if he shall hear, Regard it merely as a youthful error? All - great and small - in marrying but obey The laws of Faith and custom. No wise man Will bar what honour and religion sanction. What do the prescient archimages say? What are the sages' views? " They held their peace Because Zahhak was grandsire to Mihrab, And Minuchihr detested both. None dared To answer, none had heard of antidote And bane combined. Their silence grieved the chief, Who tried another plan? I know," said he, "That ye will blame the course that I adopt, But every one who chooseth for himself Is certain to incur no lack of blame. If ye can show me what to do, and how I may undo this coil, ye shall be treated As subjects ne'er were yet, my goodness, kindness, And uprightness shall keep you from all ill." The archimages, well disposed toward him, Considered and replied? We are thy slaves, And we are much amazed. But who will be The better or the worse on this account? Although Mihrab is not of equal rank Yet is he mighty, brave, and rich, albeit Sprung from the Dragon's stock - the Arabs' king. Write thou to Sam as thy shrewd mind suggesteth, Who bast more wisdom, thoughtfulness, and wits Than we, and he may write the Shah a letter Explaining his own views, and Minuchihr Will be advised by Sam the cavalier And every obstacle will disappear."

How Zal wote to Sam to Explain the Case :

The chieftain bade a scribe to come, poured forth His heart and wrote a letter of good cheer, And first he praised the Maker and the Judge, "The Source of joy and might, the Lord of Venus, Of Sol and Mars, of being and not being. We all of us are slaves and God is One. May He bless Sam the son of Nariman - The lord of mace, of scimitar, and helm, Whose black steed boundeth in the dust of fight, Who glutteth vultures when he maketh war, Who raiseth tempests on the battle-field, Who sheddeth gouts of blood from murky clouds, Who handleth golden belts and diadems And setteth kings upon their thrones of gold. His bravery achieveth feat on feat And they exalt his name. There liveth not, Nor ever will, a cavalier so brave. His thrall am I and love him heart and soul. He saw how I was born, and ills have come Since then upon me from the rolling sky. My father wore luxurious furs and silks; Me the Simurgh bare to a mount in Ind. Fain was I that the bird should bring me prey And number me among its little ones. My skin was scorched by blast, mine eyes were stopped With dust. They used to call me son of Sam Though he was on a throne, I in a nest, Since God ordained and made this way for me. None scapeth His ordainment though one fly Among the clouds, gnaw spearheads, rend the hides Of lions with his shouting, yea although His teeth are anvils he is still God's slave. A thing hath happened which I cannot tell To every one, and I am broken-hearted, Howbeit a sire, though fierce and dragon-like, Should hearken to the secrets of his child. My tears are for the daughter of Mihrab, I am as if consumed in raging fire, The stars are my companions in the night, My breast is like a sea, I lose my wits So that my people weep; yet though sore troubled I will not draw a breath but at thy word. What doth the chief of paladins command? Oh! free my mind from this distress and grief! The archimages have advised me thus:- 'Let not the chieftain keep his Jewel hidden But act with loyalty.' My sire perchance Will second me herein that I may make The daughter of Mihrab my lawful wife. My father will remember that when God Restored me to him out of Mount Alburz He pledged his word in presence of his men:- 'I will not frustrate one wish of thy heart.' Now this it is whereon my heart is set." A horseman left Kabul at lightning-speed To go to Sam and took a second horse, For Zal directed? Should one roadster founder Stay not to breathe but lightly mount the other And hurry on to Sam." The messenger Went, like the wind, upon a steed of steel. When he was drawing near the Kargasars, Sam, who was hunting on a range of hills, Beheld him from afar and told his comrades:- "There cometh from Kabul a messenger Upon a white steed of Zabulistan, Sent doubtlessly by Zal, so let us learn His news." The man approaching kissed the ground, With many thanks to God. Sam welcomed him And took the letter, while the man discharged His errands. Sam undid and read the letter While coming from the mountains, paled and halted In wonder not expecting or commending Zal's conduct. " Yet," he thought, "'tis natural One nurtured by a bird would hanker thus." When he returned he pondered long and deeply, And said: "If I shall say, 'This is not well, Oppose me not, incline to wisdom's ways,' Both God and man will blame my breach of faith. If I say,' Yes,' and ' Thy desire is good Do as thou wilt,' what will their offspring be - This nursling of the fowl and that div's child? " He laid him down in grief but could not rest. The harder any servant's task, the more His heart is heavy and his suffering sore, The greater peace and comfort shall he know Within when God Almighty willeth so.

How Sam consulted the Archmayes in the Matter of Zal :

Sam when he woke asked the astrologers:- "How will this end, for these two elements, Like fire and water, are opposed completely? Such surely on the Judgment Day will be The warfare of Zahhak and Faridun. Consult the stars, vouchsafe me your advice, And put your pen-point to a lucky sign." They spent the day in searching, and then came To Sam with smiles, for opposites combined In his behalf, and an astrologer Said: "Hero of the golden belt! we bring Good news about the daughter of Mihrab And Zal, for they will be a glorious pair, Whose son will prove a mighty Elephant, Will gird his loins with valour, overcome The world, will set the Shah's throne on the clouds, Cut from the ground the feet of evil doers And leave them not a lurking-place on earth, Spare no Sagsars, spare not Mazandaran, But make the earth clean with his massive mace. Through him Ttiran shall suffer greater woe, Through him Iran shall gain unbounded weal, Through him the aching head shall rest, and he Shall shut the door of war, the path of mischief. The Iranians shall have hope in him, through him The paladin shall have good news and joy. The charger that he urgeth in the fight Shall trample on the face of warrior-pards. The realm in his days shall be fortunate, The age accept his name among the kings, While Rum, Ind, and the country of Iran Shall grave it on their signets." Sam gave ear And smiled as they congratulated him. He gave them gold and silver past all count Since peace had come in time of fear. He called The messenger, conversed with him and said:- "Speak gently unto Zal and say: ' Thy wish Hath nothing in its favour, but since I Have pledged my word I must not seek a pretext For breaking it. Lo! I shall quit the field To-morrow for Ira n to ascertain The Shah's commands, and how God shall dispose him. He gave a largess to the messenger And said to him: "Arise and tarry not." They bound a thousand of the Kargasars And dragged them off afoot in shame and woe. Toward dawn the horsemen's shouts rose o'er the plain, Rose too the sound of drums and clarions About the entrance of the tent-enclosure, And Sam marched to Iran by Dahistan. The messenger returned to Zal in triumph With omens of success. When he arrived He told Sam's answer. Zal was well content And offered praises to Almighty God For this great mercy and his blissful fate. He lavished on the poor drachms and dinars And showed especial kindness to his kindred, Invoking blessings on the chieftain Sam For having sent a gentle answer back. He could not rest by day or sleep by night, He drank no wine, desired no minstrelsy; His heart was always yearning for his bride; He could not talk of any one beside.

How Sindukht heard of the Case, of Rudaba :

A dame of honied speech was go-between And bore the lovers' greetings to and fro. Zal called this woman, told about his sire, And said to her? Go to Rudaba. Say O Beauty kind and young! when matters come To grievous straits we quickly find a key For their enlargement. Now the messenger Hath come from Rum rejoicing with good news. Sam hummed and hawed but in the end consented.'" Zal sent his father's letter by the woman, Who hurried with the good news to Rudaba. That fay-faced damsel showered drachms upon her, Placed her upon a gold-embroidered seat And for her news gave her a change of raiment; Then brought an Indian turban woven so finely That warp and woof were not distinguishable, With patterns wrought thereon in gold and rubies, So that the gold was hidden by the gems. This, and a costly finger-ring to match, As bright as Jupiter, she sent to Zal, With many greetings, many messages. Sindukht observed the woman in the hall And cried? Whence art thou? Speak! Dissemble not! Thou passest in and out from time to time Without regard to me. I much suspect thee. Wilt thou not say if thou art string or bow? " With face like sandarac she kissed the ground And answered thus? A needy woman I, Who have to get my living as I can; I visit houses of the gentlefolk Who purchase clothes of me and jewelry. Rudaba wished to buy rich gems and trinkets; I brought to her a gold adorned tiara And hoop of royal gems." And quench my wrath." Sindukht said: "Show them "I left them with Rudaba," The woman answered, "and am fetching more." "Show me the purchase-money," said Sindukht, "And set my heart at rest" The woman answered:- The The moon-faced lady told me she would pay To-morrow. Wait until I have the money." Perceiving that she lied Sindukht used force, Searched up her sleeves and found her knavery. Sindukht discovering Rudaba's ring And costly stuffs was very wroth, and catching The woman by the tresses flung her down Upon her face, and in a burst of rage Haled her in shameful plight along the ground, Then let her fall, and bound and spurned and smote her. The queen returned in dudgeon to the palace, O'erwhelmed with disappointment, pain, and grief, Shut herself in and was as one bemused. She sent to call her daughter and the while Kept buffeting her face, and from her eyes - Those wet narcissi-bathed her burning cheeks; Then to Rudaba: "O thou noble Moon Why choosest thou the ditch and not the throne? In what respect can I have failed to teach thee Propriety in public and in private? My pretty! wherefore hast thou wronged me so? Tell mother all thy secrets - who despatched This dame to thee and why. What is all this? Who is the man for whom this splendid turban And finger-ring are meant? In that great treasure - The Arabian crown - much good and ill was left us. It had a name. Wilt fling it to the winds? May mother never bear a child like mine! " Rudaba looked away and hung her head In overwhelming shame before her mother, And tears of love descending graced her cheeks. "O most wise mother! " thus she made reply, "Love hunteth down my soul, but I had wrought No good or ill hadst thou not borne me first. The chieftain of Zabul is at Kabul, And love of him so fireth me, and things Have come to such a pass within my heart That, if in others' presence or alone, I weep and only live to see his face. One hair of his is worth the world to me. Know too that he hath seen and sat beside me, And that we hand in hand have plighted troth. We did but see each other - nothing more - And to! a fire sprang up betwixt us twain. A messenger was sent to mighty Sam And he hath given his valiant son an answer. Though vexed at first he grew amenable And gave large presents to the messenger. By means of her whose hair thou didst pluck out, And whom thou didst fling down and hale along Upon the face, I have read all his letter This stuff was my reply." Sindukht was lost In wonder, glad that Zal should wed Rudaba, But said: "This is no trifle. Zal is peerless Among the chiefs for valour, he is great, Son of the paladin of paladins, With all the virtues, and a single fault Which dwarfeth them - the Shah will be displeased And send the dust up sunward from Kabul. He wisheth not that any of our race Should e'er mount saddle." Then, to make it seem That she had been mistaken, she released The woman and made much of her, and said:- "Act ever thus, discreet and clever dame! Shut fast thy lips. God grant they never prove A chink for speech. Now hide this in the dust." She saw her daughter's secret bent was such That she would listen to advice from none, And laid her down in tears and in chagrin; Thou wouldst have said that she had burst her skin.

