m»'»-i-i%f* >)-,.. ill'.' 
 
 
 
 ■4»^;r:^-'
 
 HISTORY 
 
 EARLY KINGS OF PERSIA, 
 
 FROM KAIOMARS, 
 THE FIRST OF THE PESHDADIAN DYNASTY, 
 
 TO THE 
 
 CONQUEST OF IRAN BY AI^EXANDER THE GREAT. 
 
 TRANSLATED 
 
 FROM tin: OllKilNAL PERSIAN OF MIRKIIOND, 
 
 KNTITLED THE RAIJZAT US.SAFA, 
 
 WITH NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS, 
 
 BY DAVID SHEA, 
 
 OF TIIF. OUIENTAI. I>F,r A UTMF.NT IN' TIIF. HON. F.AST-INDIA COMPANYS COLLEGE. 
 
 /TKTt ^-4.^__ 
 
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 rHINIKJ) FOR THE ORIENTAL TRANSLATION FUND 
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 SOLD BY 
 
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 AND Pahblry, Allen, & Co., Leadenhall Street. 
 
 M.DCCC. XXXII.
 
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 TRADING TO THE EAST INDIES ; 
 
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 TRANSLATION 
 
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 BY THEIR PERMISSION, 
 
 RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
 
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 THEIR MOST OBEDIENT AND VERY HUMBLE SERVANT, 
 
 DAVID SHEA. 
 
 IIayleybury, Nov. 1832.

 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 TRANSLATOR S DEDICATION AND PREFACE. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Introduction to the History of the Early Kings of 
 Persia 1 
 
 The Preface 23 
 
 A Statement of the high Importance of Historical Knowledge to 
 Rulers, beyond all other Men 32 
 
 An Account of the Qualifications indispensably requisite for 
 Historical Composition 35 
 
 Short Notice relative to Ali Shir and the Author of the 
 
 Rauzat-us-Safd 44 
 
 HISTORY OF THE EARLY KINGS OP PERSIA. 
 
 The History of Kaiomars, the First Peshdadian and the First 
 
 King 47 
 
 The History of Houshung 65 
 
 The History of Tehmuras, the Enslaver of Demons ... 84 
 
 The Reign of Jemsheed , 99 
 
 The History of Zahak 122 
 
 The Insurrection of Gavah the Blacksmith, and Zahak's De- 
 scent to the Infernal Regions 130 
 
 History of the Reign of Feridoon 134 
 
 Account of the Hostilities and Rebellion of Selm and Tiir, and 
 the Murder of Iraj by these ungenerous and heartless 
 Wretches 145
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 History of the Reic:n of Ml NucHEHEii , . 1:5-1 
 
 Account of the Rei<rn of Nauzer, and of ApRASiAn's Victory, 189 
 
 The Reii^n of Akuasiak in Inin 196 
 
 History of Zaul, the Son of Tahmasp, the Son of Minucheher, 201 
 
 The Roif^ of Kaikobad 207 
 
 History of the Rcipn of Kaikaoos . 220 
 
 The History of Kai Khusrau . . . , 244 
 
 The Reitcn of Lohorasp 263 
 
 A short Memoir respecting the Age in which Zoroaster ap- 
 peared 274 
 
 The Reij^nof Gushtasp 283 
 
 The Contest between Rustam and Esfendiar 299 
 
 The History of Behmen 338 
 
 Account of Rustam Dastan, and his Catastrophe .... 346 
 
 The Reign of Humai 355 
 
 Reign of Darab, the Son of Behmen 358 
 
 The Reign of Dara, or Darab, the Son of Dara; also 
 
 styled, Djini the Less 361 
 
 The Reign of Iskander 366 
 
 The Recital of a few of the Adventures of Iskander, which have 
 been omitted by the Pen of Description in the course of this 
 Story, with the Mention of some of his Maxims .... 415 
 
 Account of Iskander's Death 426 
 
 NOTES 437
 
 TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 The following Translation of an interesting portion 
 of Mirkhond's General History of the East was 
 completed many years back, under peculiarly un- 
 favourable circumstances — the possession of only 
 one Manuscript, and the want of some learned 
 friend to consult on the difficult and doubtful pas- 
 sages which occur in the original. The under- 
 taking, commenced under such discouraging pro- 
 spects, has at present been revised under more 
 favourable auspices : the Library of the East-India 
 College supphed two valuable Manuscripts; and 
 Dr. WiLKiNS, of the East-India House, to whom 
 Oriental Literature is so deeply indebted, kindly af- 
 forded the use of three Manuscripts from the Library 
 of the Honourable the East-India Company. 
 
 In addition to these advantages, the Translator 
 enjoyed that of consulting the Mirza Ibrahim,* a 
 learned native of Shiraz, who to an intimate know- 
 ledge of the customs and languages of Western 
 
 * Assistant Professor, East-India College, Herts.
 
 ( ii ) 
 
 Asia unites an extensive acquintance with English 
 and European hterature. The Translator now re- 
 grets that he did not more frequently avail himself 
 of such powerful aid, so cheerfully afforded on every 
 occasion. In this version nothing has been in- 
 tentionally passed over, excepting the enumeration 
 of difficulties and the various readings; even the 
 seeming tautology of the text has been adhered to 
 in numerous passages, where a concise Arabic sen- 
 tence has been dilated into sonorous Persian periods. 
 On the whole, the translation has been kept so close 
 to the original, that it is hoped the Oriental Stu- 
 dent may find it a useful and faithful auxihary in the 
 perusal of the Rauzat-us-Safa : and, as this motive 
 has chiefly influenced the Translator, he trusts that, 
 for whatever faults may be found in the style, this 
 important object, which he never lost sight of, may 
 serve as an apology or extenuation. 
 
 To those who cultivate the science of Political 
 Economy, the Oration of Minucheher will prove 
 highly interesting ; as containing a summary of the 
 Oriental doctrines on that subject, emanating from 
 a patriot king, sanctioned by the Mubeds, and 
 hailed with acclamations by a grateful people. 
 
 To the Classical Scholar, the accounts of Darius 
 and Alexander the Great, as transmitted by the
 
 ( iii ) 
 
 Historians of the East, will present a striking and 
 amusing contrast with the history of these Monarchs 
 as recorded by the Writers of Greece and Rome. 
 
 Equally strong is the contrast between the views 
 taken by Lucian, in his celebrated Treatise on the 
 Mode of Writing History, and those of Mirkhond in 
 his Preface, when treating of the dignity of History, 
 and the qualifications required in the ^Historian : 
 but the genius of Oriental eloquence, and the pecu- 
 liar composition of the Persian language, rendered 
 it impossible for our author to adopt the simplicity 
 of style so happily inculcated by the Grecian critic. 
 
 In comparing the Rauzat-us-Safa with the Da- 
 bistan *, many passages shew that the Authors of 
 these works derived the history of the two first 
 dynasties of Persian monarchs from a common 
 source. The paragraph in the Life of Alexander 
 the Great which forms the commentary on the 
 superiority of the Instructor over the Parent occurs, 
 almost verbatim, in the Dabistan, although intro- 
 duced on a different occasion. 
 
 The Notes annexed to this work have been 
 chiefly taken from the valuable and standard pro- 
 ductions of Sir John Malcolm and Sir William 
 OusELEY. To these has been added a condensed 
 
 * See Appendix, p. 439.
 
 ( iv ) 
 
 view of some learned and curious Pa})ers on ancient 
 Persian History, by Anquetil du Perron, which ap- 
 peared in the Academie des Inscriptions. A few 
 remarks, accidentally omitted in the body of the 
 work, will be found in the Appendix. 
 
 The system of orthography is nearly that adopted 
 in Johnson's edition of Richardson's Arabic and Per- 
 sian Dictionary; excepting in monosyllabic proper 
 names, such as Zal, Sam, and such like ; which 
 have invariably been written Saum and Zaul, in 
 order to prevent the possibility of their degene- 
 rating into Sam and Zal, according to the Enghsh 
 pronunciation. 
 
 The Translator cannot conclude without stating 
 his great obligations to the Oriental Translation 
 Fund, at whose expense this work has been printed. 
 The productions which have hitherto appeared, 
 through the liberal application of its funds, hold 
 out a strong hope, not only that many valuable 
 and interesting records of the East may be rescued 
 from oblivion, but, also, that the Learned Men of 
 those countries may, through the same happy in- 
 fluence, be induced to direct their researches to the 
 state of Literature, Arts, Religion, and Antiquities, 
 prior to the Mohammedan Conquest.
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 HISTORY OF THE EARLY KINGS OF PERSIA. 
 
 The embellishments most appropriate to the index 
 of the volume which records the glorious acts of 
 the exalted Prophets, and the decorated preface 
 most suitable to the chronicles of the mighty 
 achievements of Princes, powerful as the Heavens, 
 consist in expressions of gratitude to the Supreme 
 Benefactor ; on the capacious table of whose bounty 
 all the productions of the vegetable world appear 
 to be only a single morsel ; and the streams issuing 
 forth from the fountain of life are no more than a 
 single cup-full, compared with the boundless ocean 
 of His munificence. He is the Mighty Speaker, in 
 the praise of whose miraculous words the eloquent 
 tongues of Arabia's orators remain powerless or 
 stammering ; whilst the descriptive language of the 
 most accomphshed sages of Persia is either defective 
 or entirely silenced when it attempts to describe
 
 2 
 
 His words, characterized by eloquence. He is the 
 Ancient of Days ; without due adoration and praise 
 of whose bounties, neither can the commencement 
 of histories be disposed in fitting order, nor can 
 the chronicles of ancient times be properly arranged 
 without the commemoration of His excellent titles. 
 The revolutions which occur, in the days of pro- 
 sperity, to victorious Kings and puissant Emperors, 
 furnish abundant proofs and decisive arguments for 
 His immortal sovereignty : — the daily and yearly 
 vicissitudes which befal the magnificence of Rulers, 
 exalted in dignity, and the Governors of the earth, 
 powerful as the firmament, afford striking signs 
 and clear demonstrations of His divine eternity. 
 His all-powerful will, independent of any other 
 motive, through excess of grace and compassion — 
 according to the tenor of this declaration, " Lo ! 
 I have established a Vicegerent on earth " — fixed im- 
 moveably in the seat of splendor and the vice-regal 
 throne, man ; of whom it was signified, " he shall 
 commit corruption in it \" He also, from His perfect 
 all-sufficiency and omnipotent grandeur, in accord- 
 ance with this oracle, " Depart thou hence, for thou 
 art accursed^" hurled down, into the dust of ruin 
 and the area of perdition, from the throne, the seat 
 of dignity, Iblis, the object of complacency to the 
 Celestial choirs of the AngeHc spheres. He is the 
 
 (^) Alk. Sur. 11. V.28. C') Suv. 15. v. ;}-l.
 
 Munificent One, who conferred glory and elevation 
 on the human race by this distinction, abounding 
 in righteousness, " We surely have honoured the sons 
 of Adam;" and has displayed on high, in the four 
 inhabited regions, and this world of ever-changing 
 aspect, the standards of their dominion, by this 
 diploma of investiture — " I have made you to dwell 
 in it" Through Him, the triumphant banners of 
 just Monarchs have floated on the pinnacle of 
 absolute power and the zenith of universal empire : 
 through Him, the sword-blades of the magnanimous 
 champions of the Faith have become as mirrors, 
 reflecting the splendors of the bride of conquest 
 and victory. He is the Mighty One, who, in pro- 
 ducing and perfecting His creatures, stood not in 
 need of instruments and tools : neither was He in 
 want of help and co-operation, when He determined 
 on the creation and perfection of all existences. 
 He is the Supreme Artist, who, with the pencil of 
 delineation, when pourtraying the form of man, 
 the object of His gracious regard, traced His 
 portrait with the consummate perfection of wisdom ; 
 agreeably to this declaration, " We have truly created 
 man in the most perfect of forms ^ :" in relation to 
 which perfection of form, and excellence of struc- 
 ture, He has conspicuously exhibited this manifest 
 sign and incontrovertible proof — "He hath created 
 
 C)Sur.95. v.l. 
 b2
 
 you, and made your forms beautiful:" 
 
 " He hath delineated the features of men and Genii, 
 
 " And written the volume of the eternal Fiat : 
 
 " From His grace, He conferred honour on the human kind 
 
 " By the royal robes of comprehension, bounty, and intellect:" 
 
 the Wonderful in wisdom and mercy ! who, when 
 the mould of human existence had attained perfec- 
 tion in the laboratory of creation, from the dictates 
 of His pre-eminent wisdom and absolute mercy im- 
 parted splendor to the seat of supremacy, in the 
 courts of Celestial Existences, by the presence of the 
 mighty Angels ; and at the same time conferring 
 embeUishment and ornament on the centre of the 
 circle of existence, by the solid power and perma- 
 nent stabihty bestowed on the individuals, the pro- 
 genitors of the human race, the source of good and 
 evil. Whereas this class of Beings, which holds the 
 second rank to the Creator, has become divided 
 into innumerable species, by reason of the variety 
 in natural abihty, and their difference in innate 
 faculties ; consequently, no individual of this body 
 is endowed with such capacity, that by the mere 
 exertion of his reason he could assimilate himself 
 to his exalted Source, and thereby, having acquired 
 the knowledge of the Divine Majesty, attain his 
 original destination ; so that through the guidance 
 of reason, enveloped in doubts, being enabled to 
 
 (^) Sur. 40. V. 66.
 
 walk in the paths of true direction, he should finally 
 arrive at the pavilions of glory : therefore the great 
 Creator and First Cause (whose quahties be ever 
 exalted, and whose benefits be ever desired !) raised 
 up, from among the human race. Prophets of sublime 
 dignity, and Apostles distinguished for miraculous 
 powers ; each of whom was a precious pearl in the 
 Sea of Election, and a shining star in the Zodiac of 
 Orthodoxy ; impressed at the same time with the 
 seal of social attachment and total abstraction; 
 distinguished simultaneously by the property of 
 intimate relation with the world, and separation 
 from it ; so that, under the head of abstraction and 
 separation from the world, they may partake of the 
 abundant graces of Heaven, and, through their 
 relation and connexion with the human race, they 
 may point out the way to those who stray in the 
 arid deserts of error, and direct the wanderers in 
 the Vale of Ignorance, whose lips are parched with 
 thirst, to the secure asylum of orthodoxy and the 
 fountains of gi*ace. During a long course of ages, 
 the mission of successive Apostles, accompanied 
 with mighty deeds, continued without interruption, 
 until the Sun of exalted Apostolic Mission arose 
 from the horizon of the sandy Vale of Mecca, and 
 the dawn of glorious prophecy beamed forth from 
 the east of the parent city, Mecca — even he, the 
 Lord of the Prophets and Saints ; the stay of the
 
 
 
 Elect; the communicator of the secrets of the 
 invisible world ; the Messenger of the tidings of the 
 true Faith ; the first-fruits of the Garden of Exist- 
 ence; the index to the register of Created Beings ; 
 the monarch of the throne estabhshed by this 
 declaration, " I have moments with God, (Sfc.;^" — he 
 that is clothed in this royal mantle, " Triili/ God 
 will pardon thee ;"— the tbrch of the Sanctuary and 
 the Pontificate ; — the one admitted to the confiden- 
 tial interview with God, and the object of His 
 distinction ; — he who reached the place of which it 
 is said, " He was distant from me two bows-length 
 or a little more ^;"— the Sun of Heaven, who thus 
 speaks, '' I inclined to the earth, and beheld its eastern 
 and western extremities ;" — the Elect one of Mecca; 
 the Chosen of Medina ; the Director of the Koreish; 
 the High-priest of the Hashemites; the glory of 
 the Family of Lawai ; the son of Ghahb — Muham- 
 med, the son of Abdul Mutallab, on whom may 
 ever rest the benedictions and peace of the Al- 
 mighty ! — he who conveyed to the hearing of those 
 who inhabit the terrestrial expanse, and of those 
 who reside in the various spheres of Heaven, the 
 
 (®) These are the first words of a tradition ascribed to Moham- 
 med ; the remainder of which is, " In which no Angel, of those who 
 approach nearest to him, and no Prophet, though honoured by a 
 divine mission, would be worthy of conversing' with me." — De Sacy. 
 
 (f) Sur. 53.V.9.
 
 annunciation of this word, *' I was a Prophet whilst 
 the body of Adam was yet but particles of water and 
 earth ^;" — he who made the azure vault and empy- 
 rean Heaven re-echo with this proclamation, " I 
 have been sent to all me?i, whether of a black or ruddy 
 complexion;'' — the Hierarchy the glory encircling 
 whose auspicious brows was the first work of crea- 
 tion, according to this oracle, " The first thing cre- 
 ated by the Almighty was my light ;" — the fortunate 
 Pontif, whose honoured mission terminated the 
 promulgation of new systems of belief, agreeably to 
 this text, " I truly am the Prophet of God and the 
 seal of the Prophets ;" — the Chieftain, the bare idea 
 of whose soul-piercing arrows brought leanness on 
 the flanks of Rabia and Mozar, the nobles of the 
 Koreish ; the terror of whose sharp-edged sword and 
 glittering falchion brought back the sons of Ghahb, 
 parched with thirst, to the fountains of divine truth 
 and the mansions of the Just ; — the Prophet, the 
 manifest wonders of whose power are traced in 
 imperishable characters on the extreme limits of 
 duration ; and the conspicuous miracles wrought by 
 whose might are impressed with the stamp of per- 
 petuity, until the hour of the resurrection, and the 
 predestined period of that hour ; — the lofty in dig- 
 nity, who, on the night of Ascension, whilst soaring 
 
 C^) A quotation from the Arabic poem Borda, written in praise 
 of Mohammed for having; given sight to a blind man. Every distich 
 of this poem terminates in M, the initial letter of the Prophet's name.
 
 8 
 
 from the regions of dust, above the Nine Azure 
 Vaults of Heaven, extended the wing of benevolence 
 and bounty over the recluse in the folds of Paradise ; 
 — the noble Cavaher, who, on directing the reins of 
 departure from those pure reahns, devoted himself 
 to the instruction of mortals ; — the Traveller, the 
 dust raised by the feet of whose celestial steed is, by 
 universal consent, regarded as a becoming diadem 
 for encirchng the brows of the noble Beings in the 
 upper worlds ; — the Traverser of the Universe, the 
 dust of whose blessed sandals justly forms the col- 
 lyrium for the sight of Princes in the lower world : 
 
 " O thou, on earth the Kibleh of Celestials; 
 " In heaven, the hope of mortals ! " 
 
 — OGod! be thou propitious to him, his family, pro- 
 geny. Companions, and tribe ! On them may there 
 rest benedictions, incapable of diminution, in the 
 lapse of ages or days, impossible to be interrupted 
 by the cessation of months or years! To him, and 
 to them, impart a salvation, eternal, blessed, and 
 abundant ! 
 
 After this Introduction, thus says the writer of 
 the characters and words of perspicuous meaning, 
 and the compiler of the periods and phrases solidly 
 estabhshed — the humblest of the servants of the 
 Merciful Lord ; namely, Muhammed, son of Kha- 
 vend Shah, son of Mahmud : — May the Almighty 
 pardon his sinful deeds, and overlook his evil ac-
 
 9 
 
 tions ! In tlie spring of life, as well as the period 
 of matured age, which comprehend the most de- 
 lightful season of existence and the most delicious 
 hours of hfe, my aspiring mind, and soul ambitious 
 of attaining enlarged views, became inclined, nay, 
 passionately attached, to the perusal of historical 
 records, which alone supply the means of knowing 
 exactly the manners of the nations of the world, 
 and of fiiUy understanding the various customs 
 which prevail among the various races of mankind. 
 From time to time, as I was permitted by general 
 business and particular avocations, which occur to 
 all the children of mortaHty in proportion to their 
 state in society, I devoted myself to the pages 
 which record past events, and to the narrations of 
 ancient times, until my languid powers of mind 
 and exhausted frame contracted both love for, and 
 an intimate acquaintance with, such researches. I 
 occasionally communicated a few curious anecdotes 
 in a society of Learned Men, and an assemblage of 
 eminent Scholars, in such a manner as, proving 
 agreeable to persons of such refined accomphsh- 
 ments, obtained their approbation. Many times, 
 in the com'se of these incidents, several members of 
 this enlightened brotherhood, decorated with the 
 insignia of eminent accomplishments, and adorned 
 with sincerity, not only requested but earnestly 
 urged me to compile and finish a volume on this
 
 10 
 
 subject, abounding in profitable instruction to in- 
 dividuals, and free from prolixity of narrative ; 
 which should include the most important acts of 
 the Prophets and Apostles, with the consequences 
 which have resulted from the deeds of Kings and 
 Khalifs ; at the same time containing the detailed 
 history of puissant Chiefs, with a comprehensive ac- 
 count of the Great Men of former times. Although 
 I was perfectly convinced that the movement of 
 the chain of good fortune arises principally from 
 executing the plans and zealously promothig the 
 requests of friends of unequalled sincerity, however 
 owing to the deficient currency of the medium of 
 merit, and the total absence all over the earth of 
 Princes to patronize talent, and various other im- 
 pediments, the attainment of this object was ba- 
 nished into the area of procrastination and suspen- 
 sion : I could devise no means for removing the 
 envious veil which concealed the beauties of the 
 desired object. The wTiter of elegant compositions 
 must have his hands and breast in tranquil repose : 
 the hand is not to be continually rubbed against the 
 chin, in the anxiety of desire ; nor is the heart to 
 be sickened through despair of beholding tran- 
 quillity : for, in former times, the Learned Men who 
 engaged in pursuits of this description, and occupied 
 themselves in literary employments — they who 
 pierced the pearls of intellect with the adamant of
 
 11 
 
 enlightened genius — were enabled to attain their 
 object through the support and encouragement of 
 patrons eminent for wealth and fame, by the efful- 
 gent splendor of whose bounty they were enabled 
 to reach their proposed goal : — 
 
 " Men superior to me, who have treated this subject, 
 
 " By the aid of patrons have pierced this ruby, 
 
 " And by wealth were defended against the inroads of care. 
 
 " The ruby can be pierced by the diamond only ; 
 
 " Discourses, soaring in sublimity beyond the Pleiades, 
 
 " Are arranged when the means of life are liberally provided." 
 
 At last, the inspiration of Reason conferred on me 
 the benefit of admonition, relative to the waste of 
 the moments of life and the days of existence, and 
 the evils of deferring to execute the entreaties of 
 cordial friends and sympathizing associates. With 
 agitated heart, and troubled head ; distressed in cir- 
 cumstances, without a protector ; my head drooping 
 under the mantle of profound melancholy, and with- 
 drawing my steps into retirement and seclusion; 
 sometimes plunged into the sea of anxiety and stu- 
 por ; at other times wandering about, in deep afflic- 
 tion, in the boundless wilderness of thought and 
 deliberation ; but still unable to discover any path 
 which led to the Kaabah of my purpose — during a 
 considerable period, thus passed my malignant for- 
 tune ; when suddenly the gales of divine bounty 
 began to breathe ; and, the days of destitution and 
 privation having gone by, the period of auspicious
 
 12 
 
 commencement and liappy termination arrived. 
 The care-clouded night of error set in the hemi- 
 sphere of annihilation, and the joy-diffusing dawn 
 of celestial bounty broke out from the horizon of 
 hope : the Moon of triumph beaming forth from the 
 Orient of expectation, gloomy Night overwhelmed 
 the envious. — The explanation of these enigmas, 
 and the substance of these assertions, are as follow : 
 The throne of equity and justice; the high-place 
 of power and dominion ; the sublime degree of elo- 
 quence ; the admirable dignity of the patronage of 
 merit ; the personage adorned and decorated by the 
 possession of amiable characteristics ; the possessor 
 of exalted qualities ; high in rank ; eminent in vir- 
 tue ; who raises aloft the standard of equity and 
 justice, and obliterates the traces of oppression and 
 tyranny ; admitted to the royal confidence ; the 
 trustworthy depositary of the Imperial fortune ; the 
 asylum of the laboratory of creation ; the pupil of 
 the eyes of men endued with discrimination ; the 
 assemblage of the perfection of theoretical and 
 practical science ; abounding in the eternal, never- 
 ending divine graces ; the expositor of the hidden 
 secrets of antiquity ; master of the treasures of abs- 
 truse wisdom ; the enlightened in religion ; the 
 pure in soul ; the magnificent ; the prudent in 
 counsel ; the director of temporal and spiritual con- 
 cerns — the Ameer Ali Shir (May the Almighty
 
 13 
 
 promote the welfare of true believers by the con- 
 tinuance of his prosperity ! and may he bring to a 
 successful termination all his plans and hopes !) — by 
 his exertions, the rose-bowers of the fortunes of the 
 Learned are embellished, and cleared from the thorns 
 of affliction ; — from the over-shadowing clouds of his 
 munificence, the gardens of the Scientific derive ver- 
 dure and humidity; — through the gales proceeding 
 from the parterres of his liberality, the tree of the 
 prosperity of the sage becomes loaded with fruits. 
 — I, the humble bondsman, anxiously looked for the 
 beaming forth of this beneficent sun, and the attain- 
 ment of such good fortune ; and remained, many an 
 anxious night, counting the stars, until the true 
 dawn appeared : however, during a long and pro- 
 tracted period, and many a weary season, owing to 
 the feeble influence of my star, and my hostile for- 
 tune, and the false machinations of a cabal sug- 
 gesting calumnies and destitute of worth — also to 
 misrepresentations proceeding from the demons of 
 Genii and mortals — I remained excluded, and quite 
 despaired of ever obtaining the good fortune of fre- 
 quenting his private circle, or partaking of the uni- 
 versal benevolence of him who is able to instruct 
 the most profound doctors and the most learned 
 scholars. Through excess of affliction, at the dawn 
 of morning, and the dusk of evening, I used to ad- 
 dress my request to the western gale, the courier of
 
 11 
 
 the unfortunate, the envoy of the distressed, to 
 convey the purport of this speech to the ocean of 
 hberahty and bounty : — 
 
 " For this reason the sea approaches not to kiss thy feet, 
 " As it possesses not a power of liberality equal to thine : 
 " Altho' the flood of thy bounty has thus overflowed the world, 
 " This devoted slave alone remains on the shore, untouched." 
 
 I was always convinced that the privation of bounty, 
 proceeding from the source of his hberahty, was 
 occasioned by some deficiency on the side of the 
 apphcant, and was not to be imputed to the Dis- 
 penser of favours : 
 
 " The deficiency is on the petitioner's side, from all eternity : 
 " His auspicious favour is equally diflused over all." 
 
 At length, on a day marked for good fortune, 
 through the co-operation of destiny, or rather the 
 pure mercy of the Creator, a gracious Providence, 
 vouchsafing to lay hold of the reins of condescen- 
 sion, imperceptibly drew me to the threshold, im- 
 pressed with happiness. On obtaining the boon of 
 kissing the carpet, I beheld a spirit clothed with 
 figure, and discovered an angehc being in human 
 form, whose noble nature was pre-eminent above 
 all the Learned Men of the age in the sciences 
 of literature and accomplished manners : his com- 
 prehensive talents, in the perception of the most 
 subtle eloquence, and the most abstruse deductions 
 of intellect, appeared to discriminating judges the
 
 15 
 
 neplus ultra of mind, both among his contemporaries 
 and those of past times : in his guileless bosom 
 were treasured up the secrets of the invisible world ; 
 his gem-scattering lips are the faithful interpreters 
 of the tidings of the infalhble Volume ; the delicate 
 turns of thought in his poems, characterized by elo- 
 quence, when put into the dress of language, re- 
 semble the streams issuing forth from the fountain 
 of life, placed in the regions of darkness : the ink- 
 coloured sketches of his poetical composition, in- 
 vested with eloquence, in the vases of letters, 
 resembles the pupil whose abode is in the eyes of 
 the sage : — 
 
 " The subtle productions of his intellect, when clothed in letters, 
 " Resemble the effulgence of the Pleiades in the gloom of night." 
 
 Having made these prefatory remarks, I now pro- 
 ceed to the state of things at present. As soon as I, 
 the humble slave, limited in talents, destitute of 
 power, having partaken of his munificence, obtained 
 permission to retire, I betook myself to the seclu- 
 sion of my distressed abode ; — this wish occupying 
 my head, and this thought predominating in my 
 mind; namely. By the display of what acceptable 
 means may I indulge the expectation of being ad- 
 mitted into the train of those connected with the 
 exalted threshold? By the offering of what humble 
 capital, dming this season so barren of generosity, 
 may I be enabled to derive advantage and honour
 
 16 
 
 from the copious streams of his beneficence and 
 bounty ? In such debate I passed the time from 
 night till morning, and from morning till night : at 
 length, mental energy, whose office is reflection, after 
 consideration and counsel with sage intellect, the 
 common guide of great and small, submitted a state- 
 ment of the case, and entered into deliberation about 
 the means of attaining this object. Reason, the 
 great director, who, in regulating the proper apph- 
 cation of counsel, is the common resource of youth 
 and age, through compassion, whispered to my soul : 
 « —Notwithstanding this Kibleh of Fortune, the 
 " object of the esteem of enlightened sages, in re- 
 " spect to historical science and the faculty of readily 
 *' calling to mind the acts and achievements of an- 
 " cient nations, enjoys in these respects the prece- 
 " dency over all the historians of the age, and in 
 " the palaestra of intellect deservedly possesses a 
 *' preponderating superiority, he is nevertheless so 
 " strongly inclined to hsten to historical details and 
 *' anecdotes, that men of genius and vivid imagina- 
 ** tions are confounded with astonishment at the 
 '* circumstance. You must therefore labour to com- 
 " pile a body of history, founded on the acts and 
 ** adventures of the Prophets, Apostles, Khalifs, and 
 '' Kings ; giving also a detailed account of the con- 
 " sequences which resulted from the actions of the 
 " Ministers, Nobles, and great men of various na-
 
 17 
 
 " tions, in such a manner that not even the Celes- 
 " tial Scribe himself can draw his obhterating pen 
 " over its phrases, nor the storms of Heaven scatter 
 " its pages. 
 
 " The noblest edifices become ruined 
 
 " By rains, or the sun's glowing heat. 
 
 " Rear thou so firmly the structure of thy discourse, 
 
 " That the storms of ages may be unable to impair it." 
 
 Whereas this suggestion uttered by all-directing 
 Reason appeared to me deserving of consideration, 
 after consulting the will of Heaven, the subject was 
 mentioned to the Intelligent Mind, the Ornament of 
 the World. My project having been approved of by 
 his enlightened soul, this high mandate was issued 
 forth : — '' In conformity to the just views of this for- 
 " tunate champion of the Faith, you are to hasten 
 " on the arrangement of the History, in such a 
 '' manner, that the style may be free from the 
 *' artificial ornaments of allegory and metaphor, 
 " exempt from the reproach of plagiarism, and 
 '* far removed from the fault of enigmatical and ob- 
 " scure expressions ; and which, keeping close to 
 " the confines of clearness and perspicuity, should 
 " observe the medium between prolixity and con- 
 *' ciseness. The work should contain a Preface, 
 " Seven Sections, and a Conclusion ; so that each 
 " section might be entitled a separate volume, and 
 " regarded as a distinct narrative." — On which, I, 
 the humble slave, in sign of conforming myself to
 
 18 
 
 his exalted command, placing the finger of assent 
 on the eye of obedience, and like the slender Kulum 
 girding up my loins for the purpose of writing such 
 a work, uttered a request for whatever could pro- 
 mote the success of so important an undertaking ; 
 such as, books of History, a suitable dwelhng, and va- 
 rious other things, so that in the enjoyment of com- 
 plete tranquillity I could employ myself in tracing 
 the dusky characters of these pages. All my re- 
 quests having been associated with the honour of 
 acceptance, this noble person, who is strengthened 
 by divine support, the opulent, the intimate Adviser 
 of Imperial Majesty, deigned to point out to me a 
 dwelling, once distinguished by his own auspicious 
 footsteps, in the Monastery of Khalasieyah, on the 
 bank of the River AbkhiP ; which building, also, is a 
 late result of his mighty conception. The descrip- 
 tion of this structure, and of his other lofty and mag- 
 nificent edifices, shall be detailed in their proper 
 place, should it please the Almighty to grant me 
 power. 
 
 " Whether he is in joy or anger, no petitioner 
 " Ever beheld a negative impressed on his brow. 
 " In order that the suppliants may not feel abashed, 
 " He says ' Receive,' before they utter ' Give.' " 
 
 Without exaggeration, dissimulation, flattery, or 
 
 ('') Haji Khalfa calls the monastery, Salahia, and the river, 
 Hila: they are both in Herat, the Ancient Aria, which is situated 
 in a highly cultivated plain, thirty miles in length and about fifteen 
 in breadth, with a population of a hundred thousand souls.
 
 19 
 
 extravagance, if his comprehensive mind had not 
 been disposed to confer honour and distinction on 
 men conspicuous for learning, and on the eminent 
 teachers among mankind, every idea of theoretical 
 and practical science would have been effaced, or 
 totally annihilated in the minds of the Professors of 
 Philosophy and their disciples* ; so that there would 
 not have remained an individual in the region of 
 Khorasan capable of distinguishing between a right 
 line and a superficies, between lawful and unlawful. 
 Had not his soul, energetic as the sun, shed a ray 
 of compassion on the state of the feeble and 
 wretched, who would have now beheld an atom of 
 the existence of men like myself, dejected and 
 humbled to the dust, equal in magnitude to a par- 
 ticle of coUyrium applied to the eyes, surviving the 
 oppression of the envious and malignant of every 
 description all over the habitable world ? Whereas 
 the total of his good acts, his unceasing beneficence, 
 his numberless virtues, and universal benevolence, 
 would require a separate volume, it seems more 
 fitting to conclude at present with prayers free from 
 the semblance of hypocrisy : therefore may the 
 Almighty, through honour for his Chosen Prophet, 
 
 (') JiJ^JjJJ 1 ^J^iis^ L >!* 1 The first means here, those who can 
 understand and elicit the truth amidst the conflicting opinions in 
 Law and Theology : the latter means, those who embrace the dog- 
 mata propounded by the great Doctors. 
 
 c2
 
 20 
 
 the glorifying of his family and descendants, prolong 
 the life of his Excellency, the safeguard of the em- 
 pire, and ever associate his estimable qualities with 
 augmented blessings and all kinds of advantages ! 
 May he ever be guarded and protected against the 
 revolutions and vicissitudes of inconstant fortune ! 
 
 Now, through the grace of Him who is the Source 
 of all good and the Bestower of blessings, and in 
 conformity with the guiding reason of the Supreme 
 in the realms of Knowledge, the shining lamp of 
 this compartment of the Creation, I now enter on 
 the Preface, and my destined purpose. 
 
 This Book, entitled " The Garden of Purity," has 
 been arranged in a Preface, Seven Sections, and a 
 Concluding Dissertation. 
 
 The Preface enumerates the advantages of Hi- 
 storical knowledge, its importance to Princes, and 
 the quaUfications requisite for composing works of 
 this description. 
 
 The 1st Section contains an account of the first- 
 created Beings ; the history of the Genii ; a minute 
 account of the acts, lives, and numbers of the Pro- 
 phets — on whom be salutation and blessings ! 
 
 The 2d Section contains the narrative of the 
 Sacred Wars and adventures of the Prince of 
 Apostles, and of the Commanders of the Faithful : —
 
 21 
 
 upon him, and all of whom collectively, may bless- 
 ings ever rest ! 
 
 The 3d Section records the events and adven- 
 tures which occurred to the Twelve Imams, to the 
 descendants of Ummiyah, and to the family of the 
 Abasside Khalifs. 
 
 The 4th Section treats of the Kings contempo- 
 rary with the Abasside Khalifs. 
 
 The 5th Section relates the invasion and domi- 
 nion of the Subduer of the World, the Emperor 
 Jengeez Khan ; also the reigns of his posterity in 
 Iran and Turan. 
 
 The 6th Section contains an account of the ap- 
 pearance and reign of the Lord of the Fortunate 
 Conjunction \ the Subduer of the Universe, the 
 Pole of the World and the True Faith, the Amir 
 Timur Gurkan (the hght of whose principles may 
 God diffuse !) ; the manner in which he subjugated 
 the world, with the narrative of the reigns of most 
 of his illustrious posterity. 
 
 The 7th Section describes the absolute power and 
 victorious career of the Heaven-aided triumphant 
 Monarch, the quintessence of the eight heavens 
 and the four elements, the Sovereign of earth and 
 time, the splendor of temporal and spiritual power, 
 
 C') Bom under the conjunction of the two happy planets, Jupiter 
 and Venus.
 
 22 
 
 Abulghiizi Sultan Husain Behadur Khan': — May 
 the standards of those who are friendly to his go- 
 vernment be ever exalted and triumphant, and the 
 banners of his foes be lowered and broken ! 
 
 The Concluding Dissertation contains various 
 narratives, and singular properties of the produc- 
 tions in the four regions of the earth; also a concise 
 summary of the wondrous works and monuments 
 of the power and might of the Creator, who is 
 without equal, the Omnipotent Issuer-forth of the 
 Divine Fiat. 
 
 (') All Shir was the fellow student and afterwards Prime Mini- 
 ster to this monarch, one of the descendants of Tamerlane. All 
 Shir died in 906 of the Hejira, and the Prince in 911. 
 
 Thus far the Translator had the advantage of consulting the 
 masterly Translation of this Preliminary Discourse made by the 
 learned De Sacy, and which appeared in the 9th Volume of the 
 Notices des Manuscrits, 1813. Whatever merit the present Trans- 
 lation possesses, arises from its keeping as near as possible to so 
 excellent a model. — The remainder of this work has never before 
 been translated ; and for the following version the Translator 
 alone is accountable. 
 
 In page 250, Note 2, Vol. ix. of the Notices des Manuscrits, it 
 is proposed to change J ji- into iijs>- ; but this is not necessary, as, 
 by poetic licence, J**- is pronounced " khad" and therefore rhymes 
 with djS)-.
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 The intelligent in Historical researches are quite 
 aware that the science of History comprises so 
 many advantages, that the deshe of enumerating 
 the whole would be the source of hyperbole and 
 prolixity : however, according to this saying, " Al- 
 « though the whole may not he understood, the whole 
 " must not be passed over in silence," it therefore be- 
 comes necessary to state some of these advantages, 
 in order that men of genius and talent, who are 
 inchned to peruse compositions in this noble science, 
 may feel a still greater disposition for attaining this 
 knowledge, and exhibit greater enthusiasm in ac- 
 quiring it : and now the dusky Kulum is about to 
 trace, in the following pages. Ten Advantages which 
 result from this pursuit, extracted from esteemed 
 Authors, with a trifling variation of style. My mo- 
 tive for stating the circumstance is, that if aversion 
 should arise, men of genius may know from what 
 source it springs. 
 
 1st ADVANTAGE.— Whereas the Children of Adam 
 obtain their knowledge of events by means of
 
 24 
 
 reflection and sensation ; and of things acquired by 
 the senses, some depend on ourselves witnessing 
 them, others on report ; it is therefore evident to 
 persons of understanding, that, by exerting reflec- 
 tion alone, we cannot discover the true state of 
 human affairs : it is also clearly impossible for any 
 individual of the human race, considering the dura- 
 tion of the world, to behold personally the events 
 and incidents which occur amongst mortals, or by 
 the energy of reflection become experimentally ac- 
 quainted with their good and evil results : con- 
 sequently, the only way, by which we may ascertain 
 the state of this world, of its inhabitants, their 
 positions and manners, is through the perusal of 
 Historic records, which are founded on what has 
 been heard ; and the place of which no other 
 science can effectively supply. 
 
 2d ADVANTAGE. — By the science of History, 
 gladness and pleasure are attained ; the rust of ad- 
 versity and rebuke are banished from the mirror of 
 the soul. The intelHgent well know, that the facul- 
 ties of hearing and vision hold a high rank among 
 the human senses ; and that as the sense of vision 
 receives a pleasure unmixed with pain from the 
 contemplation of beautiful objects, in hke manner 
 the sense of hearing is not only exempt from fa- 
 tigue whilst listening to the recital of histories and 
 great achievements, but, on the contrary, receives
 
 25 
 
 augmented pleasure and delight : for an interest in 
 historic researches and narratives is impressed on 
 the human constitution, and the dispositions of 
 mankind are by nature formed for such pursuits. 
 It is a general saying, " The eye is not satiated with 
 " the objects of msion, nor the ear with sounds, nor the 
 " earth with rain." 
 
 3d ADVANTAGE. — The science of History, not- 
 withstanding its manifold advantages, is easily com- 
 prehended ; and its attainment is unaccompanied 
 with great trouble or difficulty. As it is founded on 
 memory, whenever the student retains in his recol- 
 lection past events, and devotes himself to their 
 study, and in order to attain his hopes and desires 
 turns his attention to a dihgent investigation of 
 Chronology, he will so much the sooner accomphsh 
 his purpose and object. 
 
 4th ADVANTAGE. — When a person appHes him- 
 self earnestly to this science, and meets contra- 
 dictory accounts, he knows that whatever is con- 
 formable to trust-worthy statements is to be pre- 
 ferred and depended on ; and that all of the opposite 
 description is to be rejected as false : he conse- 
 quently thus acquires the faculty of discriminating, 
 in all cases, between truth and falsehood. 
 
 5th Advantage. — Reflecting men have said that 
 experience in affairs is one of the greatest ex- 
 cellencies of mankind ; as the reasoning powers of
 
 26 
 
 the human race arrive to perfection through expe- 
 rience. Philosophers have also clearly stated, that 
 there are gradations in reason, to each of which 
 they have assigned its appropriate name : one of 
 these is, prudence in conducting affairs. In regard 
 to experience they have also estabhshed three gra- 
 dations: the 1st, when any one conducts a trans- 
 action, the benefits or injury resulting from which 
 revert to himself: the 2d, when he beholds an- 
 other engaged in an undertaking, the good or evil 
 consequences of which recoil on himself: the 3d is, 
 when a person, having directed his attention to the 
 investigation of the affairs of the Ancients, ascertains 
 the causes of their calamities, successes, advantages, 
 and reverses, through the medium of tradition. Of 
 these three degrees, none can exceed in importance 
 that in which the narrator himself is the chief 
 agent : also, when the relation of past events is 
 firmly cemented, it becomes the sure substitute and 
 representative of the first degree : consequently, 
 when the accounts of the sound policy and sagacity 
 of a nation have been clearly stated, the completion 
 of their wishes and their manifold successes con- 
 nected with these qualities also recorded, and their 
 happy termination described, the prudent and fortu- 
 nate dwell on this theme ; and the sensible man 
 conforms his conduct to their model, and adopts 
 their example, agreeably to this verse, " Those
 
 27 
 
 whom God has guided, follow thou their example" so 
 that he may be led to a good conclusion and happy 
 termination. In like manner, if a people weak in 
 reason and feeble in counsel should be described, 
 their general ignorance and neghgence are men- 
 tioned, their painful end and evil catastrophe are 
 recorded: the intelligent historian, even in this 
 case, takes an example to himself, agreeably to this 
 verse, " You who are clear-sighted, take example to 
 yourselves : " the learned scholar, in this point of 
 view, is ever vigilant, that he may remain guarded 
 and protected, conformably to this text, " He has 
 interposed between them and what they desire,'^ 
 
 6th ADVANTAGE. — The man who reflects on 
 the science of History enjoys the advantage of 
 taking counsel with the Learned Men of the whole 
 world : and the high rank of this kind of inter- 
 course, compared to that we hold with our own 
 contemporaries, is evident : as the Great Men of 
 ancient times, in the events which befell them, 
 transacted their own pressing affairs ; and the Coun- 
 sellors of the present day direct their attention to 
 the concerns of others : but the tendency of men 
 to turn their energies to the improvement of their 
 own state exceeds the interest they feel for others ; 
 and in attention to their own concerns they are 
 more sincere than in protecting the interests of 
 others : it is therefore evident, that taking counsel
 
 28 
 
 from the records of past events is superior, nay, far 
 preferable, to consultation derived from the passing 
 events of the present moment. 
 
 Whenever an important crisis occurs to any per- 
 son, and he endeavours to solve the difficulties of 
 his position by consulting this science, undoubtedly 
 the quintessence of the collected wisdom of the 
 most intelligent comes to his aid : by which means, 
 the violence of the invading hosts of adversity is 
 restrained from plundering the stores of reflection ; 
 the stains caused by the dust of anxious cares are 
 washed off the tablet of his soul by the water flow- 
 ing from the deductions of ancient Sages ; and he, 
 being guided by a lamp lighted for others, without 
 experiencing the scorn and distress of requesting it, 
 terminates successfully his urgent concerns. When 
 separation from friends or astonishing reverses oc- 
 cur, he remains not in helpless distraction ; the pur- 
 port of this saying, " That man is most fortunate who 
 is warned by another s fate" confirms this opinion : 
 the communication also made by Sulman, the Per- 
 sian, (on whom be the favour of God !) during the 
 digging of the foss % and the panegyric of the ex- 
 
 (*) The siege of Medina was undertaken by Muhammed, in the 
 5th year of the Hejira ; on which occasion, by Suhnan's advice, a 
 trench was dug round the city. Sulman had been recommended by 
 a Monk to betake himself to Arabia, to behold a Prophet who was 
 to restore the religion of Abraham, and who had the seal of pro- 
 phecy between his shoulders. On coming to Koba, near Medina, he 
 
 found
 
 29 
 
 cellent asylum of prophecy, (upon whom and his 
 family be benedictions and salvation !) are a suf- 
 ficient proof and decisive argument on this point. 
 
 7th ADVANTAGE. — The science of History con- 
 duces to enlargement of understanding, increase of 
 knowledge, accuracy in reasoning, and correctness 
 in counsel. It has therefore been said by Abuzar- 
 chamar^ (the embeUished frontispiece of the vo- 
 lume of Wisdom), that historical science is the 
 supporter and auxiliary of right reason; as the 
 knowledge of past events is both an impartial wit- 
 ness and eloquent testimony for properly directing 
 the reason of posterity. 
 
 8th ADVANTAGE. — The minds of powerful men 
 and rulers, when terrible reverses and alarm- 
 ing incidents befall them, remain, through the study 
 of this science, tranquil, and free from agitation. 
 Should any calamity, pursuant to the decrees of 
 
 found Muhammed there ; and went round about him, to observe the 
 sacred si{^. Muhammed, aware of his intention, took off his cloak, 
 and displayed to his new convert the holy seal. — Gagnier's Abul- 
 feda, p. 74. 
 
 C^) Abuzarchamar, a corruption of" Buzerg Mihr" or "great 
 affection," the celebrated, virtuous, and learned Minister of Nushir- 
 van : to him has been attributed the discovery of the book Kalilah 
 and Damna, brought from India to Nushirvan, or at least the 
 translation into Persian ; also the games of Chess and Draughts. 
 He was tutor to Hormuz, the son and successor to Nushirvan. 
 He was supposed to have embraced Christianity ; which furnished 
 Khusrau Parviz, the successor of Hormuz, with a pretext for 
 putting him to death. — D'Herbelot.
 
 30 
 
 Heaven, occur, the hope of final safety and de- 
 hverance is not cut off; as, in times past, it has 
 frequently happened, when an important crisis or 
 heavy mxisfortune has occurred, that, through the 
 pure mercy of the Almighty, they have passed away 
 without difficulty : — 
 
 " Fortune brought in her train (woes of) a thousand hues ; 
 
 " Yet not one was of so deep a dye as imagination depicted." 
 
 9th ADVANTAGE. — The man acquainted with Tra- 
 dition and History is richly endued with the dig- 
 nity of patience, and its excellent results; which 
 form the most distinguished among the dignities of 
 pure and holy personages : for when any one re- 
 flects and considers the vicissitudes of Fortune, he 
 discovers how many kinds of woes were undergone 
 by the Prophets and Apostles (on whom be salva- 
 tion !) inflicted by the people of old ; also in what 
 manner they endured them, and continued to 
 walk in the path of patience and resignation : 
 consequently, on every occasion, when any great 
 calamity occurs, he too will firmly grasp the 
 mighty handle of patience, and the strong cable of 
 resignation : thus, by adhering strenuously, he will 
 never permit himself to deviate from the path of 
 their imitation. And, without doubt, whoever puts 
 in practice these two meritorious qualities, attains a 
 happy lot in the present and future state, and is 
 guarded against the miseries of ])otli worlds.
 
 31 
 
 10th ADVANTAGE — which, in reality, comprises many 
 others : but those versed in History have reduced 
 their amount under a single head ; namely, that ex- 
 alted Monarchs, just and orthodox Kings, the props 
 of the State, and the Directors of the Faith, through 
 their acquaintance with the extraordinary revo- 
 lutions and Avonderful changes, the subjects of which 
 History treats, may attain a greater knowledge of 
 the all- triumphant Majesty of the King of Kings 
 (whose empire be enlarged !) : therefore, when they 
 call to mind the revolutions which have occurred in 
 past occasions, and reflect that neither prosperity 
 nor calamity possesses a permanent duration, they 
 do not become haughty from the accidental con- 
 sequences of good fortune, nor cast down and dispi- 
 rited from successive reverses. When they at the 
 same time ascertain the happy lot of the Elect and 
 the Righteous, with the high dignity attached to 
 that class of persons; and also steadily contem- 
 plate and reflect on the condemnation of the re- 
 bellious and wicked, and the disgrace which awaits 
 the different classes of such characters; then the 
 fruits of virtuous conduct, and the punishments in- 
 flicted on wicked actions in affairs of Government, 
 become quite evident to the reflection of Princes : 
 so that, although in the commencement of their 
 aiming at universal dominion they may have given 
 themselves up to force, or have displayed deeds of
 
 violence, it has often happened that they have de- 
 parted from these reprehensible qualities which cha- 
 racterize those who are doomed to error and woe ; 
 and in deviating from the realms of the wicked, they 
 turn to the paths of the pious, so as to become ho- 
 noured, by partaking of the exalted liberality and 
 kind indulgence which the Almighty has prepared 
 and made ready, in the mansions of the Righteous, 
 for persons such as these ; according to this text : 
 " This is the abode of the other world: He has pre- 
 " pared it for such as desire not loftiness on earth, 
 " nor corruption : there is a happy futurity in store 
 ''for those who fear God." 
 
 A STATEMENT OF THE HIGH IMPORTANCE OF HISTORICAL KNOW- 
 LEDGE TO RULERS, BEYOND ALL OTHER MEN. 
 
 It should be known, that no class of persons has 
 more occasion for this science than Princes. 1st, As 
 the important concerns of mankind are committed 
 to their reason and deliberation, whatever of good 
 or evil may occur, they are both appointed and 
 selected to promote the one and banish the other : 
 for this reason, they must of necessity possess an 
 intimate acquaintance with the manners and revo- 
 lutions of kingdoms, with military skill, and the 
 measures adopted by men of enlightened minds : 
 all which particulars are acquired with the greatest 
 precision from this science. 2dly, When they ma-
 
 turely reflect on this science, the results of the im- 
 portant transactions and policy of former Rulers and 
 departed Princes come to their hearing, and fhey 
 consequently exert themselves in virtuous conduct, 
 justice, clemency, protection of the people, and 
 whatever is connected with the stabihty of their 
 sway : they also reckon it their bounden duty to 
 shun most studiously whatever may cause pain and 
 calamity, or impair the dignity of the royal autho- 
 rity : especially, when the fortunate individual of 
 high energy reflects on the admirable qualities and 
 virtuous manners exhibited by ancient heroes, he 
 feels within himself a spu-it of emulation, and a de- 
 sire to sui-pass the great men of antiquity in the 
 means of acquiring fame. 3dly, As Princes and 
 Rulers, who are always absorbed in guarding the 
 interests of their kingdoms, and their thoughts ever 
 engrossed with profound meditation on such im- 
 portant concerns, must be in unceasing anxiety and 
 agitation, the rest and repose requisite for person- 
 ages of such exalted rank can be derived from 
 listening to naiTatives and histories ; as in the sea- 
 sons of weariness and censure there is no other 
 science which so effectually and so agreeably be- 
 stows cheerfulness of mind and dispels fatigue. If, 
 however, some foohsh opponent, taking into ac- 
 count the repetitions and amphfications which some- 
 times occur in the noble proofs and eloquent style 
 
 D
 
 34 
 
 of this science, should assert that History, for the 
 most part, consists of fictions, contradictions, and 
 ancient romances, and is therefore unworthy of 
 attention ; besides, that discrimination becomes al- 
 most impossible when truth and falsehood, rubbish 
 and pearls, right and wrong are mixed up together, 
 so that consequently no advantage can be connected 
 with the study ; such doubts may be removed in 
 the following manner. The venerable writers of 
 ancient times, and their illustrious successors, laid 
 the foundations of this science in sincerity and 
 truth; for it is quite impossible that the distinguished 
 scholars of their age, and learned men of undoubted 
 integrity, having habituated themselves to fiction 
 and falsehood, should have rashly attempted to pass 
 off fictions and contradictions for truths : whatever 
 proceeded from them, in their respective periods, 
 must certainly be fi-ee from confusion and error. 
 Even if some deceitful impostor, from the sugges- 
 tions of a depraved mind, should ascribe such un- 
 worthy deeds to the celebrated men of old, and 
 depict on his pages these baseless fictions, the 
 adepts in science, however, regarding such uncon- 
 nected compositions and such ill-arranged works as 
 a butt for the arrows of scorn and censure, repel 
 the charge, and display the banners of his calum- 
 nious falsehood among the ranks of liars and im- 
 postors, that it may be evident to mankind that
 
 35 
 
 such a person's composition consists merely of idle 
 words, and that his entire work merits obhteration 
 and suppression : finally, that he himself is some 
 wretched outcast, who undertook this base act and 
 aggravated sin ; and that he holds a conspicuous 
 place among those of whom it is said, " They pervert 
 the word from its place ;" from such characters I fly 
 to God for protection ! 
 
 It must however be confessed, that certain narra- 
 tives which come under the head of inventions are 
 replete with advantages, and deservedly esteemed ; 
 such as, Kalila and Dimna, and many others ; which 
 although confessedly works of invention and imagi- 
 nation, yet the authors and readers, although none 
 of the stories recorded had ever occurred, firmly 
 beheve them to be pregnant with incalculable bene- 
 fits and advantages. — " God only knows the truth!'' 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OF THE QUALIFICATIONS INDISPENSABLY REQUISITE 
 FOR HISTORICAL COMPOSITION. 
 
 It is evident to the enlightened minds of those 
 pre-eminent in wisdom, that to compose an histo- 
 rical work, or to engage in composition in general, 
 is both an important and hazardous undertaking, as 
 well in selecting from the multitude of facts, as in 
 arranging the body of the work : for books in this 
 department of science come not only under the 
 auspicious sight of powerful sovereigns, highly- 
 talented Ameers, distinguished persons and nobles, 
 
 D 2
 
 m 
 
 the literati and eminent men of all regions, but 
 also under that of tradesmen and artisans, who, 
 although unable to distinguish black from white, or 
 the rue from the scented willow, feel a strong in- 
 chnation both to peruse and to listen to books in 
 this science : hence the unhappy author, according 
 to this saying, " He who stands up in the ranks 
 becomes a butt for the archer" for some trifling 
 error serves as a mark for the arrow of censure 
 from all sorts of men and every class of the sons of 
 Adam. If, however, certain conditions be observed 
 in writing, it is then proper that impartial judges, 
 having curbed the tongue of reprehension, should 
 hsten with complacency to the historian's narrative : 
 and this seems the proper place for stating the 
 nature of these conditions. 
 
 The 1st is : The writer of History must be perfect 
 in faith and pure in rehgion ; for some persons of 
 erroneous principles, such as the rebellious Khawarij ° 
 and the insidious Rawafiz '' have affixed detestable 
 
 C) Khawarij — they who depart or revolt from the lawful Prince 
 established by public consent. This name was first given to 
 12,000 men who revolted from Ali, after they had fought under 
 him at the battle of Seifein ; taking offence at his submitting the de- 
 cision of his right to the Khalifat, which Moawiyah disputed with him, 
 to arbitration, though they themselves had first obliged him to it. 
 
 (P) Rawafiz — the same as the Sfii-ites — the heretics who do not 
 look on Abubekr, Omar, and Othman as legitimate Khalifs or 
 successors of Muhammed, but, on the contrary, maintain that All 
 and his descendants are the true heirs and legitimate successors. — 
 Sale's Prel. Dis. p. 230 to 236.
 
 37 
 
 assertions and traditions to the Companions of Mu- 
 hammed and their successors, and, by mixing to- 
 gether, in their works, authentic facts, rejected 
 assertions, refuted statements, and acknowledged 
 truths, have thus deceived mankind. If a person 
 be not informed of their flmdamental treachery 
 and fraud, he will imagine their narrative to be 
 a shining light derived from the apostohcal shrines, 
 and kindled by the prophetic torch : thus, through 
 such corrupting influence, a man falls into error, 
 and strays from the true path. 
 
 The 2d condition is : It is necessary that what- 
 ever subject the writer treats of, he should describe 
 the whole faithfully, and bring all the circumstances 
 within the compass of his book : that is, as he, in 
 their due order, describes the merits, noble deeds, 
 justice, and benefits which distinguished the great 
 and eminent men of past times, he must, in like 
 manner, specify their worthless or reprehensible 
 deeds, instead of keeping them concealed : in the 
 next place, should he judge it advisable, he ought 
 to explain clearly this latter part of their character; 
 otherwise he is to proceed on this subject with 
 studied ambiguity, remote allusions, hints, or no- 
 tices ; as, " A hint to the wise is sufficient" 
 
 The 3d condition. — In praise or censure, the writer 
 must especially avoid excess and exaggeration, nei- 
 ther must he permit himself to have recourse to
 
 38 
 
 importunity ; but should a pressing necessity arise, 
 either for soUciting some advantage or repelling 
 something hurtful, he must not transgress against 
 the saying, ''The best of all things is moderation." 
 Consequently, when the purpose aimed at is con- 
 formable to sincerity of conduct and purity of in- 
 tention, his wishes and necessities are crowned with 
 a happy termination. 
 
 The 4th condition is : Whatever subject the hi- 
 storian traces, by the pen of di\dne favour, with 
 minute precision, should be free from highly orna- 
 mented periods : on the contrary, he must endea- 
 vour that the modes of diction be founded on ex- 
 pressive language, and all the phrases used in their 
 proper acceptation ; so that the pages of the nar- 
 rative and the volume of recital may be painted 
 and illuminated with highly-coloured pictures of 
 elegant design and graceful illustration. He must 
 also choose a simple and pure style, easily com- 
 prehended, and quickly understood : let him studi- 
 ously avoid the use of feeble language, low expres- 
 sions, vulgar idioms, and antiquated phrases ; so 
 that every class of readers, high and low, although 
 differing in point of understanding and conception, 
 may receive abundant delight and solid instiTiction ; 
 and the work itself become so approved and ad- 
 mired in the sight of all, that no critic can either 
 reject or censure it. This condition, however, is
 
 39 
 
 not confined solely to History, but must be care- 
 fully observed in all treatises on Science, com- 
 posed in any language whatever ; so that the com- 
 position and arrangement used in that style of 
 writing, and the impressions produced by it, may 
 not become rejected or obliterated, and every ves- 
 tige defaced or lost sight of. 
 
 The 5th condition. — This condition, which has 
 no reference to the writer of these pages, is, that 
 the historian should be distinguished for integrity 
 and good faith ; celebrated for sincerity of speech, 
 and virtuous conduct : for History in general, and 
 the lives of Princes in particular, are frequently of 
 such a nature, that there exists no document on 
 which implicit reliance can be placed ; or by means 
 of which we may, in the narrative of events, be 
 secured against the detriments of falsehood : there- 
 fore, when the historian is orthodox and faithful, 
 those who seek high endowments and accomphsh- 
 ments entertain a cordial confidence towards him : 
 they feel assured, that such a person will not barter 
 his faith for worldly lucre ; that he will never 
 reconcile to himself, nor applaud, the destructive 
 futurity and the evil catastrophe which await 
 falsehood. The writer therefore presses on with 
 fervent passion and perfect zeal to the compilation 
 of the attractive narrative; bestowing on the text 
 of the volume, and the contents of the pages, the
 
 40 
 
 embellishment and ornament of anecdotes and com- 
 mentaries; which are so secured against alteration 
 or substitution, that their impressions cannot be 
 effaced from the pages of Fortune until the re- 
 motest limits of time. This assertion is confirmed, 
 by observing that many individuals distinguished 
 by their qualities have written books in this sci- 
 ence, both in Arabic and Persian ; and though a 
 long period has elapsed since their time, yet the 
 works of those eminent men are still celebrated 
 and current amongst mankind : the succession of 
 days and nights, the revolutions of months and 
 years, can neither destroy them, nor consign them 
 to neglect ; nor can the spider weave the web of 
 obHvion over their pages. 
 
 Among the Arabic writers, the first is the Imam 
 Muhammed Ben Ishak Ben Saiyar, the first profes- 
 sor of the Muhammedan faith who described the 
 sacred wars and wrote historical narratives ; after 
 him, the Imam Wahab Ben Monabbah, and his bro- 
 ther Hamam Ben Monabbah; the ImamWakadi; 
 and Asmai; and Muhammed Ben Joraier Tabari; 
 and Abu Abdallah Moslem Ben Kaniyah, the author 
 of the Jamia al Arif ; and Muhammed Ben Ali Ben 
 Atham the Kufite, author of the " Al Futuh ;" and 
 Abdallah Ben Mokanna ; and the Doctor Abu Ali 
 Maskouiyah ; and Fakhr uddeen Muhammed Ben 
 Abi Daud ; and Suliman the Benakite ; and Abidfarj
 
 41 
 
 Ben Aljauzi, author of the " Ahnuntazim ;" and 
 Amad uddeen Ben Kathir, the Syrian ; and Muka- 
 dasi ; and Taalabi ; and Abu Hanifah of Dainwar ; 
 and Muhammed Ben Abdallah al Masoudi ; and the 
 Imam Kamil Abdallah, Ben Ali Alyemani of Yafii ; 
 and Abu Nasr Allaki, author of the Alyemani. — 
 Most of the above-mentioned writers are regarded 
 as the High Priests of the Sacred Traditions, and 
 of the Commentaries on the Koran; and the esteem 
 bestowed on their historical narratives surpasses the 
 bounds of description. 
 
 Among the historians of Persia, the first is, the 
 Melek al Kalam, Abul Kasim Alhasan Ben Mu- 
 hammed Ben Ali al Fardausi of Tus ; and Abul 
 Hasan Ali Ben Shams Ahslam, the Benhakite; 
 and Abul Hasan Muhammed Ben Suliman, author 
 of the Tarikh-i-Khausrui ; and Abul Fazl Bai- 
 hakki, the compiler of the " Tarikh-i-al-i-Mah- 
 mud Sabuktageen (on whom be mercy!) in thirty 
 volumes ; and Abbas Ben Masaab ; and Ahmed Ben 
 Siyarah'; and Abu Ishak Muhammed Ben Ahmed 
 Ben Yunas Baizazi ; and Muhammed Ben Akeel, the 
 Lawyer of Balkh ; and Abul Kasim Ben Mahmud, 
 the Kaabite, to whom are ascribed the Histories of 
 Herat, Balkh, and Nishaboor; and Abul Hasan 
 Muhammed Ben Abdallah Albakir, of Fars, author 
 of the Siyak-ut-Tarikh ; and Sadr uddeen Mu- 
 hammed Ben Hasan, the Bastamite, author of the
 
 42 
 
 Taj-al-Maather ; and Abul Abdallali Minhaj Ben 
 Mudud Aljarjani, author of the Tabkat-i-Nasiri ; 
 and Kathir uddeen of Irak; and Abul Kasim 
 Muhammed Ben Ali Alkashi, author of the 
 Zubdat-ut-Tawarikh ; and the Khajeh Abul Fazl 
 Abdallah Ben Abunasr Ahmed Ben Ali Amkial, 
 author of the " Mukhzen-al-Balaghat ;" and the 
 " Fazail-ul-Mulook ;" and Ala uddeen Atta Melik 
 Aljauini, brother to Sahib Shahir Khajeh Shams- 
 uddeen Muhammed, author of a complete series 
 of Poems, to whom is ascribed the " Tarikh Jehan 
 Kushai ;" and Hamdallah Mastaufi of Kazvin, au- 
 thor of the " Tarikh Guzidah," and the " Nuzhat- 
 al-Kuloob ;" and the Kazi Nasiruddeen Beizawi, 
 author of the " Nizam-ut-Tuwarikh ;" and the Kha- 
 jeh Rashid Tabib, author of the " Jamia ;" and 
 Hafiz Abru ; — upon whom, and all other writers of 
 the same class, may the blessings and favours of 
 the Almighty ever remain ! All these great cha- 
 racters were ranked among the learned men of 
 their age ; their sayings have been always referred 
 to; and their maxims continually quoted. Al- 
 though the statement of these premises has ex- 
 tended to some length, and the arrangement of 
 these details has added to the mass, it is however 
 evident to discriminating minds, that at this period 
 some amplification is permitted, and that the en- 
 larging on the advantages of History deserves com-
 
 43 
 
 mendation. At present, the dusky-coloured pen, 
 the agreeably-pacing courser of History, while 
 bounding into the area of description of this seven- 
 partitioned volume, hopes, by the powerful aid of 
 the Almighty, and the auspicious, boundless favour 
 of the Ameer characterized by the anchorite's holy 
 mind, the pure in faith, the benefactor of the op- 
 pressed, the destroyer of oppressors, the bland in 
 manner, the heahng salve to the wounded hearts of 
 holy professors, and whose power is the antidote 
 to the dragon-like qualities of the slanderer and 
 the envious, that the seven volumes of this work, 
 selected from esteemed authors, may obtain com- 
 plete celebrity in the seven climates, and prove 
 acceptable to the minds of all ranks of people.
 
 u 
 
 SHORT NOTICE RELATIVE TO ALI SHIR 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE RAUZAT-US-SAFA. 
 
 Ali' Shir was descended from one of the most 
 illustrious families of the Jagatai tribe. His father 
 occupied a high post under the reign of Sultan 
 AbulkassemBabur Khan, great-grandson to Tamer- 
 lane. Ali Shir was educated with great attention : 
 he soon displayed an attachment to study, and made 
 a rapid progress in the sciences appropriate to his 
 rank in society. In his infancy, he received the first 
 rudiments of education at the same school with the 
 Sultan Husain Mirza, afterwards named Abulghazi 
 Hussain Behadur Khan, which event led to an 
 attachment which lasted during their life. Ali Shir 
 first entered into the service of Abulkassem Babur, 
 who regarded him as a son : on the death of this 
 prince, he retired to Meshed, where he devoted 
 himself to study; but the unceasing troubles of 
 Khorasan obliged him to quit Meshed for Samar- 
 kand. When Sultan Husain Mirza had subdued 
 Khorasan, he sent for Ali Shir to Herat, and re-
 
 45 
 
 ceived him with the most flattering attention. He 
 was first appointed to the Royal Seal ; shortly after, 
 to the head of the Council ; and lastly Grand Vizir. 
 When] he had for some time discharged those 
 important offices, he resigned his distinguished ap- 
 pointments, in order to pass the remainder of his 
 life in retirement. He, however, afterwards accepted 
 the government of Asterabad ; which after a short 
 time he gave up, and bade adieu to pubhc hfe. He 
 devoted his leisure to science, and composed several 
 works in Turkish and Persian. He was also a pro- 
 ficient in different arts, such as sculpture, gilding, 
 various kinds of writing, and painting. He em- 
 ployed his great wealth in the erection of edifices 
 consecrated to rehgion or humanity ; among which 
 were ninety karavanserays, several hospitals, 
 mosques, and bridges. He died in 906 of the 
 Hejira, A.D. 1500, and his royal friend and master 
 in 911. — S. de Sacy. 
 
 Mirkhond, or rather Mirkhavend, whose true name 
 is Muhammed Ben Khavendshah Ben Mahmud, 
 the author of the Rauzat-us-Safa, was born about 
 837 or the end of 836 of the Hejira, correspond- 
 ing to 1432 or 1433 of our era: he died, as we 
 are informed by Khondemir, his son, in the year 
 903, in the month Zu-al-kaada, or June 1498 of 
 our era, aged 66 years. Khondemir is the author
 
 4() 
 
 of the well-known work the Khulasat-al-Akhbar, 
 which is the abridgment of the Rauzat-us-safa, 
 written about the year 900, for the Ameer Ali Shir. 
 He also wrote the Habib-us-sayr, or '' Traveller's 
 Friend."
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE EARLY KINGS OF PERSIA. 
 
 HISTORY OF KAIOMARS, 
 niE FIRST PESHDADIAN AND THE FIRST KING. 
 
 Kaiomars is a Syriac word, which means " the 
 hving Being endued with speech ^" Before he un- 
 dertook to discharge the functions and duties of 
 royalty, all kinds of violence and oppression were 
 openly practised among mankind, and the greatest 
 
 (**) The first Ferouer, or model of existence incarnated on earth, 
 was the Homo-taurus or Aboudad, who being^ struck by Ahri- 
 man, the Principle of Evil, and by his poison, became ill ; but 
 before dying, he recommended that the living Beings which were 
 to issue from his body should be guarantied against injury. At 
 the moment of his death, Kaiomars came out of his right front leg; 
 and after death, the Genius Goschoroun, the protector of animated 
 nature, came out of the left front leg : from the tail and marrow of 
 the bull proceeded 150 grain-bearing plants, and twelve species 
 of trees, which multiplied to 100,000. From his horns came 
 forth the fruits ; and from his blood, the vine. The germs of all 
 vegetable productions were then placed in a great river ; and two 
 birds were charged with distributing them over the earth. The 
 first man, Kaiomorts (Gaiomard in Pehlevi) was formed radiant, 
 white, with eyes looking up to heaven. The Majmel-ut-tuvarikh 
 
 adds
 
 48 
 
 disorders found their way into all the transactions 
 of the human race throughout the whole of the 
 habitable world. At length, a number of wise men 
 and nobles, whilst anxiously dehberating how to 
 remove this general tyranny and iniquity, drew a 
 parallel between the universe and the microcosm of 
 the human body ; and concluded, that as the health 
 
 adds this particular, that the man, Kaiomorts, was a living and 
 speaking Being, and the Homo-taurus was dead and deprived of 
 speech; which means, according to Anquetil Du Perron, that 
 Kaiomars was created to live, and spoke naturally; whereas the 
 Homo-taurus was to die within a short period, and his power of 
 speech was foreign to his nature. Thus Kaiomorts was originally 
 formed as an immortal Being, and a particular Genius watched 
 over his safety : but Ormuzd, the Principle of Good, to whom 
 future events are present, clearly saw that he could not withstand 
 the power of Ahriman, the Principle of Evil, and therefore called 
 him Gueie Merethno or " Mortal Life," from which the Pazend 
 forms Kaiomorts. From Merethno comes Mard, "mortal" or 
 " man" in Persian. Before creating Kaiomorts, Ormuzd had 
 produced a liquid called Khei ; which being applied to Kaiomorts, 
 rendered him beautiful and radiant as a youth of fifteen. 
 
