Behold! it is chronicled that after the death of Siawush there was born
unto Ferangis, in the house of Piran-Wisa, a son so attractive of mien
that already in his cradle he was like unto a King.
Now evil counselors bade Afrasiab destroy this Prince, who, according to
the astrologers, was destined to bring destruction upon Turan. But the
King, whose heart had been softened by his sorrow for Siawush and by the
eloquent pleading of Piran-Wisa for the life of the child, shut his ears
unto them, saying:
“Verily, I repent me of my evil deed unto Siawush, and though it be
written that much evil shall come unto me from this offspring of his
race, yet will I not again stain my hands with the blood of any of his
house. Let the babe live, therefore, but let him be brought up among
shepherds in the mountains, far from the haunts of men, and let his
birth be hidden from him, that he may never seek to avenge the cruel
death of his sire. So may all yet be well.”
So, rejoicing that the Prince was to be spared, quickly Piran hastened
to hide him in the mountains, before Afrasiab should repent him of his
clemency, for well he knew the King’s fickleness of humor. Now the old
man gave the little Prince unto shepherds of the flock, bound unto him
by ties of gratitude, saying:
“O Men of Peace! Behold, I give unto you a glorious charge, and I say
unto you, guard this child even as your own souls, letting neither rain
nor dust come nigh unto him, for verily he is precious in the sight of
Ormuzd the Blessed.”
Thus it came to pass that no man knew of the whereabouts of the young
Prince—nay, not even Ferangis, his mother, for thus only could he be
safe from Afrasiab. But alas! the thought of his charge caused Piran
many an anxious hour, for greatly he feared that strife and disaster
would come unto Turan through him, yet on account of the promise of
protection given unto Siawush, his friend, whom he had led to put his
trust in Afrasiab, he felt bound in honor to preserve the child at any
cost.
Now when some time had passed, the shepherds came unto their patron, the
great Piran-Wisa, saying:
“Verily, Sire, no longer can we restrain the bold young eagle that thou
hast placed in our mountain eyrie, for behold! he ever seeketh to fly
unto the sun.”
So, hearing this report, Piran returned with the shepherds to visit
KaiKhosrau, for so was the young Prince named. And lo! when he looked
upon him, beholding his beauty, and strength, and winsomeness, his heart
went out to him as unto a son, and he pressed him unto his bosom with
tenderness. Then was KaiKhosrau surprised, and he said unto the
white-haired, stately old warrior:
“O Stately Poplar, that bearest high thy head! Art thou not ashamed to
press unto thee the son of a shepherd?”
Then Piran, who was carried out of himself by the wondrous promise of
the boy, stopping not to ponder his words, cried out in admiration:
“O Heir of Kings! Would that thy father could see thee now! How his
heart would rejoice in a son so truly royal!”
Thus spake Piran in his admiration, and having betrayed in part the
secret, he now related unto KaiKhosrau the story of Siawush his sire,
and, having done so, he bare him back with him unto his mother. Then was
the Prince clad in robes befitting his station, and from this time forth
he was reared in the bosom of Piran, and of Ferangis, his mother, the
days rolling above their heads in happiness and peace.
But alas! so could it not ever be, for again was Afrasiab having bad
dreams. So shortly it came to pass that a messenger was sent in great
haste to summon Piran-Wisa unto the Court. Then Afrasiab said:
“O venerable Chieftain, I have called thee into my presence because of
the disquiet of my heart on account of KaiKhosrau, the child of Siawush.
For lo! in my dreams I have beheld that he will do much evil unto Turan,
on account of which, I repent me of my weakness which kept him alive.
Bring him before me, therefore, that I may avert by his death the
avalanche of calamity which threateneth.”
Now when Piran heard these words he was filled with dismay. But,
smiling, he said unto Afrasiab:
“O Mighty King! Verily it grieveth me that thou shouldst have been
caused one minute’s pain on account of this Prince, who, though blessed
with a face like unto that of a Peri, yet carrieth upon his shoulders a
head ill-fitted to bear a crown, since it is empty of reason. Commit,
therefore, no violence, but suffer that this innocent one, devoid of
wit, continue to dwell harmlessly among the flocks.”
So spake the great Piran, and Afrasiab felt the burden of his heart
lighten as he listened unto these reassuring words. Yet he said:
“O Venerable One! Truly thy words are as a comforting shadow in the
burning desert. Nevertheless, I say unto thee, bring this KaiKhosrau
before me that I may behold with my own eyes his simplicity.”
