The Persian Literature Volume I Part 24

The moment he was made acquainted with the grievances endured by the Armanians, he referred the matter to the consideration of his counsellors and n.o.bles, in order that a remedy might be immediately applied. Byzun, when he heard what was required, and had learned the disposition of the king, rose up at once with all the enthusiasm of youth, and offered to undertake the extermination of the wild boars himself. But Giw objected to so great a hazard, for he was too young, he said; a hero of greater experience being necessary for such an arduous enterprise. Byzun, however, was not to be rejected on this account, and observed, that though young, he was mature in judgment and discretion, and he relied on the liberal decision of the king, who at length permitted him to go, but he was to be accompanied by the veteran warrior Girgin. Accordingly Byzun and Girgin set off on the perilous expedition; and after a journey of several days arrived at the place situated between Iran and Turan, where the wild boars were the most destructive.

In a short time a great number were hunted down and killed, and Byzun, utterly to destroy the sustenance of the depredators, set fire to the forest, and reduced the whole of the cultivation to ashes. His exertions were, in short, entirely successful, and the country was thus freed from the visitation which had occasioned so much distress and ruin. To give incontestable proof of this exploit, he cut off the heads of all the wild boars, and took out the tusks, to send to Kai-khosrau. When Girgin had witnessed the intrepidity and boldness of Byzun, and found him determined to send the evidence of his bravery to Kai-khosrau, he became envious of the youth's success, and antic.i.p.ated by comparison the ruin of his own name and the gratification of his foes. He therefore attempted to dissuade him from sending the trophies to the king, and having failed, he resolved upon getting him out of the way. To effect this purpose he worked upon the feelings and the pa.s.sions of Byzun with consummate art, and whilst his victim was warm with wine, praised him beyond all the warriors of the age. He then told him he had heard that at no great distance from them there was a beautiful place, a garden of perpetual spring, which was visited every vernal season by Manijeh, the lovely daughter of Afrasiyab.

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

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

"Go, and beneath that cypress tree, Where now he sits so gracefully, Ask him his name, that radiant moon, And he may grant another boon!

Perchance he may to me impart The secret wishes of his heart!

Tell him he must, and further say, That I have lived here many a day; That every year, whilst spring discloses The fragrant breath of budding roses, I pa.s.s my time in rural pleasure; But never--never such a treasure, A mortal of such perfect mould, Did these admiring eyes behold!

Never, since it has been my lot To dwell in this sequestered spot, A youth by nature so designed To soothe a love-lorn damsel's mind!

His wondrous looks my bosom thrill Can Saiawush be living still?"

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

"O gallant youth, no farther roam, This summer-tent shall be thy home; Then will the clouds of grief depart From this enamoured, anxious heart.

For thee I live--thou art the light Which makes my future fortune bright.

Should arrows pour like showers of rain Upon my head--'twould be in vain; Nothing can ever injure me, Blessed with thy love--possessed of thee!"

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

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

He was immediately perfumed with musk and rose-water, and refreshments of every kind were set before him; musicians played their sweetest airs, and dark-eyed damsels waited upon him. The walls of the tent were gorgeously adorned with amber, and gold, and rubies; and the sparkling old wine was drunk out of crystal goblets. The feast of joy lasted three nights and three days, Byzun and Manijeh enjoying the precious moments with unspeakable rapture. Overcome with wine and the felicity of the scene, he at length sunk into repose, and on the fourth day came the time of departure; but the princess, unable to relinquish the society of her lover, ordered a narcotic draught to be administered to him, and whilst he continued in a state of slumber and insensibility, he was conveyed secretly and in disguise into Turan. He was taken even to the palace of Afrasiyab, unknown to all but to the emissaries and domestics of the princess, and there he awoke from the trance into which he had been thrown, and found himself clasped in the arms of his idol.

Considering, on coming to his senses, that he had been betrayed by some witchery, he made an attempt to get out of the seclusion: above all, he was apprehensive of a fatal termination to the adventure; but Manijeh's blandishments induced him to remain, and for some time he was contented to be immersed in continual enjoyment--such pleasure as arises from the social banquet and the attractions of a fascinating woman.

"Grieve not my love--be not so sad, 'Tis now the season to be glad; There is a time for war and strife, A time to soothe the ills of life.

Drink of the cup which yields delight, The ruby glitters in thy sight; Steep not thy heart in fruitless care, But in the wine-flask sparkling there."

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

"A daughter, even from a royal stock, Is ever a misfortune--hast thou one?

The grave will be thy fittest son-in-law!

Rejoice not in the wisdom of a daughter; Who ever finds a daughter good and virtuous?

Who ever looks on woman-kind for aught Save wickedness and folly? Hence how few Ever enjoy the bliss of Paradise: Such the sad destiny of erring woman!"