How Mihrab was made Aware of his Daughter's Case :

Mihrab, much gratified by Zal's attentions, Returning found Sindukht upon her couch Pale and distressed; he asked her? What hath happened? Speak! Wherefore are thy rosy lips thus faded? " She said: "I have been musing for a while About these goodly treasures and this wealth, These Arab steeds caparisoned, this palace So noble and its pleasure-grounds, the friends Who cheer our hearts, these servants of my lord, Our favour and our stature cypress-tall, Our fame, our knowledge, and our policy. In time our pride and glory must abate; We yield them to the foe; our toil is wind; A narrow bier is ours at last. We plant A tree whose antidote is bane to us, We water it laboriously and hang Thereon our crown and wealth, but when it mounteth Sunward and giveth shade its lusty head Descendeth to the dust. With this before us I know not where we ever shall find rest." Mihrab replied? Thou tellest an old tale It is the fashion of this Wayside Inn. One is abased, another flourisheth, One cometh in, another goeth out; Canst thou see one whom heaven hunteth not? Fret as we will our woes remain; we cannot Contend against the All just Judge." She answered The wise would take a very different view Of what I said. Now can I hide from thee A secret such as this and these grave doings? A blessed wise archmage once told his child The parable of the tree which I adopted In hope my lord would understand the meaning. She hung her head and bent her cypress-form, Her eyes dropped dew upon her rosy cheeks. "O full of wisdom," she went on to say, "The sky must not revolve above us thus. Know that the son of Sam hath striven to snare Rudaba and misled her ardent heart. Now 'tis for us to find a remedy. I have exhorted her without avail; Her heart I see is troubled, her face wan." Thereat Mihrab sprang up and seized his sword, His cheek grew livid and his body shook With rage; his heart was full, he groaned and cried:- "Her blood shall flow for this." Sindukht sprang too, Clasped him about the waist, and cried? Now hear Thy handmaid speak one word, then do what heart And wisdom counsel thee." He shook her off And bellowed like a maddened elephant:- "I should have cut her head off at her birth.

I left her grandsire's way and let her live; Now she hath wrought on me this devilry. The son who walketh not his father's path Is but a bastard in a brave man's eyes. Thus said the leopard grown keen-clawed for strife I glory in the conflict, and I wis My sire inherited the taste from his. Life must be risked when honour is in sight; Why strivest thou to stay me from the fight? ' If Sam and Minuchihr shall get a handle Against us smoke will go up from Kabul, Seedtime and harvest cease throughout the land." She said: "O marchlord! do not speak so wildly. Sam knoweth all: be not so greatly moved. He left the Kargasars for this: all know it." Mihrab replied? Fair dame! deceive me not. Could one imagine wind obeying dust? I care not I so thou canst keep us scathless. A better son-in-law than noble Zal There cannot be as all know, great and small. Who is there from Ahwaz to Kandahar That wisheth not to be affined to Sam? " She said: "Great prince! ne'er may I be enforced To use deceit with thee; thy harm is mine; I share thy sorrows. What I said is true And it was on my mind. I had at first Myself the same misgiving, which is why Thou sawst me lying down absorbed in grief; But if this is to be 'tis not so strange As to occasion this anxiety. Sarv of Yaman pleased Faridun; prince Zal Is not unmindful of that precedent. By mingling fire with water, air with earth Earth's dark face is made bright." She brought Sam's answer, And said: "Rejoice! Thou hast thy wish. When strangers Affine with thee thy foes grow black of face." Though vengeful still and greatly moved Mihrab Gave ear, then bade her? Rouse and bring Rudaba." Sindukht, in terror lest that lion-man Should lay her daughter dead upon the dust, Replied? First promise to restore her to me Unscathed, and that Kabulistan shall still Possess this Rosary like Paradise." The chieftain promised, but he said: "Now mark! The Shah will meditate revenge for this." Sindukht did reverence, bending to the ground; Then with her lips all smiles and face that showed The dawn beneath the night went to her daughter With this good news? The warrior-leopard's claws Have spared the wilful onager. Now hasten! Take from thy face throe ornaments and go Before thy father, weeping bitterly." Rudaba answered? What are ornaments? What are these worthless trinkets to my wealth? My soul is wedded to the son of Sam; Why hide what is so plain? " Then went she in Before her father, like a rising sun, And overwhelmed in gold and jewelry. Her father called on God in mute amaze. She was a Paradise adorned and fair, Like shining Sol in jocund sprin. He said:- "O witless one! would virtuous folk approve That Ahriman should have a fairy-bride? May neither crown nor finger-ring be throe. If but a serpent-charmer from Kahtan Turned Magian we should slay him with an arrow." Whenas Rudaba heard her father's words Her heart grew full, her face like fenugreek. She let her dark eyelashes droop and veil Her melancholy eyes and scarcely breathed, Her father all the while with furious heart And full of menace roaring like a pard. With blood returning to her pallid cheeks His love-sick daughter went back to her chamber, Where with her mother who had gained the day She prayed Almighty God to be their stay.

How Minuchihr heard of the Case of Zal and Rudaba :

News of the friendship of Mihrab and Zal And of that noble ill-matched pair of lovers Reached Minuchihr. The matter was discussed Before him by the archmages. Said the Shah :- "A dismal time will come on us hereby. Did Faridun purge this world of Zahhak That at Kabul Mihrab - his seed - might flourish? This love of Zal's must not through our neglect Restore the drooping plant to its old vigour. If from the daughter of Mihrab, and Zal, The son of Sam, a sharp Sword should be drawn, On one side he will be an alien, And how shall antidote agree with bane? While if he favoureth the mother's side His head will be possessed by evil projects, He will fulfil Iran with strife and travail In hope to win the crown and treasure back. What is your rede? Strive to advise me well." Then all the archimages blessed the Shah, They hailed him as the king of the Pure Faith, And said: "Thou art more wise than we and bast More power to act. Let wisdom be thy guide, And wisdom's quarry is the Dragon's heart." The Shah, desirous to conclude the matter, Sent for Naudar, with lieges and great men, And bade him? Go to Sam the cavalier, Ask: 'What hath been thy fortune in the war? ' And having seon him say: 'Come hither first, And journey home from us.'" Naudar set forth, And valiant Sam, informed of his approach Went with the paladins to welcome him With mighty elephants and kettledrums. Anon they met and interchanged their greetings. The hero Sam rejoiced to see the prince, Who gave his father's message. Sam replied:- "I will obey and joy to look on him." For that day they remained the guests of Sam, The sight of whom rejoiced the company; They spread the board, they took the cup in hand, And first they drank the health of Minuchihr, Then of Naudar, and then of Sam and all The chieftains, not forgetting any province. The livelong night was spent in revelry, But with the sunrise rose the din of tymbals; The speedy dromedaries spread their wings And toward the palace of Shah Minuchihr They went as bidden. When he heard thereof He had the palace of the shahs prepared. Then from Sari and from Amul rose din, As when a fierce sea heaveth, for the spearmen Marched in their mail with heavy darts, a host That reached from range to range, with shield on shield, Whose red and yellow blent, with tymbals, pipes, Gongs, Arab horses, elephants, and treasures. On such a fashion marched that armament With flags and kettledrums on welcome bent.