And behold! Piran assented unto the King’s request, for he dared not do
otherwise. So, returning unto his house, he sought out the young Prince,
instructing him how he should act. Then, arrayed in princely garb,
KaiKhosrau was conducted unto the Court, mounted upon a goodly charger,
and surrounded by his retinue.
Now all the people shouted with delight when they beheld the beauty and
kingly mien of the young Prince, even Afrasiab being struck with wonder,
as he gazed at his limbs of power. Yea, so fearful was he that he found
it hard, indeed, to remember the promise he had given unto Piran—that no
hair of the boy’s head should be harmed. But relief was at hand. For
when the King began to question, so well did KaiKhosrau act his part,
that once again was he reassured. Now Afrasiab said:
“Young Shepherd! How knowest thou the day from the night? What doest
thou with thy flocks? And how countest thou thy sheep and thy goats?”
Then KaiKhosrau, smiling simply into the face of the King, replied:
“The forests are void of game, and I have neither bow nor arrows. But
behold my sunny crown and my golden girdle!—only, they are not for
thee!”
Now the King smiled at this reply, and once more he questioned, this
time as to the milk given by the flocks.
But KaiKhosrau, shaking his head sadly, replied:
“The tiger-cats are black—black as thy beard! and verily they are not
good for playmates, for they have prickly paws.”
Then Afrasiab put yet a third question, saying:
“O noble youth! What is the name of thy father?”
But KaiKhosrau, frowning, said:
“The dog ventureth not to bark when a lion threateneth. But alas! there
are no lions now.”
Then Afrasiab, questioning yet again, said:
“O Valorous Youth, desirest thou not to go forth unto the land of Iran
that thou mayest be avenged of thy foes?”
But KaiKhosrau, winking drolly at the King, replied:
“When the leopard danceth, then a strange piper playeth the tune: ‘Ha!
Ha! Ho! Ho! Prince KaiKhosrau hath no foe.’”
Thus spake the cunning Prince, and Afrasiab, satisfied with his answers,
questioned him no more, but said unto Piran-Wisa:
“O Mighty One! Restore this boy unto his mother, and let him be reared
with kindness in the city that Siawush hath builded, for I perceive that
from him can no harm alight upon Turan.”
So, permission being given, quickly Piran hastened to remove KaiKhosrau
from the Court, thanking God for the danger safely passed through. And
behold! in the city of Siawush, Ferangis spake often unto her son of his
noble sire, and of the heroes of Iran, his father’s land; so that
finally his heart burned, not only with the desire for the vengeance due
unto Siawush from his son, but also that he might perform deeds worthy
his glorious ancestry.
So the days and the moons rolled by until the army of Rustem invaded
Turan. Then, by the advice of Piran-Wisa, the young Prince and his
mother were led forth and securely hidden in the land of far Cathay,
where they remained for seven long years, while Turan was given over
unto the ravages of its foes. But behold! in the eighth year Rustem and
his heroes were summoned by the Shah to return unto Iran, thus giving
unto that cunning fox, Afrasiab, a chance to creep forth from his
hiding-place.
Now the King wept sore when he beheld the havoc wrought upon Turan by
Rustem and his heroes, and, gathering together a mighty army, he fell
upon Iran with such fury that none could stand before him. Yea, so
bitter was his hate that he suffered not repose to seal his eyelids
until he had shattered the Persian host and scathed the land with fire
and sword. For alas! good fortune now turned her face away from Iran;
neither would Rustem come forth unto her aid, since Kaikous the foolish
had again aroused his anger.
But behold! at this crisis, it came to pass that Gudarz, who was
descended from Kavah the smith, dreamed a dream. Now in this vision he
beheld a cloud of rainbow hues, and seated upon it was Serosch the
Blessed. And lo! the Angel of Pity said unto Gudarz:
“O Hero of Iran, unto thy house is it granted, even as unto Kavah of
old, to deliver thy land from anguish and from the tyranny of Afrasiab
the Turk, wherefore, open thine ears unto my words. For lo! it hath been
made known unto me by Ormuzd the Omnipotent that there abideth in Turan
a son sprung from the loins of Siawush, who is brave and worthy the
throne of light, and from whom alone can come deliverance unto Iran.
Suffer, therefore, that Gew, thy brave son, go forth to search for
KaiKhosrau, bidding that he remain glued unto his saddle until he shall
have found this youth. For such is the will of Him who changeth not,
even Ormuzd the God of the Persians.”
