Listen unto the tale of the seven adventures of Rustem, encountered
while rescuing a foolish Shah from the consequences of his folly.
Now the foolish one was not the glorious Kaikobad who reigned
beneficently over Iran for twice fifty years, but his son Kaikous, who,
when his father exchanged the palace for the tomb, seated himself upon
the throne of light, at first exercising many of the princely virtues of
his illustrious predecessors. But alas! as his riches increased and his
armies grew stronger, he became filled with self-admiration and pride,
indulging more and more in the fascinations of the wine cup, until in
the midst of his luxurious feasting with his warriors and chiefs, he,
like the great Shah Jemshid, beheld no one but himself in the world.
Then it came to pass that one day as the vain Shah sat in his trellised
bower in the garden of roses, drinking wine, boasting, and making merry
with his friends, a Deev, disguised as a minstrel and playing sweetly
upon his harp, presented himself before the King’s chamberlain, desiring
audience. And he said:
“Thou beholdest before thee, O Servant of the King, a singer of sweet
songs, come unto thee from Mazinderan, desiring to pay homage unto the
great King of Kings. Admit me, therefore, I pray thee, into the arbor of
flowers, for in my throat are gay singing-birds which will make the
bower a paradise of joy.”
So the chamberlain, beguiled by the charm of the youth, hastened at once
unto the King to beg audience for him. And he said:
“O Shelter of the Universe, at the gate is a minstrel with his harp. And
lo! in his throat he hides a flock of singing-birds fresh from the
gardens of paradise. He hath come hither desiring to prostrate himself
before the most illustrious of all the Shahs of Iran, and he awaiteth
thy commands, being naught but the dust at thy feet.”
So the King, pleased with this flattery, and with no suspicion of guile,
commanded that the musician be brought before him. Then the youth, being
admitted, and having performed obeisance, warbled forth unto the monarch
words of deep cunning, for his song was of the enchanted land of the
Genii:
“Now thus he warbled to the King—
Mazinderan is the bower of spring,
My native home; the balmy air
Diffuses health and fragrance there;
So tempered is the genial glow,
Nor heat nor cold we ever know;
Tulips and hyacinths abound
On every lawn; and all around
Blooms like a garden in its prime.
Fostered by that delicious clime.
The bulbul sits on every spray,
And pours his soft melodious lay;
Each rural spot its sweets discloses,
Each streamlet is the dew of roses;
The damsels, idols of the heart,
Sustain a most bewitching part.
And mark me, that untravelled man
Who never saw Mazinderan,
And all the charms its bowers possess,
Has never tasted happiness!”
Now as the King’s great desire was to drain the cup of happiness to the
dregs, no sooner had he heard the minstrel’s lay of this enchanting land
than straightway he became inflamed with the desire to possess it for
his own. Turning, therefore, unto his warriors, he at once declared that
the glory of his reign should be the conquest of this wonderful country.
For, he said:
“Verily it behooveth a great Shah to be a hero among men, and the world
should be his footstool. Now in wealth, and power, and splendor, I,
Kaikous, surpass not only the glorious Jemshid, but all my predecessors,
and I say unto you that my prowess shall also be greater, for verily I
mean to be master of Mazinderan which hath ever resisted the might of
the greatest of the Shahs of Iran. Too long, O my nobles, have we
abandoned ourselves to feasting, but now I bid you prepare for battle,
for presently I will lead you into the enchanted land of the Genii, thus
causing the glory of Kaikous to mount even unto the stars.”
Alas! the nobles, when they heard these words of vanity and folly, grew
pale with dread, for they had no desire to invade the country of the
Deevs. But knowing the temper of the Shah, no one was brave enough to
utter protest, though the hearts of all were full of misgivings and
their mouths of sighs. But among themselves, when they could speak
openly, they said one unto another:
“What folly is this! And what calamity will it bring upon us, unless, by
good fortune, the King forgetteth in his cups this wild undertaking!
Why, even the great Jemshid, whom the Genii and the Peri and the very
birds of the air obeyed, never dreamed of trying to conquer the Deevs of
Mazinderan, before whom the sword hath no power and wisdom is of no
avail! And the great Feridoun, though he was the wisest of Kings, and
skilled in all the arts of magic, never cherished such an enterprise!
Truly, Kaikous is mad!”
So they talked in their anger and perplexity; and finally they sent
forth a wind-footed dromedary and a messenger unto Zal, the Wise One of
Iran, saying unto him:
“O Gracious Pehliva, once again is Iran in danger and hath sore need of
thee. Therefore, though thy head be covered with dust, tarry not to
cleanse it, but come quickly unto us, for verily the Evil One hath
strewn mischievous seed in the heart of the Shah which threatens a
bitter harvest, and we look unto thee to speak wise words of counsel
unto him that this calamity may be averted.”
Sore distressed by the words of the messenger, Zal shook his head
sorrowfully, for he had not dreamed that this leaf on the royal tree
would so soon show signs of canker. Nevertheless, he spoke words of
comfort unto the messenger, saying:
“The great Kaikous is, I fear, puffed up with vanity, being not yet
tried by either the cold or the heat of the world. And alas! I fear me,
if what thou sayest be true, that the sun must revolve yet oft above his
head ere he learneth the wisdom of the great; for unto true wisdom alone
is it given to know when to strike and when to withhold the hand.
Verily, he is like a child with a sword who thinketh the world and all
therein must tremble, if he but upraiseth it. He will learn better with
experience. I will not abandon him, therefore, to his folly, but will
give him the best advice that I can. Then if he be persuaded by me,
well; but if not, Rustem shall safeguard the army for the sake of the
welfare of Iran.”
Now having thus spoken, Zal quickly girt about him his red sash of
might, took in his hand his great mace and hastened unto the court,
where, being received with great honor and kindness, he proceeded to
unburden his heart, entreating the Shah not to give his warriors and
treasure unto the wind by undertaking the useless journey into
Mazinderan.
But Kaikous, arrogant and self-willed, only smiled at the warnings of
the white-haired old warrior, saying unto him:
“O Pillar of Iran, while I despise not thy counsel, yet thy words shall
not divert me from my purpose, for in thy arguments, one thing thou
forgettest: that I, Kaikous, am bolder of heart, and my power and wealth
greater than any of the Shahs of Old. Yea, and I ask you, who among them
had such warriors as thyself, and Rustem, thy glorious son? But verily,
I shall not need any of the house of Zal in this war, since thy heart is
not set upon glory. Thou and Rustem, therefore, can guard the kingdom
while I go forth to soul-appalling conflict, which I fear not,
“For what are all the Demon-charms,
That they excite such dread alarms?
What is a Demon-host to me,
Their magic spells and sorcery?
One effort, and the field is won;
Then why should I the battle shun?
Lo, when I reach the Demon fort,
Their several heads shall be my sport!”
Thus spake the King in his pride and vanity, and Zal, seeing that words
were useless, bowed his head low in the dust before the monarch, saying
unto him:
“May the great Shah never have cause to recollect the warning voice of
his servant with repentance or sorrow! May his glory shine on undimmed
forever!”
Now when he had so spoken, Zal departed, and all the people mourned for
they saw that Kaikous was wholly given over unto folly, and their hearts
misgave them.