How Sam came to Minuchihr :

Sam reached the court, alit and was received In audience by the Shah, at sight of whom He kissed the ground, and then approached the presence; While Minuchihr, encrowned with sparkling gems, Rose from his ivory throne and made Sam sit Beside him, showed the chieftain all observance And questioned him at large and anxiously About the Kargasars, about his troops, About the fierce divs of Mazandaran. The chief told all and said: "Live happy ever, O Shah! Ne'er may foe's malice touch thy life. I marched upon that land of valiant divs, And such divs too, like lions in the fight, Afore swift than Arab horses and out-daring The warriors of Iran! The fierce Sagsars - Pards in the fray - concerned at mine approach, Sent up the battle-cry within their cities, And all turned out to fight - a mighty host, From mountain unto mountain naught but men, So that the bright day vanished in the dust. All eager for the fray they came upon me, Came with a reckless rush' A panic fell Upon my troops. ' How shall I bear,' I thought, 'This anguish? " and I saw not; for the brunt Had fallen then on me. I roared against them, I whirled a mace that weighed three hundred mans And urged mine iron steed. I came among them And brained them till the foe was panic-stricken. The grandson of the valiant worldlord Salm, As 'twere a wolf, was foremost of them all. The youth was named Karkwi, a lofty Cypress, Descended through his mother from Zahhak. The heads of nobles were but dust to him. His army thronged like locusts or like ants And hid dale, plain, and mountain. When the dust Rose from that great host, and my troops turned pale, I reared the mace whereof one blow sufficeth And led the army on. I raised a shout That made earth seem a millstone to the foe, While all my host was heartened and resolved To battle on. Karkwi, who heard my voice, And blows down-crashing from mine iron mace, Came like a monstrous elephant against me To battle, carrying a mighty lasso, And sought to catch me in its noose, but I Was ware and moved me from destruction's path.

I took a royal bow and poplar arrows With points of steel, and urging on my charger To eagle's speed I showered shafts like fire And deemed his helm pegged to his anvil head Until I saw him coming mid the dust, Like some mad elephant, with Indian sword In hand. Methought, O Shah! that e'en the mountains Would cry to him for quarter! He pressed on, And I held back to tempt kiln to come near; Then, when he closed with me, reached from my grey, Seized on the girdle of that mighty man And like a lion wrenched him from his saddle; Then like a maddened elephant I dashed him Upon the ground so that his bones were shivered. Their prince o'erthrown his soldiers fled the fight; The vales and hills, the deserts and the mountains, Were crowded everywhere, while of the fallen Upon the field we reckoned up ten thousand Of horse and foot. Troops, citizens, and horsemen Were verily three hundred thousand strong; But weighed against thy fortune what are foes Confronted by a servant of thy throne? " The Shah, on hearing what his chieftain said, Raised to the moon his glorious diadem, Bade hold a festival and saw with joy The world freed from his foes. The night passed quickly In revelry and praises of the chieftain. At dawn the Shah held audience. Sam drew near And having done obeisance sought to speak About Mihrab and Zal, but was prevented By Minuchihr, who said with angry looks:- Depart with chosen chiefs, burn Hindustan, The palace of Mihrab, and all Kabul. Let not Mihrab escape; he is a remnant Left of the Dragon's seed, and fillethearth With turmoil. As for his allies and kindred, Smite off their heads, and purify the world Of all the kith and kindred of Zahhak." Sam dared not speak, so wrathful was the Shah, But kissed the throne, then gently pressed his face Against the famous signet and replied:- "My conduct shall acquit the Shah of vengeance." Then with his host he sought his own abode On steeds that went like wind along the road.

How Sam went to War against Mihrab :

Mihrab and Zal had news of what had passed Between the Shah and Sam, Kabul was moved, And cries rose from the palace of Mihrab. Now when Sindukht, Mihrab, and e'en Rudaba Despaired of saving either life or goods, Zal left Kabul, exclaiming as he went With drooping mien yet resolute withal: "The Dragon grim whose breath would burn the world Must take my head off ere he touch Kabul." In great concern he hasted on his journey, With much to think about and much to say. News reached brave Sam: "The Lion's Whelp hath come." The troops bestirred themselves and got in readiness The flag of Faridun. They beat the tymbals, And chief and host went out to welcome Zal With elephants whose backs were draped with banners Of yellow, red, and violet. Zal, on seeing His father's face, alighted and approached Afoot, as did the chiefs of both the hosts, And brave Zal kissed the ground. Sam spent a while In converse with his son, who then remounted His chestnut Arab, like a hill of gold, While all the chiefs approached him in concern. "Thy father is displeased with thee," they told him; "Make thine excuse and be not obstinate." He said: "I fear not, for man's end is dust. My sire if sane will not unsay his words, And if at first he speaketh angrily Will after weep for shame." They reached Sam's court With much good cheer. He lighted and gave audience To Zal, who kissed the ground before his sire With ruffled feathers, offering praise while tears Fell from his eyes and washed his rosy cheeks. "Glad be the paladin's shrewd heart," he said, "And may his spirit be the slave of justice. Thy falchion scorcheth adamant, earth weepeth When thou art fighting. Where thy charger pranceth The lagging soldiers haste, and verily Where heaven hath felt the storm-blast of thy mace It dareth not array its host. All earth Is verdant with thy justice, and the spirit Of wisdom is a seedling of thy stock. All joy in thy just dealing; earth and time Receive it at thy hands. So do not I; I have no share though thine acknowledged kinsman.

I am the dust-fed nursling of a bird And know no feud with any, and no fault To give occasion to an enemy Save this, that Sam the hero is my sire And mine accomplishment beneath such birth. Or ever I was born thou didst expose me Upon the mountains, harrowing my mother, And giving to the flames a thriving child. I saw no cradle and no breast of milk, I had no memory of any kindred, For thou didst cast me out, deprive my heart Of peace and tenderness, and strive against The Maker, for who maketh white and black? Now since the Maker hath provided for me, And looked upon me with a Master's eye, Skill, manhood, and a hero's sword are mine And one friend too, himself the crown of chiefs, The brave, wise, prudent monarch of Kabul. I sojourned at Kabul by thy command And mindful of thy counsel and thy pledge. Thou saidst : ' I ne'er will vex thee, but will bring The tree that thou hast planted into fruit,' Yet bringest this gift from Mazandaran, And hastest from the Kargasars to further The ruin of my home: such is thy justice! Behold, I stand before thee and expose My body to thy wrath. Saw me asunder, But utter not a word against Kabul. Do as thou wilt; the power is all thine own, But mischief to Kabul is done to me." The chief attended to Zal's words, then bowed His head and answered:- "'Tis all true, and I Have dealt with thee unjustly from the first And given foes occasion to rejoice. What thou hast asked me is thy heart's desire And in thy trouble thou couldst find no rest; Yet be not rash, let me despatch the business. I will indite a letter to the Shah And send it by thy hand, my loving son! The worldlord will not seek to do thee harm When he shall see thy prowess and thy looks, And I have wooed his heart and soul to justice. If he shall aid us thou wilt be contented, Because the lion always hath the power To gain its ends, and everywhere alike Can seize upon the quarry." Thereupon Gail kissed the ground with many a benison.

How Zal went on a Mission to Minuchihr :

Sam wrote at large and set forth every plea. The letter opened with the praise of God, Who is established in His seat for ever:- "From Him are good and evil life and death We all of us are slaves and God is One. The process of the sky is over all That He - the Lord of Saturn, Sun, and Moon - Hath willed. His blessing be upon the Shah - In fight an antidote-consuming bane, In feast a moon that lighteneth the world - Who brandisheth the mace, who stormeth cities, Who giveth unto each his weed of joy, Who marcheth with the flag of Faridun To war, and slayeth haughty warrior-leopards. The lofty mountain shattered by thy mace Becometh dust upon thy proud steed's hoofs, While thy pure heart and stainless Faith constrain Both wolf and sheep to water at thy cistern. A slave am I whose race is run, a slave Who hath attained to sixty years twice told. My head is strewn with camphor-dust - a crown That sun and moon have given me. I girt My warrior-loins and slaved. I fought the warlocks. None o'er saw horseman rein his steed, fell chiefs, Or wield a mace like me. My mighty mace Eclipsed the warriors of Mazandaran. Did naught beside exalt me over all - There was a dragon haunting the Kashaf And making earth afoam. It reached from city To city and from hill to hill, the hearts Of all were filled with panic: men kept watch Both night and day. That dragon cleared the sky Of flying fowl and earth of beast of prey. It scorched the vulture's feathers with its blast, Set earth a-blazing where its venom fell, Dragged from the water gruesome crocodiles, And swiftly flying eagles from the air. Men and four-footed beasts ceased from the land The whole world gave it room. So seeing that none Dared to lay hand upon it, in God's strength I banished terror from my heart, girt up My loins in His exalted name, and rode Mine elephantine steed. My saddle bore Mine ox-head mace, upon mine arm I carried My bow, and at my neck my shield. I went Forth like a savage crocodile. My hand Was keen, keen too the dragon's breath, and all Farewelled me when they saw me wield my mace.