Now when Gudarz awoke he thanked God for his dream, touching the ground
with his beard. Then, quickly calling unto him his valiant son, he
related unto him his dream, bidding him go forth even as commanded by
the guardian of the children of Ormuzd:
Then Gew, when he heard the words of his father, replied unto him:
“O Glorious Sire! Verily my heart leapeth forth unto this adventure,
even as a flame darteth hungrily unto the sun. Give me, therefore, thy
blessing, and lo! I will depart this very hour.”
But Gudarz, smiling at the ardor of his son, said:
“What about thy companions, O Impetuous One?”
To which Gew replied:
“My horse and my cord, O my father, will suffice unto me for company.
For behold! if I lead out a host unto Turan, men will ask who I am, and
why I have come forth, while if I go alone, these doubts will surely
slumber.”
Then Gudarz, well pleased at the discretion of valiant Gew, said:
“Go, my son, and may all the hosts of Heaven accompany thee,
strengthening thine arm and directing thy way.”
So Gew set forth, but no easy task was his, as he soon found. For,
though he wandered through the length and breadth of Turan, he could
learn naught of KaiKhosrau. Now seven years rolled thus above the head
of Gew, until he grew lean and sorrowful; yea, even like unto a man
distraught. For lo, in all this time, naught had he for a house save
only his saddle; for food and clothing but the flesh and skin of the
wild ass; and in place of wine, naught but bad water had he to drink. So
finally the Hero began to lose heart, fearing that his father’s dream
had been sent unto him by a wicked Deev.
But arriving one day in a desert, the Valiant One happened to fall in
with several persons who, upon being questioned, said that they had been
sent by Piran-Wisa in search of the great Shah Kaikous. Now Gew doubted
their story, and so took care to ascertain from them the direction in
which they were travelling, passing himself off unto them as a huntsman,
interested only in the amusement of snaring the wild ass.
Now during the night the parties separated, Gew proceeding like
lightning upon the route described by the strangers. And behold! as
morning dawned, he entered a forest, in the midst of which he suddenly
beheld a fountain, and seated beside it a youth like unto a royal
cypress. Now the Glorious One held in his hand a cup, and upon his head
was a golden crown; noting which, Gew said unto himself:
“Verily my search is ended, for in this youth surely I behold the face
of noble Siawush.”
Great was his surprise, however, when, as he advanced, the stripling,
greeting him, said:
“Ho, Valiant Gew! Truly thou art a joy unto my eyes, since thou art come
hither at the behest of God.”
Then Gew, falling at the feet of KaiKhosrau, said:
“O Hope of Iran! at last, after seven long years of search, do I find
thee. But pray, reveal unto me how thou knewest my face and mission, for
behold! I am lost in amazement.”
Then, smiling, KaiKhosrau replied unto Gew:
“O Son of Gudarz! Verily all the great warriors and heroes of Iran are
well known unto me, for oft have I gazed upon the portraits of Rustem
and Tus and Gudarz—yea, and of Valiant Gew,—in my father’s gallery,
while from my mother’s lips have I heard again and again of all the
glorious deeds wrought by the Pehliva of the Shahs. And alas! before he
entered upon death—his cruel death!—my father foretold unto Ferangis, my
mother, how that in due time the mighty Gew would come forth from Iran
to lead me unto the throne.”
Then Gew, delighted with the fire of the youth, and being thus assured
of his identity, fell down upon the ground and did homage before him.
But KaiKhosrau quickly raised and embraced him, asking a thousand
questions of Iran and its heroes.
But Gew, knowing the need of haste, quickly mounted the young Prince
upon his charger, while he walked before him; and so they journeyed
until they came unto the city of Siawush, and behold Ferangis received
them joyfully, her quick spirit divining that the prophecy of her lord
had come to pass. But she also counselled haste, for she said:
“Verily, Afrasiab will be as a raging crocodile when he learneth of thy
coming. Let us flee quickly, therefore, before he heareth of thy
mission. And now give heed unto my words. Lo! upon the crest of yonder
mountain, whose head riseth unto the clouds, there smileth in the
sunshine a meadow green as paradise, and browsing upon it are the flocks
of Siawush. Now in their midst, my son, roameth Beezah, thy father’s
steed of battle. Go forth, therefore, and when thou hast come nigh unto
him, whisper thy father’s name unto his ear, for so will he suffer thee
to mount him. And, seated upon his back, thou shalt escape from the
slayers of thy father.”