But not so was it with the King, for ere the week had run its course,
the great army of Iran was set in motion, while at its head rode the
vainglorious Kaikous, confident, self-satisfied, merry, his magnificent
retinue of richly caparisoned horses and camels making the earth tremble
beneath their tread. So they marched, each night pitching their tents
and passing the hours in revel, until at last they were come near unto
the land of enchantment. Then Kaikous, calling before him Gew, one of
the bravest of his warriors, said unto him:
“O Valiant One, choose, I pray thee, two thousand of the bravest men,
and the boldest wielders of the battle-axe, that ye may break down the
gates of Mazinderan. In thy progress, burn and destroy everything of
value, and when thou hast taken the city, spare no dweller of the place,
neither man, nor woman, nor child, for all are Deevs.”
So Gew advanced, and when he was come unto the city, he found it indeed
arrayed in all the splendor of Paradise, even as the minstrel had sung;
for beauty, and verdure, and fragrance filled all the senses with
delight, while gold, and jewels, and treasure of priceless value
glittered and gleamed, and massed itself everywhere. And in all the
streets, too, were beautiful maidens, richly adorned, with faces as
bright as the moon, and cheeks tinted with the hue of the pomegranate
flower by the beautiful Houri of Paradise. But Gew, knowing that all
this was the work of enchantment, was not in the least beguiled. So soon
clubs rained down upon the people like hail, and the city that resembled
a garden was changed into a desert, and all the dwellers therein
perished at the hands of the enemy; neither was mercy shown unto any.
Meanwhile, as this terrible work of slaughter and destruction was being
performed by his brave warriors, the valiant Kaikous, at a safe
distance, was encamped in splendid state upon the plain, indulging in
revelry and the wildest dreams of a glorious victory. When the news of
the destruction of the city and of the great treasure hidden within its
palaces was brought unto him, therefore, wild with elation, he sprang to
his feet, and holding his wine cup high, cried exultantly:
“Hail to the glorious Kaikous, who hath overcome even the Deevs of
Mazinderan! Aye, and blessings upon the sweet singer who warbled unto
him of this glorious land of treasure! May his life’s tree put forth
many green leaves; may it blossom in the garden of Paradise!”
Thus spake Kaikous; and his warriors, too, rejoiced at the thought of
the limitless treasure soon to be theirs. So on the following day the
whole army pressed forward to join Gew and his warriors in Mazinderan,
and for seven days they ceased not from plundering, neither was there an
end to the gold and jewels which they found. And in their greed they
sorrowed not for the beauty laid waste, or the woe which they had
caused, but, like madmen, they spent their days in plundering and their
nights in revelry.
But retribution was at hand, for now the news of the havoc being wrought
by the Persians pierced even unto the ears of the distant King of
Mazinderan, who at once despatched a messenger unto the Great White
Deev, the most powerful and dreadful of all the master magicians of the
East, entreating him to come at once unto the rescue, lest the whole
land perish under the feet of Iran. Then the dreadful White Deev uprose
in his wrath until he appeared like unto a snow-capped mountain in his
fury, roaring like the River Nile, until all the earth trembled, and he
said:
“Thinks this puny, childish Shah to pit himself against the master
magicians of the East, that he thus invadeth our land? Verily, the
imbecile shall pay dearly for his folly!”
So it came to pass that on this same day, when the night was fallen, a
wonderful cloud, heavy and dark, spread itself over Kaikous and his
army, wrapping them in a tent of blackness. Then from out the
pitch-black sky the wrathful Deev caused it to rain stones and javelins,
causing a terror and confusion like unto the great day of judgment. Nor
could the men of Iran protect themselves against this strange attack,
since all was the work of magic. So the dead piled up, and the cries of
the wounded swelled into a horrible dirge, while the horror of it all
drove many to madness. And not only this, for behold, when the day
dawned after this night of horror, lo! the King, and all those who had
not fled, or been killed by the hailstones and javelins, were
stone-blind.
Then followed for the sightless monarch and his followers seven terrible
days of anguish as, moaning and lamenting, they sat helpless among the
ruins of Mazinderan. Yea, the great Kaikous wept bitterly in his terror,
and the army with him, until so awful became the cry that it reached
even unto the Seven Mountains where dwelt the great White Deev, arousing
him from his mid-day slumber. Then suddenly his voice, loud as a clap of
thunder, fell upon the ear of the wretched Kaikous. And he said:
“Vain Monarch! Thou thoughtest in thy folly to conquer the land of the
Great White Deev, who from the gorgeous vault of heaven can charm the
stars. Thou fool! Now there thou liest, struck down like a rotten trunk,
and upon thine own head alone resteth this destruction. Verily, thou
hast attained unto Mazinderan, which was thy heart’s desire, wherefore
be now content!”
But alas! The Shah and his unfortunate companions were not soon to know
content, since they were now turned over into the charge of twelve
thousand Genii whose duty it was to keep them in prison, withholding
from them wine and all good cheer, but giving unto them each day just
enough food to keep them alive, that their suffering might be prolonged,
for they gloried in their wretchedness.
Now thus dwelt Kaikous in the land after which his heart had yearned,
until the eyes of his soul being opened, in genuine repentance, he bowed
himself in the dust, casting black earth upon his head and acknowledging
his fault. Then, casting about in his mind how they might obtain
release, finally, after many weary moons, the King succeeded in sending
a messenger unto Zal of the white hair. And he said:
“O my Great Pehliva, hearken unto the voice of thy sovereign who crieth
unto thee in penitence and woe! Verily, I have sought what the foolish
seek, and found what they find, and I deserve not thy help, since I
turned a deaf ear unto thy words of wisdom; yet for my companions’ sake,
I beseech thee to gird thy loins and come quickly unto us, or we perish
in our misery.”
Thus humbled himself the great Shah, but Zal, when he received the
message, was cut to the heart that the pride of Iran should be thus
trailed in the dust; and he wrung his hands bitterly, crying out against
the folly which was to cost the land so dear. Nevertheless, he quickly
sent for Rustem, saying unto him:
“O my glorious son, word hath just reached me that the King is held with
his companions blind and captive in the dragon’s den. As for me, I am
old and feeble, a warrior bowed with the weight of two centuries, no
longer able to fight against the Deevs. But thou art young and thy soul
rejoiceth in battle. Gird about thee, therefore, thy leopard’s skin,
saddle Rakush, and deliver the King from out the hands of the Genii,
thus winning for thyself immortal fame.”
Now Rustem smiled as he heard his father’s words, saying unto him:
“O my silver-crowned father, verily thou knowest that Rakush and I are
spoiling for battle, and though of old the mighty went not forth to
fight the powers of darkness, being not so weary of the world as to walk
willingly into the mouth of a hungry lion, yet with God’s help will I
overcome these wicked Deevs, and gird our army anew with the red sash of
might, since the glory of Iran demandeth it.”
Then Zal blessed his son, speaking unto him long and earnestly as to the
arduous task before him. And he said:
“I understand, O my son, that two roads lead into this land of
enchantment, both of them difficult and dangerous. The King went by the
longer way. It is the safest, but since it behooveth vengeance to be
fleet, choose it not. But the other way, though by far the shorter, is
beset by baleful evils, and is surrounded by darkness. Still it will be
wisest, I think, to go by this road, for though difficult, it will have
an end, and Rakush will carry thee quicker than a bird can fly. Go,
therefore, my son, and may Ormuzd return thee safe unto my arms. If,
however, it be the will of Heaven that thou shouldst perish by the hand
of the great White Deev, why, who can escape his destiny? Verily, soon
or late Death’s door swings wide for every child of Ormuzd, and thrice
blessed is he who leaveth behind him in the world a trail of glory.”
