Behold! it is recorded that upon a certain day, while the great Shah,
Kaikous, was still seated upon the throne of light, Tus, Gew, Gudarz,
and other brave Pehliva of Iran departed from the stately court upon a
hunting excursion. Now it was in all a goodly company, for the warriors
were accompanied by numerous retainers and falconers, and also by
leopards such as are trained to hunt the gazelle and the wild ass of the
desert.
So they went forth, and after a merry day’s hunting, at evening they
came unto a vast wood, reaching many leagues. And behold! as the
huntsmen entered its dark recesses, what was their surprise to discover
there a maiden of marvellous beauty, her hair and neck spangled with
costly jewels. And, strange as it may seem, with the exception of the
horse which nibbled the grass near by, this beautiful maiden was
entirely alone in the green solitude.
Now much the huntsman wondered at this most unusual sight, and Tus, who
first discovered the maiden, advancing courteously, said: “O Maiden
Fair, by the sun, and moon, and all the silvery stars, I swear that——
“Never was seen so sweet a flower,
In garden, vale, or fairy bower;
The moon is on thy lovely face,
Thy cypress-form is full of grace;
But why, with charms so soft and meek,
Dost thou the lonely forest seek?”
Then the Princess—for she was a princess of the house of Feridoun—told
unto the Pehliva how that she had fled from her home to escape the wrath
of her father who was angry with her because she had refused to wed
Poshang, the ugly, bad-tempered old ruler of Turan. And she said: “Alas!
my father is quick——
“But when his angry mood is o’er,
He’ll love his daughter as before;
And send his horsemen far and near,
To take me to my mother dear.
Therefore, I would not further stray,
But here, without a murmur, stay.”
Now the maiden was so beautiful that the impressionable hearts of both
Tus and Gew warmed toward her, each desiring her for his wife. And alas!
so great was their ardor, that almost the two heroes came to blows, in
their hot discussion as to the possession of the Princess. However,
misfortune was finally averted by wise old Gudarz, who persuaded the
rivals to refer the matter unto the King.
So behold! they led the Peri-faced maiden before Kaikous who, when he
gazed upon her blooming cheeks, her smiling lips, and fascinating mien,
smiled, and bit his lip, saying unto Tus and Gew:
“O my Pehliva, I perceive that ye have brought back from the hunt but a
single gazelle—one, however, which, unless I mistake me, belongeth unto
a King’s garden. As Queen of the moon-faced beauties of my palace,
therefore, shall she reign, for I perceive she is worthy to recline upon
cushions of silver broidered with gold.”
Now, this unlooked-for decision of the King was as the essence of
wormwood unto Tus and Gew. However, the Lord of the World sweetened the
bitter cup by presenting unto each brave warrior a diadem, and ten
superb horses. But upon the Princess he showered rubies and pearls, and
in his heart she reigned as Queen of Queens.
[Illustration: At evening they came unto a vast wood, reaching many
leagues.]
And behold! in the course of time there came to take up his abode in the
King’s palace a splendid son, tall and fair and strong of limb. And the
name that was given unto him was Siawush.
Now Kaikous rejoiced greatly in this son of his race, and offered
grateful thanks unto Ormuzd the Blessed. But he was grieved, also,
because of the message of the stars concerning him. For alas! the
astrologers foretold for the infant a career of great vicissitude,
ending in sorrow. Neither would his virtues avail him aught, for these,
above all, would bring destruction upon him.
But Kaikous, who was of a sanguine disposition, soon allowed hope to
delude him into forgetting the inevitable, and so he thought of Siawush
only as a child of promise; while unto his beautiful young mother he was
the very joy of life.
Yea, and also unto another brave heart did Siawush cause joy. For
behold! when the news that a son had been born unto the Shah spread unto
far-away Seistan, Rustem the Mighty, aroused him from his sorrow for
Sohrab, and going up unto the Court, he asked for the babe that he might
rear it for the glory of Iran. And Kaikous suffered it, feeling that a
great honor had been done unto the child. So joyously Rustem bare
Siawush back unto his kingdom.