[Illustration: Seated beside it a youth like unto a royal cypress.]
So, following the directions of Ferangis, quickly Gew and KaiKhosrau
hastened unto the meadow, where they found the steed of Siawush towering
like a king above his fellows. And lo! when Beezah beheld his master’s
saddle, and the leopard-skin that he had worn, he whinnied mournfully,
his bright eyes softening with sudden dew. Unresisting, he suffered
KaiKhosrau to mount him, and behold! when they were come again unto
Ferangis, she chose from among her treasures the armor of Siawush, in
which to gird her son, while she herself donned a suit of mail like unto
a warrior. Now, thus equipped, they mounted their chargers and set
forth. And none too soon, for almost at once their flight was
discovered.
Then, when the messengers sent for KaiKhosrau reported unto Piran-Wisa
that the youth had been carried off by a Persian horseman, behold, he
was filled with dismay, saying unto himself:
“Alas! now will be accomplished the fears of Afrasiab, and mine honor
will be tarnished in his eyes.”
So quickly he commanded Kelbad and three hundred valiant warriors that
they pursue KaiKhosrau, bind him, and bring him back in chains. And
behold! so rapid were the movements of Kelbad that he overtook the
fugitives in the vicinity of Bulgaria.
Now as the great chieftain and his party came in sight, Ferangis and her
son slept for weariness by the roadside. But Gew, perceiving an armed
force evidently in pursuit of his party, hastily donned his armor,
mounted Beezah, and advanced single-handed to the charge, attacking the
horsemen furiously with sword and mace. For, having heard the prophecy
which declared that KaiKhosrau was destined to become the great King of
Kings, he braved the direst peril with confidence and the certainty of
success. And it was this feeling, no doubt, that enabled Gew to perform
such prodigies of valor. For, in a very short time it came to pass that
Kelbad and his three hundred were utterly routed. Then this marvellous
victory achieved, quickly Gew returned unto the halting-place, where,
awakening his companions, he urged them to haste.
But alas for the defeated three hundred! For their return excited the
greatest indignation in the breast of Piran-Wisa, who said angrily:
“What! Three hundred soldiers to fly from the valor of one man! Why, had
Gew possessed the might and activity of Rustem himself, such a defeat
could scarcely have happened. Truly such faint-heartedness maketh my
soul sick with shame.”
So saying, Piran and the thousand brave warriors under his command
started at once to overtake the fugitives, and so swift was their march
that they soon overtook the Valiant Gew and his little party. And now
KaiKhosrau insisted upon being allowed to act his part, instead of
remaining ignominiously idle; but Gew, determined to preserve the Prince
from all risk, even at the peril of his own life, replied unto him:
“Nay! Nay! Thou art our Prince, and therefore thy life is too precious
to be risked. As for me, if I fall, what mattereth it? My father loveth
me well, it is true, but hath he not seventy-and-eight other sons like
unto me? Get thee upon yonder high eminence, therefore, and witness how
one man shall put a thousand to flight.”
So, though reluctantly, the Prince did as Gew desired, and presently he
heard the mighty son of Gudarz challenge Piran to single combat. Now the
contest that followed was terrible, for though the Tartar general was
old, he was both experienced and skilful. Therefore, wrapped about with
his anger, and the fear of Afrasiab, he was no mean antagonist. But
verily not even Rustem himself could have stood against Gew upon this
eventful day, for, realizing that his opportunity had come, he, too,
meant to have his name writ large on the page of his country’s story. So
presently, after much courage and persistency, it came to pass that the
Hero caught Piran in the meshes of his cord, and brought him bound unto
KaiKhosrau, in spite of the shower of arrows that rained upon him like
hail from the bows of Piran’s brave warriors.
And behold! this deed of prowess accomplished, back again sped
triumphant Gew to fight against the Tartar braves. Yea, and so great was
his prowess that soon the plain was covered with the vanquished dead,
while living warriors, dismayed at the sight of such mighty valor,
ignominiously fled in all directions, as though pursued by Rustem, or
the Great White Deev. So, the enemy being put to flight, once more Gew
returned unto his companions. But great was his surprise to behold
Piran-Wisa still alive. In explanation, however, Ferangis, whose eyes
were full of tears, said:
“O Mighty Gew, marvel not that the sword of Siawush refuseth to take the
life of this good old man, whose tenderness hath ever been an asylum
unto our sorrows. Again and again hath he saved the life of the Prince,
as well as my own, and had he been ever at Afrasiab’s right hand, then
verily would Siawush still be in the land of the living, for Piran was
ever his friend. And lo! now is the time come for us to remember the
benefits that we have received at his hands.”