When Rustem had drunk in the noble words of his father, he embraced him
tenderly, feeling his strength to be sufficient even for the Great White
Deev. Then he commanded that Rakush, the fleet of foot, be brought unto
him. But alas! when he would have departed, Rudabeh uttered bitter cries
that her boy should be sent to fight alone and unaided the wicked Deevs,
and in her sorrow she would have hindered him. But Rustem suffered it
not, making light of her fears and comforting her with his voice and
arms. So finally, embracing him, Rudabeh let him depart, but her heart
yearned after him, and her eyes were wet with tears yet many days after
his departure, and she prayed continually unto Ormuzd, that Serosch the
Angel of Pity keep nightly watch over his slumbers.
So, with only his faithful steed for company, but brave of heart, Rustem
set out upon his perilous journey; and, as if recognizing the urgent
need for haste, Rakush caused the ground to vanish under his feet, his
speed being so great that he accomplished two days’ journey in one. But
at last, evening having fallen, the young hero of the world, finding
himself weary and hungry, decided to stop for the night.
Now the plain upon which Rustem chose his camping-ground was filled with
herds of gor, which made it easy for him to secure his evening meal,
since there was no escape for the swiftest beast when Rustem was mounted
upon Rakush. Soon, therefore, with his lasso, he succeeded in snaring a
wild ass, which he quickly roasted and ate. Then, his hunger appeased,
the young warrior prepared for himself a couch among the reeds, and, his
mace by his side, he lay down to sleep, fearing neither wild beast nor
Deev, while Rakush grazed contentedly near by.
But, unfortunately, in the rushes near the young hero’s couch was hidden
the lair of a fierce lion, and after Rustem had fallen asleep the hungry
beast, attracted by the odor of the gor’s flesh, returned unto his
haunt; and then a pair of fiery eyeballs moved stealthily nearer and
nearer unto the dying fire. But when at last within the circle of light,
what was the lion’s astonishment to behold, lying peacefully asleep upon
the rushes, a man as tall as an elephant watched over by a noble
charger!
Now the king of the forest was hungry, not having been successful in his
hunting, so as he gazed his heart rejoiced at the thought of the fat
meal in store for him. But, being a sagacious beast, he said unto
himself:
“Since I am very, very hungry, I must take no chance of allowing this
delicious morsel to escape my lips. Consequently, first I will subdue
this gentle-looking steed; then I can feast upon the rider at my
leisure.”
So, suddenly the huge beast bounded from the underbrush, falling upon
Rakush with great violence. But the faithful steed was not caught
napping, for while apparently unconscious of the approach of danger, he
had at once scented the foe, and was ready for the attack. What was the
lion’s astonishment, therefore, to find himself received with a terrific
and well-aimed kick that sent him back into the bushes more quickly than
he had come forth! And not only that, but before he could recover from
his amazement, like a flash of light Rakush was upon him, striking him
on the head with his fore-feet, tearing him with his sharp teeth, and
battering and trampling him like a Demon. Yea, so furious was his rage,
that he was still stamping upon the lifeless mass when Rustem awoke!
Then the Hero, seeing the dead lion, which was truly of a monstrous
size, knew at once what had happened, and calling Rakush, he rebuked
even while he caressed him. And he said:
“Ah, Rakush, why so thoughtless grown,
To fight a lion thus alone?
For had it been thy fate to bleed,
And not thy foe, my gallant steed!
How could thy master have conveyed
His helm, and battle-axe, and blade,
Unaided to Mazinderan?
Why didst thou fail to give the alarm,
And save thyself from chance of harm,
By neighing loudly in my ear;
But though thy bold heart knows no fear,
From such unwise exploits refrain,
Nor try a lion’s strength again.”
Now having thus exhorted Rakush, Rustem again composed himself to
slumber, and rested undisturbed until the morning light had tinted the
distant mountain peaks with rose and amber. Then having broken his fast,
he saddled Rakush, and pursued his perilous journey, thanking God that,
owing to the faithfulness and bravery of his steed, the first adventure
had terminated happily.
But alas! he had now to accomplish the most difficult part of his
journey, for the way led across a waterless desert so hot that not even
the birds could fly over it. Now the morning hours were endurable, but
when the noon-tide sun poured down upon their heads its pitiless rays,
making of the sand living fire, then horse and rider became tortured
with the most maddening thirst, and nowhere could water be found.
At this crisis Rustem dismounted, since he was no longer able to keep
his place upon the back of his brave steed, but, nevertheless, for some
time longer he continued to struggle forward, supported by his spear.
Finally, however, his strength became broken and, utterly exhausted, he
sank upon the earth, his body prostrate upon the burning sand, his
tongue and throat parched with thirst. Then in his agony, his soul
lifted itself up in a mighty cry unto the Almighty for protection
against the evils which surrounded him, for he feared that his hour was
come. But not so, for behold! even as he prayed, there passed before him
a well-nourished ram, which was at once hailed by the hero as a
harbinger of good. For he said:
“Surely an oasis must be somewhere near, or how could this sheep so bear
upon it the impress of the drinking-place!”
Rising up quickly, therefore, Rustem followed the ram’s footsteps,
holding the bridle of Rakush in one hand and his sword in the other, and
behold! it led him unto a fountain of water, clear and cool, in the
shade of a clump of trees. Stooping down, therefore, Rustem drank
greedily until his thirst was quenched, giving also unto Rakush, and
bathing him in the waters. Then being refreshed, he looked about for the
ram, but lo! it had vanished. So then Rustem knew that Ormuzd had
wrought a wonder for his sake, and falling upon the ground, he gave
thanks unto the All-Merciful One. And so full was his heart of
thanksgiving that he also blessed the ram, saying:
“O Beast of God, wherever thou art, may no harm come unto thee forever!
May the grass of the valleys and of the desert be always green for thee!
May the spear-point be blunted and the bow be broken of him who would
hunt thee, or do thee harm! For verily, without thy guidance, Rustem
would have perished in the desert, and the heroes of Iran would have
been left without succor in the hands of the cruel Deevs.”
And now the Mighty One, being hungry, killed another gor, of which he
ate almost the whole. Then having bathed in the fountain, as the shades
of night were coming on he gladly sought a resting-place among the
stunted herbage. But before lying down he said unto Rakush:
“Beware, my steed, of future strife,
Again thou must not risk thy life;
But should an enemy appear,
Ring loud thy warning in my ear.”
Now having thus spoken, with a sigh of thankfulness that his second
adventure had terminated thus happily, Rustem threw himself down upon
his warrior’s couch, and being fatigued, soon sleep wrapped him about,
holding him fast until the bright constellations in the tropical sky
pointed to the hour of midnight.
Then he was awakened unto a new horror, for you must know that in this
part of the desert there lived a monstrous dragon, eighty yards in
length, and so fierce that neither elephant, nor demon, nor lion ever
ventured to pass by its lair. Yea, so terrible was it that not even the
birds dared fly across that part of the desert, for with its poisonous
breath it could bring down even the eagle from the sky. Imagine, then,
how this scourge of the desert opened wide his snaky eyes with
astonishment when, emerging from the forest at the turn of the night, he
beheld a man slumbering softly beside his lair!
But, as usual, Rakush was on the alert. Consequently, as he caught the
gleam of beady eyes, and scented the poisoned breath of the dragon, he
quickly stepped nearer to his unconscious master, stamping with his
hoofs upon the ground, beating the air with his tail, and neighing
loudly. Now all this noise so startled the dragon that he quickly drew
back into the forest, and as a consequence, when Rustem awoke he could
see nothing disquieting, for of course the monster had vanished. Seeing
no cause for alarm, therefore, he was angry at being needlessly
disturbed, and rebuked Rakush for his nervousness, saying:
“Rakush, thou thunderer! I fear me the sun hath turned thy brain. Quiet
now, quiet! for to-morrow will bring for us another hard day’s journey.”