I came. The dragon seemed a lofty mountain And trailed upon the ground its hairs like lassos. Its tongue was like a tree-trunk charred, its jaws Were open and were lying in my path. Its eyes were like two cisterns full of blood. It bellowed when it saw me and came on In fury, seeming all afire, O Shah! Within. The world 'gan swim before mine eyes, A black reek went up to the murky clouds, Earth's surface shook beneath the bellowing, The venom seemed to be a sea of Chin. Then like a gallant warrior I roared Against that dragon, as a lion roareth, And tarried not, but fitted to my bow A poplar arrow tipped with adamant And shot it at the dragon's jaws, to pin The tongue against the throat; the tongue lolled pinned; The dragon was astound. Again I shot, Again I pierced the mouth; the creature writhed. I shot a third shaft right adown its jaws; Its heart's blood spouted seething. When it closed And pressed me hard I took mine ox-head mace And in the strength of God, the Lord of all, Urged on mine elephantine steed and smote The dragon's head: thou wouldst have said that heaven Rained mountains down thereon. I smashed the skull, As it had been a mighty elephant's, And venom poured forth like the river Nile. So struck I that the dragon rose no more While earth was levelled to the hills with brains. Kashaf was flowing like a stream of gall And all was peace. The mountain-tops were thronged With folk who called down blessings on my head, Because that dragon was a fearful bane. On this account men called me ' One blow' Sam, And all threw jewels o'er me. I departed With all my shining body bare of mail; My charger's armour dropped from him in pieces; I sickened with the venom many days. There was no harvest in those parts for years Nor aught except the ashes of burnt thorns. To tell my conflict with the divs would make The letter tedious, but in that and elsewhere I trampled underfoot the heads of chieftains, And wheresoe'er I rode my wind-foot charger I cleared that region of the rending lion. And now this many a year my saddle's back Hath been my throne, my charger been mine earth. My massive mace hath brought beneath thy sway Mazandaran and all the Kargasars; I ne'er have asked for field or fell but sought To make thee both victorious and happy. My neck and mace-blows are not what they were, My breast and loins are bent; I used to throw A lasso sixty cubits long, but now Am bent by time and have resigned my duties To Zal, as worthy of my mace and girdle. Like me he will destroy thy foes and make My heart glad with his prowess. - He bath come To ask the Shah to grant his secret longing, One excellent in God's sight, apart from Whom There is no excellence.

We have not moved Therein as yet but wait the great king's will, For slaves must not presume. My lord the Shah, The guardian of the world, bath surely heard How once and publicly I promised Zal, When I was bringing him from Mount Alburz, Not to refuse him aught, and he hath come, Besmeared with blood and dust, and bones in bits, With his request. He said? Twere better far To hang Amul than fall upon Kabul.' But when a fowl-fed outcast on the mountains teeth in Kabulistan so bright a Moon - A Cypress slim crowned with a rosary - It is no wonder if he goeth mad, Nor ought the Shah to visit it upon him. All pity him, his pangs of love are such! His many undeserved afflictions borne Evoked the promise that the Shah hath heard, And I have sent him with a heavy heart. When he shall come before thy lofty throne Do that which is most consonant with greatness; There is not any need to teach thee wisdom. Him and him only have I in the world To share my sorrows or to succour me. From Sam the son of Nariman be blessings A thousand fold upon the king of kings And on the lords." When all things were prepared Zal took the letter hastily, arose, Went forth and mounted mid the blare of trumpets. A troop of warriors went with him to court At speed. Thus from Zabulistan went he While " One blow " Sam enjoyed his rosary.

How Mihrab was Wroth with Sindukht :

When these events were bruited at Kabul Mihrab in fury called Sindukht and vented His rage against Rudaba on his wife. He said: "The only course for me, since I Must yield before the monarch of the world, Is to take thee with thy polluted child And slay you shamefully and publicly. Thereat perchance the Shah will be appeased And earth grow peaceful. Who within Kabul Would dare to strive with Sam or feel his mace? " Sindukht sank down before him and considered. Then having hit on an expedient, For she was shrewd and subtle, came before The sunlike king with folded arms and said "Hear but one word from me, then do thy will. If thou hast wealth to purchase life bestow it, And know thou that this night is big with fate. Yet though night seemeth long 'twill pass, and earth Be like a signet-ring of Badakhshan." Mihrab replied? No old wives' tales to warriors! Say what thou know'st and use all means for life, Or else array thee in the robe of blood." She said: "There is no need of that, great king! But I must go to Sam to draw this sword And to appeal to him in fitting terms, For wisdom is the cook when speech is raw. To labour for our lives is my part, thine To find the presents and entrust to me Thy hoarded wealth." "Here is the key," he said, "One must not always grieve at spending treasure. Prepare slaves, horses, thrones, and casques to go. We yet may save our country from the flames To shine though faded now." Sindukht replied :- "If thou desirest life hold treasure cheap. While I avert the danger thou must use No harshness toward my child. My greatest care Here is her life; give me a pledge for that. I care not for myself; all my concern And travail are for her." She took his pledge, Then boldly faced the danger, clad herself All in brocade of gold with pearls and jewels About her head, and from the treasury took Three hundred thousand pieces as a largess. They brought forth thirty steeds of Arab stock Or Persian with their silvern equipage; And sixty slaves with golden torques, each bearing A golden goblet brimmed with camphor, musk, Gold, turquoises, and jewels of all kinds; One hundred female camels with red hair, One hundred baggage-mules; a crown of jewels Fit for a king, with armlets, torques, and earrings; A throne of gold like heaven, all inlaid With divers sorts of gems, the width thereof Was twenty royal cubits and the height The stature of a noble horseman; lastly Four mighty Indian elephants to bring Bales full of wearing-stuffs and carpeting.

How Sam comforted Sindukht :

The treasures having been despatched she mounted In warrior-guise, swift as a lightning-flash, Assumed a Ruman helm and rode a steed As swift as wind, approached Sam's court unknown And bade the officers announce her thus:- "An envoy from Kabul hath come to seek The mighty chief, the hero of Zabul, Charged with a message from Mihrab to Sam, The winner of the world." The chamberlain Went to tell Sam, who granted audience. Sindukht dismounted, basted to the chief And kissed the ground, with praises of the Shah And of the chief of paladins. The largess, The slaves, the horses, and the elephants Stretched from the gate two miles. She offered all To Sam, who sat there dazed, like one bemused, With folded arms and drooping head. He thought:- "Come female envoys from so rich a country? If I accept the Shah will be displeased; If I decline then Zal will be chagrined And flap his wings about like the Simurgh." He raised his head and said: "As for these goods, These slaves and elephants caparisoned, Go give them to Zal's treasurer as presents Sent by the Beauty of Kabulistan." Then fairy-faced Sindukht essayed to speak, Rejoicing that her offerings were accepted And all had ended well. Three of her handmaids, With idol-faces, tall as cypresses And fair as jasmine, bearing each a goblet Which brimmed with pearls and rubies, poured them out In one promiscuous shower before the chieftain. This done and strangers gone she said to Sam :- "Thy counsel maketh old folk young. Thou teachest The mighty wisdom, who through thee illume The world. Thou bast sealed up the hand of ill And opened with thy mace the way of God. Mihrab, if any, was to blame, and he Is weeping blood. What have our people done That thou must raze Kabul? They only live To do thy hest - slaves of the very dust Upon thy feet. Fear Him who hath cieated Both mind and might, bright Venus and the Sun. He would not countenance such acts from thee: Gird not thy loins for bloodshed." Sam replied:- "Come tell me what I ask and palter not. Art thou the slave or consort of Mihrab, Whose daughter Zal bath seen? Tell me that I May judge her worthiness, her mind and temper, Her face, hair, stature, looks, and understanding - Whatever thou bast noted tell me all." Sindukht replied to him? O paladin, The chief of paladins, the warriors' stay! First swear an oath whereat the land shall quake That thou wilt never injure me or mine. I have a palace, wealth, and mighty kindred.

First reassure me and I will reply In hope to win thy favour, and will send Our hoarded treasures to Zabul." Sam grasped Her hand and took the oath, on hearing which, And marking that his speech and pledge were frank, She kissed the ground, then rose and told him all "My race is from Zahhak, O paladin! Spouse to Mihrab, that ardent warrior, Am I, and mother of moon-faced Rudaba, Of her o'er whom Zal poureth out his soul. W e and our kin before all-holy God Bless all night long the Shah, and thee, and Zal. I come to know thy will, and how thou boldest Us in Kabul. If we be bad by race And sinners all unfit for rule, behold! I stand before thee sorrowing. Slay thou Who should be slain and bind who should be bound, But as for all the guiltless of Kabul Burla not their "hearts nor turn their days to darkness." The paladin on hearing saw in her A woman of counsel and of ardent soul, With cheeks like spring, in height a cypress-tree, With reed-like waist and pheasant's gait. He said "My pledge shall hold although it cost my life. Live, safely and rejoicing at Kabul With all thy kindred. I assent that Zal Shall wed Rudaba. Though our race is other Than yours, yet ye deserve the crown and throne; The world so waggeth and no shame to us; We cannot strive against the Almighty Maker, Who doth whate'er He willeth in such wise That we are ever crying out: 'Ah me!' One is exalted and another humbled, And while one fareth well another quaketh. The heart of one is furnished by his increase, Another's minished by his poverty, But, after all the end of both is dust - The element that slayeth every race. I will exert myself on thy behalf Because of thine appeal and bitter cry, Ancl have already written to the Shah A litter with the plaint of one in pain, Ancl Zal hath gone with it. Hath gone! nay rather Hath flown! He saw no saddle when he mounted, Ancl then his roadster's hoofs saw not the ground ThE, Shah will smile and give a gracious answer, For, this bird's fosterling is out of heart; He standeth in the mire.made by his tears, And if his sweetheart is as fond as he is. Their skins will never hold them. Prithee now Let, me behold the Dragon's child, just once, On thine own terms. The sight may weigh with me If both her looks and locks commend themselves." She answered? If the paladin will gladden His slave, let him vouchsafe to visit her Her head will reach high heaven. If to Kabul We bring a king like thee, we will present Our lives as offerings." She saw his smiles And that all hate was rooted from his heart As he replied? Be not concerned; this matter Will shortly turn out to thy wish." Sindukht Then asking leave withdrew, and went away In full content, her cheeks like gems for joy. She sent a lusty courier like wind To tell Mihrab: "Be easy in thy mind, Rejoice and make thee ready for a guest. I follow quickly." Next day, when the sun Shot up and heads awoke from drowsiness, Saluted as the Moon of noble dames, Sindukht proceeded to the court of Sam., Did him obeisance, spake with him at large, And asked permission to go home rejoicing To tell Mihrab about the new-made league, And get all ready to receive their guest. Sam said: "Depart and tell him everything." They chose choice gifts for her and for Mihrab, And for Rudaba too - that lovesome maid. Sam gave Sindukht withal all that was his Within Kabul of palaces and gardens, Of tilth, milch cattle, carpets and apparel, Then took her hand, re-swore his oath and said:- "Be happy at Kabul, and fear no foe." With favouring stars the pale Moon's face again Grew bright, and she went homeward with her train.