And fortunately for Iran, as time passed by, so absorbed became the
Great Pehliva in this child of his care, that once more he experienced
the joys of living. For, anxious that justice should be done unto the
surprising virtues of Siawush, Rustem himself taught his charge
horsemanship and archery; the use of arms, and how to hunt with the
falcon and the leopard; how to conduct himself at a banquet, and in
fact, all the manners, duties and accomplishments of Kings, and the
hardy chivalry of the age. His progress, too, in the attainment of every
species of knowledge and science was surprising, for in this his soul
delighted. So, as the years passed by, this King’s Son grew to be a
youth of such noble proportions, possessing a face so radiant with
winsomeness and intelligence that verily you would have said that the
world held not his like.
Now when Siawush had become skilled and strong so that he could easily
ensnare a lion or a tiger, behold, one day he came unto Rustem bearing
high his head. And he said:
“O Glorious Pehliva! single-handed have I this day ensnared and slain a
mighty king of the forest. Is it not time, therefore, that we go up unto
the Shah, my father, that he may perceive what manner of man thou hast
made of me? Now truly I love Seistan, and thee, and thy dear father—the
White-haired Zal. But now I am no longer a child, and it appeareth unto
me that out in the world there must be work for me to do.”
Then Rustem smiled, for the lad’s words pleased him well. And, as his
wishes accorded with his own plans for the Prince, almost at once they
marched with a mighty host unto Iran. Now when they were come unto the
Court, a royal welcome was accorded them, and so pleased was Kaikous
with his son that he rained upon Rustem jewels, and gold, and precious
things past the telling, and all the land rejoiced and gloried in
Siawush, the noble heir unto the throne. Yea, and to celebrate his
return, there was given a banquet such as the world hath not seen the
like, and behold! none were toasted save Siawush alone.
But unto the Prince, his return home brought no joy so great as that of
being reunited with the beautiful young mother whom he not only
resembled but also adored. But alas! his happiness was of short
duration. For, in the midst of the festivities which celebrated his
homecoming, the fair young Queen fell suddenly ill and died.
Alas! no words can describe the sorrow of the noble young Prince for his
mother. For, unto the impressionable lad, who had lived his life thus
far principally as a warrior among men, the gentle presence of this
lovely spirit exercised a wonderful charm. So, quickly had mother and
son become inseparable, and this congenial companionship did much,
though unconsciously, to develop that strength and beauty of character
which was the Queen’s most precious legacy unto her son, and which
causes his name still to be loved and revered by all the Children of
Ormuzd.
But not long was Siawush allowed to indulge his grief, for after the
days of mourning were over, for seven years longer was his education
continued, under the tutorship of the wisest men in the land. Howbeit,
in the eighth year, after that Kaikous had proved his spirit, he gave
unto his son a throne and a crown. So all was well, and men forgot the
evil message of the stars concerning Siawush. But alas! the day of ill
fortune was now not far distant from the noble son of Kaikous.
For behold! Sudaveh, the wife of the Shah, having no son of her own,
became jealous of Siawush, the noble heir to the throne. And, finding
that she could not by wile lure him into the paths of evil and
destruction, lo, she hated him—though she tried to win his liking. But
Siawush would not make friends with Sudaveh because he perceived that
her thoughts were evil, and because enshrined in his heart was the
memory of his own fair mother who had taught him to value honor, and
purity, and truth above all things in the world.
Seeing, therefore, that she could neither win Siawush unto herself, nor
yet make him love the wrong, behold, Sudaveh was very wroth, and
unscrupulously she plotted his ruin. At first she complained unto the
King of Siawush, slandering his fair fame, thus trying to prejudice him
against his son. Then she caused the most evil reports to be circulated
throughout the land damaging to the honor of the Prince. And finally,
when the time was ripe, this wicked woman devised a plot against Siawush
so deep and cunning that it was impossible for the King to decide as to
the guilt or innocence of his son. In his perplexity, therefore, after
consulting his Mubids, Kaikous decided to put Siawush to the ordeal of
fire, in order to test his innocence.