So, having thus somewhat calmed his excited steed, once more Rustem gave
himself up to slumber, but not for long! For, though the darkness became
thicker and more impenetrable, in a short time the watchful horse once
more caught the gleam of baleful eyes, and again he ran with all speed
unto his master, tearing up the ground and neighing angrily. So a second
time was Rustem awakened and a second time also did the dragon vanish
ere the eyes of the hero beheld him. Then was Rustem angry, and in his
impatience he spake sharply unto Rakush, chiding him for thus disturbing
his slumbers by causeless alarms. And he said unto his brave steed:
“Why thus again disturb my rest,
When sleep had softly soothed my breast?
I told thee if thou chanced to see
Another dangerous enemy
To sound the alarm; but not to keep
Depriving me of needful sleep,
When nothing meets the eye nor ear,
Nothing to cause a moment’s fear!
Now if again my rest is broke,
On thee shall fall the fatal stroke,
And I myself will drag this load
Of ponderous arms along the road;
Yea, I will go, a lonely man,
Without thee to Mazinderan.”
Alas, poor Rakush! grieved and wounded by the unjust reproaches of his
master, with drooping head he drew quickly back; but as Rustem wrapped
his leopard’s skin about him, and a third time slept, softly he drew
near once more, standing a tireless watcher by his side. Then the
dragon, seeing that the hero slept, once more came forth, prepared to
fall upon him, and Rakush was sore distressed, for he knew not how to
act. But as his love for his master was great, taking courage, once more
he stamped the earth and woke him.
Then Rustem sprang up in a rage, but Ormuzd who watcheth ever over his
children, at this moment caused the eastern sky to flush with a rosy
glow, in the light of which the hero beheld the prodigious cause of
alarm. Pausing not, therefore, he quickly drew about him his armor, and,
unsheathing his sword, rushed forward to meet the ugly monster. But to
his surprise, as he advanced, the dragon spoke, and he said:
“Vain creature, what doest thou here? Verily, the mother that bare thee
shall weep, for I will tear thy soul from out thy body, and thy name, if
thou hast one, shall be blotted from the book of life, for no man hath
ever yet saved himself from my claws.”
Uttering this terrible threat, the dragon belched forth fire and roared
horribly, but Rustem, no whit deterred, continued to advance, saying
proudly:
“Hideous monster! Thinkest thou to terrify me with thy smoke and noisy
words? If so, thou errest. For behold! I am Rustem, son of the
white-haired Zal, and there is naught upon earth that I fear, for I come
of a race of heroes.”
Now hearing these bold words, the dragon laughed, for he held them to be
the vain boasts of a stripling; and again he vomited forth fire and
poison. Then he fell upon Rustem, and dreadful was the shock, and
perilous unto the hero, for the vile creature wound himself around and
about his body, threatening to crush him with his writhings, and you
would have said that the end of the valiant one was at hand, so dreadful
was the dragon’s embrace.
But at this perilous moment, Rakush, beholding the contest to be
doubtful, laid back his ears and proceeded to take a hand in the battle.
And being wise, he fell upon the enemy from the rear, with his keen
teeth, furiously biting and tearing away the dragon’s scaly hide, just
as he had torn the lion. Now this gave unto the pinioned hero his
opportunity, and, quick as thought, he severed the ghastly head,
deluging all the plain with horrid blood. And lo! as the hideous coils
unclasped, the amazement of Rustem was truly great as he gazed at the
monstrous form which extended endlessly before him; and he wondered not
that for centuries it should have been known unto men as the scourge of
the desert.
Giving thanks unto the Omnipotent, therefore, that it had been
vouchsafed unto him to rid the world of so great a pest, after bathing
Rakush at the fountain, he sprang into the saddle and started out upon
his fourth adventure.
Now all that day Rustem travelled across the plain, arriving at sunset
in the land of the magicians, and as here all was enchantment,
everything was most beautiful. The feathered palms along the way nodded
their heads lazily, coquetting with the soft south wind, while the
bananas flaunted their silken flags around the ripening fruit, and on
the ground, in rich profusion, lay, temptingly, rose-apples and citrons.
A crystal stream flowed along between sloping banks of luxurious
foliage, and in the woods the glorious nightingale chanted joyously unto
the nodding flowers.
And lo! in this beautiful wilderness, upon the sight of the hungry
adventurer there suddenly appeared a daintily-spread table, where the
richest tropical fruits and sweets lay beside a roast of venison, while
the cups were filled with purple wine. Now seeing, thus unexpectedly, in
the green and shady vale, all this good cheer awaiting him, Rustem’s
heart sang with delight, for he suspected not that it was the evening
meal of certain magicians who had made themselves invisible at his
approach.
So, hastily dismounting, the weary warrior unsaddled Rakush, bidding him
graze and drink. Then seating himself at the table, he partook freely of
the dainty fare, his spirit laughing with pleasure at finding in the
wildwood such an excellently-appointed table. Indeed, so gay in spirit
was he that, his hunger being satisfied, he took up the lyre which he
saw lying by the flagon of wine, and chanted a lively ditty about his
own wanderings and the exploits which he most loved; and ever and again
there echoed the refrain:
“Oh, the scourge of the wicked am I,
And my days still in battle go by;
Not for me is the red wine that glows
In the reveller’s cup, nor the rose
That blooms in the land of delight;
But with monsters and demons to fight.”
Alas! though Rustem dreamed it not, as he sang his voice reached the
ears of a famous enchantress, who quickly changed herself into a
beautiful maiden with a face of spring, lovely as only enchantment could
make her, as you shall hear. For her complexion was like shell-tinted
ivory; her lips like the pomegranate and her cheek like its flower; her
soft, dark eyes were curtained with long, sweeping lashes, and her
eyebrows were arched like a fringed bow; her lovely form, scarcely
concealed by the misty, oriental robes which she wore, was a joy to
behold, and so sweet was she that, at her coming, all the air was
perfumed with the delicate fragrance of a spring garden.
But though conscious of a new sensation of delight, at first Rustem did
not realize that he was no longer alone. As the bewitching maiden drew
nearer, however, singing softly Rustem’s refrain, and holding out her
beautiful hands in greeting, then indeed did his heart pulse strangely,
for never had he beheld such dazzling loveliness. And, moreover, resting
herself at his side, and turning her radiant eyes upon him, his charming
guest now crooned into his ear a strange song of enchantment which
disturbed while it yet delighted the hero.
Remembering the duties of hospitality, however, as the music ceased, the
enraptured warrior extended unto his beautiful companion a glass of wine
in welcome, bidding her drink in the name of Ormuzd. But behold! as the
hero named the name of God, suddenly the wicked sorceress changed color,
becoming in the twinkling of an eye as black as charcoal. Then Rustem
knew her for a witch, and quick as the wind he snared her in his lasso,
crying unto her:
“Thou wicked creature, show thyself at once in thy true shape, for I
would not destroy the innocent.”
Now at these words of the Hero, immediately the witch was changed into a
decrepit, leering old creature whose whole being showed her wickedness
of heart. Therefore, with a single blow of his sword, Rustem severed her
in twain. But behold! as he would have swept the vile clay from his
path, it vanished, and the low, mocking laugh of the fiend was heard in
the distance, showing that not even the sword had power to hurt her. And
gone, too, was the dainty table with its tempting viands and poisoned
wine; for the magicians, when they beheld the valor of Rustem and
realized that he was under the protection of God, dared not come forth
to contend with him. So in this fourth adventure, also, was the son of
Zal victorious. Nevertheless, he tarried not longer in this spot, for it
had become hateful unto him.