How Zal came to Minuchihr with Sam's Letter :

Now hearken how Zal fared with Minuchihr - That favourite of fortune. News arrived :- "Zal, son of Sam the cavalier, bath come." The nobles went to welcome him. On reaching The court he had an audience and did homage, Remaining with his face upon the ground. The kind Shah's heart was won; he bade to purge Zal's face of dust and sprinkle him with musk, And, when the well-beloved approached the throne, Inquired: "How didst thou fare mid wind and dust On thy hard journey, child of paladins? " Zal answered? Through thy Grace 'twas more than well; "Thou turnest every trouble to delight." The Shah then took Sam's letter, read and smiled. "Thou bast increased an ancient grief of mine," He said, " yet for thy father's touching letter, Which ancient Sam bath written in his trouble, Although the matter bath much grieved my heart, I am resolved to think of it no more, And will perform and carry out thy wish, Since that is all to thee; but tarry here While I deliberate on thine affairs." The cooks brought in a service all of gold Whereat the king of kings sat down with Zal, And ordered all the chieftains to partake The feast. The eating done, they served the wine Within another throne-room, and that over Zal mounted on his charger with gold trappings, And so departing passed the livelong night With much to think and talk about. At dawn He came with girded loins to Minuchihr Of glorious Grace, who gave him salutation And praised him privily when he had gone. The Shah commanded that the archimages, The nobles, wise men, and astrologers, Should meet at his high throne and read the stars. They met and laboured for three days and then Announced: "We have perused the circling sky, And this is what the stars prognosticate :- No stagnant pool is here. There will arise From Sam's son and the daughter of Mihrab A hero full of prowess and fair fame. His life will be prolonged for centuries; He will have strength, renown, and Grace, pluck, brains, And thews, and not a peer in fight or feast. Where'er his charger's coat shall run with sweat The liver of his foemen shall run dry. The eagle will not soar above his helm; Naught will he reek of chiefs and men of name. He will be tall in stature, great in might, Will take the lion with his twisted lasso, Will roast whole onagers upon the fire, Will make the air weep with his scimitar, Will be the belted servant of the Shahs And shelter of the horsemen of Iran.'" Then said the exalted Shah: "Beware that ye Disclose to none what ye have told to me."

How the Archmages questioned Zal :

The Shah called Zal to prove him by hard questions. The shrewd archmages and the men of lore Sat in full conclave, and examined him On many matters veiled in mystery. One asked that man of insight, wit, and knowledge:- "What are the dozen cypresses erect In all their bravery and loveliness, Each one of them with thirty boughs bedeckt - In Persia never more and never less? " The second said: "O noble youth! explain - What are those two steeds moving rapidly As crystal bright is this one of the twain And that one sable as a pitchy sea; They gallop at their utmost speed and strain Each one to catch the other, but in vain? " The third said thus? What are the thirty men Who ride before their king in order meet And seem but twenty-nine to thee - , but when Thou countest them their number is complete? " The fourth inquired: "What is the meadow-land, Where streams abound and herbage groweth strong, To which a fierce man cometh, in whose hand There is a scythe, a sharp one and a long He cutteth all the grass both green and dry, And if thou criest heareth not thy cry? " "What are those cypresses - a lofty pair - Like reeds above a sea whose waters heave," Another asked, "and what bird nesteth there On this at morning, and on that at eve? The bird departeth and the leaves turn pale, The bird arriveth and they musk exhale. In all their verdure both are never seen together, but one sere, the other green." the sixth said: "On a mountain I descried A city that was strongly fortified. The citizens, those men exceeding wise, Preferred thereto a thornbrake on the waste; And there as monarchs or as subjects placed A town with buildings lifted to the skies. The memory of the city now hath gone, 'Tis not accounted of by any one; But some day suddenly the earth will quake, The country vanish from the sight of men, Remembrance of the city will awake, And long regret possess the citizen. Now look behind the veil, explore the words, And if thou canst the secret sense unfold, Declare it here in presence of the lords, And make the purest musk from grimy mould."

How Zal answered the Archimages :

Zal for a while remained absorbed in thought, Then shook his plumage, spread his wings, and answered:- "First as to those twelve cypresses which rear Themselves, with thirty boughs upon each tree They are the twelve new moons of every year, Like new-made monarchs, throned in majesty. Upon the thirtieth day its course is done For each; thus our revolving periods run. Thou speakest of two chargers, black and white, Which like Azargashasp go flashing by hese too are periods, and in their flight Pursue each other unremittingly. The two that pass along are night and day, The pulses of the sky are reckoned so; They never catch each other as they go, But follow as a hound pursueth prey. Again, thou askest of the thirty men That ride before their king in order meet, And seem to thee as twenty-nine, but when Thou countest them their number is complete. They are the phases of the moon; one night A phase from time to time eludeth sight. Unsheathe we now the hidden sense expressed By two tall cypresses, a bird and nest. The darker limb of heaven is opposed With Aries to Libra in the height; Thence till the reign of Pisces hath been closed The ascendant limb is that of gloom and night. Each lofty cypress-tree denoteth one Of these two limbs which cause our smiles and tears, The bird which flieth 'twixt them is the sun - Occasion to the world of hopes and fears.' Again, the city built upon the mount Is our long home, the scene of our account. This Wayside Inn is meant by Thornbrake town, At once our pleasure, treasure, pain and woe It reckoneth each breath drawn here below And both exalteth us and casteth down. A storm ariseth, earth's foundations quake, Extorting from the world a bitter cry; We leave our toils behind us in the brake And seek the city that is built on high. Where we have toiled another hath the gain, But not for ever: he will not remain. 'Twas always so; to look for change is vain. If our provision be an honoured name Our souls will be on that account held dear, But if we do the deeds of greed and shame That will, when we have breathed our last, appear. Albeit we have raised to Saturn here Our mansion we shall have a shroud instead, No more. The dust and bricks close o'er our head And all is consternation, awe, and fear. As for the meadow-land, and him whose keen Scythe is a terror both to green and dry, Who cutteth all alike, both dry and green, And if thou criest heareth not thy cry - Time is the mower; we are like the swath; The grandsire and the grandson are the same To him, not making young or old his aim, But chasing each that cometh in his path. The use and process of. the world are so No mother's son is born unless for death. By this door we arrive, by that we go, And time meanwhile accounteth every breath."

How Zal displayed his Accomplishment before Minuchihr :

When Zal had thus expounded all the riddles The company both wondered and rejoiced, While Minuchihr, glad-hearted, cried? Well done!" He had forthwith a banquet-hall prepared, As 'twere the moon at full, and there they quaffed Wine till the night fell, and the revellers' heads Became bemused. Then at the portal rose Shouts for the steeds, and glorious in their cups The warriors grasped bands and went their ways. Now when the sunshine struck the mountain-tops And when the chiefs awoke, Zal, ready-girt And lion-like, approached the royal presence For leave to hie him home, and thus he said:- "My gracious lord! I long to see Sam's face. Since I have kissed the footings of thy throne Of ivory thy Grace and crown illume My heart." The Shah said: "Youthful warrior! Thou must bestow upon us still one day. Thou yearnest for the daughter of Mihrab And not for Stim." He bade to carry gongs With Indian bells and clarions to the ground, And all the warriors went forth rejoicing With lances, maces, and artillery. They took their bows and poplar shafts and let A mark stand for the foe. They wheeled and showed Their horsemanship with mace, sword,' shaft, and lance, While from a height the Shah, seen or unseen By them, observed their skill, but never saw Or heard of horsemanship like Zal's. There stood Upon the ground an ancient tree. Zal took His bow, urged on his steed, and raised his name By striking that tall tree and piercing it Full in the centre with the royal shaft. Then certain of the javelin-men took bucklers And exercised with double-headed darts. Zal bade his Turkman slave bring shields of hide, Drew himself up and urged his steed along, Then dropped his bow, took his own javelin And made new sport. He struck and pierced three shields And flung them to one side in high disdain. The Shah said to the chiefs? What mighty man Will challenge him to prove his weight in combat? He hath knocked dust out of two-headed darts And arrows." Then the warriors donned their mail With wrathful hearts and curses on their tongues. They pricked forth to the combat bearing spears With heads of tempered steel. Zal urged his steed, Made the dust fly, and, when the battle joined, Selected from the rest a cavalier Of fame and high estate at whom he charged. The warrior turned and fled. Zal, leopard-like, Emerging from the dust, seized on his belt And took him from his saddle with such ease That both the Shah and army were astound, The chiefs exclaiming? None will see his peer." The Shah said: "May he ever be thus ardent. The mother of the man that dareth him To battle will wear mourning for her son. The lionesses .bear not one so brave, So brave . . . he must be classed with crocodiles! And Sam is blessed indeed to leave the world Such a memorial." He praised the youth, As did the famous warriors. Then they went, With girded loins and casques upon their heads, Toward the palace where the Shah prepared A robe of honour that astonished all The chieftains, with a precious crown and throne Of gold, with armlets, torques, and golden girdles, Rich robes, slaves, steeds, and other things of worth, And gave the whole to Zal, who kissed the earth.