So now it came to pass that the King caused dromedaries to be sent
forth, even unto the borders of the land, to bring cords and cords of
wood from the forests. And behold! when it was brought, there was reared
a mighty heap of logs, so that the eye could perceive it at a distance
of two farsangs, and it was piled so that a narrow path ran through its
midst. And this being accomplished, the Shah next commanded that naphtha
be poured upon the wood and that it be lighted. And alas! so great was
the pyre in width and height that two hundred men were needed to kindle
it, and lo! the flames and smoke overspread all the heavens, so that men
shuddered with fear when they beheld the tongues of fire; and so great
was the heat thereof that it was felt in the far corners of the land.
And presently, the preparations being all completed, Kaikous commanded
Siawush, his son, that he ride into the midst of the burning pyres. So,
attired in his golden helmet and white robe, and mounted upon a
coal-black charger, Siawush advanced unto Kaikous, saluting him. Then
fearlessly he rode forward, commending his soul unto the Almighty. Now
as he entered upon the fiery path, a great cry of sorrow arose from all
the people, for they loved their brave young Prince, and they dreamed
not that any man could come forth alive from such a fiery furnace.
Therefore they murmured against Kaikous, as did all his nobles, for
their hearts were filled with wrath against the King for permitting this
wicked deed. So, for long minutes, naught was heard but the angry murmur
of the people and the fierce cackle of the hungry flames.
But, though all of Iran grieved, one there was of the King’s own
household who exulted in this terrible scene. For, when the wicked
Sudaveh saw from her windows the fierce flames that struggled to mount
unto heaven, she came forth upon the roof of her house. And alas! so
given over unto evil was she, that when she beheld Siawush leap so
bravely into the fiery depths, she danced and clapped her hands, praying
unto the Wicked One, and whispering fierce incantations and charms that
should cause destruction unto the Hero.
But behold! with soul uplifted unto Ormuzd, undaunted, Siawush rode
boldly through the fiery flames, his white robes and ebon steed being
plainly visible unto all. Yea, fearlessly he rode, hasting not at all,
but pressing steadily forward, until he was come unto the end of the
pathway. And having come forth, lo, there was not singed so much as a
hair of his head, neither had the smoke blackened his garments.
Then, realizing that it had been vouchsafed unto him to come through the
test safely, involuntarily Siawush raised his eyes unto the starry sky
in thanksgiving unto Ormuzd the Blessed. And lo! floating above the
great burning pyres, which were now throwing out a tremendous heat, he
beheld two white-robed figures. And lo, one was Serosch, the Angel of
Pity, and the other his fair young mother. Now beholding this vision,
yearningly the young Prince stretched forth his arms, for suddenly the
earth had grown hateful unto him. But even as he gazed, the figures
vanished, and the world seemed chill and cold in spite of the blazing
fire.
The heart of Siawush was soon warmed, however, for when the people
beheld that their noble young Prince was come forth alive, they rent the
air with their shouts of joy. And Kaikous, seeing that the fire had not
touched his son, knew indeed that Siawush was pure of heart. So he
raised him from the ground, placing him beside him upon the throne, and
asking forgiveness for his evil doubts. Then in his joy Kaikous feasted
Siawush for three days. On the fourth day, however, the King mounted
upon the throne of light, commanding that Sudaveh, his much-loved wife,
be brought before him. And behold! when she was come into his presence,
Kaikous reproached her for her evil deeds, bidding her make ready to
depart the world, since death was to be the penalty of her misdeeds.
But Sudaveh, who knew her power over the King, pleaded eloquently for
her life, asserting that Siawush had escaped, not because of his
innocence, but by the power of magic. Nevertheless, the King, hardening
his heart, gave orders that she be led forth unto death; and all the
nobles approved the decision, for they knew that the woman was powerful
for evil. But now Siawush, being chivalrous and generous of heart,
pleaded for Sudaveh’s life, for he knew that her death would be a great
sorrow unto the King. So, the boon being granted, once more this wicked
woman was in a position to work mischief, and this she did right
speedily.
For lo, it is chronicled that about this time Afrasiab again invaded
Persia with a mighty host, thinking to gain possession of the land.
Whereupon, Kaikous, greatly angered because the Tartar had broken his
covenant, quickly made ready his army to oppose him. Then Siawush,
hearing that the King himself expected to lead forth the men of Iran,
having sought audience with his father, asked it as his right that he be
permitted to lead forth the host.