 We find that Ahriman, accompanied by Akouman, Astiiiad, tlie 
 father of death, and by thousands of other Dives, fell on Kaiomorts, 
 who did not survive the attack more than thirty years. The ele- 
 mentary principles of his Being were purified by the sun's light, 
 and confided to Neriosery, the Ized presiding over the fire, and to 
 Sapendemad, the Genius of the earth. After forty years, there pro- 
 ceeded from these elements a tree representing two human bodies, 
 and bearing fruits containing ten species of men. These two bodies 
 became Meschia and Meschiane, the parents of the human race. — 
 The names Meschia and Meschiane are derived firom Maschi, 
 " death," and signify " mortal." — L'Acad. des Inscrip. Vol. xxxvii. 
 p. 642 to 652.
 
 49 
 
 or disease of the members and the human frame is 
 proportioned to the soundness or morbidness of the 
 temperament with which the regimen of the body 
 is essentially and inseparably connected, so the 
 affairs of this great world would be duly regulated, 
 all actions properly directed, the devout comforted, 
 and the blessings of universal tranquillity secured, 
 by means of a ruler possessed of authority, vigour, 
 and exalted dignity ; one, whose admirable nature 
 should be adorned with the brilhancy of justice and 
 equity ; and who, on all occasions, could avoid and 
 be on his guard against the influence of vindictive 
 feelings, and criminal excess in sensual and carnal 
 desires : thus all classes of his subjects might pass 
 a tranquil, contented hfe, reposing on the couch of 
 peaceful security, exempt from the oppression of 
 the turbulent and rebellious ; whilst all descriptions 
 of robbers, however protected by concealment or 
 fastnesses, should be exterminated by the agency of 
 their own wicked actions. After duly resorting to 
 divine and human counsels, the lot of election fell 
 on Kaiomars : and as soon as he had ratified, by 
 oath, his assent to the conditions proposed by the 
 nobles of the realm and the heads of religion, his 
 auspicious brow was encircled with the royal diadem, 
 and he was seated on the imperial throne. " The 
 " first august sovereign, the controller of regions, 
 " and the first of crowned monarchs, was Kaiomars :
 
 50 
 
 *' when he mounted the throne and assumed the 
 *' crown, he exacted tribute from the inhabitants of 
 " the country." The principal historians differ with 
 respect to his hneage ; some asserting, that, from 
 the time assigned to him, he must be the eldest son 
 of Adam (on whom be the peace of God !); and the 
 narration of Imam Ghazali (on whom be the mercy 
 of God !), in the work entitled Nasihat-ul-Muluk 
 (Advice to Kings), supports this opinion : many 
 however maintain, that Umim the son of Laud, the 
 son of Arem, the son of Saum, the son of Noah (on 
 whom be benedictions !), was in the beginning of his 
 reign styled Kaiomars. The author of the Ghaniyeh'' 
 says, that he was. one of the sons of Japhet, the son 
 of Noah — called by the Arabians, Omar, and by the 
 Persians, Kaiomars ; who, on being invested with 
 absolute power, ordained that whoever gave him 
 any name but Adam should be beheaded : but this 
 differs from the opinion of the most-approved 
 v^riters, who all agree that the Khans of Turkistan 
 are of the lineage of Japhet, but not the kings of 
 Fars, who are acknowledged to be the descendants 
 of Kaiomars ; which being granted, the weakness of 
 the above supposition is evident. The Magi assert 
 that Kaiomars is synonymous with Adam, the pro- 
 genitor of the human race : they also style him 
 
 C) Abu Muhammed Alghazali Al Tusi composed this work ia 
 Persian, for the Sultan Melik Shah Seljiik.
 
 51 
 
 Gilshah, or Eartli-king, because in his time scarcely 
 any thing had been called into existence, over 
 which his authority could extend, except water and 
 clay. Amidst such a diversity of traditions, the 
 chief historians however agree, that Kaiomars was 
 the first sovereign who placed the yoke of obedi- 
 ence and submission on the necks of the refractory, 
 and spread the carpets of equity and benevolence 
 over the habitable world, the shade of whose pro- 
 tection and liberality was extended over the heads 
 of the human race : through the influence of his 
 equity, the magnet ceased to attract iron, and the 
 amber refrained from oppressing the straw ; the 
 sheep contracted alliance with the wolf, whilst the 
 Hon and the deer together traversed the desert in 
 amity : — 
 
 " The lamb and the wolf are engaged in play : 
 
 " The lion and the deer feed together in the plain." 
 
 Notwithstanding the multitudes of his troops and 
 supporters, Kaiomars had no sooner obtained a 
 respite from the cares of royalty, than he gave him- 
 self up, alone and unattended, to the austerities of 
 the anchorite's life : in the retirement of mountains 
 or deserts, he devoted himself day and night, without 
 intermission, to the worship of the Creator. It is 
 said, that Kaiomars had a son eminent for piety, 
 wholly devoted to God, who had entirely detached 
 himself from the society of men, and, amidst the 
 
 E 2
 
 5-2 
 
 recesses of mountains or on their rugged summits, 
 occupied himself unceasingly in the service of the 
 Eternal King. This seclusion and sohtary life arose 
 from the following circumstance : Having one day 
 asked his father which was the best of all pureuits ; 
 his father replied, " The worship of the great and 
 glorious God, and abstinence from cruelty." On 
 which the son rejoined : " Abstinence from cruelty 
 " depends on separation from mankind ; and unin- 
 " terrupted devotion can only be attained in seclu- 
 ** sion and solitude." Whenever anxious cares over- 
 whelmed the mind of Kaiomars, he would hasten to 
 visit his beloved son, and in his society endeavour 
 to banish anxiety from his soul. It once happened, 
 whilst labouring under depression and trouble, 
 without any apparent cause, he proceeded to Mount 
 Damavend, where his illustrious son, wholly ab- 
 sorbed in devotion, had fixed his abode. In going 
 along, his blessed sight rested on an owl, which 
 several times poured out her dismal and terrific 
 plaints : as the bird's voice made an impression on 
 Kaiomars, he said, " If thy intelligence be connected 
 " with good tidings, I hope thou mayest be ever 
 " acceptable to the human race ; but if otherwise, 
 " mayest thou ever be doomed to persecution and 
 " solitude !" But when, on reaching his son's oratory, 
 he found him dead, he then broke out into execra- 
 tions against the owl : for which reason, the sons
 
 53 
 
 and daughters of man have ever since regarded the 
 owl as a bird of ill omen, and its voice detestable. 
 On the whole it is to be noticed, that in former 
 times the Dives held intercom-se and communica- 
 tions with the human race": but when Kaiomars 
 had been informed of their impious manners and 
 deeds, he made war on the Afrits (Demons) ; on 
 which occasion, by the divine ^race and aid of 
 
 (0 Deeve means Majrician ; and in Sanscrit, a Brahmen ; perhaps 
 from some of that tribe pretendin<^ u be sorcerers. But, speaking 
 generally, it is the term which barbarous men, in all ages, have 
 applied to their enemies, or neighbours, who had more art or know- 
 ledge than themselves. The rude inhabitants of Tartary, to this 
 day, believe the Chinese to be Deeves or Magicians.— Malcolm's 
 Persia. 
 
 In Persian, Deev signifies a Being, which is neither man, 
 Angel, nor Devil ; but a Genius, Ar>t//xw«/, or a Giant not of the 
 human species. Amongst these Deeves, some are males, the 
 wickedest and most formidable of all. Others, as the Parees (the 
 Fairies of the West), which are by no means so formidable, are 
 regarded as belonging to the female sex ; although their race is 
 continued without the intervention of any other class of Beings. 
 According to the ancient Mythology of the Persians, " Time," that 
 is, the " Eternal One ;" or " Boundless Space," that is, " the Being 
 confined by no limits," by the"Honover" or Eternal Word created 
 Ormuzd, or the Principle of Good, and Ahriman, or the Principle 
 of Evil ; after which Ormuzd first created the Amshaspands or Six 
 Protecting Angels, and their assistants ; — in the 2d place, the Izeds, 
 or Local Gods, set over different departments of the universe ; — in 
 the 3d place, the Ferouers, which served for the souls of men ; or 
 the vov<i, which is the emanation of the pure substance of the Divi- 
 nity, as opposed to the ^vxh, the sensitive and animal part agitated 
 by the passions. On beholding these Ferouers, Ahriman was 
 struck with terror ; as he knew that through them his empire was to 
 come to an end. Ahriman therefore created, out of darkness, an 
 equal number of evil spirits to oppose Ormuzd and the Good Angels. 
 
 In
 
 54 
 
 Heaven, he obtained a complete victory over that 
 race : many of them perished in battle ; and the 
 remainder were scattered in flight over the face of 
 the eaith : these from time to time approached the 
 abodes of men, watching for an opportunity of de- 
 stroying Kaiomars and those connected with him : 
 this object entirely occupied their attention ; there- 
 fore, at the time the son of Kaiomars was in the act 
 of devotion in his oratory, they rolled a huge rock 
 on his head, and thus slew him ; after which criminal 
 deed they fled with precipitation to the most remote 
 places. When Kaiomars discovered his son in this 
 
 In the Zendavesta, vol. ii. p. 234, there is an express prohibition 
 against holding intercourse with Dee\ es : — " Whoever sits down 
 " with the Deev, or the worshipper of Deeves, whoever opens his 
 " mouth to converse with them, teareth himself, as a dog doth the 
 " wolf." 
 
 According to the Mohammedan traditions, the Almighty created 
 the Deeves before Adam, and gave them to the government of the 
 world during 7000 years. To them succeeded the Parees, under- 
 their monarch Jan Ben Jan, during 2000 years. But as these two 
 classes of Beings had become disobedient, the Almighty set over 
 them Eblis, who, as being of more noble nature and formed of ethe- 
 real fire, had been elevated among the Angels. Eblis, on receiving 
 the commands of God, came down from heaven to this world, and 
 made war against the united forces of the Deeves and Parees. On 
 this occasion, "several Deeves joined the good cause, and remained 
 on earth until the time of Adam ; others even uhtU the time of 
 Solomon, whose orders they obeyed. Eblis, being thus reinforced, 
 defeated Jan Ben Jfin in a general engagement, and became in a 
 short time master of this lower world : but getting proud and in- 
 solent, he reftised to obey the Almighty, and would not worship 
 Adam : he was therefore deprived of all his honours, and driven 
 from the presence of God. — See Deev, Bibliotheque Orkniale.
 
 00 
 
 state, he broke out into loud lamentations; at which 
 moment, the Merciful and All-powerful God revealed 
 to his sight a well on the top of the mountain, 
 in which he deposited his deceased son, and kindled 
 a great fire at its mouth. Respecting this well and 
 the fire, the Magi have many traditions, so opposite 
 and contradictory to common sense, as to be re- 
 jected by every intelUgent mind. As soon as 
 Kaiomars had deposited his son's body in this well, 
 he came down from the mountain ; and continued 
 night and day incessantly supplicating the Almighty 
 to vouchsafe to reveal to him the murderers of his 
 son and their place of abode. At length a person '^ 
 informed him, one night in a vision, saying, " Your 
 '* son's assassins have fixed their residence in such 
 " a place." Kaiomars, immediately awaking, poured 
 out his soul in grateful prayers ; and communicating 
 the discovery to his people, children, and the great 
 oflficers of his household, then added : — " I will 
 " proceed to the east, to punish the Demons, the 
 " murderers of my child." He then appointed one 
 of his sons Vicegerent, and set out, from the royal 
 residence of Mount Damavend, towards the east. 
 When he had advanced some way, his auspicious 
 sight fell on a white cock followed by a hen : he 
 also observed this cock engaged in combat with a 
 
 O All Manuscripts here have the reading ^^^g-a:^**' ; which cannot 
 possibly be turned into Ans2:el or Divine Communication.
 
 56 
 
 serpent ; so that whenever the latter attempted to 
 seize the hen, the cock with the greatest intrepidity 
 made a vigorous attack and put it to flight. Kaio- 
 mars was so pleased with the bearing of the cock 
 and his mode of attack, that he slew the serpent, 
 and threw some corn to the fowl : on which, apply- 
 ing his beak to the grain, he began to invite his mate, 
 neither did he swallow a single grain until she had 
 begun to eat. This generosity dehghted Kaiomars, 
 who said : " This bird unites liberality with bravery : 
 " his nature in that respect is conformable to man's. 
 " I have set out to encounter my enemies, and in 
 *' the very commencement of the expedition have 
 *' slain" a serpent, which is the enemy of the human 
 " race : this is, therefore, a most favourable omen." 
 On this account, when he had terminated this en- 
 terprise, he commanded his sons to maintain and 
 preserve the cock with all possible attention. It 
 is said that no Demon can enter a house in which 
 there is a cock ; and, above all, should this bird 
 come to the residence of a Demon, and move his 
 tongue to chaunt the praises of the glorious and 
 
 ( ) According to the Vendidad-Sacle, p. 305—308, Meschia and 
 Meschiane were created pure, and obedient to Ormuzd. Ahrinian 
 saw and envied their happiness : under the form of a serpent he 
 presented them with fruits, and persuaded them that he was the 
 creator of animals, plants, and the world in which they dwelt. 
 They believed him ; and Ahriman became their master : their na- 
 ture was corrupted ; and this taint was communicated to their 
 posterity. — Hist, de I'Acad. vol. xxxix. p. 780.
 
 57 
 
 exalted Creator, that instant the evil spirit takes 
 to flight : — " Demons flee from the people who re- 
 cite the Koran." The reason why persons draw an 
 evil omen from the mi seasonable crowing of the 
 cock, and at the same time put him to death, is 
 this ; that when Kaiomars was seized with a fatal 
 illness, at the time of the evening service this bird 
 crowed aloud ; and immediately after, this orthodox 
 monarch passed away to the world of eternity. — 
 In short, when Kaiomars drew near the habitations 
 of the Demons, or demon-hearted men, he en- 
 gaged with them in battle : many perished in the 
 engagement ; numbers of them fled in dismay ; and 
 the remainder, being brought under the yoke of 
 servitude, were by his orders employed in execut- 
 ing difficult tasks. At this place he was engaged 
 in building a city ; and therefore sent a message to 
 his dependants and children, directing that all who 
 had sufficient strength to undertake the journey 
 should hasten to wait on him : on which a nume- 
 rous body of them obeyed the summons, and after- 
 wards fixed their abode in Tabaristan and Dama- 
 vend^ Kaiomars had a brother in the regions of 
 
 (J) Damavend, situated at the foot of the mountain of the same 
 name, was formerly a mighty and populous city, four parasangs in 
 length, covered with edifices. The peak is covered with eternal 
 snows. No one has ever ascend :d to its summit, according to the 
 Persian writers; who at the same time mention a flat space of about 
 thirty acres on its highest elevation. The mountain abounds in mines 
 
 of
 
 58 
 
 the west, who occasionally came to visit him : 
 who at this time ha\ing undertaken the journey to 
 converse with his revered brother, found, on his 
 arrival at Damavend, that Kaiomars was absent. 
 On inquiring into his affaurs, and learmng that he 
 was then engaged in foundmg a city in the east, 
 this affectionate brother immediately directed his 
 course thither, and completed the long journey. 
 At the moment of his arrival, Kaiomars, who was 
 seated on an eminence, hanng beheld his brother, 
 exclaimed, " Ho ! who is this who directs his course 
 towards us ?" One of his sons answered, " Per- 
 " haps a spy, sent by the enemy to find out our 
 " situation." On which, Kaiomars armed himself, 
 and, accompanied by the same son, went out to 
 meet him: but when they drew near each other, 
 Kaiomars recognised his brother, and said to his son, 
 "Bal A'kh!" (" This is surely my brother!")— from 
 which circumstance the city was called Balkh^ 
 
 of sulphur, copperas, and antimony. It has many wann spring, of 
 intense heat According to the Tarikh-i-Tabaristan, there are on 
 the summit thirtj- cratei^, which emit smoke. According to the Magi, 
 when Kaiomars had deposited the dead body of his murdered son 
 Siamuk in a pit on this mountain, he kindled a fire on the mouth 
 of it; since which time, a flame issues everj- day from the pit, and 
 sinks into it again. Zohak is said also to be imprisoned here, in 
 company with other Magicians and Demons. The mountain is visi- 
 ble at 150 mUes distance. — Ouseley's Persia, vol. iii. p. 324 — 335. 
 (') Balkh, a cit)- of Khorasan, towards the source of the Oxus, 
 which is frequently called the River of Balkh. It was a frontier 
 town in Bactriana, under the first Persian kings who dwelt in 
 
 Azarbaijan
 
 59 
 
 Although the Syriac, at this period, was the pre- 
 vailing language, it is however said that the Syriac 
 and Arabic have many words in common : grant- 
 ing this to be true, the tradition deserves credit, as 
 the above words are common to both languages. 
 Some historians maintain, that Lohorasp was the 
 founder of Balkh; but it is probable that such 
 an event must have happened at a much later 
 period ^. 
 
 As soon as Kaiomars had terminated the building 
 of the city, he contracted in marriage a numerous 
 body of the illustrious males and females of his 
 auspicious family; and having prepared a magni- 
 ficent nuptial-feast, he devoted some days to fes- 
 tivity and delight : after which he set out, in con- 
 cert with his brother, to make war against a great 
 
 Azarbai'jan or Media. The second dynasty of Persian monarchs 
 made it their capital, to be near at hand to repel the inroads from 
 Turkestan. The kings of the third race removed their capital to 
 Fars and Kuhistan, where they founded Istakh'ir or Persepolis, and 
 Shuster or Susa. The latter princes of this dynasty transferred 
 their residence to Irak or Chaldaea, where they founded Madain, in 
 the vicinity of Seleucia and Ctesiphon : but Balkh always was 
 reckoned the capital of Khorasan. The Abasside Khalifs, the 
 Samanides, the Seljucides, and others, resided at Nishabiir and 
 Merv. The Mogol and Tartar princes, descended from Jenghiz 
 Khan and Tamerlane, chose Herat as their residence. So that Balkh, 
 Merv, Nishabur, and Herat, the four great cities of Khorasan, are 
 reckoned royal cities. — D'Herbelot. 
 
 (") There seems here U) be understood — "and refers merely to 
 the rebuilding or repairing of it."
 
 CO 
 
 assemblage of Demons, who had fixed their abode 
 amidst lofty mountains. He fought several battles 
 against them ; in the course of which, the greatest 
 part were slain, and the earth was no longer pol- 
 luted by their accursed existence. After this, he 
 entirely directed all his energies to improving the 
 state of the world, so that the people were gi'eatly 
 multiphed in his time. The Kazi Nasir-ud-deen 
 Beizawii (on whom God pour forth his mercy!) 
 relates, in one of his works, that Kaiomars founded 
 two cities; namely, Istakhar, where he principally 
 dwelt, and Damavend, in which territory he occa- 
 sionally resided. The Tarikh GiaiFar" mentions, 
 that the cities of Ardebil', Falistin, Babel, Kus, 
 Makran, Nasabein, Nasa, Jarjan, Sejestan, and 
 Hams, are among the number of his works ; whilst 
 
 (') Nasir uddeen Abu Said Abdallah Ibn Omar, a native of 
 Baizah, near Shiraz, was the Kazi of Shiraz; from whence he re- 
 moved to Tabreez, where he died about 685 or 692 of the Hejira. 
 He was the author of some theological works ; and also of the 
 Nizam-ut-tuvarikh, a General Historj' in Persian. 
 
 C') Tarikh al Thabari, a celebrated work founded on other 
 Moslem histories. It was written by Abii Giaffar Mohammed 
 Ben Jorair of Tabaristan. It begins with the Creation, and 
 comes down to the year 300 of the Hejira. It is frequently 
 quoted, under the title of the Tarikh Giatfar, and the Tfirikh 
 Pisar-i-Jorair. It was translated into Persian in 352 of the 
 Hejira. 
 
 0) Ardebil, a city in Azarbai'jan, in which was a celebrated fort 
 called Bahman Diz ; the reduction of which obtained the crown 
 for Kai Khosrau.
 
 61 
 
 some writers refer their construction to other 
 monarchs; as will, by the aid of Divine Providence, 
 be set forth in the following pages. In the Tarikh 
 Maajem"", and the Nizam Uttavarikh, it is recorded 
 that Siamuk was the name of the son of Kaiomars, 
 whom the Demons had slain on Mount Damavend. 
 In the Tarikh of Hafiz Abru ", it is stated, that 
 as soon as Kaiomars had completed the city of 
 Balkh, and some of his children had settled there 
 by his order, he then returned to Istakhar. When 
 some time had elapsed, his comprehensive mind 
 becoming again desirous to traverse the eastern 
 regions, after a long and laborious march he 
 reached Balkh, where his world-pervading sight 
 was enlightened by the appearance of his illus- 
 trious grandson, the model of his father Siamuk. 
 Kaiomars devoted himself to the nurture and edu- 
 cation of this child ; so that when Siamuk grew up, 
 he proved valiant and intrepid in fight, courteous 
 and generous at the feast : 
 
 " At one time banquet-bestowing, like descending rain; 
 " At another, raging in combat, like the angry lion: 
 " In him were blended humanity and prowess, 
 " With bravery, liberality, and prudence." 
 
 (") Tarikh al Maajem, a History of the Kings of Persia, composed 
 by Fazl AUah, in the reign of the Atabek Nasr-ud-deen Ahmed, 
 about 654 of the Hejira. 
 
 (") This History is also called Zubdat-ut-tuvarikh ; written in 
 Persian by Nureddeen Lutfallah, sumamed Hatiz A'brii, who died 
 in 834 of the Hejira. The History comes down to 823 of the Hejira.
 
 62 
 
 Kaiomars then voluntarily committed to the grasp of 
 his authority, the reins of indulgence and restraint, 
 with the curb of concession and compulsion, in all 
 concerns of State. In every matter, whether pub- 
 He or private, he consulted the penetrating intelU- 
 gence and profound reflection of his grandson, and 
 decided no suit without asking his advice. At this 
 period, when he had determined on withdrawing 
 entirely from public affairs, and contenting himself 
 with the mere necessaries of life, he assembled the 
 members of the royal household, and the indivi- 
 duals of the royal kindred, to whom he said : 
 " Siamuk, the delight of my eyes, is hereby ap- 
 " pointed my deputy and Vicegerent, in the issuing 
 "■ forth of all decrees, and the execution of all 
 " public measures : my words correspond with 
 " his ; my acts are in accordance with his ; his 
 " decrees and ordinances are mine." The pillars 
 of the immoveable State, and the Ministers of the 
 illustrious sovereignty, listened with acquiescing 
 obedience to his orders : and the hearts of the 
 people being impressed with attachment and obe- 
 dience to him, he therefore, by command of his 
 mighty grandsire, being fidly empowered, came to 
 the place of interview with the spouse of royalty, 
 and, having past some days in the bridal chamber 
 of imperial authority as became a bridegroom, em- 
 ployed himself in spreading wide the carpet of
 
 63 
 
 equity, and strengthening the foundations of the 
 palace of justice ; thus exerting himself with the 
 most praiseworthy zeal to discharge the duties of 
 sovereign power, and the claims of the people to 
 paternal protection ; according to this saying, " He 
 that imitates his father, is justified." As soon as 
 this just prince obtained a respite from arranging 
 the concerns of State, and improving the condition 
 of the true Believers, he, in conformity to the example 
 of his exalted sire, girt his loins with the girdle of 
 devotion, and, amidst the recesses of mountains or 
 in rugged caverns, gave himself up to the worship 
 of the all-bounteous Creator ; until one day, in the 
 course of his usual journey, he fell in with a troop 
 of Afrits (Demons). After some dispute, a battle 
 ensued, in which they were put to the route ; but 
 during the heat of the engagement he received a se- 
 vere wound, which caused him to return in mourning 
 to his house, and repose his heroic side on the bed 
 of infirmity. When Kaiomars heard of this event, he 
 hastened to his beloved son's pillow ; but he found 
 the lucid moon in her wane, and the splendor of 
 the sun eclipsed : his eyes poured out showers 
 like clouds, and were agitated like the wind. Sia- 
 muk, opening his eyes, spoke to him ; and recom- 
 mending to his protection the infant which had not 
 yet issued from the wicket of fiiturity, charged him 
 to punish his enemies, and retaliate on them the
 
 (54 
 
 shameful outrage offered to himself. On finishing 
 these requests, he departed this transitory abode, on 
 his joui'ney to the world of eternity. The heart of 
 Kaiomars becoming like a devoming fire, and his 
 streaming eyes like a wave-exciting deluge, the 
 death of his beloved son made him bm'st out into 
 all the exclamations of woe. At this moment, 
 however, the messengers of good tidings announced 
 to him that the soul and eyes of the revered spouse 
 of Siamuk had been illumined and comforted by 
 the birth of a glorious son : — 
 
 " If one departs, another takes his place : 
 
 " This world remains not long without a master." 
 
 As soon as the eyes of Kaiomars contemplated the 
 illustrious infant, which had appeared at a fortunate 
 moment, he beheld a moon shining in the glorious 
 firmament of splendor, and a sun beaming forth in 
 the heaven of perfect beauty ; whose auspicious 
 forehead gave sure indications of unbounded sway, 
 and whose happy aspect exhibited manifest proofs 
 of universal dominion. 
 
 " He kissed him, and pressed him to his bosom ; and renewed 
 
 his grief for Siamuk. 
 " As Fortune found him dignified and prudent, from his 
 
 grandsire's lips he got the name ' Houshung.' 
 
 When Kaiomars had made suitable arrangements 
 for the establishment and nurture of Houshung, 
 he turned all his attention towards punishing and
 
 ()5 
 
 taking revenge on the murderers of Siamiik, and 
 therefore sent spies to every part of the habitable 
 earth. The persons thus despatched having, con- 
 formably to their orders, exerted all necessary dili- 
 gence, came back and reported as follows : — " The 
 " enemies of the State are posted in ambush on the 
 " verge of a certain wood, in such manner as to 
 " cut off the communications in every direction." 
 Kaiomars straight unsheathed the avenging sword, 
 raised his victorious standard, and at the head of 
 countless forces marched on the enemies' country. 
 The ever-triumphant troops, after long and toilsome 
 marches, having arrived near the foe, completely 
 surrounded the abode and refuge of these vile 
 wretches ; and, without further trouble, brought into 
 the presence of the equitable monarch an Afrit of 
 hideous form, the murderer of Siamuk, along with a 
 number of demons, bound in the ignominious chains 
 of captivity; the remainder of the accursed race 
 having turned away from the field of battle to the 
 deserts of flight, so that not one remained in that 
 region. Kaiomars, on beholding the assassin of his 
 son, ordered him to be consumed in the flames of 
 wrath and revenge, and his ashes to be scattered to 
 the winds of annihilation. It is recorded in the 
 Tarikh Maajem, that the building of Balkh took 
 place after this event. Some historians say, that 
 spinning and weaving wool, making it into gar- 
 
 F
 
 66 
 
 ments, and the art of weaving carpets, were all in- 
 vented during his reign : also, that he learned the 
 science of sewing from the Prophet Idris. It must 
 not however be concealed, that this tradition differs 
 from the accounts, relative to him, transmitted to 
 us by other winters. Some authors mention that 
 saddles, bridles, and horsemanship, were first intro- 
 duced by the sagacious mind of Kaiomars. When 
 nearly a thousand years of his Hfe had passed, during 
 forty of which the human race were subject to his 
 sway, being thoroughly convinced of the great saga- 
 city and bravery of Houshung, he adorned his for- 
 tunate brows with the imperial diadem, and went 
 into voluntary seclusion and retirement until the 
 destined hour of Fate arrived. 
 
 THE HISTORY OF HOUSHUNG. 
 
 The most celebrated historians reckon this prince 
 the grandson of Kaiomars ; but others maintain that 
 he is the same as Mahaleel, and that Canaan is the 
 same as his illustrious father Kaiomars : there are 
 also other accounts respecting his family, the details 
 of which would be devoid of advantage : however, 
 notwithstanding the great difference respecting his 
 genealogy, the compilers of ancient records agree, 
 that, on the death of Kaiomars, he succeeded, bv
 
 67 
 
 right of inheritance, to the august throne ; where 
 his exertions for the estabhshment of justice and 
 equity were such as no human being can ever sur- 
 pass : and as no preceding monarch had displayed 
 such great attention to the humbler classes of 
 society, he was therefore styled Peshdad, or " the 
 first distributor of justice." Houshung is the author 
 of a book of moral philosophy, entitled, the " Eternal 
 Wisdom," a part of which was translated, from 
 Syriac into Arabic, by Hasan, brother to Fazel, son 
 of Sahal, who was long time Vizir to Maamun-ar- 
 Rashid. Afterwards, Abu Ali Maskuyeh, one of 
 the most distinguished doctors of Islamism, quoted 
 Hasan's Translation, in his " Polite Sciences of the 
 Persians and Arabs :" the perusal of this work 
 clearly proves the copious knowledge, perfect elo- 
 quence, powerful genius, and clear sagacity of 
 Houshung. The Persians also assert that he was 
 an Apostle. At the time of our writing this history 
 of the Kings of Ajem, the Tarikh Maajem lay before 
 us ; from which book our amber-scented pen will 
 transfer to the following pages some account of the 
 condition, sayings, and actions of Houshung and 
 other sovereigns of Persia ; retrenching only some 
 expressions, and making a trifling alteration in 
 some metaphors. 
 
 " Houshung, the wise and virtuous monarch of the earth, 
 " The world-subduing lord, victorious in combat, 
 
 f2
 
 68 
 
 " On ascending' the throne of Kaiomars by right of inheritance, 
 " Directed his attention to the Institutes of his ancestors, 
 " And firmly established every good regulation and maxim. 
 " He enlarged the sphere of justice, beneficence, and equity ; 
 " Banished the worthless far firom his door; 
 " And, by his equity, civilized the w^orld." 
 
 According to the most-received opinion, Hou- 
 shung, the son of Siamuk, the son of Kaiomars, 
 was a prince august in dignity, and ever seeking 
 after wisdom ; in pohtical concerns a perfect model; 
 and in the regulation of all matters, whether fo- 
 reign or domestic, an authority to be implicitly 
 relied on : — 
 
 " His court was the sanctuary for the petitions of mankind ; 
 " His majesty was the sure refuge of the righteous." 
 
 In the days of his happy reign, and during his 
 sway, the human race passed away from the gloom 
 of tyranny and injustice, to the fountain-head of the 
 living waters of justice and equity : all classes of 
 his subjects reposed in the gardens of content and 
 quiet, in the bowers of undisturbed sectirity ; Pro- 
 sperity di'ew the bloom of happiness from the 
 vicinity of his imperial pavihon ; and Victory bor- 
 rowed brilHancy of complexion from the violet 
 smface of his well-tempered sword. So great were 
 his exertions to enforce the maxims of equity and 
 establish the rules of beneficence, that the tran- 
 scendent lights of their proofs and demonstrations
 
 69 
 
 are reflected with splendor over the features of 
 Time and the area of Fortune : so strenuous were 
 his labours to strengthen the pillars of the orthodox 
 faith, that the senses of the Universe and the com- 
 plexion of Fortune derived from the contemplation 
 of his virtues the fragrance and vivid tints of the 
 rose. Some of the chieftains of Fars, and the rela- 
 tives of the royal family, at the same time that 
 they style him a King, acknowledge that the results 
 of his deeds, and the deductions from his words, 
 furnish a convincing proof and sure evidence of his 
 Prophetic mission : the truth is, that if even the 
 one-hundreth part of his admirable qualities and 
 exemplary virtues were reduced to writing, the 
 bright surface of the paper could not contain the 
 dusky characters of their record. 
 
 He one day summoned to a private audience, 
 Tehmuras, the heir-apparent, and enriched his ears 
 with rare pearls of the following discourse : — 
 " The decrees and ordinances of kings are like the 
 descending arrows of Omnipotence, which issue 
 from the expanse of heaven to the centre of the 
 earth, and, from the grasp of divine will, reach 
 this mortal abode with such resistless force, that 
 no shield of piety or strength can possibly retard 
 or avert their might : therefore the god-like so- 
 vereigns of kingdoms, who rule over the mihtary 
 and the cultivators of the soil, are bound^ by every
 
 70 
 
 *' compact and motive, to stamp with their royal 
 " authority no ordinance respecting pubhc affairs 
 " without evident necessity and manifest proofs : 
 '" neither should a king ever issue forth an order 
 " without ample dehberation, clear evidence, and 
 " deep reflection ; for the most eloquent of sages 
 " has said — 
 
 " It is equally opposed to reason and the Divine Law 
 " For a prince to issue forth a decree without ample proof: 
 " As his ordinances, like the decrees of Fate, 
 " Deprive one of life, and bestow it on another. 
 
 " Another indispensable rule is : Let the sove- 
 " reign wrap himself up in the robe of separation 
 " and aversion from any compliance or society with 
 " the selfish : who, from the influence of this ab- 
 *^ surd vice, whilst they make a display of following 
 " the dictates of sincerity and attachment, at last, 
 " through the way of insinuation, produce a certain 
 " conviction : they string the pearls of merit on the 
 " lines of wickedness, and, disguising all virtuous 
 " and generous deeds, exhibit them to the royal 
 " presence under the most repulsive forms and the 
 " foulest dress. 
 
 " Lacerate not voluntarily your own bosom, 
 
 " By permitting the enviovis to approach your presence : 
 
 " They are entirely composed of flattery, fraud, and deception : 
 
 " Externally they seem as friends, but internally are your foes. 
 
 *' Another maxim is this : The sovereign pu-
 
 71 
 
 " nishes and represses the wicked and turbulent ; 
 " expels the oppressors and plunderers from then- 
 " ambushes and the public routes ; and regards these 
 '^ measures as essential for ensuring due regularity 
 " in affairs of State, and productive of good order 
 " throughout the kingdom. 
 
 " Until you labour in the cause of justice, you cannot expect 
 " That power or dominion can afford you happiness : 
 " Go ! keep the roads free from lawless plunderers, 
 " If you truly desire your realms to be prosperous. 
 
 " The next maxim is ; That he always prevents 
 " the treachery and devices of his enemy fi*om 
 '* access to himself ; nor does he ever regard with 
 *' careless security the machinations inseparable 
 " from a fraudulent mind : he places no rehance 
 " on their pretensions to sincere friendship — a qua- 
 " lity as difficult to be met with as the Phoenix, 
 " and as impossible to discover as the Philosopher's 
 " stone : — 
 
 " Never count yourself secure from an enemy and his fraud : 
 " Beware lest you suddenly become his prey. 
 " This is the tradition and bequest of Houshung-, 
 " That the wheedling foe never becomes a friend. 
 
 *' The next maxim is, To restrain the tongue 
 '^ from a practice attended with punishment, and 
 " bringing with it calamity ; namely. Making an 
 '' unfavourable report of men remarkable for piety 
 " and virtue : —
 
 72 
 
 " With respect to slandering the pure of life, 
 
 " If you are just, beware of imputing evil motives : 
 
 " You wish not the prying slanderer to speak ill of yourself, 
 
 " Therefore, if possible, avoid speaking ill of others. 
 
 " The next rule is : It is the sovereign's bounden 
 *' duty to shun the practice of prevarication, trea- 
 '* chery, or breach of promise : — 
 
 " There are three evil propensities in the nature of man, 
 
 " To which human-nature is too prone : 
 
 " One is, breach of promise, than which, in all existence, 
 
 " There is not a more reprehensible quality : 
 
 " The second is deceit ; the third is prevarication, 
 
 " Which equally endangers religion and science. 
 
 " If you possess magnanimity, prudence, and wisdom, 
 
 " Shun these vices with the most anxious care. 
 
 " The next precept is : The king does not, from 
 ** the shght suspicions which present themselves, 
 *' precipitate the innocent into calamity, nor expose 
 " them to danger^ and so bring on himself the venge- 
 " ance of the Almighty : — 
 
 " Inflict not punishment on a trivial suspicion, 
 
 " Lest it afterwards bring bitter repentance : 
 
 " When doubt has been dissipated by certainty, 
 
 " You will then feel regret, and repentance be of no avail. 
 
 " The next precept is : He always keeps to the 
 " path of moderation, in the practice of liberality 
 *' and the employment of wealth ; and avoids, with 
 " scrupulous attention, excess and negligence, 
 " which in a manner resemble prodigality and 
 " avarice : —
 
 78 
 
 " Practise not profusion to such an excess, 
 
 " Tliat the sun of your existence be exchanged for Soh4 : 
 
 " Neither be so extremely strict in frugality 
 
 " As to withdraw the hand from the skirt of Liberality. 
 
 " It is best to avoid the two evil extremes, 
 
 " In accordance with the views of the generous and pure 
 
 in soul. 
 " Therefore make choice of moderation in all things ; 
 " As this maxim demonstrates, ' the medium is best.' 
 
 " The next precept is : He must not be indif- 
 *' ferent to the ornaments of praiseworthy talents 
 *' and virtuous quahties ; nor suffer himself to be 
 " deceived by the glitter of external accomplish- 
 " ments, devoid of the internal splendor of virtue : 
 *^ as^ agreeably to this proverb, ' A man is to be 
 ** ' estimated by what proceeds from the tongue, 
 " ' and not by the turban on his head : ' — 
 
 " Do not proudly elevate your head through the charms of 
 
 your voice, 
 " For reeds and silken cords are also endowed with speech. 
 " Attach not so much dignity and excellence to your sight, 
 " For the sparrow can discern at a distance of twenty parasangs. 
 " Boast not so loudly of your powers of hearing, 
 " For the hare is sensible of sound at ten leagues' distance. 
 " O, weak man ! speak not so much of your perception of smell, 
 " For a mouse can smell at a bow-shot distance. 
 
 " The next precept is : He never regards any 
 ** created being with feehngs of contempt ; for 
 ** * under every hide a friend may abide ; and under 
 " ' a patched doublet, a gallant soul:' —
 
 74 
 
 " Every person is important to himself; — in this manner, 
 " Ttiat every particle you take into consideration is a total 
 in its essence. 
 
 " The next maxim is : A good king adorns him- 
 *' self with the quahties of justice and equity ; 
 '' neither does he at any time, for the sake of 
 '' metals trampled under foot or polluted by the 
 " touch of the vulgar, ahenate from himself the 
 " affections of his Ministers and Nobles by unbe- 
 ** coming exactions, nor expel them from his door 
 " through intolerable grievances ; neither does he 
 *' vexatiously harass the cultivators about trifling 
 " imposts : — 
 
 " The king who robs the cultivator of his substance 
 " Undermines his own palace, so that the roof falls in. 
 
 " Khakani, the prince of poets, says thus : 
 
 " Wherever Understanding spreads her shade, thither bear your 
 goods and chattels, 
 
 " For her asylum exceeds in beauty the empyrean dome. 
 
 " Wherever Intellect pitches her tent, there fix your throne ; 
 
 " For that tent exceeds in beauty the revolving skies. 
 
 " Have you not remarked the decrees of kings, as recorded in 
 story, 
 
 " That their deeds are more beautiful than the visions of 
 fancy ? 
 
 " Have you not heard, in story, of virtuous rulers, 
 
 " The recital of whose deeds surpasses the beauty of the re- 
 volving stars ? 
 
 " The next precept is : The sovereign extends the 
 " skirt of pardon and the robe of clemency over
 
 75 
 
 " those who have erred, according to this text ; * If 
 " ' there had been no sin, surely my mercy could 
 " ' not have been known :' and also acts according 
 *' to this injunction ; * When thou hast prevailed 
 " ' over thy foe, pardon him, in gratitude, for the 
 '* ' power obtained over him : ' " — 
 
 " When you have suddenly obtained the superiority over your foe, 
 " Bind him with the chains of forgiveness, that he may become 
 
 your slave. 
 " The transgressor is slain through his own evil deeds ; 
 " But when he meets the odour of pardon, he is restored to life. 
 " As soon as the idea of pardon becomes personified, 
 " It shines with the lustre of the Sun and Jupiter." 
 
 " It is said in the traditions, that if any one clearly 
 " perceive in another the characters of error, and 
 " should obhterate them with the pen of forgiveness, 
 " without the smallest doubt that person is of the 
 " number of those of whom it shall be proclaimed in 
 " the Day of Judgment, ' Whosoever has any claim 
 " ' upon God, let him arise — and none will arise, 
 " ' save those who have pardoned ;' and that he has 
 " also adorned his enhghtened mind with the gems 
 " of this quality, * If men but knew the dehght we 
 " ' find in forgiveness, they would certainly approach 
 '' 'us, loaded with sin :' — 
 
 " If the transgressor knew the subtle truth, that every moment 
 " We taste the greatest delight by bestowing pardon on the 
 
 criminal, 
 " He would ever after give way to error, 
 " And evermore approach us with petitions for forgiveness."
 
 76 
 
 As the reply of Arkam, the son of Kahb, to Muan 
 Zadeh°, is conformable to the tenor of these pre- 
 cepts, it merits to be recorded on this occasion. It 
 is related, that Muan Zadeh once put to death ten 
 persons of the tribe of Arkam; and that while his 
 wrath was highest, Arkam came to his dwelling and 
 requested an audience : on receiving permission to 
 enter, he joined the assembly, confidently expecting 
 to be received with respect and attention. Muan 
 however said, " What motive could induce thee to 
 " come into my presence ? Wast thou not alarmed 
 " at my vengeance ?" Arkam replied, '' Neither the 
 " want of wealth, nor the inclemency of the sea- 
 " son, has brought me hither ; but my exalted soul 
 " permits me not to submit to any person but your- 
 " self, nor to prefer a request to any but you : great 
 " as my transgression has been, still the clemency 
 ** of your disposition far exceeds it:" — 
 
 C) Man or Mda?i, the son of Zaidah. He was Chief Captain 
 to the last of the Ommiade Khalifs. After this prince's defeat, the 
 Abasside Khalifs persecuted all his adherents. Maan was there- 
 fore obliged to conceal himself a long time in Bagdad. Endea- 
 vouring to escape from the cltj', he was met by a soldier, who 
 seized his camel's bridle. Maan endeavoured to bribe the soldier 
 by a jewel of great value ; but the soldier gave it back, saying, 
 " My pay is two crowns a month : this is worth a thousand : I 
 " make you a present of it. I am not a robber." Some time 
 after, Maan rendered great service to the Abasside Khalif, when 
 his personal safety was endangered ; was taken into favour, and 
 rose to great distinction ; but could never discover his disintcr- 
 ''sted benefactor. — D'Herbelot.
 
 " It is not difficult for the powerful to practise liberality : 
 
 " But he who has power, and pardons not, is highly criminal. 
 
 " If the transgression of repentant inferiors be great, 
 
 " The grant of pardon by the powerful is infinitely greater." 
 
 On concluding these maxims and counsels (which 
 are recorded more at large in important treatises 
 and the Tarikh Maajem) Houshung added: " The 
 " quality which obtains pre-eminent rank among 
 " the semaxims, is energy : and exalted energy con- 
 " sists in this, that in order to acquire perfection of 
 " soul we are to apply unceasingly the capital of 
 " our might, and the stock of self-devotion : for 
 " although nature be averse to it, and life too short 
 " for its attainment, yet if the hand of successful 
 " hope should reach the skirt of triumph, the result 
 " is pregnant with happiness in both worlds ; and 
 " and even should the proposed object retire behind 
 " the curtain of impossibility, yet every reflecting 
 " person will excuse the failure ; as is illustrated by 
 " this proverb : — 
 
 " When Fortune declares not for thee, thy exertion is in vain." 
 
 Houshimg having thus expressed himself, Teh- 
 muras replied : " Your royal precepts and afFec- 
 " tionate counsels, which embellish the robes of 
 " fame and exalt the standard of joy and dominion ; 
 " which form the pupil of the eye of vigilance, and 
 " the dehght of the breast of prosperity ; the sure 
 " means of acquiring every object of hope, and the 
 " modes of confirming power and happiness ; have
 
 78 
 
 " made the deepest impression on my soul ; so that 
 *' in the alternations of morn or eve, and the vicissi- 
 '' tudes of dawn or afternoon, the images of these 
 " designs are indelibly engraved on the tablet of re- 
 " flection and mind ; and, as the poet has well ex- 
 " pressed — 
 
 " The remembrance of the days past in your society cannot 
 
 pass away 
 " From my heart, in the revolutions of the heavens or the lapse 
 
 of ages : 
 " The pen of Affection has traced the characters so indelibly, 
 " That if, for example, the soul should quit the body, these 
 
 cannot depart." 
 
 Tehmuras afterwards expressed himself in the 
 purport of the following verses : — 
 
 " If I carefully conform my conduct to these precepts, 
 
 " I shall be admired both in heaven and earth : 
 
 " But should I avert my head from the king's counsels, 
 
 " Destruction will overtake me in both worlds. 
 
 " On me the sovereign of auspicious aspect has bestowed 
 
 " Treasures of gold and silver, with crown and royal zone ; 
 
 " He has besides rendered me illustrious by his sage advice, 
 
 " And has also enriched me with the purest moral, precepts : 
 
 " To me have been entrusted his most secret thoughts, 
 
 " And on me he has conferred distinction beyond all others. 
 
 " I am now a sovereign, possessed of kingdoms, treasures, and 
 
 hosts ; 
 " My pavilion is raised far above the sun and moon ; 
 " I, who was once a drop of water, am now become an ocean : 
 " The feeble sparrow is now become a Phoenix : 
 " From the king's bounty I have derived the same results 
 " As the thirsty crops from the timely rains of spring. 
 " What grace and mercy from the nourisher of all !
 
 79 
 
 " What goodness and beneficence in the almighty creator ! 
 
 " That the king has so thrown his shadow over me, 
 
 " That my elevation soars beyond the lofty spheres." 
 
 When Tehmuras had closed the cornelian casket of the lips, 
 
 Houshong, of illustrious race, thus replied : 
 
 " O memorial of thy sire and grandsire, 
 
 " Henceforth I devote myself to my own concerns, 
 
 " And betake me in seclusion to the recesses of my cave. 
 
 " Into thy hands I commit the empire of the world : 
 
 " Thou knowest best, whether thou art sincere or false !" 
 
 He thus spoke, and instantly turned away. 
 
 To the place where Kaiomars had taken his abode. 
 
 He fixed his dwelling in the gloomy cave, 
 
 And followed the example of his sire and grandsire : 
 
 He was continually engaged, like the devoted recluse (Abdal)" : 
 
 His nights and days were spent in fasting and prayer ; 
 
 Sometimes reciting prayers, and chaunting the praises of the 
 
 Almighty ; 
 At other times, immersed in silence and holy meditation. 
 Until Fate recited to him the lesson of absorption in God, 
 He remained alone, and unattended, in that cave. 
 I have heard, that when the destined hour drew nigh. 
 And the world looked gloomy through the prospect of death, 
 He raised his voice, and bemoaned in sadness. 
 Whilst tears streamed down like the showers of spring : — 
 " Oh ! sole comfort of my solitary hours, 
 " In what terms can I now express myself! 
 " Thy name is healing to the broken-hearted ! 
 
 (P) Abddl is, in general, applied to any anchorite or secluded de- 
 votee : but, according to the Sooffees, there are in this world never 
 less than three hundred and fifty-six pious persons who are always 
 employed in aiding others and saving souls. Three hundred of 
 this number are Abtal (erroneous) ; forty, Abdal (pious men) ; 
 seven Asiah (running waters) ; five Autad (props) ; three Kutb 
 (poles) ; and one Kutb-ul-Actab, (or pole of poles).
 
 80 
 
 " Thy cup affords wine to the livers parched with thirst ! 
 
 " At this moment, when the soul is on the margin of the lips, 
 
 " When the enfeebled body burns with feverish glow, 
 
 " When terror blanches the cheek and wastes the frame, 
 
 " When grief parches the lip and moistens the eye, 
 
 " When the spirit prepares to desert the body 
 
 " And the bird of life has begun her flight from this fi-ame, 
 
 " When the tongue is bound up from the intercourse of words, 
 
 " My heart is rent with the lament of departing life. 
 
 " As mercy and goodness are Thy attributes, 
 
 " And as Thy grace is all-sufficient, 
 
 " Pour some moisture on the clay of these parched lips, 
 
 " Apply some healing to this wounded heart ! — 
 
 " In this wilderness, on my destined journey, 
 
 " I am without a companion and the means of travelling ; 
 
 " Vouchsafe thy mercy to thy indigent and humble suitor, 
 
 " Who has strayed from the path, and roams without a guide! 
 
 " When I am laid in the dark and solitary tomb, 
 
 " My body in the deep trench, my head in the arched grave, 
 
 " Open to my gaze the entrance into Paradise ! 
 
 " Let my winding-sheet be a celestial robe ; 
 
 " And let my ashes send forth the perfume of ambergris ! 
 
 " Protect me from Munkir and Nakir, the Avenging Angels ! 
 
 " And when this borrowed form is no more, 
 
 " Let my heart be re-animated in another frame ! 
 
 " In this dissolution, bestow upon me a new existence, 
 
 " As that annihilation is better for me than my present state !" 
 
 Some of the ancient chronicles say, that Houshung 
 was constantly engaged in religious exercises in a 
 cave; and that the demons, having watched an 
 opportunity, while he was in the act of devout pro- 
 stration, overwhelmed him with stones, so that he 
 never resumed any other posture of adoration.
 
 81 
 
 Tehmuras, in robes of mourning, with tears and 
 groans, continued in earnest supplication to the 
 Almighty to grant him the knowledge of Houshung's 
 murderers ; until one night the perpetrators of the 
 secret crime were made known to him in a vision. 
 Immediately on awaking, he hastened with a consi- 
 derable force to attack the demons, the greatest 
 part of whom were destroyed by his avenging sword. 
 He afterwards built a city in the place where Hou- 
 shung was found murdered; which city was first 
 called Talkh (Bitter), which in process of time was 
 changed into Balkh. 
 
 Houshung was also styled Iran ; to whom many 
 writers refer the building of that city, whilst others 
 assign it to Iraj, the son of Feridoon. Houshung is 
 said to be the first who ever extracted iron from the 
 ore, and worked it into arms : to him is also attri- 
 buted the formation of garments from the skins of 
 sables and foxes; also the art of training greyhounds 
 for the chase, and dogs for guarding the flocks. He 
 also established a number of officers in his court 
 for the execution of all affairs ; and was the first 
 who extracted jewels and the precious metals from 
 the mine. He is also said to have first ordered the 
 felling of trees, for the purpose of forming doors and 
 planks ; and to have issued orders to mankind for 
 the destruction of the beasts of prey. Many writers 
 attribute to this prince the Canal of the Tigris, with
 
 82 
 
 the erection of Sus, Kufeh, and Babel. The Kazi 
 Beizawi relates, that some writers ascribe the 
 erection of Babel to Zahak ; while others maintain 
 that it was founded by Kaiomars, as before men- 
 tioned. Houshung reigned forty years, and IdHs 
 (on whom be the peace of God!) was contemporary 
 with him. 
 
 The follqj^ving are some of his sayings : — 
 
 " Be not elate with pride for having access to a king 
 " whose confidants and relations are your enemies."" 
 
 " Intoxication is altogether unbecoming in a prince, as 
 " he is the guardian of his realm ; and it would be shame- 
 " ful, indeed, if the guardian himself stood in need of a 
 ** protector." 
 
 " Never reckon on the society or friendship of that 
 " person who cannot overlook a transgression nor accept 
 " an excuse."" 
 
 " True wealth consists in a contented mind : safety, in 
 " seclusion from the world : freedom of soul, in forsaking 
 " violent passions : the sincerity of friendship, in rooting 
 " out avarice and harshness." 
 
 " There are four calamities in the world : — poverty in 
 " old age ; sickness in a foreign land ; borrowing in the 
 " season of need ; and being destitute of a companion in 
 " the day of travel." 
 
 " A prudent man never asks for what he cannot obtain." 
 
 " There are eight things which are the result of ex- 
 " treme folly: — anger, without a cause ; liberality, without 
 " discrimination ; exposing one's self to trouble through 
 " a vain pursuit ; want of prudence in discriminating
 
 83 
 
 " between friend and foe ; communicating a secret to the 
 " unworthy ; entertaining a good opinion of the worth- 
 " less ; speaking much, to no profit ; and placing reliance 
 " on those who have never been tried." 
 
 " The king who speaks in the language of levity loses 
 " his dignity : theutterer of falsehood becomes contempti- 
 " ble, and no one relies on liis word." 
 
 " A king must carefully observe three points — haste in 
 " doing good, slowness in punishing, and patience in all 
 " unexpected occurrences." 
 
 " There are five things, a small portion of which be- 
 " comes too intolerable— enmity, pain, grief, reproach, and 
 " the humiliation of bondage." 
 
 " We may discover the excellencies of love and friend- 
 " ship when separated from them." 
 
 " The extent of a man s understanding is perceived in 
 " the season of wrath." 
 
 " Mildness is a host, which bids defiance to the petu- 
 " lant." 
 
 " Wealth consists in contentedness ; mendicity, in seek- 
 " ing after superfluities." 
 
 " The contented man, although hungry and naked, is 
 " rich ; but he that ever seeks after more, although 
 " master of the world, is a mendicant." 
 
 This wise and powerful monarch presents, among 
 his sayings, the same sentiment in this concise 
 form : — 
 
 " If you confer the world on a beggar, he still remains 
 
 G 2
 
 84 
 
 THE HISTORY OF TEHMURAS, 
 
 THE ENSLAVER OF DEMONS. 
 
 His title was Niyawend, or * Armed at all points.' 
 He is reckoned by some writers the son of Hou- 
 shung, whilst others maintain that he was one of 
 his relatives : — 
 
 " As soon as Houshung retired to his solitary cell, 
 
 " The ball of sovereign power was impelled by his successor, 
 
 " Earth-possessing Tehmuras, the Enslaver of Demons, 
 
 " Alike exalted by genius and the high influence of his star. 
 
 " Beaming with the glories of the sun, and the splendor of the 
 
 moon, 
 " He adorned the world with his crown and throne. 
 *' He despatched undaunted envoys on every side, 
 " And announced to the world the tidings of justice and equity. 
 " The officers of revenue were commanded, that during three 
 
 years 
 " They should not diminish the cultivator's stock. 
 
 As Tehmuras had completely subdued the Demons, 
 he was therefore called Divband, or the Demon- 
 binder. This prince, by the unanimous voice of 
 the chief historians, is allowed to have been con- 
 summate in understanding, equally zealous and 
 celebrated for his impartial distribution of justice : 
 in the ardour of generosity, like the billowy ocean, 
 so that in the abundance of liberality he took no 
 account of the possibihty of deficiency : in might, 
 he resembled the resistless, mountain -subverting 
 flood, which neither steep nor depth can retard : in
 
 85 
 
 the season of beneficence and bounty, like the rains 
 of spring, showering down benefits of every descrip- 
 tion : in the day of battle and strife, like the furious 
 lion, all overpowering force : — 
 
 " Over whatever place the simoom of thy fury passes, 
 
 " Camphor itself becomes like the infernal blasts. 
 
 " Over whatever part of the earth the gales of thy beneficence 
 
 blow, 
 " The sleepers of the tomb rise up like the budding herbage/' 
 
 In his time occurred the year of fasting, the origin 
 of which name is as follows : at this period arose so 
 great a famine, that the kidneys of the people melted 
 like water, until they once more drew their support 
 from the stores of providence : the helpless multi- 
 tudes continued day and night to look up to heaven : 
 in the day-time they regarded the solar orb ; at night 
 they contemplated the lunar disk : — 
 
 " Their only food was to view the two round disks of heaven ; 
 " The sun by day, the lucid moon by night." 
 
 In order to allay the fire of this calamity, and 
 abate the flames of hunger then so universally 
 diffused, this equitable monarch took counsel with 
 his intelhgent advisers : after which he decreed, that 
 persons of substance and property should be con- 
 tent with their evening repast, and distribute that 
 of the morning to the necessitous. The most 
 pleasing of poets, the Sheikh Saadi (whose tomb
 
 86 
 may God sanctify!) says as follows :— 
 
 " Tlie orthodox fast, in due form, is observed by the person 
 " Who gives his food and repasts to the needy : 
 " Otherwise, what occasion to trouble thyself about fasting, 
 " By withholding from thyself at one time what thou eatest at 
 another ? " 
 
 It is however evident, that the Sheikh's discourse 
 applies to voluntary abstinence. Tehmuras is said 
 to have possessed a Vizir" eminent for the excellency 
 of his disposition, famed for rectitude of conduct and 
 piety, who displayed to the king's sight exalted 
 energy, the diffusion of justice, universal clemency, 
 and sympathy : — 
 
 " When the benevolent Minister is united in heart with the king, 
 " The most intricate matters are arranged, and justice diffused : 
 " Through the excellent loyalty of the faithful Vizir 
 " The kingdom is safe, and the sovereign famed for justice." 
 
 When, by the favor of Heaven, and the prudent 
 conduct of the Vizir, enlightened in soul, the throne 
 of universal dominion was adorned by the presence 
 of the king's exalted nature, and the sceptre of roy- 
 alty was embellished by his auspicious fortune, he 
 raised the banner of justice from the wide expanse 
 of earth to the vaulted domes of heaven, and in- 
 scribed with the flammg sidereal pen the oracles of 
 munificence and hberahty, in vivid colours, on the 
 faces of the planets and fixed stars : consequently, 
 the fame of his bounty and virtues outstripped in 
 speed the earth-traversing western breeze, and bore
 
 87 
 
 away the ball of rapid velocity from the world-per- 
 vading courier of the northern gale ; so that every 
 day his authority and sway became more deeply 
 seated in the hearts of mankind, and his dominion 
 more widely extended: — 
 
 " Fate entrusted to his virtues the reins of power ; 
 
 " Destiny surrendered to his prudence unbounded sway : 
 
 " The world averted not its face from obedience to him, 
 
 " Nor did the heavens turn away from accordance to his wishes. 
 
 " Durin"- his reign, the diadem shone with perfect lustre ; 
 
 " His impartial justice ennobled the royal crown." 
 
 However, when Houshung withdrew from all inter- 
 ference in the concerns of the monarchy, and em- 
 braced the solitary life of a recluse in his retired cell, 
 some difference of opinion having arisen between 
 the Ministers of the kingdom and the great men of 
 the army, a breach was thereby eiFected in the solid 
 rampart of the empire : a number of rebels and 
 traitors, perversely adopting the path of rebelhon 
 and contempt of authority, withdrew the head from 
 the ranks of obedience and the neck from the yoke 
 of allegiance, and exerted themselves to efface the 
 just claims of their beneficent lord ; being altoge- 
 ther regardless of this saying, " Ingratitude is more 
 " criminal than infidehty; as the former is double, 
 " the latter single^:" — 
 
 C) \U " Ingratitude " is in the dual form ; ^ " Infidelity " 
 is in the singular.
 
 88 
 
 " Be not ungratefiil for a benefit conferred : as the ungrateful 
 
 man, 
 " If you consider attentively, is doubly an infidel : 
 " How severe this sentence, that in the Day of Judgment 
 " The ungrateful can entertain no hope of pardon ! " 
 
 To all those chiefs, who in the various regions had 
 obtained precedency of rank and authority, and who 
 had adopted sentiments of hypocrisy as the rule of 
 their conduct, they despatched letters, founded on 
 mutual promises of support, and guaranteeing a 
 general unanimity in operations. They also an- 
 nounced, that the Vizir, the centre of dominion and 
 the prop of the State, had several times requested 
 permission to resign, through the burden of years 
 and the decay incident to age, but that this offer 
 had not been accepted : however, in a short time, 
 the necessary event, which no bribe can avert, must 
 come to his door ; and the sentence, which cannot 
 be warded off by gold or silver, threats or prayers, 
 will descend on him. Granting that he may Hve a 
 few days longer, the hour fast approaches when he 
 must necessarily withdraw, either to-day or to-mor- 
 row, from all interference in public matters : through 
 the inroads of grey hairs and the decrepitude of old 
 age, death must soon take precedence of hfe, and 
 annihilation supersede existence. The prince, also, 
 is but a child in years, dazzled by wealth and splen- 
 dor, intoxicated with his treasures and armies, and
 
 89 
 
 delighted with the ensigns of royalty. The decora- 
 tors of passion and desire have exhibited to his sight, 
 with all their fascinating splendor, the forms of 
 hopes and anticipation, and the pride of pomp and 
 youth; whilst the evil demons of men and Genii have 
 rendered sensual enjoyment and bodily pleasures ac- 
 ceptable to his mind : the revel of night is protracted 
 to the morn, and the morning potations are con- 
 tinued to the nightly feast: — 
 
 " From night till morning, with rosy-cheeked Beauties, 
 
 " Seated on the bank of murmuring rivulets, 
 
 " Quaffing wine in joy and gladness, 
 
 " The very Devotees cast away the sacred mantle. 
 
 " Inspired by the fast-streaming tears of the goblet, 
 
 " The fascinating damsels clap their hands in transport : 
 
 " The festive banquet is spread on every side ; 
 
 " The tambour and the sweet-voiced lyre invite to joy : 
 
 " The wine in the goblet imparts delight to the heart, 
 
 " And by its reflection makes the night appear as day : 
 
 " The fairy-faced damsel, who takes one draught of it, 
 
 " Can with her fascination eclipse a thousand Fairies. 
 
 " The wine became so deeply imbibed into the head, 
 
 " That it begins to dance within the very brain." 
 
 No sooner does he cease from feasting, than he be- 
 takes himself to scour the desert in the chace : from a 
 natural propensity to evil and violence, he pitches 
 his tents, by day, in the haunts of wild beasts, to 
 chase the Hon, the onager, the goat, deer, and elk; — 
 his nights, amidst the dens of lions : —
 
 90 
 
 " The king is over much addicted to two pursuits, 
 
 " Although we keep a watchful eye on his conduct : 
 
 " He either, in the banquet, quaffs to excess the ruby-coloured 
 
 wine, 
 
 " Or entirely devotes himself to the pleasures of the chace." 
 
 It is palpably evident to every understanding, that 
 when the guardians of realms and the leaders of ar- 
 mies waste the stock of their youthful energy in the 
 chace or in revelHng, they can neither employ the 
 requisite degree of attention in regulating the con- 
 cerns of mankind, nor by any means execute their 
 bounden duty of providing for the regular support of 
 their dependants, or confer on the mihtary and cour- 
 tiers the necessary proofs of munificence : — 
 
 " When a prince'devotes himself to the chace and indolent repose, 
 " Certain ruin awaits his family and connexions. 
 " Dominion consists in encountering fatigue and trouble, 
 " And not in swallowing goblets of wine." 
 
 Having committed to writing innumerable calum- 
 nies and reproaches of this nature, and thereby ex- 
 cited in the king's enemies the desire of conquering 
 the kingdom, the despatches were entrusted to cou- 
 riers swift as the winds, who, in the moment of ex- 
 pedition, could ascend on high, swifter than flame, 
 or descend more rapidly than falHng waters. They 
 sent to the foe, 
 
 " Couriers, urging on their rapid course, 
 
 " Traversing the earth, like the revolving heavens."
 
 91 
 
 Whereas, in the Court of Destiny, '' when God de- 
 " crees any event, it is the same as accomplished," 
 and as the Mighty Judge of fate had passed and rati- 
 fied this sentence, " Let the vile traitors be removed 
 " from the regions of repose, and the shores of tran- 
 " quilHty to the dungeons of despair and woe ; let 
 " their souls and realms be devoted to the gulphs 
 " of ignominy and the abyss of humihation;" there- 
 fore these ill-fated, worthless wretches, of blasted 
 prospects, hstened with approbation to such false 
 and absurd assertions, and, destitute of any firm 
 stay or prop, through the phantasms of delusion and 
 vanity, plunged headlong into the pit of wrath and 
 the caverns of ruin, and made every preparation for 
 the ensuing conflict. As soon as Tehmuras was 
 informed of the fraudulent devices of his rebelhous 
 subjects, he consulted his Vizir, the faithful coun- 
 sellor of the State, and the guardian of the interests 
 of the people : on which the Vizir thus replied : — 
 
 " As the king asks counsel from his slave, 
 
 " It is necessary to pay due attention to the answer: 
 
 " Should it be suitable to the occasion, let him act accordingly ; 
 
 " Otherwise, let him instantly reject it." 
 
 Let not the king's noble mind be troubled ; as the 
 force of his enemies is like dry wormwood, or the 
 seasoned tamarind-tree : although the flame mount 
 on high, yet it is extinguished almost instantly : — 
 
 " As to the complaints of the enemies of the state, 
 " Although his appearance presents fold on fold.
 
 92 
 
 " He is like a spark which issues from the fire, 
 " Which mounts on high, and is then no more." 
 
 Notwithstanding this, the king must neither neg- 
 lect nor defer forming plans of the campaign, and 
 preparing the means of battle and resistance : for 
 the high-road of monarchy and prosperity can only 
 be kept unpolluted from the disgrace of sedition 
 and tumult by using the well-tempered sabre of 
 empire; and the egg of the orthodox faith is 
 guarded from infidels and rebels solely by the dread 
 of the merciless sword : weakness and confrision, in 
 all matters relative to authority, are quite opposed 
 to the rules of propriety, and are certainly attended 
 with turbulence and anarchy of every description : — 
 
 " The foundations of the State are instantly ruined, 
 " If the sword be not wielded with absolute sway." 
 
 Pursuant to the counsels of his enhghtened and 
 prudent Minister, Tehmuras directed all his atten- 
 tion to preparing the means for conducting and 
 maintaining the contest : he commanded treasures, 
 so immense as to exceed the calculation of the most 
 expert accountants, to be expended in pro\'iding 
 pay and stores for the soldiers. Some days having 
 been devoted, with all due exertions, to this object, 
 when every arrangement required by the emergency 
 had been completed, he set out to meet the enemy, 
 with an army countless as the sands of the desert, 
 and surpassing the extent of numbers ; accompanied
 
 93 
 
 by three hundred elephants, demons in aspect, 
 mountains in bulk, which had been brought from 
 Hindustan in the beginning of his reign : 
 
 " Furious elephants, towering to the skies, 
 " Raging like the sea, lofty as the mountains." 
 
 When both armies drew near each other, and it 
 had been announced also that the king had arrived 
 at his destined place, mighty terror and dismay 
 overpowered the inmost hearts of these vile rebels ; 
 they began to feel repentance and remorse for their 
 conduct and measures ; but they repented when it 
 was of no avail : — 
 
 " Truly thou hast repented, when repentance is profitless." 
 
 After anxious dehberation, they despatched to the 
 king smooth-tongued ambassadors, who, by the 
 magic of their eloquence, could undo the knot of 
 unrelenting fierceness in the soul, and by their 
 subtle devices could allure the bird of compliance 
 from the atmosphere of abhorrence within reach of 
 the shaft : by means of these they now sought pro- 
 tection, in the bark of loyalty, from the deluge of 
 rebellion. 
 
 " When it is no longer possible to assail an enemy by force, 
 " We must open the portal of conciliation and mildness. 
 " How beautifully has this been expressed by the eloquent 
 
 speaker, 
 " Who was thoroughly acquainted with every science ! 
 *' Force and violence never attain their object ; 
 " By blandishment, the serpent comes out of his hole."
 
 94. 
 
 The ambassadors were presented at the foot of 
 the august throne; and although they set forth with 
 great zeal the advantages of concord and harmony, 
 and, reprobating the tendency to hostile measures, 
 exerted every means to appease the king, his reso- 
 lution however not being turned to peace, he thus 
 replied : " He that sows thorns cannot gather 
 " grapes: to sow the seed of injustice, and after- 
 " wards to expect the harvest of sincerity ; to plant 
 " the shoots of hostihty, and look for the fruits of 
 *' concord; belongs only to the ignorant or crazy: — 
 
 " Dost thou not know, that having sown colocynth, 
 
 " Thou canst not gather from it the sugar-cane ? 
 
 " From the confidence thou placest in a little antidote, 
 
 " It would be wrong to endanger life by venturing on poison." 
 
 The king having uttered words to this purport, gave 
 the ambassadors leave to depart ; and they returned 
 hopeless and forlorn. Tehmuras followed them 
 close, with countless hosts : and now, when the con- 
 flict of the armies drew nigh, 
 
 " On both sides the leaders marshalled the ranks in array ; 
 " They drew out their forces over the whole face of earth." 
 
 The loud blast of the tnunpet, and the clangor of 
 the drum, mounted to the sphere of the Pleiades 
 and the dome of the ninth heaven : the champions 
 of the field, who in the day of contest would boldly 
 grapple with destiny itself, now directed against 
 each other the engines of war and the ruthless
 
 95 
 
 sword : the collision of the waves in the ocean of 
 strife presented to the intelhgent soul the awful 
 spectacle of the Day of Judgment. As soon as the 
 Pisciform royal banners, ornamented with the signs 
 of Victory, rose in conspicuous glory above the 
 horizon of the field of battle, the intrepid warriors, 
 through the auspicious signals of decisive success, 
 were animated to triumph and victory, and, like 
 fowls feeding eagerly on grain, pounced with resist- 
 less talons on the multitudes of the enemy; numbers 
 of whom were confined in the chains of ignominious 
 captivity; and a few only, hke the stars, retiring 
 with precipitation from the flaming sabre of the 
 sun, saved themselves by flight : — 
 
 " When the morning draws forth the falchion of the sun, 
 
 " The stars have no resource left but flight. 
 
 " What power have the drops of rain from the clouds, at the 
 
 season 
 " When the ocean raises its waves from earth to heaven ?" 
 
 On obtaining this signal victory, Tehmm-as des- 
 patched messengers with the tidings to every part 
 of the world; and the sovereigns of every chme 
 and region directed their steps to the throne re- 
 sembhng the heavens, and arranged themselves in 
 the train of loyalty and submission. As soon as 
 the comprehensive mind of Tehmuras had rest from 
 his enemies, and when his auspicious nature had 
 enjoyed the calm of repose during a few days on
 
 96 
 
 the couch of tranquilhty, he became desirous of 
 visiting the provinces of his empire, and declared 
 the motive for this enterprise to be the following : 
 *' That we may be enabled to dispense justice; and 
 " learn the condition of the oppressed, who are 
 " prevented by tyranny from coming into our pre- 
 " sence." During the long period that Tehmuras, 
 at the head of an army more numerous than the 
 leaves of the trees or the drops of rain, traversed 
 the cultivated parts of the earth, not an individual 
 was exposed to the endurance of molestation or 
 injury: 
 
 •' The earth was not moistened with the blood of any, 
 " Nor was even a single emmet trodden under foot." 
 