Minuchihr's Answer to Sam's Letter :

The Shah then wrote a very gracious letter To Sam: "Renowned and valiant paladin, In all emprise victorious like a lion, And peerless in the sight of turning heaven For feast, for fight, for counsel and for favour! That glorious son of thine - brave Zal - at whom The lion is aghast in battle-tide, The brave accomplished warrior and horseman Of lasting fame, hath come, and I, on learning Thy wishes and his longings, granted him All his desires, and count upon his having A long and glorious life. Should leopard-hunters Have other issue than the strong-clawed lion? " Exalted o'er the rest and in high favour Zal sent to Sarn to say? I left the Shah With all that I could wish - a royal robe Of honour, crowns, torques, armlets, and a throne Of ivory, and am coming with all speed, My loving, glorious sire! " Sam gladdened so That his hour head grew young. He hurried off A horseman to Kabul to tell Mihrab The kindness of the Shah which had produced Such joy, and added? After Zal's return We will set out to pay thee our respects." The messenger sped forth. Mihrab on hearing So joyed to make Kabul's Sun his affine That through his joy the dead returned to life And aged heads grew young. They summoned minstrels, And one had said that all poured out their souls. With smiling lips and joyful heart he called High-born Sindukht and beaming said to her:- "My consort, whose advice is prosperous Thy counsel bath illumed our gloomy dwelling. Thou hast laid hand upon a sprout whereto The monarchs of the world will do obeisance. Since thou hast ordered matters from the first Thine be it also to accomplish them. My treasury is all at thy disposal For what is needed - throne, or crown, or wealth." Sindukht on this withdrew and gave her daughter The news, and joyful hopes of seeing Zal. She said: "Thy choice of partner is most fit, And men and women, howsoever strict, Will see good cause to let their strictures cease.

Thou hast sped quickly to thy heart's desire." Rudaba answered? Consort of the king! Thou meritest the praise of every one. I make the dust upon thy feet my pillow, And order my religion by thy teaching. May eyes of Ahrimans be far from thee, And be thy heart and soul the house of feasting." Sindukht on hearing this bedecked the palace, Arrayed the hall like jocund Paradise, Mixed wine and musk and ambergris and spread Gold-broidered carpets, some inwoven with emeralds And others patterned out in lustrous pearls; Each several pearl was like a water-drop. She placed a golden throne within the hall, So do they use in Chin. The tracery Was all of gems with carvings interspersed, The feet were jewelled : 'twas a royal throne And very splendid. She arrayed Rudaba Like Paradise, wrote on her many a charm And seated her, allowing none to enter Within that chamber arabesqued with gold. Kabulistan was dight in festal trim, All colour, scent, and wealth. They housed the backs Of the elephants with rich brocade of Rum And seated on them minstrels wearing crowns. All was prepared for welcoming the guests And all the slaves were summoned to strew musk And spicery, to put down furs and silks, To fling down gold and musk, and sprinkle round Wine and rose-water on the dusty ground.

How Zal came to Sam :

Zal sped like bird on wing or ship at sea And all that heard of his approach went out To welcome him with joy. The palace rang With shouts? Zal hath succeeded and returned." Sam met him joyfully and held him close Embraced. When Zal had disengaged himself He kissed the ground and told his news. Anon Sam, seated on his splendid throne with Zal, Blithe-hearted and in great content, began To tell about the matter of Sindukht, And kept his countenance? A woman named Sindukht brought me a message from Kabul, And made me promise not to be her foe. I granted all that she was pleased to ask - First that the future monarch of Zabul Shall have the Beauty of Kabul to wife, And next that we will go and be her guests To heal all sores. Now she hath sent to say:- 'All things are ready, scented and adorned.' What answer shall we send high-born Mihrab?" Then Zal blushed ruby-red from head to foot With sudden joy, and said: "O paladin If it seem good to thee send on the troops And let us follow and discuss the matter." Sam smiled at Zal, aware of his desire, For he could talk of nothing but Rudaba, And got no sleep at nights for thinking of her. SAm bade to sound the gongs and Indian bells And have prepared the royal tent-enclosure. He sent a cameleer, a valiant man, To advertise the lion-like Mihrab :- "The chieftain is upon his way with Zal And elephants and troops escorting them." He went with speed and told Mihrab, who joyed; His cheeks grew ruddy as the cercis-bloom. He sounded trumpets, mounted kettledrums, And furnished forth his army like the eye Of chanticleer. Huge elephants and minstrels Made earth a Paradise from end to end. What with the many flags of painted silk Of divers colours, sound of pipes and harps, The blast of trumpets and the din of gongs, One would have said: "It is a festival, The Resurrection or the Last Great Day." Thus went Mihrab till he encountered Sam, He then dismounted and approached on foot. That paladin of paladins embraced him And asked if all were well. Mihrab began To compliment both Sam and Zal, then like The new moon rising o'er the mountain-tops He mounted his fleet steed and set a crown Of gold and jewels on the head of Zal. Conversing of the past they reached Kabul. What with the clang of Indian bells, the sounds Of lyre and harp and pipe, one would have said:- "The roofs and doors make music. Times are changed? " The horses' manes and forelocks ran with saffron And musk. Then with three hundred female slaves With girded loins, each with a cup of gold Which brimmed with musk and gems, Sindukht approached, And all blessed Sam and showered forth the jewels. Each person present on that happy day Had treasure to the full. Sam smiled and asked:- How How long wilt thou conceal Rudaba thus? " Sindukht replied? If thou wouldst see the Sun What is my fee?" Sam answered? What thou wilt My treasures, crown, throne, country - all are thine." They sought the chamber arabesqued with gold, Where all was jocund Spring, and Sam, entranced, Struck dumb, and dazzled, viewed the moon-faced maid. At last he said to Zal: "Thou lucky youth God greatly helped thee when this glorious Sun Set her affections on thy face.

Thy Choice Is choice indeed!" By Sam's desire Mihrab Approached to execute the legal contract. They placed the happy couple on one throne And scattered emeralds and carnelians. Her coronet was wrought of gold and his Of royal gems. Mihrab produced and read The inventory of his daughter's dowry Till one had cried? 'Tis more than car can hear." Sam was confounded when he realised The treasures, and invoked the name of God. Then hall and city revelled for a week, The palace was a Paradise in raptures, And neither Zal nor coral-tipped Rudaba Slept for a sennight either day or night; Then going to the palace from the hall They spent three weeks in joy, while all the nobles With armlets on stood ranked outside. One month Elapsed and Sam departed to Sistan. Zal spent a happy week in getting ready Steeds, howdahs, litters; for Rudaba's use A curtained couch. Sindukht, Mihrab, and all Their kin set oft' first for Sistan, glad-hearted, With minds at ease and lips all praise to God, Who giveth good, and there arrived triumphant, Illuminating earth with joy and laughter. Sam had a feast prepared. Three days were spent In revelling, then while Sindukht remained Mihrab returned attended to Kabul, While Sam gave up the realm to Zal and led His army westward 'gainst the Kargasars, With flaunting flag and favouring auguries. "I go," said he, " because those fields are mine, Though not men's hearts and eyes. I have the patent From Minuchihr. ' Have and enjoy,' he said. I fear me that the miscreants will rebel, The divs above all of Mazanda.ran. I give to thee, O Zal! this state, this realm, And glorious crown." Sam of the single blow Departed, leaving Zal upon the throne, A happy husband holding festivals, And when Rudaba sat beside her spouse He placed a crown of gold upon her brows.

Rustam :

The Story of the Birth of Rustam Ere long the noble Cypress was in bearing, Delightsome Spring grew sere, her heart was sad, She wept blood for the burden that she bore. Gone was her cercis-bloom, her cheeks were saffron. Sindukht said unto her? Life of thy mother! Why hast thou grown so wan? " Rudaba answered:- "By night and day I cry for help. I lie Sleepless and withered like a living corpse. My time hath come but not deliverance." Until that came she lacked both rest and sleep. One would have said? Her skin is stuffed with stones Or iron." Now one day she swooned, and shrieks Rose from the halls of Zal. Sindukht bewailed, Plucked out her raven tresses musk-perfumed And tore her face. Then one announced to Zal :- "The leaves have withered on thy lofty Cypress," And he with tearful cheeks and stricken heart Approached the couch whereon Rudaba lay. The female slaves were tearing out their hair Unveiled with tearful faces. Then occurred A thought to Zal which eased him of his anguish - The plume of the Simurgh. He smiling told Sindukht, then brought a censer, kindled fire And burnt some of the plume. The air grew dark And that imperious bird swooped down - a Cloud Whose drops were pearls . . . pearls, say I, rather peace. Zal did obeisance long and praised her much. She thus addressed him? Wherefore is this grief, This moisture in the mighty Lion's eye? From this moon-faced and silver-bosomed Cypress Will come a noble babe. The mighty lion Will kiss the dust upon his feet. No cloud Will dare to pass above him. When he shouteth The pard will split its skin and gnaw its paws. The warriors that see his whizzing mace, His chest, his arms and neck, will hear his voice With quaking hearts, steel-eaters though they be And gallant fighters; for this child will prove In counsels and in rede a weighty Sam, In height a cypress-tree, in wrath a lion, In strength an elephant, and fillip bricks Two miles. His birth will not be natural, So willeth He who giveth good. Bring thou A blue-steel dagger, seek a cunning man, Bemuse the lady first with wine to ease Her pain and fear, then let him ply his craft And take the Lion from its lair by piercing Her waist while all unconscious, thus imbruing Her side in blood, and then stitch up the gash. Put trouble, care, and fear aside, and bruise With milk and musk a herb that I will show thee And dry them in the shade. Dress and anoint Rudaba's wound and watch her come to life.

