RUSTEM THE PEHLIVA

Behold, it is chronicled in the Book of the Shahs, that Kaikous and his

folly parted them not company, even after his chastening experience at

Mazinderan. Consequently, almost immediately after having wrought his

seven great labors, once more Rustem was called upon to perform the

services of a Pehliva. And of this you shall hear.

Now it came to pass that Kaikous, appropriating unto himself the glory

which resulted from the marvellous conquest of Mazinderan, became so

inflated with pride that the day came when he found his capital too

small for him. Therefore, he decided to bless the eyes of his people by

a triumphal journey through his dominions. So with a magnificent train

of warriors, nobles, and slaves, and with the music of trumpets and

cymbals and drums, he travelled through the land. And behold! wherever

the great Shah passed, men did homage unto him. For, verily, the lamb

cannot wage battle with the lion.

But since in the Book of Fate it is written that not even unto a

gorgeous Eastern potentate, with the world for his footstool, can life

remain forever one long, bright fête day, so soon there sprang forth

thorns in the Shah’s fair garden of roses. For lo! the King of

Hamaveran, desiring to throw off the yoke of Persia, took this

opportunity to stir up a powerful revolt in Syria, which suddenly

brought unto an end the vainglorious parade of the Shah.

Returning unto his capital, therefore, Kaikous quickly mustered his

army, leading them forth against the rebels, who, after an obstinate

resistance, were overpowered and obliged to ask for quarter. Now

foremost in laying down his arms, and asking pardon of the Shah, was the

King of Hamaveran, unto whom Kaikous granted it joyously. For behold! it

had become known unto him that behind his curtains this King had hidden

a daughter of rare loveliness. As a condition of peace, therefore, the

Shah demanded this Moon of Beauty for his wife.

Alas! when the King of Hamaveran learned of the desire of the Shah, his

heart was filled with bitterness, and he murmured exceedingly that

Kaikous, who had the world at his feet, should have the power to take

from him his one treasure. Nevertheless, he called before him Sudaveh,

his fair daughter, and unburdening his heart, bade her counsel him how

he should reply unto the Lord of the World, who desired her for his

wife. And he said:

“Fair Pomegranate Flower, well thou knowest that thou art my heart’s

solace and delight, since I have but thee. In the garden of the Shah,

however, bloom many fair flowers. There thou wilt be but one, while here

thou hast no rival. Now losing thee, I lose the light of my eyes. Yet

how can I stand against the great King of Kings?”

Now unto this touching appeal, Sudaveh, who was ambitious, and unto whom

the thought of becoming the queen of the most powerful sovereign in the

world was not at all unpleasant, replied coldly:

“If there be no remedy, O my father, why not smile in the face of

destiny?”

But alas! though the King assented to what he now saw were the wishes of

his daughter, he could not smile, for his heart was smitten with sorrow.

Nevertheless, an alliance was soon concluded according to the forms of

the land, and after seven days of feasting, Sudaveh was sent unto the

tents of the Shah, robed in garbs of splendor, and accompanied by a

magnificent train. Now the Princess was borne upon a litter, and was

attended by six hundred slaves, while as to her dowry—it required two

thousand horses and camels to carry it.

So went Sudaveh unto the King, and as she descended from her litter,

glowing with beauty, Kaikous, beholding her, was struck dumb with

admiration and rapture. And so impatient was he to possess this rare

loveliness, that the marriage rites were performed at once, after which

he raised Sudaveh unto the throne as his Queen. Then were they glad in

each other, and wist not that sorrow knocked at the door.

But though this royal bridal pair were happy, the King of Hamaveran,

brooding day by day over his wrongs in his lonely palace, became more

and more miserable, until finally he determined to try to regain his

daughter unto himself, since thus only would there be for him any joy in

living. And since he knew that only by stratagem could he hope to

accomplish his design, behold, when Sudaveh had been gone but seven

days, the King sent forth an invitation unto his new son-in-law,

entreating him to make glad the heart of his father by feasting within

his gates.

Now when Sudaveh was informed of this message, at once she urged her

royal bridegroom to decline the invitation, for she divined that her

father meant no good by the proposal. But Kaikous, who on account of his

easy victory had formed a poor opinion of the courage of the Syrians,

would not give ear unto the warnings and counsels of Sudaveh, for his

soul loved feasting and homage, and he did not dream that the King would

dare, anew, to attack the Persians.

Wherefore, the King and his nobles rode gaily forth unto the court of

Hamaveran, where they were received most graciously. And verily the

heart of Kaikous was glad, for the banquet was a royal one, and behold,

they feasted and made merry without ceasing for many days. And not only

did they banquet, but in his desire to do honor unto his guest, the King

caused priceless gifts to be rained down continuously upon Kaikous,

flattering him with sweet words, and cozening his vanity. Nor was his

generosity less great unto the nobles, for unto them also he gave gifts,

praising their courage and darkening their wits with sweet wine.