Continuing his journey, therefore, Rustem pressed rapidly forward until
the following morning, when lo! he was come unto the land of darkness,
where the sun never shone, neither did moon nor star ever lighten up the
awful, impenetrable gloom. Now here he paused, not knowing what new
trial the darkness might conceal. But presently, lifting up his heart
unto Ormuzd for protection and guidance, he gave unto Rakush the rein,
and plunged boldly forward into the gloom. But ah, the horror of it! for
there was no path, and so for many long hours they stumbled about in the
pitch blackness, constantly on the alert against unknown danger, and not
knowing whither their steps might lead them. But finally, thanks unto
the All-Merciful One, the intense darkness lightened, and they emerged
into a most beautiful country where the sun was shining brightly and the
earth was covered with waving grain.
And here, being tired after the long, hard travel, Rustem dismounted,
took off his cuirass of tiger-skin and his helmet, and bidding Rakush
find pasture where he would in the fertile fields, he himself lay down
to sleep, his shield beneath his head and his sword and mace by his
side.
Yea, and while the tired Rustem slept, his faithful horse grazed upon
the growing corn, storing up strength for future prowess. But alas! a
disturbing element soon entered upon this scene of peace and
contentment. For the keeper of the pasture returning unto the field, and
beholding a strange horse destroying and devouring his corn, became
filled with rage, so that running unto the spot where the weary warrior
was couched, he flung at him reproaches and evil words, at the same time
beating the soles of his feet with a stick. Then, having roused him, he
said:
“Son of Satan! Why allowest thou thy demon steed to rifle our
corn-fields? Verily, if thou wouldst keep thy soul in thy hulking body,
up and away, both thee and thy beast, else it will be the worse for
thee!”
Now for just one second, after being thus rudely awakened, Rustem gazed
quietly at the keeper. Then, without uttering a single syllable, good or
bad, he sprang up, seized him by the ears, and wrenched them from his
head. And lo! the mutilated wretch, surprised and dismayed at this
treatment, gathered up the severed members and fled howling unto his
master, Aulad, who was the ruler of all this fertile country. Bursting
into his presence, therefore, his ears in his hand, the keeper bawled:
“Master, Master! Behold, out in the fields there is a great black demon
and his steed, a veritable son of Satan, clad in a tiger-skin cuirass,
and an iron helmet! And alas! alas! not recognizing him as a demon, thy
faithful servant attempted gently to remonstrate with him because that
his horse was trampling and devouring the corn, when, wouldst thou
believe it? without a word, suddenly he leaped upon me, tore my ears
from my head, and then calmly lay down to sleep again. And lo! here are
my ears in my hands.”
Now as it happened, when the keeper burst upon Aulad with his shocking
tale, the great warrior was about to go hunting with his chiefs; but
being informed of this most surprising deed of violence, he became so
filled with wrath that at once he called together his fighting men, and
hastened unto the place indicated by the keeper, swearing vengeance upon
the perpetrator of the evil deed, be he man or demon.
But Rustem was prepared for the invaders, since, seeing the approach of
Aulad and his warriors, he had donned his armor, mounted upon Rakush,
and now rode boldly forward, his soul filled with joy at the thought of
battle, even though it was to be one against a hundred. And, indeed, so
gigantic and fearsome looked he, with the spirit of the fight upon him,
that Aulad himself questioned, as he drew near, whether his antagonist
was man or demon. Nevertheless, he shouted unto him angrily:
“Son of Perdition, what is thy name? And why comest thou here to disturb
our peace? Verily, thou shalt pay dearly for lopping off my keeper’s
ears, and thy demon steed also for trampling my crops.”
Then Rustem, heeding not the puny threats of Aulad, thundered forth
disdainfully, his words striking like cannon-balls:
“Thou Worm! Verily, if thou shouldst hear my name, it would freeze the
blood in thy veins, causing thy heart to stand still with terror. And
though thou art come out against me with a host, behold how I shall
scatter them! Yea, they shall fall beneath my sword like unto leaves in
an autumn gale, and the earth shall be watered with their blood.”
And this was no idle threat, for, having thus spoken, Rustem drew his
sword, and fastening his lasso securely to his saddle-bow, dashed at the
foe as a lion into the midst of a herd of oxen, and dreadful was the
havoc! Now, with every blow of his sword he cut off a warrior’s head,
his arm working as by magic, until he had beaten down or scattered the
whole company. And lo! as Aulad saw what was come to pass, he wept and
fled in dismay. But he was not to escape, for Rustem, pursuing him,
threw his lasso about his neck, so that the world became dark unto
Aulad. Then, having bound him, the hero said unto his captive:
“O Pinioned One, listen unto the voice of a wise counsellor who sayeth
unto thee: Verily, if thou wilt faithfully point out unto me the caves
of the White Deev and his warrior chiefs, and wilt guide me to where the
Shah and his men are imprisoned, saying unto me how I can deliver them
from their bondage, then, as I live, thy reward shall be the kingdom of
Mazinderan, for I myself will place thee upon that throne. But beware,
if thou deceivest me, for in that moment thy worthless blood shall dye
the earth.”
Now having listened unto the voice of Rustem, Aulad was glad, and he
said:
“Stay, O Mighty Warrior, and be not wroth, for verily thy desires shall
be fulfilled! Behold, a hundred farsangs from this spot is where Kaikous
groaneth in bondage, but it is yet another hundred farsangs unto the
mountain pass where dwelleth the Great White Deev. Here, between two
dark and lofty mountains, in two hundred caves, immeasurably deep, his
people dwell. But dangerous is the way, for the passes are guarded by
lions and magicians, and a stormy desert lieth full before thee, which
not even the nimble deer hath ever passed. Then a broad stream two
farsangs wide will obstruct thy path, and upon its banks thou wilt
behold a mighty host of demon warriors who ever guard the passage unto
Mazinderan.
“O Mighty One, verily thou art terrible in battle; but for all thy
strong arms and hands, thy keen, life-destroying sword and thy giant
club, I fear me thou wilt find the White Deev a terrible enemy. For lo!
like unto a reed the mountains tremble, if the Terrible One but raiseth
his voice. And moreover, even if by the help of Ormuzd thou shouldst
conquer this mighty chief of all the master magicians, behold, in the
city of Mazinderan thou wilt be pitted against thousands of demon
warriors, and not a coward among them all. War-elephants have they, too,
by the hundreds, and they rage in battle with the fury of the crocodile,
while every demon chief fighteth in his saddle like sharp-fanged
dragons.
“And now, I ask thee, O valorous chief, canst thou, alone and unaided,
yet hope to overcome these fearful sons of Satan and all the obstacles
that block the way?”
Now hearing all this, Rustem answered simply unto Aulad, and he said:
“O Timorous One, show me but the way and thou shalt see what a single
man, who putteth his trust in God, can do, even though pitted against
the powers of darkness.”
So Rustem mounted once more upon Rakush and rode forward upon his sixth
adventure; and Aulad, having been loosened from his bonds, ran in front
of him to show the way. Now for a whole day and a night they sped like
the wind, neither did they halt until they were come near unto the spot
where Kaikous had fallen into the power of the evil Deevs. And here,
about midnight, suddenly they heard a great beating of drums and saw
many fires blaze up. Then Rustem said unto Aulad:
“I pray thee, good Aulad, what meaneth this piercing clamor, and the
watch-fires blazing up to right and left of us?”