 After some time, when he had returned to the seat of 
 splendor, a grievous famine again occurred; but the 
 devouring flame of hunger was once more extin- 
 guished by the prudent method before described. 
 But when thirty years of his reign had passed, the 
 toil of the journey to the next world ovei-powered 
 him; the hand of the experienced physician was 
 unable to reach to the robe of his cure and restora- 
 tion to health : having witnessed in himself the signs 
 of death and the proofs of debihty, he was convinced 
 that the bird of soul was about to wing its flight from 
 the narrow cage of mortahty to the pa\ihons of 
 Heaven; and said to himself, " This is a time for 
 ** penitence and contrition : —
 
 97 
 
 " I possess no comforter in tlie entire world : 
 
 " Why should I not then weep bitterly for myself? 
 
 " Although I possess a hundred inmates in my abode, 
 
 " At the moment of death I refrard them all as strangers." 
 
 The near approach of death having now become 
 certain, he called for Jemsheed, who was heir to 
 the throne; and having performed the solemn rite 
 of testamentary precepts, he then bade adieu to this 
 transitory world, and turned his face towards the 
 everlasting abode. Some historians relate, that, 
 during his reign, when any distinguished person 
 passed away, he, in order to console his afflicted 
 mind, formed an image of the deceased ; and that, in 
 the lapse of time, men having forgotten the cause of 
 making these images, regarded them as Intercessors, 
 and thus became addicted to idol-worship. It is 
 recorded in some histories, that Tehmuras, during 
 his life, was never hostile to nations professing a dif- 
 ferent faith ; but that this orthodox monarch acted in 
 conformity to this great principle; " To you belongs 
 your faith : I adhere to mine." To him is ascribed 
 the erection of Kahandiz, Merv, A'mal, Teberistan, 
 Saruiyeh, and Isfahan, cities of Persia ;— that also of 
 the Seven Cities of Irak Arabl, now in ruins, with 
 many others besides. In some histories he is styled. 
 The son of Houshung, The monarch of every clime. 
 The devoted servant of the Great and Glorious God, 
 who subjected to him Eblfs and all his hosts. He
 
 98 
 
 was admired in his own kingdom, as he was the 
 first who adopted wool and furs for garments : he 
 was the first who conferred splendor on royalty by 
 trains of horses, mules, and asses : he also employed 
 dogs to guard the flocks, and protect them from 
 beasts of prey : he besides wrote in Persian. In the 
 Tarikh Giaffar, Tehmmras is said to have slain one 
 thousand four hundred and eighty demons ; — to have 
 lived eight hundred years, of which he reigned three 
 hundred ; — and that he was buried in Balkh. In some 
 books, the conquest of the demons, and the putting 
 them to death, are interpreted to mean victory over 
 all violent passions and sensual propensities, and the 
 extirpation of vicious habits. " None but God 
 knows the hidden truths." It is one of his sayings, 
 " Be content with a little that is profitable ; for that 
 " Httle is better for you than a great deal attended 
 " with injury." He has also said, that a wise and 
 prudent king, at the moment of displeasure and the 
 ascendency of wrath, should have recourse to what 
 he is able to repair in the season of clemency : — 
 
 " So far push thine anger, that in the season of clemency 
 " Thou canst be certain of being able to re-establish tilings as 
 before."
 
 99 
 
 THE REIGN OF JEMSHEED. 
 
 This word is compounded of a proper name, " Jem," 
 and of the epithet " Sheed," which means " giving 
 hght :" on which account he is called " The efful- 
 gence of the sun." Others assert that the sun's 
 rays are called " Sheed." 
 
 Abu Hanifah Dinawari, one of the most celebrated 
 Persian historians, says that Jemsheed was the son 
 of Arfaksad, the son of Saum, the son of Noah : 
 and also, that, by the people of Ajem, Arfaksad is 
 styled Iran. Some ancient chroniclers relate, that 
 he was brother to Tehmuras ; while many regard 
 him as his brother's son : but the most generally 
 received opinion is, that he was his actual son. 
 
 " As soon as Tehmuras withdrew from the kingdom, 
 
 " Jemsheed was appointed to the crown and throne. 
 
 " Earth-possessing Jemsheed, of happy qualities, 
 
 *' By his presence rendered the earth like the Garden of Paradise, 
 
 " As soon as he obtained sovereign sway over the kingdom, 
 
 " He closed against the people the portals of tumult. 
 
 " From the precepts of pure-minded Houshung 
 
 " He deviated not even a hair's breadth. 
 
 " In every act and place which engaged his thoughts: 
 
 " His sight was ever fixed on that prince's counsels." 
 
 When this monarch was seated on the throne, ho 
 laid in order the foundations of vigilance and majest)% 
 and strengthened the edifice of impartial justice. 
 He passed his life in extending compassion and jus- 
 
 11 2
 
 100 
 
 tice to all the concerns of the cultivators, and those 
 of humble rank ; and the doors of revolution were 
 closed before the face of the v^orld. He was un- 
 rivalled and unequalled, amongst mortals, in perfec- 
 tion of understanding, beauty of person, soundness 
 of experience, and purity of morals. Persian writers 
 assert, that his sway extended over the seven cli- 
 mates, and that men and Genii were alike subject to 
 his power. He is said to have requested of the 
 Great and Glorious God, that death, disease, and 
 the infirmities of age, might be removed from among 
 mankind ; and his prayer being granted, not an in- 
 dividual in his kingdom was seized by any of these 
 calamities during the space of three hundred years. 
 He is also said to have commanded, that on the 
 day of the Angel Khurdad, in the month Farwardin, 
 the people should break all the coffins. Some cre- 
 dulous Persians suppose him to be the same as 
 Suliman ; but this opinion is absurd in every respect, 
 as between the age of Jemsheed and that of Suliman 
 (on whom be salvation!) more than two thousand 
 years intervene. Secondly; Jemsheed apostatized 
 in the end of his reign ; whereas the Ahnighty him- 
 self expressly declares, " Truly Suliman committed 
 not infidelity." Lastly; all writers agree that the 
 All-powerful Creator never permitted an enemy to 
 prevail over Suliman; whereas Zahak completely 
 subdued Jemsheed. Now that Jemsheed, hke a
 
 101 
 
 circle, was circumscribed about the centre of the 
 lower world, and that his ordinances pervaded both 
 sea and land, he contemplated with an eye of 
 wonder the mysteries of Creation, and by the light 
 of the sun of discernment comprehended their pro- 
 perties and influence. He therefore concluded, 
 that the heavenly bodies and the terrene substances, 
 which have opposite natures, indispensably required 
 an All-wise Creator ; and that this Creator is essen- 
 tially endued with power and will ; and that what- 
 ever His supreme decree produces is attended with 
 utility and is the result of wisdom. Being impressed 
 with these thoughts, he despatched trustworthy mes- 
 sengers and couriers to every region and district of 
 the earth, who were to bring back all the productions 
 of land and sea, which they could discover. The 
 different vegetable substances were planted in an ap- 
 pointed place, so that by means of the particles of 
 earth and water, the temperature of the air, and the 
 sun's power, the properties of their growth, nutriment 
 and productions, might be ascertained. When the 
 Painter of Fate, with the pencil of Destiny, had re- 
 moved the veil which concealed the fruits of the trees, 
 and withdrawn the curtain which hid from view the 
 splendid beauties of the rose-garden, and the vegeta- 
 ble creation had become impregnated by the influ- 
 ence of the genial gales sent by gracious Providence,
 
 102 
 
 so that the essential qualities concealed in them 
 might be clearly discerned, Jemsheed carefully 
 examined each, with respect to its medicinal or nu- 
 tritious properties ; and on discovering their nature, 
 separated the noxious from the good. He also 
 commanded that the minerals and metals, hitherto 
 concealed in mountains or mines, should be brought 
 to hght ; and that the metal of iron, which unites in 
 itself cold, aridity, sharpness, and hardness, should 
 be made into sabres, poniards, coats of mail, breast- 
 plates, helmets, and caps : he likewise ordered gold, 
 silver, rubies, sapphires, and such like, to be used 
 as ornaments by women, and for the decoration of 
 princes. He first introduced the production of silk, 
 dyeing it of different colours, and weaving it into 
 costly garments. Aloe-wood, ambergris, and all 
 kinds of perfiunes, were discovered by his zeal and 
 research. He also built many cities ; and so regu- 
 lated the government of every district and region, 
 that the principles of administration were brought 
 to perfection, and the world received both splendor 
 and order : riches and competency, want and indi- 
 gence, were distinguished : the rank and privileges 
 of the governors and governed, of rulers and subor- 
 dinates, were clearly defined. 
 
 According to tradition, this period also produced 
 the purple wine, a moderate portion of which, as is
 
 103 
 
 well known, invigorates the vital spirits, and adds 
 beauty to the human complexion. The following 
 incident is said to have given rise to the discovery 
 of wine. As it was found that grapes, the most de- 
 licious of fruits, on account of the changes of the 
 atmosphere, and the influence of cold during winter 
 and spring, were not then so agreeable to the palate, 
 Jemsheed therefore ordered their juice to be sepa- 
 rated from the kernels and husks, and put by into a 
 certain vessel : this he daily visited, and assayed the 
 contents, by the trial of taste, until the sensation of 
 bitterness was excited, and his nature conceived an 
 aversion to it. The king, on this, conceiving the 
 juice of the grape to be a deadly poison, ordered 
 the vessel to be put by, and the head carefully closed 
 up. It happened that in Jemsheed's palace there 
 was a beautiful and lovely damsel, who was seized 
 with such violent pains in the head, that she longed 
 to die. She thought to herself, " In order to be 
 " dehvered from this calamity, it is my best plan to 
 " drink some of the deadly poison kept by the king's 
 " order in the jar : I can thus resign my soul to the 
 " Angel of Death, and deliver myself from the 
 " ravages of disease:" — 
 
 " I swear by the wine-jar head, that I will not quit the tavern-door 
 " Until my measure of wine (life) is filled to the brim ! " 
 
 When the damsel, in pursuance of her plan, had
 
 104^ 
 
 swallowed some of it, joy and cheerfulness ensued, 
 and her pains were diminished : she then took some 
 more ; after which, though slumber had been banish- 
 ed, even from her imagination, for many a night and 
 day before, she fell into a sleep which lasted a whole 
 night and day : on awaking, she found herself 
 restored to perfect health ; which fact she related to 
 the king, who was transported with joy at the event, 
 and frequently had recourse to this beverage. He 
 then ordered the general use of wine ; and admini- 
 stered it in most disorders, to the complete cure of 
 the patients, by whom it was called the royal medi- 
 cine. 
 
 " Wine is certainly a sovereign remedy, 
 " If you partake of it with moderation : 
 " But it is attended with the same results as poison. 
 If you commit excess in draughts of pure wine." 
 
 It is related by some historians, that Jemsheed, in the 
 beginning of his reign, directed his steps from the 
 royal residence of Sejistan to Fars, where he laid 
 the foundation of structure which commenced at the 
 Plain of Khefrak, and terminated in the middle of 
 Ramjarad, a district of Shiraz ; so that its length 
 measured twelve parasangs : the equal of this no 
 traveller or wandering voyager, in any age, has ever 
 beheld in any region of the seven climates; which is 
 evident to this day, from the proportions of the cir- 
 cular columns and the pillars of the mansions cele-
 
 105 
 
 brated by fame under the title of Chehal Minar, or 
 the Forty Minarets. At the period when the sove- 
 reign of the stars removed his royal pavilion jfrom 
 the tail of Pisces to the neck of Aries, Jemsheed is- 
 sued a decree, ordaining the Nobles and Ministers to 
 assemble at the foot of the royal throne ; when he 
 himself, with every demonstration of joy and glad- 
 ness, seated on the Musnud of universal empire, ex- 
 panded the carpet of delight, and laid out the 
 couches of festivity and pleasure : to this day he 
 gave the name of Naurooz, and held out to the peo- 
 ple the promise of abundant grace and liberality, 
 with the diffusion of justice. Mandates requiring 
 implicit obedience were issued from the seat of grace 
 and munificence, that the military and cultivators 
 of every class, having made their arrangements in 
 perfect freedom from alarm, and having thrown 
 open the gates of joy, should use every haste and 
 exertion to participate in the general festivity and 
 exultation : and the people, who of themselves were 
 inclined to the dance without the excitement of 
 music, in consequence of this sanction, kept the ban- 
 quet spread by night and day, saying to each other, 
 
 " The parterre quaffs the goblet from the hand of the rose ; 
 
 " The morning; gale arranges the tresses of the hyacinth ; 
 
 " The banks of the rivulet are covered with a mantle of green ; 
 
 " The mountain has decked its loins with a zone of tulips ; 
 
 " This aged world has received fresh youth ; 
 
 " The earth, from its verdure, appears like the heavens :
 
 106 
 
 .i 
 
 " Thousands of roses, like the youthful students % 
 ' " Select their new tablets from the green foliage: 
 
 " The plaintive nightingale seeks constancy from the rose, 
 " Which rises from its cradle like the eloquent Jesus *. 
 " Raise the shouts and exclamationsof joy, like the intoxicated; 
 " Do justice to life from the ready cash of opportunity ! 
 " Come ! let us together pursue the delight of our soul ! 
 " For, after this, we know not how long we may be able. 
 " When the bark of our existence falls into the whirlpool, 
 " It gives not time to swallow a single draught of water." 
 
 At this period, the ascetic sage, the ocean of Sci- 
 ence, the divine philosopher Fitaguras the Ionian, 
 was in attendance on Jemsheed : through the clear 
 perception of this sage's spiritual nature, he could 
 read the future in the volimie of the past and pre- 
 sent ; by his enhghtened reason and sagacity of con- 
 ception, he connected the result of the past day with 
 the events of the present ; by his clear reflection 
 and enlightened mind, whatever should to-morrow 
 be depicted on the tablet of the soul, he foretold to- 
 day. The science of Harmony, which is a part of 
 abstruse Mathematics, was discovered by him ; and, 
 agreeably to the purport of this distich, composed by 
 
 C) The tablets or slates used in the Persian schools have one 
 side painted green, the other red : hence the comparison of the red 
 hues of the rose, and its green foliage with the schoolboy's tablets. 
 
 C) According to Mahommedan traditions, Jesus spoke before 
 his birth, to reprove Joseph for his unjust suspicions about Mary : 
 and while yet in the cradle, he also spoke to his mother, and said, 
 " I am Jesus, the Son of God, &c." This latter is from the Apo- 
 cryphal Gospel.— Sur. 3, and 19. Sale's Koran, page 63.
 
 107 
 
 the enlightened Ameer, (whose exalted virtues may 
 God perpetuate !) he was, by the general consent of 
 Persians and Tartars, of high and low, acknowledged 
 to be completely skilled in all sciences, but particu- 
 larly in the noble science of Harmony : — 
 
 " That accomplished man was the inventor and embellisher of 
 
 this science, 
 " In which he attained such perfection, that it was impossible to 
 
 surpass him." 
 
 After the discovery of this delightful science, sweet- 
 voiced singers and musicians, accompanying the 
 rabat with tuneful voices, recited at the royal ban- 
 quet strains fit for kings to hear, with the melody of 
 David and the harmony of Barbud, exciting in the 
 king's soul sensations of dehght and tranquilhty; 
 and he thus expressed himself: 
 
 " Although it be delightful to behold the liquid eye amd beau- 
 teous face, 
 
 " The harmonious tones of the voice at morn are far more sweet. 
 
 " If from viewing the beauties of Joseph the senses be gratified, 
 
 " To invigorate the soul with David's holy strains is far more 
 sweet." 
 
 Some days after the Naurooz, when the season of 
 festivities had terminated, he directed his attention 
 to setting in order the finances, arranging the 
 offices of the State, ensuring the maintenance of 
 authority in the provinces, the safety of the roads, 
 the aiding of his friends, and the humiliation of his
 
 108 
 
 foes. He also succeeded in remedying and remov- 
 ing, by more judicious and pleasing measures, se- 
 veral disorders which had occurred through the 
 inexperience and improper conduct of former rulers. 
 He then divided the people into four classes; and 
 enjoined that no individual should engage in the 
 pursuits of any class excepting his own. The first 
 consisted of wise and learned men ; the second of 
 the military and the royal retinue ; the third of 
 those who plough and sow the ground ; the fourth 
 of tradesmen and artificers. With respect to this 
 distribution, he said, as the four elements are the 
 cause of perpetuating the various species, so these 
 four classes are the means of civilising the world. 
 In the first place, he gave this precept, in reference 
 to the learned : Bestow every exertion in exalting 
 and honouring the Learned, who are the rapidly- 
 moving cavaliers in the lists of judicial decision, 
 and the skilful astronomers of the sphere of ortho- 
 doxy : fix in your ears the rings of obedience to 
 the dictates of this class, and gird your loins with 
 the zone of submission to this race : whereas the 
 explanation of the fundamental doctrines and their 
 ramifications in faith and religion, the demonstra- 
 tion of what is lawful or unlawful, the perfection 
 of orthodoxy and jurisprudence, are all depen- 
 dent on their words, and cemented by their 
 decisions : —
 
 109 
 
 " The Learned are the heirs of the Prophets ; 
 
 " The moisture flowing from their pens is the grand elixir. 
 
 " The collyrium of the eyes of Holy Doctors 
 
 " Is as the dust under the feet of the prophetic successors." 
 
 With respect to Scribes and Writers he thus ex- 
 pressed himself: — The point of their dusky-coloured 
 pen is the nightingale of the garden of eloquence : 
 the tongue of their perfume-dropping reed is like 
 Philomela, seated on the boughs of perfection. 
 When they draw their amber-coloured net, from the 
 musk-scattering tresses of night, on the camphor- 
 coloured cheeks of morning, they embellish the 
 features of royalty and fortune with ornaments of 
 eternal duration ; they bring from the depths of 
 ocean the hidden pearls ; and from the mine, trea- 
 sures surpassing those of Karun. As the monarch's 
 sword establishes the foundations of the kingdom, 
 so the tongue of the scribe's pen transacts the con- 
 cerns of faith : — 
 
 " The sharp-edged sword and pen are twins; the reigning 
 
 monarch 
 " By reliance on these two supporters elevates his neck on high." 
 
 Be vigilant in exhibiting zealous and unremitting 
 attention to whatever concerns the preservation of 
 their dignity and high station, the maintenance of 
 their exalted rank and importance : guard, on every 
 occasion, their authority, respect, weight, and con- 
 sideration : for be assured that the interests of
 
 no 
 
 true Believers, and the guidance of nations, are en- 
 tirely blended with, and centred in, the pen and 
 sword. If, at any time, through the suggestions of 
 the envious, or the report of tale-bearers, any thing 
 improper or criminal be proved against them, the 
 king should, according to the exigency of the occa- 
 sion, order a fine to be levied, to such an amount, 
 that, through the correction inflicted on them, they 
 should no longer presume to act in that manner, 
 nor meditate any criminal design. It also behoves 
 the king not to pay attention to the slanderers and 
 the envious : for he may be assured, that corrupt 
 views have urged on the envious to these reprehen- 
 sible acts and vile calumnies ; as their only object 
 is to attain the high offices filled by this class, and 
 that traitors, invested with the robes of probity and 
 good faith, might appropriate to themselves the 
 royal treasures. 
 
 With respect to the Military he thus expressed 
 himself: — The tongue of their merciless sabre 
 is the commentator on the texts of victory and 
 triumph : their glittering, soul-subduing arrows are 
 the protecting guardians of Fortune's favoured 
 champions : they are the heroes of the field of 
 battle, who reply to all hostile demands by the 
 mediation of the lance and the pointed steel, and 
 bring the necks of the refi^actory into the halters of 
 treaty and allegiance : —
 
 Ill 
 
 " If they raise their arm towards the skies, 
 " With their lances they plunder the harvest of the Pleiades ; 
 " They so grasp in their hand (kaf) the avenging sword ; 
 " That through terror they turn the sea into foam (kaf). 
 
 With respect to the cultivators of the soil he thus 
 spoke : — All improvements in the realms of sove- 
 reigns are the fruits of the husbandman's toils : 
 whatever contributes to the attainment of hope, and 
 the arrangements of sound pohcy — whatever per- 
 petuates the species, maintains the props of society, 
 or ensures the means of nourishment to the human 
 race — results solely from the exertions of the hus- 
 bandman : the multiphcation of profits, the diffusion 
 of abundance, increase of revenue, and the attain- 
 ment of wealth, depend entirely on their labours 
 and co-operations. They undergo fatigues which 
 the deep-rooted mountains would be unable to bear: 
 and when the cold of winter rages, — 
 
 " When every breath, like a fountain, fills the mouth with water, 
 " And the fish in the pond long for the heated pan ; 
 " When the artful fox, through the intensity of the cold, 
 " Wishes that he could turn inside out his fiirry coat," — 
 
 the husbandmen are entirely employed in digging 
 canals, and the management of their tilled ground : 
 neither do they suffer their attention to be turned 
 away, by any other pursuit, from commencing their 
 sowing and completing their ploughing. Again, at 
 the period when the heat is most intense, —
 
 112 
 
 " When the diamonds in the heart of the mine, through the 
 
 glowing sun, 
 " Are liquefied, and exude like water from the stones ; 
 " When, in the depths of the Nile, through the solar heat, 
 " The crocodile's grinders are made as soft as wax," 
 
 they then accomplish the object of their indefatiga- 
 ble zeal in the season of reaping and the toils of the 
 harvest. — Take care to esteem, as matters of para- 
 mount concern, the receiving them with respect, 
 and promoting the security of their condition : for 
 should they neglect to plough the ground, or be 
 guilty of delay and indolence in sowing it, scarcity 
 and famine instantly appear, and the source of re- 
 cruiting our strength (the cause of life) is instantly 
 cut off. It is said in Proverbs, " It is possible to 
 " walk barefooted over pointed fragments of ada- 
 " mant, but no one can bear up against the calamity 
 " of hunger and the woes of famine." The follow- 
 ing celebrated verses, composed by the most polished 
 of bards. Sheikh Saadi of Shiraz, (on whom be 
 mercy and forgiveness !) suit the spirit of the pre- 
 ceding reflexions : — 
 
 " The ear, during its whole existence, 
 
 " Can pass without the sound of cymbal, harp, or tlute ; 
 
 " The eyes can dispense with the view of the flower-garden ; 
 
 " The brain may flourish without the odour of narcissus or rose ; 
 
 " If our pillow be not stuffed with down, 
 
 " Still we may slumber, our head supported by a stone ; 
 
 " Should our beloved not deign to share our couch,
 
 113 
 
 " We may fold our arms on our own breasts : 
 
 " But this worthless maw, which is fold on fold, 
 
 " Cannot with patience endure the privation of food." 
 
 With respect to artificers and mechanics, he said : 
 — Shew them every kindness, and let them not be 
 exposed to fiscal imposts or royal exactions : let 
 each individual devote himself to the perfect at- 
 tainment of the art or trade he chooses, so as to 
 become well versed in it. 
 
 Jemsheed is said to have had four rings, with a 
 device engraved on the seal of each. On that worn 
 by him in the day of battle was inscribed, " Delibe- 
 ration, and Humility ;" which means, that it is re- 
 quisite in war to reflect maturely, and to avoid 
 hurry, as precipitancy in the day of battle has no 
 connexion with bravery: — 
 
 " The intrepid champion is the leader of the host, 
 " And Reason pronounces the panegyric of heroism ; 
 " But temerity can never be approved by Reason, 
 " As madness and precipitancy have the same import." 
 
 On the second ring was inscribed, " Justice, and Im- 
 provement:" this implies that the advantages of 
 civilization can only be attained by justice and 
 equity, and attention to the subject : — 
 
 " What is more the admiration of Reason than a just prince ! 
 
 " As from his just sway there constantly result 
 
 " Vigour to the laws, perfection to the soul, 
 
 " Happiness to the people, and good order to the State." 
 
 I
 
 114 
 
 The third ring, which related to envoys and 
 spies, bore this inscription — " Truth, and Expedi- 
 tion:" which means, that the persons employed by 
 the king to investigate and examine should not 
 only report the truth to the king, but should also 
 lose no time in communicating it : — 
 
 " Learn intelligence from spies and secret agents ; 
 " For the spy and the agent are the depositaries of secrets. 
 " The sovereign who is without these sources of information 
 " Cannot long maintain his realms free from confusion," 
 
 On the fourth ring, relative to oppressors and 
 the oppressed, was inscribed, " Punishment, and 
 Justice :" — 
 
 " If, in every instance, you act with justice, it is better 
 " Than passing your time in kneeling and adoration." 
 
 It is related, that as during the long reign of Jem- 
 sheed none of his subjects were attacked by disease 
 nor overj30wered by the infirmities of old age ; and 
 as his treasuries were filled with silver, gold, pearls, 
 and diamonds ; and his courtiers and armies more 
 in number than the atoms of the solar rays, or the 
 drops of rain ft'om the clouds ; therefore, agreeably 
 to this holy text, " Man will rebel when he 
 becomes independent," he presumptuously raised 
 the standard of independence to the heavens with 
 the claim of Divinity, and made the azure vault re- 
 sound with this exclamation, " Truly I am your
 
 ll.J 
 
 exalted Lord!" thus raising his forehead from the 
 dust of adoration, and claiming the honours due to 
 God alone. In pursuance of this design, he caused 
 images of himself to be made ; which were sent to 
 every part of the empire, and the people were 
 strictly enjoined to establish the worship of them. 
 The following incident has been assigned, by some 
 writers, as the cause of this absurd pretension : — As 
 Jemsheed was one day in a retired part of his 
 palace, Satan, having assumed the human shape, 
 came and stood near him. Jemsheed,being alarmed, 
 asked him, " Who art thou ?" Satan answered: " I 
 am a celestial angel, sent to give thee good counsel." 
 On Jemsheed demanding what that was, Satan re- 
 phed, " First tell me who thou art?" and Jemsheed 
 having answered, " I am one of the children of 
 Adam," Satan then said: "This is contrary to fact. 
 " During the time thou hast past on earth, how many 
 " thousands have fallen sick and have died ; whilst 
 " neither pain nor affliction have assailed thee, and 
 " thou hast remained exempted from death and 
 " dissolution : therefore lay aside this humihty and 
 " abasement, for thou art the God of heaven and 
 " earth ; who, after a long continuance in heaven, 
 " hast created the hmnan race. When the govern- 
 " ment of the skies had been perfectly settled, thou 
 " camest on earth to arrange the concerns of the 
 " lower world; on the fulfilment of which, thou wilt 
 
 I 2
 
 116 
 
 " again ascend on high. Thou hast forgotten thy- 
 " self: but I, who am one of thy angels, pecuharly 
 ** devoted to thy service, have come expressly to 
 " explain this matter. It is therefore most right 
 " for thee to decree that mankind should devote 
 " themselves to thy worship : do good to those who 
 " obey this command, and let the contumacious 
 " become a prey to the flames." 
 
 Some writers maintain, that, in the conference, 
 Satan thus expressed himself to Jemsheed : — " I am 
 " a messenger sent by the God of heaven ; who has 
 " commanded me to declare, that as I am God of 
 " the heavens, so art thou God of the earth : set 
 " therefore the proper value on the extent of thy 
 " dignity. 
 
 But Jemsheed having asked Iblis for some proof 
 of this revelation, Satan rephed : " The decisive 
 " proof of this truth is afforded by this — that angels 
 " are invisible to men; but thou clearly beholdest 
 " me, who am one of the celestial angels." When 
 Satan had uttered many fallacies of this natm*e, he 
 suddenly disappeared; and Jemsheed, being deluded 
 by the accursed spirit, thus addressed the people : — 
 " I am Lord of the heaven above and the earth 
 *' beneath ; and have descended from the ninth 
 " heaven to this lower world, to settle the concerns 
 " of the human race. From me you derive all the 
 " blessings you enjoy : by me you have been
 
 117 
 
 '^ exempted from sickness and death : it is tlierefore 
 " your duty to acknowledge my divine nature, and 
 *' to gird your loins with the zone of adoration. 
 " Whoever conforms to this, I will bestow on him 
 '' grace and favour ; but I shall cause whoever op- 
 " poses my decree to be consumed by the avenging 
 '' flame." In order to enforce these decrees, am- 
 bassadors were despatched to every part of the 
 world, that he might precipitate mankind, through 
 the influence of hope or fear, into the abyss of 
 error; so that, at last, the greatest part of the human 
 race devoted themselves to his worship, either 
 through inclination or compulsion : and also, many 
 of the servants of the only true God, who opposed 
 this idolatry, were cast into the flames of persecution. 
 Jemsheed having commenced this arrogant and re- 
 bellious conduct, neglected the concerns of admini- 
 stration, by attention to which the palace of authority 
 is placed on a Ann basis, and employed his time in 
 forbidden pursuits or unlawful pleasures : the order 
 of pubhc affairs was necessarily intermpted, and the 
 bonds of government were broken : and time re- 
 vealed the secret of the departure of good fortune 
 and the decay of prosperity, through the nocturnal 
 revel and the morning slumber. In short, when his 
 subjects became weary of the prolonged life and 
 continued injustice of their ruler, the Almighty Judge 
 of the last day induced Shadad, the descendant of
 
 118 
 
 Ad, to detach his nephew Zahak the Arabian, with 
 an immense force, terrible as the day of judgment, 
 resplendent as the heavens, 
 
 " Exceeding in number the motes in the air or the drops of rain ; 
 " Surpassing the stars of heaven and the waves of the sea," 
 
 in order to effect the utter overthrow of Jemsheed. 
 It is generally beheved that Jemsheed met him in 
 battle ; but being defeated, that he wandered about 
 in various regions, and beheld the tranquillity of his 
 breast in rapid movement, like the revolving heavens. 
 Being at last seized by his enemies, he was brought 
 into the presence of Zahak ; on which this merciless 
 tyrant ordered him to be cut in two with a fish-bone, 
 which bears resemblance to a saw : — 
 
 " This world, with all its pomp and glories, 
 
 " Aflfords no equivalent for such torture and affliction." 
 
 Hafiz Abrii, in his History, relates, out of the 
 Gurshasp Nameh, that Jemsheed long roamed over 
 the world, like one whose existence was unknown, 
 until he settled in Sejestan;— that he there espoused 
 a maiden of the country, by whom he had many 
 children, from the hneage of whom are descended 
 Gurshasp and Rustam. But God alone knows the 
 truth ! Many of the Persians reckon him a prophet ; 
 and also state, that he was the thirtieth in the order 
 of mission. They also say, when he was informed
 
 119 
 
 of the formidable hosts and irresistible prowess of 
 Zahak's soldiers, he felt himself miable to oppose 
 or give battle to the iniquitous foe, on which dis- 
 traction and confusion overpowered his reason. On 
 contemplating the signs of hapless fortune and 
 eclipsed prosperity, to whatever quarter he turned 
 for help, he beheld himself bound in the chains of 
 misfortune, and crushed by the affliction of woe; — 
 as has been anciently said : 
 
 " When God assigns any trial to his creatures, 
 
 " Whatever resource they cling to increases the agony of soul. 
 
 When he became quite convinced that hmnan 
 prudence cannot resist the decrees of Heaven, and 
 that the sentence confirmed by the signature of 
 Destiny cannot be averted by wishes or intercession, 
 he therefore, of necessity, submitted to the will of 
 God, and bowed his mind to the decrees of Omnipo- 
 tence. Thus, preferring retirement to perseverance, 
 and accompanied by the high-priest, he during the 
 remainder of his Hfe retired to a solitary cavern in 
 the mountains, hving contented with water and 
 herbs until he tiu-ned his face to the region of non- 
 existence. As the writer of this history thinks the 
 following lines correspond with the latter account, 
 he therefore quotes them : — 
 
 " I have heard, that when Jemsheed, deprived of power and 
 fortune^
 
 1-20 
 
 " Prepared to depart from this world to the eternal abode, 
 
 " He thus addressed the experienced Pontif of the Magi : — 
 
 " ' O Sag'e ! replete with v-irtue, and eminent for skill ! 
 
 " My age in this world has reached nine hundred years : 
 
 " My treasures were more in number than the billows of the 
 
 deep ; 
 " The keys of authority over Demons and Perles 
 " I placed on my fingers, like so many rings ; 
 " Yet my fortune has been depressed, and my state confounded ; 
 " And on this day I am reduced to this extremity of woe. 
 " Such is the custom and constant rule of Fortune, 
 " That even in the act of fi-iendship her thoughts are hostile. 
 " Like the practitioner of the juggler's feats, 
 " Whatever she at any time bestows, she again takes away.' — 
 " The pure-minded monarch, having uttered this speech, 
 " Departed hence — by the road which leads to nonentity. 
 
 " O my soul ! the reverse of Jemsheed, the asylum of the world, 
 " Is by no means surprising, through the revolutions of time : 
 " He who erected this variegated ancient dome 
 " Can recall to memory many instances of this kind." 
 
 It is recorded by some writers, that a hundred years 
 after the dethronement of Jemsheed he was dis- 
 covered by Zahak, in one of his jom-neys, concealed 
 in a hollow tree, on the border of the Chinese Ocean ; 
 when, by the usurper's commands, the stem of this 
 spreading tree of the parterre of royalty was imme- 
 chately severed in two by the saw, along with the 
 sheltering tree. Some historians give Jemsheed a 
 life of a thousand years, and a reign of seven 
 hundred; but others assign him seven hundred 
 years of life, and a reign of httle more than three 
 hundred. Wahhab, the son of Mambeh, says, that
 
 1-21 
 
 the prophetic mission of Hud (on whom be peace !) 
 to the people of A'd took place in the beginning of 
 this reign. 
 
 It is allowed, by the common consent of all 
 writers, that Jemsheed was the first who, by his 
 profound reflection, discovered the science of Medi- 
 cine, and ordered the warm-bath ; that he first in- 
 troduced the art of sewing ; and was the first who 
 constructed passages and public roads through 
 mountains, deserts, and plains. However, with re- 
 spect to these inventions, it has been repeatedly 
 mentioned in these pages, by our descriptive pen, 
 that the contradictions in the narrative arise from 
 the conflicting traditions. It is one of his sayings : 
 " Wisdom is the key to happiness; and happiness is 
 the attainment of desire." He has also said : " If 
 " success always attended exertion, and if eminence 
 " were invariably conferred on wisdom, the mighty 
 " would be the rulers of empire, and the sage pre- 
 " siding in courts :" — 
 
 " Thou who labourest to procure the gifts of Fortune, know 
 " That fortune and happiness are not acquired by wisdom alone. 
 " Whoever attains power, rank, and estimation, 
 " Is indebted for them to the aid of Heaven." 
 
 With respect to the occurrence of calamity and the 
 descent of reverses, he thus expressed himself: " In 
 " this case an illustrious pedigree is of no avail ; 
 " nor can splendid acquirements avert the evil :" —
 
 122 
 
 " Whoever is no stranger to the counsels of Wisdom 
 " Will never boast of his prudence and bravery ; 
 " For when the feet of fortune totter from their height, 
 " Neither bravery nor prudence maintain their ground." 
 
 He also said : " A man of firm pm:pose and deter- 
 " mined soul must take a position, in which, like 
 " the willow-leaf, he may not be agitated and shaken 
 " by every breath of wind : neither must he, on 
 " account of the transitory gifts of this world, the 
 *' beauties of which are the most deadly poison, de- 
 " liver his soul a prey to unceasing solicitude and 
 ** corroding thoughts : " — 
 
 " If, in imitation of the sage, you desire to march in the paths 
 
 of Wisdom, 
 " Be not, like the wUlow-leaf, the sport of every wind." 
 
 As Jemsheed is deservedly reckoned one of the 
 most distinguished princes, the author has therefore 
 bestowed on his history a space proportioned to its 
 dignity. 
 
 THE fflSTORY OF ZAHA'K. 
 
 " When Jemsheed decamped from the abode of woe, 
 
 " The fierce Zahak usurped the throne. 
 
 *' Destiny conferred the dominion of the Seven Climes 
 
 " On Zahtik, fierce by nature as the planet Mars. 
 
 " The rules established by this enemy of the Faith 
 
 " Were not established on the models of preceding kings ; 
 
 " During his reign the common saying was, 
 
 " ' These days are surely the days of woe !' "
 
 \2S 
 
 Zahak is generally reputed the son of Jemsheed's 
 sister, who had been given in marriage to one of the 
 kings of Arabia. Some historians say that he is de- 
 scended from the relations of the sons of Sfamuk, 
 of whom we have before spoken ; whilst the Magi 
 assert his descent to be the sixth generation from 
 Kaiomars. He is called, by the Persians, Bivarasp, 
 and Dell A'k ; the first name arising from the cir- 
 cumstance of his always keeping ten thousand Ara- 
 bian horses in his stables. Ferdausi says, 
 
 " The word Bivar from Pehlevi, in counting, 
 
 " Means, in the Dari tongue. Ten thousand : 
 
 " From the Bivar of Arab steeds, with furniture of gold, 
 
 " They gave him the title of Bivarasp." 
 
 As he was notorious for ten vices, he was also called 
 Deh A'k ; for this latter word means defect or vice; 
 and they were as follow : depravity of manner, and 
 hideousness of person — diminutive statiure — pride — 
 shamelessness — voracity — excessive cruelty — foul 
 language — precipitancy in affairs of State — depra- 
 vity — folly. It is proper to observe, that the Arabs, 
 having given this word an Arabic form, have changed 
 Deh A'k into Zahak. This prince, early in life, is 
 said to have devoted himself to the study of Magic; 
 although his father, one of the kings of Hamir (whom 
 the Arabs call Alwan, and the Persians Murdas), a 
 prince eminent for the fear of God, of unpolluted 
 soul and sincere piety, ineffectually dissuaded him
 
 I2t 
 
 from the shocking pursuit. Zahak, being troubled 
 and irritated by the reproaches and admonitions of 
 his father, explained his situation to his preceptor, 
 the disciple of the accursed angels, Harut and 
 Marut : he thereby induced this magician to put 
 in practice a thousand arts and incantations, until 
 he finally accomplished the destruction of the king, 
 and Zahak seized on the throne. The Sheikh 
 Saadi (on whom may God open the sources of 
 mercy !) has expressed himself in words opposed to 
 this tradition, in the following lines : — 
 
 " A parricide should not be a king : 
 
 " But should he, his reign must not exceed six months." 
 
 It is probable that the Sheikh (whose tomb may 
 God sanctify !) had a different object in view; which, 
 with the blessing of the Almighty, shall shortly be 
 explained, in its proper place. Fame reports Zahak 
 to have been an undaunted and enterprising prince ; 
 but so sanguinary and savage in disposition, that 
 the simoom of his wrath imparted to the cool foun- 
 tains the burning properties of fire, and rendered 
 the hail in the sphere of winter like burning coals. 
 Irresistible as fate, he spared neither youth nor age, 
 strength or feebleness: hke the fated doom, he 
 bore away the lowly and noble, the humble and the 
 great : — 
 
 " He possessed not a nature which allowed any to repose,^ 
 " Nor a form which any could admire."
 
 125 
 
 When fickle Fortune had acted thus treacherously 
 towards Jemsheed, and the days of his prosperity 
 had been brought to a conclusion, the throne of 
 universal dominion and the pavilion of sovereignty 
 were degraded by the person of Zahak : he intro- 
 duced evil customs and innovations ; and, averting 
 his face from obedience to the law> turned his 
 back on the ordinances of the true faith : he pur- 
 sued the road of subservience, to the gratification of 
 his impure desires ; and gave himself entirely up to 
 sinful practices and the dictates of his detestable 
 nature. Like the sledge and anvil, proposing to 
 himself only hardness of heart and harshness of 
 countenance, he flung away the veil of shame and 
 the curtain of good faith, so that he daily became 
 more audacious in violating whatever was sacred, 
 and in shedding the blood of the innocent ; conse- 
 quently, the characters of his tyranny, issuing from 
 the recesses of frowardness and impiety, became 
 every day more evident in the records of Fame ; so 
 that the accounts of his criminal views and oppres- 
 sions, of his wicked enterprises and machinations, 
 were published through every region of the earth. 
 When this conduct had lasted about 700 years, 
 during which he heaped on the human race cala- 
 mity and woe, at last the smoke which ascended 
 from the burning hearts of the wretched, and the 
 flames which arose from the bosoms of the afilicted.
 
 126 
 
 kindled the fire of desolation and affliction in the 
 storehouse of his ease and enjoyment; in short, 
 two morsels of flesh, resembling two large serpents, 
 shot out between his shoulders : — 
 
 " The lamentations of the oppressed, in their morning prayer 
 
 to God, 
 " Descend on the tyrant with the force of the poisoned dart." 
 
 Zahak the son of Alwan, from the noxiousness 
 and violence of these creatures, lost all power : al- 
 though the physicians and wise men exerted all 
 their energy in the cure of this, they discovered 
 that the mode of assuaging the pain was confined 
 to the application of a poultice composed of human 
 brains. Some writers assert, that after the physi- 
 cians had declared themselves unable to give him 
 relief, Zahak was informed in a vision that his 
 malady would probably be mitigated by a plaister 
 composed of young men's brains. Tabari relates, 
 that the disease was placed on his shoulders by a 
 kiss from Satan ; who afterwards appearing to Zahak 
 in the dress of a physician, communicated to him 
 the above remedy. According to the first arrange- 
 ment, the persons confined in the public gaols, being 
 emancipated from the restraints of imprisonment, 
 were hurried on to their original doom. After- 
 wards, observing an equality of contribution (as 
 justice required) in the different districts, towns.
 
 127 
 
 cities, and villages, in rotation, they used to bring 
 their victims, and deliver them to the intendants of 
 the household, who formed a plaister of their brains, 
 and appUed it to the shoulders of the detestable 
 Zahak. The intendants, however, always Hberated 
 one, and put the other to death ; and mixing the 
 brains of the individual thus slain with the fat of a 
 sheep, brought it to Zahak. On every occasion, 
 having presented a sheep to the person whose hfe 
 was spared, they afterwards let him out of the city 
 by night, and directed him to flee to the mountains 
 and deserts, far removed from all intercourse with 
 mankind : — '* Come not within their sight ! or you 
 " will bring destruction on yourselves, and expose 
 *' us to civil tortures." The unfortunate men, to 
 save their lives, took refuge on the summits of steep 
 mountains, in the caverns in hills and deserts, and in 
 gloomy caves. From these fugitives the Kurds are 
 said to be descended. When 200 years had elapsed, 
 and the period was approaching which was to deHver 
 the human race from the tyranny of the polluted 
 Zahak, he one night beheld, in a dream, three per- 
 sons enter by the door of his palace, and rush upon 
 him : one struck him on the head with a mace ; on 
 which the other two threw him down, and passed a 
 leather thong around his lothsome back, with which 
 they bound his hands firmly : they afterwards put a 
 halter round his neck, and dragged him to Dama-
 
 128 
 
 vend. The dragon-backed Zahak, through terror 
 of this dreadful vision, raised such an outcry, that 
 his attendants, who slept near him, leaped up out of 
 their pleasing repose, to inquire the cause ; whilst 
 this hitherto-fearless prince, through rage and pain, 
 writhed himself like a serpent, until morning ar- 
 rived. As soon as dawn appeared, he summoned 
 the astrologers and interpreters of dreams; to whom 
 he related his vision, and demanded the interpreta- 
 tion. They remained silent a long time ; until at last 
 one, more covu'ageous than the rest, spoke thus : 
 " It is possible that the mind of the sovereign of 
 " the world may be disturbed and distracted by the 
 " appearance and hostilities of one of Jemsheed's 
 ** descendants, Feridoon by name, who may acquire 
 " authority in some pro\ance of the empire." — 
 Zahak then asked, " What are the signs by which 
 Feridoon can be distinguished?" To this they 
 replied: " He is remarkable for such and such 
 " qualities ; and the place of his nativity is near 
 " this." Zahak then despatched spies ; who, after 
 some time, brought back this intelligence : " One 
 " of the sons of Jemsheed, who dwells in such a 
 " place, has an infant son still at the breast, marked 
 " with signs corresponding to those mentioned by 
 " the astrologers to the king." Zahak, impelled by 
 wicked designs, set out for the place; but Faramuk, 
 the mother of Feridoon, being forewarned of his
 
 129 
 
 intentions, took away her son, and concealed herself 
 in a secret retreat. When the tyrant arrived and 
 could not find Feridoon, he was so enraged, that 
 he ordered Athkian, the father, to be put to death : 
 after which he returned. Faramuk then took the 
 child, and wandered over mountains and deserts, 
 until she arrived at a verdant meadow, where a 
 person was pasturing some cows. Faramuk en- 
 treated the owner of the cattle to rear her son in 
 his retired abode, and feed him on cow's milk. 
 The shepherd having undertaken to guard the 
 child, received from Faramuk this pearl of the 
 casket of sovereignty, the star of the firmament of 
 royalty ; and long time nourished him on milk : — 
 
 " During three years he nourished him on milk, 
 " And concealed him amidst the marshes." 
 
 Zahak being again informed of this circumstance, 
 set out for the place ; but his mother Faramuk, 
 being directed by Heaven, again removed Feridoon : 
 so that, although the tyrant accomphshed the jour- 
 ney, he was unable to attain his object: he therefore 
 turned back, having previously destroyed the cow 
 that had been selected to nourish Feridoon with its 
 milk. For many years after this, Feridoon, through 
 dread of the sangiiinary Zahak, took shelter 
 amidst frightful deserts ; until the period arrived, 
 when, by the favour of the Merciful Judge, and the
 
 130 
 
 prowess of Gdvah the Blacksmith, he was elevated 
 to the pinnacle of sovereignty. 
 
 THE INSURRECTION OF GA'vAH THE BLACKSMITH, AND ZAHA'k's 
 DESCENT TO THE INFERNAL REGIONS. 
 
 The most distinguished wiiters agree, that the 
 insurrection of Gavah the Blacksmith was occa- 
 sioned by the murder of his children ; but there is 
 a difference among them, as to the manner of its 
 commencement, and the means by which Gavah 
 acquired the victory of Zahak : we must therefore 
 rest satisfied with the account which, on the whole, 
 is most probable. We are told, that when the op- 
 pression and injustice of Zahak had continued a 
 long time, Gavah of Isfahan, two of whose sons had 
 been put to death by the tyrant, closed the door of 
 his forge, and opened the gates of rebelhon in the 
 face of Zahak : he took from his waist the piece 
 of leather worn by blacksmiths, when at work, 
 about the loins, and fixed it on a pole : through 
 the tyranny and excessive violence of the king, he 
 cried aloud, and excited the people to revolt. The 
 inhabitants of Isfahan, who are endowed by nature 
 with intrepidity and energy, by the orders of Gavah 
 put the Governor of Isfahan to death, seized the 
 treasury and arsenal, and assembled themselves 
 under his banner. Being thus completely master of
 
 131 
 
 Isfahan, he marched to Ahwaz, where he put to 
 death the governors appointed by Zahak ; and in 
 this manner subdued many districts in Irak and 
 Fars: during the same period he also defeated, with 
 great loss, the numerous armies sent against him at 
 different times by the tyrant. When he had thus 
 been long victorious over his enemies, he collected 
 an army beyond the compass of numbers ; and 
 marched against Zahak, who was at that period en- 
 camped on the borders of Tabaristan and Damavend, 
 engaged in preparing every thing requisite for carry- 
 ing on the war, and procuring all descriptions of 
 mihtary stores. As soon as Gavah had reached the 
 district of Rai', at the head of his well-marshalled 
 troops, he thus addressed the distinguished nobles 
 and chiefs : — " Now that our labours approach to 
 " a happy termination, it is proper that we should 
 *' entrust the sovereign power to some one, who, 
 " in case of our gaining the victory over Zahak, 
 " may devote himself to the cares of State, and to 
 " conciliating the attachment of the military and the 
 " cultivators." To this the nobles repHed : — " You 
 " have every claim on our livehest gratitude, as, by 
 " your virtuous zeal, we, being dehvered from the 
 " tyranny and violence of this wretch, have escaped 
 " from the clutches of death : we can therefore see 
 
 Q) Rai, the Raghez of the Book of Tobit : the ruins of it com 
 within four miles of Teheran, the present capital of Persia. 
 
 k2
 
 132 
 
 *' no one so worthy as yourself of the imperial 
 " throne." Gavah thus answered : — " I am not 
 " one of the royal family, nor do I possess the qua- 
 " lifications necessary for the discharge of that im- 
 *' portant duty : — 
 
 " One whose profession lies in iron, forges, and bellows, 
 " Would commit a sin by aspiring to the kingly state and 
 throne. 
 
 *' My motive in opposing you is not the affecta- 
 " tion of wisdom ; but my object is this, that the 
 " people, who are a deposit entrusted by the Crea- 
 '* tor of mankind, being delivered from the oppres- 
 " sion and violence of this iniquitous wretch, may 
 " pass the remainder of their lives on the couch of 
 *' security and repose : now,therefore, produce some 
 " one of the royal family, legally entitled to this 
 " high dignity." Upon this, the commanders and 
 chief nobility, after diligent inquiry and research, 
 thus reported : — " Feridoon, a descendant of Jem- 
 " sheed, who fled from Tabaristan to avoid the de- 
 " signs of Zahak, is at this moment concealed in 
 *' the province of Rai." Gavah was overjoyed at 
 this intelligence ; and commanded him to be brought 
 from the obscure i^etreat of concealment, to the 
 splendor of a court : he then delivered to him the 
 royal treasures, and ordered the different classes of 
 the military to take the oath of fidelity to his go- 
 vernment. After this ceremony, the brave men and
 
 133 
 
 the champions turned their minds to battle with 
 perfect confidence. Zahak also made the most 
 vigorous exertions, came to offer battle, and dis- 
 played the most determined vigour ; but he soon 
 found out, 
 
 " When we are no longer favoured by Fortune, exertion is of no 
 avail." 
 
 He had recourse to the road of flight ; but being 
 closely pursued by a body of illustrious chiefs, he 
 was by them taken prisoner, and brought in bonds 
 into the presence of Feridoon : they afterwards smote 
 him on the head with a mace, passed a leather belt 
 round his back, and, that the vision might be veri- 
 fied, his hands were fastened with the same : he 
 was then, by order of the sovereign of the world, 
 imprisoned in Mount Damavend. The Tarikh Ta- 
 bari says, he was put to death : the Tarikh Maajem 
 states, that before the appearance of Feridoon, 
 Gavah fought a battle against Zahak, from which 
 the latter fled and was never more heard of; on 
 which Gavah, having terminated this affair, pro- 
 duced Feridoon, and placed him on the imperial 
 throne : but the first account seems, to the author, 
 most worthy of behef It is recorded in the Muruj- 
 uz-zahab, and other respectable works, that Feri- 
 doon called the day on which Zahak was imprisoned, 
 Mihr-jan (delight of soul), and observed it with more 
 attention than any other festival. The Muruj-uz-
 
 134^ 
 
 zahab also says, that the father of Zahak was 
 called Ardad, who was the son of Fars, the son of 
 Tehmuras. Tradition ascribes to Zahak the in- 
 troduction of scourging, gibbeting, and torture ; 
 and also reports that his reign continued a thousand 
 years. Abraham, the friend of God (may the bless- 
 ings of the Almighty rest upon him !) began his 
 Prophetic mission in this reign ; although some 
 writers refer this event to the reign of Feridoon. 
 But God is most wise ! 
 
 HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF FERIDOON. 
 
 " Feridoon the happy, the legitimate prince, 
 
 " Adorned the crowTi, the signet, and the throne. 
 
 " When Zahak had swallowed the draught of Fate, 
 
 " His soul forgot the name of all earthly pomp. 
 
 " On a fortunate day, the ruler of the sun and moon, 
 
 " Feridoon, placed on his head the diadem of sovereign sway : 
 
 ■" Being favoured by Heaven and his auspicious lot, 
 
 ^' He became lord of the realm, crown, and throne : 
 
 " He threw open the treasury doors, and, having summoned the 
 
 soldiery, 
 " Poured out silver, gold, and diamonds, into their skirts. 
 
 In the Muruj-uz-zahab, Feridoon is called the 
 son of Athkian, the son of Jemsheed ; whilst other 
 histories have laid down eight generations between
 
 135 
 
 them : the first account, however, seems to us most 
 deserving of credit. The unanimous accord of the 
 most distinguished Avriters represent him as an in- 
 trepid monarch and magnificent sovereign ; a world, 
 in the form of universal sway ; a universe, in the 
 robes of royal authority ; who to the strictest dis- 
 cipHne and government joined the perfection of 
 reason and discernment. In this reign the institutes 
 of bravery and humanity were widely diffused ; the 
 foundations of munificence and bounty acquired 
 new strength : — 
 
 " Feridoon the happy was not an angel, 
 
 " Neither was he formed of musk and ambergris : 
 
 " He acquired his glory by justice and liberality. — 
 
 " Be thou just and liberal, and thou wilt also be a Feridoon." 
 
 The king, being now firmly seated on the impe- 
 rial throne, appointed Gavah general of the forces, 
 and despatched him towards Room: at the same 
 time, Gurshasp, who was descended from Jemsheed 
 and the ancestor of Rustam, was sent along with 
 Nariman into Turkistan. Gavah, at the head of 
 the troops placed under the shadow of his valour, 
 traversed the civihsed world during a space of nearly 
 twenty years, subduing every country he entered, and 
 overcoming every monarch whom he encountered ; 
 and completely purified the surface of the earth 
 from the contamination of all opposed to the king, 
 or hostile to his prosperity. In all his battles, he
 
 136 
 
 kept with him the piece of leather which had been 
 fixed on a pole at the time of his heading the in- 
 surrection against Zahak ; which was ever after 
 known by the name of Gavah's banner, by the 
 elevation and unfurhng of which he displayed the 
 happy guarantee and omen of success in every 
 battle-field. In consequence of these eminent ser- 
 vices, joined to his former devotedness of soul, the 
 patents for the government of Irak and the district 
 of Isfahan, as far as the limits of Azarbai'jan, were 
 graced by his name ; and Gavah set out on his re- 
 turn to Isfahan, with numerous herds, immense 
 treasures, and countless hosts of undaunted bravery. 
 The inhabitants of the regions assigned to him, 
 through his diffusion of justice and HberaHty, and 
 the estabhshment of principles of probity and good 
 faith, were as greatly overjoyed as those who fast 
 on beholding the new moon, or the dropsical on 
 quaffing a draught of pure water. When his go- 
 vernment had continued ten years, the volume of 
 his life became sealed up with the signature of the 
 indispensable doom, and the steed of his existence 
 fell headlong through the conflicting accidents of 
 time. Feridoon was afflicted on learning this dread- 
 ful event, and expressed the greatest sorrow for his 
 death : the ministers of state, the nobles of the 
 kingdom, and the commanders of the troops, 
 mourned during seven days. The king also sent
 
 137 
 
 orders to Isfahan, to deliver up the estate and chat- 
 tels of Gavah to his heirs; excepting the banner of 
 Gavah, which he demanded, and, having ornamented 
 it with precious-stones, placed it in the treasury. 
 This banner was only produced on the day of en- 
 counter, and in the field of battle, when the eyes 
 of the ever-victorious troops were animated with 
 delight, and their hearts wdth fortitude, on behold- 
 ing it : every succeeding monarch of Ajem enriched 
 it by the addition of a precious diamond, and this 
 custom continued until the time of Omar" the son 
 of Khettab, when, at the victory of Kadeseh, it fell 
 into the hands of the true Believers : the piece of 
 leather was burnt by command of Omar, and the 
 precious-stones were divided among the indigent 
 and objects of charity. As soon as Gavah the 
 Blacksmith had bidden adieu to this transitory life, 
 Feridoon summoned Karun and Kobad, his sons, to 
 appear before him : in obedience to this mandate, 
 they presented themselves at the foot of the exalted 
 throne, where they were allowed the honour of 
 
 (") The successor of Abubekr, and the second Khalif after Mu- 
 hammed. He began his reign in the thirteenth year of the Hejlra ; 
 and was assassinated by a Persian slave, in the twenty-fourth year, 
 after a reign of ten years and a half; during which time the Arabs 
 subdued Syria, Chaldaea, Persia, and Egypt. According to Khon- 
 demir, they took 36,000 cities, places, and castles; destroyed 4000 
 Christian churches, Fire and Idol temples; and built 1400 mosques.
 
 138 
 
 kissing hands, and were distinguished above the 
 other courtiers of the monarch of the world by an 
 increase of favours and benefits. It is recorded by 
 Ibn al Mukna, a Persian historian, that when Feri- 
 doon had reigned nearly fifty years, he took in 
 marriage a daughter of Zahak; by whom, in the 
 course of two years, he had two sons, named Tur 
 and Selm, who were both exceedingly wicked in 
 disposition, and prone to strife and envy : in a word, 
 they entirely resembled Zahak in foul deeds and 
 detestable actions : 
 
 " The two princes were born of royal lineage : — 
 
 " I have said wrong — they are two demons of Satanic race." 
 
 Feridoon had also another son, named Iraj, by 
 Irandokht, one of the noblest maidens of Fars. As 
 soon as this royal infant was delivered from the 
 confinement of the cradle, and had advanced from 
 the state of childhood to the confines of adolescence, 
 the marks of wisdom were already evident in his 
 qualities : he devoted himself to the science of 
 archery, and to learning the rules of horsemanship ; 
 in both which exercises he in a short time became 
 perfectly skilled, and a complete proficient : from 
 his intercourse with men distinguished for learning 
 and virtue, his acquirements were equally fortunate 
 and ample : he was constant in unremitting attend- 
 ance on his father, and invariable in conforming to
 
 139 
 
 the duties of cheerful compliance and obedience 
 to all his orders ; so that, from the habits of zealous 
 duty and grateftil respect, the young prince planted 
 in his breast the shoots of love and affection. The 
 king, the asylum of the world, witnessed in him the 
 results of praiseworthy deeds, and the dictates of 
 benevolent address, whilst the signs of nobleness 
 and bravery shone out from his brilhant countenance 
 and resplendent forehead : in his every movement 
 or state of repose, he saw reflected, as if from the 
 surface of water or of a mirror, the demonstrations 
 of good fortune, and the marks of might and do- 
 minion ; so that his mental perfection shone in all 
 its lustre, far and wide, over near and distant re- 
 gions. At this period, although the prince was 
 only in the dawn of adolescence and the flower of 
 youth, yet the king's ministers, the heads of rehgion, 
 the commanders of the army, and the officers of the 
 court, were all acquainted with his early progress in 
 unshaken prudence, clear understanding, abundant 
 sagacity, and perfect magnanimity : in the changes 
 of State concerns, and the modes of securing the 
 gates of royal authority, they were enhghtened and 
 impressed with the illumination of his directing 
 counsel, and the stores of his excellent virtues. 
 The king also strove incessantly to augment his 
 dignity and state : and one day, as had been previ- 
 ously settled, he, in concert with the high-priest of
 
 140 
 
 the Magi and the commanders of the troops, sum- 
 moned a general assembly. After offering due 
 praises and thanksgiving to the Almighty, he ad- 
 dressed the assembled nobles in the following words : 
 — " Let it be known to all, that the hosts of old 
 " age and decrepitude assail me ; that feebleness 
 " and the grey hairs of advanced years ravage my 
 " frame : the structure of this corporeal tent, the 
 '' pillars of which are propped up by the four mem- 
 " bers, begins to sink in weakness ; the bones, which 
 " support the roof, and serve as the columns of this 
 " pavilion of the body, feel what the sacred oracles 
 " declare, * Truly my bones have become feeble/ 
 " The brain, the source of reason and sensation, is 
 " insensible to spiritual relations or bodily percep- 
 " tions ; the liver, which is the mine of the animal 
 " spirits, and the abode of radical heat, no longer 
 " feels the benefits or advantages of the chyle : — 
 
 " Before the hand of Destiny removes 
 " From this enfeebled abode the furniture of life, 
 " I wish, that, of these three stars of noble mansion, 
 " You should seat one, as my successor, on the throne. 
 
 " On which, therefore, of my sons does your wis- 
 " dom fix as successor to the dignity of the crown 
 " and throne ? Which of them is worthy of re- 
 " ceiving the supreme power, and deserving of 
 " the sacred deposit of dominion ?" The assem- 
 bled nobles with one voice replied : " All the king's
 
 141 
 
 " son's are stars in the firmament of excellence, and 
 " planets which move in the sphere of justice. The 
 " rank of Selm, in exalted dignity, mounts higher 
 « than the constellation, Ursa Minor; the intellect 
 " of Tur, the ornament of the empire, equals in its 
 " perfect splendor the pupil of the eyes of the sun 
 " and moon : — 
 
 " The perfections of Selm make the kingdom smile like a rose; 
 " The light of majesty beams like rays from the forehead of 
 Tur. 
 
 " We, however, choose Iraj as our king : our souls 
 " are fixed on obedient acquiescence to his injunc- 
 " tions and prohibitions. He is endowed with per- 
 " fection, impressed with the characters of excel- 
 " lence, zealously watching over the state of the 
 " lowly, ardent in anxiety for promoting the wel- 
 " fare of mankind, and equally unrivalled in the 
 " sharp-edged sword and unerring prudence :— 
 
 » He has added prudence to the excellency of bravery : 
 " There is no real prudence, excepting that which comes from 
 the hero and the sage. 
 
 " It would therefore be meet that our august sove- 
 " reign, in conformity to the wishes of his devoted 
 " servants, should declare Iraj his successor."— 
 The king's enhghtened mind acceded, with dehght, 
 to the urgent petition of the props of the State and 
 the fountains of orthodoxy ; his body seeming to
 
 142 
 
 become all ear, until he heard the joyous event, 
 hailed by the acclamations of all classes of the 
 people. In pm'suance of this measure, he divided 
 the habitable world into three parts : the territories 
 of Room, the regions of the West, and the kingdom 
 of Frangestan, with all their provinces and depen- 
 dencies, were delivered to Selm ; Chin and Machin, 
 and all the lands of Turkestan, were assigned to 
 Tur ; but to Iraj was given Iranshehr, which com- 
 prises the country between the Euphrates and the 
 Jihun, forming the centre of the civiHsed world, the 
 most delightful and most fertile of realms, the pre- 
 cious pearl of the necklace of the universe. After 
 this partition, he sent his two sons, with suitable 
 pomp and splendor, and armies composed of com- 
 batants fierce as Mars, to the empires and regions 
 delivered over to their sway, but he retained in his 
 presence, at the seat of splendor, Iraj, who had 
 been preferred to his brothers : into the grasp of his 
 authority he resigned the reins of command and 
 prohibition, of restraint and indulgence, of binding 
 and letting loose in every department of the State, 
 so that he left himself nothing but the name of 
 King. This arrangement, however, was ultimately 
 attended with ruinous consequences to the State, 
 and ended by destroying the ties of consanguinity, 
 as shall hereafter be shortly set forth, by the assist- 
 ance of the Almighty. Some historians relate, that
 
 143 
 
 when Feridoon was seated on the imperial throne, 
 he restored all that Zahak had violently extorted 
 from the nobihty and the people : after which, he, 
 in person, made war upon the tribe of A'd : they 
 were entirely discomfited, and he became master 
 of their country : from thence he advanced against 
 other nations, and in this manner subjected to his 
 rule the greatest part of the civiHsed world. It is 
 stated by other writers, that when Feridoon had 
 terminated happily whatever regarded Zahak, he 
 detached Gurshasp and Nariman to Turkestan, and 
 Gavah of Isfahan to Room, as before mentioned ; 
 and that these commanders succeeded in utterly 
 subduing the regions assigned to them : also, that 
 Gurshasp, on his return from the East, went, by the 
 command of Feridoon, to Tinjah-i-Mughrab^ (Tan- 
 giers); on his return from which expedition he de- 
 scended to the grave. About this time, Karun, the 
 son of Gavah, was sent to Chin, for the purpose of 
 seizing Goshpul Dandan, and bringing him in fet- 
 ters and humihation to the foot of the throne to the 
 imperial residence. Nariman was also detached to 
 Mazenderan, to deliver into the clutches of affliction 
 and woe, Gurdaz Shah, who had manifested rebel- 
 Hous intentions. Nariman shortly after returned 
 from his expedition, victorious and triumphant ; and 
 then proceeding to India, brought under the yoke of 
 
 (0 c-y.^ '<xs^
 
 disgrace the Raja of Hindustan, who had long con- 
 tinued in a state of revolt ; but finally, they entered 
 into an accommodation. Nariman having returned 
 in safety and triumph, laden with spoil, to the court, 
 the asylum of the world, was then ordered to advance 
 to Room'' : he there utterly dispersed the idolaters 
 who had collected in great numbers in that country. 
 On his return from Room, he passed some time in 
 besieging Sikavend: the enemy, however, watching 
 an opportunity, threw on his head, while he slept, 
 such a mighty stone, that he never more awoke. 
 After his death, Feridoon partitioned the world 
 among his sons. About this time, Mahraj, the sove- 
 reign of many kingdoms in Hindustan, being griev- 
 ously oppressed by the Sagsar, Feridoon fixed on 
 Saum, the son of Nariman, to bring him assistance ; 
 by this champion's aid, the soul of Mahraj was no 
 longer troubled by his enemies, and his kingdom 
 was purged of the rebelKous. After this event, 
 Goshpul Dandan was distinguished by the royal mu- 
 nificence, and entrusted with the government of 
 some countries in the western and southern parts of 
 the empire; in the com'se of which events, Selm and 
 Tur, deviating from rectitude, conspired to destroy 
 Iraj. 
 
 (^) A general and indefinite name, by which Persian authors 
 describe the provinces west of the Euphrates, as far as the shores 
 of the Euxine and Mediterranean.
 
 145 
 
 ACCOUNT OF THE HOSTILITIES AND REBELLION OF SELM AND 
 Tu'r, and the murder of IRAJ RY THESE UNGENEROUS AND 
 HEARTLESS WRETCHES. 
 
 As soon as Selm and Tur had departed to their 
 respective kingdoms, the authority over the trea- 
 sures and realm of Iran was so completely vested 
 in Iraj, that no one had power to resist his sway : 
 notwithstanding which, he girded his loins, as usual 
 in the service of his father, with the zone of re- 
 spectful obedience, and opened the folding-doors of 
 dutiftil attention and gratitude. When Selm and 
 Tur received repeated intelligence of the dominion, 
 influence, and favours conferred on their younger 
 brother, they adulterated, with the alloy of hatred 
 and envy, the coin of fraternal affection, and dis- 
 coloured the course of unsullied faith with the im- 
 purities of fraud and treachery : through the wiles 
 of Satan and worldly lusts, they interposed the 
 shield ^of hostility before the face of concord, and 
 openly proclaimed their designs, the result of sinful 
 passions and depraved hearts. In proof of this, 
 although far removed from each other, they mutu- 
 ally sent ambassadors with letters, the contents of 
 which were to this purport : " The king's advanced 
 " age and lengthened years have reduced him to a 
 " state of dotage : through confusion of intellect, 
 
 L
 
 146 
 
 " he is become distracted and stupefied, totally 
 *' destitute of the treasures of experience, and in- 
 ** capable of discriminating between good and evil : 
 " for otherwise he would not have given the pre- 
 " ference over us to Iraj, who is only in the com- 
 " mencement of youth, and a stripUng of tender 
 '' years ; nor would he have bestowed the empire 
 " of the world on an ignorant boy, unacquainted 
 ** with its soft or angry mood — one who has never 
 " tasted the cold or genial warmth of fortune. 
 '' Now that parental affection is extinct; and as, 
 " without any apparent criminality on our part, 
 " but simply from his own inattention, forgetful- 
 " ness, obstinacy and perverseness, his internal 
 " depravity has become evident to us ; therefore 
 " the hostility that now exists between us and our 
 " father can only be terminated by the decision of 
 " the sword ; and the right to dominion cannot be 
 " adjusted without the intervention of the well- 
 ** tempered sabre, the arrow, and the lancier." — 
 The following was also written in one of the letters 
 sent by Selm to Tur : " It is necessary for you 
 " to be prepared at all points, and furnished with 
 " the means requisite for giving battle and carry- 
 " ing on the war. I have distributed great wealth 
 " among my troops ; and have raised a mighty 
 " army, composed of soldiers fierce as lions, and 
 " sharp as the dissevering sword. Let us make the
 
 147 
 
 " attack in concert, and, in retaliation for our father 
 " Zahak, pour out the blood of Iraj, like wine 
 " into a cup." As soon as Tur had perused this 
 Letter, he sent the messenger back with this answer : 
 " Lo ! I have assembled a host, the confines of the 
 " number and power of which the travelled voyager 
 " of the imagination would be unable to calculate. 
 *' The eye of anxious expectation is fixed on the 
 " road of the royal train : I hope that, without 
 " further delay or procrastination, we may soon 
 " meet, and, with our blood-shedding swords, hew 
 '' asunder the limbs and members of our foes." 
 
 When the repeated despatch of ambassadors and 
 communications had taken place on both sides, and 
 the basis of the treaty and confederacy had been 
 finally ratified, these two innately-depraved brothers, 
 sprung from the lineage of the sanguinary Zahak, 
 began to advance with rapidity from their perma- 
 nent and settled abode. After long and toilsome 
 marches, they formed a junction in Azarbai'jan ; from 
 whence, in pursuance of previous deliberation, they 
 sent an ambassador to their father, with this mes- 
 sage : " If the king be wiUing to depose Iraj from 
 *' the succession, and dismiss him to some distant 
 " province of the empire, such is our desire ; but if 
 " not, it is necessary to make ready for the con- 
 " test and prepare to give battle." When Feridoon 
 
 L 2
 
 148 
 
 received this stern message, and became acquainted 
 with the rebellion of his sons, the fire of his world- 
 consuming revenge blazed with fury : wrath obtained 
 such influence over him, that the sentiments of par- 
 don and indulgence were totally extinguished, and 
 his indignation could no longer be restrained. He 
 instantly sent for Iraj, to whom he unfolded what 
 had occurred: and afterwards said, "Every exertion 
 " must be used to counteract the present crisis; all 
 " our resolution must be exercised to extricate 
 " ourselves from this difficulty : we must, without 
 '' delay, hasten to repel the vdcked aggressors, with 
 '* OIK vengeance-breathing hosts ; for, as one scab- 
 " bard does not contain two swords, nor can one 
 " arrow be discharged from two bows, in hke man- 
 " ner it is impossible to extinguish this fire, except 
 ** by the employment of the well-tempered steel; 
 " nor can we, by any possibility, cut off the source 
 " of this enmity, without the intervention of the 
 " sharp-edged sword." Iraj endeavoured, by all kinds 
 of suggestions and counsels, to remove his father's 
 wrath ; and thus replied : " Whatever has been ut- 
 " tered by the pearl-shedding eloquence of the king 
 " is the essence of justice ; but, if it should seem good 
 " to the king, the path of concord should first be 
 " essayed, and permission given to his servant to 
 " meet his brothers, and arrange the points in dis-
 
 ito 
 
 ' pute in such a manner as may be conformable to 
 
 ' prudence, and at the same time to concede what- 
 
 ' ever may contribute to the reconciliation and sa- 
 
 ' tisfaction of their minds." Feridoon answered: 
 
 ' I well know that your discourse proceeds from a 
 
 ' virtuous desire of promoting friendship, and the 
 
 ' interests of all parties ; but to act with kindness or 
 
 ' forbearance to a serpent, or in a caressing manner 
 
 ' to rub down the lion's back, are acts deservedly 
 
 ' liable to reproach, and attended with calamity. 
 