But when at last the wily King saw that all suspicion and distrust had

been lulled to sleep by the bounteousness of his hospitality, then, like

a flash of light out of a clear sky, came the reckoning. For suddenly,

as Kaikous reached forth his hands to grasp yet richer gifts, in the

twinkling of an eye, he and his chief warriors were seized from behind,

bound with strong chains, and thrown into the dark dungeon of a

fortress, whose head touched the sky and whose foot was planted in the

ocean, there to repent at leisure this second disastrous plunge into

folly.

And now was the King of Hamaveran glad as, having seen his captives

safely hidden away in the fortress, he at once sent forth a strong force

of warriors unto the camp of Kaikous, charging them, with the speed of

the swift dromedary, to return his heart’s delight unto his arms. But

alas for the King’s hopes! For beholding the approach of the warriors,

and the veiled women who accompanied them, at once Sudaveh surmised what

had happened, and so great was her distress that she tore her hair in

anguish, crying aloud against the treachery of her father. Yea, and not

only that, for when she was led into his presence, she reproached him

bitterly, swearing that not even he should part her from her lord,

though the path to him led but unto a tomb.

Now as the King listened unto the scathing words of his daughter, he

shed bitter tears of disappointment and anger. Then, furious that she

should prefer the glory of the Shah to the love of a father who lived

but to serve her, angrily he drove her from his presence, commanding

that she be placed in the same prison as her foolish lord. But this

distressed not Sudaveh, who went to the dungeon with a light heart, for

she loved her husband, and seated by his side, she served and comforted

him, thus lightening the weight of his captivity.

But alas for Iran! For once more the King’s folly left an empty throne,

which immediately attracted the avaricious eyes of her foes. And of

these, not only was there the angry King of Hamaveran, but also Afrasiab

who, hearing that Kaikous was once more paying the penalty of his

follies by being enchained in a Syrian dungeon, straightway forgot

hunger and sleep in his fierce desire to be first upon the ground.

Bursting over the borders, therefore, with an immense Tartar horde at

his back, he defeated the Syrians, and took possession of the land, men,

women, and children falling into bondage at his hands. Then Iran, the

kingdom of light, became under his sway, the kingdom of darkness, and

terror and distress reigned throughout the land.

And now as ever, in their troubles, did the Persians appeal for counsel

and aid unto the great house at Seistan; and not in vain. For, though

Rustem was angered at the Shah whose folly had thus once again

endangered the throne, yet was he also grieved for the vanished glory of

Iran and for the distress of the people. So, for his country’s sake, and

because of the oath which his grandsire, Saum the hero, sware unto

Feridoun, that he and his house would support and uphold the glory of

the Shahs forever, he put aside his anger, and forthwith sent a secret

messenger, a man subtle and wise, unto Kaikous, bidding him be of good

cheer, since his Pehliva would surely deliver him from out the claws of

the Syrian lion.

But in addition to this, Rustem sent forth yet another messenger unto

the King of Hamaveran, summoning him to yield up the royal prisoner he

had won by treachery, or prepare for the destruction that awaited him

when Rustem the Mighty should appear at the head of an invincible host,

to wreak vengeance upon his head. Now this threat troubled the King of

Hamaveran, for he knew somewhat of Rustem’s power. Nevertheless, he sent

back reply that never again should Kaikous step forth from his dungeon.

Yea, and he threatened Rustem with the same fate, if he came forth

against him, which answer caused Rustem to smile and say:

“Verily, either this King is in his dotage, or else the Evil One hath

filled his head with smoke. On, my men! On to Hamaveran!”

So the army of Seistan set forth, and behold, so mighty of mien was

Rustem, with his strong arms and his lion’s chest, his great mace and

his redoubtable charger, that when the army of Hamaveran caught sight of

him, lo, their hearts quickly departed from out their bodies, and they

fled from before his face in terror, returning unto the King without

having struck a blow.

Then was the King filled with dismay, and in his terror of defeat, at

once he sent swift runners unto his neighbors, the Kings of Egypt and

Berber, soliciting their aid—which being gladly given, it came to pass

that three kings and their immense armies were drawn up against the

power and resources of one man. Indeed so great was the combined forces

that they stretched for two leagues in length, and you would have said

that the handful of Rustem had no chance against them.

But the hero was not dismayed. On the contrary, his soul was full of

courage, the great numbers dismaying him not, for he said:

“What mattereth it even though there be a hundred thousand men pitted

against us? With Heaven our friend, soon will the foe be mingled with

the dust.”