Rub o'er the wound my plume, its gracious shade Will prove a blessing. Let this gladden thee. Then go before the Lord who hath bestowed This royal Tree which ever blossometh Good fortune. Be not troubled for this matter, Because thy fertile Bough will yield thee fruit." She spake, and plucking from her wing a plume Dropped it and flew aloft. Zal, picked it up And did, O marvel! as the bird had said, , While every one looked on amazedly With wounded spirit and with bloodshot eyes. Sindukht wept tears of blood in torrents, asking:- How How shall the infant come forth through the side?" There came an archimage, one deft of hand, Who made the moon-faced dame bemused with wine, Then pierced her side while she was all unconscious, And having turned the infant's head aright Delivered her uninjured. None had seen A thing so strange. The babe was like a lion, A hero tall and fair to look upon. Both men and women wondered at him, none Had heard of such an elephantine child. A day and night the mother lay asleep, Bemused, unconscious. They the while sewed up The wound and eased the anguish with the dressing. When she awoke and whispered to Sindukht They showered gold and jewels over her And praised the Almighty. Then they brought the babe To her, extolling him as heavenly. The first day thou hadst called him twelve months old - A very heap of lilies mixed with tulips. The lofty Cypress smiled upon the babe, Perceived in him the Grace of king of kings, And, " I am magnified," she said, "and grief Is over." So they named the infant "Rustam." They made of silk a herolet the size Of that unsuckled Lion, stuffing it With sable's hair and limning Sol and Venus Upon the cheeks, with dragons on the arms, And on the hands a lion's claws. Beneath The arm there was a spear, mace in one hand And bridle in the other. They set the puppet Upon a chestnut horse with great attendance. This done they sent on first a cameleer Apace, showered drachms on those who were in charge, And took the puppet mace in hand to Sam. In all the country round they held high revel, The desert was supplied with pipe and wine. Inside Kabul Mihrab enjoyed the tidings And showered dinars upon the mendicants, While in Zabul the revellers sat together Without distinction as to high and low, But mixed like warp and woof. They brought the puppet To Sam the cavalier, who looked thereon, Grew glad and well content.

That hero's hair Stood up on end. " This silken thing," said he, "Is just like me. If he is half this size His head will touch the sky, his skirt the ground." He called the messenger and poured drachms o'er him Until the heap was level with his head. The drums beat in the court for joy, Sam decked The champaign like the eye of chanticleer And bade adorn the land of the Sagsars And all Mazandarin. He had wine brought, Called minstrels and showered drachms on mendicants. A week passed and the famous chieftain wrote A letter like the meads of Paradise To Zal. He offered praises first to God That matters had turned out so happily, Praised Zal the lord of mace and scimitar, Then coming to the effigy of silk, Which had a hero's neck and Grace of kings, Enjoined? So cherish him that not a breath May hurt him. I have prayed by day and night In secret to Almighty God to show me A son born of thy seed and of my type. Now that the backs of both of us are straightened We only need to pray that we may live." Came like a rushing wind the messenger To Zal of ardent and exulting heart, Told him of Sam's delight and gave the letter. As soon as Zal had heard those pleasant words, Which caused the clear-brained hero added joy, He raised his neck to touch the azure sky. Thus went the world with Zal and showed its purpose. Ten nurses suckled Rustam, for from milk Are strength and constitution. Being weaned He lived on bread and flesh. He ate as much As five, and people turned from such repasts. When Rustam had attained the height of eight And grown a noble Cypress or bright Star - A Star whereat the world was all agaze - Thou wouldst have said? Tis valiant Sam indeed In stature, wisdom, countenance, and rede."

How Sam came to see Rustam :

Sam heard? The son of Zal is like a lion, None ever saw a child so fierce and stalwart." His heart was stirred in him, and he resolved Himself to see the boy. He left in charge The captain of the host and went with escort, Drawn by his love, toward Zabulistan. Then earth grew ebon, for Zal heard the news, Bound on the drums and went with brave Mihrab To welcome Sam. When Zal had dropped the ball Shouts of departure rose on every side. The mass of men stretched out from hill to hill, With buckler after buckler red and yellow. Then trumpeted the elephant and neighed The Arab steed, five miles that din resounded. They had one mighty elephant caparisoned And furnished with a golden throne, whereon The son of Zal sat with his cypress-form, And what a neck and shoulders! crowned and girt, With bow and shafts in hand, and shield before him. Sam saw and ranked his troops upon each side. Mihrab and Sam dismounted, and the elders Fell prostrate, calling blessings down on Sam, Whose face bloomed like a rose. With gladdened heart He smiled to see the child so strongly built - A lion's whelp upon an elephant. He had them brought just as they were, surveyed The boy thus crowned and throned, and blessed him, saying :- Live Live long and happily, thou matchless Lion." Then Rustam kissed Sam's throne and, wonderful To tell! saluted him in this new fashion:- "Great paladin! rejoice. I am thine offshoot Be thou my root. The slave of Sam am I, But am not one for banquet, dream, and ease, I would have steed and saddle, mail and helm, Despatch my compliments by bolt and arrow, And by God's bidding trample on foes' heads. My face is like to thine, so be my courage." He lighted. Sam the chieftain grasped his hand And kissed his head and eyes. Meanwhile the tymbals And elephants were still. Then full of glee And talk they all betook them to the palace And revelled merrily on golden seats, Thus resting for a month with harp and song. Upon the throne there sat victorious Sam, An eagle's feather drooping from his crown, Flanked by his son and Rustam mace in hand, On whom the grandsire gazed amazedly, Invoked o'er him the name of God and thought:- "With such a neck and arms, such thews and shoulders, Such reed-like waist, such ample chest and breast, Such thighs like those of mighty dromedaries, Such lion's heart and lion-tiger might, Such goodly features, neck, and Grace, he hath No peer on earth," then said to Zal? Although Thou question back a hundred generations, No one would know of babe delivered thus. How could they do the thing successfully? A thousand times may that Simurgh be blest To whom God showed the way. Now let us revel And put to flight with wine the soul of care, For this world is a caravanserai, Old guests depart and new ones take their places." They put the wine about and grew bemused, They drank the chieftain's health, then that of Zal. Mihrab kept quaffing till he thought himself The one man of the world. " I do not care For Zal or Sam," he said, "Shah, crown, or Grace. I, Rustam, and my steed Shabdiz, and sword . . . No cloud will dare to overshadow us. I will revive the customs of Zahhak, And make the dust beneath my feet pure musk. And now to find him arms." He spake in jest, And Zal and Sam were merry at his words. Sam, when the month was o'er, one day at dawn Returned to his own throne.

He said to Zal :- "My son! be just and loyal to the Shahs, Preferring wisdom over wealth, refraining Thy hands from evil all thy years, and seeking God's way from day to day. Know that in public And private also 'tis the one thing needful Because the world will not abide with any. Observe my redo and walk in righteous ways. My heart forebodeth that my time hath come." He bade his children both farewell and said:- Forget Forget not mine advice." Then in the palace The bells rang out, and on the elephants The clarions blared, as with his gentle tongue And kindly heart Sam journeyed toward the west. His children bore him company three stages With minds instructed and with tearful cheeks, Then Sam went on while Zal marched to Sistan And there in lion Rustam's company Spent day and night in bout and revelry.

How Rustam slew the White Elephant :

It came to pass that as they spent a day In revel in a garden with their friends, While harp-strings ran the gamut of sweet sounds And all the chiefs were one in merriment, They quaffed red wine from crystal cups until Their heads were dazed, and then Zal bade his son:- "My child of sun-like Grace! make ready robes Of honour for thy warriors, and steeds For those of high degree." So Rustam gave Gold, many Arab steeds caparisoned And other gifts, and all went richer home. Zal, as his wont was, sought the bower, while Rustam Reeled to his chamber, laid him down and slept. Shouts rose outside his door? The chief's white elephant Hath broken loose, and folk are in its danger!" He heard, and urged by hardihood ran forth, Snatched up Sam's mace and made toward the street. The keepers of the gate opposed him, saying:- "We fear the chieftain, 'tis a darksome night, The elephant is loose! Who can approve Thy going forth? " Wroth at the speaker's words The matchless Rustam smote him on the nape His head rolled from him. Rustam turned toward The others but they fled the paladin, Who boldly went up to the gate and smashed The chains and bolts with blows that well befitted One of such noble name, went forth like wind With shouldered mace excitedly, approached The mighty beast and roared out like the sea. He looked and saw a Mountain bellowing, The ground beneath it like a boiling pot, Saw his own nobles fleeing in dismay, Like sheep that spy a wolf, roared.like a lion And went courageously against the beast, Which seeing him charged at him like a mountain And reared its trunk to strike, but Rustam dealt it A mace-blow on the head; the mountain-form Stooped; Mount Bistun shook to its core and tumbled Atone blow vile and strengthless. Thus it fell, That bellowing elephant, while matchless Rustam Went lightly to his place again and slept. Now when the sun ascended from the east, Bright as the cheeks of those who ravish hearts, Zal heard of Rustam's deeds, how he had knocked The dust out of the roaring elephant, Had with a single mace-blow broken its neck And cast its body to the ground. He cried:- "Woe for that mighty elephant, which used To bellow like the dark blue sea! How often Hath that strong beast charged and o'erthrown a host, Yet conquer howsoe'er it might in battle My son hath bested it! " He summoned Rustam, Kissed him upon his head and hands and neck, And said: "O lion's whelp! thy claws have grown And thou art brave indeed! Youth as thou art Thou hast no peer in stature, Grace, and valour; So ere thy spreading fame shall thwart throe action Take vengeance for the blood of Nariman. Speed forth to Mount Sipand where thou wilt see A cloud-capt stronghold four leagues square, whereover The eagle hath not soared. 'Tis full of herbage And water, gold and money, men and beasts.