 * I am therefore apprehensive, that if any dilatori- 
 
 ' ness should occur in the prosecution of this affair, 
 
 ' which is likely to involve in one common ruin my 
 
 ' hereditary kingdom and acquisitions, I should 
 
 ' justly incur, in the opinion of the wise, the dis- 
 
 ' grace and censure of imbecihty of understanding, 
 
 ' meanness of soul, and of a grovelhng mind." — 
 
 However, the solicitations of Iraj were so urgent for 
 
 peace, that Feridoon at last, though exceedingly 
 
 reluctant, sent him, with a body of intelligent sages 
 
 and conciliatory Letters, to meet his brothers. As 
 
 soon as the prince joined them, and the three planets 
 
 were in conjunction in one celestial house, the two 
 
 of sinister aspect got the ascendency over the happy 
 
 star ; that is, Selm and Tiir scattered the dust of 
 
 inhumanity in the eyes of benevolence, and with 
 
 their swords, the instruments of hate, divided the
 
 150 
 
 tender frame of Iraj from his head; which they sent 
 to their father : — 
 
 " A cheek, which the rose-leaf's pressure would afflict, 
 " A body, which the load of a single hair would oppress, 
 " Was suddenly destroyed by the treacherous sword, 
 " And prematurely weltering in dust and g-ore." 
 
 Along with the head, the wretches conveyed the fol- 
 lowing message : " We have sent to the king, the 
 " head which, in his opinion, deserved the imperial 
 " crown." Feridoon, on receiving the news of this 
 dreadful calamity, rent his heart instead of his gar- 
 ments, and dashed on the earth his head, in place of 
 his turban : his nights and days were passed in con- 
 tinued sighs and mourning ; until Minucheher re- 
 taliated on the murderers of Iraj, as shall shortly be 
 set forth. The most celebrated historians agree, 
 that the three sons of Feridoon having met their 
 death during his lifetime, he therefore resigned to 
 Minucheher his crown and treasm-es ; after which he 
 devoted himself to seclusion, and abstraction from 
 worldly concerns. When on the verge of eternity, 
 his tongue articulated the pm-port of the following 
 remarks : — 
 
 " ' What king like me, under this ancient roof 
 
 " Could boast of being unrivalled in sovereign sway ? 
 
 "■ Through the burning lightning of my sword the men of 
 
 renown 
 " Flung their shields into the water, like descending rain :
 
 151 
 
 " Likewise, from my hand misery was entailed on the demon 
 
 " From whose fierceness the fire became like quicksilver. — 
 
 " The hand of infirmity has now upset me. 
 
 " My heart is murmuring, like the hum of bees. 
 
 " I know not what to do in this state of perplexity, 
 
 " Nor how to heal this wounded heart. 
 
 " O God ! I am filled with alarm to the very extreme, 
 
 " As I have before me a boundless journey. 
 
 " I beseech thee, when they close over me the door of brick and 
 
 clay, 
 " Open thou before me the gate of Paradise i 
 " Take me out of both worlds, O merciful God ! 
 " Bring me down at once to the assembly of the Righteous ; 
 " I am disgusted both with myself and with both worlds : 
 " Thee only I desire, and Thou only knowest the truth !' — 
 
 " When his tongue had terminated this speech, 
 " He withdrew the treasure of the soul from this abode of clay : 
 " He departed, and left, as his memorial, a virtuous name : 
 " He left the world flourishing, through his justice." 
 
 He reigned five hundred years, and was styled 
 '* Mubid, or Priest." Many of the Jews make him 
 the same as Nimrod; which is also asserted by Abul 
 Fuwaris, a most distinguished writer. Many histo- 
 rians reject this opinion, and say that Nimrod was 
 an oppressive tyrant, and one of the governors ap- 
 pointed by the sanguinary Zahak in the regions of 
 the West. Abuzaid Balkhi, in the Suwar-al-aklim 
 (Forms of Climates), says, that the Almighty, by a 
 divine revelation, confirmed the mind of Feridoon, 
 and raised him up for the purpose of bestowing 
 peace on the world and the true Behevers, and at 
 the same time of punishing the barbarous Zahak.
 
 152 
 
 Feridoon is said to be the first who mounted an 
 elephant, and equipped him with military apparatus : 
 the subtle properties and mysterious influence of 
 the stars were laid open by the great powers of his 
 reflecting mind. He always treated physicians with 
 great respect, and frequently reasoned with them 
 concerning the nature of the human constitution. 
 The production of mules is also ascribed to his pe- 
 netrating genius. The following are some of his 
 sayings : 
 
 " Whoever is guided (by Heaven) in the discharge of 
 " power, is independent of liis brethren."" 
 
 " The ruin of Princes proceeds from the badness of 
 " their morals ; and that of Ministers, from presumption 
 " and corruption." 
 
 " Your days are the pages of Destiny: commit to them 
 '• excellent actions only." 
 
 " Life is the volume wliicli records your actions and 
 " deeds: endeavour to inscribe on its pages virtuous acts; 
 " that is, write down on the album of life, with the pen of 
 *' good works, praiseworthy and glorious texts in excel- 
 " lent and admu-able chapters, so that the characters may 
 " endure to eternity, and never be eifaced from the re- 
 " cords of glory and the pages of munificence : — 
 
 " It is fit that munificent deeds should remain as our memorial ; 
 " For, though we pass away, they are eternal." 
 
 It is said that a representation was once addressed 
 to him to the following purport : — " The persons 
 " named herein have altered their good intentions.
 
 153 
 
 '* and entertain the desire of violating their faith : 
 " if it should seem good to the king's exalted mind, 
 '* let him requite that multitude according to their 
 *' deserts, so that the king's fortunes and dominions 
 " may be completely secured, and protected against 
 " the eye of fascination." On the back of this me- 
 morial Feridoon wrote : " Our sway extends to overt 
 " acts, but not to alleged intentions : our dominion 
 " appHes to public morals, not to the supposed 
 " secret purposes of the mind ." 
 
 In his Letter to Selm and Tilr, at the breaking 
 out of their hostihty and rebelhon, were contained 
 these expressions ; — " Whoever violates the sacred 
 " rights of parents with the impurity of perverse 
 " conduct and foul opposition shall receive the 
 " same treatment from his own children ; that is, 
 " repay the obligations of their laudable exertions in 
 '' the most praiseworthy manner :" — and, "Practise 
 " the conditions required by the sincerity of respect 
 " and gi'atitude, so shall your own children be con- 
 " firmed in the observance of their duty towards 
 " you." 
 
 * In the original there is a play on the words XUj and ^ , 
 8jy*, and ijiy^ .
 
 154. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF MINUCHEHER. 
 
 According to some genealogists, Minucheher was 
 the son of Iraj : according to others, his daughter's 
 son : whilst others place so many generations be- 
 tween them, that the sensible mind altogether re- 
 jects this opinion. But the most credible assertion 
 is, that he was the son of Iraj, the son of Feridoon, 
 as mentioned in the Wajih-al-Akhbar and Muruj- 
 uz-zahab. When Feridoon had suffered the heavy 
 calamity before mentioned, all his princely energy 
 had for its sole object, to plunge his unnatural sons 
 into the abode of woe and desolation : but as man- 
 kind would censure him for being accessary, at his 
 advanced time of hfe, to the death of his own chil- 
 dren, he therefore never encountered them in per- 
 son, nor gave them battle : but this was the earnest 
 desire of his heart, "' Would that there may arise 
 " some one, from the blood of Iraj, to punish his two 
 " assassins !" As this wish was ever present to his 
 mind, he ordered the nurses to report whether any 
 of the wives or concubines of the martyred Iraj were 
 pregnant or not : and when the king heard that 
 Mahafrid, one of the damsels of Iraj was pregnant, 
 he offered up grateful thanksgivings to the Merciful
 
 155 
 
 God, and distributed donations and alms to the in- 
 digent and objects of charity. The time of preg- 
 nancy being completed, Minucheher was born, and 
 the king's eyes were gladdened by the happy appear- 
 ance of his cheering lustre. The king turned all 
 his attention to the child's nourishment and educa- 
 tion, that he might render him deserving of the 
 regal dignity and the investiture of the royal collar, 
 so that the crown should derive glory from his brow, 
 and the throne from his accession. It is said in 
 the Tarikh Maajem, that when Minucheher, pur- 
 suant to the will of Feridoon and the right of suc- 
 cession, was seated on the throne, and beheld the 
 channels of the empire cleansed from the impurities 
 of rebelUon, he, with firm step and unshaken reso- 
 lution, laid the foundation of the faithful discharge 
 of duty to the State and Religion, so widely ex- 
 tended the carpet of justice, and so strengthened 
 the basis of equity, that the fame of Feridoon's vir- 
 tues were echpsed by his lustre, and the precepts 
 of Nushirvan the Just were as nothing compared 
 to him. Having one day called together the com- 
 manders of the soldiers and the distinguished nobles 
 of his court to an audience, he held out to them 
 liberal promises, with an augmentation of their fiefs 
 and pay : and exalting them individually by distin- 
 guished honours and munificent presents, he after-
 
 156 
 
 wards thus addressed them : " If, through your aid, I 
 "" should be enabled to alleviate the grief felt in my 
 " bosom for the slaughtered Iraj, by trampling under 
 " the hoofs of our horses and herds the palaces of 
 '* my uncles, and succeed in obtaining ample re- 
 ** venge, my conduct shall be directed to the dis- 
 '* charge of your just claims in a suitable manner, 
 " and to the repayment of this service to the ut- 
 '* most of my pov^^er." The entire assembly bowed 
 the forehead of allegiance to the dust of humility, 
 and returned this answer : *' In order to effect the 
 " king's desire, we have bound our very hearts with 
 ^' the zone of obedience, and with our swords and 
 *' arrows will rid him of his presumptuous enemies." 
 As the actions of the princes and nobles coiTespond- 
 ed to their words, Minucheher having collected an 
 army the numbers of which overpowered hills and 
 plains, he formed the resolution of immediately 
 executing his vengeance. When intelligence of 
 the direction and multitudes of the forces reached 
 Selm and Tur, coupled with the information of their 
 march and the settled purpose of revenge conceived 
 in the king's enlightened soul, the hosts of anxiety 
 and care gained complete mastery over all their 
 faculties; and having recourse to the maze of 
 cunning and artifice, they thus spoke : — *' As we 
 " cannot reckon on the event of battle, the result
 
 157 
 
 ' of which is concealed by the veil of futurity, it is 
 ' therefore best in the beginning to choose the 
 ' path of peace and amity, and to commence by 
 ' exhibiting an aversion to hostility : let us there- 
 ' fore despatch ambassadors of persuasive eloquence 
 ' to convey this message ; ' That our desire, in 
 ' trying to arrange matters, results from a wish to 
 ' promote the interests and tranquilHty of both par- 
 ' ties, by which means the fertile plains of Iran will 
 ' be secured from devastation by the passage of con- 
 ' tending armies, and the blood of the innocent 
 ' from being shed.' If our proposal be accepted, 
 ' the subject of contention is terminated, and the 
 ' curtain of controversy, which dissolves the ties of 
 ' relationship and friendship, will be removed : but 
 ' should our overtures fail, we shall surely be ex- 
 ' cused in the sight of the world." Influenced by 
 such motives, they sent to Feridoon and Minucheher 
 eloquent ambassadors, with abundant treasures and 
 gifts, in order to obtain their pardon and amity. — 
 Minucheher being informed of their arrival, com- 
 manded the royal chamberlains to pitch the tents in 
 a plain, the gales of which excited envy in the 
 Gardens of Paradise, and its extent rivalled that of 
 the rose-bowers of Irem. He took his post in at- 
 tendance on his mighty grandsire ; and four thousand 
 Turks and Kipchaks, selected from the choicest 
 body-guards, with golden-hilted swords, embossed
 
 158 
 
 with precious-stones, slung on their backs, sur- 
 rounded in due order the circuit of the court of 
 audience : in front of the assembly stood a multi- 
 tude of the officers of the court, resplendent as the 
 sun and moon ; their hands on their sword-belts, 
 with their eyes and ears attentive to the least sign 
 or order : the infantry, with caps and helmets, their 
 bodies cased in cuirasses or coats of mail, were drawn 
 out in martial array : — 
 
 " You could almost say, that the stars drew out their hosts 
 
 " In martial pomp, from earth-supporting Piscis to the moon." 
 
 Behind the ever-victorious troops were stationed the 
 caparisoned steeds and elephants : — 
 
 " The horses fleet as the rapid winds, 
 
 " The elephants firm as the deep-rooted mountains." 
 
 After this arrangement, they sent for the ambassa- 
 dors, who, struck with awe at such splendor, ad- 
 vanced with extreme confusion to pay their homage 
 and present their gifts for acceptance : they then 
 unloosed the tongue, to deliver the representations 
 which they were charged to make ; which were in 
 purport as follow : " Selm and Tur repent them 
 " of their black deeds, and feel deep contrition for 
 " their criminal conduct: they entreat Prince Minu- 
 " cheher to grant them an audience, that they may 
 " implore his forgiveness and pardon, render him 
 ** due obeisance, and offer, as a proof of their
 
 159 
 
 " devotedness to him, not only their treasures, but 
 " even their very souls and heads ; so that the 
 " pearl of royalty, the mansion of the sphere of 
 '' sovereignty, may be reconciled to them, and, on 
 " the great day of retribution, should not be ex- 
 *' posed to the wrath and vengeance of the Al- 
 *' mighty." — Feridoon replied to this : " My re- 
 *' bellious and short-sighted sons have not done 
 '' such a deed as can be placed on the tablet of 
 " oblivion ; nor am I one of those who would barter 
 " the blood of a beloved child for gold. If Selm 
 *' and Tur be truly desirous to behold the successor 
 " of the lamented Iraj, behold ! he shall follow close 
 " on your messengers, leading his irresistible and 
 '' innumerable bands of warriors." — Minucheher 
 also added this message : " My regretted parent, 
 '' descending from the royal throne, and resigning 
 " the ambition of sovereignty and dominion, came 
 " to render you homage, with every sign of humility 
 " and submission ; but towards him you acted in a 
 " manner that will be spoken of until the consum- 
 " mation of time and the conclusion of eternity. 
 " What then would you do towards me, who have 
 " unsheathed the avenging sword, and prepared to 
 " give you battle ?" After these speeches and re- 
 plies, the ambassadors were permitted to depart; 
 having first received distinguished honours, costly 
 robes of ceremony, valuable jewels, and swift-paced
 
 160 
 
 coursers. On their return, they presented them- 
 selves to Sehn and Tur, to whom they recounted the 
 splendor of the feast, the terrible preparations for 
 the contest, with the personal excellence, the gene- 
 rosity of soul, the external accomplishments, and 
 internal purity of Minucheher : they also recited 
 many instances of his noble deeds and valua})le 
 maxims : — 
 
 " Tut, in sincerity, addressed to Selm these words : 
 
 " ' It is not proper to conceal the cause of pain or joy : 
 
 " How can the descendant of the accomplished be devoid of 
 
 merit, , 
 
 " Especially, when Feridoon has been his instructor ? ' " 
 
 They were thus reluctantly obliged to assemble 
 their countless hosts of infantry and cavalry, at the 
 head of whom Tur advanced ; whilst, on the other 
 side. Prince Minucheher 
 
 " Gave orders to Karun, ardent in fight, 
 
 " To collect, on the wide plain, troops from every side, 
 
 " To display the royal pa\ilion and furniture, 
 
 " And bear to the field the auspicious banner of Gavah. 
 
 " In obedience to the orders of the prince, exalted as the 
 
 heavens, 
 " The troops moved along, like ocean-billows and mountains." 
 
 When the two armies came nigh each other, the 
 valiant warriors drew out in array their respective 
 hosts ; the faint-hearted, even before the rout be- 
 gan, had already decided and resolved to take the 
 road of flight ; the marshalled battalions and house-
 
 hold troops on both sides employed mace and sabre, 
 arrow and poniard, against each other; blood poured 
 down from the sword, like rain from the clouds of 
 heaven ; every path and avenue was narrowed or 
 closed up by the limbs and numbers of the slain ; 
 the bodies of prostrate warriors and valiant knights 
 raised the low-lying plains to a level with the skies : 
 at last, through the shock of the heaven-aided 
 troops, the soldiers of Selm and Tur were trampled 
 under the foot of discomfiture and ruin: the kings 
 themselves, flying from the field of battle, took the 
 road to Turan ; and making a disgraceful flight the 
 character of their fortune, hoped by this to escape 
 from the chains of calamity and the talons of ad- 
 versity; forgetting this sentiment— 
 
 " The point of thy spear becomes like emerald, even if 
 " Thy foe should entrench himself in the serpent's eye." 
 
 Karun and Kobad, with a body of hardy veterans 
 and intrepid warriors, like the falling stars in pur- 
 suit of the Demons, followed in rapid marches, and 
 overtook them on the confines of the eastern re- 
 gions : then boundless strife and toil recommenced ; 
 the soldiers plied the sword and spear ; they spread 
 over the area of the battle-field and the scene of 
 slaughter the extended tapestry and variegated 
 carpet died in the blood of heroes. During the 
 contest, Minucheher joined the troops of Kobad and 
 Karun : like a furious lion or enraged dragon, he 
 
 M
 
 162 
 
 in person urged on the fight : the scene of mutual 
 slaughter was unremitted from the rise of dawn to 
 the close of twihght. At night, when the Hindoo of 
 gloom made an inroad on the lucid squadrons of 
 light, the remains of the army of Selm and Tur, 
 concealed amidst the numbers that had fallen by the 
 hostile sabre or the lance, eagerly longing for the 
 return of light to extricate themselves from the 
 whirlpools of destruction and reach the shores of 
 safety, began to count the stars until the dawn ap- 
 peared : — 
 
 " During the night, the victims of the ruthless sword 
 " From every side sent forth their sighs and plaints. 
 " O night ! if thou be not the awful Day of Judgment, 
 " Why dost thou not haste to pass more rapidly away ?" 
 
 The next day, when the ark of Morn arrived from 
 the ocean of gloomy Night to the shores of the 
 horizon, the rank-breaking heroes again marshalled 
 their lines, and, hke enraged hornets closing in bat- 
 tle, with poniards and swords rent each other's 
 bosoms : however, on this day, the chiefs of Tur's 
 army obser\ing the signs of weakness on the pages 
 of their state, adopted the path of submission and 
 breach of allegiance, and ranged themselves along 
 with the victorious troops of Minucheher. This 
 event exceedingly alarmed Tur : the path of safety 
 now became more contracted than the white part 
 of the letter Mim, and narrower than the miser's
 
 163 
 
 breast : he wished now to render his personal autho- 
 rity, senjority, and the ties of relationship, the means 
 of intercession and conciliation ; and thus, by wiles 
 and blandishments, interpose the shield of concord 
 before the face of enmity, and obtain security 
 through futile apologies and unheeded words. He 
 seemed to forget, that though the wicked may ob- 
 tain a respite for a season, they at last fall into the 
 net of woe; — although the murderer may escape 
 punishment for a short time, he at last surely meets 
 his death. 
 
 " Jesus beholding a murdered person lying in the road, 
 
 '* In astonishment seized his finger-tip in his teeth ; 
 
 " Saying, ' Whom hast thou slain, that thou shouldst thus pite- 
 
 ously be slain? 
 " And whence shall the assassin be slain who has deprived thee 
 
 of life?'— 
 *' Commit no violence by knocking at the door of another, 
 " That the hand of another may not be injured by knocking at 
 
 thy door." 
 
 In the course of these occurrences, Minucheher, 
 with one exertion of his arm, and one blow of his 
 sabre, threw the head of Tur at his horse's feet ; 
 whilst, in another quarter, the valiant Karun enve- 
 loped Selm in the net of captivity and ignominious 
 chains. From the dread majesty of the king and 
 his victorious banners, terror pervaded every hmb 
 through that numerous host, and the very moun- 
 tains trembled in every part ; so that the masses of 
 
 M 2
 
 164 
 
 those vile wretches became scattered about like 
 dust : thus, on account of one distinguished life, the 
 existence of so many individuals was blotted from 
 the vohune of Being, and the saying was verified, 
 " When God wishes to bring calamity on a people, 
 there is none who can ward it off." The trimuphant 
 army was completely enriched and favoured by for- 
 tune with loads of spoil and wealth; and nearly two 
 hundred thousand prisoners, consisting of children 
 and slaves, fell into the hands of the victorious 
 host. The memory of this gi'eat battle was inde- 
 libly impressed on the records of History; and the 
 prince's fame was loudly proclaimed in every part 
 of the earth. After such brilliant success, Minuche- 
 her marched triumphantly towards his fortunate 
 residence and glorious mansion ; and when he had 
 ordered the assassins of Iraj to undergo the law of 
 retaliation, his bosom was freed from sentiments of 
 revenge towards his foes : he then sheathed the 
 avenging sword, and, in accordance with this maxim, 
 
 " Do good to men, and thou shalt enslave their hearts ; 
 " As Benevolence always subjugates mankind ;" 
 
 by the reins of Beneficence he rendered the human 
 race obedient to his sway, and made himself master 
 of every heart by the diffusion of Science and Arts : 
 he rendered abortive all plans of innovation, repre- 
 hensible changes, and projects of violence: in con-
 
 165 
 
 sequence of his auspicious equity, the inhabitants of 
 the civihzed world traversed the gardens of undis- 
 turbed enjoyment; and, through the protection of 
 his sword, the people of the four quarters took up 
 their abode in the asylum of peace and security. 
 In some histories it is asserted, that the murder of 
 Iraj by his brothers, the appearance of Minucheher 
 in Iran, and his leading an army against Selm and 
 Tur, occm-red after the death of Feridoon. Other 
 writers reject this opinion; and say, that when Iraj 
 transferred the stock of life to the next world, Feri- 
 doon wept so excessively for the loss of his beloved 
 child, that his eyes were deprived of sight; after 
 which Selm and Tur mercilessly put to the sword 
 the offspring and friends of their martyi'ed brother. 
 However, one of the wives of Iraj, who was pre-- 
 gnant with Minucheher, fled through alarm, and 
 took refuge in a mountain called Manushan and 
 sometimes Anushehran. From the circumstance of 
 the legitimate heir of Iraj being born on this moun- 
 tain, he was called Manush, and Manushchehar ; 
 which latter was, from frequent usage, changed 
 into Minucheher. But with respect to the appella- 
 tion of this auspicious child, there are other reasons 
 assigned by historians, as will be found in well- 
 known wi'itings. When he had arrived at years of 
 maturity, vnih. a company of three hundred and 
 thirty men of approved valour he made an attack
 
 166 
 
 by night on Selm and Tur, who had giyen them- 
 selves up to the enjoyment of pleasure and feasting 
 in a remote part of Khorasan : in this attempt, 
 having got them into his power, they were both 
 despatched : after which Minuchehe.r proceeded to 
 Feridoon's capital, and entered the palace where 
 his grandsire dwelt. Feridoon having demanded, 
 " Who art thou?" Minucheher replied, " I am the 
 " son of Iraj, and the slayer of his murderers, Selm 
 " and Tur." Feridoon then said, '' If thou hast 
 '' spoken these words in truth, approach and pass 
 '* thy right hand over my eyes, that my sight may 
 " be restored." Minuchecher came forward, and 
 rubbed his hand over the pupils of the eyes; on 
 which the Merciful and Supreme God vouchsafed 
 again to enlighten the eyes of Feridoon. On the 
 recovery of his sight, the monarch of the human 
 race placed on the head of Minucheher the impe- 
 rial crown, and resigned the kingdom to him. 
 
 When the monarchy was thus settled on Minu- 
 cheher, the chiefs and haughty nobles phghted their 
 obedience and fidehty, and no one had the power 
 of either resistance or rebellion. At this period, 
 Saum, the son of Nariman, was the bulwark of the 
 kingdom, the prop of the State, and support of the 
 king and the army : he was styled ' The champion of 
 the world;' and in magnanimity, bravery, sagacity, 
 and merit, had neither equal nor competitor. The
 
 167 
 
 government of Neemrooz, Zabul, Kabul, and many 
 districts of Hindustan, were committed to his en- 
 lightened understanding. He frequently repaired to 
 the court of Minucheher, to renew his allegiance ; 
 after which ceremony he retm^ned to his capital, 
 Sejestan. His prayers were unceasingly addressed 
 to the Bounteous Benefactor of all to gladden him 
 with the sight of a worthy son, to form the dehght 
 of his eyes and the stay of his heart during his life- 
 time ; and after his decease, the refuge of his kins- 
 men, and the heir of his throne. After some time, 
 the Glorious and Almighty Lord gi^anted Saum a son, 
 whose hair, eye-brows, and eye-lashes were entirely 
 white : as such an appearance was never before wit- 
 nessed by him, Saum became exceedingly troubled 
 and afflicted ; he however delivered the child, with 
 all requisite necessaries, to a hermit named Simurgh, 
 who abode in a cell in the mountains, to be brought 
 up by him. As soon as the child had attained his 
 seventh year, Saum, from the impulse of paternal 
 affection, introduced him amidst his people and 
 kinsmen in a public assembly, and gave him the 
 name of Zaul. On this subject there are many 
 improbable stories related by the Persians, a part 
 of which has been recorded in the Shah Nameh of 
 Firdausee. As Zaul grew up, the indications of
 
 168 
 
 intelligence and magnanimity were evidently pom*- 
 trayed in his happy physiognomy : his perfect under- 
 standing and penetration rendered him so celebrated 
 over the whole earth, that the report reached Mi- 
 nucheher. The monarch of the world, on learning 
 this, wTote a Letter of congi'atulation to Saum, 
 directing him, when he devoutly visited the sanc- 
 tuary of the court splendid as the heavens, to bring 
 his highly-applauded son with him, in order that he, 
 whilst partaking of the royal bounty in common 
 with others, might be particularly distinguished by 
 the glory of the imperial favour. Saum, on per- 
 using this Letter, immediately departed with Zaul, 
 the youthful favourite of Fortune, to pay his homage. 
 When the father and son had attained the happi- 
 ness of tendering their obeisance to the sovereign 
 of land and sea, Zaul became highly acceptable to 
 the king's mind, and was exalted by splendid marks 
 of honour. Minucheher then commanded the 
 astrologers to calculate Zaul's nativity with the 
 greatest attention, and report to him the results of 
 their science. The astrologers, after careful con- 
 sultation and obse^v" ion, represented as follows 
 to the Faith-protecting monarch : " From the posi- 
 *' tions of the stars, it is evident that this youth will 
 " equal the high rank of his fathers and ancestors
 
 169 
 
 \ " in greatness of soul and liberality, and that he 
 " will display unequalled prowess in the utter ex- 
 " tirpation of the partisans of injustice." In con- 
 sequence of this prediction, still greater honours 
 were conferred on Zaul : after which he was per- 
 mitted to depart along with his father. Saum ar- 
 rived in safety at his residence, where he reposed 
 some time ; and being recovered from the toil and 
 fatigue of his journey, he set out for Hindustan, 
 leaving the government of Neemrooz, with the 
 power of Viceroy, to Zaul, to whom he gave ample 
 instructions relative to the diffusion of equity and 
 the liberal distribution of favours. Zaul, however, 
 with the thoughtlessness inherent in the season of 
 youth, devoted himself to the gratifications of 
 pleasure : — 
 
 " Enjoy every happy moment which occurs : 
 " For who is there that knows the tinal result ?" 
 
 The above implies, that whenever Zaul had a respite 
 from the duties of government, he sometimes ordered 
 the banquet to be decked ; at other times he pur- 
 sued the wild beasts over the deserts and plains. 
 Once in the spring, whilst making the circuit of the 
 kingdom, he left Sejestan, and directed his course 
 to Kabulistan : on approaching this province, Mih- 
 rab, the prince of that territory, and the tributary
 
 170 
 
 of Saum, hastened with suitable gifts to wait on 
 Zaul, and thus addressed him : 
 
 " The bird of Paradise, from the zenith of Fortune, has fallen 
 
 into my net, 
 " If thy passage should lead thee to my abode." 
 
 On account of their difference of faith and worship, 
 Zaul did not visit the residence of Mihrab, as he 
 himself worshipped the only true God in unity, and 
 Mihrab was one of the Idol-worshippers : notwith- 
 standing this, he conferred liberal presents on the 
 prince ; who, on returning home, explained at large 
 the occurrence to his family and household, and 
 recited many instances of the admirable accomplish- 
 ments and virtues of Zaul. Rodabeh, the daughter 
 of Mihrab, famed over the world for beauty and 
 grace, from this description became enamoured of 
 Zaul, whom she had never seen — " as the ear is 
 frequently captivated before the eye." Rodabeh 
 sent some of her damsels, under pretence of ga- 
 thering flowers, near the encampment of Zaul ; 
 who, on beholding them, said, " What damsels are 
 you?" They replied, " We belong to the train 
 ** which waits upon the sovereign of beauty, Roda- 
 " beh by name, the daughter of Mihrab." They 
 then proceeded to give such an account of this 
 maiden secluded from public gaze, that he instantly
 
 171 
 
 surrendered his heart. After this, by the agency of 
 the damsels, Zaul and Rodabeh had an interview ; 
 their mutual passion was confirmed, and solemn 
 promises and pledges of constancy passed between 
 them : after which, Zaul returned to Neemrooz. 
 
 When a long time had elapsed, the entreaties of 
 Zaul and the intercession of Saum induced Minu- 
 cheher to consent to the union of these two faithful 
 hearts : upon which, Zaul, accompanied by his 
 father, went to Kabuhstan, where he was united to 
 Rodabeh by the ties of marriage. — Rustam Dastan 
 was the offspring of this marriage with Rodabeh, 
 who was descended from the lineage of Jemsheed. — 
 The above account clearly shews why the Knights 
 of Iran gave Rustam the title of Kabulee : and as 
 there will be frequent mention of Rustam and Saum 
 in these pages, this seemed a suitable occasion for 
 a concise account of their history. 
 
 It is written in the Tarikh Maajem, that after 
 the auspicious fortune of Minucheher had for nearly 
 fifty years been exercised in expanding the wings of 
 benevolence over the feeble and the husbandmen, 
 suddenly the malignant Deity on the coin of whose 
 sincerity you can build no hope, and tyrannic Fate, 
 on whose friendship no reliance can be placed, 
 effected a change, and impelled Afrasiab, who was 
 descended fi-om Tur, to commence hostilities against 
 the sovereign of the human race. The Turkish
 
 172 
 
 prince, discharging the arrow of injustice from the 
 bow of enmity, impressed the teeth of greedy ambi- 
 tion on the hereditary empire and acquisitions of 
 Minucheher ; and with numerous hosts, spreading 
 devastation hke a flood, furious as the ocean, ad- 
 vanced towards the provinces of Iran. Minucheher 
 also, on learning the march of the enemy, having 
 collected an army resembling in number the drops 
 of rain or the leaves of the trees, came to meet 
 Afrasiab in hostile encounter. The Turks, with 
 their eye-sewing arrows and heart-consuming shafts, 
 joined in combat with the cavalry and infantry of 
 Iran, with such effect, that the result is not to be 
 conceived, unless beheld. Minucheher being forced 
 to abandon the field, took refuge in the fort of 
 A'maP; the height of which was so great, that the 
 hands of its inhabitants could reach the corn-sheaves 
 of the constellation Virgo, and the ears of its in- 
 mates listen to the angelic choirs : such were its 
 defences and solidity, that it bore away the fame of 
 Iskander's rampart ; such, in perfect elevation and 
 sublimity, that it soared to the necklace of Venus 
 and the zone of Gemini : — 
 
 " Its foundations were of twin-strength to those of Bisatun ''; 
 " In height, its head towered to the summit of heaven." 
 
 (*) Formerly, the populous, wealthy, and impregnable capital 
 of Tabaristan. 
 
 ( '') A palace hewn out of the solid rock for Khosrau Parviz, by 
 the celebrated Ferhad, his architect.
 
 173 
 
 The Turks seized on all the country round the 
 fort, and completely blocked up every path of in- 
 gress and egress. Afrasiab, for a long time, and a 
 protracted period, besieged Minucheher with un- 
 ceasing vigilance ; but after all, his exertions and 
 strength were insufficient to accomplish the object of 
 his wishes by attaining his anxious desires. When 
 the stay of the Turks had been thus protracted, 
 and their generals had become weary of remaining 
 so long in one place, Minucheher sent eloquent 
 ambassadors, with costly merchandise, curiously- 
 wrought stuffs, vessels of silver, fragrant musk, eggs 
 of ambergris, dehcious fruits, and dehcate conserves, 
 to the king of Turkistan, along with this message : — 
 " The area of this fortress, with the extent of its 
 " columns and the solidity of its structures, exceeds 
 " the courts of Saturn and the edifices of Herman ^ 
 " Those who have travelled over every clime, and 
 " visited every region, have never beheld a fortress 
 ** more extensive, nor an area more spacious. To 
 " waste time in besieging it, is like braying water 
 " in a mortar, or forging cold iron." On hearing 
 such words, Afrasiab frowned with indignation, and 
 the traces of rage were displayed in his features : 
 
 C^) An Arabic noun in the dual number, signifying the two 
 great Pyramids of Egypt; built by Idris (according to the Ramus), 
 to preserve the Sciences and Arts from being destroyed by the 
 Deluge.
 
 174 
 
 yet, however much he reflected, he possessed not 
 abihty to swim over that sea, nor force sufficient for 
 traversing that route : however, notwithstanding 
 his weakness, he replied in the language of perse- 
 verance and haughtiness. On this, the nobles of 
 his court, who earnestly desired to abate the prin- 
 ciple of violence in his perverted nature, and to turn 
 him away from projects of oppression, being actu- 
 ated by a wish to promote the public good, thus 
 addressed him : — " The king should not be incon- 
 " solable on account of the absence of victory and 
 " success in this instance, as the castle of Tabaristan 
 " and its impregnable defences are too strong to 
 *' admit any person to entertain a doubt on the sub- 
 "ject. If we delay one month longer in these 
 " regions, the road to provisions and forage will be 
 " closed against us ; and the source of our difficulties 
 " increase so rapidly, that the army and its chiefs, 
 " who constitute the principle of stability and the 
 " means of support, must be utterly destroyed : the 
 *' result can only end in repentance and terminate 
 '' in ruin." To this Afrasiab rephed : " I cannot 
 " withdraw, without having first attained my object ; 
 " neither can I submit to the disgrace of flight and 
 " the imputation of cowardice : — 
 
 " What said the monarch renowned for wisdom ? 
 " Manifest not symptoms of cowardice in your reign.
 
 175 
 
 " Whoever turns in weakness from the encounter 
 " of the foe, falls into the abyss of disgrace, and is 
 *' swallowed up in the gulph of destruction. My 
 " native energy will not permit me, on my first ex- 
 *' pedition, to bring on myself such degradation, and 
 ** suffer myself to be stigmatized with the character 
 *' of sloth : my anxious desire to effect this wished- 
 " for object springs from one motive, and your 
 *' counsel for deferring it from another : — 
 
 " The hermit's meditation is one thing ; 
 
 " The passionate lover's melancholy another." 
 
 When the chiefs witnessed the king's determina- 
 tion to remain, they agreed among themselves to 
 retreat immediately, and direct the face to flight. 
 On learning this resolution, Afrasiab became ex- 
 ceedingly alarmed : although he traversed with 
 rapidity the area of reflection, and surveyed every 
 aspect of counsel, he was finally convinced that his 
 real interest consisted in paying due attention to the 
 safety of his army : for it has been well observed — 
 
 " The prince is victorious over all his foes, 
 
 " When his troops are contented and satisfied : 
 
 " The frontier is maintained against all competitors 
 
 " By the army ; and that army is maintained by gold." 
 
 Afrasiab being thus obliged to have recourse to the 
 road of concord, reluctantly consented to peace. 
 On this it was stipulated, that A'rish should ascend
 
 176 
 
 Mount Damavend, and from thence discharge an 
 arrow towards the east ; and that the place in which 
 the arrow fell should form the boundary between 
 the two kingdoms. A'rish thereupon ascended the 
 mountain, and discharged towards the east an ar- 
 row, the flight of which continued from the dawn 
 of day until noon, when it fell on the banks of the 
 Jihun. As this incident, though so remote from 
 probability, has been invariably recorded in the text 
 of all histories, it is therefore mentioned here. 
 Afrasiab, having in this manner been reluctantly 
 forced to return to Mawar-un-nahr (Transoxiana), 
 employed himself in reducing the cities of the East ; 
 and Minucheher, quitting the castle of Tabaristan, 
 transferred his victorious banners to Rai, and turned 
 his attention to making the different grades of the 
 military renew their allegiance and fidelity to his 
 government and authority : he lavished the stores 
 of his abundant treasury and secret hoards on 
 the priests, wise men, anchorites, and military. 
 During this ceremony, he gave orders to collect all 
 the nations, and the sons of Adairf of every degree, 
 to a general assembly : then, whilst the high-priest 
 was seated on a throne, the king stood up and thus 
 addressed the people : — " Be it known to you, O na- 
 " tions! that to every object there is a road, and to 
 " every claim a proof: to walk in that path, and adopt
 
 177 
 
 ' that language, is to act conformably to the will 
 of Nature. I have long proposed to let the 
 nightingale of eloquence pour out her melodies, 
 and the parrot of elocution utter his harangues. 
 Whereas, according to this sacred oracle, ' All 
 events are dependent on their seasons/ there 
 are this day assembled here wise men famed for 
 truth, and most acute philosophers, the mirror 
 of whose souls is completely pohshed. I hope 
 the gems of my words may prove acceptable: 
 therefore now remain quietly in your places, and 
 attend to me with the ears of understanding; so 
 that I may impart to your hearing, words of vivid 
 lustre, and the precious pearls of wisdom. 
 
 " All present, in obedience to the king's command, 
 " Both young and old, listened to his discourse : 
 " Closely resembling the violet and narcissus, 
 " They seemed to become entirely eye and ear." 
 
 THE ORATION OF MINUCHEHER. 
 
 The king, beginning with the praises of the Al- 
 mighty, thus spoke : — '' Infinite and unbounded 
 '' praises and thanksgivings to the Creator, who 
 " brought out from the cell of contingency, to the 
 " bridal chamber of existence, the youthful Brides 
 " of accidental forms in the mineral, animal, and 
 " vegetable kingdoms, by the intermarriage and con- 
 
 N
 
 178 
 
 "junction of elementary matter; and has organised 
 " the chain of created Beings by the fiat of the Kdf 
 " and Nmi — the Mighty Predestinator, who has 
 " caused a resplendent substance in a circular body 
 " to become the centre for regulating the concerns 
 " of the celestial regions, and arranging the affairs 
 " of the kingdoms of the earth !" After premising 
 thanksgivings and prayers, the king thus continued : 
 " Whereas human efforts are hmited to providing 
 " things necessary for the support of life, and every 
 " individual is furnished with means and resources 
 " by which success may crown his efforts, and the 
 " conceptions of imagination be arrayed in the at- 
 " tire of reality, all persons, therefore, in proportion 
 " as their dispositions are inclined to moderation, 
 " and the constitution of their natural temper more 
 " endowed with fortitude, will, in the same degree, 
 " gird on the zone of exertion, to attain exalted rank 
 " and praise-worthy distinction : it is therefore in- 
 " cumbent on the truly wise, neither to desist a 
 *' moment, by reposing on the couch of indolence, 
 " from the attainment of happiness, nor to have their 
 " attention engi'ossed by whatever has the stamp of 
 " novelty. That monarch is the most fortunate, 
 " who, agreeably to this saying, * He is the happiest 
 " shepherd who renders his flock most happy,' 
 " devotes every time and season to the care of his 
 " subjects, and never thinks it lawful to relax in the
 
 179 
 
 '' acquittal of their claims on him ; but directs all 
 " his knowledge to the curbing or punishing of op- 
 " pression ; —the influence of whose benefits extend 
 " to the noble and the mendicant ; and who esteems 
 " it a sacred obligation to redress the injured and 
 " reHeve the oppressed ; — he, who never demands 
 " from the subject more than the established and 
 " regular imposts ; nor ever introduces new rules or 
 " capricious innovations, which are invariably at- 
 " tended with small gains and great losses. You 
 " should well note, that as the king has rights over 
 " the military and the husbandman, they, in return, 
 " have certain rights over the king. But the king's 
 " rights over the military are as follow : they are, 
 " to obey his orders, give battle to the enemies of 
 " his kingdom, and to lay before him whatever 
 " measures they judge most advisable in military 
 " affairs — to perform cheerfully, on every occasion, 
 " the duties of subjects, to display their affectionate 
 " gratitude, and never to swerve a single step from 
 " the paths of loyalty and obedience. The rights of 
 " the soldiery over the king consist in this, that he 
 " is to supply their maintenance without delay or 
 " evasion : in short, the relation of the army to the 
 " king is that of feathers to the wing : ' The army 
 '' is to the king what wings are to birds : ' moreover, 
 " the king is to his subjects, as the head to the body, 
 " and the spirit to the human frame. In general, the 
 
 n2
 
 180 
 
 " rio-hts of the prince over the husbandmen consist in 
 " the following points : they are not to reluctantly 
 '' withhold their persons or properties from the 
 " sovereign, but, on the contrary, exert all ability in 
 '' conforming to his injunctions and prohibitions : 
 " they are to labour unceasingly in whatever re- 
 " gards the cultivation of the soil and the improve- 
 " ment of the country, so as to promote its pro- 
 " sperity ; to pay the king's tributes obediently and 
 " cheerfully; and far from practising diminution or 
 " delay on this head, they are always to account 
 " obedience to their ruler as connected with the 
 " favour of the Almighty. In retmii, the husband- 
 " men have the following claims on the king : he is 
 " to dispense impartial justice in all their concerns ; 
 " to levy the necessary imposts with lenity : he is 
 " not to place tyi'annical governors over them ; nor 
 " permit any intolerable vexations. In years of 
 *' drought, he is to grant them an exemption from 
 " tributes; and, if possible, exempt them also the 
 " following year, to remedy as far as possible the 
 " calamity of the preceding one. A good prince 
 *' should be possessed of three quahties : First, 
 " whatever he says should be spoken in truth : in 
 " short, he should on no account wander in the 
 " regions of falsehood. Secondly, he should be 
 " liberal; carefully avoiding penuriousness, which 
 *' renders every one despicable, but particularly a
 
 181 
 
 " prince. Thirdly, he must be clement, and not 
 " prone to anger: as the people are subject to him, 
 ** and he can do whatever he pleases, he should not 
 " therefore give way to anger, as evil results inva- 
 " riably proceed from this reprehensible temper. In 
 " addition to this, a king should never debar his 
 " subjects from the use of certain meats, or modes 
 " of dress ; nor say to them, ' You are on no ac- 
 *' count to eat of such meat, or drink of such beve- 
 " rage, or wear such a garment, as they are solely ap- 
 " propriated to my use.' It is also meet that pardon 
 " and indulgence should preponderate in the king's 
 *' mind, and that he should rarely have recourse to 
 " punishment : it is far better to commit an error 
 " on the side of clemency, than of severity: for if 
 " at any time he has erred by pardoning, instead of 
 " inflicting capital punishment, this maybe repaired; 
 
 " But who can restore the dead to life ?" 
 
 " If any [one should complain to him about the 
 " royal intendants, the king is not to suppress the 
 " charge, but require the accused governor to ap- 
 " pear before him ; and then investigate the matter 
 " with scrupulous attention, and decide in such a 
 " manner that the injured can have no reason for 
 " complaint. If the oppressor should have extorted 
 *' any thing from the oppressed, let restitution be 
 " made ; and when the culprit's property is not
 
 '' sufficient for this purpose, let the king restore it 
 " from the treasury : — ^he is also to inflict so exem- 
 " plary a punishment on the intendant, that no 
 " other person hereafter should practise the same 
 " conduct. In case that any one should dehbe- 
 " rately put a person to death unjustly, the king is 
 " not of himself to inflict punishment, but deliver 
 " up the perpetrator to the heirs of the murdered 
 '' person; who may either put him to death, or make 
 " him pay the price of blood. Such are the insti- 
 " tutions prescribed by righteousness and equity 
 " to the king, in relation to you. In return, it is 
 " your bounden duty to obey the king's command, 
 *' and meet his enemies in the field of battle. Know 
 '' then, that, at this time, our enemies, who aspire to 
 " the conquest of the kingdom, have passed the 
 " limits fixed by treaties : it therefore becomes un- 
 " avoidably necessary to face them in battle, so as 
 " to dehver both me and yourselves from the com- 
 " mon foe ; in effecting which, greater benefits will 
 " accrue to you than to me : whoever acts thus, 
 "^all also receive favours at my hands. Should 
 " any one lay before me an accusation against 
 " another for disobedience to my orders, the ac- 
 '' cused shall not be condemned on the mere charge, 
 " but the strictest investigation shall be made : if 
 " he be proved guilty of disobedience, I shall ac- 
 " count him an enemy, and punish him accord-
 
 183 
 
 " ingly. Know also, that, in all reverses, nothing is 
 " better than patience ; and be assured^ that human 
 " wisdom cannot ward off the decrees of Omnipo- 
 " tence. Whoever in this world falls in battle, be- 
 " comes thereby acceptable in the sight of the Al- 
 '' mighty and glorious God : therefore deliver your- 
 " selves up to Him, and resign yourselves cheerfully 
 " to his decrees. But if you act not thus, what can 
 " you do ? whither can you flee from the Divine 
 " will ? The people of this world are like travellers, 
 ** laden with their respective burdens, who set out 
 '* on a journey ; but as all they have is borrowed, 
 *' they must at last leave it behind them : nor can 
 " any part of it accompany them, except gratitude, 
 " resignation to the Divine will, and good works. 
 ** No resource is left us, except willing resignation, 
 *' and giving ourselves up to that Being, from whom 
 " no one can escape, whom no one can overcome, 
 "■ and who is our only protector. Also, whenever 
 " your inclinations are righteous in the sight of the 
 " Great and Powerful Lord, and you acknowledge 
 '* Him to be the only giver of victory, he will render 
 " you victorious over your enemies : the king can 
 " only do what is conformable to the will of the 
 " Almighty : but when he walks in the paths of 
 '* righteousness, and when the military and the hus- 
 " bandman implicitly obey his commands, then is 
 equity administered, his enemies defeated, and
 
 184 
 
 " the frontier guarded against every foe. Now, it 
 " only remains for you to obey, to make ready for 
 " the contest, and to pray to God for success : my 
 " part is, to furnish you with treasure and arms. 
 " These words are particularly addressed to you who 
 " are soldiers or husbandmen : but you who are 
 " governors, I charge you to do justice, and refrain 
 " from oppressing the cultivators ; for to them, both 
 " you and I am indebted for whatever we eat or 
 " drink. If you are just, you make thereby the hus- 
 " bandman all over the world in a flourishing state ; 
 " but if you are unjust, there is an end to improve- 
 " ment, and the world remains uncultivated ; a de- 
 ** ficiency ensues in the receipts of the public trea- 
 " sury and the funds for the maintenance of the 
 " soldiery : therefore take heed to act with justice 
 '* towards the husbandman. Moreover, if any dis- 
 " trict stand in need of improvement, you are to 
 " draw the requisite funds from the treasury, before 
 " the damage extends further, and what is now 
 " trifling become gi'eater, and what is small become 
 '' enlarged. When the husbandmen are in want of 
 " money to expend on buildings or cultivation, sup- 
 " ply them in this case also from our royal treasury : 
 " demand the repayment when they receive their 
 " produce ; and if they cannot refund at the expi- 
 *' ration of the first year, take it at the end of two 
 *' years : exhibit towards them, on all occasions.
 
 185 
 
 " uniform mildness ; for when they are in a flourish- 
 " ing condition, the royal revenues are increased ; 
 " they, in truth, form the sovereign's treasury." 
 
 When Minucheher had ended this oration, the 
 soldiers and husbandmen with one voice exclaimed : 
 " We have heard and understood : and are resolved 
 " to make our souls the pledge of our sincerity, to 
 *' act conformably to the realm-illuminating wisdom 
 " of our sovereign." The king then, turning to- 
 wards the high priest, said, " Be thou witness ! 
 " lay up my words in thy remembrance, and de- 
 *' mand from me hereafter the fulfilment of what- 
 " ever thou hast heard me utter this day." Then 
 resuming his seat on the throne, he ordered the 
 tables to be spread ; and the people having partaken 
 of the banquet, the assembly was dissolved. ' After 
 this he sent a powerful army to put to flight the 
 Turks who had invaded the empire. After routing 
 these, they next subdued the kingdoms of the East 
 and West: even the kings of Yemen, who had 
 never before that time been subjected to any sove- 
 reign, were reduced to submission and obedience. 
 
 When Minucheher had reigned one hundred and 
 twenty years, he perceived in himself the marks of 
 feebleness and decay. As he was convinced that his 
 time for quitting the world drew nigh, he summoned 
 the high-priest, the nobles, and the mihtary chief-
 
 186 
 
 tains to appear before him; and having sent for his 
 son Nauzer, declared him his successor; and with 
 his pearl-shedding tongue thus addressed him : — 
 '* A wise man should not be intoxicated with pride 
 ** through the possession of unlimited power, nor 
 *' should he place rehance on his kingdom or trea- 
 " sures. I, who have erected such extensive cara- 
 " vanserays, raised such lofty palaces, hurled venge- 
 " ance on my foes, rendered so many cities and 
 " regions flourishing, and cleared the world from 
 " the pollution of wickedness, am now, at the mo- 
 " ment of departing from it, of no more importance 
 *' than one who has never appeared in it." 
 
 It is allowed by all historians, that Shuayb'' and 
 Moses (on whom rest the blessings of the Almighty !) 
 entered on their Apostolic mission about the middle 
 of this reign : and that Joshua (on whom be the 
 peace of God !) obtained the dignity of the Prophetic 
 office about the end of it. His title is Firoz, or " the 
 Victorious;" that of his father Iraj, Mustafa, or '*the 
 Chosen." It is said in the Muruj-az-zahab, that Iran 
 was the youngest son of Feridoon, and the final 
 letter Nun was changed into Jeem — an assertion 
 which seems confirmed by the fact, that the kingdom 
 was from him called Iranshehr. Minucheher is said 
 to have dug the canal of the Euphrates, and intro- 
 
 C) The name given by the Arabs to Jethro, the father-in-law 
 of Moses.
 
 187 
 
 duced the water into Irak: he also collected all 
 kinds of trees and odoriferous plants from woods 
 and mountains, with which he laid out extensive 
 gardens. He was the first who directed the exca- 
 vation of trenches around forts ; and who introduced 
 the ceremony of beating the kettle-drum every 
 morning and evening. 
 
 It is one of his sayings : *' The world very much 
 " resembles two things — the shadow of a cloud, and 
 *' the sleeper's dream :" that is, the world is like a 
 summer cloud or the mirage of the desert, without 
 stabihty or duration; or, Uke the sleeper's vision, 
 which although it presents to the imagination the 
 idea of the beloved and the society of the adored 
 object, and makes him regard this place as the abode 
 of happiness, yet in an instant the illusion vanishes: 
 
 " This world is like a departing shadow ; 
 
 " Or like a guest, who spends a night and then departs ; 
 
 " Or like a vision beheld in sleep, 
 
 " Which, when sleep departs, is no more." 
 
 He has also said : ** The king's clemency confers 
 permanency on his kingdom;" that is, the king's 
 clemency towards those who have erred is a pro- 
 tecting shield to his realms. The ornament of 
 mercy and the embelhshment of dignified manner 
 are the brightest decorations of kings : for although 
 a prince be famed for the perfection of munificence, 
 and distinguished for all manner of accomplishments
 
 188 
 
 and bravery, yet if he possess levity and rashness, 
 and be destitute of the ornament of dignified man- 
 ners and clemency, and his natural disposition be 
 utterly divested of the robes of caution and steadi- 
 ness, and should he be marked vsdth the disgraceM 
 qualities of inconstancy and precipitation, his empire 
 cannot be long or permanent. Rashness, levity, 
 perverseness, and proneness to dispute, like a raging 
 flood, overthrow the props of long-established power, 
 and the foundations of ancient empires. — " Cle- 
 mency, truly, is the covering of the world :" — 
 
 " Clemency at first is bitter to the palate ; 
 " But finally it proves sweeter than honey." 
 
 Praise and thanksgiving to God, that the present 
 equitable sovereign (Prince Ali Shir) has obtained 
 precedency over all the rulers of Arabia and Persia 
 in these two qualities, the most admirable and 
 amiable of virtues ! nay, in these quahties and 
 habits he has attained such eminent distinction, that 
 Fortune thus addresses him : — 
 
 " If Heaven should attempt to weigh thy clemency, 
 
 *' The beam and basins of the balance are broken (by the weight). 
 
 " Wherever thy gracious clemency descends, 
 
 " There Security rears her strong entrenchments."
 
 189 
 
 ACCOUNT OF THE REIGN OF NAUZER, 
 
 AND OF 
 
 AFRASIA'B'S VICTORY. 
 
 According to the Tarikh Maajem, Ibn al Mukna 
 says thus, in his History of the Persian Kings : — 
 As soon as universal dominion, and the trust of 
 the concerns of mankind, were settled on Nauzer, 
 whom Minucheher had appointed his successor, this 
 prince, from extreme indolence and excessive mild- 
 ness, was unable to discharge the important duty of 
 promoting the happiness of his subjects, or arrang- 
 ing the concerns of the State ; so that every thing 
 falHng away from the proper train and manner, the 
 utmost disorder and confusion pervaded the entire 
 kingdom. From such incapacity or negligence in 
 unravelling this knot, and closing these breaches, 
 the certain indications of reverse and the signs of 
 decHning fortune appeared on the pages of his 
 destiny ; and the truth of this saying was demon- 
 strated — 
 
 " That person is neither prince nor soldier 
 " Who is delicate in body and delicate in food : 
 " To thee are forbidden both crown, and treasure, and sove- 
 reign sway, 
 " If thou repose thy head on the pillow of ease." 
 
 It is stated in the works of Hafiz A'bru, that when 
 intelligence of Minucheher's death came to Turan,
 
 190 
 
 Peshung, the king of Turkistan, having assembled 
 his sons, deliberated with them on the interests of 
 the State, and addressed them in these words :• — 
 *' Hopes are only attained through appalHng dangers ; 
 " opportunity flies away like a cloud ; inactivity is 
 " the characteristic of old women; content is pe- 
 " culiar to the brute creation : that is, we can only 
 " attain to ultimate security by encountering the 
 " most formidable dangers : — 
 
 " That person only grasps the neck of the beloved object, 
 *' Who dauntlessly opposes himself as a shield to the arrows of 
 calamity. 
 
 " When you have obtained the ascendency over the 
 " enemies of your prosperity, or the foes of your 
 " country, improve the advantage by their utter 
 " extirpation ; for safety results from the destruction 
 " of enemies. It has been well observed — 
 
 '* When you observe your mortal foe struggling in the water, 
 
 " Take not his hands, but place your feet on his head. 
 
 " Thus Pharaoh was that moment drowned, 
 
 " When Moses was rescued from the calamity of death. 
 
 " To remain in one place marks an abject mind; 
 " and uninterrupted repose is the property of mine- 
 " rals. Do you not observe, that neither traveller 
 " nor bird can without motion and exertion reach 
 " their destined gaol ? The sabre, however highly 
 " pohshed and well-tempered, cuts not, unless
 
 191 
 
 " it be taken in the hand and grasped by the 
 " fingers: — 
 
 " Until you wield the Hindoo blade, 
 
 " It cuts not, however highly tempered it may be. 
 
 ** To fly for protection to contentment, is the nature 
 ** of oxen and sheep ; for a man of powerful intel- 
 " lect and determined resolution never desists from 
 '* the acquisition of fortune, dignity, rank, and repu- 
 " tation : he never swallows the draught of despair 
 " and repulse, nor the lees of the potion of despond- 
 *' ency." Peshung having uttered these words, then 
 said to his sons and the distinguished leaders : " This 
 " is the moment to decide on the hazards of war 
 '* and toilsome marches : let not the opportunity 
 " presented by chance pass away unimproved, but 
 " retahate on the children of Minucheher the death 
 " of Tur." — Pre-eminent among his sons was Afra- 
 siab, who had before invaded Iran, and besieged 
 Minuchecher so long : — 
 
 " In the presence of his sire, the hero unlocked his lips, 
 " His heart filled with rage, and girded for the fight : — 
 " ' I am he who dares to encounter the lion in single combat. 
 " And hold myself able to cope with the chiefs of Iran.' " 
 
 On this he assembled an army so numerous, that 
 the area of the world became straitened through its 
 multitudes : he is said to have marched towards 
 Iran with four hundred thousand cavalry and in- 
 fantry. When the news of his advance arrived, the
 
 192 
 
 nobles of Iran immediately sent a courier to ac- 
 quaint Saum, the son of Nariman, with the inva- 
 sion, and the disorganized state of the kingdom. 
 Saum instantly set out on the wings of expedition, 
 to render homage to Nauzer : he renewed his allegi- 
 ance and intercourse ; and having suggested friendly 
 counsels, suited to the emergency, obtained leave 
 to retm'n back to Neemrooz, in order to raise an 
 army ; but on arriving at his capital, the day of Hfe 
 was turned into night, and he departed to the man- 
 sions of eternity. The account of Saum's death 
 filled Afrasiab with joy; and he advanced into De- 
 hestan^ by way of the sea, while Nauzerwas march- 
 ing towards Mazenderan. When both aiTnies met, 
 and the fleet arrows conveyed the summons of death 
 to the ears of the brave, a Turkish knight, named 
 Bariman, advancing into the midst of the plain, 
 challenged any champion of Iran to single combat. 
 Bariman's challenge was accepted, on the side of 
 Nauzer, by Kobad, the son of Gaveh; although his 
 brother Karun vainly endeavoured to dissuade him, 
 saying, " It is unsuitable to yom' dignity to contend 
 with this Turk." Kobad, however, heeded him not, 
 
 (*) " Dehestan, or the Country of the Dahae, is immediately north 
 of Asterabad. It extends from the river Ashor to the banks of 
 the Tedzen, Ochus or Ossa, both of which fall into the south- 
 eastern part of the Caspian. It is possessed by the Kajar Tribe of 
 Turks; to which tribe the present Royal Family of Persia belong." — 
 Kinneir's Pers. Emp.
 
 193 
 
 but came into the field of battle, and fell by the 
 arrow of Bariman. The flame of battle then momited 
 on high : boundless toil and slaughter occurred on 
 either side : Karun the son of Gaveh on that day 
 displayed such prowess, that Afrasiab was nearly 
 put to the rout ; but the Turks having made dili- 
 gent use of the Sang Yedah**, the clouds on a sudden 
 
 ('') Sang Yedah, a stone engraved with mysterious characters, 
 which brings on rain. — Afrasiab was reckoned a magician. 
 
 In the Shah Nameh, the darkness having put an end to the 
 battle, the Iranians retired from Deh, the capital of Dehestan : 
 on learning which, Afrasiab pursues them, and commences an at- 
 tack : at this moment, " so great a dust was raised by the cavalry, 
 that the sun might be said to hide his face ;" and this battle raged 
 " until the dark night came on," — that is, during this darkness a 
 dreadful engagement was fought, which could only be terminated 
 by the obscurity of night. Herodotus says, that in the sixth year 
 of the war between the Lydians and Medes, while the armies 
 were engaged in combat, " the day was suddenly turned into 
 night :^' to which he adds, that Thales had predicted this change, 
 and the year in which it was to happen. These words have been 
 taken, by both ancient and modern writers, to signify an eclipse of 
 the sun, although it is not expressly mentioned. The words of the 
 Persian poet and the Greek historian are so similar, that the oc- 
 currence of an eclipse during the battle between Nauzer and 
 Afrasiab becomes as evident as the occurrence of the one men- 
 tioned by Herodotus. According to the most probable accounts, 
 the reign of Nauzer falls between 798 and 768 B. C. The field of 
 battle was in Dehestan, between 38" and 39° north lat. and 54° 30' 
 long, from Paris. It can be proved, from astronomical tables, that 
 on the 4th of April, 778 B.C., there occurred a solar eclipse in the 
 meridian and parallel of Dehestan, in which 10 digits 10' of the 
 sun's disc were concealed by the moon's: it began at 23 minutes 
 past 2 in the afternoon, and lasted until 3 minutes past 5. This 
 calculation not only fixes the period of Nauzer 's reign, but may 
 
 r» also
 
 194 
 
 T3ecame so darkened, that the day was rendered 
 more gloomy than the midnight horn*: in conse- 
 quence of this, the engagement ceased on both 
 sides, in order to save their armies from confusion, 
 and they encamped in their respective positions. 
 In the mean time, Nauzer, being sensible of his in- 
 feriority, sent away his two sons, Tus and Gustaham, 
 towards Fars, accompanied by Kobad, in order to 
 remove his family from thence to the mountain of 
 Elburz. Afrasiab having learned this, sent Kara- 
 khan and Bariman to pursue the fugitives: they 
 were overtaken, and a dreadful encounter took place 
 between Bariman and Karun, in which the Turkish 
 knight fell by the avenging sword of the latter. 
 After the departure of the king's sons, Nauzer and 
 all his nobles being made prisoners, Afrasiab at first 
 intended to put them all to death ; but his brother 
 Agreeras, by prudent remonstrances, abated his re- 
 sentment, and turned him from such a resolution : 
 he then ordered all the distinguished captives to be 
 chained and closely confined in the Fort of Sari, 
 under the custody of Agreeras, who was strictly 
 enjoined to use the most unremitting vigilance in 
 guarding them. Shortly after, Nauzer was put to 
 death ; which event was caused, next to the decree 
 of Heaven, by the following circumstance : — When 
 
 also serve to fix preceding and future dates in Persian History. — 
 Msi. de I'Acad. torn. xl. p. 340.
 
 195 
 
 the Turkish prince invaded Irdn, he detached thirty 
 thousand men, with two chiefs, across the Jihun, 
 into Sejestan, lest the warriors of Nimrooz should 
 without interruption join the army of Nauzer. At 
 this period occurred the death of Saum; and also 
 the absence of Zaul in a remote part of the king- 
 dom. Mihrab of Kabul, who was viceroy on the 
 part of Zaul, on the arrival of the Turkish troops 
 in that district, being unable to meet them in the 
 field, was obliged to enter by the door of peace, 
 and therefore sent a splendid tribute to the army of 
 Afrasiab, accompanied with this message : — " I am 
 " descended from the lineage of Zahak, and serve 
 " the children of Feridoon through compulsion ; but 
 " at present, as the rays of royal bounty shine on 
 " the people of these regions, you shall behold no- 
 " thing proceed from me, except the most submis- 
 " sive obedience." Mihrab, in the mean time, sent 
 a courier to inform Zaul of what had happened : on 
 which, Zaul, with the troops that accompanied him, 
 came up v^dth the rapidity of the thunderbolt : the 
 men of Sistan at the same time salhed forth from 
 the city, so that the Turks were surrounded, and 
 the greatest part put to the sword ; the two leaders 
 only escaping, with a few men, to carry the news 
 of this disaster to their king. This event excited 
 such fierce indignation in the son of Peshung, that 
 he instantly ordered Nauzer to be brought into his 
 o 2
 
 196 
 
 presence, and there beheaded by the blood-shedding 
 sword. This prince's reign lasted seven years : his 
 title is Azadeh, or Free ; but some historians style 
 him Kumbakht, or The Unfortunate. 
 
 THE REIGN OF AFRASIA'B EN IRAN. 
 
 When Afrasiab beheld that there was no longer a 
 king in Iran, and that its area was destitute of any 
 manifestation of opposition or resistance, he soon 
 reduced the principal cities and provinces of the 
 empire : in effecting this, he displayed such unre- 
 mitting exertion in destroying the institutes of good 
 faith, dissevering the bonds of true rehgion, under- 
 mining the foundations of equity, and abohshing 
 arts and sciences, that Iran became desolate through 
 his excessive tyranny and injustice. 
 
 " The poet who records the Persian monarchs and Jemsheed, 
 
 " Thus relates, in his History of the Ajemite Kings : — 
 
 " After the decease of Minucheher of exalted majesty, 
 
 " When the government fell to Afrasiab, 
 
 " His conduct was marked by harshness and cruelty : 
 
 " He threw open the doors of discord in the kingdom : 
 
 " Whether he practised vengeance or shewed kindness, 
 
 " He only thought of acting differently from Minucheher." 
 
 The tyranny and oppression of Afrasiab in Iran had 
 passed the ordinary limits, and to the sufferings of 
 the people were now added the horrors of famine.
 
 197 
 
 In this extremity, Gushwad and the remaining Pesh- 
 dadian knights took comisel together, and said: 
 " Our woes are only to be averted by the agency of 
 " the sword and spear : the source of our calamities 
 '' is only to be cut off by means of the sabre and 
 " poniard." But Karun, who was distinguished 
 among his cotemporaries for soundness of under- 
 standing, thus replied : " In the first instance, it 
 " seems more advisable to send an embassy to 
 '' Agreeras, who is greatly attached to the people 
 *' of Iran, and through whom so many of them 
 '' have been rescued from the fangs of death : let 
 " us entrust to him our secret but unalterable pur- 
 *' pose of open hostility, that we may not remain 
 " excluded from the benefit of his discriminating 
 " reason and profound reflection." It is written in 
 the Tarikh Maajem, that the nobles of Iran, agreea- 
 bly to the counsels of Karun, despatched an embassy 
 to Agreeras, to represent to him their gratitude for 
 his important services, and to prove the sincerity of 
 their friendship, the purity of their designs, and the 
 disinterestedness of their attachment towards him ; 
 and at the same time to acquaint him, " that whereas 
 " at this moment, (praise be to the Almighty !) Zaul 
 " is firmly seated on the throne of Zabulistan, and 
 '' illuminates that ample region by the splendor of 
 *' his majesty, all the champions of Iran, namely 
 " Bazzeen, Khirad, Karim, and Gushwad, have
 
 198 
 
 " arranged themselves under the protection of his 
 '' triumphant banner ; the kings of the regions and 
 " the princes of the country are steadily fixed in 
 " devotedness and submission to him : — 
 
 " Dastan, the son of Saum, is seated on the throne ; 
 
 " High and low have girt their loins in attendance on his court ; 
 
 " All Zabulistan is ready to rise at his order : — 
 
 " What of Zabul ? — nay, all Iran is obedient to his command. 
 
 " It is certain, that the son of Saum will not leave 
 '* the kingdom in the possession of Afrasiab, but, on 
 *' the contrary, will exert his utmost might for its 
 " complete deliverance and purification : now, if 
 '' it should seem good to your enlightened soul, 
 " grant liberty to the captives of Iran, and, by their 
 ** liberation, fix the halter of bondage on our wilhng 
 " necks : 
 
 " As long as life lasts, we shall proclaim your goodness ; 
 " For that goodness has conferred happiness on our lives." 
 
 Agreeras having considered the purport of this com- 
 munication, gave the ambassador permission to de- 
 part with the following answer : — " Your intention, 
 '' in making such a request, evidently proceeds from 
 " hostihty to Afrasiab, and from a determination to 
 " resist his authority : but the branches of rebelhon 
 " produce only the fruits of affliction and calami- 
 " ty, attended by punishment and woe. Wise men 
 *' have said, ' Rebelhon is a consuming flame in this 
 •' world, and in the next our greatest shame :' how-
 
 199 
 
 " ever, if Zaul should direct the career of his army 
 " to these regions, it is probable that the captives 
 " of Iran may be Hberated from the chains of bond- 
 " age, and that no danger shall result to me from 
 " fickleness of purpose — a quality which creates a 
 " mean opinion, and is the source of the forfeiture 
 *' of honour and personal safety." When the ambas- 
 sador, on his return, delivered this answer, all the 
 hearers greatly applauded the admirable wisdom of 
 Agreeras ; and immediately despatched a courier to 
 Sistan', to inform Zaul of what had occurred. This 
 intelligence greatly delighted the Prince of Sistan, 
 who instantly sent envoys to assemble at his court 
 the champions of Iran. When the nobles of the 
 
 (^) "The province of Sistan, according to ancient tradition, was 
 once a vast lake, and formerly called Nimroz, Midday or Meridies, 
 either from its relative position, or having been drained by Genii 
 in the short space of half a day. It is bounded north and west by 
 Khorasan ; east, by Kandahar and Zabulistan ; south and south- 
 west, by Mekran and Kerman. The greater part of this province 
 is flat, sandy, and uninhabited. Although now reduced to a de- 
 plorable condition, Sistan once rivalled in prosperity the most 
 flourishing provinces of the empire. Captain Christie, in travelling 
 through the Valley of the Heermund, saw an astonishing number 
 of ruined towns, villages, and forts. The remains of a city, named 
 Polkee, he describes as immense. The Heermund is here 400 
 yards wide, very deep, and the water remarkably fine. Doshak, 
 the modern capital, is small and compact ; but the ruins cover a 
 vast extent of ground. Twenty-five miles north of Doshak he 
 came to the ruins of another very large city, named Peshwaroon ; 
 and a few miles beyond that to another, called Joaen." — Kinneir's 
 Pers. Emp.
 