Now having thus inspired his men, Rustem caused the trumpets to sound,

and with a great shout he fell upon the armies of the Kings, like unto a

flame that darteth hungrily, driven by a fierce wind. And verily so

great was the havoc wrought by Rakush and his master that the ground

quickly became a crimson stream, while everywhere rolled horrid heads,

severed from the bodies of the enemy.

But of all the chiefs, the King of Hamaveran was the first to fall back

with his legions before the sword of Rustem. Quickly, however, the King

of Berber advanced to fill his place, for he was ashamed of his

colleague’s cowardice. But alas! receiving a slight blow from Rustem’s

mighty hand, terrified, he turned to flee, hoping thus to escape his

fury. But in vain, for quickly throwing his noose, the champion caught

and dragged him from his horse, making him prisoner. And this being

accomplished, it now became the turn of the King of Egypt to feel the

power of Rustem. Before his charge like that of an angry dragon down

went this last of the Kings, and with him forty of his principal chiefs,

for verily against such battle fury only the lion-hearted could hope to

stand.

So ended this day of ill-fortune for the King of Hamaveran, who

beholding at sunset the overthrow of his allies, and all the horrible

carnage wrought by the champion, knew that as well might the lamb

contend with the lion as he with this sharp-fanged dragon-of-war.

Quickly, therefore, he sent a swift messenger unto the great Pehliva,

soliciting a suspension of the fight, and offering to deliver up

Kaikous, and all the men and treasure that were his, if clemency were

shown him.

Now to this acknowledgment of defeat, Rustem replied:

“Kaikous to liberty restore,

With all his chiefs, I ask no more;

For him alone I conquering came;

Than him no other prize I claim.”

So Kaikous was liberated from his prison, and Sudaveh with him, together

with all the illustrious heroes imprisoned with them in the mountain

fortress. And so great was their joy that continually they sang the

praises of Rustem, the King’s Pehliva, who so quickly had caused light

to shine upon a dark place and hope to spring up where despair had been.

And not alone were the Persians in extolling their hero, for behold! the

three Kings were so impressed with the mighty prowess of Rustem that

gladly they sware a new allegiance unto the Shah, marching with the army

upon its return journey into Iran, in order to go out against Afrasiab.

And the army, thus made strong, behold, when the Shah was come safe home

again unto his land, he sent a message unto Afrasiab, commanding him to

quit the country he had so unjustly invaded. Yea, and he twitted the

King upon his previous adventure with Rustem, saying unto him:

“Hast thou forgotten Rustem’s power,

When thou wert in that perilous hour

By him o’erthrown? Thy girdle broke,

Or thou hadst felt the conqueror’s yoke.

Thy crowding warriors proved thy shield,

They saved and dragged thee from the field;

By them unrescued then, wouldst thou

Have lived to boast thy prowess now?”

Alas! thus reminded of past humiliations, Afrasiab replied scathingly

unto the King, and he said:

“O thou, whose folly hath become a proverb, verily the words which thou

hast written are not becoming unto a monarch such as thou, who didst

covet Mazinderan, and whose lightness of head hath twice endangered thy

life and throne. But truly thou doest well to boast of thy Pehliva,

since without the Elephant-limbed the boasted power of Kaikous would

cause little alarm unto his foes. As for Rustem, Afrasiab feareth him

not, neither that the sceptre of Iran will be wrested from his grasp,

for behold! the great Pehliva hath no time to fight with heroes, being

fully employed in extricating his glorious sovereign, the mighty

Kaikous, from the predicaments into which his folly ever leadeth him.”

Now the Shah’s reply unto this insolent message was an instant call to

war. And, as it had been with the Syrians, so now was it with this new

foe, for the havoc wrought by Rustem in his battle fury caused such

terror and consternation that all the Tartar chiefs fled before him in

dismay—upon seeing which, the spirit of Afrasiab boiled over like unto

new wine. Riding along the lines, therefore, he tried to rally his

chiefs for yet another charge by fair promises, saying unto them:

“O my brave Tartars, whosoever shall deliver into my hands, alive,

Rustem the Pehliva, him will I reward with a kingdom and an umbrella.

Yea, and the hand of my daughter will I also bestow upon him, and he

shall sit upon a throne of splendor!”

So, inspired by these alluring promises, once more the men of Turan

girded themselves for resistance. But alas! it availed them naught, for

soon Rustem watered the earth with their blood. Then Afrasiab, beholding

how the breath of this fierce dragon-of-war snuffed out the life of his

heroes, himself dashed forward to cope with the champion. But even his

bravery was unavailing, and soon he was glad to retreat, the remnant of

his army following forlornly after him, leaving Rustem in full

possession of the field.

Then was the Shah glad, and gave thanks unto his Pehliva, through whose

prowess once more he was safely seated upon the throne of light. And,

turning his back upon folly, for many moons he busied himself as a

builder, erecting mighty towers and palaces, so that the whole land was

made fair at his hands.