Then the guide, starting up, replied unto Rustem:
“O Mighty One, behold, yonder is Mazinderan! And verily it seemeth unto
me that Arzang, the most powerful chief of the Great White Deev, must
have arrived to-night, else why these sounds of greeting!”
Being satisfied, therefore, as to the cause of the disturbance, Rustem
lay calmly down once more and slept soundly until dawn. Then having
bound his guide unto a tree to keep him safe, the hero donned his
helmet, and also the magic tiger-skin to defend his broad chest, and
with his grandfather’s club hanging safe at his saddle-bow, he rode
boldly forward unto the city of Deevs. And behold! when he was come near
unto the camp of Arzang, he uttered a cry that rent the mountains—that
terrible battle-cry which from this time forth was to strike terror to
the heart of many a valiant foe!
Now upon hearing this mighty cry of a human voice, surprised, the great
Arzang issued hastily from his tent, ready and anxious to attack this
bold invader of his camp. But Rustem, setting spurs unto Rakush,
galloped forward like the wind, seized the mighty chief, and dangling
him in his grasp like a puny worm, behold, in the twinkling of an eye he
had wrenched off the ugly black head and cast it, all gory, far into the
ranks of the shuddering Deevs, who, beholding the fate of their chief,
and dismayed at the sight of Rustem’s mighty club, now fled in the
wildest confusion, fathers trampling their sons in their eagerness to
escape. But as by a hungry lion they were pursued, hundreds of them
being put to the sword. And lo! the fear of Rustem was great in the
land.
But the hero of this mighty adventure, having ceased from pursuing the
scattered Deevs, paused not. Quickly returning unto his guide,
therefore, he commanded that he now lead the way unto the prison-house
where Kaikous and his companions pined in bondage. So Aulad led on as
before, and behold! when they were come unto Mazinderan, Rakush neighed,
and neighed so joyously that the sound of it pierced even unto the ears
of the captive monarch who, hearing it, exclaimed rapturously unto his
companions:
“Dance! Dance for joy, O my comrades! for surely our evil days are
ended. Listen! Hear ye not the voice of Rakush? Yea, it is the voice of
Rakush, for so neighed he in the days of old when he and his master
first tasted the joys of battle in the war against Afrasiab.”
Alas! the Persians, when they heard the words of the King, shook their
heads sorrowfully, thinking that grief had distraught his wits, for they
heard not the neighing of Rakush, neither could the monarch convince
them. Imagine their delight, therefore, when Rustem presently appeared!
Verily, so wild with joy were these poor blind warriors at the prospect
of release, that Rustem himself shed tears of gladness, giving thanks
anew unto Ormuzd for protecting and guiding him hither. Then having
related unto them the story of his wonderful progress and adventures,
the King, embracing him, said:
“O Beloved of Ormuzd! Truly there is none like unto thee for prowess;
nay, not even the great Saum, thy glorious grandsire, ever equalled
thee! But enough of sweet words! for, if we are to be delivered from our
bondage, not a moment must be wasted.
“Behold, it is borne in upon me, O my Pehliva, that when the Great White
Deev shall hear of the fall of Arzang, his favorite chief, he will
surely come forth from out his mountain fastness, bringing with him such
a multitude of evil ones that not even thy great might will enable thee
to stand before them. Go, therefore, at once unto the Seven Mountains
and conquer the hideous monster before he heareth of thy coming.
“And alas! I must send thee forth alone upon this dangerous adventure,
for we cannot help thee—being all of us blind; yet is this new
enterprise far more difficult than any thou hast had to encounter, and
the odds are tremendous against thee. For the way lieth over the Seven
Mountains, all of them guarded by troops of Genii, and if thou art
successful in passing over them, then thou wilt see before thee a deep,
dark cavern, more terrible, I have heard, than the pit of eternal
darkness. Now the entrance is guarded by horrible monsters, and in its
depths dwelleth the Great White Deev who is both the terror and the hope
of his army. And alas! our hope is he, too. For a Mubid hath revealed
unto me that the only remedy for our blindness is to drop into our eyes
three drops of the White Deev’s blood.
“Go forth, therefore, O Hero of Might, slay the Deev, and bring back
unto us the blood of his heart. Then shall the tree of gladness blossom
once more in Iran, and the name of Rustem be blazoned among the stars.”
Now thus exhorted, once more the son of Zal vaulted into the saddle,
Rakush carrying him like the wind, while Aulad showed unto him the way.
So they sped, and when they were come unto the Seven Mountains, having
passed through difficulties many and sore, behold, not only the summits,
but all the caverns, were crowded with myriads of companies of Deevs,
fierce, black, and horrible beyond belief, seeing which, Rustem said
unto Aulad:
“Behold, the time of conflict hath come! Say unto me, therefore, how I
may vanquish this innumerable host of evil ones.”
Then Aulad, shaking his head doubtfully, replied unto Rustem:
“O Mighty One! Verily thou hast one hope, and but one. I counsel thee,
therefore, that thou tarry here until the sun be high in the heavens,
for at noonday, when it beateth fierce upon the earth, the Deevs are
wont to slumber. Then when they are drunk with sleep, fall suddenly upon
them, for thus victory may be thine, if so the stars decree.”
So Rustem, taking Aulad’s advice, halted by the roadside until the sun
was at its highest. Then binding his guide securely, he drew forth his
sword, and uttering his thunderous battle-cry, he rushed upon the hordes
of evil Deevs, slaying first the few waking sentinels, and then rapidly
destroying the slumbering fiends. Nor was there noise or confusion, for
as each black one awoke, so suddenly he received his death blow that he
had no time to give the alarm; and so swift and terrible was Rustem in
his work of slaughter that few escaped his fury. And harmless were those
who did, for at once they fled screaming into the deepest caves of the
mountain, leaving the champion victorious. Then Rustem, having thus
dispersed the guards, advanced fearlessly unto the lair of the Great
White Deev.
But alas! alas! Never in all his imaginings had the hero dreamed of a
place so gloomy, and foul, and awesome. And as he stood at the mouth of
the cave, looking down, down into the black recesses, dismal as the pit
of eternal darkness, for a time he doubted as to what he should do. But
as he was void of fear, presently he decided to go forward.
Now the air of the cavern was murky and heavy with evil odors, and as
Rustem advanced he could not see his path. But, though he knew that
danger lurked on every side, and that at any moment he might have to
encounter the evil genius of the place, as well as the powers of magic,
his heart quaked not. Nay; not even when at last there loomed up before
him from out the darkness a monstrous shape which filled the whole
breadth of the huge cavern, did he tremble or draw back. Yet well he
knew by the thunderous snoring that this was no huge, snow-capped
mountain, but the Great White Deev taking his noonday nap.
Bold as a lion, therefore, Rustem advanced, shouting his piercing
battle-cry, for he scorned to take advantage of his adversary while he
slept. But verily he knew not what he did, for upon being thus suddenly
aroused from slumber, the wrath of the Great White Deev was terrible.
Uttering a hideous shriek that made the blood run cold, quickly he
caught up from the ground in his mammoth hand a stone as big as a small
mountain, and pausing not, with flaming eyes and foaming lips he
advanced, hurling it with all the force of his powerful arm straight at
the head of Rustem. But in vain; for quick as light it was dodged by the
hero. Nevertheless, now for the first time Rustem felt a thrill of fear,
so malignantly awful appeared the Deev.