 200 
 
 realm were all met in the pavilions of the court 
 splendid as the heavens, Zaul said to them : " Which 
 *' of you will lead an army into Tabaristan, and un- 
 " dertake the dangerous achievement ?" Gushwad, 
 who was present, replied, " I will undertake the 
 " task, and accept the important trust ; and pledge 
 " myself to regard as unlawful any relaxation or in- 
 " dulgence which could retard the accomplishment 
 " of this desirable object." This declaration was 
 pleasing to Zaul, and he ordered innumerable troops 
 to march without delay, in that direction : Agreeras 
 also, on being informed of their approach, agreeably 
 to his promise, entered on the paths of concert, and 
 liberated all the captives : after which he turned his 
 steps towards Rai. Gushwad, having thus obtained 
 the prisoners, set out for Zabuhstan, where he ar- 
 rived after long and toilsome marshes. On reaching 
 that territory, it was reported to Zaul, " Gushwad 
 " has returned, and reahzed the hopes of his friends : 
 " he has delivered the captives from the net of exile, 
 " and restored them to the land of social inter- 
 '* course." Zaul was gi'eatly dehghted, and set out 
 with all his nobles, in due ceremony, to meet him : 
 at their interview, Zaul renewed his mourning for 
 Nauzer, and expressed his grief in verses to the fol- 
 lowing purport : — 
 
 " Alas ! the monarch of the world is no more 1 
 " Alas! the throne is nithout a king I
 
 201 
 
 " Alas ! the kingdom is afflicted with adversity ! 
 " Alas ! the lofty cypress is rudely broken down in the garden 
 of royalty !" 
 
 About this time it was reported, by spies, to Zaul, 
 that Afrasiab, in his fury, had wreaked his venge- 
 ance on Agreeras, for hberating the captives, and 
 giving counsel to Gushwad ; and that his Hmbs had 
 been rent asunder, hke the letters of the Alphabet. 
 This dreadful intelligence instantly caused the flame 
 of Zaul's indignation to blaze out anew; and all his 
 attention was bestowed on preparing the resources 
 of war, and completing the means of battle. 
 
 HISTORY OF ZAUB, 
 
 THE SON OF TEHMASP, THE SON OF MINUCHEHER. 
 
 When the illustrious son of Saum Nariman and 
 the Iranian Princes had finally resolved on war 
 against the son of Peshang, Zaul thus addressed 
 them : — " It is necessary to place on the imperial 
 " Musnud some descendant of the auspicious regal 
 " line; some branch of the royal family distin- 
 " guished for weight, dignity, and manliness, in dis- 
 " charging the duties of government : — 
 
 " ' The world cannot long exist without a prince, 
 
 " And a ruler deserving of the crown and throne. 
 
 " Whom shall we serve? and to whom bow down the neck?
 
 SOS 
 
 " On whom shall we bestow the imperial diadem ?' — 
 
 " On this, they enumerated twenty of the regal line, 
 
 " And bade him choose the one who most deserved the throne. 
 
 " ' Methinks/ some angelic Sage replied, ' O illustrious knight ! 
 
 " There is an auspicious scion from the stem of Feridoon 
 
 " Deserving of the new crown, the throne, and the royal ensigns.' 
 
 " Being thus freed from this perplexity and care, 
 " He summoned the chiefs, and thus unfolded his secret purpose : — 
 " ' The paths of wisdom, and the dictates of reason, demand 
 " That Zaub should enjoy the fruits of sovereign sway : 
 " But if any other counsel should suggest itself to you, 
 '* You must now state it, as it may be the best.^ 
 " The chiefs all answered : ' He truly is most worthy ; 
 " His promise is sacred ; and his disposition good.' — 
 *' Then, by order of the military chiefs, 
 " Zaub, the son of Tehmasp, was appointed king." 
 
 As soon as the chiefs of the army had inaugurated 
 Zaub, Zaul, having entrusted the revenues and ex- 
 penditure of Neemrooz to men of experience and 
 trustworthy Ministers, hastened, with the rapidity of 
 the precipitately- descending torrent, to wait on 
 Zaub ; and in a short time traversed the wide in- 
 terval. On the other side, Afrasiab also, on learn- 
 ing the purpose of Zaub and the movements of 
 Zaul, advanced from the regions of Fars with a 
 mountain - resembling, heaven - defying, demon-vi- 
 saged, Satanic-glancing army, the numbers of which 
 surpassed in extent the algebraic notation of pro- 
 found calculation. When the armies met, and the 
 lines were marshalled on both sides, then the cham- 
 pions entered the area of contest, and the intrepid
 
 203 
 
 combatants performed heroic deeds of bravery: 
 through the hghtning of their swords, and the 
 thunderbolts of their arrows, rivers of blood flowed 
 over the field of battle. At last, the gales of vic- 
 tory and conquest began to blow over the hosts of 
 Zaub and Zaul, and the hopes of Afrasiab were 
 verging towards confusion and ruin : he beheld the 
 characters of adversity so legibly inscribed on the 
 pages of his fortune, that he turned away for the 
 purpose of flight. 
 
 It is stated in the Tarikh of Hafez Abru, that on 
 the meeting of Zaub and Afrasiab they joined in 
 battle, and prolonged the deadly contest during the 
 day, but retired to their respective quarters at sun- 
 set : also, that this sanguinary warfare continued 
 during seven months ; at the end of which period 
 a dreadful scarcity occurred, which terminated in 
 the greatest calamity ; so that both sides, being re- 
 duced to extreme distress, thus spoke : " The pre- 
 " sent famine and woes are the results of oppression 
 " and exaction : let us desist from battle, and 
 *' Afrasiab must, of necessity, return to his own 
 " country." As soon as the Turkish Chief began to 
 retire to his kingdom, he could find in no halting- 
 place an opportunity of delay or repose : — thus 
 
 " Afrasiab retired in disgrace to the land of Turan, 
 " And the empire of the world was settled on Zaub."
 
 204 
 
 Some historians assert that Afrasiab reigned twelve 
 years in Iran after the death of Minucheher. The 
 meaning of Airasiab, according to etymologists, is 
 the same as " Janah-i-ttahunah," or " The sails of a 
 windmill." 
 
 Zaub, or, as he is sometimes called, Zudzagh, was 
 eighty years old when he obtained possession of the 
 kingdom. On the departure of Afirasiab toward the 
 east, this prince proposed to repair, by ancient 
 maxims, the devastation caused by the passage of 
 foreign armies and their excessive oppression. In 
 pursuance of this design, he conferred all manner 
 of presents and donations on the indigent and me- 
 ritorious, and bestowed charitable gifts and liberali- 
 ties on all the necessitous : the husbandmen were 
 exempted from taxes during seven years : he also 
 restored to their channels the streams which had 
 been diverted by Afrasiab : the water-courses which 
 had been filled up by his oppression were restored 
 to their original state. He also conducted into Irak 
 the two streams called A'een and Azaeen ; and also 
 introduced various kinds of nutritious food, which 
 the people had never before beheld. 
 
 Whatever funds he derived from his military ex- 
 peditions, and from the taxes paid by the husband- 
 men, were distributed among the soldiers ; and not 
 the smallest coin was hoarded up in the royal
 
 205 
 
 treasury. When, during thirty years, he had in this 
 manner fulfilled the arduous duties of sovereignty, 
 the time of his departure having drawn nigh, he 
 resigned the kingdom to his brother Gurshasf, whose 
 mother was daughter to Benjamin the son of Jacob 
 (on whom be the peace of God !) It is said in the 
 Mufatih-al-Kulub (the Keys of Hearts), that Zaub 
 and Gurshasf were associated together in the em- 
 pire ; while Tabari states that Gurshasf was merely 
 this prince's Vizir. The Tarikh Maajem says, that, 
 on the death of Zaub, Gurshasf sat on the imperial 
 throne during thirty years. A respectable writer 
 tells us, that, in the majority of histories, the dynasty 
 of the Peshdadian kings ended with Gurshasf; after 
 whom, by the unanimous consent of all writers, the 
 sovereign power was vested in the Kaianian line *. 
 
 (*) European and Oriental writers are generally agreed about 
 the commencement of the Sassanide dynasty, A.D. 226, in the 
 person of Ardeshir Babegan, the son or grandson of Babek, the 
 son of Sassan, who was the son of Sassan, the son of Behmen, the 
 son of Esfendiar, the competitor of Rustam : they also agree about 
 the termination of this dynasty in the person of Yezdejird, A. D. 
 651, in the year of the Hejira 32. The high genealogy claimed 
 for Ardeshir must be given up ; as the interval of more than 600 
 years between him and Esfendiar, who was prior to Alexander the 
 Great, cannot be satisfactorily filled up by this scanty catalogue of 
 noble names. Other historians also assign him a less noble origin. 
 
 There are great, nay, insuperable difficulties about the Ashka- 
 nian and Ashganian dynasties : the rise of the former is ascribed, 
 by Oriental writers, to Ashk, the Arsaces of the Greeks, a descen- 
 dant of the former kings of Persia : he obtained the aid of his 
 countrymen, by pretending that he was possessed of the Dirafshee 
 
 Gawani,
 
 206 
 
 Gawani, which had been saved by his uncle, when Darius had 
 been defeated and slain. This chieftain revolted against the third 
 of the Seleucidae, Antiochus Theos, slew his viceroy Agathocles, 
 and founded the Parthian dynasty of Western writers. However, 
 from the death of Alexander, 323 B. C, until Ardeshir Babegan, 
 the Artaxerxes of Roman writers, 226 A. D., there elapsed a period 
 of more than five centuries, which may be regarded as a blank in 
 Persian History. The Muluk-ut-tuwaif, established by Alexander 
 the Great, the eighteen independent princes of the Persian empire, 
 and their successors, harassed the empire and each other by their 
 confederacies and hostilities : yet the Parthian monarchs in those 
 days, partly by the nature of their country, and partly by their 
 skill and valour, obtained frequent advantages over the disciplined 
 legions of Rome. From Kobad, the Dejoces of the Greeks, and 
 the first of the Kaianian dynasty, we can recognise many Kaianian 
 princes among the Medes and Persians ; such as, Kaoos in Cambyses ; 
 Kai Khusrau, in Cyaxares or Cjtus; Gushtasp in Hystaspes; 
 Ardeshir Daraz-dast, or Bahman, in Artaxerxes Longimanus; 
 from about 752 to 330 before the Christian era. This was pre- 
 ceded by the Peshdadian dynasty ; among whom Jemsheed is said 
 to have reigned from 6 to 700 years, Zahak 1000 years, and Fe- 
 ridoon 500. The reign of this latter prince corresponds to at least 
 ten generations : the names of his descendants, who form these 
 generations, are mentioned in the Boun-dehesch ; also in the Tarikh 
 Jorair al Tabari, as quoted in the Mujmel-at-tuvarikh : if we pro- 
 long this reign to Minucheher, the successor of Feridoon, it com- 
 prehends at least eleven generations. This proves that Feridoon's 
 reign must be looked on as that of a dynast)'. 
 
 The Boun-dehesch is equally positive as to Zahak : in that we 
 find, that during his reign of 1000 years, there past ten lives of in- 
 <iividuals of 100 years each, without reckoning the father of Feri- 
 doon, the conqueror of the Arab prince. Eight of these individuals 
 have the common name of At\4an, with surnames taken from the 
 properties of their oxen or herds. Zahak is therefore the name 
 of a dynasty. The Boun-dehesch also mentions, that from this 
 prince's mother there proceeded 10 Scandals, that is, ten genera- 
 tions of Arab princes. 
 
 Mirkhond confirms what has been said about Zahak, when he 
 tells us that many historians reckon eight generations between 
 
 Feridoon
 
 207 
 
 Feridoon and Jemsheed, and many generations between Minu- 
 cheher and Iraj the son of Feridoon. The reign of Jemsheed, 
 according to some writers, was 600, and his life 700 years : ac- 
 cording to others, he reigned 700 years, and lived 600. This reign 
 must also be regarded as a dynasty. If the Oriental writers inter- 
 pose only one or two generations between him and Zahak, the 
 Arabian conqueror of the last Jemsheed, this must arise from some 
 one of that name having appeared about the end of the first Jem- 
 sheed's reign. 
 
 It is however to be remarked, that the Zend Books make no 
 mention of these extravagant reigns of 1000, 700, and 500 years; 
 although they frequently mention the affluence and personal ad- 
 vantages of these mouarchs. When they quote an instance of 
 longevity, they cite Tehmuras, although that prince reigned only 
 thirty years. To the three dynasties of Jemsheed, Zahak, and Fe- 
 ridoon, we find among the Greeks the three corresponding dynas- 
 ties of the Chaldseans, Arabs, and Beletaras, in the series of the 
 kings of Nineveh and Assyria. 
 
 Malcolm's Pers.; & Hist, de I' Acad. tom. xl. p.437. 
 
 THE REIGN OF KAIKOBA'D. 
 
 Kaikoba'd was the first monarch of the Kaianian 
 dynasty who obtained uncontrolled power over the 
 world and its inhabitants: his name, in Pehlevi, sier- 
 nifies " Mighty " : he was, on the whole, a prince 
 celebrated for power and majesty, renowned for per- 
 fect justice and hberality, famed for the multitude 
 of his troops and the riches of his treasury, and 
 celebrated for the extent of his understanding and 
 sagacity : — 
 
 " Kaikobad, the ruler of the world, of elevated soul, 
 " Was a prince equally splendid, wise, and just." 
 
 He was descended from Nauzer, the son of Minu-
 
 208 
 
 cheher; and some time after the death of Gurshasf, 
 in consequence of the entreaties of the people of 
 Iran, and aided by Zaul, he assumed the imperial 
 diadem : he then conferred on Dastan the superin- 
 tendence of the military, and in the very beginning 
 of his reign girt his loins in determined hostihty 
 asainst Afrasiab : he collected 
 
 " An army, like ocean-billows, a moving flood ; 
 " An army, like masses of clouds or towering mountains ; 
 " An army, exceeding in number the stars of heaven ; 
 " An army, beyond the limits of calculation." * 
 
 He posted in the van of his hosts Rustam of Zabul, 
 Mihrab of Kabul, Karun ardent in fight, and Gush- 
 wad of the golden helmet, while he himself follow ed 
 with the remaining champions of Iran, and directed 
 his steps towards Afrasiab. The Turkish prince 
 also, with an army surpassing in numbers the swarms 
 of ants or the flights of locusts, marched forward, 
 for the purpose of giving battle to Kaikobad. It is 
 stated in the Tarikh Maajem, that when both armies 
 had been marshalled in battle array, Rustam Das- 
 tan, with his world-subduing mace, displayed such 
 prowess in the field, that it is impossible for the 
 mirror of fancy to dehneate such a scene : from the 
 dawn of day until the golden-winged falcon of the 
 east had struck his talons into the pavilions of his 
 
 (*) iXilc c_>L*>-:l Literally, " Beyond the computation of 
 knots;" alluding to the ancient mode of reckoning by knotted 
 strings or quipoes.
 
 209 
 
 western flight, the champions on either side main- 
 tained the deadly strife with heroic intrepidity. 
 Afrasiab, however, in consequence of the havoc and 
 attacks of Rustam, gnawed the fingers of amaze- 
 ment with the teeth of despair : therefore, on wit- 
 nessing the irresistible prowess of the champion of 
 the world, the illustrious son of Zaul, he sent the 
 following message to Kaikobad : — " The object of 
 " this request is, to pray you to cease from battle 
 " this day, and to act to-morrow as circumstances 
 " may require." During the night, Afrasiab deli- 
 berated with the sages and chiefs of the army on 
 the subject of peace and war : on which they unani- 
 mously declared, " Safety depends on peace, and 
 prosperity results from following counsel : — 
 
 " Now, therefore, think no more of what is past, 
 " But incline to peace with Kaikobad." 
 
 The next day the Turkish chief sent the following 
 proposal to the sovereign of Iran : — " The treaty 
 " made with Minucheher, and the solemn cove- 
 " nants, ratified by oaths and compacts, between us 
 " and A'rish, respecting the boundaries of both em- 
 '' pires, are so well known, that no created Being 
 " can have the least doubt as to their extent : 
 
 " So vivid are the recollections, that until the Day of Judgment 
 " They never can become obsolete in the recollection of the 
 nobles.
 
 210 
 
 " Let then the mirror of purity, on the same con- 
 " ditions, be pohshed from the gloom of aversion, 
 " and let the cup of union be cleansed from the 
 " impurities of fraud : all the country from the 
 *' banks of the Jihun, to the extremity of Room 
 ** and the remote regions of Hindustan, is hereby 
 " dehvered over and confirmed to you. Let not 
 " the king attach credit to the assertions of Rustam 
 " and Mihrab, nor to the captious objections raised 
 " by Karun and Gushwad : let him not be deceived 
 " by their ill-founded proposals : for it is an ancient 
 " saying, — 
 
 " When your foe can gain the ascendancy by wicked means, 
 " You are not to expect from him sentiments of peace : 
 " We cannot expend our energy on absurd pursuits, 
 " Nor plant our seed in the salt marsh/' 
 
 When Kaikobad became acquainted with the pur- 
 port of this embassy, his noble mind inclined to 
 peace : and he said, " Justice requires me to confess, 
 " that in this juncture I have broken the covenant : 
 " it is also an undoubted truth, that when the high 
 " and mighty, dming the period of power and vic- 
 " tory, neglect all consideration for their defeated 
 " enemy, and vouchsafe not to grant the petition of 
 " a prostrate foe, but think themselves justified in 
 " deviating from moderation and humility, in such a 
 " case some gi'eat calamity befals them, which it is
 
 211 
 
 *' impossible to remedy or counteract by any human 
 " exertion : — 
 
 " When the language of kindness contents your foe, 
 " Address him with benignity, that his attachment may increase. 
 " Gentle words convert the bitterness of poison into sweets ; 
 " But acrimony turns sweets into deadly poison." 
 
 Notwithstanding this, Rustam Dastan, with argu- 
 ments and incitements, thus rephed : — 
 
 " O illustrious sovereign! make not peace; but prepare for war; 
 " As a sin"-le trace of concord appeared not, on their side, 
 " That day on which my mace brought them to this state." 
 
 But as the king was naturally disposed to generosity 
 and clemency, he granted Afrasiab's request, and 
 used every exertion to promote his wishes and ac- 
 compHsh the desired object : the ambassadors also, 
 having attained the purpose of their mission, and 
 received magnificent presents, were permitted to 
 return : and thus, on both sides, the gloom of afflic- 
 tion was changed into serenity of mind, the ratifi- 
 cation of the treaty and covenant being confirmed 
 with solemn oaths. It is recorded in some Tarikhs, 
 that when the hostile armies had drawn near each 
 other, and were marshalled for the fight, Rustam 
 said to his friends: " Shew me Afrasiab; for when 
 " once my eyes are fixed on him, he shall not escape 
 *' with life out of my hands." On learning his place 
 and station in the field, Rustam immediately made an 
 
 p 2
 
 212 
 
 attack like that of the fierce lion or raging leopard, 
 and, having broken through the hnes, came near his 
 foe : but Afrasiab no sooner beheld the impetuous 
 charge, than he had recourse to flight: the champion 
 of Iran overtook and unhorsed him ; threw the lasso 
 round his neck, and retiu-ned to rejoin his troops. 
 Whilst the soldiers of Iran received their champion 
 with congratulations, and he prepared to return a 
 suitable answer, Afrasiab, by enchantment, rescued 
 his neck from the noose, and, transferring it to one 
 of those who lay dead in the field of battle, hastily 
 returned to his own encampment. Rustam con- 
 tinued to drag the dead body towards his fortune- 
 favoured sovereign ; but when it proved not to be 
 Afrasiab's, he was overpowered with shame. Kai- 
 kobad, on witnessing these marks of confusion in 
 the hero's countenance, said to him, " The decisive 
 " victory of this day has been achieved by your 
 " mighty arm : it was however our interest that 
 " Afrasiab should escape by flight, as he will never 
 " more set foot out of his own territory." To this 
 Rustam replied with protestations of allegiance; 
 and added, " The accident of this day was owing 
 " to my youth and inexperience; but I hope that no 
 " similar deficiency shall ever again occur on my 
 " part." When the sovereign of the stars had 
 turned his face towards the regions of the West, the 
 Turkish prince directed the reins of precipitate flight
 
 213 
 
 to the cities of the East : from whence he despatched 
 ambassadors to request peace ; which request Kai- 
 kobad granted ; and concluded a treaty, founded on 
 the former stipulations. On this important occa- 
 sion, the king conferred splendid honours and costly 
 dresses on the commanders and distinguished lead- 
 ers of the army : — 
 
 " He presented silver and gold, sabre and shield, 
 
 " To the heroes deserving of the helmet and zone. 
 
 " He caparisoned his elephants, towering to the skies, 
 
 " Swift as the clouds, and massive as mountains. 
 
 " Next, a princely robe of golden tissue, 
 
 " Decorated with rubies, pearls, and precious gems, 
 
 " He sent to the heroic descendant of Saum : 
 
 " Saying, ' My wishes far exceed the value of these gifts, 
 
 " But if the term of my life be prolonged 
 
 " I shall render thee independent in this earth.' " 
 
 Rustam then began to recite the praises and glory 
 of the king ; saying, " I am a plant nourished in 
 " the garden of munificence, by the streams of the 
 " royal bounty : in the parterres of his favour and 
 " the channel of his liberality, my branches have 
 " shot up to the zenith of the Pleiades and the ver- 
 " tex of the Ferkadan^ Should the king, for the 
 " sake of any fruit, permit the continuance of my 
 ** service, it increases my admiration and gratitude ; 
 " and if he pluck me up by the root, no censure or 
 " blame can attach to him: — • 
 
 (*) Two stars near the pole of the Lesser Bear. Suha, an ob- 
 scure star in the Greater Bear.
 
 214 
 
 " Although my head be exalted in glory to the skies, 
 
 " My lips in devotedness kiss the earth hallowed by the royal 
 
 presence ; 
 " Although the revolving heavens are inferior to me in dignity, 
 " Yet, captive-like, I bow the head of zeal on the king's 
 
 threshold." 
 
 Kaikobad then, with joyful and satisfied breast, 
 turned towards Farsistan, and gave the inhabitants 
 of that region notice that the banners of victory 
 were in motion. On which subject Ferdausee thus 
 speaks : — 
 
 " From thence he directed the march of the army to Fars ; 
 " As in Fars were deposited the keys of the royal treasures. 
 " The place of his residence was in Istakhar, 
 " A place always the delight of the Kaianian Princes : 
 " Thither the people of the earth flocked to behold him; 
 " For he was a monarch deserving of the royal diadem." 
 
 His authority was then still more cemented by the 
 different classes of the military again solemnly re- 
 newing their allegiance : in short, during his reign 
 he so widely expanded the carpets of justice and 
 grace, and the fame of his equity was so extensively 
 diffused, that most of the empires of the world were 
 governed according to his ordinances, regulations, 
 concessions, and prohibitions. Notwithstanding such 
 a height of power, this prince continually paid to 
 Heaven his gi-ateful adorations for the distinguished 
 favours and blessings conferred on him : he always 
 maintained his subjects in -the region of security
 
 215 
 
 and the sanctuary of tranquillity ; and passed a 
 hundred, or, according to others, one hundred and 
 twenty years in the possession of transcendent ma- 
 jesty and sovereignty. The Tarikh Maajem says : 
 When the revolution of his fortune was nearly com- 
 pleted, and the days of his hfe drew near their 
 destined period ; when he began to think of depart- 
 ing from this sojourn to the abiding-place of futurity, 
 and the idea of meeting the Supreme Creator be- 
 came uppermost in his mind; that he then, as is the 
 custom of the righteous, and of those destined for 
 happiness, bitterly lamented the actions of his past 
 life and the abuse of the days now gone by : he 
 folded his hands in the mantle of eternal grace, and 
 fled to the Lord for refuge : he prayed to the Al- 
 mighty for the aid of resignation in the trying hour, 
 and with contrite submission implored mercy and 
 forgiveness : — 
 
 " I have derived no lasting good from my existence ; 
 
 " My actions and words were alike all vanity : 
 
 " When I had the power of acting, I knew not what was good : 
 
 " Now that I know what is good, I no longer have the power. 
 
 He then summoned Kaikaoos into his presence ; 
 and, in the way of counsel and exhortation, ad- 
 dressed to him many important maxims. Ferdausee 
 thus speaks of this sovereign : — 
 
 " When he had almost completed a hundred and twenty years, 
 " When his tongue faltered and his eyes grew dim, 
 " He well knew that death was approaching fast; 
 " For even the green leaves become withered.
 
 216 
 
 " At that moment, he called to his presence Kaikaoos. ' 
 
 " Before whom he enlarged on justice and liberality, 
 
 " He finally said : ' We now lay aside our worldly state. — 
 
 " Deposit the coffin ; and, in return, take the throne. — 
 
 " If you are a just prince, and of an enlightened mind, 
 
 " You will obtain happiness in both abodes : 
 
 " But should passion seize your head in its snare, 
 
 " You unsheath against yojirself an avenging sword.' — 
 
 " Thus he spoke ; and abandoned the wide world, 
 
 " Preferring the fiineral bier to the earthly throne." 
 
 His title is " Awwal," or " First." Elias^ Joshua, 
 Shemuel, and Hazkeel, are reported, by tradition, to 
 have been invested mth the Prophetic dignity in 
 his time: he is also said to have embraced their 
 faith, and to have used all possible exertion to 
 exalt the precepts of the glorious Law. 
 
 The Tarikh Gozideh says, that his residence was 
 in Isfahan; and also ascribes to him the fixing of 
 distances by parasangs. The Kauzee Beizawee, in 
 the Nizam-ut-tuwarikh, relates, that this monarch 
 remained always on the banks of the Jihun, where 
 he was engaged in continual wars against the Turks. 
 — Here follow some of his memorable sayings : — 
 
 " The man whose friendship is of no service, can inflict 
 " no injury by liis enmity." 
 
 " Cultivation is as Hfe; devastation as death;" — 
 that is, the surface of the world, which consists of 
 four habitable quarters, divided into seven regions 
 and seven cHmates, may in this respect be compared 
 to the seven primary members of the human body. 
 As these members require inspection and mainte-
 
 217 
 
 nance, so does the world stand in need of equity and 
 cultivation : and whereas the surface of the earth 
 resembles the limbs, the sovereign of which is the 
 head, and as their consolidation depends on strength- 
 ening aliments and well-suited beverages, so does the 
 due order of every region depend on the increase of 
 cultivation and the estabhshment of justice : — 
 
 " Justice is the proof of sovereignty and permanence : 
 " Thy permanence bears testimony to thy justice." 
 
 " The security of every king is in proportion to his 
 energy and magnanimity ;" that is, when a sovereign 
 is endued with subhme energy and strength of mind, 
 his deeds are immortal, and his memorials are im- 
 perishable : they are so firmly consigned to eternity 
 in the pages of Time, that they cannot be effaced by 
 the ravaging hand of ages, or the penetrating in- 
 fluence of the stars : the robes of his splendor and 
 freshness are never worn out nor antiquated. It is 
 related, that when the people of Mazenderan, with- 
 drawing their heads from the collar of obedience 
 and submission to Kaikobad, had opened the door 
 to every kind of excess and rebellion, the governor 
 appointed to that district transmitted a concise 
 account of what had taken place, and requested to 
 be informed by the profound sagacity of his sove- 
 reign. On this, the lord of the world ordered a 
 royal mandate to be sent to the revolters, containing 
 threats and promises, and comprehending in it the 
 following words : — " My people should not be less
 
 218 
 
 " sensible of the need there is for a ruler, chief 
 " and supreme governor, than the honey-bees and 
 *' storks ; for these creatures appoint from among 
 " themselves a leader, to whom they pay implicit 
 " obedience. My people should also take example 
 " from the ants, and not be slothfiil in preparing 
 *' the necessary stores at the proper season ; that is, 
 " the due arrangement of human concerns, and the 
 ** security of the necessaries of life, are centred in 
 " and cemented solely by the strict justice of the 
 " monarch, the vigilance of governors, and the 
 '' policy of rulers. The people in some measure 
 ** resemble sheep and oxen; as their energies are 
 " confined to the obtaining of food and laying up 
 " things of indispensable necessity, and their am- 
 " bition settled on acquiring profit or pleasure. 
 " Some of the sons of Adam are like flies, which 
 " subsist on human food : this description of men is 
 ** the most worthless in society, and the disgi'ace of 
 " mankind ; their minds and bodies being equally 
 " accustomed and devoted to contempt, insult, in- 
 " dignation, and reproach : — 
 
 " Flies and cats hasten to the table : 
 
 " The dog and the crow search for bones. 
 
 " Some resemble flies : these persons, adopting 
 " shameless and impudent habits, post themselves 
 " in the ambush of opportunity, and place the 
 " arrow of fraud in the bow of deceit, that they 
 " may obtain food in some quarter, and rob some
 
 219 
 
 " one of his morsel. Others are like dogs, con- 
 ** tented with crumbs of bread and a few bones : 
 " this class consists also of those abject minds 
 " which enter into the service of the vile and con- 
 " temptible, girding their loins with the zone of 
 " submission and obedience to such wretches, and 
 " are thereby justly exposed to the humihation of 
 " poverty and the disgrace of famine. Others are 
 " like Hons and panthers, which are instinctively 
 ** impelled by nature to oppress all other animals, 
 '' to shedding of blood, and committing every 
 " species of violence. This description of per- 
 " sons, unless they had a governor and superinten- 
 " dant to check and restrain them, would attack 
 " each other ; and the certain consequence of such 
 " depravity, if unrestrained, would be the destruc- 
 '' tion of social order, and the total confusion of 
 " human affairs : the principles of public security 
 *' and tranquillity would be turned from the line of 
 " propriety and their just direction ; and every man's 
 " rehance being placed on the might of his own arm 
 " and power, he would allow himself to oppress the 
 " hiunbler classes. The decision of the holy Law 
 " confirms this proposition, where it declares, ' The 
 " king is the shadow of God on earth; the refuge of 
 " the oppressed, and the punisher of the iniquitous 
 " tyrant;' that is, the king is the shadow of the 
 " Creator's mercy over the expanse of earth, to 
 " refresh by the dehcious draughts of his equity.
 
 2-20 
 
 " and from the pure reservoir of his liberahFy, the 
 " thirsty wanderers of the wilderness of disappoint- 
 " ment, and the travellers parched up by the 
 " scorching heats of calamity : consequently, all 
 " men, of every description, are equally under the 
 " indispensable necessity of possessing an equitable 
 " governor and powerful monarch, in order that 
 " the direction of all their actions and the tendency 
 " of their occupations should be parallel to the 
 " paths of justice and the rules of rectitude. 
 "Farewell!" 
 
 HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF KAIKA'OOS. 
 
 This prince, who is said by some historians to 
 have been the son of Kobad, and by others his 
 grandson, was beautiful of aspect, graceful in man- 
 ner, athletic in frame ; and so large in person, that 
 few horses could carry his weight : — 
 
 " When he mounted his swift dapple-grey steed, 
 " Through awe of him trembling fell on the mountains : 
 " When he gave fiill reins to his charger's speed, 
 " He raised clouds of dust from earth-bearing Piscis to the 
 skies." 
 
 He exhibited the greatest energy in the diffusion of 
 benefits and the performance of generous acts, the 
 protection and assistance of the distressed. With all 
 this, there was great capriciousness in his disposi- 
 tion ; for, though he occasionally exhibited unwea-
 
 221 
 
 ried attention and perseverance in matters of detail, 
 he too frequently, in cases of great importance, 
 deserted the path of prudence, in which the truly 
 wise invariably tread. It is related, that when the 
 Governor of Mazenderan, abandoning the path of 
 fidehty and gratitude, had interposed the shield of 
 hostihty before the face of concord, and, notwith- 
 standing frequent admonitions by letters and remon- 
 strances replete with prudent counsels and sundry 
 exhortations, was not prevented from persevering in 
 such conduct; on the return of the envoy sent from 
 the foot of the imperial throne to concihate him, 
 and his laying before the king the state of affairs, 
 the flame of indignation and vengeance blazed with 
 violence in the breast of Kaikaoos, the marks of re- 
 sentment became visible in his features, and he in- 
 stantly issued orders for assembling his forces and 
 providing equipments and arms. There was speedily 
 marshalled, under the shadow of his victorious ban- 
 ners, from the regions of Arabia and Aj em, a host so 
 mighty and a force so immense, that the conceptions 
 of calculators and the imaginations of accountants 
 were unable to comprehend their power or number. 
 At the head of these troops, habituated to victory 
 and vengeance, he set out to dispel the blast of pre- 
 sumption from the head of his foe by the well-tem- 
 pered sabre. The ruler of Mazenderan, on learning 
 this, knew well, that if the red-headed sparrow
 
 222 
 
 should meet the falcon in battle, he exposes himself 
 to inevitable destruction and ruin : consequently, to 
 preserve his reputation, he withdrew from the course 
 of the flood ; and retired into a fortress, rivalling in 
 strength the rampart of Iskander, and elevating its 
 lofty summit to the empyreal skies. Kaikaoos en- 
 camped at the foot of this fortress, and persevered a 
 long time in the blockade of it ; directing against it 
 many a battering-ram and towering catapult*: the 
 champions also carried on the assault in every direc- 
 tion ; but, notwithstanding their greatest exertions, 
 the standards of victory and the banners of triumph 
 appeared in no quarter. On this, the chiefs of the 
 troops, and the principal commanders of Kaikaoos, 
 began to despond, seeing themselves unable to sub- 
 due this fortress and triiunph over their foes : they 
 were long perplexed how to decide this matter ; but, 
 finally, the king's reflection, and that of the whole 
 army, determined on this measure :— " Whereas the 
 '' superiority of our troops, the multitude of people, 
 " and the greatness of our train, are of no avail, we 
 " may however encompass our object by ingenious 
 " stratagems and refined artifices, and by means of 
 " deceit and fraud precipitate our enemy into the 
 " abyss of woe." In pursuance of this, they pubhshed 
 reports of their retreat, tore up their tent-ropes ; and
 
 223 
 
 departing from the environs of the fortress, halted 
 some marches in the rear of it ; from whence they 
 despatched a company dressed as traders, who, in 
 the guise of merchants, introduced into the castle 
 many commodities and abundance of merchandize, 
 which they bartered for wheat, barley, and other 
 grain : these one night set fire to the granaries ; and 
 then represented, " This event has occurred with- 
 out our knowledge and wishes." When, by this 
 stratagem, no magazines were left in the fortress, the 
 army of Kaikaoos returned unexpectedly ; and 
 having taken the place by storm, so laid about them 
 on that day with the ruthless sword, that the fortress 
 of Mazenderan became a desert, and its plain a 
 Jihun (of blood) ; and the wealth of the country was 
 confiscated to the royal government. Some his- 
 torians relate, that Kaikaoos was made prisoner in 
 Mazenderan : on learning which, Rustam, singly, 
 proceeded to that country by way of Haftkhan, and, 
 having put to death the rulers of the kingdom, libe- 
 rated Kaikaoos; who returned to his capital in 
 safety, enriched with great spoils. 
 
 Kaikaoos next marched to Hindustan : after the 
 conquest of which, on his return by way of Mekran, 
 he remained some time in Sistan ; where Rustam 
 received him with the rights of hospitaHty, and every 
 mark of distinction, to the utmost of his power. 
 The monarch of the world having spent some days at
 
 224 
 
 Nlmrooz, in the enjoyment of pleasure and delights 
 continued from night to morning and from morning 
 to night, returned to his splendid capital. When 
 some time had elapsed, he set out against Zii-al- 
 azghar, the king of Yemen. Although dissuaded by 
 his Ministers from engaging in that enterprise, their 
 remonstrances were of no avail ; and after long and 
 toilsome marches, he drew near that country. Zu- 
 al-azghar, with his blood-shedding troops, advancing 
 to encounter him in battle, an engagement ensued, in 
 which the Arab prince was defeated, and fled some- 
 where. At this moment he conveyed to Kaikaoos 
 this intelligence : — " The king of Yemen possesses, 
 " within the sanctuary of chastity, a virgin, such, 
 " that from her the sun himself sohcits light." Kaoos, 
 who had never beheld her, gave his heart away, and 
 proposed peace, stipulating for the marriage of the 
 king's daughter; and the ruler of Yemen, being 
 forced to comply, dehvered up his daughter, whom 
 the Persians call Soodabeh. On this event, the 
 sovereign of Iran reared the pavilion of delight to 
 the sphere of the sun and moon : but, in the mean 
 time, Zu-al-azghar, taking advantage of a favourable 
 opportunity, seized and imprisoned Kaoos in one of 
 his forts, along with Tus, Gustahem, Bizhen, and the 
 other champions of Iran. Immediately on hearing 
 this dreadful intelligence, Rustam Dastan set out 
 for Yemen with a thousand chosen heroes : but no
 
 225 
 
 sooner had he approached that country, than Zu- 
 al-azghar made advances towards a reconciKation, 
 and set at Kberty Kaoos and the other captives. 
 He also dismissed, in the king's train, his daughter 
 Soodabeh, with abundance of valuable presents, and 
 a thousand damsels beautiful as Perees. In those 
 days, Afrasiab took advantage of the conjuncture to 
 lead an army into Iran, where he reduced many 
 cities under the bonds of conquest, committing the 
 most unrestrained and indiscriminate slaughter and 
 pillage " ; but on learning the liberation of Kai Kaoos, 
 he retreated to Turkestan with great booty. Kai 
 Kaoos, on arriving in his own realms, wrote a royal 
 diploma relative to Rustam, to the following pur- 
 port : " Whereas we have promoted Rustam from 
 " the state of vassalage to the rank of sovereignty, 
 " we hereby bestow on him the dominion of Sistan 
 " and Kabulistan, conferring on him also the titles 
 " of Champion of the World, and Tahamtun (irre- 
 " sistible in might) : we place on his brows the cap 
 " of gold brocade, set with gems, such as is gene- 
 '' rally worn by the sovereigns of Ajem ; and we 
 '' also permit him to be seated on a throne of gold 
 " or silver." Rustam thus, with augmented pomp 
 and power, returned to his native soil; and the re- 
 gions of Nimrooz and Kabul were embellished and 
 
 ('') See the dispute between Rustam and Asfendlar, in the sub- 
 sequent part of this work. 
 
 Q
 
 226 
 
 gladdened by the auspicious justice and equity of 
 the mighty champion. When Kai Kaoos once more 
 enjoyed the undisturbed possession of the throne, 
 the sovereigns of the world and the haughty rulers 
 of distant lands hastened to offer their submission 
 and congratulation, and the nations far and near 
 liirded their loins with the zone of submission to his 
 sway ; whilst every class of his subjects passed their 
 life in the enjoyment of abundance, and uninter- 
 rupted security and tranquilhty. At this period 
 the kingdom of Turan was in an exceedingly flou- 
 rishing and prosperous state, through the splendid 
 fortune of the Turkish prince : the mihtary and the 
 cultivators, freed from every anxiety, passed their 
 time in music and feasting. However, in the course 
 of these events, the portals of discord and woe were 
 again thrown open, and the paths of security and 
 peace once more blocked up : the abstract of all 
 which is as follows : — Kai Kaoos had, by one of his 
 wives (not Soodabeh), a son, endued with the per- 
 fection of reason and intelligence, joined to con- 
 summate beauty and grace : this prince, whose name 
 was Siyawesh, was educated at the court of Rustam 
 Dastan, where he became so exceedingly accom- 
 plished in all that related to social intercourse and 
 war, that the report of his perfections was spread 
 over the most distant parts of the earth : the tidings 
 of his virtues and noble qualities also reached the ears
 
 227 
 
 of Kai Kaoos, so that on his return from Yemen 
 (which Ferdaiisee refers to his expedition against 
 Hamawaran), and was a second time firmly reseated 
 on the throne of sovereignty, he issued forth com- 
 mands to Sistan, requiring the presence of his in- 
 telligent son : on which, Rustam sent the young 
 prince, with all possible honours, to his father's 
 court. Kaoos, being struck with astonishment at 
 his noble carriage, beheld him with the eyes of 
 respect and parental affection : and when the ac- 
 count of the manly proportions of Siyawesh's figure 
 was reported to Soodabah, a vehement longing for 
 his intimacy and society so overpowered her soul, 
 that the fire of love and the flames of desire blazed 
 forth with inextinguishable violence. She there- 
 fore addressed this request to Kai Kaoos : " Permit 
 " the prince to enter the Harem, that I may exhibit 
 " towards him a mother's affection, and enjoy for 
 " a short time the delight of contemplating your ad- 
 ** mired son's glorious aspect." The simple-hearted 
 king, on this, said to his son, " The recluse matrons 
 " who dwell in the chambers of chastity request to 
 " be indulged with your conversation and society : 
 " it is therefore necessary that you go to the Harem, 
 " and illuminate the king's apartments with the light 
 " of your countenance." Although Siyawesh re- 
 garded this proposal with horror, he saw that obedi- 
 ence to the royal mandate was his only resource ; 
 
 Q 2
 
 228 
 
 and therefore, though much against his inchnation, 
 entered the private palace. When Soodabeh heard 
 of his approach, she hastened to meet him with 
 hurried steps : at the first meeting, she was bereft 
 of strength and peace of mind : her manner and 
 gestures soon made Siyawesh perceive the passion 
 which agitated her breast, and he consequently 
 arose immediately, to leave the palace. Soodabeh 
 in vain entreated him to delay, even a moment 
 longer ; but Siyawesh answered, " This is the first 
 '' time of my entering the king's apartments, and 
 '* modesty forbids me from ever presuming again to 
 " come into your society." Having said thus, he 
 departed, leaving Soodabeh to pine in the flame of 
 separation. Soodabeh however again, under pre- 
 tence of affiancing the prince to a maiden of royal 
 blood, sent for him, by the order and permission of 
 Kai Kaoos. The queen, having now a manifest rea- 
 son for an interview, chose a place for a private 
 audience, where she openly laid before him the secret 
 purpose of her soul. Siyawesh, from a sense of 
 filial duty and of the paternal dignity, was struck 
 \\\i\\ horror and aversion at the declaration : and 
 though Soodabeh had recourse to the most pressing 
 solicitations, her efforts were altogether unavaihng 
 and fi-uitless. As no hope of his comphance now 
 remained, she accused him to his father of an at- 
 tempt to dishonour the Harem. Although Siy4wesh
 
 2-29 
 
 strenuously endeavoured, by convincing proofs, to 
 clear himself from the imputation, Kaoos remained 
 dissatisfied. It was then at last resolved, that a great 
 fire should be made, through which these two silver- 
 bodied models of beauty were to pass ; and which- 
 ever went through the crucible of trial with undi- 
 minished standard, the coin of that person's exist- 
 ence was to be declared free from impurity and 
 alloy. The fire now blazing forth, the flames 
 mounted to the pharos of the sun ; and Soodabeh, 
 conscious of her guilt, would not set foot in the 
 destructive element : but Siyawesh, like a salaman- 
 der, thought not about the flames, but entered the 
 consuming fire at one side, and came out at the 
 opposite extremity without receiving the smallest 
 injury. After such a proof, Kai Kaoos lavished on 
 him the greatest kindness, and proposed to punish 
 Soodabeh for her crimes ; but through the inter- 
 cession of Siyawesh, the treacherous woman was 
 rescued from the fangs of death. 
 
 In the course of these events, the king's spies 
 reported to him, that Afrasiab had crossed the 
 Jihun with an army of intrepid warriors, and had 
 encamped in the district of Balkh, prepared for 
 war and battle. In order to avert this evil, Kai 
 Kaoos at first proposed to march in person, and 
 shake to its foundation the palace of his vile enemy's 
 existence : but Siyawesh, whose mind was broken 
 down with affliction by Soodabeh's accusation.
 
 230 
 
 requested that the expedition might be entrusted to 
 him, so that by a short absence from court he 
 should banish from his soul the remembrance of the 
 dreadful circumstance which had occurred. Kai 
 Kiioos granted his virtuous son's request, and said, 
 " Whatever is requisite, in point of money and 
 " troops, is all ready." Siyawesh on this, having 
 selected twelve thousand cavalry, with as many in- 
 fantry, made this representation to the king: — "The 
 " assistance of Rustam Dastan, the asylum and stay 
 " of the king and the army, is indispensably neces- 
 " sary in this crisis." The king having assented to 
 this proposal, thus ordered : *' Let the prince first 
 " proceed to Nimrooz, in order that Rustam may 
 " on that day gird his loins in the prince's society." 
 Siyawesh having thus completed all his arrange- 
 ments, departed from the capital, and directed his 
 course to Sistan. As soon as the report of his ar- 
 rival was published in that region, Rustam hastened 
 to meet him with due ceremony ; and returning in 
 the prince's train, conducted him to a suitable 
 halting-place. 
 
 When forty days had passed in feasting and en- 
 joyment, they both set out towards the regions of 
 the East. Afrasiab also, at the head of the brave 
 warriors of Turan, marched forward, to give them 
 battle. Both armies now drew near each other ; but 
 when they were only two marches apart, the Turkish
 
 231 
 
 Prince, who during three successive nights had 
 seen terrible visions, became quite melancholy. He 
 communicated to his Ministers and confidants the 
 nature of the occurrence ; on which they all an- 
 swered : " It is our interest to enter by the door of 
 " accommodation with our enemies, and make our 
 " goods and chattels the means of preserving our 
 " lives and honom-." Afrasiab having listened with 
 attention to the unanimous counsel of his Ministers, 
 sent his brother Gurshiwaz with presents, precious 
 gifts, and letters, in which Rustam was mentioned 
 with the greatest respect. Gurshiwaz having ob- 
 tained the good fortune of an audience, proposed an 
 accommodation. The reflection of the prince, en- 
 lightened as the sun, in concert with the elephant- 
 bodied champion, the overthrower of armies, re- 
 turned this answer : " This object will be attained 
 " as soon as Afrasiab shall make restitution of what- 
 " ever has been procured by plunder in Iran, and 
 " when every dwelling, which has been destroyed 
 ^' by the passage of a foreign army, shall be re- 
 " stored to its former habitable state : lastly, one 
 '' hundred persons, selected from the relatives and 
 " nobles of Afrasiab, shall be sent as a pledge to the 
 " imperial presence, to form part of the train of the 
 " victorious and fortunate sovereign." Gurshiwaz, 
 on returning to the royal presence, explained the 
 result of the conference ; and Afrasiab immediately
 
 282 
 
 complied with all the demands made by the Prince 
 and Rustam, and sent them a hundred persons by 
 way of hostages. The edifice of peace being thus 
 built on a sure foundation, the conditions were rati- 
 fied on both sides by solemn oaths ; after which, 
 Siyawesh sent ambassadors to his father, to acquaint 
 him that peace was made. Kai Kaoos, on receiving 
 this intelligence, was mortified and astounded ; so 
 that he appointed Tus, the son of Nauzer, as his 
 envoy, to convey this message : — " At last, the wiles 
 '' and artifices of Afrasiab have made an impression 
 " on you, so that you were deceived by receiving a 
 '' hundred obscure individuals, who are not, collec- 
 " tively, worth a barber-surgeon's fee : but whenever 
 " the aged entrust matters of importance to boys, 
 *' such is always the result." The sum of the in- 
 structions of Kai Kaoos to Siyawesh was as follows: 
 " Send in chains to me the hundred hostages de- 
 " hvered by Afrasiab : return his presents : lead your 
 ** army into Turan, and quit not that country until 
 ** further orders : but if you are unable to acquit 
 '' yourself of this important charge, transfer to Tus, 
 '' the son of Nauzer, the banner of Gavah, the trea- 
 " sure, and the army, and return to me." When 
 Siyawesh and Rustam had learned the king's dis- 
 pleasure and wrath, Rustam was so offended, that he 
 immediately returned to Zabulistan : and Siyawesh 
 said : " I do not esteem it lawful to violate my oath
 
 233 
 
 " or break my promise : in my sight, the commands 
 " of God are superior in authority to the orders of 
 " princes." Siyawesh having sent back the hundred 
 hostages to Afrasiab with every demonstration of 
 honour and respect, then dehvered the command of 
 the army to Tus, the son of Nauzer ; and, accom- 
 panied by his own train, went into Turan along with 
 Piran Wisah, one of the most distinguished nobles of 
 Afrasiab : he then proceeded to kiss that monarch's 
 hands, and was received by him in due ceremony. 
 He commanded two thrones to be placed on the 
 court of audience ; on one of which he himself was 
 seated, and the young prince of Iran on the other ; 
 and making a great feast, he assigned to him both 
 revenues and lands. The dignity of Siyawesh in- 
 creased every day; so that at last, from the rank of 
 the king's guest, he attained the honour of being his 
 son-in-law, and received from the Turkish prince his 
 daughter Ferangiz in marriage. After this, the rank 
 of Siyawesh was so gi'eatly advanced, that the 
 brothers and relations of Afrasiab envied him greatly, 
 and continued with one accord to plot his ruin, until 
 the fatal period, when, by the calumny of Gurshiwaz, 
 they were enabled to lay the axe to the foot of the 
 gracefully-waving cypress of the streams of majesty, 
 and lop the head from the stem. It is related in 
 the Tarikh of Hafiz Abru, on the authority of other 
 writers, that the residence of Siyawesh was at some
 
 234 
 
 distance from that of Afrasiab ; and that this place 
 had been enlarged by him into a great city, in which 
 were erected many princely mansions. Gurshiwaz 
 and the other slanderers took occasion from this to 
 calumniate him so to Afrasiab, that he at last sent 
 Gurshiwaz to see Siyawesh, saying to him : " If 
 " things be as reported by these persons, let Siya- 
 " wesh be put to death." 
 
 " The Turkish monarch listened to the slanderer's words. 
 
 " May shame await him, for unjustly shedding Siyawesh's blood !" 
 
 The night preceding the arrival of Gm'shiwaz, Siya- 
 wesh saw a vision, which he interpreted as announ- 
 cing the approaching termination of his hfe : he 
 therefore thus spoke to his queen, who was at that 
 time pregnant : " Thy father has formed a design 
 " against my life, and I every moment expect the 
 " arrival of some one to put me to death : take thou, 
 " therefore, good care of the son whom thou now 
 " bearest ; for as soon as he reaches maturity, they 
 " will come from Iran to seek him, and cany him 
 " thither : perhaps God will give him gi'ace to re- 
 " compense the oppression to which I fall a victim, 
 "■ and to avenge his father's blood." Whilst he was 
 yet speaking, Gurshiwaz arrived with a great multi- 
 tude ; and having summoned Siyawesh to appear be- 
 fore him, began to enumerate his imaginary crimes ; 
 and under this pretext they cut off his head on a
 
 235 
 
 golden vase. When Rustam was informed of this 
 dreadful event, with burning heart and streaming 
 eyes he hurried to the court of Kai Kaoos, the 
 flames of wrath ascending from the fiirnace of his 
 bosom to the highest heavens, and streams of blood- 
 tinged tears gushing from the fountains of his eyes. 
 Before entering into conversation with Kaoos, he 
 dragged Sodabeh out of the Harem, and put her 
 to death. The account of Siyawesh's death being 
 thus made public, the men clothed themselves in 
 sackloth, the women went with dishevelled hair, and 
 Kai Kaoos, with all his nobility, on this calamitous 
 event, clothed themselves in black ; which custom 
 was long continued. When Afrasiab had fixed on 
 putting Siyawesh to death, it so happened that 
 Piran Wisah was then absent; but he no sooner 
 learned the news, than, giving himself up to lamenta- 
 tion and regret, he came into the presence of the 
 Turkish monarch, and loaded him with reproaches 
 and invectives : but as the event had taken place, 
 it was now impossible to remedy it. 
 
 " Watch carefully the proper season of every thing- ; for of no 
 
 avail 
 " Is the healin<}f draught given to Suhrab after his death''." 
 
 {f) The fall of Suhrab in single combat vi^ith his father Rustam, 
 both ignorant of their mutual relationship, forms a beautiful epi- 
 sode in the Shfih Nameh. This affectiug story has been ably trans- 
 lated, in a poetic version, by James Atkinson, Esq.
 
 236 
 
 After this, the enemies of Siyawesh summoned Fe- 
 rangiz, then pregnant with Kai Khusrau, to appear 
 before them ; and endeavoured to contrive some 
 way of separating the foetus from the mother; but 
 Piran Wisah resolutely opposed the project, and 
 turned them from this dreadful purpose. He then 
 took Ferangiz under the asylum of his own dwell- 
 ing ; where, when her time was completed, she was 
 delivered of a son of exquisite beauty and charms, 
 to whom they gave the name of Kai Khusrau, and 
 whom Piran Wlsah brought up with the greatest 
 attention : but, according to some writers, no sooner 
 was the young prince born, than Piran Wisah com- 
 mitted him to the care of some shepherds, who kept 
 him in the wilderness, until Geev the son of Gudarz 
 took him to Iran. It is said, that, after this, Kai 
 Kaoos held a general mourning ; and having given 
 Rustam whatever troops and arms he demanded, 
 he then despatched the elephant-bodied champion, 
 with the banner of Gavah, accompanied by an im- 
 mense force, towards Turkestan. When Rustam 
 crossed the Jihun, Afi'asiab fled; but Gurshiwaz, 
 being taken prisoner, was put to death, by way of 
 retaliation : some writers however say, that the 
 death of Gurshiwaz did not occur until long after 
 this period : others maintain, that when Rustam 
 directed his march towards the regions of the East, 
 Afrasiab sent Shidah, his son, with a hundred thou-
 
 237 
 
 sand horsemen, to give him battle : as soon as the 
 armies encountered, there ensued a dreadful com- 
 bat and immense slaughter : in the course of the 
 engagement, Faribarz, the son of Kaoos, coming up 
 to Shfdah, hurled him from the saddle, and threw 
 him on the plain, with such force as to break his 
 neck : — 
 
 " Such is the custom of this harsh and cruel world ; 
 " A person is at one time mounted ; at another, grovelling in the 
 dust. " ' 
 
 Ferdausee relates, in the Shah Nameh, that Shidah 
 fell in Kharezm, by the hand of Kai Khusrau : on 
 the whole, it must be observed that historians differ 
 widely on this point ; their accounts being so va- 
 rious, that if they were all enumerated, this work 
 would become so prolix as to augment the fatigue 
 and ennui of the reader : consequently, the pen of 
 description following the middle path, thus con- 
 tinues : — Rustam having subdued the metropolis of 
 Afrasiab, all the public treasures and concealed 
 hoards of that prince fell into his hands : and al- 
 though the conqueror, after this event, despatched 
 spies and scouts in every direction, he could learn 
 no inteUigence respecting Kai Khusrau and Feranglz, 
 who had been sent away by Afrasiab into the most 
 remote parts of Turkestan. Rustam, after this great 
 
 ( ) Literally, one. is sometimes on the saddle-back ; at others, the 
 saddle is on his.
 
 238 
 
 and decided success, returned to Iran, where Kai 
 Kaoos received him with every demonstration of 
 honour and respect, seated him in his presence 
 on a throne of gold, and conferred on him every 
 mark of favour and munificence; after which he per- 
 mitted him to depart to his own kingdom of Nim- 
 rooz. It is recorded by many historians, that the 
 sovereign of Iran, in consequence of a vision, sent 
 Geev, the son of Gudurz of Isfahan, by himself into 
 Turkestan, to find out Kai Khusrau : during seven 
 years, notwithstanding his unceasing exertions, 
 Geev was unable to attain this object : at last he 
 observed Kai Khusrau in a mead, engaged in the 
 sports of the chase, and recognised the prince by 
 intuition ; and he, who was well worthy of the 
 Kaianian throne, being inspired by Heaven, shewed 
 due respect to the heroic Geev : they both went to 
 Ferangiz ; and adopted this resolution, that having 
 borrowed the rapidity of the lightning and winds, 
 they should instantly set out to attain their object. 
 It is said that Siyawesh had a steed which disap- 
 peared on the day of his death, and had never since 
 submitted to any one's power or controul ; but 
 when Kai Khusrau and Geev went out to look for 
 horses, they observed this one in the herd : when Kai 
 Khusrau approached, the horse stood quietly, until 
 he had bridled, saddled, and mounted him ; at which 
 instant the rider vanished from the sight of Geev.
 
 239 
 
 The champion of the world was lost in astonishment; 
 and said to himself : " During seven years I have 
 " undergone innumerable toils and difficulties ; but 
 " the moment I was permitted to behold the auspi- 
 " cious features of Kai Khusrau, alas! some evil spirit 
 " has torn him away." At that moment this inesti- 
 mable pearl of royalty became suddenly visible on 
 the summit of a mountain. — Geev, having devoutly 
 returned thanks to the Almighty, went along with 
 the prince to Feranglz; and, accompanied by her, 
 they hastened with the greatest expedition towards 
 Iran. At this juncture it was reported to Piran 
 Wisah, by his spies, that some one who had come 
 from Iran to find out Khai Khusrau had taken both 
 him and his mother to that country. Piran, being 
 greatly troubled at the inteUigence, immediately 
 despatched three hundred warriors of repute to pur- 
 sue the fugitives, and bring them back, wheresoever 
 they found them : this detachment overtook them 
 at midnight, whilst Kai Khusrau and Ferangiz 
 were asleep ; but Geev, who kept watch, so unfurled 
 the banner of slaughter and contest in that fight, 
 that most of the assailants fell beneath his avenging 
 sword : those who survived the carnage fled with 
 rapid flight, to implore the help of Piran, to whom 
 they related all that had befallen them. Piran re- 
 plied, " Tell not this circumstance to any one; as 
 " it would be the height of disgrace for three hundred
 
 240 
 
 " famed warriors to be defeated by a single knight." 
 Then Piran himself, with whatever force he had 
 ready, set out in pursuit of Geev and Kai Khusrau ; 
 neither did he desist, night or day, until he came to 
 the foot of a mountain, the summit of which Khusrau 
 and Ferangiz had attained, in order to descend 
 the opposite side ; and Geev, about midway up the 
 mountain, was slowly holding on his course. Piran, 
 on recognising the friends, pushed towards them 
 with all haste. Ferangiz and Khusrau, with the 
 wings of speed, urged on their way to the plains; 
 and as Geev went sometimes rapidly, sometimes 
 slowly along the road, Piran was induced to think 
 that he might possibly take him prisoner : he had 
 now got some distance from his men ; and drew near 
 Geev, who suddenly throwing the lasso, allured to 
 the noose that neck which would not bow to the 
 ring of the revolving heavens, dragged him from 
 his horse, and brought him to Kai Khusrau. The 
 prince, on beholding Piran in this state, burst into 
 tears, and addressed him with profound respect : 
 as Geev was preparing to put him to death, the 
 prince interceded so powerfully, that finally Geev 
 was satisfied with fastening Piran's hands together 
 under his dress : he was then placed on his steed ; 
 being first obliged to swear, that, until he reached 
 his own abode, he would neither order nor permit 
 any one to untie his hands. When the fugitives
 
 241 
 
 arrived at the Jihun, they could no where dis- 
 cover the vestige of a boat or boatman : on which, 
 Ferangiz gave way to alarm and lamentation ; but 
 Kai Khusrau observed, *' If God be our protection, 
 what need of boat or boatman !" On this, com- 
 mitting himself to the cable of eternal mercy, he 
 plunged with his swift courser into the Jihun : 
 Ferangiz and Geev following his example, they in 
 a short time crossed over from the gulph of destruc- 
 tion to the shore of safety, and were thus delivered 
 from the terror and power of Afrasiab. When Kai 
 Khusrau had in this manner passed the Jihun, the 
 intelligence of his approach was soon conveyed, by 
 couriers, to Rustam and Kaoos. At whatever city 
 the young prince arrived, he was met in due cere- 
 mony by all the inhabitants; who, from his auspi- 
 cious looks, drew anticipations of joy, and fancied, 
 " Surely this is Siyawesh restored to life!" When 
 the pearl of the casket of royalty appeared before 
 Kaoos, this sovereign beheld the signs of excellence 
 and the characters of magnanimity evidently im- 
 pressed on his brow : he therefore placed his grand- 
 son on a throne near himself, and transferred to 
 him the cares of administration and the manage- 
 ment of the mihtary. He also exalted the dignity 
 of Geev by various acts of royal favour— the gift of 
 the golden crown, the diamond-studded zone, and 
 splendid robes of honour. It is related, that when 
 
 R
 
 242 
 
 first Kai Kaoos entrusted the reins of indulgence 
 and restraint, along with the concerns of the human 
 race, to the vigorous intellect and talents of Kai 
 Khusrau, Tus the son of Nauzer, from attachment 
 to Faribarz the legitimate son of Kaoos, began to 
 excite disputes about the succession ; and matters at 
 last came to such extremities between him and 
 Geev, that the dispute nearly terminated in deadly 
 strife. It was at last agreed, that whichever of the 
 rival princes subdued Behmen Diz in Ardebil (the 
 battlement of which, for many years, had never 
 been seized in the noose of subjection to any prince 
 however powerful) should be seated without dis- 
 pute on the imperial throne. Faribarz and Tus 
 first set out to besiege this fortress; but although 
 they displayed the greatest energy, and adopted 
 every means for succeeding, their efforts were un- 
 attended with any useful results, and they were 
 consequently obliged to return with blasted hopes. 
 But no sooner was the radiant glory of the mighty 
 prince, the favourite of Fortune, reflected on the 
 fortress and its defences, the props of which were 
 as firm and immoveable as the Pyramids of Egypt, 
 than they seemed to crumble to pieces. Kai Khus- 
 rau having returned crowned with success, Kaoos 
 adorned by his auspicious presence the royal throne, 
 and confirmed Geev in the post of Vizir and Gene- 
 ral of the armies of Iran. Shortly after this, Kaoos,
 
 243 
 
 preferring a life of seclusion and abstraction from 
 worldly affairs, employed himself wholly in suppli- 
 cating mercy and pardon, after a reign which is said 
 to have lasted one hundred and fifty years. This 
 monarch's title, in the Mufatih-al-ulum (Keys to the 
 Sciences), is said to have been Nimrod, which is in- 
 terpreted. Lam Yamiit, or '' Immortal." 
 
 Among the prophets who entered on their mis- 
 sion during his reign are reckoned Daood and Sulai- 
 man, on whom be the peace of God ! 
 
 Among the culpable actions ascribed to Kaoos, 
 is his attempt to ascend to heaven : but this tra- 
 dition is exceedingly improbable, as he was a sove- 
 reign of profound sagacity; and had besides in his 
 service a number of learned men, all of whom knew, 
 to a certainty, that without the intervention of 
 Jabreel and the assistance of Borak it is impossible 
 to set foot in the emerald canopy of the skies. It 
 was one of his maxims, that The best of things, is 
 counsel; the most excellent, health: the most complete, 
 security; the most delicious, wealth; the most precious, 
 religion; and the purest, justice. He also says. Ac- 
 tions are the fruits of thought ; which they resemble, 
 just as the fruits of trees assimilate to the parent 
 seeds : that is ; if the workings of intention and the 
 operations of reflection be applied to the attainment 
 of perfection in our pursuits, and to the correction of 
 evil propensities, all our actions will necessarily ter- 
 
 R 2
 
 244 
 
 minate in the path of righteousness and the causes 
 of prosperity. He has also said : Purity repels 
 misfortune ; and events are pledged to their seasons. 
 
 The author of the Tarikh Maajem, in concluding 
 the History of Kaoos, speaks thus : 
 
 " Although in splendor he reared his throne to the skies, 
 
 " He finally bore his splendor to the cavern of the tomb. 
 
 " Fate had now disposed of the mansion of his body, 
 
 " And hurled him down from the throne to the bier". — 
 
 " The world has done many deeds of this kind ; 
 
 " Fortune has not thus acted for the first time : 
 
 " On the head of one she places the golden crown, 
 
 " And lays another prostrate in the gloomy dust : 
 
 " On one she bounteously confers pomp and power, 
 
 " And consigns another to foul disgrace. 
 
 " No one has power to utter a word against her laws ; 
 
 " Nor must any one be astonished at this circumstance. 
 
 " We must deliver over our concerns to the Creator's care ; 
 
 " For all the Creator's acts are done in wisdom." 
 
 THE HISTORY OF KAI KHUSRAU. 
 
 This prince was the precious pearl of the necklace 
 of fortunate sovereigns, the most excellent produc- 
 tion of the seven heavens and the four elements : 
 such was his might, that he could cope with the 
 empyreal heaven and the revolving skies : the irre- 
 
 " Literally " to the washing-plank," on which they wash the 
 corpse.
 
 •245 
 
 sistible force of his mandates appeared as a type of 
 Destiny and an example of Fate. No sooner had the 
 sound of the imperial kettle-drum reached the hear- 
 ing of the human race, than the kings of remote re- 
 gions and the rulers of every realm assembled under 
 the shadow of the standard distinguished by victory ; 
 and Kai Khusrau, both by hereditary right and 
 superior talent, assumed the reins of empire, and 
 regulated the arrangement of pubHc affairs. He 
 rescued from violence and oppression the cultivators 
 who had been buffeted by adversity and trampled 
 under foot by tyranny : he always regarded as an 
 imperative duty the conferring of grace and honour, 
 benefits and notice, on all men, in^ proportion to 
 their state and suitably to their rank. In all the 
 statutes and ordinances of government, he closely 
 imitated the precedents of his ancestors: without 
 exaggeration, whatever be the hyperbole or force of 
 expression employed in the chapters which record 
 the virtues and glorious attributes of this distin- 
 guished prince, even to this very day the fingers of 
 description confess their weakness and inability to 
 enumerate them in a suitable manner. 
 
 The urgent concerns of the State being now 
 settled, and the affairs of the military and cultiva- 
 tors being definitively arranged, the desire of aveng- 
 mg the blood of Siyawesh broke out in the king's 
 breast : and as to this were added the excitement of
 
 246 
 
 Kdoos and the exhortations of Rustam, he there- 
 fore assembled the nobles of his realm and the Mi- 
 nisters of the presence, whom he thus addressed : — 
 " Our principal and most suitable concern is, to 
 ** regard with attention the state of the cultivators, 
 " in order that all ranks of my subjects may have 
 " the necessaries of life prepared for them : in the 
 " next place, the property of this class should be so 
 " secured against oppression, that they may cheer- 
 " fully devote themselves to the service of the Great 
 " and Glorious God ; and, also, execute on every 
 " occasion our commands, which are in every way 
 *' conformable to the pleasure of the Almighty : and, 
 " lastly, that they should be enabled to pray con- 
 " tinually for the pei^petuity of our daily-increasing 
 " prosperity : — 
 
 " Let this form the main object of all your desire, 
 
 " To be ever vigilant in promoting the cultivator's happiness. 
 
 " You all well know the cruel oppression exercised 
 " by the tyrannical Afrasiab towards Siyawesh, my 
 " sire. At present, resolution and honour equally 
 '* render it my sacred duty to require my lamented 
 *' father's blood at his hands. Now say. What de- 
 " termination does your wisdom form on this head?" 
 On this, one of the assembled chiefs, distinguished 
 for consummate prudence and intelligence, returned 
 this answer : —
 
 217 
 
 " We are all the king's devoted bondsmen, 
 
 " Geev, Gudarz, and all here present : 
 
 '* On whatever the king may finally resolve, 
 
 " We unanimously gird our loins in obedience to his behest." 
 
 All the leaders and chiefs with one voice repre- 
 sented : " Our only desire in this world is, to un- 
 " sheathe the avenging sword : through the Divine 
 " favour, and the splendor of the royal fortune, 
 
 " We shall make the world too narrow for the wicked, 
 " And bring destruction on the prosperity of Afrasiab : 
 
 " as the sovereign of the world, splendid as Feridoon 
 " and glorious as Jemsheed, 
 
 " Through the falsehood of the iniquitous Gurshiwaz 
 
 " Had the features of his prosperity overcast with gloom." 
 
 When Kai Khusrau heard the chiefs express 
 themselves in this manner, he issued his mandate to 
 Faribarz the son of Kaoos, and Tus the son of Nau- 
 zer, with thirty thousand horsemen, the lions of the 
 forest of battle and the crocodiles of the sea of con- 
 test, to direct their march on Turan, and exert all 
 might and main to ravage its cities and bind their 
 opponents in chains. When Siyawesh, from ahena- 
 tion towards his father, took shelter under the 
 powerful protection of Afrasiab, he is said to have 
 espoused a distinguished maiden, related to Piran 
 Wisah ; by whom he had a son, on whose beauteous 
 form, had he been now in existence. Reason herself
 
 248 
 
 would have burst out into panegyric, and have re- 
 cited the evil-averting charms on the fair proportions 
 of his limbs. His father gave him the name of 
 Ferood ; but when the alhance with Ferangiz, the 
 daughter of Afrasiab, took place, in order to remove 
 all grounds of dispute, by the advice of Piran Wisah 
 both mother and child were sent to her father's 
 house. Kai Khusrau, knowing that his brother 
 Ferood then governed one of the fortresses of Turan, 
 when bidding adieu to Tus, at the moment the ex- 
 pedition was setting out, thus addressed him:— "You 
 *' must take heed, in the advance of the army, to 
 *' adopt such a route, as not to have my brother's 
 ** castle in the line of march : but supposing the 
 *' route of the troops to be in that direction, tread 
 ** in the path of mildness and humility : for as soon 
 " as he learns the object of our expedition, and be- 
 " comes acquainted with the reasons which induce 
 " the men of Iran to pass through those regions, he 
 ** will espouse his brother's cause, and, from the 
 " ties of consanguinity, use all his energy to obtain 
 *' retaliation for the blood of Siyawesh." — When he 
 had thus given full instructions, Faribarz the son of 
 Kaoos, and Tus the son of Nauzer, set out. It so 
 happened, that the aiTny took the road which led to 
 the vicinity of Ferood's castle ; and the youthful 
 prince had no sooner heard of their approach, than, 
 with the rashness and impetuosity natural to youth.
 
 249 
 
 he came out of his castle at the head of a numerous 
 body of intrepid warriors, for the purpose of giving 
 battle. The determination of Tus to observe for- 
 bearance towards the young prince became changed, 
 so that he grew incensed at the violent disposition 
 of Ferood and his provocations to battle : however, 
 his unshaken prudence and powerful reason curbed 
 the reins of passion from giving way to feelings of 
 wrath : he therefore shewed no eagerness to accept 
 the battle, but sent ambassadors with this message : 
 — " The prince is a scion from the garden of the Kai- 
 " anians, and a shoot transplanted from the orchard 
 ** of royalty : a brother is like the blossom in the 
 " garden of joy, and the bestower of delight on the 
 " days of life : it therefore behoves the prince to 
 " quit the attitude of hostility towards us. But if he 
 " act not in concert with us, at least let him reflect 
 ^' on the propriety of avoiding violence : for even 
 " if the dust raised by me were to settle on the 
 " skirts of his reputation, it would alienate the royal 
 *' mind, and bring distraction into the king's soul. 
 
 " When we were setting-out for this region, 
 
 " The justice-practising monarch bound me by oath : 
 
 " ' Walk thou only in the paths of Truth, 
 
 " And deviate not from her words and deeds.' " 
 
 Ferood, however, from the presumption of youth, 
 making light of the counsel of the experienced sage.
 