Both trees and husbandmen abound there; none Hath seen a place like that. The All-Provider Hath furnished workmen of all sorts, and fruit-trees. There is but one approach; 'tis through a gate As high as heaven, and Nariman, who bore The ball from all the chiefs, approached the stronghold By order of Shah Faridun and held The road. The siege went on both night and day With stratagems and spells above a year, Until the foe hurled down a rock and earth Possessed the paladin no more. The host Retreated to the Shah. When Sam was told:- The valiant Lion hath had fight enough,' He wailed with growing grief, and having mourned A week in anguish called the host together. He marched against that hold with troops that covered The waste and desert, and for months and years Beleaguered it in vain. None issued forth And none went in, but though the gate was shut So long the foe lacked not a stalk of hay, And Sam forewent his vengeance in despair. Now is the time, my son! for artifice. Go with a caravan in merry pin, So that the watchmen may not find thee out, And when thou occupiest Mount Sipand Destroy those evil-doers, root and stem. Since thou art yet unknown thou mayst succeed." Then Rustam answered? I will do thy bidding And soon provide a physic for the ache." Said Zal to him? My prudent son! give ear. Don camel-drivers' clothes and from the plain Fetch camels to make up a caravan. Disguise thyself and carry naught but salt, For that is precious there. The folk know nothing Of greater value. Though the castle towereth Above its gate they have no salt to eat, So all will run to greet thee when they see Loads of it coming unexpectedly."

How Rustam event to Mount Sipand :

Then Rustam made him ready for the fray, Concealed his mace within a load of salt And took some wise and valiant men withal. He hid the arms within the camels' loads And merry at the artifice sped on To Mount Sipand. When he arrived the watchman Saw him and hastened to the castellan. "A caravan," he said, "with many drivers Hath come, and if my lord doth ask their business, To me it seemeth that they carry salt." The chief sent one in haste to learn their loading, Who went like dust to Rustam and inquired :- "O master of the caravan! inform me What merchandise is hidden in thy packs, That I may go and tell the castellan And take his orders." Rustam answered him:- Go Go to the noble castellan and say They carry salt.'" The messenger returned And said: "They carry salt alone, my lord!" The chief rose, glad and smiling, bade his men Unbar the gate and let the strangers in. So battle-loving Rustam with his folk Approached the gate whence people hurried out To welcome him. He kissed the ground before The chieftain, paid him many compliments, Gave him much salt and spake fair words all round. The chieftain said to Rustam: "Live for ever. Be as the sun and as the shining moon. I both accept and thank thee, worthy youth! " Young Rustam entered the bazar and took His caravan. The people flocked about him; One gave a robe, another gold and silver, And chaffered with him unsuspectingly. At night brave Rustam and his warriors, Armed for the fray, made for the castellan, Who strove against them, but the Matchless one Struck him a mace-blow on the head, and buried His head and crown in dust. The tidings spread, The people hastened to oppose the foe, Night gloomed, blades flashed, and earth was like the ruby. What with the mellay and the waves of blood One would have said: "A sunset sky hath fallen." The peerless Rustam with his lasso, mace, And sword destroyed the gallant foe; and when The sun unveiled itself, and held the world From earth to Pleiades, of all the garrison Not one remained alive that was not wounded. The brave Iranians entered every nook And slaughtered all they found. The matchless Rustam Saw in the citadel where room was scant A building of hard stone with iron doors, And having with his mace-blows shattered them He entered and beheld a lofty vault Full of dinas. Astonied at the sight He bit his lip; then to his chiefs he said:- "Who ever would have thought of such a thing? Good sooth no gold remaineth in the mines, Or any pearl or jewel in the sea; They lie out-spread within this treasury."

How Rustam evrote a Letter announcing his Victory to Zal :

Then Rustam wrote his sire a full report Of what had passed? First blessing be on Him, Who is the Lord of serpent, ant, and sun, Of Venus, Mars, and Sol, and heaven above. May He bless Zal, the hero of Zabul, The peerless paladin, the warriors' shelter, The lranians' stay, who setteth up on high The flag of Kawa, who enthroneth Shahs, Who taketh thrones, him whose commandment reacheth To sun and moon. 'I came to Mount Sipand By thy behest, and what a mount was there! 'Twas like the sky.When I had reached its foot There came a greeting from the castellan, And though I did according to his bidding All things turned out as I would have them be. At night-time with my famous men of war I gave scant respite to the garrison, Who have been slain or maimed or have escaped By throwing all their fighting-gear away. There are in sooth five hundred thousand loads Of silver ingots and of standard gold. Of raiment, tapestries, and movables No one could tell the total though he counted For days and months. What would the paladin? May his steps prosper, may his mind be bright." The messenger came like a blast and gave The letter to the paladin. That chieftain Read and exclaimed? Praise to those noble ones." Thou wouldst have said? The news will make him young." He wrote a full reply, first praising God And then proceeding thus? I have perused That tale of triumph and poured out my soul In joy. Such fights become thee well, my son! Who though a boy hast played the man, illumed The soul of Nariman and burned his foes. To carry off' the spoil I have sent camels By thousands. Having read this mount with speed; Thine absence grieveth me. Pack all the best, Then fire the hold in vengeance." Rustam read The letter well content, then chose the choicest Among the signet-rings, swords, casques, and belts, As well as pearls and jewels fit for kings, And figured pieces of brocade of Chin, And sent them to his sire. The caravan Set forth while he set fire to Mount Sipand, Whose reek rose skyward, then he turned away Light-hearted and went home like rushing wind. When Zal had heard? The world-illuming chieftain Hath come," the folk prepared to welcome him And decorated all the streets and quarters. Arose the din of brazen clarions, Of cymbals, trumpets, and of Indian bells As eager Rustam fared toward Zal's palace And coming bowed to earth before his mother, Who blessed his face and kissed his chest and shoulders, While Zal the chief embraced his son and bade A scattering of largess to be made.

The Letter of Zal to Sam :

The famous chief sent the good news to Sam, With many gifts to him and every one. Whenas the letter came to Sam his cheeks Bloomed like a rose in his exceeding joy. He made a feast like jocund spring, bestowed Upon the messenger a robe and steed, And talked of Rustam much. He wrote to Zal :- "It is not wonderful that lions' whelps Prove brave. A clever archimage may take One ere it suck and bring it up with men, Yet will he fear it when its teeth have grown, For though it never saw its mother's dugs 'Twill throw back to the instincts of its sire. No wonder then that Rustam should inherit Zal's prowess, and that Lions seek his aid In times of enterprise." He sealed the letter And gave it to the messenger, who went To Zal therewith clad in his robe of honour. The paladin rejoiced at what that youth Of tender years had done, and all the world From earth to Aries had hopes in him. Now will I speak once more of Minuchihr, The kindly Shah, who when his end drew near Gave to his son these counsels: lend throe ear.

Minuchihr's last Counsels to his Son :

Now Minuchihr, twice sixty years being sped, Prepared to pass, because the astrologers Informed him that the royal Grace would fade :- "Thy time for passing to the other world Hath come, God grant thee a good place with Him. Consider what behoveth to be done And let not death surprise thee, so make ready For yielding up thy body to the clay." When he had heard the wise men's words he changed The fashion of his court, told the archmages And chiefs the secrets of his heart, then gave Naudar much counsel, saying thus? This throne Is but a jest, a breath, no lasting thing To set the heart upon. In six score years Now passed I girt my loins for stress and travail And used to find much pleasure and content In labour at the bidding of the Shah. I girt me with the Grace of Faridun, And by his counsels every loss proved gain. I took on Salm and on the brutal Tur Due vengeance for my grandsire - great Iraj - I cleansed the world of its iniquities And built me many a city, many a fortress; Yet thou mightst say that I had never seen The world, such am I! and my tale of years Is blank. A tree whose leaves and fruit are bitter, Should it not rather die than still live on? Now after I have borne such pain and travail I leave the throne of kingship and the treasure To thee. As Faridun once gave to me, So give I thee, the crown worn by the Shahs. Hard are the enterprises that confront thee, Thou must be sometimes wolf and sometimes sheep. The offspring of Pashang will be thy bane, And from Turan will be thy straitening. When any question shall arise, my son Seek aid from Zal and Sam and this new Tree Now burgeoning, sprung from the root of Zal. He will tread down Turan and take upon him To avenge thee." While he spake he wept. Naudar Bewailed him bitterly, and thus the Shah, Free from disease, unvexed by any pains, Closed with a last cold sigh his eyes and faded. So passed that famous Shah, well graced in all, Whose tale is left as his memorial.

Source :

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