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

"Thou caitiff wretch, of monstrous birth, Allied to h.e.l.l, and not of earth!"

But he thus answered the king:--

"Listen awhile, if justice be thy aim, And thou wilt find me guiltless. I was sent From Persia to destroy herds of wild boars, Which laid the country waste. That labour done, I lost my way, and weary with the toil, Weary with wandering in a wildering maze, Haply reposed beneath a shady cypress; Thither a Peri came, and whilst I slept, Lifted me from the ground, and quick as thought Conveyed me to a summer-tent, where dwelt A princess of incomparable beauty.

From thence, by hands unknown, I was removed, Still slumbering in a litter--still unconscious; And when I woke, I found myself reclining In a retired pavilion of thy palace, Attended by that soul-entrancing beauty!

My heart was filled with sorrow, and I shed Showers of vain tears, and desolate I sate, Thinking of Persia, with no power to fly From my imprisonment, though soft and kind, Being the victim of a sorcerer's art.

Yes, I am guiltless, and Manijeh too, Both by some magic influence pursued, And led away against our will or choice!"

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

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

Upon this Byzun told him his whole story, and the treachery of Girgin.

Piran wept at the recital, and remembering the circ.u.mstances under which he had encountered Giw, and how he had been himself delivered from death by the interposition of Ferangis, he requested the execution to be stayed until he had seen the king, which was accordingly done. The king received him with honor, praised his wisdom and prudence, and conjecturing from his manner that something was heavy at his heart, expressed his readiness to grant any favor which he might have come to solicit. Piran said: "Then, my only desire is this: do not put Byzun to death; do not repeat the tragedy of Saiawush, and again consign Turan and Iran to all the horrors of war and desolation. Remember how I warned thee against taking the life of that young prince; but malignant and evil advisers exerted their influence, were triumphant, and brought upon thee and thy kingdom the vengeance of Kaus, of Rustem, and all the warriors of the Persian empire. The swords now sleeping in their scabbards are ready to flash forth again, for a.s.suredly if the blood of Byzun be spilt the land will be depopulated by fire and sword. The honor of a king is sacred; when that is lost, all is lost." But Afrasiyab replied: "I fear not the thousands that can be brought against me. Byzun has committed an offence which can never be pardoned; it covers me with shame, and I shall be universally despised if I suffer him to live.

Death were better for me than life in disgrace. He must die."--"That is not necessary," rejoined Piran, "let him be imprisoned in a deep cavern; he will never be heard of more, and then thou canst not be accused of having shed his blood." After some deliberation, Afrasiyab altered his determination, and commanded Gersiwaz to bind the youth with chains from head to foot, and hang him within a deep pit with his head downwards, that he might never see sun or moon again; and he sentenced Manijeh to share the same fate: and to make their death more sure, he ordered the enormous fragment of rock which Akwan Diw had dragged out of the ocean and flung upon the plain of Tartary, to be placed over the mouth of the pit. In respect to Byzun, Gersiwaz did as he was commanded; but the lamentations in the shubistan were so loud and distressing upon Manijeh being sentenced to the same punishment, that the tyrant was induced to change her doom, allowing her to dwell near the pit, but forbidding, by proclamation, anyone going to her or supplying her with food. Gersiwaz conducted her to the place; and stripping her of her rich garments and jewels, left her bareheaded and barefooted, weeping torrents of tears.

He left her--the unhappy maid; Her head upon the earth was laid, In bitterness of grief, and lone, Beside that dreadful demon-stone.

There happened, however, to be a fissure in the huge rock that covered the mouth of the pit, which allowed of Byzun's voice being heard, and bread and water was let down to him, so that they had the melancholy satisfaction of hearing each other's woes.

The story now relates to Girgin, who finding after several days that Byzun had not returned, began to repent of his treachery; but what is the advantage of such repentance? it is like the smoke that rises from a conflagration.

When flames have done their worst, thick clouds arise Of lurid smoke, which useless mount the skies.