 250 
 
 persevered in determined hostility : he disregarded 
 as base this wholesome counsel and advice, and 
 rashly stood in the foremost ranks, in the centre of 
 the fight : but this tender rose was soon hurled 
 down into the dust of ruin by the boisterous blasts 
 of calamity. As soon as the tidings of this dreadful 
 event reached Kai Khusrau, he gave himself up to 
 anguish and woe, to lamentation and mourning ; and 
 he immediately wrote to his uncle Faribarz a letter 
 to this purport : — " On you is hereby conferred 
 " authority over the army, with full powers, un- 
 " checked and undivided by the interference of any 
 *' other. Send to me Tus the son of Nauzer in 
 " chains, under the care of a numerous body of 
 " vigilant guards : after which, at the head of the 
 " troops committed to your zeal, you are to advance 
 *' into Turkestan ; and not be under any apprehen- 
 " sion about Afrasiab, as I shall very shortly, with 
 " a well-appointed force, direct my steps towards 
 " that region." Faribarz, in obedience to his sove- 
 reign's mandate, having loaded Tus with chains, 
 sent him to the imperial court. On his arrival there, 
 Kai Khusrau ordered Tus to a place where he could 
 in person address him in the language of reproach : 
 
 " Thy descent from Minucheher and thy gTey hairs 
 
 " Give thee the glad assurance of life ; 
 
 " Otherwise I would have ordered that instantly 
 
 *' The executioner should sever thy head from thy shoulders."
 
 251 
 
 In the mean time, Faribarz, at the head of the army, 
 entered the territories of Afrasiab, accompanied by 
 the chiefs of Fars, among whom was Gudarz the 
 son of Kishwad : on learning which, the monarch of 
 the East despatched Piran Wisah, with a multitude 
 of experienced warriors, to meet the invaders. The 
 armies soon encountered, and mutually planted in 
 each other's bodies the sword and dagger : the Angel 
 of Death was unceasingly employed, from the dawn 
 of morning until the approach of night. At last 
 the Turkish army obtained the victory : Faribarz 
 was obhged to fly ; and seventy persons of the family 
 and household of Gudarz were plunged into destruc- 
 tion : this hero, after a thousand wiles, was scarcely 
 able to extricate himself, with a few of his sons, 
 from the scene of slaughter : he, however, at last 
 rejoined Faribarz; and they hastened, with the re- 
 mainder of their force, wounded and dispirited, to- 
 wards the king — 
 
 " Their bodies perforated like sieves, from arrow-wounds, 
 
 " And every cheek tinged with jaundiced hues ; 
 
 " One smitten on the head by the ponderous mace, 
 
 " Others crushed by the wielder of the club ; 
 
 " The faces of some still covered with clotted gore, 
 
 " And others still smarting from the well-tempered sword." 
 
 Kai Khusrau, on beholding their condition, was ex- 
 ceedingly afflicted, and lost in amazement : he gave 
 full loose to the reproach of his uncle, and addressed
 
 252 
 
 him with bitter taunts: — *' The cause of this cata- 
 " strophe, and the source of this dreadful misfortune, 
 " proceeded from disobedience of my orders and 
 " neglect of my instructions. You leagued your- 
 " self with Tus, and therefore did not adhere to 
 *' my advice. It has been observed by the sage, 
 ** that whenever subjects oppose the sovereign's 
 " rules, and deviate from his commands, the con- 
 " stitution of the world is thereby corrupted ; the 
 " interests of mankind go to ruin_, military disciphne 
 ^' is subverted, and the concerns of the cultivator 
 " neglected." The complaints made by Gudarz, of 
 the want of firmness on the part of Faribarz during 
 the action, caused additional blame to be cast on 
 him : the world-protecting sovereign, however, dis- 
 tinguished Gudarz by his royal favom's ; to which he 
 added hberal promises, and ordered him, at the head 
 of the rank-breaking heroes, once more to return 
 to Turan, and avenge himself on Afrasiab. At this 
 time, also, Tus, having found intercessors, was set 
 at liberty; and an imperial edict was issued, enjoin- 
 ing him to accompany Gudarz on the expedition. 
 As soon as a mighty army was again assembled, 
 the chiefs of Iran once more turned to the regions 
 of the East ; and Afrasiab, on learning the intelli- 
 gence, appointed Piran with a force of valiant cham- 
 pions, who regarded the day of battle as the night
 
 253 
 
 of revelry, to encounter Gudarz. When the armies 
 drew nigh each other, they became agitated, and 
 put into movement, hke the heavens : with death- 
 dealing weapons they mutually displayed scenes of 
 heroism and intrepidity : but at last, the soldiers of 
 Iran were again put to rout, and obliged to fortify 
 themselves in Mount Hamavun, which is also called 
 Nartu ; and the men of Turan, having come to the 
 foot of the mountain, exerted themselves in making 
 prisoners, slaughtering, and harassing them. In 
 the course of these events, the Khakan of China, 
 and Shaukal Prince of Hindustan, with mighty 
 armies more numerous than the sands of the sea, 
 came to assist Piran Wisah : on which, the sol- 
 diers of Iran began to despair of safety. After this 
 despondence, by the mandate of the king, whose 
 munificence is boundless as the ocean, Rustam 
 Dastan joined the soldiers of Iran; and having again 
 elevated the standard of slaughter and contest, 
 he seized, in the lasso of captivity, Kamus, who 
 had assisted the invaders. The flames of carnage 
 and battle raged with increased violence during 
 many days, until the Khakan himself was taken 
 prisoner: on this, the remainder of the invaders, 
 crying out '' Whoever saves his head has acquired 
 great gain," turned away from the field of battle. 
 The rose-bowers of Khorasan being thus delivered
 
 254 
 
 from the vile thorns of traitors and rebels, Riistam 
 and Gudarz, crowned with triumphant success, 
 hastened to kiss the feet of the monarch of the 
 human race. Some time after this event, Kai Khus- 
 rau, again reflecting with himself on the iniquitous 
 proceedings of the Turkish prince, issued forth an 
 order to four Generals, each accompanied by se- 
 veral thousand horse, to advance, in four opposite 
 directions, on the capital of Afrasiab : among these, 
 Gudarz with the banner of Gavah, which the kings 
 of Iran never lost sight of, was detached towards 
 Balkh ; it being the king's intention to set out im- 
 mediately after him, in the same direction. When 
 Afrasiab heard of the arrival of Gudarz, he sent 
 Piran Wisah and his brothers with a mighty host, 
 numerous as the stars of heaven, powerful as the 
 ocean-billows, to give the invaders battle ; heedless 
 of this truth, that when prosperity is to be suc- 
 ceeded by reverses, and happiness exchanged for 
 calamity, no advantage can then accrue from abun- 
 dant preparation, extent of power, greatness of 
 wealth, or the number of troops ; — according to the 
 saying of the sage : 
 
 " When the period is expired, no resource is of any avail." 
 
 When the two armies met, and the hostile ranks on 
 both sides encountered, the lion-like champions, 
 and the heroes of the lists of war, shot, like the sun's
 
 255 
 
 rays, over the field of battle : with four-bearded 
 arrows \ heart-rending daggers, and head-crushing 
 maces, they made the expanse of the field of battle 
 like the red willow. The dreadful slaughter con- 
 tinued three days, mth such unceasing fury, that the 
 wide plain was turned into mountain and hill fi-om 
 the heaps of the slain and wounded : — 
 
 " If with the eye of reflection you contemplate this earth, 
 " You will discover thousands of heads under your feet, 
 " How could you discover congealed blood in the heart of the 
 
 stone, 
 " If a thorn from heaven had not pierced the bosom of the 
 
 mountain ? 
 " The rose-bud imprints a. scar on the breast of the ocean ; 
 " Or if not, from what cause proceeds its parched lips and 
 
 humid eyes ? 
 " Pass with the rapidity of wind over the tulip-beds, 
 " That you may behold the crowned heads in the dust, drowned 
 
 in blood." 
 
 In this battle, Piran Wisah fell by the hand of 
 Giidarz; Yazdah, a Turanian chief, was slain by 
 Yazdah of Iran ; and Gurshlwaz, brother to Afi-a- 
 siab, met with the recompence due to his deeds : on 
 the whole, nearly two hundred thousand men fell 
 on the side of Afrasiab, and the rest fled in dismay. 
 At the moment of gaining this memorable victory, 
 the Pisciform royal banner of Kai Khusrau became 
 visible in the horizon of the field of battle : on
 
 256 
 
 which Gudavz commanded every bannered chieftain 
 to raise his standard, and place around their respec- 
 tive ensigns their prisoners and slain : after giving 
 these orders, he hastened in due ceremony to meet 
 the royal train, and laid the position of affairs be- 
 fore the king. Kai Khusrau, casting a glance on 
 each ensign, knew by this how each chieftain had 
 conducted himself. When he came to that of 
 Gudarz, and beheld the body of Piran Wisah, he 
 burst into tears, and, alighting from his horse, laid 
 his blessed face for some time on that of Piran : he 
 then gave orders for the body to be well washed ; 
 after which it was wrapped up in pure garments of 
 great value, and interred in a suitable place. At 
 the foot of Geev's banner he beheld Gurshlwaz 
 lying prostrate ; on which he again dismounted, and 
 severed the traitor's head from the vehicle of his 
 body. He next held a public assembly, in which 
 he rendered the chiefs of the army delighted and 
 encouraged by royal distinctions and munificent 
 donations. To Faribarz he gave the provinces of 
 Kerman, Ky, and Mekran : to Gudarz, the revenues 
 of Isfahan, Jirjan, and Kuhistan : the other chiefs 
 were also rewarded in the same proportion, so as 
 to satisfy their desires, and secure their attachment. 
 When the account of Piran Wisah's death reached 
 Afrasiab, he sent his son Shidah, with a great and 
 powerful army, to give Kai Khusrau battle. The
 
 257 
 
 hostile armies encountered each other in the plains 
 of Kh'arazm; and a dreadful combat ensued, in 
 which Shldah having fallen by the hand of Kai 
 Khusrau, that prince said, " Kh'ar razml bud," i. e. 
 " This was an easy victory," or " Khar razmi ;" from 
 which expression the country was called Khoraz- 
 mia. The victorious monarch then directed his 
 march to Kunk, the imperial residence of Afrasiab, 
 in the fort of which he besieged him; and that 
 prince, at last despairing of succour, fled from the 
 castle by a mine, which he had prepared against 
 an emergency of this nature. On this, Kai Khus- 
 rau having won the castle, all the relations and 
 veiled beauties of Afrasiab fell into his hands ; but 
 they found so secure an asylum in the shelter of 
 the victor's generosity and attention, that no kind 
 of violence was offered them. Afrasiab long wan- 
 dered about, as a fugitive, in different parts of the 
 world; but was at last made prisoner in Azarbai'jan, 
 and brought before Kai Khusrau. Some writers 
 say, that at the expiration of three days he was 
 put to death, by the command of the sovereign of 
 the world; whilst others assert, that the king, on 
 beholding him, felt emotions of compassion to such 
 a degree, that Gudarz, alarmed lest Afrasiab should 
 obtain a guarantee for hfe, without the king's per- 
 mission dehvered the captive's body from the in- 
 cumbrance of his presumptuous head. Kai Khus- 
 rau being thus dehvered from the hostihty and
 
 258 
 
 alarm of Afrasiab, removed from Azarbai'jan to 
 Balkh. Whilst in that country, he one day having 
 assembled the chiefs of the military, the Ministers, 
 and the chief cultivators, thus addressed them : — 
 " The deductions of reason, and the evidence of 
 " History, uniformly prove, that whatever proceeds 
 " from nonentity to the high road of existence is 
 " impressed with the calamitous traces of death ; 
 " and also, that whatever assumes the garments of 
 " creation and permanence in the regions of ex- 
 " istence, falls under the dread necessity of perish- 
 " ing. What reliance can therefore be placed on an 
 '' accident which comes to an end ? or on a power 
 " pregnant with the seeds of dissolution and de- 
 " struction ? My direct road and sure path is to 
 " dissever, with the shears of divine grace, all con- 
 " nexion and attachment to worldly concerns; so 
 " that perhaps, through the attraction of God's in- 
 " spiration, joined to holy illumination and desires, 
 " I may finally be associated with the inhabitants of 
 " the angehc spheres, and become the companion 
 " of those who dwell in the mansions of hoHness. 
 
 " As long as Thy love has not entirely divested me of eg-otism 
 " I cannot sit v^^ith Thee according to my wishes, freed from self: 
 " I am the thorn of my own way. Release me from myself, 
 " That distinctions of persons may be effaced, and Thou and I 
 blended into one ^ ! " 
 
 ( ) It is unnecessary to observe, that these four lines allude to 
 the Sufee doctrines of absorption or identification with the Deily.
 
 259 
 
 When he had concluded this harangue, he appointed 
 Lohorasp his successor ; at the same time earnestly 
 exhorting and entreating all people to pay due de- 
 ference to his commands and prohibitions. Having 
 urged them on this head with anxious earnestness 
 and impressive eloquence, at the expiration of the 
 same day he bade adieu to his former officers of 
 State, and the veiled matrons of unspotted honour — 
 
 " At the moment when the peacocks of the stars 
 " Expanded over the skies their pinions and tails ; 
 " When they enveloped the face of Nature in pitchy darkness, 
 " And filled with smoke the space from earth-bearing Piscis to 
 the moon." 
 
 He then departed from among the people, and no 
 one ever after found a trace of him. It is recorded 
 in some Tarikhs, that Sulaiman (on whom be 
 peace!) having made preparations for seizing Kai 
 Khusrau, that prince fled from Istakhar towards 
 Balkh, where he perished. Ferdausee also relates 
 his disappearance in such moving strains, that tears 
 stream from the reader's eyes whilst sympathy burns 
 up his heart. Whoever desires more knowledge on 
 this subject, must read some of that writer's works. 
 The generality of historians assign to Kai Khusrau 
 a reign of sixty years ; but the author of the Tarikh 
 Maajem says thus : — 
 
 " When during a hundred years this celebrated prince 
 " Succeeded in accomplishing whatever he desired, 
 s 2
 
 260 
 
 " He was, like the truly sage, at last convinced 
 
 " That this world is but a mirage, and we the thirsty travellers : 
 
 " The more the parched wanderer urges on his speed, 
 
 " The more he increases his consuming thirst. 
 
 " He conferred the imperial diadem on Lohorasp, 
 
 " And declared him heir to the Kaianian throne and crown." 
 
 Hafiz Abru thus records in his Tarikh : " Histo- 
 rians inform us that Kai Khusrau made for himself a 
 shrine, with a pulpit ; which accompanied him in 
 every expedition, and every place of residence : in 
 this, like the Prophets of old, he offered up prayers, 
 worshipping God in unity, and exhorting mankind 
 to adore the High and Almighty Lord." 
 
 Some of the people of Farsistan state him to have 
 been a prophet : they also say that he made restitu- 
 tion of whatever had come to him from former 
 kings, which had been extorted from the cultivators 
 by unjust means : also, if one cultivator oppressed 
 another, he took back from the oppressor the pro- 
 perty of the injured person, and restored it to him 
 who had been wronged : he also granted an allevia- 
 tion of imposts, and maintained the mihtary from 
 the treasury. He summonsed none but the mihtary 
 to his service : the Rayas were masters of their own 
 conduct; and in whatever aid he demanded of them, 
 he adopted no vexatious proceedings. This prince 
 deliberated carefully on every affair he undertook. 
 The very first day on which he ascended the throne 
 of sovereignty, he exhibited due attention to the
 
 261 
 
 commanders of the military, the nobility, the learned, 
 the Ministers of the State (that is, the masters of 
 the sword and pen, who moved in the circle of his 
 majestic train), the chieftains, feudal barons, and all 
 his subjects in general ; thus concihating and re- 
 joicing their hearts, and encouraging them by his 
 promise of justice and equity. The Kazee Baizawee 
 relates, in the Nizam-ut-tuwarikh, that among the 
 illustrious sages contemporary with Khusrau were 
 Pythagoras and Lokman the Sage : this, however, 
 contradicts the tradition which ascribes to the for- 
 mer, in the time of Jemsheed, the discovery of the 
 science of Music, as has been before stated in these 
 pages. It is one of his sayings, " Kiiow that the 
 *' stability of the king and the cultivators is founded 
 " on wealth, which the Almighty has constituted the 
 " means of putting in order the concerns of this icorld 
 " and the tiext : cultivation is the source of wealth, 
 " nay, its mine:"" that is, the stability of the king 
 and his people depends on wealth, which God has 
 appointed the means for both worlds : cultivation 
 and improvements are its fountain and its mine ; 
 that is, the concerns of the world, and the advan- 
 tages of the children of Adam, are set in order by 
 means of wealth : in the season of undertaking and 
 engaging in important concerns, it is impossible to 
 enter into or commence them without the posses- 
 sion of riches, which therefore constitute the most
 
 262 
 
 precious happiness and the most valued present 
 conferred by the nine heavens or the four elements' : 
 regard them, therefore, as being of high importance, 
 and expend them on the proper occasion ; for the 
 source of wealth, nay, its mine, arises from the dif- 
 fusion of justice, the increase of liberaHty, alleviation 
 of imposts to the cultivators, and the increase of 
 population : it therefore behoves every prince, who 
 is desirous of treading with firm and unshaken step 
 the sanctuary of dominion, or of remaining free and 
 secure from the capricious revolutions of Fortune, to 
 attend carefully to these maxims, and never swerve 
 from these principles. Kai Khusrau's title was, 
 Mubarak, or Blessed ; and, by the blessing of God, 
 his story is now completed ''. 
 
 C^) Literally, " By the sublime fathers and the mothers beneath." 
 (d) " The history of Kai Khusrau corresponds, in several particu- 
 lars, with the history of Cyrus, as given by Herodotus. Siawush 
 was the son of Kai Kaoos, but educated by Rustam. He was 
 compelled, by court intrigues, to fly to Afrasiab, the king of 
 Turan, whose daughter he married, and by whom he was after- 
 wards slain. He left a son called Kai Khusrau ; whom Afrasiab 
 resolved to put to death, lest he should revenge his father's death : 
 but this cruel intention was defeated by the humanity of his 
 Minister, Piran Wisah, who preserved the child, committed him 
 to the care of a shepherd, and had him educated in a manner suit- 
 able to his rank. The young prince afterwards effected his 
 escape to the court of his paternal grandfather, Kai Kaoos, and 
 was placed on the throne of Persia during the lifetime of that 
 monarch. The first act of his reign was to make war upon his 
 maternal gramlfather, Afrasiab, whose armies were commanded by 
 Piran Wisah. This humane Minister was defeated and slain:
 
 263 
 
 THE REIGN OF LOHORA'SP.^ 
 
 The Tarikh Maajem calls Lohorasp, grandson to 
 the brother of Kai Kaoos. There appeared no prince 
 of the Kaianian race more distinguished for ardour, 
 magnanimity, excellence, eloquence, hberality, and 
 strength of mind : but with so many good qualities, 
 he was severe and implacable, and never spared the 
 offender : the sharp-edged sword and the point of 
 the resplendent lance were the invariable instru- 
 ments of reproof and punishment employed by him. 
 When Kai Khusrau inscribed on him the characters 
 of royalty, the nobles of Iran were opposed to his 
 elevation : the aged Zaul, in particular, mentioned 
 many things unfavourable to Lohorasp ; but Kai 
 Khusrau not only prevented him from holding such 
 discourses, but even induced him to display great 
 earnestness for Lohorasp 's election : and Zaul hav- 
 ing by such means obtained pardon for his pre- 
 
 Afrasiab met with the same fate, and his territories fell into the 
 possession of his victorious grandson. Kai Khusrau, after this 
 conquest, and many other acliievements, determined to spend the 
 remainder of his days in religious retirement : he proceeded to the 
 spot he had selected, where, we are told, he disappeared ; and his 
 train, among whom were some of the most renowned warriors of 
 Persia, perished in a dreadful tempest. — This tradition seems to 
 allude to the slaughter of Cyrus, and of his whole army, by the 
 Scythians under Tomyris." — Malcolm's Persia. 
 
 (^) " The reign of this prince probably includes those of Cam- 
 byses and Smerdis." — Ibid.
 
 264 
 
 sumption, filled his mouth with dust. Some writers 
 however maintain that Zaul never consented to the 
 authority and dominion of Lohorasp, nor ever paid 
 him homage; which misunderstanding entailed de- 
 struction on the children and descendants of both 
 parties. Lohorasp being now undisputed sovereign, 
 caused a throne of gold, set with precious stones, to 
 be made, and fixed the imperial residence in Balkh. 
 The Ajemite historians assert that the Sultans of 
 Hindustan and Cheen girt their loins in implicit 
 obedience to his sway ; also, that during his reign 
 he devoted himself, more than preceding monarchs, 
 to the subjugation of the world : they besides ascribe 
 to his reign the precedency and gradations of re- 
 ceivers and comptrollers observed among the Mini- 
 sters of Finance. At the time of his appointing 
 Reham, son of Gudarz, who is by some styled 
 Bakhtnasar, to the command of Irak Ajem, he said 
 to him, "Lead an army towards the western regions, 
 " and whatever countries you subdue in that quar- 
 " ter shall be dependent on you ; no other cliief 
 " shall interfere with them." Although, on a former 
 occasion, om' descriptive pen has narrated in these 
 pages, from the Kitab Ghaniyeh and other Histories, 
 the actions of Bakhtnasar, and his laying waste the 
 Temple of Jerusalem ; however, at present, in rela- 
 ting the history of Lohorasp, the humble writer 
 could not reconcile to himself to leave this work
 
 265 
 
 destitute of what Tabari says on this subject ; which 
 is as follows : — Bakhtnasar directing his course to- 
 wards the regions of the West, after long and toil- 
 some marches arrived on the confines of Shaum 
 (Syria) : from thence he advanced to Damascus, of 
 which place he made himself master, by an arrange- 
 ment with the inhabitants : he then detached one 
 of his nobles against the Holy Temple, where at 
 that time reigned a king descended from Daood (on 
 whom be peace !) This prince also made a treaty 
 with Bakhtnasar's General ; who, taking the great 
 men of Israel for hostages, set out on his return. 
 
 On coming to Tiberias^ a city of Shaum, he re- 
 ceived this account: '" The Children of Israel have 
 raised a sedition against their king; and said to 
 him, ' You have dealt treacherously by us, in not 
 giving battle to the commander sent by Bakht- 
 nasar : ' after which they put him to death, and 
 made ready for battle." The above-mentioned 
 commander having stated this to Bakhtnasar, re- 
 ceived from him this order : " Remain in your 
 " present position until I join you; after which, we 
 *' will go together, and give them battle." Bakht- 
 nasar also ordered him to put the hostages to death ; 
 and then went in person against the Holy Temple, 
 where he committed the greatest devastation. As 
 to the other traditions about Bakhtnasar, such as his
 
 266 
 
 delivering Jeremiah, and his expedition against 
 Egypt, they by no means contradict what has been 
 before mentioned : being obhged to have recourse 
 to repetition, this much is sufficient. The same 
 Tarikh informs us, that Lohorasp had two sons, 
 named Gushtasp and Zareer ; the former of whom 
 resembled the lofty, gracefully-waving cypress, tower- 
 ing on high over the streams of good fortune, or the 
 moon, in the zenith of the sphere of royalty, arrived 
 at the limit of perfection : divine splendor and 
 royal majesty were manifestly pourtrayed on his 
 enlightened countenance; the fragrance of empire, 
 and the gales of authority, diffused their sweet odour 
 on every side. Notwithstanding this, Lohorasp 
 distinguished the sons of Kai Kaoos, and those of 
 former princes, beyond his own children; so as to 
 entrust them with authority over the provinces, and 
 the transaction of the most important concerns. 
 This conduct so greatly mortified Gushtasp, that 
 he induced a nmnber of persons to enter into his 
 views, hoping by their co-operation and exertions 
 to gain an influence in the concerns of the State. 
 Lohorasp got information of the design ; and Gush- 
 tasp having learned that his plot was discovered, 
 through dread of his father's rigid nature and 
 harsh disposition, quitted the kingdom, and, being 
 accompanied by a body of chosen domestics, began
 
 267 
 
 to traverse the earth with the velocity of the wind, 
 until he reached the territories of Room. He 
 soon became so remarkable in that country for in- 
 trepidity and activity, that he attained high offices 
 and honourable distinctions. In short, it happened 
 at that period to be customary with the Caesars, 
 when their daughters amved at maturity, and con- 
 sequently were of an age to marry, to convene a 
 general assembly, at which the nobility and the 
 people were alike present : the emperor's daughter 
 then rode through the meeting, with an orange in 
 her hand ; and at whomsoever she threw the 
 orange, that person obtained the honour of being 
 the emperor's son-in-law. Whilst Gushtasp was 
 forced by circumstances to dwell in the kingdom 
 of Room, he heard that an assembly of this de- 
 scription was to be held : such an occurrence ap- 
 peared to him so extraordinary and novel, that he 
 went to behold it : he there saw the young nobility, 
 arrayed in splendid dresses and costly robes, che- 
 rishing presumptuous hopes. The emperor's daugh- 
 ter, whose name was Kitabun'', passed through the 
 assembly, surveyed each one, and then threw the 
 orange towards Gushtasp : — 
 
 " My heart looked much around to the right and to the left ; 
 " But my heart forsook the idols, and wished for Thee alone." 
 
 ( ) In some Manuscripts, Kattyoon, probably a corruption of 
 Khatoon, a " lady." — Malcolm's Persia.
 
 268 
 
 As Gushtasp was a stranger without power or splen- 
 dor, the emperor was incensed at Kitahun's con- 
 duct ; and though he gave her to the prince, he pre- 
 vented all kind of intercourse between him and his 
 bride. After this event, the emperor discontinued 
 that custom, and proclaimed : " I have two more 
 ** daughters behind the curtain of seclusion : these 
 '' I will bestow on whoever slays the dragon in 
 " such a valley, and the Hon in such a thicket." 
 There were at this time, in Room, two young 
 princes very desirous of being allied to the empe- 
 ror, although not possessed of sufficient bravery to 
 slay these monsters : they therefore consulted some 
 sage advisers for some remedy, and by their ad- 
 vice transferred the undertaking to Gushtasp, who 
 at this period was pointed out as one endued with 
 irresistible force and undaunted courage. The 
 princes having accordingly applied to him on this 
 subject, Gushtasp slew both the lion and the dragon. 
 During a long time he told no one of the circum- 
 stance ; and the princes, who claimed to themselves 
 the glory of the enterprise, obtained the emperor's 
 daughters. It happened, after this, that Gushtdsp 
 was engaged in playing at ball before the king ; 
 when he displayed such a decided superiority over 
 the other players in the management of his chukan, 
 that the emperor inquired into his state. Gush- 
 tasp, in relating some particulars of his story, gave
 
 269 
 
 such an account of the manner in which the lion 
 and dragon were slain, that the real circumstances 
 were now ascertained. On this, the emperor be- 
 came reconciled to Gushtasp, offered many apo- 
 logies for his former conduct, and distinguished him 
 by accumulated favours and munificence. It is said 
 in some Tarikhs, that, during all this time, Gush- 
 tasp never uttered a word about his family to the 
 emperor or his daughter, but gave himself the ap- 
 pellation of Farrakh Zad : it is also stated, that 
 the emperor having obtained the victory over 
 many powerful enemies through the prince's ef- 
 fectual aid, at last, by his instigation, sent ambas- 
 sadors to Lohorasp, to demand tribute and contri- 
 butions. Lohorasp, who was astonished at this 
 presumption and boldness, at last ascertained that 
 such insolence and rashness could only proceed from 
 the reliance he placed on the support and aid of a 
 certain person. After this, Lohorasp, to concihate 
 his son, gave to Zareer a crown and throne, and 
 despatched him with a numerous army of brave 
 warriors to the confines of Room. When the ac- 
 counts of Zareer's approach became known, the 
 emperor transferred to Gushtasp the conduct of this 
 important affair. The prince, in the first place, ob- 
 tained permission to advance alone towards the 
 troops of Iran ; and afterwards, according to circum- 
 stances, to take measures for peace or war. As soon
 
 270 
 
 as Gushtasp drew near his brother, the two lumina- 
 ries were in conjunction, and the eyes of the Iranians 
 were enlightened by the sight of Gushtasp : then, 
 according to his father's command, they placed the 
 crown on his head, and seated him on the royal 
 throne. After this ceremony, he sent the following 
 message to the sovereign of Room : " The emperor's 
 " presence is desired, in order that this important 
 " affair may be settled agreeably to his wishes." 
 The emperor hastened to the army of Iran ; and, 
 on beholding his son-in-law seated on the throne, 
 
 " The emperor knew full well this is Gushtasp, 
 
 " The bestower of splendor, on the throne of Lohorasp/' 
 
 Gushtasp received him with every demonstration 
 of honour and respect, and seated him by his side : 
 after which, they celebrated the prince's nuptials 
 with entertainments, banquets, feasting, and re- 
 joicing : on the termination of which, the emperor 
 sent his daughter Kitabun to Gushtasp, along with 
 bridal gifts and rare objects which in quantity and 
 value exceeded the powers of calculation. The 
 prince then set out for Iran ; and after some days 
 was admitted to the honour of kissing his father's 
 hands ; so that he extinguished the violent fever 
 arising from the headache of events by the draughts 
 of social intercourse. The zone of respectful obedi- 
 ence was so bound about his very soul, that the 
 signs of his good service were met by glances of
 
 271 
 
 approbation, and he was thus raised from the abyss 
 of disgrace to the pinnacle of glory. At this period, 
 Lohorasp, having convened an assembly in the pre- 
 sence of his Ministers and the nobles of his empire, 
 appointed his beloved son as Vicegerent; conferring 
 on him absolute power in all circumstances, either 
 to relax or bind, to close up or break down : after 
 which ceremony, embracing seclusion and retire- 
 ment, he devoted himself wholly to the acquisition 
 of spiritual perfection, the attainment of the me- 
 morials of purity, laying up the treasures of good 
 works, and rearing aloft the steps of celestial glory. 
 The author of the Tarikh Maajem says, on this 
 head : 
 
 " When old age had impressed its traces on Lohorasp, 
 
 " He declared Gushtasp his successor to the supreme rule ; 
 
 " Whom, in his final precepts, he thus addressed: ' O distin- 
 
 ^ished man ! 
 " Turn not aside from your ^andsire's institutes and paths ; 
 " But whilst in this world, pass through life 
 " As preceding sovereigns have done. 
 
 " I was once possessed of kingly power, treasures, and hosts ; 
 " Iran and Turan were subject to my sway ; 
 " The very heavens revolved according to my desires ; 
 " The splendors of the sun and moon beamed forth from my 
 
 pavilions : 
 " But now the bird of life begins to droop the wing ; 
 " The star of my prosperity sets in pain ; 
 " Neither youth, nor iron mace, nor force remain : 
 " Nothing is now left of me, except a glorious name. 
 " If you, too, desire a virtuous fame, 
 " This is the only road to glorious repute.' "
 
 272 
 
 The reign of Lohorasp lasted one hundred and 
 twenty years; and he was styled Balkhl, because the 
 greatest part of his reign was passed in that region. 
 Many historians record, that he abandoned Istakhar 
 through fear of Sulaiman, and therefore fixed his 
 abode in Balkh. It is one of his sayings, that the 
 sovereign, in punishing offenders, and afterwards 
 taking them into favour, acts the part of an intelli- 
 gent and humane physician ; who, on being obliged 
 to cut off one member in order to remove the 
 malady of the body, is obliged, after the operation, 
 to sew up what was lacerated, and heal whatever 
 was morbid : that is, the sovereign, in the correction 
 of the criminal, the punishment of sinners, the re- 
 compensing of iniquitous deeds, or taking vengeance 
 on guilty conduct, resembles the ingenious physi- 
 cian and the skilful leech, who propose to cure the 
 diseased hmb by incision, cautery, or amputation, 
 and so purify it in the first place from all morbid 
 matter ; after which he necessarily promotes the 
 re-production of the flesh, the closing up of the inci- 
 sions, the junction of the dissevered parts, and the 
 healing of the wound. Whenever, therefore, a ruler 
 detects guilt in his attendants or officers, let him 
 order the infliction of the punishment, the due re- 
 ward of such conduct, so that oppressors and trans- 
 gi'essors may not, through impunity and audacity, 
 be prompted to undertake, with increased boldness, 
 enterprises which are either foul or criminal; nor be
 
 •273 
 
 induced, by insolence, to attempt such enormities. 
 After such correction, the prince must endeavour to 
 heal and alleviate : let him apply the balm of for- 
 tune to the wounds of justice : let him pass away 
 from the recollection of guilt ; and cover the past 
 failings and defects with the mantle of pardon : for 
 the wise have observed, " Mercy, exercised in power, 
 exalts the ruler:' It is said, that as Nushirvan's 
 son was one day chastising a domestic with the 
 punishment of the scourge, he was accidentally ob- 
 served in the act by the upright monarch; who 
 asked his son, " What are you doing to that per- 
 son ?" The son answered, " I am correcting him." 
 On which the king replied : " Beware, lest, in 
 " setting him right, you do something wrong : in 
 *' honouring virtue, or punishing guilt, keep the 
 " middle path pointed out by the holy Law ; never 
 " allow yourself to transgress the bounds of modera- 
 " tion, that you may not become hable to reproach 
 *' or the punishment of blood, nor be found de- 
 " serving of censure and reprobation." Lohorasp 
 also said, '' There is frequently a general soundness 
 and a particular infirmity ;" that is, there are many 
 healthy conditions co-existing with some infirmity, 
 which however causes not injury or detriment to 
 what is sound. 
 
 " Wherever it is necessary to apply actual cautery, 
 " Should you affix a healing plaster, it is of no avail."
 
 274 
 
 A SHORT MEMOIR RESPECTING THE AGE IN WHICH ZOROASTER 
 APPEARED. 
 
 It seems almost impossible to ascertain the period in 
 which Zoroaster lived : the conflicting testimonies of some 
 writers assign 5000 or 500 years before the Trojan War ; 
 6000 years before Plato ; 600 years before the Expedition 
 of Xerxes into Greece ; and others fix his appearance 
 under Darius the son of Hystaspes. 
 
 The profound Stanley, in his Lives of the Philosophers, 
 reckons up six Zoroasters— the Chaldaean, or Assyrian; 
 the Bactrian, contemporary with Ninus ; the Persian, or 
 Medo-Persian ; the Pamphylian ; the Proconnesian, men- 
 tioned by Pliny ; and the Babylonian, the master of 
 Pythagoras, according to Apuleius. Tliis learned critic 
 remarks, that we must not be surprised if the name of 
 Zoroaster, one of the benefactors of the human race, be 
 given to those who in after ages distinguished themselves 
 in a similar career. 
 
 Hyde supposes Darius to be the Gushtasp of Oriental 
 writers; fixes the reign of this prince at 519 b.c; and 
 maintains there was only one Zoroaster, who lived under 
 Darius the son of Hystaspes. 
 
 Buddaeus, in his History of the Old Testament, vol.1, 
 on weighing the opinions of Stanley and other authorities, 
 comes to this hazardous conclusion : — " If we carefully 
 " consider all this, it follows, that every thing said about 
 " this ancient Zoroaster is exceedingly uncertain, and 
 " that there are grounds for doubting whether such a 
 " person ever existed." But in his 2d volume, he allows, 
 ^vith Hyde, that there was a Persian Zoroaster, under
 
 275 
 
 Darius the son of Hystaspes ; and from the authority of 
 Pocoek, who quotes Shahristam and Abulfeda, he admits 
 " that Zoroaster was the Reformer of the rehgion of the 
 " Magi, and that this Legislator acknowledged but One 
 " Supreme, independent Principle, the source of light and 
 " darkness, good and evil." 
 
 Prideaux demonstrates, from Classical soiu'ces, that 
 Zoroaster, the author of the Zendavesta, must have lived 
 between the beginning of the reign of Cyi'us and the end 
 of the reign of Darius Hystaspes. He also admits, rely- 
 ing on the authority of Pliny, a preceding Zoroaster, who 
 lived 600 years before Darius. 
 
 Bruncker, in his History of Philosophy, gives a simimary 
 of all that has been wi'itten on the subject. He admits two 
 Zoroasters ; the first a Babylonian astronomer ; the se- 
 cond a Perso-Mede long after him, who appeared under 
 the reign of Darius Hystaspes. 
 
 In order to approximate to the age in which Zoroaster 
 lived, we must have recourse to three sources of informa- 
 tion—Ancient Writers, Oriental History, and the surviv- 
 ing Parsee Records. 
 
 The testimony of those who lived in the third, fourth, 
 and fifth centuries of the Christian era, and to whom the 
 history, books, and religious opinions of the Persians were 
 more familiar than to those who lived in subsequent 
 periods, must have no small weight in this inquiry. 
 Ammianus Marcellinus, a Latin writer of the 4th century, 
 in the 23d Book of his History, states, that " the Bactrian 
 " Zoroaster, in remote ages, made many additions 
 " to the rehgion of the Magi, which additions were de- 
 " rived from the mysteries of the Chaldajans ; and after 
 
 T 2
 
 276 
 
 " him Hystaspes, a most sage monarch, the father of 
 " Darius. This prince, in pursuit of knowledge, having 
 " penetrated into the remote parts of Northern (Superi- 
 " oris) India, reached a secluded place amidst forests, the 
 " calm retreats of which were inhabited by Brahmins of 
 " the most exalted order : being counselled by them, he 
 " directed his utmost attention to learning the principles 
 " of the motions of the universe and the stars, also the 
 " pure forms of worship. A part of what he had thus ac- 
 " quired he inculcated on the minds of the Magi; which 
 " they handed down to their posterity, in conjunction with 
 " the science of foretelling future events." This passage 
 appears decisive as to the fact of Hystaspes having intro- 
 duced important improvements into the religion of Zoro- 
 aster; and all Oriental writers agree that this prince long 
 survived liim. The same author styles him " a Bactrian;" 
 a designation perfectly suitable to Zoroaster the Persian, 
 whose mission was principally exercised in Bactriana ; and 
 equally applicable to Gushtasp or Veshtasp, the proselyte 
 of Zoroaster, and sovereign of the country bordering on 
 India. The History of the Brahmin Chingrenghacheh 
 proves the relations maintained by this prince with the 
 Brahmins of India : the same History informs us, that his 
 Vizir, Jamasp, also travelled thither, to enjoy the advan- 
 tage of being instructed by this learned Brahmin. 
 
 It thus appears, that the Hystaspes of Ammianus Mar- 
 cellinus is the Gushtasp under whom, according to the 
 Zend Records and Oriental History, Zoroaster appeared : 
 and as the historian adds, that the prince was the father 
 of Darius, he fixes the era of the Persian Legislator to the 
 6th century b. c. As to the Hystaspes of whom Lactantius
 
 277 
 
 speaks, in his Divin. Institut. lib. xii. c. 15., the books of 
 revelation then current in his name, and his prophecy 
 about the destruction of Rome long before its foundation, 
 these particulars merely attest this prince's reputation, 
 and, in point of authority, may be ranked with the Sibylline 
 Verses. Porphyry, de Abstinent, lib. 4. states that Darius 
 the son of Hystaspes wished to have recorded on his mo- 
 nument that he instructed the Magi. In Oriental writers, 
 we find Esfendiar, the son of Gushtasp, equally zealous, 
 and, moreover, commissioned by Zerdusht himself, to pro- 
 tect and propagate the new religion. 
 
 St. Clement of Alexandria, in a. d. 206, who fixes the 
 era of Pythagoras about the 62d Olympiad, states, that 
 he was a zealous follower of Zoroaster, and that he con- 
 sulted the Magi. Jamblicus, in his Life of Pythagoras, 
 cap. 4, states, that Pythagoras was taken prisoner by 
 Cambyses, and carried with other prisoners to Babylon ; 
 where, in his intercourse with the Magi, he was instructed 
 by them in their most holy modes of worship. Apuleius, 
 in lib. 2. states, that " Pythagoras was taken prisoner by 
 " Cambyses, and carried into Egypt, where he was in- 
 " structed by the Magi, and particularly by Zoroaster 
 " himself: but the more general opinion is, that he went 
 " to Egypt voluntarily to study the Egyptian sciences, 
 " and from thence set out to consult the Chaldaeans and 
 " the Bralunins." 
 
 Diogenes, cited by Porphyry, says that Pythagoras, 
 when in Babylon, was instructed by Zabratus. Alex- 
 ander, who lived 86 b. c, in his book on Pythagorean 
 Symbols, as quoted by St. Clement of Alexandria, a. d. 
 206, states that the Greek philosopher was taught by
 
 278 
 
 Nazaratus an Assyrian ; a name which is perfectly suit- 
 able to Zoroaster, a native of Urmia, a town of Azarbaijan, 
 bordering on Assyria. It seems therefore exceedingly 
 probable, that the Zoroaster of Apuleius is the same as 
 the Zabratus of Porphyry, and the Nazaratus of St. Cle- 
 ment of Alexandria. 
 
 These different authorities unite in placing Zoroaster, 
 the author of the Zendavesta, in the middle of the sixth 
 century B.C. The doubts expressed by Pliny, in his Nat. 
 Hist. lib. 30. about the number of Zoroasters, and the 
 appearance of an ancient Median Legislator, named Azo- 
 naces, 5000 years before the Trojan War, cannot weaken 
 these united testimonies about the latter Zoroaster. 
 The first Zoroaster, or Azonaces of Pliny, agrees with the 
 Hom, or Heomo, the first and most ancient of Persian 
 Lawgivers. According to the Parsees, the first apostle 
 of the pm-e Law introduced by Zoroaster (which law is 
 merely the expression of the word of Ormuzd and exist- 
 ing from all eternity) was Hom or Heomo. Tliis cele- 
 brated personage presided at the primary distribution of 
 the waters, and imparted the necessary instinct to li^dng 
 Beiuo:s. He instructed men to celebrate the Ferouers or 
 Intellectual Essences for whom the universe was created. 
 Zoroaster teUs the Parsees, that " Hom was the first priest 
 '• of the Law which he now conununicates to them ; and 
 " that this Law was from the beginning practised in 
 " Heaven, fi'om whence also Hom received the distinctive 
 " marks of the holy girdle and surplice." It however 
 appears, from the Zendavesta, vol.1. Part 2. p. 107. that 
 in the time of Hom the Law was not accompanied by the 
 numerous ceremonies afterwards engrafted on it; and,
 
 279 
 
 also, that it was followed by comparatively few believers. 
 In consequence of this, Ormuzd proposed anew the Law to 
 Jemsheed, who was born to Vivengham in consequence of 
 the prayers addressed by liim to Horn or Heomo. To 
 this proposalJemsheed replied, that he was not sufficiently 
 pure to practise the Law, meditate on it, and impart it to 
 the human race : but he agreed to render the world 
 fertile, happy, abundant, and carefully governed, on 
 condition that Ormuzd made death and evil disappear 
 from the world during his reign. Jemsheed paid particular 
 adoration to fire. This simple law, which recognised one 
 Supreme Being, author of two subordinate principles, 
 the festivals and ceremonies of which were few in number, 
 and had relation to the origm and order of the universe, 
 is entitled Poeriodekesh (dekesh, law, poerio, first). On 
 this account Jemsheed and liis successors are called Pesh- 
 dadians ; that is, men of the First Law. 
 
 Such is the account given in Parsee records about this 
 primitive Legislator, who is undoubtedly meant by Pliny 
 in this passage. The similarity of his name to the sacred 
 Om of Menou is so evident to every Oriental scholar, that 
 it is only necessary to notice the remarkable coincidence. 
 The concurrent testimony of Persian records informs us, 
 that Azerbad Malu-espand, who was a celebrated prophet 
 in the reign of Shahpur, the successor of Ardeshir Babe- 
 gan, A.D. 240, was the tiiirtieth descendant from Zoroaster. 
 Twenty-nine generations, at four to a century, make 1'25 
 years : to this let there be 40 added, for the probable 
 age of Azerbad at the time of his assuming the prophetic 
 mission: if from the sum 765 we subtract 240 of the 
 Christian era, there will remain 5o5, the time in which
 
 ^80 
 
 Zoroaster lived b. c. There are four generations assigned 
 to a century; because, according to the Law of Zoroaster, 
 marriage is regarded as an act of religion, and children 
 looked upon as the steps or ladders for ascending to 
 Heaven. The consistent observance of this precept must 
 have tended to multiply the generations in the Legisla- 
 tors family. 
 
 We arrive at the same conclusion by taking into ac- 
 count the reigns of the Persian monarchs, from the time 
 of Gushtasp to that of Shahpur, in the following manner : — 
 The most-esteemed Oriental works present a series of 
 twenty- eight or twenty-nine princes from Gushtasp, un- 
 der whom Zoroaster appeared, until the time of Shahpur 
 (Sapores), including that prince ; but on account of the 
 interval wliich these works suppose between Alexander 
 and the fii'st Ashkanian prince, we may lengthen one or 
 two reigns, or assign a longer period to the Ashkanian 
 dynasty. 
 
 The chronological tables prefixed to the Shah Nameh 
 give twenty-six kings and one queen from Gushtasp to 
 Shahpur, the second Sassanian king; and reckoning 
 Esfendiar, the father of Behmen, we have twenty-eight 
 sovereigns, of whom the last eighteen were of the Ash- 
 kanian dynasty ; but some of those were of the doubtful 
 dynasty of Ashg, according to certain writers. Justin 
 tells us, in lib. 41. c.4. that during the first Punic War, in 
 the Consulship of L. Manlius Vulso and M. Attilius Regu- 
 lus, 256 A.c, the Parthians, commanded by Arsaces, re- 
 volted against the Macedonians : and as Artaxerxes, or 
 Ardeshir Babegan, tlie fii'st Sassanian, ascended the Per- 
 sian throne a. n. 225 or 22G, this computation gives about
 
 281 
 
 481 years' interval between Arsaees and Artaxerxes, 
 The chronological tables of the Shah Nameh assign to 
 the eighteen Ashkanian princes 466 years ". 
 
 The Nizam-ut-tavarikh assigns the dynasty 430 years ; 
 but the sum of the nineteen reigns amounts to only 415. 
 The Majmel-ut-tavarikh assigns 41 1 years and eighteen 
 princes to the Ashkanian dynasty. 
 
 In the Ferhang Jehangiri, and the Burhani-kati, under 
 the head of Kashmir, we find that Zoroaster planted two 
 cypress-trees under a happy aspect of the planets ; one in 
 the village of Kishmar in Khorasan; and the other in a vil- 
 lage of Tuz, called Ferumad or Farmad, also in Khorasan. 
 The Magi believe that he had brought the roots or parent 
 shoots of these two trees from Paradise. The Khalif 
 Mutavakkel, one of the Abasside Khalifs, when about to 
 build a palace, gave orders to Taher, the son of Abdallah, 
 the governor of Khorasan, to have that tree felled, and 
 conveyed to Bagdad. The Khalifs order was executed, 
 although the Magi offered 50,000 dinars for the preser- 
 vation of the tree ; which had then, by undisputed tradi- 
 tion, stood 1450 years. The first year of Mutavak- 
 kel's reign is 232 of the Hejira, a. d. 846 ; and the last is 
 246 of the Hejira, a. d. 860. The 1450 years, if lunar, being 
 reduced to solar, give nearly 1408 : from which, accord- 
 ing as we subtract 860, the beginning of MutavakkeFs 
 reign, or 872, the end of his reign, there will remain 
 
 C) The greatest difference and confusion rest on this point: 
 the Boun-dehesh-pehlevi gives 280 years : the Jamaspi, 265 : the 
 Shah Nameh in general, 200 : the Tavarikh Shah Nameh, 176 : 
 the Tebkat Naseri, 211, and eight kings : the Rauzat-us-safa, 372, 
 and seventeen kings : the Tebkat Naseri says, " Some reckon 276 
 years from Alexander to Ardeshir, but the Christians count 550."
 
 282 
 
 575 or 548 years b.c. for the time in which Zoroaster 
 planted this cypress : but if we look on the 1450 as solar 
 years, tliis event must have occurred either in 604 or 
 590 B.C. 
 
 Freret quotes from the history of Chinese Astronomy of 
 P. Gaubil, that in a.d. 599 there came into China some 
 people from the West, who, according to the author of the 
 Notes on the History of the Mongols, brought with them 
 the Mahommedan Law : but a little consideration shews 
 that to be impossible, as the grand epoch of the Hejira, 
 A.D. 622, is long subsequent to this. The same authority 
 adds, that they preserved their laws and mode of comput- 
 ing time ; and fi'om the names of their months it appears 
 that they were Persians. The same author states, that 
 the Chinese year wliich corresponds to a.d. 1384 was the 
 786th since thei r arrival in Cliina ; and also, that they had 
 an era or period, in counting from which, that year was 
 the 1942d, and (Consequently commencing 558 b.c. 
 
 As the Persian history of that period presents no cele- 
 brated reign nor astronomical pheenomenon, it must evi- 
 dently be the remarkable era of the reformation intro- 
 duced by ZoroaJiter, and of liis mission : it besides comes 
 within fifteen or sixteen years of the time positively stated 
 in the Mujmel-ut-tavarikh, as that in which Zoroaster, 
 the author of the Zend writings, made liis appearance. 
 
 From these united testimonies and conclusions we are 
 therefore justified in assigning the appearance of Zoro- 
 aster, the author of the Zendavesta, or the reformer of 
 the religion of the Magi, to the middle of the sixth cen- 
 tury b.c. Acad. des. Tn script, torn. 37.
 
 283 
 
 THE REIGN OF GUSHTA'SP.* 
 
 The hand of authority plucked the flower of justice 
 from the trees planted in the garden of his prospe- 
 rity : the eye of command contemplated the features 
 of equity in the mirror of his perfections : in short, 
 Gushtasp was reckoned a prince exalted in power, 
 abundant in justice, sublime in energy : he however 
 engaged in one criminal undertaking, namely, his 
 adopting the faith of Zerdusht. The Tarikli Bina 
 Gitl, and the Tarikh Maajem, state, that Zerdusht, 
 the sage, appeared at this time : he was at first in- 
 structed by one of the disciples of Jeremiah the 
 Prophet, until he had learned the sciences of the 
 Arabians : he is said to have devoted himself parti- 
 cularly to astrology, and to have ascertained, from 
 the positions of the stars, that some one resembling 
 Moses was to appear, to whom the reflection of the 
 Creator of light and darkness would manifest itself, 
 through the brilliancy of fire and his search of it; 
 which afterwards gave rise to his pretensions. Satan, 
 after this, suggested to his mind, " The promised 
 person is a type of thyself;" on which, Zerdusht 
 gave himself up to retirement, seclusion, and holy 
 meditation, to such a degree, that a glory shone 
 round him, through the multitude of his austerities : 
 
 C) The Darius Hystaspcs of the Greeks.
 
 284 
 
 from the want of some spiritual guide to make him 
 surmount the obstacles of presumption and idle 
 vanities, Satan exhibited to him that splendor under 
 the form of fire, and began to converse with him 
 from the midst of it. Zerdusht collected all his 
 conversations with Iblis, in a book called by him 
 Zend-pazend ; and reckoning himself a prophet, ex- 
 horted the people to embrace the faith of the Magi 
 and the worship of fire. It is to be observed, that 
 the name of Zindik is given to the heretics who be- 
 lieve in this book. The people are always so prone 
 to sedition, that even while the grapes of events 
 were still unripe, they commenced their fanatic pro- 
 ceedings : in Azarbai'jan, particularly, great multi- 
 tudes, deluded by Zerdusht, laid their heads at his 
 feet, and the seducer spoke to them after this man- 
 ner : — " I am a prophet : the Holy Spirit aids me to 
 " reveal the secrets of futurity : he has brought me 
 ** a communication from the Almighty, the Holy 
 " One." When this declaration was made pubhc, 
 the fame of Zerdusht was circulated by every tongue, 
 and the Zend-pazend had become the topic of 
 general conversation : his praises were at last re- 
 peated in the court of Gushtasp, so that this prince 
 testified a desire to see him. As the king attached 
 great importance to an interview with Zerdusht, he 
 set out from the confines of Balkh with a numerous 
 retinue and great pomp to meet him ; so that mat-
 
 285 
 
 ters were finally brought from the mystery of con- 
 cealment to the certainty of demonstration. Gush- 
 tasp afterwards, through the exertions of his son 
 Esfendiar, came over to the religion of the Magi, 
 and erected fire-temples in all parts of his dominions. 
 He also commanded twelve thousand cow-hides to 
 be tanned, and made into sheets as fine as the skins 
 of the gazel, on the pages of which, illumined with 
 gold and silver, were inscribed things which ought 
 to have been committed to the flames, namely, the 
 subtle delusions which proceeded from the corrupt 
 nature of Zerdusht. Gushtasp, on his arrival at 
 Istakhar, ordered a vault to be made, in which the 
 Zend-pazend was deposited with great solemnity, 
 and also appointed a considerable force to guard it : 
 at the same time that he prohibited the common 
 people from being instructed in it, he exhorted the 
 nobility to guard and peruse it. He next put to 
 death a great many who were opposed to the re- 
 hgion of the Magi, so that all people embraced the 
 worship of fire : being convinced how necessary it 
 was to abandon the path of opposition and hostility, 
 therefore they all exclaimed with one accord, 
 
 " Internally and externally we are branded with the character of 
 
 conformity : 
 " Internally we are as you; and outwardly also we are the same." 
 
 The Guebres (on whom be the curses of the Al- 
 mighty!) relate strange things of Zerdusht; among
 
 286 
 
 which is the following : — God had originally created 
 the soul of Zerdusht in a tree, which was placed in 
 the highest firmament : after which his essence was 
 removed into a cow; of whose milk Zerdusht's father 
 having partaken, the influence of it was communi- 
 cated to his mother. Satan however, being deter- 
 mined to destroy the child, breathed on his mother 
 with a pestilential blast, so that she became sick ; 
 but the same instant a voice from Heaven said to 
 her, " Thou shalt find relief from these pains ;" 
 after which her affliction was changed into health. 
 At the moment of Zerdusht's birth, he laughed so 
 loud, that all present heard the sound distinctly. 
 As soon as he was grown up, he retired to one of 
 the mountains of Ardebil'', on his descent from which 
 he held a book in his hand, and said, " This 
 *' volume has descended to me from the roof of the 
 " house which is on that mountain." This volume 
 he called the Zend ; but as its meaning was not in- 
 telligible to all men, he gave the name of Pazend 
 to a Commentary written to explain it. The follow- 
 ing is another of those traditions : — Zerdusht had a 
 kind of fire, which he could handle without injury to 
 
 (b) Ardebil, a city of Azarbai jan, part of the Ancient Media: 
 here are the tombs of the Shaikhs Sefi and Haidar, ancestors to 
 the royal family of Persia. These two holy personages are highly 
 venerated by the followers of Ali, and have procured for Ardebil 
 the title of Holy.
 
 . 287 
 
 himself; and when Gushtasp came to see him, he 
 put some of it into the king's hands, who was also 
 unhurt by it : and the same result followed when 
 put into the hands of others. Ibn Athur records, 
 that the fire at present worshipped by the Magi is 
 derived from this ; which, according to their behef, 
 has never been extinguished. It is also said, that 
 Zerdusht lay down on the threshold of the fire- 
 temple, and ordered ten rotoli of brass to be put 
 into four crucibles, which, when melted, was poured 
 on his breast : whatever part of the metal touched 
 his breast was instantly turned into small globules, 
 nor was there a visible trace of any injury sustained 
 by him. Some writers assure us, that Gushtasp, in 
 the beginning of his reign, not only opposed the 
 tenets of Zerdusht, but even detained him in prison 
 during seven years : it however happened, that one 
 day the royal train came to some place, where sud- 
 denly his horse's feet were so drawn into his belly 
 that not a trace of them was discernible, so that all 
 the people exclaimed with wonder, " What can be 
 the cause of this ?" Gushtasp, sending for Zerdusht 
 out of prison, asked him to explain this extraordi- 
 nary event : to whom Zerdusht thus answered : 
 " This has been caused by your unbelief: you are 
 '* not obedient to me, who am a prophet : now, 
 " therefore, if you will obey me, I shall pray to the
 
 •288 
 
 " Almighty to restore your horse's feet." To this 
 proposal Gushtasp having agreed, Zerdusht prayed 
 to God ; upon which the horse was straight restored 
 to his former state, and the king immediately pro- 
 fessed his belief in the prophetic mission of Zerdusht. 
 In short, there are many things recorded of this per- 
 sonage, which, if repeated at full length, would be 
 the cause of too great prolixity. Hafiz A'brii relates, 
 in his Tarikh, that Gushtasp sent an annual tribute 
 to Turkestan ; but this was now prevented by Zer- 
 dusht, who said to him : " It does not become a 
 " sovereign, adorned with the collar of true faith, to 
 ** send tribute to an idol-worshipper :" — 
 
 " Thus spoke the aged Zerdusht to the youthful monarch : 
 
 " ' It is not in conformity with my tenets 
 
 " That you pay tribute to the sovereign of Cheen ; 
 
 " Such conduct is unworthy of those who profess my faith,' " 
 
 On this, Gushtasp kept back the tribute : and as 
 all the people of Iran had now embraced his belief, 
 Zerdusht, besides, thus addressed the king : — ■" Now 
 " is the time to give battle to the Turks ; for it is 
 " not permitted to those who adopt my faith to 
 " maintain communion with infidels : they are as- 
 " sisted by Satan, but our support and aid come 
 " from the Great and Glorious God." 
 
 Gushtasp, in the first instance, on account of the 
 solemn treaty entered into between himself and 
 Arjasp, the prince of Turkestan, sent ambassadors
 
 289 
 
 to that sovereign, exhorting him to embrace the reli- 
 gion of the Magi. Arjasp, being indignant at such a 
 proposal, sent back to the king a letter to the follow- 
 ing purport : " If thou do'st not renounce thy newly- 
 " adopted faith, and return to the behef of thy father 
 " and forefathers, I will instantly proceed with an 
 " army against thee, and lay the kingdom of Iran 
 " desolate." This letter was no sooner received by 
 the sovereign of Iran, than he became agitated by 
 rage like the troubled ocean : he sent for Zureer 
 and Esfendiar, to whose perusal and consideration 
 he submitted the epistle : 
 
 " To these he shewed the insulting language 
 
 " Addressed to him by the haughty Prince of Turan." 
 
 They were astonished at the conduct of Arjasp, 
 and thus replied : " The treaty between us is abro- 
 gated." They next despatched, in concert, to Tur- 
 kestan a letter full of reproaches : on the receipt of 
 which by Arjasp, he issued orders for assembling 
 his hosts ; after which, he marched to Iran at the 
 head of such an immense force, that the wide earth 
 was crowded by their multitudes. Gushtasp ad- 
 vanced with a mighty host to meet the invaders ; 
 and he besides promised Esfendiar, in case he gained 
 the victory through his means, to resign to him the 
 crown and throne. Both armies being drawn out 
 in order of battle, there ensued a contest, the like 
 of which has never been described by any one : at 
 
 u
 
 290 
 
 last the Turks fled in confusion, five of the sons or 
 brethren of Arjasp having been deprived and de- 
 spoiled of the splendor of life. When victory had 
 thus declared for Gushtasp, he returned in triumph 
 to the imperial residence, but detached Esfendiar 
 to subdue the regions of Azarbai'jan and Armenia, 
 and to erect fire-temples in those countries. During 
 Esfendiar's absence, one of the Ministers traduced 
 him to the king, and said, " His ambition prompts 
 him to rebel, and aim at the sovereign power." This 
 conversation made so deep an impression on Gush- 
 tasp, that he ordered the prince to be put in chains : 
 therefore, on his return from the expedition, he was, 
 by his father's commands, imprisoned in the Fortress 
 of Girdkuh, in the district of Rudbar*". Arjasp 
 reckoned this a favourable opportunity for reta- 
 liation, and therefore made an incursion as far as 
 Balkh, where he put to death the aged Lohorasp, 
 who had retired to that place : he also sent the 
 
 C) Rudbar, a district of the Jebal (mountainous region), or 
 Irak Ajemi, the seat of the Ismaelian dynasty of Heretics ; the first 
 of whom was Hasan, the son of Subah. This dynasty comprehended 
 eight princes, who reigned 171 years, beginning from a. d. 1091, 
 or 485 of the Hejira. They were styled Shaikh-al-jebal ; which, trans- 
 lated literally, means Chief or Old Man of the Mountain. These 
 were the Princes of the Assassins so frequently mentioned in the 
 History of the Crusades. The Fortress of Girdkuh was on a detached 
 mountain, so situated as to be commanded by no other eminence : 
 it means, the round mountain, or the mountain round which there 
 is an open route. The fortress was also called Zar Gumbadan, or 
 the Golden-domed.
 
 291 
 
 daughters of Gushtasp into captivity into Turkestan ; 
 and, having unsheathed the hostile sword, advanced 
 against Gushtasp himself. The sovereign of Iran, 
 being defeated by Arjasp, was obliged to fly, and 
 fortify himself in a certain castle famed for impreg- 
 nable strength. He repented of his former conduct, 
 and felt convinced that nothing, save the aid of Es- 
 fendiar, could preserve his hfe from destruction. 
 He therefore despatched his brother Jamasp to the 
 Fort of Girdkuh, to liberate Esfendiar, to give him 
 hopes of the crown, and to implore him to come 
 with all expedition to encounter Arjasp. Esfendiar 
 at first sternly refused ; but at last, giving way to the 
 exhortations and counsels of his uncle Jamasp, with 
 one effort of his mighty arm he tore his chains 
 asunder, and returned to his father's service. The 
 following day he descended from the castle, and 
 gave battle to Arjasp : in this engagement, such 
 multitudes of the Turks were slaughtered, that the 
 survivors were forced to a precipitate flight. After 
 this celebrated victory, Gushtasp thus said to Es- 
 fendiar : " The dignity of Sultan is yours by right : 
 " it would however be a great disgrace for me to 
 *' encircle your brows with the imperial diadem, or 
 " for you to repose on the royal couch, whilst your 
 " sisters remain captives in the power of your foes." 
 This speech stimulated the heroic energy of Esfen- 
 diar : he therefore selected from the forces of Iran 
 
 u 2
 
 292 
 
 twelve thousand horse and as many foot-soldiers ; at 
 the head of whom, accompanied by his brother 
 Gudarz, he set out to take revenge on Arjasp. 
 With respect to this expedition of Esfendiar's against 
 Rueen Diz, or the Brazen Castle, and his conquest 
 of Arjasp's kingdom, the Ajemite historians tell 
 such extraordinary things, that they cannot be ad- 
 mitted by the intelligent critic : but as they have 
 been recorded in all the histories of Fars, the writer 
 of the present work does not judge it proper to 
 omit them in these pages. We are informed in 
 several works, that Esfendiar, in the course of his 
 journey, came to a place from which there were 
 three routes to Rueen Diz, the capital of Arjasp : 
 one of these, along which there was abundance of 
 water and plenty of forage, could be travelled over 
 in the space of six months ; the second, along which 
 there was but a scanty supply of water and pro- 
 visions, would take up one month ; and the third, 
 called Haft Khan, could be traversed in one week ; 
 but in this last route there were many formidable 
 impediments, from lions, enchanters, snows, and 
 other causes. Esfendiar gave orders to his brother 
 Bishutun to advance by the second road ; whilst he 
 himself, with a body of chosen warriors, a quantity 
 of valuable merchandize, precious effects, and dia- 
 monds of the finest water, resolved to enter by the 
 Pass of Haft Khan in the guise of a merchant.
 
 293 
 
 having made this arrangement with Bishutun: — 
 " When you come near Rueen Diz, halt in such a 
 " place ; but on the night you behold the flames of 
 " conflagration ascending from the fortress to the 
 " ninth heaven, you are to rush on to battle from 
 " every quarter, with your troops duly marshalled, 
 " and the loud din of drums and trumpets." In 
 short, when Esfendiar, having escaped all the 
 dangers and terrors of Haft Khan, drew near the 
 Fortress of Arjasp, this report was spread through 
 the town and the citadel : " A noble merchant is 
 " coming hither from Iran, because he has expe- 
 " rienced great wrongs in the commercial transac- 
 " tions which have occurred between him and Es- 
 " fendiar : he has therefore fled from him, to seek 
 " an asylum with the sovereign of the Turks." This 
 report having reached that prince, he sent for the 
 merchant ; and Esfendiar hastened to kiss the king's 
 feet, bringing with him, by way of present, lucid 
 gems of the finest water, suitable to the splendor 
 of a crowned head. Arjasp questioned the pre- 
 tended merchant about the toils of the journey, and 
 received him with great benignity : also, whenever 
 Esfendiar approached the king, he always brought 
 suitable presents, so that he became exalted by the 
 royal notice, and was admitted to the society of the 
 nobles and Ministers : in short, his intimacy, and the 
 esteem entertained for him, continued to augment
 
 294 
 
 every day to such a degree, that Arjdsp at last as- 
 signed him a palace near his own. 
 
 When Bishutun, with the Iranian troops, had com- 
 pleted the jom'ney of one month, they approached 
 the concerted halting-place, and the appointed time 
 drew near. At this conjuncture, Esfendiar requested 
 permission from Arjasp to invite the nobles and chiefs 
 of the fortress to an entertainment : this request 
 being granted, at the moment when the monarch of 
 the stars retired to the palaces of the West, Esfen- 
 diar, under pretence of preparing the feast, kindled 
 a number of fires. Bishutun, on beholding the rising 
 blaze, having ordered all the trumpets to sound and 
 the drums to beat, immediately advanced to the 
 walls with his troops in order of battle. Dreadful 
 consternation seized the city when this alarm was 
 spread — " A foreign enemy is come to assail us !" 
 All the horsemen having of course sallied out of the 
 city, Esfendiar took advantage of the favourable 
 moment, and with his small band of chosen heroes 
 spread havoc and dismay throughout the place : 
 from every quarter of Rueen Diz tumult and uproar 
 so assailed the ears of the Turanians, that they 
 became stupefied through astonishment and terror. 
 Esfendiar, having intercepted the communication, 
 put to the sword every one who fled from the 
 fortress, as well as those who from without en- 
 deavoured to enter it ; whilst, on the other side.
 
 295 
 
 Bishutun put to the sword all who were opposed to 
 him : in short, on that gloomy night the dawn of Afra- 
 siab's prosperity, with that of his brethren, was en- 
 veloped in the darkness of woe and destruction. 
 On that same night, Esfendiar, having got posses- 
 sion of his sisters, sent Arjasp's white elephant, laden 
 with Afrasiab's golden throne, to Gushtasp, and the 
 kingdom of Turan became the seat of desolation. 
 At last, when many regions of the East had been 
 subdued, the government of the country was, by 
 Esfendiar's desire, entrusted to one of the sons of 
 Agreeras; whose prophetic mission was acknow- 
 ledged by the Turks ; and whose posterity for many 
 successive generations was seated on the throne, 
 until the time of Iskander of Room. On terminating 
 this enterprise, Esfendiar is said to have erected 
 fire-temples in Cheen, Macheen," and the adjacent 
 regions, obliging all these nations to embrace the 
 faith of the Magi. From thence he journeyed, along 
 the sea, towards Hindustan, where he also caused 
 the worship of fire to be generally adopted. On his 
 return from thence, his father sent him to the West ; 
 
 ("*) Cheen and Macheen, two brothers, descendants of Japhet; 
 from whom, according to Oriental writers, China derived its name. 
 When they wish to express the whole extent of that great empire, 
 they make use of these names, which are diminutives or derivatives 
 from Gog and Magog, or Yajuj and Majuj, the progenitors or 
 patriarchs of the most remote nations on the north, east, and south 
 of Asia. — D'Herbelot.
 
 296 
 
 from which having also come back in triumph and 
 safety, with immense spoils, he claimed the crown 
 agreeably to the stipulated conditions. But Gush- 
 tasp laid hold of the following pretence to delay his 
 resignation, and said to him : " You have certainly 
 " subdued distant cities, and brought mider com- 
 " plete subjection the refractory chieftains of the 
 " remotest regions ; still, however, Rustam remains 
 *' in the centre of the empire, neither acknow- 
 " ledging my authority, nor conforming to my 
 " faith : my mind feels great alarm from that quar- 
 " ter : it is therefore necessary for you to repair to 
 " Zabulistan, and to bring him hither, laden with 
 " chains ; after which, through your intercession, 
 " the pen of forgiveness shall blot out the volumes 
 " of his crimes : thus will he feel grateful towards 
 *' you, and the glory of your prowess and your 
 *' great j^fame be more widely diffused over the 
 " whole world." Esfendiar replied : *' Although I 
 " well know that you only propose to put off and 
 " evade the fulfilment of your promise, and that 
 " hostility against Rustam is unjust, still, obedience 
 *' to your commands is one of the most sacred of 
 *' duties ; for if I were to oppose them, I should 
 " thereby incur equal reprobation and censure in 
 " the sight of God and man." After this, though 
 with great reluctance, he advanced at the head of 
 a mighty army towards Sistan ; and on arriving near
 
 297 
 
 the confines, he sent Behmen, his son, to find out 
 Rustam. Behmen, in obedience to this order, 
 hastened on his mission, and from the top of a 
 mountain discovered Rustam in the hunting-ground, 
 engaged in roasting an onager on a spit of tamarisk- 
 wood ^ He was filled with wonder on beholding 
 the hero's gigantic figure and frame : he however 
 rolled down a huge rock from the summit of the 
 mountain towards him, which, on coming near, was 
 hurled to a distance by the point of the hero's foot. 
 Behmen was astonished at such a proof of Rustam's 
 unequalled strength ; and said to himself, with melan- 
 choly forebodings, " It will be difficult for Esfen- 
 diar to subdue such a man." Behmen then came 
 down to Rustam, and delivered his message to the 
 hero : on which, the champion of the world, with- 
 out delay or hesitation, hastened to tender his 
 homage ; and, during the interview, performed all 
 that was requisite to prove his submission and 
 respect. Esfendiar then began the following dis- 
 course;— ''Gushtasp, my father, says thus : That you 
 " aspire to supreme power and royal sway ; for 
 *' during my reign, you have not come to pay 
 " homage, nor have you ever presented the cus- 
 " tomary congratulations to your sovereign." To 
 this Rustam replied : '' I have always openly avowed 
 
 («) This wood communicates an agreeable flavour to the meat.
 