But Gew, filled with consternation, replied unto the pleadings of
Ferangis:
“O Queen of the World, I pray thee speak not thus. For alas! I have
sworn a great oath that I would crimson the earth with Piran’s blood,
and how can I depart from my vow?”
Now hearing this, Ferangis was very sorrowful, but KaiKhosrau said:
“O Hero like unto a mountain lion, verily thou shalt not break thy oath;
neither shalt thou slay this good old man. I say unto thee, therefore,
pierce with thy dagger the lobes of Piran’s ears, and let the blood
stain the earth. Thus may thy oath and my clemency both be satisfied.”
So Gew did as KaiKhosrau desired, and lo! when he had crimsoned the
earth with Piran’s blood, they mounted him upon his charger, and, after
binding him thereon, they caused him to swear unto them that none other
than Gulshehr, his wife, should release him from his bonds. And Piran
sware it, for he had not hoped to escape from the terrible Gew.
But behold! while these things were happening unto Piran, Afrasiab,
growing impatient as he heard not of the capture of the Prince, set
forth himself at the head of a great army that he might lend his
assistance. But alas! when he learned that the armies had been beaten at
the hands of one man, his cheeks grew pale with fear. Nevertheless, he
pressed on, but only to be met in a short time by Piran, his Pehliva,
tied helpless upon his charger.
Now at this sight the King’s anger passed all bounds. Reviling the old
man, therefore, he commanded him that he depart from out his presence
forever. Then, urging rapidly forward his army, he sware a great oath
that he himself would destroy this Gew, and utterly lay low the head of
KaiKhosrau and of Ferangis, his mother. And that the fugitives might not
escape him, at once he sent instructions unto all the ferrymen of the
Jihun that they allow not the three travellers to pass over the river,
as he himself was in pursuit of them. But alas! even this thoughtfulness
availed him naught, for ere they came nigh unto the fleeing ones,
behold, they were already come unto the banks of the river.
And lo! on the brink of the rushing stream their glad eyes perceived a
boat lying ready, with a ferryman slumbering beside it. Now quickly Gew
aroused the sleeping one, asking that he bear them across the river. But
the man, having received the King’s instructions, parleyed with Gew,
saying:
“Ho, Imperious One! Thy business demandeth haste? Well, then, give unto
me thy coat of mail, thy black horse, yon woman, or the crown of gold
worn by the young warrior, as my fee, and quickly shalt thou be borne
across.”
But Gew, angry at the effrontery of the boatmen, also suspecting his
intentions, whispered unto the Prince:
“Behold, yonder cloud of dust seemeth to speak of pursuers and to warn
against delay; also, I trust not this ferryman. Now when Kavah, my brave
ancestor, rescued the glorious Feridoun, he passed over the stream in
his armor without hurt. Why should not we, then, in a cause of equal
glory, do the same?”
But alas! the river was swollen by the rains, its current being swift
and treacherous. Nevertheless, the young Prince, confiding in the
protection of the Almighty, fearlessly urged his foaming steed into the
boiling surges. And behold! Ferangis followed with equal intrepidity,
while after her came Gew the bold. Now the passage was rough and
perilous, but nevertheless, after a hard fight, they all succeeded in
gaining the opposite shore, much to the amazement of the ferryman, who
had thought, as a matter of course, that they would all be drowned.
Feeling the soil of Iran beneath their feet, however, KaiKhosrau,
dismounting, kissed the earth in gratitude and joy, giving thanks unto
Ormuzd for allowing him to escape in safety unto his father’s land.
Yet scarce had they escaped. For behold! even as they touched the shore,
Afrasiab and his army were come unto the river. Now great was the
mortification of the King when he beheld the fugitives beyond his reach.
Nevertheless, his wonder was equal to his disappointment; nor could he
withhold his admiration as he gazed, saying:
“What spirits must they have to brave
The terrors of that boiling wave—
With steed and harness, riding o’er
The billows to the farther shore.
—It was a cheering sight, they say,
To see how well they kept their way,
How Ferangis impelled her horse
Across that awful torrent’s course,
Guiding him with heroic hand,
To reach unhurt the friendly stand.”