Nevertheless, summoning all his strength for a mighty effort, in return
for the stone the son of Zal dealt the oncoming monster such a powerful
stroke with his sword as to cut off one of his feet. Now this so
infuriated the Deev that, mad with pain, he sprang at Rustem like a wild
elephant, and they grappled in a struggle the shock of which caused the
very mountains to tremble. And though having but one foot, the monster
wrestled hot and sore, tearing from Rustem’s body great morsels of
flesh, so that all the earth was crimsoned with his blood. Indeed, so
terrible was the struggle that the hero said within himself:
“Verily, if I escape to-day, I shall live forever!”
Howbeit, in spite of his doubts, Rustem defended himself mightily,
inflicting such terrible injuries upon his antagonist that his mad fury
became as that of the raging crocodile; while the mutual havoc wrought
caused rivers of sweat and blood to run down from the bodies of both
combatants. So cool-headed was Rustem, however, and so telling every
blow, that the Great White Deev said unto himself:
“Alas! Alas! Even if I succeed in delivering myself from out the claws
of this sharp-toothed dragon, verily, I greatly fear that never again
shall I see Mazinderan!”
[Illustration: Mad with pain, he sprang at Rustem like a wild elephant.]
Now this thought nerved anew the arm of the mighty Deev, imparting unto
him such furious strength and courage that Rustem could not stand before
it. Then feared he that his hour was come, but lifting up his heart unto
Ormuzd, and putting forth all his strength, suddenly he caught the huge,
gasping Deev in his arms, and by a supreme effort hurled him over the
face of the cliff into the yawning chasm below. Yea, and so fearful was
the force of the fall that straightway his soul was driven from out his
body, the lifeblood oozing from his crushed and mangled form, which had
made of the valley a plain. Stooping down, therefore, Rustem severed the
ugly head, fastening it unto his saddle-bow. Then he also tore out the
pulseless heart which was destined to restore sight unto the King and
his helpless warriors, and this being done, quickly he returned unto
Mazinderan.
So,
“The champion brought the Demon’s heart
And squeezed the blood from every part,
Which dropped upon the injured sight,
Made all things visible and bright;
One moment broke that magic gloom,
Which seemed more dreadful than the tomb.”
Now thus was the foolish Kaikous saved from perpetual blindness, and as
he beheld once more the glories of the world, so great was his joy, as
well as that of his warriors, that verily they shouted and danced like
children, being unable to contain themselves for happiness. Yea, seven
days the Shah and his warriors feasted together in thanksgiving, and
continually they exalted Rustem, mighty slayer of the Great White Deev.
But the days of feasting having passed, behold, there came unto the tent
of Rustem, Aulad the guide, and he said:
“O Champion of the World! Verily, I behold upon thy brow the crown of
victory; but my body, alas, beareth the marks of thy bonds. Respect,
therefore, I pray thee, the promise of reward made unto me. For a hero
should ever be bound by his word.”
Then Rustem, smiling, replied unto the suppliant:
“A faithful guide hast thou proven thyself, O Aulad, well worthy of
reward; and verily thou shalt have it. But first, this country must be
thoroughly purged of the magicians that encumber it, else uneasy will be
thy seat upon the throne of Mazinderan, where surely one day I will
place thee. Wherefore, be of good cheer!”
So now it came to pass that Kaikous, after consulting with Rustem,
dictated unto the King of Mazinderan, the last of the great magicians, a
letter. And he made not many words, but said:
“O King of Mazinderan! Where is now the great chief Arzang? Where the
Great White Deev? Enviest thou them their fate? If not, then it
behooveth thee, O King, to appear right speedily before the Great Shah
Kaikous, to pay homage and tribute unto him, else shalt thy life be even
as theirs.”
Now the King, when he received this communication, was both angry and
troubled, for he feared that the sun of his glory was about to set.
Nevertheless, he concealed his distress from the messenger, showing unto
him his vast resources, and sending by him an arrogant answer unto the
Shah. And he said:
“O vain Monarch, famed for thy folly, thinkest thou that I am one unto
whom the foolish can say, ‘Come down from off thy throne, and do homage
unto me’? Verily, my hundred war-elephants say unto thee, nay! Prepare,
therefore, for battle, for surely I will bring such destruction upon
Iran as shall cause to pale the havoc wrought by Rustem and thy warriors
at Mazinderan.”
Thus in his pride wrote the King of the magicians unto Kaikous who,
losing no whit of the insolence of the message, became very angry
indeed. As for Rustem, when it was told unto him he was so indignant
that every hair upon his head started up like a spear, and he said:
“O Lord of the World, if it please thee, graciously permit thy Pehliva
to go forth with yet another writing which shall be as keen as a sword
and as threatening as the giant club of Saum the Mighty. Perchance the
King may then give ear unto reason.”
So once more the Shah wrote:
“O King of Mazinderan! Verily, I say unto thee that if within three days
thou changest not thy robe of arrogance for one of humility, then truly
it shall be changed for thee into a shroud. Yea, and the ghost of the
Great White Deev shall call the vultures to feast upon thy severed head,
hung from the walls of thine own Mazinderan.”
Alas! when the King of the magicians learned that Kaikous was sending
unto him yet another messenger, he bade the flower of his army go forth
to meet him. Then Rustem, when he beheld them draw nigh, laid hold of a
huge tree with great spreading branches that grew by the wayside, and
twisting it mightily, tore it from the earth, roots and all, brandishing
it in his hands like a javelin. Now all who witnessed this amazing feat
of strength were filled with wonder, and Rustem, beholding their awe,
laughing, flung the tree among them, saying:
“Greetings from the great Shah of Iran!”
Then forth from the great host of the King there stepped one of the
giants of Mazinderan, and he begged to grasp the hand of the mighty one
in congratulation. So Rustem extended his hand, and the giant pressed it
mightily, hoping thus to wring off the valorous member. But so feeble
was his grasp that the champion could but smile, for well he knew his
purpose. When, however, it came his turn, he caught the giant’s hand in
his with a grip so mighty that all the bones and sinews cracked, and in
agony he fell fainting from his horse.
Now beholding the fate of the giant, quickly one of the nobles hastened
unto the King to report what had befallen his champion. Then, mortified
and angry, at once the monarch summoned into his presence his most
valiant and renowned chieftain, Kalour by name, and directed him to
punish, signally, the warrior who had thus presumed to triumph over his
heroes. And he said:
“Go, O Mighty One, and show unto this insolent Persian thy prowess.
Cover his face with shame, and return not unto me until thou hast
retrieved the honor of the magicians.”
Then Kalour, who was the strongest Deev of his tribe, said proudly unto
the King:
“Lord of the World, I go. And verily I will force the tears of pain from
out the eyes of this upstart!”
So Kalour rode quickly forth, and when he was come unto Rustem, he
stretched unto him his mighty hand, wringing that of the hero with the
strength of a dragon. Now the hand turned blue in the cruel grasp, but
Rustem neither flinched nor gave sign of pain. But when, presently, he
wrung the hand of Kalour, behold, blood issued from the veins, and the
nails fell off, dropping unto the ground like withered autumn leaves.
Alas for Kalour! Bowed with shame, and his sight clouded by bitter
tears, slowly he turned and rode back unto the King, showing unto him
his hand. And he said:
“O Glorious King, truly the path of humiliation is not pleasant to
tread! Nevertheless, it seemeth unto me wiser to make peace than to
attempt to fight with this elephant-of-war whose strength is such that
neither man nor Deev can stand against him. Pay the tribute, therefore,
and accept their terms; otherwise, this sharp-toothed dragon will
utterly destroy our land and people.”