He sought everywhere for him; went to the romantic retreat where the daughter of Afrasiyab resided; but the place was deserted, nothing was to be seen, and nothing to be heard. At length he saw Byzun's horse astray, and securing him with his kamund, thought it useless to remain in Turan, and therefore proceeded in sorrow back to Iran. Giw, finding that his son had not returned with him from Arman, was frantic with grief; he tore his garments and his hair, and threw ashes over his head; and seeing the horse his son had ridden, caressed it in the fondest manner, demanding from Girgin a full account of what he knew of his fate. "O Heaven forbid," said he, "that my son should have fallen into the power of the merciless demons!" Girgin could not safely confess the truth, and therefore told a falsehood, in the hope of escaping from the consequences of his own guilt. "When we arrived at Arman," said he, "we entered a large forest, and cutting down the trees, set them on fire. We then attacked the wild boars, which were found in vast numbers; and as soon as they were all destroyed, left the place on our return. Sporting all the way, we fell in with an elk, of a most beautiful and wonderful form. It was like the Simurgh; it had hoofs of steel, and the head and ears and tail of a horse. It was strong as a lion and fleet as the wind, and came fiercely before us, yet seemed to be a thing of air. Byzun threw his kamund over him; and when entangled in the noose, the animal became furious and sprung away, dragging Byzun after him. Presently the prospect was enveloped in smoke, the earth looked like the ocean, and Byzun and the phantom-elk disappeared. I wandered about in search of my companion, but found him not: his horse only remained. My heart was rent with anguish, for it seemed to me that the furious elk must have been the White Demon." But Giw was not to be deceived by this fabricated tale; on the contrary, he felt convinced that treachery had been at work, and in his rage seized Girgin by the beard, dragged him to and fro, and inflicted on him two hundred strokes with a scourge. The unhappy wretch, from the wounds he had received, fell senseless on the ground. Giw then hastened to Kai-khosrau to inform him of his misfortune; and though the first resolve was to put the traitor to death, the king was contented to load him with chains and cast him into prison. The astrologers being now consulted, p.r.o.nounced that Byzun was still living, and Giw was consoled and cheered by the prompt.i.tude with which the king despatched troops in every quarter in search of his son.

"Weep no longer, warrior bold, Thou shalt soon thy son behold.

In this Cup, this mirror bright, All that's dark is brought to light; All above and under ground, All that's lost is quickly found."

Thus spake the monarch, and held up Before his view that wondrous Cup Which first to Jems.h.i.+d's eye revealed All that was in the world concealed.

And first before him lay exposed All that the seven climes enclosed, Whether in ocean or amid The stars the secret things were hid, Whether in rock or cavern placed, In that bright Cup were clearly traced.

And now his eye Karugsar surveys, The Cup the province wide displays.

He sees within that dismal cave Byzun the good, the bold, the brave; And sitting on that demon-stone Lovely Manijeh sad and lone.

And now he smiles and looks on Giw, And cries: "My prophecy was true.

Thy Byzun lives; no longer grieve, I see him there, my words believe; And though bound fast in fetters, he Shall soon regain his liberty."

Kai-khosrau, thinking the services of Rustem requisite on this occasion, dispatched Giw with an invitation to him, explaining the circ.u.mstance of Byzun's capture. Rustem had made up his mind to continue in peace and tranquillity at his Zabul princ.i.p.ality, and not to be withdrawn again from its comforts by any emergency; but the reported situation of his near relative altered his purpose, and he hesitated not to give his best aid to restore him to freedom. Giw rejoiced at this, and both repaired without delay to the royal residence, where Khosrau gratified the champion with the most cordial welcome, placing him on a throne before him. The king asked him what force he would require, and he replied that he did not require any army; he preferred going in disguise as a merchant. Accordingly the necessary materials were prepared; a thousand camels were laden with jewels and brocades, and other merchandise, and a thousand warriors were habited like camel-drivers. Girgin had prayed to be released from his bonds, and by the intercession of Rustem was allowed to be of the party; but his children were kept in prison as hostages and security for his honorable conduct. When the champion, with his kafila, arrived within the territory of the enemy, and approached the spot where Byzun was imprisoned, a loud clamor arose that a caravan of merchandise had come from Iran, such as was never seen before. The tidings having reached the ear of Manijeh, she went immediately to Rustem, and inquired whether the imprisonment of Byzun was yet known at the Persian court? Rustem replied in anger: "I am a merchant employed in traffic, what can I know of such things? Go away, I have no acquaintance with either the king or his warriors." This answer overwhelmed Manijeh with disappointment and grief, and she wept bitterly. Her tears began to soften the heart of Rustem, and he said to her in a soothing voice:--"I am not an inhabitant of the city in which the court is held, and on that account I know nothing of these matters; but tell me the cause of thy grief." Manijeh sighed deeply, and endeavored to avoid giving him any reply, which increased the curiosity of the champion; but she at length complied. She told him who she was, the daughter of Afrasiyab, the story of her love, and the misfortunes of Byzun, and pointed out to him the pit in which he was imprisoned and bound down with heavy chains.

"For the sake of him has been my fall From royal state, and bower, and hall, And hence this pale and haggard face, This saffron hue thy eye may trace, Where bud of rose was wont to bloom, But withered now and gone; And I must sit in sorrow's gloom Unsuccoured and alone."