So, permission being granted, Siawush set about preparing himself and
his men for the coming campaign. But, as he was inexperienced in war,
and his foe was wily and powerful, swift messengers were sent unto
Rustem, bidding him go forth to battle with his charge, to guard and aid
him with his experience. And Rustem, whose heart leaped once more at the
thought of battle, answering, said:
“O King of Kings! Verily thy noble son Siawush is unto me the light of
my eyes and the joy of my soul, for it seemeth unto me that in him
Sohrab yet liveth. Therefore will I go forth once more unto battle.”
So the trumpets of war were sounded, and the two Mighty Ones led forth
the host to meet the enemy. And behold! when the two armies encountered
each other upon the field of battle, Siawush fought so bravely that even
Rustem was amazed, for his had seemed to be the gentler and nobler
virtues. Yea, and inspired by their noble young leader, so valiantly did
the men of Iran fight, that after three fiercely-contested battles, the
Persians finally succeeded in shutting up the enemy in Balkh, the
capital of Afrasiab.
Now when the news of this calamity was carried unto the King of the
Tartars, he was seized with the utmost terror, which was increased by a
frightful dream which visited his slumbers. Yea, so terrible was it,
that Gersiwaz, the King’s brother, found the brave Afrasiab lying upon
the floor of his chamber, roaring in agony of spirit, and shouting like
a man bereft of reason. And alas! even when he finally recovered his
wits, still did he continue to tremble with terror and fright, for he
feared that his hour was come. Nor did the Mubids give him comfort, for
they revealed unto the King that Siawush would bring destruction upon
Turan, hearing which, Afrasiab said unto Gersiwaz:
“O my brother! Never shall I recover from the horror of my dream. But
surely if I cease from warring against Siawush, disaster will be
avoided. It behooveth me, therefore, to send unto this powerful young
Prince, silver, and jewels, and rich gifts, that thus we may bind up
with gold the eye of war.”
So the King bade his brother take from the royal treasury, gold and
jewels of price to bear unto the camp of Siawush, together with a
message, saying:
“O Prince of a Noble House! Verily, since the days of Selim and Tus,
when Irij was slain unjustly, hath the world been disturbed by our wars.
Now, once for all, let us forget these things, that peace may reign once
more in the world.”
Behold, upon the receipt of this message, a secret council was held as
to the answer that should be given, for Rustem trusted not the words of
Afrasiab. After long deliberation, therefore, Siawush replied unto the
messenger:
“O Prince of the Land of Turan! Behold, we have pondered thy message
well, and have decided to grant unto Afrasiab his desire. Yet, since it
behooveth us to know that poison be not hidden under the words of thy
brother, we demand: First, one hundred distinguished heroes, allied unto
Afrasiab by blood, that we may guard them as a pledge of the royal
words; and second, the restoration of all the provinces which the
Turanians have taken from Iran.”
Alas! though Afrasiab was loath to send the hostages, yet dared he not
refuse, fearing that in that case the evil foretold would surely fall
upon him. So choosing out from among the army the required number of his
kinsmen, he sent them unto Siawush. And the negotiations being thus
concluded, Rustem hastened to bear the tidings unto Kaikous.
But behold! when the King of Kings learned that a treaty of peace had
been concluded, he was angry, for already had rumor informed him of
Afrasiab’s dream, and of the interpretation put upon it, by the
astrologers. In his wrath, therefore, he declared that Siawush had
behaved like an infant, and he also heaped reproaches upon Rustem, whose
counsels, he said, were those of an old man who had lost his courage.
And finally he commanded Rustem that he return right speedily unto
Balkh, bearing unto Siawush the message that he should destroy the
hostages of Turan utterly; that he should again fall upon Afrasiab; nor
cease from fighting until he had wiped from the earth both the King and
his army.
Now unto these foolish words, Rustem replied:
“O King of Iran! Beware how thou sowest the seeds of evil, lest they
bring forth fruit bitter unto thy taste. For, verily I say unto thee
that Siawush will not break his oath unto Afrasiab; neither will he
destroy the men of Turan delivered into his hands—for so is he not made!
Nay, sooner would he die a thousand deaths of torture than so dishonor
his manhood.”