Now the King was loath to sue for peace. Nevertheless, when the
Elephant-bodied arrived at the gates the monarch received him
graciously. But alas! having read the letter of Kaikous, his face became
black with anger, and verily his voice was like rattling thunder as he
said unto Rustem:
“Mad! Stark mad! is this prating monarch; else never would he dare
address such words unto me. But verily he forgetteth that if he is
master of Iran, I am lord of Mazinderan, and never will I submit unto so
petty a monarch, whose only weapon seemeth to be haughty words. Go,
therefore, and say unto thy master that the King of Mazinderan scorneth
to accept peace at the hands of a monarch whose only crown should be the
cap and bells of a trick elephant. Verily, war shall it be between us
now—war to the finish!”
So Rustem returned with this dire message unto Kaikous, and soon both
monarchs were preparing for battle, the King of Mazinderan gathering
about him an army of horsemen and foot-soldiers and war-elephants which
caused the earth to groan as they marched forth unto the meeting-place.
And behold! when the two armies were drawn up in battle array,
immediately there stepped forth from out the ranks of the magicians a
champion who challenged the men of Iran to single combat. Huge, black,
and ugly, he advanced arrogantly, brandishing a great club in his hands,
and he cried in a voice of thunder:
“Ho, dogs of Iran! Pray, slink not so together, but come forth and show
whether there be any prowess among you!”
Now at first, this insolent challenge remained unanswered; for the
Persians, being unaccustomed to fighting with Deevs, feared the giant
magician’s power of sorcery. Then Rustem, seeing this, gave unto Rakush
the rein, and galloping up to the King, he said:
“O Lord of the World, graciously permit me to meet this arrogant
magician that I may show unto thy army how little availeth the power of
sorcery when brought to bear against the strong arm and the stout heart
of a true child of Ormuzd.”
So, being given permission, Rustem rode boldly forth, and meeting the
champion in full sight of both armies, he thundered forth:
“O Son of Satan! Behold, thy tomb yawneth at thy feet! For thy folly
maketh it necessary that I quickly blot thy name from out the book of
the living.”
But the champion, brandishing his mighty club, replied fearlessly:
“Vain Boaster, flee, for behold, my club maketh mothers childless!”
Howbeit, Rustem fled not. Instead, he advanced quickly, shouting in a
voice which rivalled that of the Great White Deev:
“Tremble, thou Son of Perdition! For behold, thou hast now to do with
Rustem the Mighty!”
Now when the magician heard this dread name, at once he turned to flee,
for he had no desire to fight the champion of the world. But his
cowardice availed him naught, for Rustem, raising his lance, pierced him
through and through his coat of mail, lifting him thus from his saddle.
Then holding him poised in the air for a moment, even as a bird which a
man hath run through with a spit, suddenly he dashed him with contempt
lifeless to the ground. And, this being done, slowly he turned, and rode
quietly back unto the army, leaving the Deevs thunderstruck at the sight
of so much strength and prowess.
But now Kaikous gave the signal, and there began a battle the like of
which hath seldom been fought. For seven long days it lasted, and what
with the screams of the Deevs and the shouts of the warriors, the
clanging of trumpets and the beating of drums, the groans of the dying
and the screams of the elephants-of-war, earth was turned into a
pandemonium as hideous as war could make it. But still victory leaned
unto neither side.
Then Kaikous, fearing defeat, on the eighth day clothed himself in the
robes of humility and prostrated himself before Ormuzd, beseeching that
the kingdom of light might triumph over the kingdom of darkness. And not
in vain; for behold! when evening was come, the army of Mazinderan was a
power no longer to be dreaded. For lo! Death had waved his magic sceptre
over the field, and thousands of Deevs lay, as if enchanted, taking
their last long sleep.
And now at last Rustem, who all day had been trying to pierce unto the
King of Mazinderan, spied the monarch, surrounded by his few remaining
chiefs and a great host of war-elephants. Immediately, therefore, he
challenged him to single combat. So the King consenting, with a cry like
a lion’s roar, Rustem charged him with his spear, dealing him such a
mighty blow that at once he fell heavily to the ground. Quick as light,
however, he regained his feet, and fiercely they fought together, both
with sword and javelin. But presently once more Rustem gained the
advantage. Then raising his lance to strike, he cried:
“Perish, Thou Wicked Magician! for little will thy sorcery help thee
now.”
Then it came to pass that Rustem dealt a stroke of tremendous power
which would certainly have slain the King; but behold, in the twinkling
of an eye, he had changed himself, before the eyes of the whole Persian
army, into a great mass of rock! And now was it Rustem’s turn to marvel,
for never in all his battles with the Deevs had he witnessed the like.
But at this moment Kaikous came up, and beholding Rustem, he said:
“O Glory of the Battle-field, why standest thou thus spellbound, gazing
at this rock?”
Then Rustem, awakening from his astonishment, replied unto the King:
“What! Sawest thou not, O Lord of Iran, the feat of magic but now
performed before our eyes? Alas! this mighty rock is the King of
Mazinderan who, fearing the sword of Rustem, hath thus put himself out
of our power. But verily he shall not so escape me.”
Now in this predicament Kaikous thought a moment; then he commanded that
the rock be taken up and placed before his throne. So the mighty
warriors of the King who were most noted for their strength meshed the
mass of rock with strong cords, being unable to raise it from the
ground, and tried to draw it forward. But even so, not all the combined
strength of the heroes could move it a jot. Then Rustem, the
elephant-limbed, determined that his prey should not escape him, bent
his sturdy back, and grasping the rock in his mighty arms, swung it
lightly unto his head, where, poising it easily, without difficulty, he
bore it across the plain. There, throwing it down before the King’s
tent, he cried:
“O cowardly Magician! Verily, if thou comest not immediately forth, with
my mace will I grind this stone into powder, and scatter in unto the
four winds!”
Then the King of Mazinderan, seeing that his trick was useless, quickly
made himself visible, frowning as black as a thunder cloud. But Rustem,
smiling, led his captive at once unto the Shah, saying unto him:
“O Lord of Iran! Behold, I bring unto thee this piece of rock whom fear
of my mace hath brought unto reason.”
Now the King wasted not many words with the magician, for when he saw
how wicked of aspect he was, with the neck and tusks of a wild boar, he
knew him to be unworthy a throne. Therefore, calling unto him the
executioner, he bade him slay the evil Deev, cutting his body into a
thousand pieces.
And behold, the magicians being destroyed, Kaikous, after making haste
to secure their wealth, which was very great, distributed honors and
rewards upon every warrior for his heroic services, giving unto Aulad
the throne of Mazinderan. But unto Rustem the Shah gave gifts the like
of which you have never dreamed. Now there was gold and jewels, brocades
and silks, horses and camels, youths and maidens, perfumes beyond price,
and carvings of ivory. And last of all, there was a letter, written upon
pages of silk, in ink made of wine and aloes and amber and the black of
lamps, naming Rustem the Champion of the World, and giving unto him anew
the kingdom of the south.
But the praise and gifts of the Shah were as nothing unto Rustem in
comparison with the welcome home which he received. Now the whole city
turned out to meet him, and when he arrived at the palace such an
ovation was given him as seldom awaiteth a returning hero. And sweeter
than all unto Rustem, was the wonderful love and pride which beamed upon
him from the eyes of Silver-crowned Zal as he related unto him the
amazing adventures of that marvellous march into Mazinderan.