Rustem asked with deep interest if any food could be conveyed to him, and she said that she had been accustomed to supply him with bread and water through a fissure in the huge stone which covered the mouth of the pit. Upon receiving this welcome information, Rustem brought a roasted fowl, and inclosing in it his own seal-ring, gave it to Manijeh to take to Byzun. The poor captive, on receiving it, inquired by whom such a blessing could have been sent, and when she informed him that it had been given to her by the chief of a caravan from Iran, who had manifested great anxiety about him, his smiles spoke the joyous feelings of his heart, for the name of Rustem was engraved on the ring. Manijeh was surprised to see him smile, considering his melancholy situation, and could not imagine the cause. "If thou wilt keep my secret," said he, "I will tell thee the cause." "What!" she replied, "have I not devoted my heart and soul to thee?--have I not sacrificed everything for thy love, and is my fidelity now to be suspected?

"Can I be faithless, then, to thee, The choice of this fond heart of mine; Why sought I bonds, when I was free, But to be thine--forever thine?"

"True, true! then hear me:--the chief of the caravan is Rustem, who has undoubtedly come to release me from this dreadful pit. Go to him, and concert with him the manner in which my deliverance may be soonest effected." Manijeh accordingly went and communicated with the champion; and it was agreed between them that she should light a large fire to guide him on his way. He was prompt as well as valiant, and repaired in the middle of the following night, accompanied by seven of his warriors, directed by the blaze, to the place where Byzun was confined. The neighborhood was infested by demons with long nails, and long hair on their bodies like the hair of a goat, and h.o.r.n.y feet, and with heads like dogs, and the chief of them was the son of Akwan Diw. The father having been slain by Rustem, the son nourished the hope of revenge, and perpetually longed for an opportunity of meeting him in battle. Well knowing that the champion was engaged in the enterprise to liberate Byzun, he commanded his demons to give him intelligence of his approach.

His height was tremendous, his face was black, his mouth yawned like a cavern, his eyes were fountains of blood, his teeth like those of a wild boar, and the hair on his body like needles. The monster advanced, and reproaching Rustem disdainfully for having slain Akwan Diw, and many other warriors in the Turanian interest, pulled up a tree by the roots and challenged him to combat. The struggle began, but the Demon frequently escaped the fury of the champion by vanis.h.i.+ng into air. At length Rustem struck a fortunate blow, which cut the body of his towering adversary in two. His path being now free from interruption, he sped onward, and presently beheld the prodigious demon-stone which covered the mouth of the pit, in which Byzun was imprisoned.

And praying to the Almighty to infuse Strength through his limbs, he raised it up, and flung The ponderous ma.s.s of rock upon the plain, Which shuddered to receive that magic load!

The mouth of the cavern being thus exposed, Rustem applied himself to the extrication of Byzun from his miserable condition, and letting down his kamund, he had soon the pleasure of drawing up the unfortunate captive, whom he embraced with great affection; and instantly stripped off the chains with which he was bound. After mutual congratulations had been exchanged, Rustem proposed that Byzun and Manijeh should go immediately to Iran, whilst he and his companions in arms attacked the palace of Afrasiyab; but though wasted as he was by long suffering, Byzun could not on any consideration consent to avoid the perils of the intended a.s.sault, and determined, at all hazards, to accompany his deliverer.

"Full well I know thy superhuman power Needs no a.s.sistance from an arm like mine; But grateful as I am for this great service, I cannot leave thee now, and shrink from peril, That would be baseness which I could not bear."

It was on the same night that Rustem and Byzun, and seven of his warriors, proceeded against that part of the palace in which the tyrant slept. He first put to death the watchman, and also killed a great number of the guard, and a loud voice presently resounded in the chamber of the king:--"Awake from thy slumbers, Afrasiyab, Byzun has been freed from his chains." Rustem now entered the royal palace, and openly declaring his name, exclaimed:--"I am come, Afrasiyab, to destroy thee, and Byzun is also here to do thee service for thy cruelty to him." The death-note awoke the trembling Afrasiyab, and he rose up, and fled in dismay. Rustem and his companions rushed into the inner apartments, and captured all the blooming damsels of the shubistan, and all the jewels and golden ornaments which fell in their way. The moon-faced beauties were sent to Zabul; but the jewels and other valuable property were reserved for the king.

In the morning Afrasiyab hastily collected together his troops and marched against Rustem, who, with Byzun and his thousand warriors, met him on the plain prepared for battle. The champion challenged any one who would come forward to single combat; but though frequently repeated, no attention was paid to the call. At length Rustem said to Afrasiyab:--"Art thou not ashamed to avoid a contest with so inferior a force, a hundred thousand against one thousand? We two, and our armies, have often met, and dost thou now shrink from the fight?" The reproach had its effect,

For the tyrant at once, and his heroes, began Their attack like the demons of Mazinderan.

But the valor and the bravery of Rustem were so eminently shown, that he overthrew thousands of the enemy.

In the tempest of battle, disdaining all fear, With his kamund, and khanjer, his garz, and shams.h.i.+r, How he bound, stabbed, and crushed, and dissevered the foe, So mighty his arm, and so fatal his blow.