But alas! This noble tribute unto his son only fanned the fierce flame
of anger that burned in the heart of Kaikous. So he upbraided Rustem yet
more, saying unto him that but for his evil counsel the young Prince
would not have swerved from the path of victory. Yea, and he taunted
Rustem for his loss of vigor, bidding him go back unto Seistan, that
refuge for old men, since Tus the Valiant should go forth as Pehliva in
his stead.
Now at these unjust reproaches, Rustem’s anger burst forth, so that once
more he threw into the teeth of the Shah his deeds of folly, telling him
not to send for him when again he put his hand into the lion’s mouth.
And so saying, he turned his back upon the Court, thinking never to
visit it again.
So thus it came to pass that Tus went forth unto the army in place of
Rustem, and behold! he carried with him strict orders unto Siawush that
the hostages should be bound and sent unto Kaikous for execution. But
Siawush, being a Prince of the highest purity and honor, could not be a
party unto any such disgraceful deed. For he said:
“How, alas, can I appear before Ormuzd the Blessed if I depart from mine
oath? even if it be at the command of my father who is the Lord of the
World.”
Yet well Siawush knew that if he disobeyed the royal mandate of his
father it was well-nigh certain that his life would pay the penalty; for
he needed not to be told whose tongue it was that had poisoned the
King’s ear and instigated him in his evil course. After much thought,
therefore, the Prince finally decided that he himself would return the
hostages safe unto Afrasiab, and then abandon his country and the
prospects of a throne, since only thus could he preserve his honor, and
prevent his father from becoming a murderer.
So, having reached this decision, Siawush sent Zengueh unto Afrasiab
with the hostages and all the gold and jewels that had been sent unto
him, together with a letter wherein was written how that discord had
sprouted out of their peace, and how that he was resolved to remain true
unto their treaty, in spite of his father’s commands to the contrary.
And finally he petitioned that Afrasiab would allow him to pass through
his dominions that he might hide himself wheresoever God desired. For he
said:
“Verily, I shall seek out a spot far distant where my name shall be lost
unto Kaikous, and where I may not hear of his woful deeds.”
Now when Afrasiab received this letter he was amazed, for such nobility
of soul was unknown unto the wily Tartar. But he was also troubled in
his spirit, for he knew not what to do. Therefore, he called unto him
his great general, aged Piran-Wisa, taking counsel how he should act.
And Piran said:
“O Mighty King! Truly there is but one course open unto thee. Now, I am
an old man, and have drunk deep at the fountain of life, but I say unto
thee that never yet have I witnessed such honor and nobility in a
Prince. Wherefore, I counsel thee, receive him within thy courts, and
give unto him thy daughter in marriage, and let him be unto thee as a
son. For, verily when Kaikous is gathered unto his fathers, then will
Siawush mount unto the throne of Iran, and thus may the old hate be
quenched in love.”
So spake good, old Piran, and Afrasiab, knowing that wisdom lurked in
his words, at once sent unto Siawush, offering him a home in his land.
And he said:
“O noble Prince! Since I perceive that the windows of thy soul are ever
open unto the sun, if thou comest to dwell among us never will I demand
of thee aught that is evil; neither shall suspicion against thee ever
enter my breast. Come, then, and if thy choice be retirement and
tranquillity, thou shalt have allotted unto thee a peaceful and
independent province.”
Now Siawush, when he read Afrasiab’s letter, was relieved, and yet was
he also troubled. For his heart was sore because that he was forced to
make a friend of the foe of his country. But alas! he saw no way by
which it could be altered.
So, after despatching a touching letter unto his father, Siawush set out
with his cortege, and rode until he reached the frontier. Now there he
found chieftains and warriors and servants ready to escort him; and when
he was well over the boundary, the great Piran-Wisa himself came forth
to greet him. And lo! there followed after him a train of white
elephants, richly caparisoned, and laden with gifts, which the great
general poured before Siawush to give him welcome. Yea; and every town
upon the road to the capital was decorated, and the people hailed
Siawush as if he were their own Prince returned unto them victorious.