 298 
 
 '* and acknowledged my devoted attachment to the 
 *' king ; but your ancestors made me independent, 
 " and exempted me from personal attendance at 
 "court: notwithstanding which, had I not been 
 " prevented by weight of years, I would long since 
 '* have waited, like victory, on the fortunate stirrup." 
 The mighty Rustam having pre\iously offered these 
 excuses to Esfendiar, begged that he would confer 
 on him the honour of visiting his abode, *' that I 
 " may have an opportunity of presenting treasures, 
 " and diffusing wealth." Esfendiar decHned this 
 offer, and said, " My father's positive command is, 
 to bring you in chains to the foot of the throne." 
 Rustam was at first disposed to obey the royal 
 firman; but on quitting Esfendiar, he consulted his 
 father Dastan, who did not agree with his son on 
 this subject. The next day the champion of Iran 
 entered the audience-hall of Esfendiar, and there 
 arose between them a great contention ; and al- 
 though the details of the dispute between the prince 
 and the champion of Iran fully demonstrate the 
 prowess and intrepidity of both, yet our amber- 
 scented pen, regardless of the amplification and 
 prolixity of some of the improbable traditions on 
 this head, could not presume to record them. 
 From God proceed protection and faith !
 
 299 
 
 THE CONTEST BETWEEN RUSTAM AND ESFENDIA'r. 
 
 It is related, that when Rustam returned to the 
 audience-hall of Esfendiar, the prince seated him on 
 a chair of gold, and thus addressed him : " Gush- 
 " tasp, my father, has sent me to seek you : now, if 
 " you obey his mandate, I engage to promote with 
 " zeal the prosperous issue of all your desires and 
 " wants ; and to act in such a manner, that the sove- 
 " reign of the world shall not only dismiss you in 
 " safety, but even exalt your dignity by augmenting 
 '' your mihtary tenures." Rustam requested that 
 the prince should first take the trouble of coming to 
 his abode, and pass there a few days in the enjoy- 
 ment of festivity, and take whatever portion he 
 pleased of his treasures and diamonds ; after which, 
 whatever the prince commanded should be imme- 
 diately complied with. But Esfendiar placed the 
 hand of repulse on the breast of this request, and 
 said : " Gushtasp is a sovereign ; and I am come by 
 " his orders to bring you in chains to the foot of 
 " the throne, the source of monarchy." Rustam, 
 being incensed at this reply, said : " I have per- 
 " formed such mighty deeds in the world, that, even 
 ** in the midst of assembled princes, the seat of 
 " honour has always been assigned me ; whilst you 
 " seated me on a chair, and, giving others the place 
 " of precedency, have thus degraded me : and in
 
 300 
 
 " addition to all this, you besides purpose, pursuant 
 " to the mandates of Gushtasp, to take me in 
 " chains to the foot of his throne : — 
 
 " Who said, Go bind in chains Rustam's hands and heart ? — 
 " The might of the lofty heavens cannot bind me in chains I" 
 
 Esfendidr then answered : " Considering that you 
 " are not of human race, nor sprung from the sons 
 ** of men, you widely deviate from your condition, 
 '* by returning so harsh an answer ; for I have 
 " heard from those of former times, that Zaul was 
 " the offspring of evil spirits, by whom he was ex- 
 *' posed in his infancy on the bank of a river : 
 " there the Simurgh^ seized him, and took him to 
 " her nest as food for her young ; but even they 
 " were so alarmed at his hideous countenance, that 
 " they would not devour him. The Simurgh too, 
 
 ( ^) " According to Oriental romances, this wonderful bird, the 
 Simurgh, or Enka, is endued with reason, for it speaks to those who 
 address it. In the Kaherman Nameh, or History of Kaherman, 
 this bird, in a conversation with that hero, states, that it has existed 
 during many revolutions of ages and Beings prior to the creation 
 of Adam. It is called Simurgh, as being equal in magnitude to 
 thirty birds. It is possible that Grecian Historians allude to this 
 fable of the Simurgh, when they relate that Achaemenes was nur- 
 tured by an eagle. He is termed the founder of the greatest family 
 in Persia : some authors state, that he was the second of this family. 
 Supposing Saum (who is, according to Persian authors, the founder 
 of the greatest family in their country) the Persis of the Greeks, 
 Zaul, who was nursed by the Simurgh, was his son. It is certain 
 that all these heroes had many names or titles. Persis, and some 
 name like Achaemenes, might have been those of Saum and Zaul." 
 
 Malcolm's Persia.
 
 301 
 
 regarding him attentively and perceiving his re- 
 pulsive features, suffered him to remain in a 
 corner of her nest and eat up the fragments of 
 their food. When he grew up, she cast him out 
 on the bank of the Helmund^; the inhabitants of 
 which place, on beholding his forbidding figure, 
 took him for some demon sent to destroy the 
 human race. Zaul then entered into the service 
 of magicians until the time of your birth ; and 
 when you were grown up to years of maturity, 
 my ancestors both educated you, and exalted you 
 by distinguished honours : but this day, altogether 
 forgetting your own rank and your father's, you 
 return insolent answers to princes, and keep not 
 within your proper limits." To this, Rustam re- 
 plied : " Dastan, of whom you give the account, is 
 the son of Saum, the Mubid or Sage, the son of 
 Nariman, the son of Gurang, whose mother was 
 of Cherubim race, who are far superior to all 
 mortals in endowments of body and mind. You 
 well know what mighty deeds Saum performed in 
 this world, how many a city he has rescued 
 from evil spirits and demons. Wherever calamity 
 shewed its face, Saum dehvered the people from 
 its woes ; and his mother was daughter to the 
 son of Azazeel. I too, all my life, have been 
 
 (*) Helmund or Hermund, the river which flows through and 
 fertilizes the Valley of Sistan.
 
 302 
 
 " styled the champion of the world : under my 
 " auspicious command, the soldiers of Iran have 
 " ever triumphed over their foes ; so that former 
 " emperors, on account of my deserts, treated me 
 *' with high respect, and bestowed on me the go- 
 " vernment of many regions. I am chief of the 
 '' true worshippers ; and my fame is durably in- 
 '* scribed on the records of royalty. When Kaoos 
 " appointed me king of Sistan, he conferred on my 
 " father the honour of the throne, and declared him 
 " his successor ; because he well knew that Zaul 
 '' was adorned with pre-eminent virtue and tran- 
 " scendent lineage. What unbounded toils and 
 ** pains have I not undergone for Kai Kaoos ! How 
 " many a fortress I have subdued ! When Kai 
 " Kaoos was taken prisoner, and confined by the 
 " king of Yemen in a pit — and who at the same time, 
 " by his enchantments, transformed Geev, Tus, 
 " and Gudarz into wild beasts — the kingdom of 
 " Iran remained seven years without a sovereign ; 
 ^* all were ignorant of his fate, excepting his 
 " mother Ferhang, who at last received some in- 
 ** telligence concerning his state : on this she 
 " hastened to Sistan, bringing with her a thousand 
 " camels laden with gold, many high-priced steeds, 
 " and four eloquent damsels selected by Kaoos 
 " out of as many thousands of female attendants.
 
 808 
 
 " Ferhang, in my presence, with tears and suppli- 
 *' cations, thus addressed me : ^ Take all those valu- 
 " able effects, and rescue my son from the hands of 
 " his enemies.' The damsels also kissed my head 
 " and face, saying, ' You are more deserving of us 
 " than any other, for you were dearer to Kaoos 
 " than his own children.' I answered them: * It 
 *' is not meet for me to appropriate to myself the 
 ^' king's damsels : moreover, the Almighty has be- 
 " stowed on me such treasures, that I stand not 
 " in need of any created Being.' To Ferhang I 
 " said : ' It will be necessary for you to go before 
 " Dastan, and request information from him where 
 " Kaoos is to be found, and how he is circum- 
 " stanced ; so shall I be enabled to form a correct 
 " plan of operations.' Ferhang thereupon repairing 
 '' to Zaul, stated to him in so moving a manner the 
 " calamity which had befallen her, that Dastan, taking 
 *' compassion on her, threw into the fire the feather 
 " given him by the Simurgh with this direction, 
 " * Whenever any difficulty befals you, throw this fea- 
 ** ther into the fire, and I will instantly appear, and 
 " exert myself to repair the calamity.' The moment 
 " he cast the feather into the flame, the Simurgh 
 " appeared : they placed censers of sandal-wood be- 
 '^ fore her ; and Ferhang, standing up, earnestly en- 
 " treated her son's deliverance : but the Simurgh 
 " paid not the smallest attention to her prayers.
 
 304. 
 
 " Dastan, on beholding this, addressed the Slmurgh 
 " with the most humble supplications and entreaties ; 
 " so that she at last consented to bear me to the 
 " country where Kai Kaoos was imprisoned. I 
 " straight put on my coat of mail, took up my arms, 
 " and saddled my good steed Raksh : the Slmurgh 
 " then, taking us both in her talons, bore us over 
 " many a wide sea and lofty mountain, and brought 
 " us in safety to the land of Yemen. I there drew 
 " my avenging sword, slew the wicked magician, 
 " drew Kai Kaoos out of the deep pit, took off his 
 *' fetters, restored Geev, Tus, and Bizhen to their 
 " pristine shape, and by my mighty prowess they 
 " returned once more in safety to Farsistan. Kai 
 " Kaoos having resumed the crown, and being firmly 
 " seated on the throne, bestowed on me great trea- 
 " sures, exalted my rank by the most illustrious 
 '^ dignities, and conferred on me, in fall sovereignty, 
 " the kingdom of Zabulistan ; and at the same time 
 " passed a decree, exempting me from personal 
 " service at court. My next adventure was with 
 " the demon Akwan, whom I encountered and slew 
 " on account of Kai Kaoos. In that engagement, 
 " when I fought against Afrasidb, he was over- 
 " powered by me in battle ; but his destined hour 
 " not having yet arrived, he escaped out of my 
 " hands by magic incantations : I however drove 
 " off and brought to Kai Kaoos thousands of choice
 
 305 
 
 " brood-mares, which werefastened up in the stables 
 " of Afrasiab. Next, when the magicians had taken 
 " away Faribarz, the son of Kaoos, and detained 
 '' him five years in prison, the king sent me against 
 " their country : on my arrival there, I gave them 
 " battle, delivered Faribarz. and brought him before 
 '^ Kai Kaoos. Next, when the king advanced into 
 
 - the country of the A'dyan, the White Demon, the 
 " protector of that region, raised such enchant- 
 
 - ments, that the king's eyes became so darkened 
 " that he could not distinguish objects : on this I 
 
 - exerted all my might to bring the foe within my 
 
 - grasp, and contrived devices to induce the demon 
 
 - to counteract his own spells : by these means the 
 
 - king's sight was restored; after which I put the 
 
 - white demon to death. Next, when, to soothe the 
 " king's mind, I hurled to the earth, and rent with 
 '' the dagger, the breast of my own son Suhrab, 
 *' a cavaher equal to whom never mounted the 
 " saddle-seat, from the time of Minucheher to 
 
 - the present. Again, when Sudabeh, daughter to 
 " the king of Yemen, had traduced Siyawesh to his 
 
 - father, so that he was forced to take refuge with 
 *' Afrasiab, where he was slain, I could not patiently 
 *' endure such a calamity, but departed from Sistan 
 '' and came to Kaoos : I beheld this prince, in his 
 " sorrow, descend from his throne, and seat himself 
 " in the dust of humiliation : my words to him were 
 
 X
 
 S06 
 
 harsh : I put Sudabeh to death, threw open the 
 doors of the treasury, and completely equipped at 
 every point a mighty host, with which I advanced 
 on Turkestdn. I then broke the power of Afrasiab ; 
 and in retahation for Siyawesh, shed so much 
 blood, that the mills of Turan were turned by 
 streams of Turkish gore. Afrasiab's crown and 
 throne were so entirely at my disposal, that, through 
 terror of me, he long time concealed himself on 
 the borders of the ocean ; whilst I assumed his 
 crown, and during seven years exercised the regal 
 power in Turan. Another of my valorous deeds 
 is this ; — when, in the reign of Kai Khusrau, 
 Bizhen had fallen into the hands of Afrasiab, he 
 was cast into a pit, on the top of which was 
 placed a rock of such size, that a hundred men of 
 might were unable to roll it from its place. On 
 this, Geev, the father of Bizhen, came to Sistan, 
 and said to me with supphcations and tears: 
 ' My son is confined in Turan, in the dungeons of 
 his enemies : none but you can dehver him.' I 
 arose, and repaired to Kai Khusrau : this monarch, 
 the favourite of fortune, joined in Geev's request, 
 and bestowed much praise on my zeal. Being 
 thus convinced of Kai Khusrau's attachment to 
 Bizhen, I set out for Turkestan, disguised as a 
 merchant, accompanied only by Gurkeen Milad ; 
 taking with me immense riches, precious-stones.
 
 807 
 
 *' fleet coursers, and other offerings suitable to 
 " Afrasiab's dignity, in order to deceive that prince, 
 " and induce him to assign me quarters near his 
 " own palace. I put in practice great humility, 
 " until I discovered where Bizhen was confined. I 
 « went to the place by night, removed the rock by 
 *' myself, and hurled it nine bow-shots from its 
 " place. Bizhen was drawn out from his dreary 
 " abode, and we set off together for Iran. We had 
 " travelled one or two days' journey, when Afrasiab 
 " sent to my quarters to look for me, but in vain ; 
 " and being at the same time told of Bizhen's 
 " escape, he pursued after us with a mighty host. 
 *' At last, both sides having approached each other, 
 *' I made a series of such attacks, that the army of 
 " Turan was discomfited, and Afrasiab had recourse 
 " to enchantments to render himself invisible to 
 " me. I thus brought back Bizhen in perfect safety 
 " to Iran, to the great joy of the king and the mili- 
 " tary. Kai Khusrau on this occasion made many 
 " excuses, and presented me with ample treasures, 
 " and armour of great value. He not only renewed 
 " my patent of sovereignty for Sistan, but also ex- 
 " alted my dignity to the heavens by the addition 
 " of many provinces besides. Thus my well-founded 
 *' claims are satisfactorily attested by the decrees of 
 *' KaiKaoos, and Kai Khusrau, his legitimate succes- 
 " sor : my high estimation and lineage, like the 
 
 X 2
 
 " world-illuminating sun in his meridian splendor, 
 *' are everywhere conspicuous. But you are son to 
 " Gushtasp, the son of Lohorasp ; and with my 
 *' own eyes I have seen the time when Lohorasp, 
 " mounted on his bay steed, rode alone despond- 
 " ingly through the provinces of Iran, of no more 
 " account than a blade of grass in the estimation of 
 " the people. The day on which Khusrau, the 
 " sovereign of the hosts numerous as the stars, 
 " appointed him his successor, my father thus spoke 
 " to the king : ' This office suits him not : he merits 
 " not such dignity :' but Kai Kaoos importuned 
 " Zaul so earnestly, that the hero, through indigna- 
 " tion, filled his mouth with dust :— 
 
 " My sire, the undaunted, highly-prized hero 
 " Swallowed dust in the assembly, through indignation 
 " That it became necessary to salute Lohorasp as king, 
 " And exclaim, ' May his regal title remain in the world ! ' 
 
 " Your mother too was a Roomite ; so that you, 
 " with such an origin, can have no pretension to 
 " vilify or reproach my descent. I have performed 
 " mighty deeds in the fortunate reigns of Kai Kobad, 
 " Kai Kaoos, and Kai Khusrau : in every case of 
 " particular or general emergency, these princes 
 " had recourse to me, sending me offerings and 
 " gifts : be not therefore so extravagantly puffed 
 " up with arrogance by your short-dated power and 
 ** dignity, for you are still a youth, inexperienced
 
 309 
 
 " in affairs, and have never tasted the genial heat 
 " nor chilling cold of fortune. The Almighty Lord 
 " expels from his court the man who is arrogant; 
 *' and he beholds not prosperity in this life." 
 
 Esfendiar then replied : " All that you have as- 
 '' serted concerning your bravery and heroism is 
 " strictly conformable to truth ; but this fancy of 
 " yours is reprehensible, that although knowing 
 " yourself to be of demon race, you still glory in 
 '^ such a descent : it is the more unjust and crimi- 
 " nal, as every one who is sprung from Iblis incurs 
 " eternal punishment ' — certainly, had you been 
 *' possessed of a little reflection or knowledge, such 
 " a pretension could never have proceeded from 
 " your lips ! This is surely a sufficient proof of the 
 '' charge, when you say, ' My mother is descended 
 " from Satan.' In the next place, you have uttered 
 " a direct falsehood in these words, ' The father 
 " and mother of Nariman were of angelic race.' 
 " You are sensible of the meanness of your origin, 
 " and, through confrision, sometimes make mention 
 '" of your relationship to angels, at other times of 
 " your connexion with Satan : thus you have had 
 " recourse to artifices to obtain a superiority over 
 *' one like me, who is unequalled and unrivalled in 
 *' the world ; whilst I, through piety and the grace 
 " of the Almighty, have performed deeds conducive
 
 310 
 
 " to the salvation of the people both here and 
 '' hereafter : until the extreme hmits of duration, 
 " the records of my accepted works shall be impe- 
 " rishably inscribed on the pages of Fortune. Many 
 " are the toils and woes I have undergone ; many 
 " the dreadful dangers into which I have plunged ; 
 " especially when, to perform the vnll of Heaven, 
 " by me the standard of the Law was exalted on 
 " high, the enemies of the true faith rooted out 
 '*" from the earth, the ensigns of evil spirits lowered 
 " to the dust, the drum of orthodoxy sounded 
 " over the seven chmates, and the people from 
 " west to east instructed by irresistible arguments 
 " in pure rehgion. I pride not myself on ground- 
 " less pretensions, nor do I say that I am de- 
 " scended from angels ; but I say, I am Esfendiar'', 
 '' the son of Gushtasp, a prince surpassed by none 
 " of the kings of Iran in purity of faith and righte- 
 " ousness of soul. As far back as Kai Kobad, his 
 " fathers maintained the true faith, and were 
 
 ('^) " Esfendiar is reckoned, with some probability, the Xerxes of 
 the Greeks, who led the famous expedition of the Persians into 
 that country. The Greeks always speak of Xerxes as the sovereign 
 of Persia ; but Esfendiar never had the name of king, though for a 
 time, when Viceroy at Balkh, he possessed regal power. Besides, 
 it is probable that Esfendiar had been associated in sovereignty 
 by a father who is stated to have always employed him in the 
 command of his armies and the government of a part of the 
 empire." — Malcolm's Persia.
 
 311 
 
 *' either kings or the sons of kings. You have told 
 " me my mother was a Roomite; an assertion which 
 " is certainly no disparagement to me. The kings 
 *^ of Room have always been opposed to those of 
 " Farsistan ; and next to the latter, there is no other 
 " nation possessed of such solidity of judgment : 
 " therefore, granting my mother's family and dis- 
 *' tinction, I have reason to be devoutly grateful to 
 '" Heaven ; — at least, I am not of the family of Satan. 
 *' Your boasting about the authority and honours 
 " conferred on you by Kai Kaoos is also rejected 
 *' by reason ; for had he been even moderately wise, 
 " such a measure could not have emanated from 
 ** him. You can however plead some excuse for 
 " now demanding the first seat, and rebelling against 
 '' your lord ; as you have been instructed by Kai 
 " Kaoos, who exchanged the grace of God for 
 " apostacy, and proceeded to such lengths in im- 
 " piety, that from corruptness of heart and blind- 
 " ness of understanding he attempted to ascend to 
 " heaven and contend in battle against the Great 
 " and Glorious God : he is therefore now known in 
 " the world as an instance of short-sighted reason 
 " and unholy fame, and is styled Nimrud. Besides 
 " this, you are sprung from the remnant of the re- 
 " belhous angels who disobeyed the Almighty and 
 " transgressed their proper bounds. If Kaoos, 
 " through whose partiahty your head has been
 
 SV2 
 
 *' raised to the skies, had been a person of any 
 " worth, the arts of magic could never have pre- 
 " vailed over him : but this alone is a sufficient re- 
 " proach to his memory, that he conferred a crown 
 " and bestowed a throne on a vassal hke yourself. 
 *' Those who were pre-eminent among the Elect 
 " bound the demons in chains ; whilst in this case, 
 " the demons seduced Kaoos from his proper course. 
 " — The assertion also which you have made, * The 
 " Simurgh bore me to Yemen,' supphes no reason 
 ** for exultation ; as without the Simurgh's aid I 
 " have gone to remote countries, and there ex- 
 " hibited such mighty deeds that for ages to come 
 " they shall be the theme of every tongue. But 
 " whether I visited the regions of Yemen or Hamlr, 
 " there is no occasion for such idle tales. When 
 " you talk of having dehvered Farlbarz from the 
 " enchanter, consider, that if he had been a righteous 
 " prince, no demon or magician could have pos- 
 " sessed power over him : so that you, O Rustam, 
 " pride yourself on the fortunes of oppressors and 
 *' tyrants. But I am Esfendiar, the son of Gushtasp, 
 " who have cleansed the face of the earth from the 
 " polluted existence of the wicked ; quelled what- 
 " ever tumults have arisen in the four quarters ; 
 " freed the world from the treason of the idolatrous 
 " and reprobate ; and confirmed the true worship- 
 " pers in the service of the Almighty. As you have
 
 313 
 
 " enlarged so much on your own daring heroism, 
 " attend now to a few instances of my undaunted 
 " bravery : of that number is the following instance. 
 " When Zerdusht the prophet, who was sent by 
 " the Creator, performed many wonderful works, 
 " and explained the mysteries of the Deity, the 
 " people, through perverseness and obstinacy, spoke 
 " thus to Gushtasp : ' Formerly, when prophets 
 " came before Houshung, Tehmuras and Jemsheed, 
 " and such-hke princes, propounding a new faith, 
 " these great monarchs saw no advantage in accept- 
 '' ing the new law.' This discourse having come to 
 " my hearing, I drew my avenging sword from its 
 " sheath, at the same time saying, ' Whoever re- 
 " proaches the True Faith, I shall instantly, with 
 " the sharp-edged sword, remove his head from his 
 " body.' After this I was engaged in the guidance 
 " of my father, until he adopted the right faith ; and 
 " having expelled from his heart the temptations of 
 " Satan, he so bound the zone of zealous energy 
 " about his loins, that he enlightened the whole 
 " world with the splendor of orthodoxy, broke in 
 '•' pieces the idols, and demohshed their temples. 
 " When this intelhgence reached Turkestan, Arjasp 
 " convened the nobles of his kingdom, and said to 
 " them : ' Gushtasp has abandoned the faith of his 
 " forefathers, and introduced a new worship, and 
 " become the follower of a fool like himself : should
 
 314 
 
 ** this measure be complete, the people will unite 
 " themselves to him, and become hostile to us ; by 
 *' which means infinite confusion will pervade the 
 " kingdom, and tumult and anarchy overspread 
 " Turan and Iran : the only remedy against this 
 " corruption is, to assemble the army from every 
 " quarter, to march onwards, and extii-pate our 
 " enemies.' The Minister and nobles having ap- 
 " proved of this counsel, prepared all that was 
 " necessary for carrying on the war, and provided 
 " every description of military stores and arms : 
 " they then directed their course to Iran, with such 
 " immense forces, that the eyes of Fortune had 
 " never before beheld even the tenth part of their 
 " numbers ; and having entered by my territory, 
 " they committed great slaughter. Gushtasp, on 
 " learning that the Turkish army was advancing, 
 " set out, without procrastination or delay, to meet 
 " the invaders, at the head of his rapacious croco- 
 " diles of the ocean of rapine, and accompanied by 
 " his sons and brethren. Both armies having drawn 
 " nigh each other, Gushtasp took his post in the 
 " centre ; his son Nastur selected his place on the 
 ** right wing ; and the left was committed to my 
 " superintendence. On the other side, Arjasp posted 
 " himself in the centre with his mighty men and 
 *' champions ; the relations and sons of Afrasiab 
 " with those of Piran Wisah ; Mihrzad, and his ma-
 
 315 
 
 *' gician associates, with the Afrit Bidarafsh ; placing 
 " one of his brothers on the right, and another on 
 " the left. Both armies being thus marshalled, 
 *' Zureer, my father's brother, charging with impe- 
 ** tuosity into the centre of the Turkish line, hurled 
 *' on the dust of destruction countless numbers of 
 *' the foe. Bidarafsh observing this havoc, made an 
 " attack with all his champions on Zureer, sur- 
 *' rounding him on every side : the intrepid hero 
 '* drenched his sword in the blood of champions, but 
 ** was at last overpowered and slain. 
 
 " Time is like the stormy wind ; which at first 
 " Tears the veil from the cheeks of the rose ; 
 " And a week after, in the middle of the parterre, 
 " Lays low the stem in the dust of disgrace. 
 
 *' When the Iranian centre had learned this dread- 
 " ful disaster, terror seized every breast ; they fled 
 " in disorder ; and the enemy beholding the banner 
 " of Gavah flung on the ground, bore it away from 
 " the field of battle. My brother having come to 
 " the left to inform me of this calamity, I turned 
 " hke a devouring conflagration towards the army, 
 " displaying on high the standard of victory in my 
 " hand : there then ensued so dreadful a contest, 
 " that not one escaped without a wound ; and such 
 " numbers of the Turks were slain, that tears of 
 " commiseration were forced from even the eyes of 
 " blood-quafling Mars. At last the Turks, unable
 
 316 
 
 " to maintain the contest, turned away from the 
 " field of battle ; and the victorious troops, making 
 " them abide by the decision of the ruthless sword, 
 " hurled such numbers of the vahant Turks from 
 " the backs of their steeds into the dust of destruc- 
 " tion, that the backs of earth-supporting Taurus 
 " and Piscis were completely bowed down. Not- 
 " withstanding such toil and slaughter, I was not 
 " content, but pursued even to Turkestan those 
 " who had hitherto escaped the sword, without 
 '' ceasing day or night from the pursuit. The dis- 
 " tracted fugitives at last said to each other, ' This 
 " person does not withdraw his hand from us : if 
 " he overtake us in the disorder of flight, not one 
 '' of us can escape with life : it is therefore most 
 " advisable for us to stand up like men, and oppose 
 " him : should we prove victorious, our wish is ac- 
 " comphshed ; but otherwise, we at least meet 
 " death like brave men.' They therefore halted on 
 " the high road, and assailed me with their collected 
 " force : on this, resigning myself for support to the 
 " firm cable of God's grace, I continued to repel 
 " their efforts, until the enemy, casting away the 
 " shield of hostility, assumed the attitude of suppli- 
 " cation, and said, ' We are your subjects :' but this 
 " declaration not contenting my soul, I consigned 
 " them all to destruction. After this exploit, I pro- 
 " ceeded to Cheen, and subdued all its cities; erect-
 
 317 
 
 " ing in every place fire-temples, and appointing 
 " numerous instructors to establish the study of the 
 " Volume of the True Faith and the Holy Law. 
 ** From Cheen I went to Khatay'; the entire of 
 " which region I subdued, through the favour of 
 " the Almighty. Breaking up from thence, I pro- 
 " ceeded, along the sea, to Hindustan : there many 
 " Hindoo nations having marched to oppose me, the 
 '' affair led to a general engagement, in which I ob- 
 " tained a complete victory, and fastened to the 
 " necks and probosces of elephants the captured 
 '' chiefs of the Hindoos. After this, I traversed the 
 " countries and deserts of that region for a space of 
 " one thousand three hundred parasangs. Having 
 '' heard that in some of the deserts of Hindustan 
 '' there dwelt a number of people who never eat 
 " animal food, but pass their lives contented with 
 '' fruits and the leaves of trees, and never offering 
 " injury to any one ; lest any harm should befal 
 *' them from the passage of the troops, I hurried 
 " past their territory at night with the greatest 
 " speed, having first erected fire-temples in the most 
 '' distant parts of Hindustan. From that country, 
 " after long and toilsome marches, I came with my 
 " army to the regions of the West, where the wise 
 
 (') Khatay, the northern part of China, which was always 
 oQverned by Princes, according to the most ancient histories and 
 traditions of the East. In the time of Jenghiz Khan, these Princes 
 were styled Altounkhan ; and ia that of Tamerlane, Damienkhan.
 
 318 
 
 " men, the philosophers, the nobles, and princes of 
 " these realms hastened to meet me : they made 
 ** the roads level, built bridges over the rivers : and 
 " laying before me the testament written by Feri- 
 " doon when he divided the kingdom among his 
 *' children, at the same time humbly represented to 
 " me, ' It behoves the prince to act towards us 
 ** in such a manner as shall be conformable to the 
 ** directions of his mighty forefathers, and appoint 
 ** a native of the country ruler over us ; for it never 
 " has been estabhshed that a native of Farsistan 
 ** should govern this tenitory.' Their request was 
 ** acceded to ; and from that kingdom I shaped the 
 *' course of my march to Arabia. Among that re- 
 *' bellious people I exhibited such great prowess, 
 " that all their warhke champions were destroyed, 
 " and desolation spread over the land. From Arabia 
 ** I returned to Room ; where I also erected many 
 " temples, in order that the people should devote 
 " themselves to the worship of the Almighty and 
 *' Glorious God. Returning from thence to Iran, I 
 *' there dismissed my araiy. After these exploits, 
 " Gushtasp, through the slander of some confi- 
 ** dential Minister, confined me in chains in one of 
 *' his fortresses, and then set out to distant parts 
 ** of his empire. No sooner had this intelligence 
 *' reached Arjasp, than he, advancing to Balkh with 
 " a mighty army, kindled the flame of injustice in
 
 319 
 
 " that country : he put Lohordsp to death, sent my 
 " sisters into captivity in Turkestan, and divided 
 ** amongst his troops all the arms and treasures 
 " which Gushtasp had laid up in Balkh. My father 
 " being exceedingly grieved at this calamity, ad- 
 *' vanced to give Arjasp battle. When the armies 
 ** met, a tremendous conflict ensued : in this, the 
 " children of Lohorasp were slain, the enemy got 
 " possession of Gavah's banner, the Iranian host 
 " was dispersed, and Gushtasp, flying from the 
 *' field of battle, took shelter in a fortified place. 
 *' After this disaster, being deUvered from confine- 
 " ment by the intercession of Jamasp in my behalf, 
 *' I continued to march incessantly, night and day, 
 *' accompanied by a body of valiant and trusty 
 *' champions : we crossed many deserts, and at last 
 *' succeeded in surprising the Turks by night : 
 *' having made gi'eat slaughter among them, I 
 " joined my father, and we again advanced to give 
 " them battle. On this occasion, throwing myself 
 '' on their centre, I utterly destroyed all our ene- 
 " mies, and took prisoner one of the most distin- 
 " guished nobles of Turan, by name Gurksar, who 
 ** had laid an ambush under the hope of taking 
 *' me. After this signal overthrow of the enemy, I 
 " hastened to render obeisance to myfather, and said 
 " to him : ' My mind does not rest contented with
 
 820 
 
 " this victory, neither does this success satisfy me ; 
 *' for Arjasp has twice invaded Iran, and gi'eat de- 
 " solation has befallen our abodes from the hoofs of 
 " the chargers of foreign hosts : it would therefore 
 " be an utter reproach if we did not, by way of re- 
 " prisal, make an inroad into his country.' Gushtasp 
 " being greatly delighted and rejoiced at this pro- 
 '' posal, replied : ' If you advance into Tiu-an, and 
 *' Arjasp be slain to avenge the shedding of Loho- 
 *' rasp's blood ; if the city of Safrieh be consumed by 
 " fire, in return for the plunder of Balkh ; if with 
 " your avenging sword you put Arjasp's brothers to 
 " death, in retaliation for Lohorasp's sons ; and if, 
 " having delivered your sisters from the disgrace of 
 " captivity, you also bring back the banner of 
 " Gavah ; I will place the royal diadem on your 
 " brows, and, withdrawing myself into some se- 
 " eluded cell, devote the remainder of my days to 
 " the attempt of atoning for my past life.' — I an- 
 '' swered, ' Through the grace of the Almighty 
 " unequalled in majesty, who has created the 
 " universe by the divine fiat, whatever order has 
 " proceeded from your supreme mandate shall be 
 '' fulfilled.' — On completing all arrangements for the 
 " expedition to Tm*an, I set out with a body of lions 
 "■ from the lairs of battle, taking along with me 
 '' Gurksar. When w^e had reached the frontier of
 
 321 
 
 " the East, I asked him to point out the road 
 " which led to the city of Safiieh : he made answer, 
 *' * There are three roads leading to it : one of which 
 " is exceedingly short ; but it presents so many ob- 
 " stacles, that it is impossible, on account of them, 
 " to take that road.' On this, committing myself to 
 " the protection of the Lord of high and low, I pro- 
 " ceeded by the short but dangerous route, having 
 " given the command of the army to Bishutun. 
 " There first appeared on the road two wolves : such 
 " formidable beasts my eyes had never before be- 
 '' held : these monsters rushed furiously against me, 
 " but with my keen-edged sabre I soon separated 
 " their heads from their bodies. In the next halt- 
 " ing place I beheld two dreadful lions, which sprung 
 " at me, but with the discharge of one arrow I 
 " sewed them together : the next stage I saw a 
 " Simurgh, which pounced on me from the summit 
 " of a mountain ; but, through the favour of the Al- 
 " mighty, with my well-tempered sword I delivered 
 " the world from her polluted existence : in the 
 " next stage there came against me a seven-headed 
 " dragon, the black smoke from whose mouth ascend- 
 " ed to the heavens, and each of its eyes appeared 
 " to my sight like a blazing fire : recommending 
 " myself to God, I drew my sword, and began to cut 
 " off the heads successively ; but when one head 
 " only remained, with a well-aimed blow I cut 
 
 Y
 
 322 
 
 " the monster in two". On the following morning 
 " I came to the station of the magician Bida- 
 " rafsh, who, by his spells, performed works so 
 " wonderful, that no one who hears can attach cre- 
 " dit to them : sometimes he stalked before the 
 " spectator swollen to the size of five camels, and 
 " rolled down on me huge rocks from the mountain- 
 " top ; at others he raised such clouds of dust, that 
 " no one could distinguish an object : again chang- 
 " ing himself, sometimes to a river, sometimes to a 
 " cloud, he discharged floods of water, and large 
 " hailstones ; at last, springing on Bidarafsh, I 
 " seized him in the air, and, hurling him to the 
 " earth, cut off his head with my dagger. Depart- 
 " ing from thence, I came to an expanse of water, 
 " which fi'om shore to shore was bounded by moun- 
 " tains ; but by the favour of the good and gracious 
 '' Lord, I passed over it in safety ; and arrived on 
 " the banks of another piece of water, from whence 
 " I had a view of the city of Safrieh, which ap- 
 " peared to me a large and mighty place. Whilst, 
 " with a troubled mind, I descended the mountain 
 " whither I had gone to view the city more atten- 
 " tively, I beheld in the plahi three Tm*ks engaged 
 *' in shooting with the bow : I rushed on, and, 
 
 ('') If Esfendiar had cut off the seventh head, according: to the 
 laws of Persian romance, all the heads would have been suddenly 
 restored, in a more formidable state than at first ; but this was 
 evaded, by cutting the monster in two, when only one head was left.
 
 323 
 
 " having made them prisoners, thus addressed 
 " them : ' Explain to me faithfully the nature of the 
 " defences of Rueen Diz, or I shall make you sub- 
 " mit to the decision of my sharp-edged sword.' 
 " They answered, * The walls of the city, which are 
 " many parasangs in circumference, are connected 
 " with a mountain : on its battlements are various 
 " kinds of battering engines and moveable towers 
 '* for discharging missiles, disposed in due order : 
 " the works are so rigidly guarded by numbers of 
 " brave and experienced men, that they do not 
 " even permit a bird to perch on the battlements 
 " or pinnacles : there are besides so many enchant- 
 " ers, chiefly of the family of Afrasiab, that their 
 ** numbers cannot be counted.' Whilst they~were 
 " communicating these particulars, my brother 
 " Bishutun joined me with his triumphant army. 
 " I then selected seventy of the champions of Iran, 
 *' and, shutting up each in a large coffer, placed 
 " them two by two on strong camels : after this, 
 " disguising myself as a merchant, I advanced to- 
 " wards Safrieh, with rich silks, valuable commodi- 
 " ties, precious-stones of the finest water, and swift- 
 " pacing coursers. At the moment of my de- 
 " parture towards the city, I said to my brother 
 " Bishutun and the champions of the army: ' If the 
 " Turanians come out to offer you battle, do not 
 ' decline the engagement ; but entertain perfect 
 
 y2
 
 324 
 
 " confidence, as I shall not remain an inattentive 
 " spectator of what passes : therefore, in two or 
 " three days after my departm^e from hence, you 
 " are to advance on the city, unfurling your hostile 
 " banners, and sounding the drum of battle.' — When 
 " we came near the gates of Safrieh, I ordered the 
 " camels to be unladen, and the tents pitched in the 
 " plain, as is the custom of merchants : during this, 
 " the brother of Arjasp drew near ; on which I arose, 
 *' and filled a golden goblet with diamonds, all 
 " which, with two gilt arrows, I presented as a gift, 
 " addressing him at the same time in an attitude of 
 " the most profound respect. He set a high value 
 " on this present; but contemplated the arrows 
 " with great surprise, and said, * What artist has 
 " wrought these arrows V After which, he added, 
 " ' Tell me truly wlw thou art ? for what purpose 
 *' hast thou come hither ? and from whence hast 
 " thou brought these arrows ? Such as these I 
 " once beheld in Iran, when we fought against 
 " Gushtasp and Esfendiar.' To this I replied, in a 
 " firm manner, ' My profession is that of a mer- 
 " chant. I have heard that my father was a native of 
 " Tm'kestan, but niy mother of Iran. I sometimes 
 " fetch stuffs and wares from the East to the West, 
 *' and sometimes bring them hither from that quar- 
 " ter : these arrows I purchased at such a city in 
 " Iran. Your servant had many articles of this
 
 325 
 
 " description, until Esfendiar (may he never behold 
 " a happy day !) by violence and injustice deprived 
 " me of them all.' Arjasp's brother, on hearing 
 " these words, took me with him into the city, and 
 '' represented to the king that a merchant of such 
 '* and such a description had arrived, bringing 
 " with him immense wealth. Arjasp instantly or^ 
 " dered me to appear before him, and I hastened to 
 " present myself with suitable offerings. At the 
 " moment of the interview, he first asked, ' What 
 " account hast thou of Esfendiar V I answered, 
 " ' He has assembled his army; and proposes to 
 " march hither, by the route of Haft Khan.' 
 " Arjasp, on hearing this, smiled with disdain; and 
 " regarding me as a person weak in understanding, 
 '' said, ' If Esfendiar even became a bird, he would 
 " be unable to fly along that road.' On departing 
 '' from the presence, I represented to the king, 
 " * My merchandize remains unprotected, outside 
 " the city.' On which Arjasp commanded a spa- 
 " cious dweUing, within the fortifications, to be 
 " assigned to my use. Ha^dng thus introduced my 
 " commodities, and cofiers filled with men, I went 
 " to survey the place. After a short time, and a 
 " hmited period, an alarm was spread in the city, 
 " ' There is a numerous host come from Iran to 
 " such a place.' Arjasp thereupon ordered the 
 " lions of the lairs of resolution to sally forth, under
 
 326 
 
 " the conduct of his brother, and repel the in- 
 '' vaders. The citadel and the walls being thus 
 " stripped of their vahant defenders, I took this op- 
 " portunity to let out my seventy chosen cham- 
 '' pions whom I had introduced by stratagem into 
 " the city, and sent them to take possession of the 
 *' gates ; telling them to raise this cry, * Let the 
 " fortune of Esfendiar ever remain unshaken ! ' I 
 " went myself, with ten companions, to the palace 
 " of Arjasp, whom we found plunged in terror and 
 " astonishment at the shout of the Iranians : with 
 " the rapidity of resistless destiny I entered the 
 " palace, and soon prostrated the tyrant, who had 
 " presumptuously exalted his head to the orbit of 
 *' Saturn. After this, I went out of the fort, to 
 " assist my brother Bishutun ; and made so dreadfiil 
 " a charge on the foe, that their army was broken, 
 " and Arjasp's brothers fell by my hands. I set 
 *' the fortress on fire, recovered my sisters, and, 
 " making prisoners of the inmates (females) of the 
 " palace, returned towards Iran, crowned with com- 
 " plete success. In the course of this march, we 
 " passed by a fort erected on the summit of a 
 " lofty mountain, inhabited by idolaters. In this 
 " fort was an idol of gigantic size, to whose power 
 " they attached implicit belief, and to which the 
 " people of the surrounding country sent the stray- 
 " ing travellers as an offering, instead of dirhems
 
 327 
 
 '' and dinars. On coming near, I observed on the 
 " declivity of the mountain a nmnber of persons 
 " under arms, with eyes so large, and countenances 
 " so hideous, that they looked like demons. One of 
 " the idolatrous priests then approached, and said, 
 " ' The image in whose worship we glory has sent 
 " me with this message : — O Esfendiar ! although, 
 " by thy mighty strength, thou hast triumphed over 
 *' thy fellow-mortals, be not therefore so presump- 
 " tuous as to fight against God. Whoever obeys 
 " me, obtains all his desires ; but whosoever op- 
 " poses me, is rejected to all eternity, and covered 
 " with shame to all infinity. In addition to this, 
 " there are assembled within the fort numbers of 
 " warriors, each individual of whom possesses the 
 '' strength of a thousand men.' On hearing these 
 " impious words, I recommended myself to the Lord 
 " of the Universe, and, alighting from my steed, or- 
 *' dered all the horsemen to dismount, and run up the 
 " mountains like the nimble partridge. Meanwhile 
 '' the idolaters hmied down huge rocks ; but at 
 " last the gales of victory began to breathe on us ; 
 " multitudes of the infidels fell by my hands, and 
 " the castle was laid waste. I entered the temple, 
 " where we demohshed the idol and shrine of these 
 " victims of wrath : we bore away from thence im- 
 " mense treasures and abundant hoards of precious 
 " objects, which they had been amassing there
 
 328 
 
 " during a long continuance of years ; all which I 
 " sent as an offering to Gushtasp. — Now, O Rus- 
 " tarn ! in all the mighty deeds you have heard me 
 " recount, I stood not in need of the Simurgh's 
 " aid : my hopes and reliance were placed on the 
 " favour and infinite mercies of the Lord : there- 
 '' fore, when I fully meditate and carefully investi- 
 " gate your actions, I am convinced that you merit 
 " not the seat of precedency, excepting in your 
 " own country and your own palace. I feel nei- 
 " ther desire nor want of you ; but I am filled with 
 " grief, to think that you, who are advanced in 
 " years, expose yourself to die an ignominious 
 '' death." 
 
 Rustam, who had listened with attention to this 
 discourse, grew thoughtful, on hearing the great 
 prowess of Esfendiar : he therefore arose, to with- 
 draw from the place of audience ; but the prince, ob- 
 serving the pui-pose of his soul, laid the foundations 
 of courtesy, took him by the hand, and, seating him 
 by his side, thus addressed him : " O Rustam ! it is 
 my custom to shew honour to my guests." Rustam 
 then sat down, well pleased and contented. Esfen- 
 diar having ordered meats and drinks to be set be- 
 fore them, they both ate out of one dish. During 
 three days and nights, they gave themselves up to 
 music and to the banquet; all which time Esfendiar 
 endeavoured to procure Rustam's consent to be
 
 329 
 
 taken in chains before Gushtasp : this the champion 
 of the world always refused, but requested permis- 
 sion to go, without being chained, in the prince's 
 train, and tender his homage to Gushtasp. The 
 brazen-bodied Esfendiar would not grant this re- 
 quest ; so that, in the midst of these questions and 
 rejoinders, Rustam at last expressed himself to this 
 purpose : 
 
 " I clearly see, that either the steed of Esfendiar 
 " Must pace to the stable without his rider, 
 " Or the charger of battle-seeking Rustam 
 " Shall return home without his lord." 
 
 The issue of battle being now determined on, 
 Rustam hastened back to his palace, where he past 
 the night in the most desponding manner: however, 
 with the dawn of day he advanced, completely 
 armed, to the field of battle. Esfendiar also entered 
 the lists, elated with the oft-tried prowess of his 
 arm. The two rank-breaking heroes then com- 
 menced an encounter, such, that even unrelenting 
 Mars himself, if possible, would have descended 
 from the fifth heaven, and opened the gates of amity 
 before them. When evening came, Rustam, with 
 many a wound and gi'oan, returned to his palace, 
 where he dressed his wounds. The next day he 
 resumed his own plan, and, with the discharge of one 
 arrow, stretched on the plain the intrepid lion of
 
 330 
 
 war. The investigating mind is not ignorant of this, 
 that the historians of Ajem record, respecting this 
 event, several particulars quite remote fi'om proba- 
 bility : for instance, as no common ari'ow or sword 
 could made any impression on Esfendiar's body, that 
 Rustam, by the Simurgh's council, shot him in the 
 eyes with a double-pointed arrow, which caused his 
 death : this is altogether inconsistent with proba- 
 bility. Ferdausee says, on this head : 
 
 " When Rustam had rapidly placed the two-headed arrow 
 
 " In the manner directed by the Simurgh's precepts, 
 
 " He discharged it into the eyes of Esfendiar, 
 
 " And the world became veUed in darkness before the hero. 
 
 " The lofty summit of the wa\dng cypress was bowed down; 
 
 " The star of royal splendor passed far away ; 
 
 " The pious prince's head was humbled to the dust, 
 
 " And the Chauchian bow' dropped from his grasp. 
 
 " At that moment thus spake Rustam to Esfendifir : — 
 
 " ' O sword-brandishing champion of high renown I 
 
 " I have now lowered thy head to the dust, 
 
 " And consumed with agony thy mother's breast. 
 
 " Thou wast, ere this, styled The brazen-bodied Chief, 
 
 " Whose force could hurl the high heavens down to earth ; 
 
 " Yet one wound has made thee cease for ever from the fight, 
 
 " And thou remainest prostrate in dust, a prey to grief!' — 
 
 " At these words of Rustam 's, the heart of the fallen chief 
 
 " Recoiled on itself, like the writhing serpent ; 
 
 " And he thus replied: — ' Tlie revolving spheres 
 
 (' ) A bow made in Chach, a city of Khatan ; or by a famous 
 bow-maker of that name. Such bows were neither affected by 
 heats or damps.
 
 331 
 
 " Exhibit many instances of such kindness ; 
 
 " The world records countless examples of this nature. 
 
 " This is not the first instance of reverse displayed by Fortune.' 
 
 " He ended ; and his pure soul departed from the body, 
 
 " Which lay covered with wounds on the plain." 
 
 After the death of Esfendiar, Rustam, by his 
 father's advice, detained Behmen in Sistan ; and 
 Bishutun bore back to Iran his brother's bier, 
 amidst tears and exclamations of grief, and all 
 the army dressed in black. 
 
 Here follow some of Esfendiar's sayings : — 
 
 " Devout gratitude is better than bestowing gifts ; for 
 " the eiFect of the former is permanent, but that of the 
 " latter transitory." 
 
 " Do nothing in secret, vsrhich, if made pubUc, would 
 " render thee ashamed." 
 
 He has also said : — 
 
 •' Tlie person, whose interests are based on enmity, will, 
 " through necessity, incline to friendship, when the re- 
 " verses of time and the revolutions of the world affect 
 " him ; but as soon as the pressure is removed, he will 
 " recur to his inherent bias, and recommence the founda- 
 '• tion of hostile proceedings. It therefore becomes a 
 " prudent man not to be deceived by the flattering de- 
 " clarations of a foe, extorted from him merely through 
 " necessity ; neither should he at any time swerve from 
 •* the path of vigilance and caution." 
 
 It is related, that when Gushtasp received the 
 news of Esfendiiir's death, he repented of his con-
 
 332 
 
 duct, and bitterly lamented the fate of his unequalled 
 son. No sooner was the time of mourning expired, 
 than he led his army into Turkestan, where he fought 
 many battles against the Turks : dreadful engage- 
 ments and furious contests took place on both 
 sides, in which countless multitudes of human 
 beings fell victims to ruin and slaughter in the field 
 of battle. The victorious sovereign having re- 
 turned triumphant from this war, summoned Das- 
 tan (Zaul) to give up Behmen (the son of Esfen- 
 diar), who, by his mother, was descended from Talut 
 (Saul) ; and he appointed him his successor to the 
 government of the kingdom and the command of 
 the mihtary. This prince, even in his father's life- 
 time, was universally styled, " The mighty in valour, 
 " the profound in knowledge, although the tender 
 " in years." It is also to be observed, that Behmen, 
 in the Ionian"" language, means " Well-intentioned." 
 When, by the resignation of the kingdom to Beh- 
 men, he had been duly proclaimed successor to the 
 crown, Gushtasp, having resigned himself wholly to 
 arranging the means of preparing for eternity, and 
 turned all his energy to the worship of the Almighty, 
 addressed to the prince the following expressions : — 
 
 " To me the corner of the cell and the cake of barley 
 " Appear far sweeter than regal pomp and sway. 
 " However much I laboured to amass ample stores, 
 
 (") Some Manuscripts read, " the Syriac language."
 
 333 
 
 " I beheld no fruits, save those of sorrow and pain. 
 
 " A morsel of bread, and a draug'ht of cold water, 
 
 " Are better far than rising' up with a pallid face." — 
 
 " Place no reliance on crown or throne or hosts, 
 
 " Neither go in pursuit of realms, treasures, and dignities. 
 
 " The world can call to mind many who resemble thee ; 
 
 " It has consigned to the winds of ruin many such as thee." 
 
 One of his memorials, is the district of Beiza, a 
 dehghtful park, ten parasangs in length. In the 
 well-guarded vicinity of Shiraz, there cannot be 
 discovered another area which presents so many 
 charms, nor any enchanting retreats crowned with 
 such perpetual verdure. It has been at every pe- 
 riod the birth-place of the most distinguished men 
 of the age, and the natal soil of the learned in 
 every generation. For instance, Abu Abdallah, of 
 whose name the Sheikh Abu Is'hak of Firoozbad 
 has made such honourable mention in the Tabkat- 
 i-Fakaha ; also the Kazi Abu Bekr, who has pub- 
 lished such excellent works in various sciences ; 
 also the Kazi Nasir Uddeen Beizawi, whose com- 
 positions continually circulate on every lip and 
 tongue ; and, besides these, many other eminent 
 men, the enumeration of whom would lead to great 
 prolixity. 
 
 The city of Shehrsubz, and Shinah, in Mawar-un- 
 nahr, are also ascribed to him by tradition. He was 
 
 (") i.e. through anxiety to amass, or confusion arising from a 
 sense of poverty.
 
 334 
 
 also the first monarch who estabhshed a Minister 
 for despatches and correspondence : moreover, by 
 his orders, all Letters and communications were 
 wi-itten in a beautiful style and choice expressions. 
 He was also the first who stamped money with the 
 image of a fire-temple : on one side was the image 
 of the temple, and on the other the likeness of 
 Gushtasp with a crown on his head. He sat on 
 the throne one hundred and twenty years, and, 
 according to some writers, a much longer period : 
 his title was Hirbud, or the " Fire-worshipper." 
 Here follow some of his sayings : — • 
 
 " Of all mortals, humility is most suitable to the person 
 " to whom the Great and Exalted Lord has vouchsafed 
 " benefits and favours, and has extended the hand of liis 
 " authority over mankind." 
 
 " Humility becomes the eminent in dignity; for the 
 " humility of a mendicant proceeds from his profession." 
 
 He has also said : " The dead man and the infidel 
 " are alike ; and there is no safety to the unbe- 
 " liever : " that is, in the eyes of people of discern- 
 ment there is no difference between him that is 
 dead and the person destitute of faith ; neither is 
 there any security to the unbeliever. Which great 
 truth is proved from this consideration : Whoever 
 does not acknowledge the great Supreme Cause, 
 who does every thing according to his pleasure ; and 
 he who denies the ResuiTection, the Day of Judg-
 
 335 
 
 ment, tlie rewards of actions, and the recompence 
 of deeds ; just as all persons of common sense 
 reckon the dead body incapable of diffusing good 
 actions, displaying virtuous deeds, avoiding rebel- 
 Hon, or shunning what is forbidden, so, without a 
 shadow of doubt, in consequence of his unbehef, 
 results of the same kind are equally impossible to 
 the infidel. 
 
 He has also said : " It becomes not one prince to 
 envy another, except for the purity of disposition." 
 In this sentence, however, the word " envy " must 
 be looked on as implying an eager desire or wish, 
 not ingratitude : as a king should earnestly desire 
 to obtain a virtuous fame and acquire praiseworthy 
 morals, so that the renown of his equity and auspi- 
 cious fortune may be spread over the world like that 
 of other virtuous kings, and the records of his ad- 
 mirable deeds may remain indelibly perpetuated on 
 the pages of day and night, like those of other 
 mighty sovereigns. 
 
 The following is also a conclusion of his sagacious 
 mind : *' The excellence of a king above his sub- 
 " jects consists in his power of doing good and per- 
 " forming praiseworthy acts : " that is, the monarch 
 blessed with understanding is he, who, being tho- 
 roughly skilled in the modes of terminating im- 
 portant affairs, and the means of obtaining their
 
 33G 
 
 results, final objects, and purposes, exhibits and 
 zealously employs his choicest bounty and sincerest 
 respect in support of the sage and his contempora- 
 ries, who possess the quahties and deserts which 
 merit distinction. Such characters appreciate the 
 value of the honours conferred on them ; and make 
 a grateful return, in so efficacious a manner, that 
 its memorials cannot be effaced from the journals 
 of Fortune, but are co-equal in existence with the 
 world itself. 
 
 Gushtasp has also said : " Whoever is deceived 
 " by a name is brought to a morsel of bread ; and 
 '* he who is a traitor to his bread is brought to the 
 " scaffold." The origin of which saying is as follows : 
 This prince had a Vizir called Rast Rushan (Just and 
 Enlightened) ; by whose name he was so deceived, 
 that he reposed in him the greatest confidence, and 
 through his calumnies disgraced the former Minister, 
 entertaining no suspicion of Rast Rushan, who was 
 daily sowing the seeds of iniquity. 
 
 The king of Hindustan having unexpectedly in- 
 vaded the empire, Gushtasp was of course in want of 
 money to equip his army, but, to his astonishment, 
 found the treasury exhausted. In this emergency 
 he consulted his Vizir, who said to him : " Your 
 " wealth is in the pockets of your subjects : it is 
 " therefore merely necessary to give orders for col-
 
 337 
 
 " lecting it." The king knew that such a measure 
 would bring desolation on his kingdom; and being 
 greatly distressed by these melancholy reflections, he 
 went towards the desert, to meditate. He happened 
 to come to a place where they were engaged in 
 hanging a dog : the king having asked the reason 
 of such a proceeding, the shepherd thus answered : 
 " I reposed confidence in this dog, and deUvered 
 *' my entire flock to his protection : on finding it 
 " sensibly diminished, I investigated the cause, and 
 " discovered that the dog had betrayed me : he 
 " had formed an intimacy with a she-wolf, and 
 " closed his eyes in sleep while she took as many 
 " of the flock as she thought proper." Gushtasp, 
 admonished by this incident, examined closely 
 both into the state of his subjects and his Vizir's 
 conduct. The result having clearly proved that 
 the Minister had betrayed him in the highest degree 
 and embezzled his treasures, thereupon the criminal 
 was hanged ; and by the talent of his former Vizir, 
 he speedily repelled the enemy, replenished the trea- 
 sury, and improved the state of the mihtary and 
 the cultivators.
 
 338 
 
 THE HISTORY OF BEHMEN^. 
 
 The historians of Fars style this prince Dardz 
 Dast, or " Long-handed ;" because his authority ex- 
 tended over the Seven CHmates. The great majority 
 of writers also assert, that no Ajemite sovereign 
 equalled him in virtues and science : he was a 
 monarch pre-eminent in humihty, justice, mildness, 
 and mercy. Hafiz Abru says, that the following 
 was the exordium of all his despatches : " This is 
 '' the missive of Ardeshir, the devoted servant of 
 " God, and the servants of him who is your ruler." 
 The same writer also tells us, that he was the first 
 who prefixed to all his Letters, " In the name of 
 God, &c." As to the etymology of Ardeshir ^ the 
 following tradition is related : — " As Esfendiar was 
 " once in conference with Gushtasp, he was in- 
 " formed of the birth of a son, at the same moment 
 " in which a servant passed who held a dish be- 
 " tween his hands. Esfendiar went out, and in- 
 " quired, ' What hast thou ?' The servant answered, 
 " ' A'rd o shir,' (* flour and milk.')" The author of 
 the Mufateh-al-ulum, when making mention of 
 
 (*) Bahman is a Sanscrit compound, which signifies " possess- 
 " ing arms." 
 
 O Ardeshir (in Sanscrit,Urddha-siras) means "of exalted head." 
 The Zend and Sanscrit have a close affinity." — Malcolm's Persia.
 
 339 
 
 Behmen after Gushtdsp, thus expresses himself: 
 " Then came Ardeshir, that is Behmen, the son of 
 " Esfendiar, the son of Gushtasp, who was called by 
 '^ both these names, and his title was ^ The Liberal.' " 
 It is said, that when this prince sent a governor 
 into any province, he secretly appointed a spy 
 over him, in order to be informed of the governor's 
 conduct towards the Rayas : if he behaved with 
 justice, he was promoted ; but if he proved tyranni- 
 cal, he placed in his lap (he inflicted on him) the 
 punishment due to his deserts. Once a-year he 
 summoned all his subjects to appear before him : he 
 then descended from his throne ; and having pre- 
 mised suitable prayers and thanksgivings, thus ad- 
 dressed them : " One year has now elapsed since 
 " my reign and authority over you have com- 
 " menced : if any act of mine, or of the governors 
 " appointed by me, have given you discontent, you 
 " are now to declare it, that I may investigate the 
 " matter." After some interval, the high-priest 
 rose up, and said : " O king ! may your reign last 
 " for ever ! The nobihty and people are grateful and 
 " contented : your virtues are universally applauded, 
 " and thankfully acknowledged." Then some one 
 proclaimed aloud to the people : " O men ! cultivate 
 " the ground : fear God : be not guilty of treason : 
 "depart far away from corrupt desires!" The 
 king then said to his Ministers : " Whenever you 
 
 z2
 
 340 
 
 " perceive me inclined to falsehood, or deviating 
 " from the direct path, keep me back from such 
 " deeds : if you observe me wrathful against any, 
 " restrain me : on every occasion inspire me with 
 " a desire of doing all that is praiseworthy." 
 
 They say, that when the throne had been for 
 some time graced by the presence of Behmen, in 
 consequence of his sound reflection, deep reason, 
 impartial justice, and extensive liberahty, the con- 
 cerns of the world were duly arranged, and the 
 affairs of the empire conducted with firmness. 
 Having thus long devoted himself to concihate every 
 heart, and to do good in every part of the empire, 
 his energy now prompted him to avenge his father's 
 blood on Rustam Dastan^ and to lay Zabulistan 
 waste. He therefore sent in advance an army 
 composed of chosen warriors, terrible as the Day of 
 Judgment; and he himself immediately followed 
 them. At this juncture, Behmen heard that the 
 resistless whirlwind of death had torn up by the 
 roots the tree of Rustam's life from the garden of 
 existence, and that Farimarz his son had succeeded 
 to all his honours. As soon as the lord of the 
 Seven Climates had reached Zabulistan, a temble 
 engagement took place; in which such multitudes 
 were slaughtered on both sides, that the deserts and 
 plains, from the numbers of the slain, appeared like 
 
 (*) Rustam, the son of Zaul, entitled Dastan.
 
 341 
 
 lofty eminences. In this battle fell the chieftains 
 and relations of Rustam, along with his son Fari- 
 marz ; and Zaul himself was taken prisoner. 
 
 In the course of his reign, Behmen deposed 
 Bakhtnasar s son from the government of Babel ; 
 which he committed to one of Lohorasp's sons, 
 named Kur6sh, whose motherwas descended from 
 the Children of Israel : he likewise commanded him 
 to send back the captives of the Children of Israel to 
 the territory of the Holy Temple, and to appoint as 
 their governor whomsoever they themselves should 
 select : Kur6sh therefore assembled the Children of 
 Israel, and appointed Daniel to the government. It 
 is related in some Histories, that Lohorasp having 
 deposed Bakhtnasar from the government of Babel, 
 permitted the Israelitish captives to return, in order 
 that the kingdom of Shaum (Syria) should be culti- 
 vated : they conformed to these orders, and in the 
 days of Behmen had brought the territory of the 
 Holy Temple to the highest state of cultivation : 
 but Behmen having sent an ambassador to the 
 Children of Israel, their king put him to death ; 
 which so aroused his indignation, that he com- 
 manded Bakhtnasar a second time to lay waste the 
 country of a people, who neither obeyed God, nor 
 the decrees of the king. Bakhtnasar therefore, set- 
 ting out with his army, laid the Holy Temple and 
 the region of Shaum entirely waste; and returned
 
 342 
 
 to Irak Araby with one hundred thousand young 
 children, whom he had borne away into captivity : — 
 but all knowledge is with the Almighty ! When a 
 hundred and twenty years of Behmen's reign had 
 now elapsed, he committed the empire to the pro- 
 found talents of his daughter Homal ; altogether 
 excluding his son Sassan, who had always expected 
 the empire to descend from his father to himself, in 
 the legitimate and acknowledged manner. On the 
 occurrence of an event so contrary to his hopes, he 
 retired from his father's court; and adopting, through 
 necessity, a solitary and recluse life, embraced a 
 state of seclusion and austerity, deriving his suste- 
 nance from the milk of a few sheep which he pos- 
 sessed. 
 
 Behmen became daily more disconsolate and en- 
 feebled ; and while in this state, it was announced to 
 him that Homdi was pregnant ; on which he or- 
 dered the crown to be placed on her bosom : which 
 intelligence so depressed the mind of Sassan, that 
 he commenced a wandering life over the world. It 
 is related in the history of Sulaiman Shaumi, that 
 when Homai was delivered of Darab, she conceived 
 a great aversion to the child: she therefore put him 
 into a coffer with many precious-stones, and threw 
 him into one of the rivers of Istakhar, or, as others 
 say, of Balkh. A miller happening to find the coffer 
 on the banks of the river, on opening it beheld an
 
 343 
 
 infant exquisitely graceful and beautiful : he took 
 the child to his house, and devoted the most un- 
 ceasing attention to his education, until he arrived 
 at years of maturity : the traces of royalty and high 
 command were evidently pourtrayed on his brow : 
 in short, in the flower of his youth, Darab was 
 honoured by being enrolled in the royal service ; 
 and being recognised by his mother, was, by her 
 order, proclaimed heir to the throne. 
 
 It is however stated in the Tarikh Maajem, that 
 Behmen, towards the end of his life, placed the dia- 
 dem of sovereign sway on Darab's head; as the 
 author of the following lines asserts : — 
 
 " When twice sixty years had passed over Behmen's head, 
 " He suddenly sank down, like a fish into the net. 
 " Although Darab, his son, was yet of tender years, 
 " He nevertheless appointed him his successor to the throne, 
 " And thus addressed him : — ' This empire, so mighty and re- 
 nowned, 
 " Which is famed among- all the princes of the earth, 
 " I have transferred, by my virtues and power, 
 " Like a precious ring to ornament your finger. 
 " Act also according to the dictates of prudence and reason, 
 " That your dignity may long time remain. 
 " In case you pursue conduct of a different kind, 
 " The empire of Kai Khusrau will not become you.' " 
 
 Among the eminent sages contemporary with 
 Behmen, one was Zimokrates, and another Bokrat 
 the Physician; both of whom this prince held in the 
 highest estimation and honour : he derived illumi-
 
 344 
 
 nation from the effulgent science of these great 
 philosophers, and thereby originated wonderful pro- 
 positions and brilliant observations. It is one of 
 Behmen's sayings, " A man's rank is elevated by 
 his generous deeds :" these truly supply the most 
 powerful motives for shewing honour, and testifying 
 respect to the great ; for whoever opens the door 
 of munificence to the meritorious or the necessitous, 
 the Almighty expands before him the gates of wealth 
 and the mansions of happiness : — 
 
 " Glory is as the palm of the hand, and liberality its fingers. 
 " Of what service is the palm, if it be devoid of fingers ?" 
 
 He has also said, " The remembrance of a service 
 rendered is the fruit of the tree of life." It remains 
 not concealed from the penetrating genius of those 
 who reside in the regions of prudence and reflec- 
 tion, and the inhabitants of this abode of existence 
 and corruption, the results of the seven planets and 
 the four elements, that although the prophets of 
 old, the primitive kings, and sage philosophers, pro- 
 foundly considered how they might keep off'Abii 
 Yahia (the angel of death), yet no created Being 
 within the wide extent of experience has been able 
 to place the hand of resistance on the front of 
 destiny, nor could any one of them prolong his 
 existence a single moment beyond the appointed 
 time. This door being closed against them, they
 
 345 
 
 entered on another mode of effecting their purpose : 
 they knew that the acquisition of lasting fame and 
 eternal glory form a second hfe ; and therefore, ex- 
 erting themselves in this view of the subject, they 
 embellished and adorned the pages of their exalted 
 volumes, the records and memorials of greatness, 
 with the most eminent virtues and the most tran- 
 scendant endowments : they ornamented and em- 
 broidered the mantles of splendor and the turbans 
 of glory with the quahties most deserving of ap- 
 plause and admiration, and have thereby conse- 
 quently attained to immortal life and everlasting 
 fame. 
 
 Another of his sayings is, " Mildness is the key 
 to prosperity ;" that is. Mildness of speech is the 
 key to salvation, and a sweet tongue is the key to 
 the lock of safety. An unfeeling nature and a cor- 
 rupt heart cause the foundations of happiness to be 
 annihilated, and the props of dignity to be destroyed; 
 whereas mildness, humility, gentleness, and equani- 
 mity, strengthen the sources of prosperity, and pre- 
 pare the means of stability of reputation. Severity 
 and harshness scare away friends ; but gentleness 
 and kind words convert even foes into friends. The 
 Almighty has said to his Prophet : " Assuredly, if 
 " thou be harsh and hard-hearted, all will flee away 
 " from thee." 
 
 This prince also said : "To put in practice what
 
 346 
 
 " has been already tried, and proved useless, is to 
 ** throw away life." 
 
 He also said : " The first of virtues is justice ; 
 " and to avenge on the oppressor the wrongs of the 
 " oppressed is the first of noble qualities." 
 
 ACCOUNT OF RUSTAM DASTAN, AND HIS CATASTROPHE. 
 
 The historians and genealogists of Ajem trace the 
 lineage of Rustam to Jemsheed; but his dignity 
 was so transcendent, that he stands not in need of 
 eulogium or panegyric. His brother, by his father's 
 side, was Shighad, an exceedingly envious and ma- 
 lignant man : he was married to the king of Kabul's 
 daughter, and resided in that country. This prince, 
 through the pressure of paying tribute, and Shighad, 
 through excess of envy and malignity, both joined 
 in censuring Rustam, and conspiring against him : 
 therefore, in pursuance of a mutual understanding, 
 the king of Kabul publickly commanded Shighad to 
 depart from his capital ; on which he turned to- 
 wards Sistan, where he had the honour of visiting 
 his father and brother. As Rustam regarded his 
 brother's arrival as an event worthy of distinction, 
 he inquired, " What circumstance produced the 
 dispute between yourself and the ruler of Kabul ?" 
 Shighad replied : " When your ambassador arrived 
 ** from Sistan, to demand the tribute of Kabul, the 
 " traces of aversion first became visible on the
 
 347 
 
 " king's forehead, so that he began to seek pre- 
 '* tences for evading the customary payment. On 
 " my cautioning him against opposition to you, he 
 " grew exceeding angry, and began to reproach me 
 " in these words : * If you had deserved to be reck- 
 " oned amongst the Children of Adam, assuredly 
 " your father would never have driven you from 
 " his presence : you have long talked incessantly 
 " about Rustam, and pride yourself on being his 
 " brother; but in me behold one braver by far than 
 " he, and with more extensive dominions than that 
 " vile fellow's.' After many similar harsh expres- 
 " sions, the wretch expelled me from his kingdom, 
 " and sent me away to my brother." Rustam, 
 highly incensed at such a recital, instantly issued 
 orders for assembhng his army, to make an expedi- 
 tion into Kabul : on which Shighad thus spoke to 
 the champion of the world : " Who is the king of 
 " Kabul, that you should proceed against him with 
 " such mighty forces and preparations, and set 
 " such account on his prowess ? It is therefore 
 ** most advisable not to allow yourself any delay, 
 " but to set out alone to that place. I also will 
 "go in your train. Be assured that the very ru- 
 " mour of your approach will either force him to 
 " flee to some distant part of the world ; or he vdll 
 ■' hasten to declare his unconditional submission, 
 " bearing along with him the sword and winding-
 
 348 
 
 " sheet." Rustam, having assented to these deceit- 
 ful representations of his hypocritical brother, set 
 out for Kabul, accompanied by Zuwarah and the 
 traitor Shighad, who had despatched a courier to 
 inform the king of Rustam's approach ; and in his 
 Letter importunately urged him as follows : " It be- 
 " hoves the king not to remit the least in the plan 
 " we have arranged, but to prosecute it with the 
 " greatest vigour, in order that he, being deli- 
 " vered from Rustam's despotic sway, may pass his 
 " life in uninterrupted security, reposing on the 
 '' couch of tranquilhty." No sooner had the king 
 of Kabul been informed of Rustam's approach, than 
 he ordered deep pits to be dug in the Char Bagh 
 (Four Gardens), whither he proposed to conduct 
 Rustam : in these they were commanded to place 
 quantities of sharp instruments — javelins, spears, 
 and such like ; after which they were to cover up 
 the pits with bushes and fagots, and scatter the 
 dust of baseness in the eyes of magnanimity. As 
 soon as Rustam reached the confines of Kabul, the 
 king went out to meet him, his head and feet un- 
 covered, having with him many precious gifts and 
 offerings : he bowed his head to the gi'ound, and 
 clung to the robes of apology and pardon. Rustam 
 however said to him : " There has been made a 
 " representation concerning you, of such a nature 
 " as to render it impossible for you to escape alive
 
 349 
 
 " out of my hands." The king of Kabul then took 
 an oath, and said : " Whatever has been conveyed 
 '^ to your noble and exalted hearing has never oc- 
 ^' curred. I am your servant, and the kingdom is 
 " yours." On this Rustam said, " Cover your head 
 With, the turban, and resume your boots :" but he 
 answered, "It is impossible, until you deign to 
 grant my request." Rustam having demanded what 
 that was, the king said, " That you should deign 
 " to visit my garden, so that I may receive you 
 " with an entertainment suitable to your dignity." 
 Rustam assented, and the king of Kabul led the 
 way with great circumspection ; whilst the credu- 
 lous champion, heedless of the snare laid by his 
 brother and the king, urged on his steed Raksh 
 without apprehension : suddenly the rider and his 
 horse were precipitated into one of the pits, and 
 almost all Rustam's limbs were sorely wounded by 
 the sharp-edged swords and pointed arrows. By a 
 mighty effort, he succeeded in ascending to the 
 brink of the pit ; and at this moment the hypocri- 
 tical Shighad drew near exultingly. Rustam said : 
 " Lay my bow and arrows by my side ; so that if a 
 " wild beast should attack me, I may be able to 
 " ward off that calamity." Shighad, who had still 
 some seeds of affection planted in his breast, placed 
 the arms before him as he desired ; when Rustam, 
 notwithstanding his feeble state, fitted an arrow to
 
 350 
 
 the bow; and Shighad, alarmed for his safety", 
 concealed himself, behind a neighbouring tree, from 
 the champion's sight. 
 