But alas! in the midst of his useful activities, one day there appeared

before Kaikous a beautiful youth about whose head was twined a wreath of

roses. And behold! after presenting unto the Lord of the World the fair

flowers, and extolling the glory of his achievements, the youth,

concluding, said:

“O Monarch of the earth and sea,

Thou art great as king can be,

Boundless in thy majesty;

What is all this earth to thee,

All beneath the sky?

Peris, mortals, demons, hear

Thy commanding voice with fear;

Thou art lord of all things here,

But—thou canst not fly!

That remains for thee; to know

Things above, as things below,

How the planets roll;

How the sun his light displays,

How the moon darts forth her rays;

How the nights succeed the days;

What the secret cause betrays,

And who directs the whole!”

Now when Kaikous heard these words of guile, immediately his mind became

filled with smoke, even as Iblis had designed, and forgetting that it is

not given unto man to mount unto the skies, from this time forth he

pondered without ceasing how, without wings, he might ascend unto the

stars to inquire into their secrets. And finally, in his perplexity, he

consulted his astrologers, who, after much thought, suggested a possible

way of accomplishing his desires.

So it came to pass that presently an eagle’s nest was robbed of its

young, the eaglets being reared with great care, until they became large

and strong of wing. Then a framework of aloe-wood was prepared, at each

of the four corners of which was fixed, perpendicularly, a javelin,

surmounted upon the point with the flesh of a goat. And this being done,

the four young eagles, who longed for the sun, were bound unto the

corners of this cunningly-devised chariot, and Kaikous, with great pomp,

seated himself in the midst thereof, a goblet of wine in his hand, while

all the people shouted, “Bah! Bah!” in admiration.

And behold! the eagles, excited by the smell of the flesh so pleasing

unto them, desired after it exceedingly, being hungry, so, with a mighty

flapping of wings, away they flew upward, bearing the aloe-wood chariot

and the graciously-smiling Kaikous up, far up, into the glorious blue,

away from the sight of his wondering subjects. But alas for the eagles!

for though they struggled sore, the meat was always just beyond their

grasp. Nevertheless, being continually urged to new effort by the whip

of hunger, on they swept, ascending higher and higher into the clouds,

and conveying the astonished King far beyond the borders of Iran.

But though the Shah now became filled with terror, he knew not how to

guide his novel steeds, and so, breathless, he sat, all desire for new

worlds to conquer forever quenched in his quaking breast. And finally

the climax came, for, after long and fruitless exertions, the strength

of the eagles being spent, they ceased to struggle. And lo! as they

rested on quiet wing, down from the sky, like a pricked balloon, tumbled

the chariot of the glorious Kaikous, and great was the shock thereof as

it kissed the earth.

And now, indeed, was the plight of the presumptuous Shah a sorry one,

for, battered and bruised, he awoke from unconsciousness to find that

the eagles had borne him unto the desert of Cathay, where there was no

man to succor him and no tender hands to minister unto his needs. So he

suffered hunger and thirst, loneliness and despair; yea, and

mortification of soul, that yet again in his folly he had become a

laughing-stock unto his enemies and a source of shame unto Iran. Then in

his trouble he prayed unto Ormuzd, confessing himself unworthy his

throne and people, and continually for many days he watered the desert

with his tears of penitence.

[Illustration: And finally, in his perplexity, he consulted his

astrologers.]

Meanwhile, when the news of this new calamity in which Kaikous had

wantonly involved himself was made known unto Rustem, at once he set out

with an army to seek him, but he was angry and shamed in his soul. So

when the Shah was brought safely back, indignantly he upbraided him,

sparing neither words nor reproaches. And he said:

“Verily, never hath the world seen the like of Kaikous for foolishness!

One would say, from his actions, that his head was void of all save

wind, and that a mad-house were fitter for his occupancy than a throne.

Now all her days will it be a reproach unto Iran that a King once sat

upon her throne, so puffed up with vanity and pride that in his folly he

mounted into the sky, thinking to visit the sun and moon and stars, thus

wresting from the heavens the secrets of the Almighty. Truly such mad

adventures are unworthy the great King of Kings, whose forefathers ruled

so gloriously and added such lustre unto the crown of Iran!”

And behold! of all the faithful service rendered unto the great Shah by

his loyal Pehliva, these scathing words were far from the least. For,

listening unto them with chastened spirit, the vanity of Kaikous all

evaporated, leaving him humble and ashamed. Yea, so true was his

penitence that when Rustem left him, for forty days and nights did he

lie in the dust before God, shut away from the eyes of men. And when

finally he seated himself once more upon the throne of light, verily he

ruled the land with wisdom, liberality, and justice, for Kaikous and his

folly had parted company.