And behold! when they were finally come unto the capital, Afrasiab
himself stepped down from off his throne to give welcome unto Siawush,
and much he marvelled at the beauty and strength of the Prince, his
heart going out unto him in real admiration and love. So, embracing him,
and calling down blessings upon his head, Afrasiab seated him at his
side upon the throne. Then, turning unto Piran-Wisa, he said:
“Truly Kaikous is a man devoid of sense, else never would he suffer a
son like unto this to depart from out his sight.”
Now Afrasiab could not cease from gazing upon Siawush, so truly noble
and winning was he, and in his delight he showered upon him gold and
jewels and precious treasure past the counting. And he gave unto him,
too, a beautiful palace, and horses and servants such as only a Prince
could have. And not only this, but he also prepared for his guest a
royal feast which lasted many days. And lo! Siawush was exalted above
even the nobles of the land. And in the great tournament which ended the
welcoming festivities, in all the games of skill Siawush showed a
prowess that was great beyond all the warriors of Turan. Yet were they
not jealous, but only admiring.
But though Siawush won admiration and love from all sources, unto
Afrasiab, even in this short time, he had become the light of his eyes
and the joy of his soul. So the Prince abode in the court of the King
many days, for in gladness or sorrow, in gayety or sadness, the
infatuated monarch would have none other about him. And in this wise
there rolled twelve moons over their heads. Then Piran-Wisa said unto
Siawush:
“O noble Prince! Behold, thy home is now in Turan, and if Afrasiab be
made now thy father in truth as he is really in affection, then can no
hurt come unto thee. Ask of him, therefore, the hand of his daughter in
marriage, for thus canst thou secure thyself, and if peradventure, a son
be born unto thee, then will he bind up forever the enmity between the
two lands.”
So Siawush asked the hand of Ferangis of her father, and Afrasiab gave
it unto him with great joy. Now he also prepared a mighty feast for the
bridal, pouring upon his new son gifts past the telling. Yea, and he
also bestowed upon him a kingdom and a throne. And alas! when at last
the King suffered his favorite to go forth unto his realm, the sunshine
of the Court seemed to go with him, so gray were the days unto Afrasiab.
But Siawush was happy in his new life, for though so gallant and brave
when occasion demanded, yet at heart was he not really a warrior, but
one of the heroes of progress, as he now proceeded to show. For behold!
in the midst of his province he builded himself a city, making of it a
place of beauty such as the world hath not seen.
Now it was builded upon a mountain, and was surrounded by scenery of
exquisite richness and variety. The trees were thick, and ever fresh and
green; birds warbled upon every spray; and transparent rivulets murmured
through the meadows; while the air was neither oppressively hot in
summer nor cold in winter, for every breeze was laden with invigorating
freshness and with perfume such as could only have been wafted from the
fair Gardens of Paradise. Now it was in the midst of all this natural
beauty that the followers of Siawush builded them homes, while he
erected for himself a glorious palace, and garden temples, in which he
had painted portraits of all the heroes and kings of his age. Yea, and
he caused to be constructed a great open space wherein men might rejoice
in the game of ball.
And Siawush was glad in his city, as were all those around him, and the
earth was happier for his presence. Yea, and not a cloud was there in
the heaven of his life. But when the gallant young Prince, happy in his
lovely young wife and his beautiful home, inquired of the astrologers
whether this city was destined to add to his happiness, they replied
that it would bring unto him ill fortune and sorrow. Now Siawush was
saddened by this reply, but as time passed by and no evil befell, like a
wise man he put away the thought and rejoiced in the time that was.
But alas! Not long was Siawush to rejoice in a happy present; and
behold! his evil nemesis was Gersiwaz, the King’s brother, who was
jealous of the love which Afrasiab bare unto the Prince, and of the
power and glory that were his. So pondering in his heart how he might
destroy this mote in his sunshine, one day Gersiwaz presented himself
before Afrasiab, praying the King that he would suffer him to go forth
and visit the city that Siawush had builded, whereof the mouths of men
ran over in praises. And Afrasiab granted his request, bidding him bear
gifts and words of love unto Siawush his son.
So Gersiwaz sped him forth, and Siawush, who suspected no evil, received
him graciously, feasting him many days in his palace. And in order that
due honor should be paid unto the brother of the King, a series of
athletic games were arranged for. But alas! the amazing strength and
skill displayed by Siawush on these occasions, together with the
splendor by which he was surrounded, fanned into a devouring flame the
smouldering envy and hate of the King’s brother.