Howbeit, when Afrasiab recovered from his astonishment, in his anger and
chagrin, he ordered the ferrymen to get ready their boats to pass him
over the river; but Human finally dissuaded him from this foolish
measure. So, devoured with wrath and fear, Afrasiab retraced his steps
unto his capital, knowing that now his dream would surely be fulfilled.
As for Valiant Gew, at once he sent swift messengers unto the Court to
bear unto the Shah the news of the coming of the Prince. Whereupon,
Kaikous rejoiced exceedingly, sending forth an honorary deputation to
escort his grandson into his presence. Now the city was decked to give
him welcome, and all the nobles received him joyfully as the heir unto
the throne—all excepting Tus, the son of King Nuder, who gave his fealty
unto Friburz, the son of Kaikous. Nor was his opposition passive. For,
when invitations were issued unto a banquet in honor of KaiKhosrau, at
which all the great heroes and leaders were expected publicly to declare
their loyalty unto the new Prince, Tus refused to go. However, his
refusal was not accepted, Gew being deputed to repeat the invitation.
But alas! unto all Gew’s arguments, Tus stubbornly replied:
“Verily, unto Friburz shall I pay homage, and unto none other.”
Now when Gew reported unto Gudarz, his father, what had occurred, the
old man was aroused to great wrath. Rising up, therefore, at once he
took twelve thousand men, and his seventy-eight kinsmen, together with
Gew, and proceeded unto the palace of Tus to bring him to reason. So,
almost was there civil war in Persia; but finally Tus, who disliked the
thought of such a calamity, sent an envoy unto Gudarz, suggesting that
the matter be referred unto the King. So one wise in speech appeared
before Kaikous, begging that he would settle the strife among the
nobles. For he said:
“Alas, O King! If we are divided among ourselves, surely we shall fall a
prey unto Afrasiab. Let the Shah, therefore, bind up this quarrel which
already is serious, and let us once more have peace.”
Then Kaikous, realizing the seriousness of the matter, said gravely unto
the envoy:
“Verily, ye ask of me that which is hard, for both my sons are dear unto
me. Nevertheless, I will bethink me of a means to quiet this discussion
and restore peace.”
Now Kaikous pondered deeply over this troublesome question, but finally,
calling his nobles together, he said:
“O Heroes of Iran, give heed unto my words, for verily I have thought of
a plan which shall settle this strife. Behold! upon the borders of my
dominion there is a demon-fortress which no hero hath yet conquered. Let
KaiKhosrau and Friburz go forth, therefore, and let them take with them
an army, and lo! I will bestow the crown and treasure upon the Prince at
whose hands the castle shall be subdued.”
Thus spake Kaikous, and the plan being agreed upon, Friburz begged of
his father that he be sent forth first upon the expedition. So,
permission being given, gaily he and Tus set out, promising to return
triumphant within a few days.
But alas! when the army reached the demon fort, lo! the ground seemed
all in flames—one universal fire raging round and round, while the
withering wind which blew from thence was like unto the scorching breath
of red-hot furnaces. And behold! though they searched and searched,
these warriors brave could find neither gate nor door of entrance,
though many a valiant one perished in the search, consumed to ashes by
the awful heat, which seemed to be the poisoned breath of raging demons.
So at length, after a fruitless week, Friburz and Tus returned, worn
out, scorched, and half-dead with watching, care, and toil—and still the
fortress stood.
So, it being now KaiKhosrau’s turn, bravely he set forth with Gew and
Gudarz, his faithful friends, and when he saw the blazing fort,
reddening all the earth and sky, full well he knew that this could only
be the work of sorcery. And so, since in a heavenly dream he had been
taught how to destroy the charms of fell magicians, he wrote a letter,
amber-perfumed, in which he named the name of God. Then piously he bound
it unto his javelin’s point, and when he was come nigh unto the demon
fort, behold, Gew the Valiant, flung it far beyond the walls within the
magic citadel.
And lo! the missile safely lodged, a noise like thunder rent the air,
and all the world grew dark, as when the sun hath gone to rest. Yea, and
long it so remained, but when at last once more the light appeared,
behold, the magic tower had vanished from the earth.
Now thus it was that KaiKhosrau vanquished the demons, and thus it was
also that at last he came into his own. For, shortly after this wondrous
victory, the coronation ceremony took place with great pomp and
splendor, KaiKhosrau the Prince becoming KaiKhosrau the Shah, of whom
the poet says:
“Justice he spread with equal hand,
Rooting oppression from the land;
And every desert, wood, and wild,
With early cultivation smiled;
And every plain with verdure clad,
And every Persian heart was glad.”