Upon his return to the Court, therefore, Gersiwaz insidiously poisoned
the mind of Afrasiab by false tales, in which he actually accused
Siawush of plotting to bring a Persian army into Turan. Yea, and he
reminded the King of his dream, thus working upon his fear. And alas!
though at first receiving these stories with hesitation, Afrasiab
finally became furious against his gentle guest, proceeding against him
with an army.
Now a terrible dream had forewarned Siawush that his doom was at hand.
Nevertheless, he entertained not the slightest thought of trying to
resist the King. When informed of his approach, therefore, after bidding
a touching farewell unto his lovely young wife Ferangis, Siawush went
forth to welcome Afrasiab unto the cool bowers of his charming city.
But alas! So infuriated had Afrasiab become by the insinuations of his
brother, that without waiting to confer and learn the truth, also
without warning, he hurled his army upon the escort of Siawush, and all
were cut to pieces. But not even then did Siawush deign to defend
himself. For had he not taken oath never to raise his sword against
Afrasiab or Turan? Conscious of his innocence, therefore, he preferred
to die rather than give color unto the slander of his enemies by raising
his hand against his royal host and the father of his bride.
Seized by a thousand cruel hands, therefore, the noble Prince was bound
and thrown into a dungeon of his own palace. Then, by Afrasiab’s orders,
he was dragged from thence by the hair of his head unto a desert place,
where the sword of Gersiwaz was planted in his breast. And alas! quickly
then the executioner severed the royal head, taking care that the blood
stain not the earth, lest it cry aloud for vengeance, for so had
commanded fear-stricken Afrasiab.
But alas! in spite of the care taken, a drop of blood escaped the golden
bowl and was spilt upon the ground. And lo! from the spot, as though by
magic, there sprouted and sprang up a wondrous tree, whose bright red
berries each appeared like unto a miniature sword. Now all were amazed
and affrighted when they beheld this wonder, and quickly they hastened
from the spot. For they feared the vengeance of Heaven, knowing their
deed to be evil.
Now when the news of this atrocious deed was spread abroad, behold, a
mighty clamor arose in the house of Siawush, the cries of Ferangis
piercing even unto the ears of Afrasiab in his far-away pavilion. Then
the King, angry that his child should sorrow thus for her lord,
commanded that she, too, be slain.
And alas! this certainly would have happened but for the timely
intervention of good old Piran-Wisa, who, hearing of the tragic end of
Siawush, and of the fate that awaited Ferangis, quickly saddled his
swiftest steed with his own hands, and dashed madly over hill and
valley, pausing neither to eat nor sleep until he drew rein before the
pavilion of King Afrasiab.
Then with noble courage the old man strode into the presence of the
cruel King, and, upbraiding him for his perfidy, foretold a certain
retribution when Kaikous and Rustem should learn of the treatment
awarded unto the pure and high-minded Siawush. Yea, and he pleaded in
lofty terms also for the life of Ferangis, saying:
“O thou who art more heartless than the fierce beasts of prey, wouldst
thou really lift up thine hand against thine own offspring? Hast thou
not done enough that is evil? Shed not, therefore, the blood of yet
another innocent, for truly the day will come when thou shalt pay with
thine own heart’s blood. Now, if Ferangis be hateful unto thee because
of Siawush, I pray thee confide her unto me, that she may be unto me a
daughter in my house, and I will guard her well from sorrow.”
Now hearing these words of warning, Afrasiab was filled with remorse for
his evil deed. So, releasing his daughter from her chains, he gave her
into the care of Piran, who bore her unto his home beyond the mountains.
Then Afrasiab returned speedily unto the Court, for the city of Siawush,
in spite of its entrancing beauty, had become hateful unto him. And
behold! from this time forth, a great fear gnawed persistently at his
vitals, allowing him neither rest nor sleep, and ever before him he saw
the pure face of the cruelly murdered Siawush.
So lived and died this noble Prince of the land of Iran whose tragic
fate yet moveth the Children of Ormuzd to tears, even unto this day. But
of the vengeance that was accorded him you must hear in another story.