 " On beholding this, Rustam raised his hand on high : 
 
 " Although exhausted, he with such force discharged the arrow 
 
 " That he sewed together Shighad and the tree. — 
 
 " Thus triumphed the hero at the moment of his heart's departing ; 
 
 " Whilst Shighad groaned aloud from behind the deadly wound. 
 
 " The champion made but short mourning over him, 
 
 " And he thus spoke : — ' Praise be to the Almighty, 
 
 " That I have ever been grateful to His providence ! 
 
 " Even now, when my expiring life is seated on my lips, 
 
 " Two short nights have not passed over my unavenged wrongs. 
 
 " The Almighty has granted my wish before my death, 
 
 " To inflict the punishment due to this treacherous deed.' 
 
 " He ceased : his soul departed from the body, 
 
 " And multitudes mourned bitterly over the hero ! '' " 
 
 (*) ij^ f^.v} "^^y ^^ mean, " through an evil conscience." 
 ('') " The history which Ferdausi gives of Esfendiar is extremely 
 fabulous ; and Ids hero Rustam is brought from that repose 
 which a century before Kai Khusrau had deemed him entitled to 
 enjoy on account of his great age, which was then four hundred, 
 to fight one whom he loves and venerates ; because the cruel and 
 jealous Gushtasp, envious of Esfendiar's glory, had persuaded 
 that prince to undertake the dangerous enterprise of bringing 
 Rustam bound to his presence. The hero, who cannot submit to 
 this indignity, engages Esfendiar, and slays him in single combat : 
 he takes charge of his son Behmen, or Diraz Dast, who after- 
 wards ascends the Persian throne ; and on the murder of Rustam, 
 makes war on his family, on the ground of revenging his father's 
 death. In this combat, the family of Rustam is nearly destroyed ; 
 the aged Zaul made prisoner, and confined in an iron cage. — 
 Ferdausi thus gives Rustam an antediluvian age, and ascribes to 
 him all that tradition had recorded of a race of heroes that lived 
 during the periods of which he writes." — Malcolm's Persia.
 
 351 
 
 The compilers of past events relate, that asDastan 
 was one day sitting at table with Rodabeh, there 
 came a raven, which, having perched on one of the 
 turrets of the palace, began to croak aloud : on 
 hearing this, Zaul hurst out into exclamations of 
 woe, whilst two rivers of blood streamed down his 
 cheeks. Rodabeh, the mother of Rustam, there- 
 upon asked him, " What has happened, that thou 
 "art thus suddenly changed?" Zaul answered, 
 " Yon bird unfolds a dreadful tale of woe, which 
 " far exceeds every other, except the calamity of 
 " famine." Rodabeh said, " What can this be ?" 
 Zaul rephed : " I fear, if thy knowledge extend to 
 " this matter, that the deluge of grief and misery 
 " will commit the palace of thy existence as a prey 
 " to the whirlwind of dissolution : the event which 
 " has occurred is of such a nature, that although 
 " thou mayest resign thyself to every expression of 
 " grief and woe, it is all of no avail." After this, 
 Rustam's mother became so urgent in her inquiries, 
 that Zaul at last said, " Rustam, Shighad, and 
 " Zuwarah, have transferred their substance from 
 " this perishable abode to the everlasting mansions." 
 Rustam's mother, on hearing this dreadful state- 
 ment, sent forth a piercing shriek, which shook 
 Zaul's firm palace to its deep foundations : then 
 breaking out into groans and wailings, she said to 
 Zaul, " O decrepit old man and frantic dotard !
 
 352 
 
 " canst thou reckon the pangs of famine more in- 
 " supportable than this calamity ? I swear to God, 
 *' that I will no more eat or drink until the hour 
 " of destruction overpowers me ! " During seven 
 nights and days she gave herself up to mourning 
 and lamentations, and would not partake of food ; 
 but on the expiration of that period, being exhausted, 
 she came by night into the kitchen ; and as, through 
 hunger, her eyes were unable to distinguish objects, 
 she therefore stretched forth her hands in every 
 direction to discover some kind of food : suddenly 
 she put her hand on a dead serpent ; and as she 
 was conveying it to her mouth, a damsel, who 
 beheld the circumstance, cried out, " Beware of 
 '' eating what thou boldest in thy hand ! it is a 
 " dead serpent." Rodabeh, having thus verified 
 Zaul's saying, called for food : and no sooner had 
 she eaten a few morsels, than her sight was restored 
 to its former state. 
 
 After a few days, the account of Rustam's death 
 having been spread through Neemrooz, his son, 
 Farimarz, instantly assembled his rank-breaking 
 soldiers, at the head of whom he advanced towards 
 Kabul : and this having come to the king's know- 
 ledge, he also collected a numerous army, to en- 
 counter and oppose the invaders : on this, there 
 ensued a dreadful combat, in which multitudes were 
 slain on either side. Farimarz at last obtained the
 
 353 
 
 victory. During the rout and confusion of the enemy, 
 having taken the king of Kabul prisoner, he, with 
 the lance of victory, immediately tore up the tree of 
 his existence from the root : in this battle he also 
 destroyed with the ruthless sword many of the king's 
 relations and connections. Farimarz then conveyed 
 his faj:her's body to Sistan, where it was deposited 
 in a vault: after which he ruled over Kabul and 
 Zabul with absolute sway, until the fatal period 
 when the whirlwind of adversity tore up from the 
 root the tree of his existence, as has been before 
 recorded in these pages. It is one of his sayings : 
 '* Every object is gratified through the expenditure 
 " of wealth ; excepting battle, which can only be 
 " satisfied by the expenditure of life." By means of 
 riches we may ward off every danger, excepting that 
 of battle, which is to be appeased only by the peril 
 and exposure of our precious lives and persons. 
 
 " Fix not thy heart on this revolving globe : it is merely the wheel 
 " Of a mill, turned by streams of blood issuing from the brave." 
 
 He has also said : " Well-directed reason is part 
 of the power of the mighty." The sages of old 
 have also said : The truly brave man should in like 
 manner be prudent ; for should he place his entire 
 confidence in his prowess and might, he is unex- 
 pectedly assailed by some wound, which cannot be 
 closed, and for which the physician of fortune is 
 unable to find a remedy. It is proper to observe, 
 
 A A
 
 354 
 
 that the expression, " War is fraud," used by the 
 Emir of the Faithful (on whom be benedictions and 
 salutations !) to Amru the son of Abdu, during the 
 war of the Foss, is a sufficient and decisive confir- 
 mation of the above sentiment. He has also said, 
 " The perfection of patience is the vanguard of vic- 
 tory ;" that is. Whoever, in any transaction with 
 friend or foe, displays forbearance and patience ; 
 and whoever, amidst the conflicts of adversity or 
 the frauds of fortune, pursues the path of mildness 
 and endurance ; the tree of his dehberation pro- 
 duces, in abundance, the fruit of desire. 
 
 He has also said : " Every master who demands 
 " from his servants tasks beyond their abihty, by 
 " such conduct furnishes them with an apology for 
 " resistance." 
 
 " Practise only one pursuit ; wield only one mace. 
 
 " There is an employment suited to the capacity of each : 
 
 " But when this claimant seeks that, and that other claims this, 
 
 " Then is there confidence on every side." 
 
 O intelligent expounder of abstruse difficulties, in 
 comparison with the bright effulgence of whose 
 mind the splendor of the sun himself is but a dark 
 shadow, acquiesce in these illustrations and maxims ! 
 although thy penetrating mind be as the world-dis- 
 playing solar goblet '', reflecting on thy intellectual 
 
 C) (»U»- signifies ' a goblet' and ' a mirror:' the Eastern na- 
 tions form these of all kinds of metals, as well as of crystal or glass, 
 of many shapes, but generally spherical: they also give this appella- 
 tion
 
 355 
 
 mirror the secrets of Fortune and the mysteries 
 of Fate, and profoundly versed in the pages of 
 Wisdom : — 
 
 " The revolutions of Destiny are manifest to thy prudence : 
 " The difficulties of Fortune become light before thy firm resolve- 
 " Thy reason, from the purport of the celestial pages, has perused 
 " The volume of Fortune's secret purpose." 
 
 THE REIGN OF HUMAI. 
 
 Some historians say, that when the imperial throne 
 was graced by the happy presence of Humai (called 
 also Khanee), she diffused among mankind the au- 
 spicious tidings of justice and equity, by expanding 
 before them the portals of mercy and clemency. 
 When she had reigned five months, there was born 
 to her a son of exquisite beauty, on whose happy 
 brows were manifestly impressed the signs of autho- 
 rity and universal empire, with the characters of 
 sovereign sway and regal virtues : as Behmen had 
 ordered by his will, that if Humai were delivered of 
 a son, the crown should be placed on the infant's 
 head. But, according to the saying, " The king- 
 
 tion to the celestial globe. According to them, Jemsheed, whom 
 they confound with Bacchus, Solomon, and Alexander the Great, 
 and also these personages, had cups, globes, or mirrors, by means 
 of which they knew whatever occurred in the natural or spiritual 
 world. The divining-cup of the Patriarch Joseph, and that of 
 Nestor in Homer, on which all nature was symbolically repre- 
 sented, may have suggested this idea to the writers of the East. 
 
 A A 2
 
 356 
 
 dom is always a virgin," Humai concealed her deli- 
 very from the people : and, after anxious delibera- 
 tion, she determined on having a coffer made, and 
 throwing it into the river, with the infant inclosed, 
 and ample funds for his future support. — Firdausi 
 says on this head : 
 
 " She was delivered of a son in secret, and spoke of it to none ; 
 " And thus kept him long time concealed, during eight months. 
 " The child grew up, a strong resemblance of the departed prince. 
 " A beautiful casket was made of seasoned wood, lined with 
 
 pitch and musk ; 
 " Its inside was made soft with the brocade of Room, 
 " Its outside well covered with musk and wax. 
 " Inside, in the lower part, she made a couch for repose : 
 " The middle space was filled with diamonds of the finest water : 
 " They also fastened many princely gems 
 " Around the arms of the tender babe. 
 " When sleep had overpowered the child, 
 " His intelligent nurse broke out into tears. 
 " Gently, gently she placed him in the coffer, 
 " And wrapped him up warmly in the silks of Cheen. 
 " The head of the coffer was then made secure, 
 " With wax and amber, pitch and musk. 
 " The casket was borne out at the midnight hour : 
 " It was borne by one who suffered no moan to pass the lips. 
 " It was borne out from the presence of Humai, 
 " And cast into the running stream." 
 
 In the Tarikh Guzideh, it is said that a certain 
 fuller having found the coffer, took it up, and gave 
 the child the name of Darab : and as, by divine provi- 
 dence, it so happened that the fuller's child, an in- 
 fant of five or six months old, had been a few days
 
 357 
 
 dead, he brought up D4rab carefully. But Ddrab 
 had no sooner arrived at maturity, than his royal and 
 exalted nature, not enduring to bow the head to the 
 occupation of a fuller and scourer, was solely intent 
 upon mihtary weapons and exercises ; and through 
 this bias he joined himself to some troops which his 
 mother was sending against the people of Room. 
 The commander of these forces witnessed, during 
 their march, many proofs of his prosperity and good 
 fortune : he also observed him to display in Room 
 such incontrovertible demonstrations of heroic 
 bravery, that, on his return to Humai's presence, he 
 bore testimony to all that he had seen : on which, 
 Humai, after mature and earnest investigation, 
 having clearly discovered Darab to be her son, vdth- 
 drew from the sovereign power, and resigned to 
 him the kingdom, with all her riches. The title 
 of this princess is Cheher A'zad (' Of open or free 
 countenance'); and tradition assigns her a reign of 
 two and thirty years. The city of Harpavaigan, in 
 the territory of Isfahan, is one of her works : but 
 her chief work was the Hazar Situn (Thousand 
 Columns) of Istakhar, which was afterwards de- 
 stroyed by Iskander of Room.
 
 358 
 
 REIGN OF DA'RA'B, THE SON OF BEHMEN. 
 
 Da'ra'b, the son of Behmen, was a sovereign of 
 great splendor, and a conqueror of extensive sway, 
 who in a short period reduced to submission and 
 obedience many refractory chiefs : even kings of 
 mighty power reckpned their attendance on his 
 court the source of glory and the guarantee of sup- 
 port : the only exception was Filikoos % Prince of 
 Room, who for some time bandied about the ball of 
 contention in the plain of hostility, fixing the chulcdn 
 (bat) of resistance on the shoulder of opposition. 
 Darab, being informed of his hostile purpose, gave 
 orders for assembling the ever-victorious troops ; 
 and set out for Room with so immense a host, that 
 the accountants of intellect and the calculators of 
 imagination would be utterly confounded in endea- 
 vouring to estimate or describe its numbers and 
 preparations. The Prince of Room also, having 
 provided whatever was necessary for giving battle, 
 departed from his capital to meet the invaders. 
 When the two armies met, and their ranks were 
 
 ( ) The Arab historians, not having the letter t—^ in their Alpha- 
 bet, turned Phillppus into Filibbus : this latter, by an easy and 
 customary permutation of letters of the same organ, was changed 
 into Filifoos : and as the Fe and Kdf differ only by one diacritical 
 pomt, Filifoos easily became, through the ignorance of the scribe, 
 Filikoos, and Filkoos ; which latter is the modern pronunciation.
 
 359 
 
 marshalled in due order, the winged arrows con- 
 veyed the tidings of Fate, and the sharp-edged sword 
 dissevered the visions of Hope : — 
 
 " The wooden fowl, with beak of iron, 
 
 " Gave chase to the pure bird of the soul ; 
 
 " The mirror-coloured water from the seas (of steel) 
 
 " Bore otf the pearl of life, and swam away. 
 
 " Intoxicated must be the man who quaffs with me 
 
 " Wine from the cup formed of his enemy's scull !" 
 
 At last, through the gi'acious interposition of the 
 All-powerful Lord, the gales of victory breathed on 
 the army commanded by the successor of Gushtasp 
 and Behmen. The soldiers of Room, unable to 
 prolong the contest, fled in disorder ; and FiKkoos 
 himself, with a few who escaped the destructive 
 sword, took refuge in a certain strong fortress 
 which, in height and strength, rivalled the canopy 
 of heaven. Filikoos was here long besieged ; but 
 after a protracted blockade, Darab, by promises 
 and threats, prevailed on him to descend from this 
 impregnable fortress : and the Persian monarch, 
 afterwards preferring the hall of banquet to the field 
 of battle, demanded the daughter of Filikoos in 
 marriage ; — according to this saying : " He took the 
 " kingdom by the edge of his sword, and gave it 
 " away at the point of his whip." The kingdom of 
 Room was thus given back to the king : but this 
 condition was stipulated, that he should annually
 
 360 
 
 send, from the riches of Room, to the royal treasury, 
 a thousand golden eggs, each weighing forty mes- 
 cals. The affairs of the kingdom being settled in 
 this manner, Darab directed the reins of expedition 
 towards the royal residence, bringing along with 
 him, to Iran, the illustrious daughter of Filikoos : 
 but when the step of majesty approached the carpet 
 of society, an unpleasing odour from the queen's 
 mouth so affected the monarch of Iran, the sove- 
 reign of the human race, that he conceived an aver- 
 sion towards her, and therefore sent her back to 
 Room. At this period the illustrious princess was 
 pregnant with Iskander ; and her father, to save his 
 reputation, not only kept the matter fi'om being 
 made pubhc, but endeavoured to suppress the secret 
 circumstance altogether. After this event, when 
 fourteen, or, according to others, twelve years of 
 Darab's reign had passed, (for the writers of Room 
 differ on this head,) he named, as successor, his son 
 Dara, whom he loved exceedingly, and called after 
 his own name. Shortly after which transaction, 
 " he beat the drum of removal with the di'umstick " 
 of departure." It is one of his sayings : "An enemy 
 " who smiles on you is hke the colocynth, the 
 " leaves of which are green, but the taste deadly;" 
 
 C") " Jl^t>, among its other meanings, signifies ' a drumstick :* 
 it is in common use, though not noticed in the Burhan-e-Kati."
 
 361 
 
 that is. An enemy who appears before you with 
 dissimulation and smiles resembles the colocynth, 
 which is externally of a vivid green, with leaves of 
 beautiful verdure. How then can a prudent man be 
 deceived by its external hues, and sit down regard- 
 less of its internal essence, baneful as deadly poison 
 or the sharp-edged sword ? That person only is 
 truly sage, who, on witnessing in his enemy flatter- 
 ing attentions, kind declarations, and a smiling 
 countenance, employs the more earnestly the bow 
 of fraud and policy, and observes more attentively 
 the safeguards of caution, so that he may remain 
 securely protected against every calamity. Dar-ab- 
 jard is one of this prince's monuments : and, among 
 the divinely-inspired Philosophers, Aiflatun was con- 
 temporary with him. 
 
 THE REIGN OF DA'RA', OR DA'RA'B, 
 
 THE SON OF DA'rA' ; ALSO STYLED, Da'ra' THE LESS. 
 
 This prince was so depraved in disposition, and 
 harsh in nature, that most of the princes and nobles 
 of Iran, being hurt at his conduct, addressed Letters 
 to Iskander, promising him their unanimous support, 
 and thus inciting him to claim the kingdom. Upon 
 this, Iskander discontinued the tribute of the golden 
 eggs, which had been regularly sent by his father to
 
 362 
 
 the royal treasury of D^rab : and Dardb, on witness- 
 ing this appearance of hostihty, sent an ambassador 
 to claim the customary tribute, to which demand 
 Iskander thus repHed : " The vital bird of him who 
 " sent the eggs has deserted the cage of the body, 
 " and winged its flight to the nest of eternity. Time 
 " has now introduced a different regulation ; and 
 " although that fowl's nature supplied the golden 
 " eggs. Fortune has now folded up the ancient carpet, 
 " and furnished a new one for this new reign." 
 Dara, incensed at this answer, sent, a second time, 
 a ball, a bat, and a quantity of sesame, with this 
 message : " Iskander is as yet a stripling ; playing 
 " at ball suits him better than grappling with men : 
 " the sesame is an emblem of the number of our 
 " troops and the multitudes of our forces, as for 
 " every grain we have a thousand rank-breaking 
 " heroes. Should Iskander's final object, in defer- 
 " ring the payment of the tribute, proceed from 
 " confirmed hostility, a spirit of revolt, or aspiring 
 " to our crown, he must immediately turn away his 
 " mind from such a purpose ; or, by the gi'asp of 
 " our fortune, and the powerful arm of our prospe- 
 *' rity, we shall hurl him into a state of in*etriev- 
 " able calamity and destitution, just as the unre- 
 " sisting ball is impelled with a revolving motion 
 " from the curve of the chukan." Iskander wrote 
 in reply : '' Your message presents to my mind a
 
 363 
 
 ** propitious omen ; for I trust in God, that as the 
 " circumference of the saulajdn (bat) envelopes the 
 " globe of the ball, so shall my sovereignty be cir- 
 " cumscribed around the centre of your realms. In 
 " return for the sesam6, 1 send you coloquintida, to 
 " intimate, that your palate shall soon be embit- 
 " tered by being forced to partake of the coloquin- 
 " tida of our victory ; and that the floor of your 
 " palace, from the trampHng hoofs of our steeds, 
 " shall become of the consistence of antimony and 
 " coUyrium." In short, the two monarchs having 
 put in motion the troops of Iran and Room, after 
 traversing many regions, committed the decision of 
 the great question to the issue of battle and 
 slaughter. Fortune demanded back the restitution 
 of her deposit ; and the messenger of Destiny came 
 to the camp of Dara with this decree, " Every 
 soul must taste of death :" for on the day of his 
 escape from the field of battle, while he reposed in 
 his durbar, two persons of Hamadan % of the num- 
 ber of his chamberlains, who were distinguished by 
 confidential intercourse and accumulated honours, 
 
 O Hamadan, about 300 miles n.w. of Isfahan, either stands 
 upon, or very near, the site of the ancient Ecbatana. The inha- 
 bitants still shew the tombs of Esther and Mordecai. It was the 
 favourite summer residence of most of the sovereigns of Persia, 
 from the days of Dara to the time of Jenghiz Khan. During eight 
 months of the year the climate is delightful ; but in winter the 
 cold is excessive. The town contains at present about 40,000 
 inhabitants.
 
 364^ 
 
 issuing forth from the ambush of disloyalty, rent his 
 bosom with their traitorous poniards, and fled to 
 Iskander's army. The sovereign of Room being 
 informed of this event, hastened with all speed to 
 the pillow of Dara. The heir to the realms of the 
 Kaianian line, who had still a spark of life remain- 
 ing, heaved a cold sigh, having contemplated on the 
 pao"es of his present state, the image of his enemies' 
 exultation ; according to the saying : '' The Hfe of 
 " man, if prolonged even for one day after his enemy's 
 " death, is regarded as a great advantage." Iskan- 
 der placed on his lap the head of Dara, and, kissing 
 it repeatedly, declared, with solemn oaths and sin- 
 cere protestations : " I was unacquainted with this 
 plot, and never sanctioned such a proceeding." As 
 Dara had received a deadly wound, and all hope of 
 life was now cut off, he therefore entreated Iskander 
 to retaliate on his assassins, to bind himself in mar- 
 riage to his daughter Rosheng, and not invest a 
 stranger with dominion over the Princes of Far- 
 sistan. Iskander cheerfully accepted these testa- 
 mentary instructions, and undertook to fulfil all 
 his requests. The following are Dara's last words : 
 
 " Thou art now preparing for this suitable deed, 
 " As thou expellest me from my kingdom. 
 " If thou place on my head a crown of jewels, 
 " Such is not the condition fit for sovereign rule. 
 " I once had sway over fortune myself; yet 
 . Such has been my departure from the world.
 
 365 
 
 *' When my sire was passing away from hence, 
 
 " He thus addressed me : ' O light of thy father's eyes, 
 
 " My death affords thee a sufficient lesson : 
 
 " The world supplies sufficient memorials to all.' " 
 
 The preceding brief account is taken from the 
 Tarikh Maajem ; and whatever is related more at 
 large, on this head, in the Mabsut ", shall, through 
 the assistance of the One, Mighty, and Glorious God, 
 be recorded in the life of Iskander. 
 
 The reign of Dara the Less continued fourteen 
 years ; and the following are some of his memorable 
 sayings : " Thou shalt not covet to possess what- 
 " ever thou hearest of." Also this speech : " My 
 " brother ! behold me, who was once king of kings 
 " and monarch of the seven climates, now wounded, 
 " lying on the earth, uncheered by friends, deserted 
 " by favourites ! My kingdom is gone, and death 
 " draws nigh. Take warning by the spectacle you 
 " now behold, before you yourself become a spec- 
 " tacle for others ;" that is : Although by strength, 
 dominion, superiority, and distinction, you should 
 become master of the lofty dome — if you were 
 raised in elevation to an equahty with Suhail and 
 Suha — if the lofty skies formed the roof of your 
 
 ('') Mabsiit, a work composed by Bezdavi, in eleven volumes. — 
 This title means, in Arabic, " Extended." According to D'Her- 
 belot, these volumes contain a complete course of Theology, in 
 accordance with the principles of Abu Hanifa, the celebrated Mu- 
 hammedau Doctor, who was born at Kufa, in the year SO of the 
 Hejira.
 
 366 
 
 palaces and courts, and this wide expanse were the 
 place of exercise for your steed — if you drew from 
 your scabbard the sabre of the sun, and interposed 
 the lunar disk as a defence for your head — you could 
 neither avoid the arrows of Fate, nor retard the 
 wounds inflicted by the sabre of the Angel of death. 
 
 " Every particle, in the atmosphere or the plains, 
 
 *' Is a Kaikhusrau, a Kaikobad, or a Feridoon. 
 
 " Through this stern murderer, that is, the revolving sky, 
 
 " This world is not of earth, but a vase filled with blood." 
 
 THE REIGN OF ISKANDER. 
 
 The name of Iskander, in the Ionian language, 
 signifies Aksheed Roos, that is, Filusuf : which 
 word is abbreviated from Fila Sufa ; as the lonians 
 call love, ' Fila,' and wisdom, ' Sufa ;' according 
 to which etymology, Iskander means " A lover of 
 wisdom." 
 
 " When Iskander became master of the world, 
 " He exerted himself to acquire wisdom and a glorious name : 
 " During the day, the dispensing of justice engaged his attention ; 
 " His employment from night till morn was the repetition of 
 
 prayer. 
 " Although he exerted himself in the feast and warlike enterprise, 
 " The attainment of science formed his glory and delight : 
 " On those who were conspicuous for merit he bestowed silver 
 
 and gold, 
 " And repelled the abject in mind far from his doors :
 
 367 
 
 " He esteemed the accomplished in science as his own soul, 
 " And raised their banners beyond the lunar sphere." 
 
 Many of the assayers of the currency of merit, 
 and several of the diamond-merchants of the pre- 
 cious gems of virtuous quahties, give Iskander the 
 title of Zu-ul-Kurnain the Less : according to them, 
 Zu-ul-Km-nain the Elder constructed the barrier 
 called the Wall of Gog and Magog : this personage 
 is honourably'' mentioned in the glorious Koran, the 
 
 (*) " The Jews wiU ask thee concerning Zu-al-Kumain. 
 " Answer, I will rehearse unto you an account of him. We made 
 " him powerful in the earth, and we gave him means to accomplish 
 '' every thing he pleased. And he followed his way, until he came 
 " to the place where the sun setteth : and he found it to set in a 
 " spring of black mud ; and he found near the same a certain 
 " people. And we said, ' O Zu-al-Kurnain I either punish this 
 " people, or use gentleness towards them.' He answered, ' Whoso- 
 " ever of them shall commit injustice, we will surely punish him 
 " in this world ; afterwards shall he return unto his Lord, and 
 " He shall punish him with a severe punishment. But who- 
 " soever believeth, and doeth that which is right, shall receive 
 " the most excellent reward ; and we will give him in command 
 " that which is easy.^ Then he continued his way, undl he came 
 " to the place where the sun riseth : and he found it to rise on 
 " a certain people unto whom we had not given any thing where- 
 " with to shelter themselves therefrom. Thus it was ; and we 
 " comprehended with our knowledge the forces which were 
 " with him. And he prosecuted his journey from south to north, 
 " until he came between the two mountains ; beneath which he 
 " found certain people who could scarce understand what was 
 " said. And they said, ' O Zu-al-Kurnain ! verily Gog and 
 " Magog waste the land : shall we therefore pay thee tribute, on 
 " condition that thou build a rampart between us and them?' He 
 " answered, / The power wherewith my Lord hath strengthened 
 " me is better than your tribute : but assist me strenuously, and 
 
 " I will
 
 ■368 
 
 admirable code of equity ; and in our preceding 
 pages some of the acts of that mighty character 
 have been set forth. On the whole, from the nar- 
 ratives of the historians of ancient deeds and the 
 compilers of past events, it has been pourtrayed 
 and recorded on the tablet of the mind and the 
 pages of the soul, that Iskander the Macedonian, 
 sometimes styled the Koomite, Zu-ul-Kurnain the 
 Less, and the Ionian, was a sovereign of exalted 
 power, dignified as the heavens ; a victorious and 
 fortunate monarch, the accounts of whose prowess 
 are celebrated and diffused over the whole earth ; 
 and the fame of whose munificence is indelibly 
 
 " I win set a strong wall between you and them. Bring me iron, 
 " in large pieces, until it fill up the space between the two sides of 
 " these mountains.' And he said to the workmen, ' Blow with your 
 " bellows, until it make the iron red hot as fire.' And he said 
 " fxirther, ' Bring me molten brass, that I may pour upon it.' Where- 
 " fore, when this waU was finished, Gog and Magog could not 
 " scale it, neither could they dig through it. And Zu-al-Kurnain 
 " said : ' This is a mercy from my Lord ; but when the prediction 
 " of the Lord shall come to be fulfilled, He shall reduce this wall 
 " to dust : and the prediction of my Lord is true.' " 
 
 Sale's Koran, vol. II. ch. xviii. p. 120. 
 " Derbend, the capital of Daghestan, stands on the site of the 
 ancient Albania, a city supposed to have been founded by Alex- 
 ander the Great. It is situated on the western shore of the Cas- 
 pian, in lat. 41* 52' n., surrounded by a wall and towers; but the 
 citadel, which occupies the summit of a rock, is at too great a 
 distance either to protect the city or cover the harbour. Part of 
 the celebrated wall of Gog and Magog, said to have extended to 
 the Black Sea, is still to be seen near this fortress : it is of great 
 solidity; and runs in a western direction, over high and almost 
 inaccessible mountains." — Kinnair's Persia.
 
 369 
 
 inscribed and depicted on the records of renown : in 
 the area of heroism he fearlessly grappled with the 
 lion ; and in the field of battle wielded the sabre 
 with both hands : 
 
 " la a hundred thousand generations of this foot-pacing sphere, 
 " No cavalier like him has entered the lists of Fame." 
 
 His victorious arms were carried to Khatay and 
 Khoten, and from thence to Sind and Hindustan : 
 his uncontrolled dominion extended over mountain 
 and plain, over the expanse of land and sea. 
 
 There exists among the principal historians great 
 disagreement about his descent ; and there are, also, 
 conflicting reasons assigned for the title of Zu-ul- 
 Kurnain. Some eminent genealogists maintain Is- 
 kander to be the son of Dara the Elder, as mentioned 
 in that prince's reign : the same writers also assert, 
 that he by force made himself master of Rosheng, 
 daughter to Dara the Younger ; but the writer of 
 this work thinks that an imputation made by sen- 
 sible people about an alliance formed by a god- 
 fearing, pious monarch with his brother's daughter 
 must appear equally improbable and incredible ; 
 unless they argue that,in the ancient religion, such 
 a practice had been allowable — a supposition by no 
 means free from difficulty. Some historians assert 
 that Fihkoos gave his daughter in marriage to 
 Bazur, king of Iskanderieh, in order to remove 
 every cause of hostihty between them ; and that 
 
 B B
 
 370 
 
 Bazur, from some secret motive, shortly after sent 
 back his royal consort, then pregnant with Iskan- 
 der, to her father's coml. During the journey, the 
 princess was delivered of a son ; whom, when born, 
 she wi-apped up in swathing-clothes ; and, partly 
 through grief, partly through indignation, exposed 
 him in a part of the desert near which there hap- 
 pened to be a pastm'age for sheep. It was so 
 ordained, by the divine influence of the Creator of 
 flocks and the Producer of cattle, that a sheep 
 belonging to that flock came from time to time, as 
 occasion required, to the spot where Iskander lay, 
 and suckled him. The owner of the flock, an aged 
 woman of sagacity, observing the disappearance of 
 the animal at stated times, was convinced that her 
 departure and return must be connected with some 
 extraordinary cause : she therefore followed the 
 sheep, and was thus enabled to behold Iskander : 
 her inteUigent soul quickly comprehended that he 
 was a tender shoot from the parterre of glory and 
 splendor ; she therefore took him to her abode, and 
 there paid the greatest attention to his nurture and 
 education. As soon as he arrived at the commence- 
 ment of years of discretion, she committed him to 
 the care of an experienced instructor ; so that, in a 
 short time, his mind became adorned with the em- 
 beUishment of virtue and polished manners. 
 
 In the course of these events, the governor of the
 
 371 
 
 country, being displeased with Iskander's tutor, 
 ordered him to leave that territory : in consequence 
 of this, Iskander and his tutor departed from that 
 country, and happened to take up their abode in 
 the city where Iskander's mother resided. One 
 day, the queen's eyes having accidentally glanced 
 on him, from the intuitive perception of royalty 
 she conceived a suspicion of his being the child 
 whom she had exposed when returning to her 
 father's court : she therefore brought Iskander into 
 the king's presence, and described all that had oc- 
 curred. Filikoos, who had discovered in the youth's 
 physiognomy the characters of valour and the in- 
 dications of heroic bravery, inquired minutely about 
 the place of his birth. Iskander related his story 
 from the very commencement, as the aged woman 
 had unfolded it to him ; and by this recital the 
 king and his daughter, passing from the first step of 
 suspicion to the height of conviction, became rejoiced 
 and happy. As the king had no heirs male, he 
 therefore turned all his attention to completing the 
 education of Iskander. At this early period, the 
 young prince refi-eshed the senses of the king with 
 the fragrant gales of royalty, proceeding from the 
 bowers of virtuous habits and admirable morals : 
 even during his minority, the traces of universal 
 dominion were discernible, whether he moved or re- 
 posed : the aspect of the star of victory shone from 
 
 B B 2
 
 372 
 
 "his auspicious countenance and happy presence, 
 like the sun in his meridian splendor : the tidings 
 of the morn of triumph and prosperity were evidently 
 impressed on his forehead, lucid as Jupiter, and on 
 his features, effulgent as the sun. As the king 
 found him 
 
 " Of heart-delighting manners and soul-cheering speech, 
 " Of boundless reflection and numberless accomplishments, 
 " Liberal to all, superior to the whole world, 
 " Perfect in all exercise, and master of every science," 
 
 he therefore declared him his successor ; and the 
 tongue of Fame thus described him : 
 
 " The Almighty has placed the diadem on Iskander's brow, 
 " As He well knew his virtues entitled him to legal sway." 
 
 As soon as the royal diadem had received splendor 
 from Iskander's brow, Filikoos issued positive in- 
 junctions, that the royal train, all ranks of people, 
 all orders of men, in short, all his subjects, should 
 regard prompt obedience and submission to all 
 Iskander's ordinances and prohibitions, as indispen- 
 sably necessary : they were on no account to re- 
 move their necks from the collar of allegiance or 
 their heads from the halter of obedience ; and under 
 no pretext turn their feet from the limits of fidehty, 
 or step aside from the path of loyal attachment : 
 also, on whatever point he intimated his pleasure 
 (which should be conformable to the will of God, 
 and agreeable to the maxims of royalty), they were 
 to gird their loins with the zone of exertion, and
 
 373 
 
 hold it as criminal to deviate from his commands. 
 Filikoos, having observed the happy disposition of 
 the youthful favourite of Fortune, like ductile wax, 
 adapted for receiving the impression of good coun- 
 sel, moreover added : " My son, it is necessary that, 
 " according to the maxim, ' A generous child will 
 " follow the example of his noble-minded sire,' in 
 " the principles of government and authority, and 
 " the rules of dominion and sovereignty, you should 
 " imitate the select memorials and admired qualities 
 " of your forefathers, adopting as your model and 
 " guide their triumphant customs and laws ; also, in 
 " the laws of dispensing justice and protection to 
 " your subjects, you are not to deviate from the 
 " rules and precedents of your ancestors ; so that 
 " the light of your excellent quahties, and the me- 
 " morials of your virtues, may, like the bounty of 
 " the sun, be diffused and celebrated over the whole 
 " earth ; so that the basis of your grandeur, and 
 " the majesty of your power, should continue to 
 " gain daily accessions of strength, and a solidity 
 " greater than words can express. As it is indis- 
 '' putably true, that the columns of royalty and 
 " sovereignty, as well as the foundations of splendor 
 " and regal dignity, acquire stabihty and perma- 
 " nence from proofs of equity and justice, and from 
 " the arrangements for their impartial dispensation 
 " and the protection of subjects, it is therefore
 
 374 
 
 " necessary that the tree of equity and decision 
 " should be flourishing and productive, and main- 
 " tained in a state of verdure and irrigation. 
 
 " Act with justice ; for in the kingdom of the heart 
 " The just man knocks at the door of prophecy ^ 
 
 " Be also assured, that the standard of faith and 
 " the banner of orthodoxy cannot be elevated or 
 " kept in progress, in the exercise of sovereign 
 " authority, the due administration of affairs, and 
 '^ the termination of important objects, without the 
 *' admixture of mercy, clemency, severity, and 
 " pmiishment: — 
 
 " From joy of beholding- thee, at one time let the tulip expand 
 
 its face ; 
 " At another, let the narcissus, in alarm, droop the head ; 
 " At one time, let the earth, from terror of thy sword, be like 
 
 vermilion ; 
 " At another, from thy prowess, let vermilion assume the hue 
 
 of stone. 
 
 " Bestow unceasing exertions and devoted earnest- 
 " ness in giving effect to the decisions of the sacred 
 " Law, and elevating the standard of Faith. Whereas 
 " the guarding of the realm, and the security of 
 " the public roads, cannot be effected, or ever 
 " imagined possible, without experienced agents, 
 " both infantry and cavalry, you must therefore 
 " pay suitable attention in finding out, and engaging 
 
 (*') That is; in the grateful affections of mankind, the just 
 monarch ranks as the prophet.
 
 375 
 
 " in your service, persons eminent in arms : for the 
 " eloquence of their swords, in the day of battle 
 " and the hour of encounter, serves as the proper 
 " intei-preter to the oracles of victory : therefore 
 " throw open to such as these the portals of aid 
 " and the acquisition of honours. You are also to 
 " regard, as an incumbent duty, the exhibition of 
 " respect, to the utmost of your power, to the 
 " professors of the pen ; as the point of their 
 " Kulm is the index to the journal of authority and 
 " talent. Never remit or suspend your efforts in 
 " conciHating men of science and persons of merit ; 
 " for the applause and respect of such characters 
 " constitute the premises to happiness, and the 
 '* keys to honour. Take care to distinguish, by 
 " unbounded attentions and unhmited munificence, 
 " the pious, the Dervishes, the Fakirs, and the re- 
 " tired saints, who are unceasingly occupied in the 
 *' performance of devotion, and the constant dis- 
 " charge of rehgious duties : entreat assistance from 
 '" their souls, endued with miraculous powers. 
 
 " Display, on every occasion, a zealous regard 
 " for the improvement of the people's resources, 
 " and the successful accomphshment of their hopes : 
 *' by the resplendent pohsh of equity, wipe away the 
 " dust of tyranny and the gloom of oppression from 
 " off the mirror of their condition : and, in the ad- 
 " ministration of justice, make no difference between
 
 376 
 
 " rich and poor, noble and ignoble, Turk and Per- 
 " sian, the near at hand and the remote, the resident 
 " and the traveller, the cultivator and^the soldier. 
 
 " Besides appointing chosen men and experienced 
 " warriors as governors of provinces and com- 
 " manders of castles and forts, you must on all oc- 
 '' casions rigidly adhere to the maxims of superin- 
 " tendence and vigilance, and the dictates of caution, 
 " which should be constantly kept in view. 
 
 " In the course of all transactions, whether of 
 " general or particular import, studiously avoid 
 " procrastination and negligence. Let not the op- 
 " portunity pass by unheeded ; but, with the force 
 " of your well-tempered poniard and flame-shower- 
 " ing sabre, purify the area of your dominions from 
 " the uncleanness of opposition and the contamina- 
 " tion of sedition, so effectually, that there shall re- 
 " main neither mark nor vestige of the signs of con- 
 " tumacy or the practices of revolt ; in order that, by 
 " such measures, every part of your realm may be 
 " delivered from the fear and alarm of robbers *and 
 " revolters, whilst you inflict immediate punishment 
 " and overthrow on the wicked and turbulent. 
 
 " Permit not the form of the desired object, nor 
 " the countenance of the beloved, of any deserving 
 " character, to remain concealed behind the veil_of 
 " refusal or the curtain of delay. 
 
 ^•' Extend not the hand of oppression to the pro-
 
 377 
 
 *' perty of the humble ; and never regard with in- 
 " difference the morning sigh of despair, proceeding 
 " from the afflicted heart : — 
 
 " Look well that thou raise not thy hand to oppress ; 
 
 " For the cultivated country, through injustice, becomes a desert." 
 
 *' Terminate every affair, whether of a private or 
 " pubhc nature, according to justice and equity : 
 " give convincing proofs of summoning into your 
 *' presence the rayas and the helpless, who, through 
 " the attacks of the beak of the eagle of adversity, 
 " have, like the stars of the Great Bear, been scat- 
 " tered about, and become wanderers in every re- 
 " gion : bestow on them an arrangement and union 
 " like the cluster of the Pleiades ; and, having 
 " placed them in the shadow of benignity and 
 " mercy, nourish them with the advantages of 
 " abundant munificence and the revenues of bound- 
 " less liberahty : appease their thirst from the deh- 
 " cious reservoirs of bounty and the grateful foun- 
 " tains of compassion. 
 
 " Repel the revolutionary hand of the innovator 
 " from the skirt of the feeble and helpless ; and 
 " thus certainly you shall not remain devoid of the 
 " ornaments of kingly virtues and royal qualities : 
 
 " So shall the fame of thy glory be spread on every side, 
 
 " And the remembrance of thy good deeds become thy monument." 
 
 Filikoos, on terminating his precepts and instruc- 
 tions, seated Iskander on the throne, and placed 
 the royal diadem on his head.
 
 378 
 
 In other Histories, there are so many different 
 accounts respecting this prince, that it would be 
 equally tedious and painful to enumerate them. 
 The opinion of Imam Shams-ud-deen Mohammed, 
 the son of Mahmud of Suhreverd, (whose spirit 
 may God cherish !) among the statements relative to 
 Iskander's descent, inclines to the following — that 
 he was the legitimate son of Filikoos ; as related by 
 him in the Nazhat-al-Urwah (the delight of Spirits), 
 a work which contains the Lives of the Philosophers 
 and the history of eminent men. He says, that when 
 seven years of the reign of Filikoos, the father of 
 Iskander, had elapsed, he was suddenly slain by the 
 sword of hatred ; and that the cause of his assassi- 
 nation was in this manner : — One of the nobles, by 
 name Kuloos*=, fell in love with the mother of Is- 
 kander, the august spouse of Filikoos ; and exhibited 
 the ardour of passion to such a degree, that he was 
 unable to eat, sleep, or enjoy any kind of happiness 
 or repose :■ — 
 
 " It is love which robs the male lion of his strength, 
 
 *' And from which proceeds hostility, aggravated in a hundred 
 
 ways; 
 " Which at one time shews friendship ; at another, soothes the 
 
 soul ; 
 " It sometimes breathes hostility ; at other times, the odour of 
 
 blood." 
 
 Although Kuloos employed all means to attain 
 
 O Such is the name given by Persian Historians to Pausanias, 
 who put Philip to death, in consequence of an unpardonable insult.
 
 379 
 
 his object, by presenting to this virtuous princess, 
 money, precious-stones, and costly dresses, he made 
 no progress, neither did his deceitful flattery pro- 
 duce any impression on the queen; and whereas 
 her sentiments were the perfection of chastity and 
 propriety, she interposed every resistance; there- 
 fore the resolution of slaying Fihkoos, seizing the 
 kingdom, and getting the queen's person into his 
 power, took such possession of his impure soul, that 
 he watched a favourable opportunity for accom- 
 phshing his designs. About this time Filikoos des- 
 patched one of his generals, with an army of chosen 
 warriors, to repel the son of King Kilatoos, then in 
 a state of revolt ; and Iskander had also been de- 
 tached with a division of hons, the lairs of intre- 
 pidity, to attack the city of Barfous. When the di- 
 spersion of the army (an event long earnestly desired 
 by Kuloos) had been ascertained, he collected 
 around himself a number of persons prone to tur- 
 bulence and treason, to whom he communicated his 
 plans ; and rushing suddenly on Filikoos from every 
 quarter, overpowered him with many severe wounds. 
 The people of the city, and the few remaining sol- 
 diers, were stupified with amazement : they how- 
 ever bore away their nearly-murdered prince from 
 the fatal spot to his palace. Fate decreed, that on 
 this very day Iskander should arrive in the city; 
 who, on learning the dreadful occurrence, instantly
 
 380 
 
 repaired to his father's palace. He there beheld his 
 mother grasped and seized by Kuloos. Iskander 
 forbore to use his sword, lest he should unfortu- 
 nately wound his mother : on which the queen im- 
 mediately implored his aid, and reproached him, 
 saying : '' If I be the cause of your delay and want 
 " of zeal, as I have no longer any attachment to 
 " this world, it is therefore most advisable that you 
 " dehver me as quickly as possible, by some means, 
 ^' from the hands of this wretch." Whereupon 
 Iskander, with one blow, having nearly consigned 
 Kuloos to destruction, hastened to his father's pil- 
 low, the sun of whose hfe verged on the eve of 
 death and dissolution, and said to him : " Arise ! 
 take vengeance on your enemy with this sword." 
 Filikoos accordingly arose, and with his own hands 
 terminated the existence of Kuloos ; and then sum- 
 moning into his presence the officers of state and 
 all ranks of the people, commanded them to inau- 
 gurate Iskander. After this he ordered Aristu to 
 appear ; and, placing Iskander's hand in that of the 
 sage, gave him full instructions respecting the 
 superintendence of the young prince, and then bade 
 adieu to this perishable world. As soon as Iskander 
 had terminated his father's funeral ceremonies, 
 burial, and mourning, he rose up amidst the assem- 
 bled nobles, and thus addressed them : " Be it 
 " known to you, O chiefs ! that your sovereign has
 
 381 
 
 " folded up the carpet of life, and departed, like the 
 " kings of old. I possess neither power nor autho- 
 " rity over you, for I am as one of yom-selves : what- 
 " ever undertaking you engage in, I shall always 
 " afford you my strenuous aid and co-operation, and 
 " ever adapt my inclinations to your desires ; and in 
 " no affair will I oppose you. Hear now my words, 
 " attend to my counsels, and regard me as a sincere 
 " monitor : this purpose of mine has long been 
 " known to you, even during my father's lifetime. 
 " Now, therefore, select some one from amidst 
 " yourselves, as your ruler and supreme governor, 
 " who is most eminent for piety to God, compassion 
 " towards all ranks of people, and mercy to the 
 " weak and helpless ; one who will divide with 
 " strict justice and impartiality amongst you the 
 " spoils taken in war ; a person from whose vices 
 " you not only have no cause of alarm, but, on the 
 " contrary, from whose virtues you may expect all 
 " that is good." — Such was the long and copious 
 speech of Iskander ; a copy of which, at full length, 
 is found in books of moral philosophy. Those pre- 
 sent, on hearing from Iskander such words as they 
 had never before heard from former kings, were 
 struck with astonishment, and said : " We have 
 " listened to your heart-delighting words, and we 
 " accept the counsel you give us : we therefore 
 " commit to your profound understanding the duties
 
 382 
 
 " of sovereign power and dominion. May you, for 
 " countless years, in the enjoyment of glory and 
 " prosperity, rule over us with regal sway ! We 
 " know of no person so suitable as yourself, to dis- 
 " charge the functions of royalty." They then 
 arose, and with perfect attachment began the cere- 
 mony of installation ; and, having ratified their alle- 
 giance by oaths, added lustre to the royal crown 
 by placing it on his auspicious brows. Iskander, 
 having made them all partake of his munificence 
 and bounty, despatched Letters to all parts of the 
 kingdom, in which he exhorted the people to ac- 
 knowledge the Unity of the Supreme God, and for- 
 bade the worship of idols and statues. He next 
 ordered his army to be assembled, and, in the pre- 
 sence of all the soldiers, issued these commands : 
 " Whoever commits oppression, or assigns equals 
 " to God, let the warriors eradicate the depravity 
 " of that person's nature with the blows of the 
 " sabre, the lance, and the blood-shedding poniard." 
 In compliance with his orders, the victorious troops 
 marched from every quarter, and assembled at the 
 door of the pavihon sohdly-founded as the heavens : 
 their chiefs were distinguished and exalted by robes 
 of honour and costly presents, and strict injunc- 
 tions were issued for supplying the hosts with pay 
 and provisions. The people witnessed so many in- 
 stances of the king's perfect hberality, heroic reso-
 
 383 
 
 lution, exalted energy, joined with mercy to the 
 weak and humble, and severity and wrath towards 
 those who rebelled against the decrees of the 
 Almighty, that although no individual could con- 
 ceive even the tenth part of their amount, yet all 
 were fully convinced that some important enterprise 
 and gi-eat object would be accomphshed by this 
 prince. As Dara, king of Ajem, deposited in the 
 strong-hold of his treasury an annual tribute of a 
 thousand golden eggs from Filikoos, after that mon- 
 arch's death he sent an embassy to claim the usual 
 acknowledgment : to which demand Iskander thus 
 repHed : " The bird which laid the golden eggs has 
 long since disappeared." — At this time there were 
 many kings in the country of the lonians who as- 
 serted their pretensions to paramount power and 
 authority : Iskander, however, by blending mercy 
 v^dth severity, and promises with threats, reduced 
 them to complete submission : after which, putting 
 his triumphant banner in motion, he marched to- 
 wards the West ; and having brought all those re- 
 gions under his dominion, returned back victorious 
 and exulting. He next displayed his triumphant 
 banner in Egypt ; and in the seventh year of his 
 reign built on the shore of the Green Sea (the Me- 
 diterranean) a tower of extraordinary height. He 
 then turned towards the land of Syria ; and from 
 thence directed his march towards Armenia. The
 
 384 
 
 haughty Dara, being informed of this, became 
 greatly alarmed, and wrote to the people of Tehrus 
 as follows : " A report having come to om* exalted 
 " hearing of an inroad made by a robber who has 
 " collected a multitude of thieves from various 
 " quarters, you are hereby enjoined to seize on all 
 " his associates, and to hurl them, with their arms 
 *' and cattle, into the sea; but their chief you are to 
 " send, loaded with chains, to our presence. So 
 " eminent are you for prudence and bravery, that 
 " you cannot fail to execute this trifling commis- 
 " sion : besides, as the robber is a contemptible 
 " stripling from Room, we cannot excuse failure 
 " or delay on your side, in the accomphshment of 
 " this commission." 
 
 On Iskander's return from Armenia, he ar- 
 rived on the banks of the river Astukhus, where 
 he pitched his auspicious camp. Dara, being 
 still more alarmed at this intelligence, wrote him 
 a Letter, to the following pm-port: — " From 
 " the capital of the kings of the world, as long 
 " as the sun shines on the head of Iskander the 
 " robber, &c. &c., let him know that the King of 
 '' Heaven has bestowed on me the dominion of 
 " the earth, and that the Almighty has granted to 
 " me the surface of the four quarters. Providence 
 " has also eminently distinguished me with glory, 
 " exaltation, majesty ; and with multitudes of de-
 
 385 
 
 " voted champions and confederates. A report has 
 " reached us, that you have gathered to yourself 
 " numbers of thieves and reprobates ; the multitude 
 " of whom has so elated your imagination, that 
 " you propose, through their co-operation, to pro- 
 " cure the crown and throne, lay waste our king- 
 " dom, and destroy our land and people. Such 
 " crude resolves are perfectly consistent with the 
 " infatuation of the men of Room. It now behoves 
 " you, on reading the contents of this epistle, to 
 " return instantly from the place to which you 
 " have advanced. As to this criminal movement 
 " which has proceeded from you, be under no alarm 
 " from our majesty and correction, as you are not 
 " yet ranked among the number of those who merit 
 " our vengeance and punishment. Behold ! I send 
 " you a coffer full of gold, and an ass-load of se- 
 " same ; to give you by these two objects an idea of 
 " the extent of my wealth and powers. I also 
 " send you a scourge and a ball : the latter, that 
 " you may amuse yourself with a diversion suitable 
 " to your age ; the former, to serve for your chas- 
 " tisement." Zu-ul-Kurnain, having read and com- 
 prehended the contents of this epistle, ordered the 
 ambassadors to be seized, and the executioner to 
 be summoned to put them to death. Although 
 the semblance was in truth contrary to his real 
 
 c c
 
 386 
 
 intentions, the terrified ambassadors entreated for 
 mercy, and thus expostulated : '" O king ! why do 
 " you adopt this extraordinary measure ; and en- 
 "" deavour to estabhsh this rule, by ordering the 
 " blood of ambassadors to be shed ? The mon- 
 " archs of former times regarded those of our 
 " profession as friends, and never committed injus- 
 " tice towards us." Zu-ul-Kurnain replied : " Your 
 " master styles me a robber, and does not acknow- 
 " ledge me to be a king : therefore, if I act the 
 '' part of a robber towards you, I am not to be 
 " blamed ; but rather your lord, who has caused 
 " you to fall into the hands of robbers." On this 
 they answered : " O king ! Dara has never seen 
 " you, nor been in your presence ; whereas we 
 '^ have been exalted by the permission of kissing 
 " your feet : we therefore know you thoroughly, 
 " and are sensible of your generosity. Shew mercy, 
 " and bestow on us our lives, that we may make 
 '' known to him your understanding and excellent 
 " qualities, your humane disposition and praise- 
 " worthy attributes, and that we may testify your 
 " deserts, and attachment to the bride of royalty." 
 Iskander then answered : '' Whereas you now ap- 
 " proach by the door of humihty and supplication, 
 " I grant you mercy ; and turn away from my pur- 
 " pose of vengeance, that you may be thoroughly
 
 387 
 
 " convinced of the extent of my forgiveness and in- 
 " dulgence." He then ordered the ambassadors to 
 be set at hberty, and, by royal munificence and acts 
 of hberality worthy of a sovereign, effaced all feel- 
 ings of terror and alarm : after which he briefly 
 answered the Letter of Dara, in the following man- 
 ner : — " From Zu-ul-Kurnain, to him who pretends 
 " to be king of kings — that the very hosts of Heaven 
 " stand in awe of him — and that the inhabitants of 
 " the world are by him enlightened ! — How then 
 " can it be worthy of such a person to be afraid 
 " of a contemptible foe, hke Iskander ? Does not 
 " Dara know that the High and Mighty Lord gives 
 " power and dominion to whomsoever He wills ? 
 '' and also, whenever a feeble mortal regards him- 
 " self as a God, and conqueror over the hosts of 
 ** Heaven, beyond doubt the indignation of the Al- 
 " mighty brings down ruin on his kingdom ? How 
 " can the person doomed to death and corruption 
 " be a God, he from whom his kingdom is taken 
 " away, and who leaves the enjoyment of the world 
 " to others ? Lo ! I have resolved to meet you in 
 " battle ; and therefore march towards your realms. 
 *' I profess myself the weak and humble servant of 
 " God, to whom I address my prayers and look 
 " for victory and triumph, and whom I adore. 
 " Along with the Letter in which you make a 
 
 c c 2
 
 388 
 
 " display of your great power, you have sent me a 
 *' scourge, a ball, a coffer filled with gold, and an 
 " ass-load of sesame; all of which I refer to good 
 " fortune, and regard as auspicious signs. The 
 " scourge portends, that I shall be the instrument 
 " of your castigation, and become your ruler, 
 " preceptor, and director : the ball indicates, that 
 " the surface of the earth and the circumference 
 " of the globe shall be under my lieutenants : the 
 " coffer of gold, which is part of your treasures, 
 " denotes that your riches shall soon be transferred 
 " to me : and as to the sesame, although the 
 " grains are many in number, it is however soft to 
 " the touch, and of all kinds of food the least 
 " noxious and disagreeable. In return I send you 
 " a kajis of mustard-seed, that you may taste 
 '* and acknowledge the bitterness of my victory. 
 " And whereas, through presumption, you have 
 " exalted yourself, and have become proud through 
 " the grandeur of your kingdom, and pretend to be 
 " a Divinity on earth, and have even raised to the 
 " heavens this standard, ' I truly am your supreme 
 " lord ;' and although, by the enumeration of your 
 " numbers, preparations, and might, you have en- 
 " deavoured to alarm me ; yet I confidently trust 
 " in the interposition of divine providence, that it 
 " will please the Almighty to make thy boasting
 
 389 
 
 " attended by the reproach of mankind ; and that in 
 " the same proportion as you have magnified your- 
 " self, He may bring on you humiliation, and grant 
 ** me victory over you. My trust and rehance are 
 " in the Lord ; — and so farewell." 
 
 The Letter, being sealed, vi^as given to the ambas- 
 sadors ; on whom, at the same time, the king be- 
 stowed the gold sent by Dara, and gave them liberty 
 to depart. Iskander next directed his march to 
 Azarbai'jan ; from which province he put to flight 
 the governor appointed by Dara ; and slew such 
 numbers of his troops, that, from the heaps of the 
 slaughtered, the plains rivalled the hills in altitude. 
 From Azarbai'jan he next advanced with his army 
 to Gilan, where he subdued many cities ; but while 
 thus engaged, on learning that his mother was lying 
 on the couch of infirmity, he instantly returned to 
 Makedunia. On his mother's recovery, he again 
 moved with his forces, and halted outside a certain 
 city belonging to Dara. As the townsmen had shut 
 their gates, and thus intercepted all ingress or 
 egress, Iskander gave orders to burn down the city. 
 On learning this, the inhabitants cried out for mercy, 
 and exclaimed : " Our shutting the gates proceeds 
 " from the dread of being consumed by the burning 
 " rage of Dara, and is not caused by hostility or op- 
 " position to you." Iskander repHed : " Open your 
 " gates, as I will not enter into any city until the
 
 390 
 
 ** Great and Glorious God grant me victory over 
 " Dara. You all thoroughly know and acknowledge 
 *' my good faith and generous proceedings towards 
 " those who place their heads in the halter of obe- 
 " dience, and their feet within the circle of sincere 
 " attachment." After this declaration, the townsmen 
 immediately threw open their gates, and brought out 
 all kinds of provisions and fruits in abundance. Is- 
 kander then continued his march with great celerity 
 towards Farsistan; where he was met by Dara, at the 
 head of a mighty host, exceeding in number the 
 leaves of the trees. Iskander having commanded 
 his centre to be formed of flinty-hearted, steel-cased 
 warriors, the two armies began to move hke the 
 angry waves of two contending oceans, encoun- 
 tering each other like mountains of iron: the 
 atmosphere over the field of battle was covered 
 with robes of black, from the dust raised by the 
 combatants : through the alaim excited by the loud 
 kettle-drum, and the sound of the brazen trumpets, 
 the import of this text, '' Truly the trembhng of the 
 great hour is an awful event ! " removed the veil of 
 scepticism from before the eyes of mortals, and re- 
 vealed to their hearts the truth of this sacred verse, 
 " The heavens were nearly rent asunder." The 
 warriors of Room, animated by this text, '' Help 
 from God, and victory is nigh !" the blood streamed 
 from the swords of the brave, like rain from the
 
 391 
 
 clouds, and the emerald-coloured dagger elicited 
 the vermilion gore from the bodies of the slain. 
 
 " The point of the lance, in unceasing motion, like the power 
 
 of reason, 
 " Seeking for man, by penetrating his two eyes." 
 
 From the time the monarch of the planets came to 
 the middle point of the emeraldine canopy and 
 azure pavilion, until the hour when he inclined his 
 head to the western horizon, and concealed his 
 lucid, day-imparting countenance in the sable per- 
 fumed tresses of night, both armies excited the de- 
 vouring blaze of death and contention, exhibiting 
 a model of the infernal flames : the very earth, from 
 the advance and retreat of cavalry and infantry, ex- 
 plained this text : " When the earth trembled with 
 its violent commotions," the tongue of the sword 
 adduced decisive proofs to the purport of " striking 
 them on the heels and necks ;" the surface of the 
 plain was hid from view by the bodies of the slain ; 
 the vapours exhaled from the blood ascended from 
 the back of the Terrestrial Fish to the face of the 
 celestial Pisces. 
 
 " Both hill and plain resembled an ocean of blood ; 
 " The face of the world was as night ; the sword as a lamp. 
 •' From the neighing of steeds and the dust of the armies, 
 " The atmosphere became black as an Ethiop's face. 
 " There descended and ascended, on the day of battle. 
 " Streams of blood to Earth-supporting Piscis, and clouds of 
 dust to the Moon.".
 
 392 
 
 At last, most of the principal commanders of the 
 army, and the chiefs and guards of Dara, having 
 fallen victims to the sabre, the arrow, and the poniard, 
 the monarch of Ajem, the heir of the extensive 
 realms of Feridoon and Jemsheed, seeing his state 
 in this condition, betook himself to flight with a 
 few of his confidential attendants, leaving behind 
 his warlike stores, magazines, and such immense 
 treasures, that Iskander was struck with awe on 
 beholding them. Along with these, Dara's wife, son, 
 and daughter, were, through the grasp of Destiny, 
 taken captive. In the course of his flight, Dara 
 came to a river covered with ice through the in- 
 tense cold, which he crossed by himself: his attend- 
 ants, who had escaped the slaughter, followed im- 
 mediately after ; but the ice not being strong 
 enough to support their weight, they were almost 
 all drowned. Dara, on reaching his capital, de- 
 voted himself to finding a remedy for the state of 
 his affairs : on consideration, it appeared most ad- 
 visable to him to approach by the gate of humiha- 
 tion and condescension, particularly as he knew 
 Iskander to be distinguished for generosity of man- 
 ners and perfection of virtues : having determined 
 on this measure, he therefore addressed him in a 
 courteous Letter, requesting the liberation of his 
 wife, son, and daughter, and offering for their ransom
 
 393 
 
 the riches left by his ancestors, with all the treasures 
 he himself possessed in Farsistan. 
 
 Zu-ul-Kurnain, having read this epistle, directed 
 his march towards Dara ; who had in the mean time 
 sent to request assistance from the emperor of Hin- 
 dustan. On this, the Foor of Hindustan despatched 
 to his aid the chieftains of those regions, with innu- 
 merable bodies of cavalry and infantry, rank-break- 
 ing, man-slaughtering heroes. The two armies 
 soon came to an encounter; in comparison with 
 which the former was but as the sport of children. 
 At last, two of Dara's principal courtiers, urged on 
 by their depraved natures and corrupt hearts, con- 
 spired to assassinate him ; thinking by such a deed 
 to procure the friendship of Zu-ul-Kurnain : — 
 
 " Alas ! O vain imagination ! O groundless hope !" 
 
 Before they could employ sword or dagger to effect 
 their purpose, Dara, perceiving the design of the 
 traitors, reproached them with their ingratitude, 
 and recalled to their minds how profusely he had 
 lavished favours on them, during a continuance of 
 many years. Last of all, he said : " Do not build on 
 *' my assassination as the means of recommending 
 " yourselves to Zu-ul-Kurnain's friendship : he is a 
 " sovereign ; and although princes are sometimes 
 *' enemies to each other, yet they invariably put
 
 394 
 
 " regicides to death, and look on it as unlawful to 
 " spare the murderers of a king." 
 
 " Our former friends pay no attention to any thing- : 
 " Whatever I utter makes no impression on them." 
 
 The two traitors, with the blows of their well-tem- 
 pered sabres, soon hurled him to the ground, from 
 off his fleet courser's saddle ; but before the vital 
 spirit departed, Iskander, having opportunely come 
 up, raised on his knee that head which yesterday 
 was adorned with the imperial diadem, and which 
 to-day he beheld dishonoured and prostrate on the 
 dust. Having wiped the dust off Dara's face, and 
 laying his hand on his breast, he exclaimed, with 
 tears : " O king, if you banish alarm from your 
 " bosom, and raise your head from the dust, I swear, 
 " by the Lord of Heaven and Earth, that I will give 
 " you back your kingdom, your treasures, and all 
 " your possessions. Arise ! Think no more of the 
 " past : grieve not to excess at the occurrence of 
 " calamity : for in the season of adversity princes 
 " surpass all mortals in patience. Let me know 
 " from what source this great calamity has befallen 
 '* a powerful monarch hke you, that I may inflict 
 " vengeance." Dara kissed Iskander's hand ; and 
 placing it on his face, he wept, and thus made 
 answer : " O Zu-ul-Kurnain ! never permit pride or 
 " presumption to find access to your soul : become
 
 395 
 
 ^' not arrogant through the splendor of royalty. 
 " When you observe how the world has treated me, 
 "^ be apprehensive for yourself: place no reliance 
 " on the permanence of worldly prosperity ; and be 
 " on your guard against the treasons of fortune 
 " and the revolutions of life ; for accidental reverses 
 " allow no person to remain long in one state. 
 " The following is what I expect, from the excess 
 " of your goodness, and your perfect compassion — 
 *' that you regard my mother as your own ; look 
 " upon my wife as a sister ; and bind yourself in 
 " marriage to my daughter Rusheng." Iskander 
 solemnly promised to execute all these requests : 
 after which Dara 
 
 " Numbered some few moments longer, and ceased to exist. 
 " The world said, with a smile, ' He, too, is now no more !' " 
 
 Zu-ul-Kurnain ordered the body of Dara to be 
 washed in musk and ambergris, wrapped up in 
 funeral clothes of gold and silver tissue, and to be 
 laid in a coffin set with all kinds of precious-stones : 
 ten thousand soldiers, with drawn swords, marched 
 before the bier : the same number followed it ; the 
 same on the right, and as many on the left. Zu-ul- 
 Kurnain was enabled to commit to the tomb the 
 body of Dara in a manner suitable to the rank of a 
 powerful king, in consequence of an agreement en- 
 tered into with the chiefs and princes of Farsistan :
 
 396 
 
 and no sooner had he termmated the funeral cere- 
 monies, than they affixed to two gibbets, at the 
 head of Dara's tomb, opposite each other, the two 
 false traitors who had conspired against their lord ; 
 and suspended them by the neck. 
 
 After this, Iskander married Rusheng, and be- 
 stowed the government of Fars on Dara's brother. 
 At this time, also, he became invested with su- 
 preme power over the ninety governors or princes 
 who are styled Muluk-i-Tuwaif, or Provincial Kings. 
 He also caused to be translated from the language 
 of Fars, into the Ionian, books of medicine, astro- 
 nomy, and philosophy ; which translations they took 
 into Ionia : but he committed to the flames the 
 records of the Magi, laid their temples waste, and 
 by such means destroyed all vestiges of that ac- 
 cursed faith. In the course of these events, a Let- 
 ter to the following purport came to Iskander from 
 his mother : — "^ From Riikia to Iskander the feeble, 
 " who by the supreme decrees of God has trimnphed 
 " over his foes and become master of their realms." 
 After which were ^vritten the following sentences : 
 " My son, avoid self-admiration and presumption, 
 " for such sentiments would hurl you fromheaven 
 ^' to earth : beware of avarice and sensual pursuits, 
 " for they are destiiictive qualities. Despatch to 
 
 (^) According to Oriental writers, this was the name of 
 Alexander's mother; called by the Greeks, Olympias.
 
 397 
 
 " me, in a packet, by a single courier, all the 
 " wealth which victory has made you master of in 
 " those countries." Iskander, having assembled 
 the learned men of his court, demanded of them 
 the explanation of the mysterious request con- 
 tained in the conclusion of the Letter, but all these 
 eminent sages were obliged to confess their inabihty : 
 whereupon Iskander commanded a secretary to tran- 
 scribe, in one volume, an account of all the trea- 
 sures, and the various places in which they had 
 been deposited : after which, he ordered a courier, 
 mounted on a rapid-pacing, desert-traversing steed, 
 to convey the volume to his mother, in the Ionian 
 country : on which all the learned men and philo- 
 sophers, surprised at such discernment and pene- 
 trating sagacity, joined in expressing their admira- 
 tion of the prince. 
 
 About this time he built, near the Jihun, a great 
 city, and commanded people from every quarter to 
 settle there : this city was called Marjaliis, and 
 was afterwards known as Merv. Some writers 
 ascribe to him the foundation of Herat and Sa- 
 markand. On completing these works, he marched 
 towards Hindustan; and after traversing rugged 
 roads and savage mountains, on approaching the 
 capital of the Foor, he addressed the following 
 Letter to that prince : — " Let it be known to the 
 " sovereign of Hindustan, that the Supreme and 
 " Holy King of Kings has spread open before my
 
 398 
 
 " fortune the gates leading to the means of the 
 " protection of my subjects. He has also placed 
 " within the grasp of my will, and the hand of my 
 " authority, power to relax or curb the reins of 
 " administration in temporal and spiritual concerns: 
 " and has dehvered over to our auspicious grace and 
 " excellent custody the keys of the investiture of 
 " universal dominion, and the treasuries of sovereign 
 " power ; the exalting our happy ascendency beyond 
 " the pinnacle of the celestial sphere and the starry 
 " firmament. Through His decrees, the refractory 
 " chieftains of the world have put the halter of 
 " obedience around their necks ; and there has been 
 " conferred on us supreme power over the infidel, 
 " the rebellious, the turbulent, and the wicked. 
 " We therefore now exhort thee to worship the 
 " Creator of the Universe, the nourisher of men 
 " and angels ; and we prohibit thee from adoring 
 " any but Him. May His benefits be celebrated, and 
 " His blessings continued ! We acknowledge none 
 " save the Only God to be worthy of adoration : 
 " we recognise none but Him as entitled to our 
 " worship. May His attributes be exalted, and His 
 " blessings be lauded ! Therefore now attend to 
 " our counsel with the ear of comphance ; and 
 " send to us the idols which have hitherto been the 
 " object of thy adoration, in whose service and 
 " temples thou hast wasted and consumed thy life 
 " and treasures. In addition to this, engage to pay
 
 399 
 
 " us contributions and tribute. But shouldst thou 
 " refuse compliance, I swear, by the God whom I 
 " worship, to kindle the fire of wrath, with which 
 " I shall consume alike the moist and the dry in 
 " thy realms : I will exert my utmost power to 
 " extirpate thy family ; neither will I omit the least 
 " particular in laying waste thy cities. Listen to our 
 " words, and deviate not from the path of recti- 
 " tude. Look on thy pardon as great gain ; and let 
 *' no imaginary benefit be put in competition with 
 " that." When Zu-ul-Kurnain's Letter came to 
 the Emperor of Hindustan, he, with the usual infa- 
 tuation of those who are doomed to reverse of for- 
 tune, turned his head from the hne of submission, 
 and, placing his feet in the desert of abandonment, 
 returned an answer dictated by asperity, and replete 
 with insolence ; and thus dismissed the ambassa- 
 dors. Iskander, after recourse to divine and human 
 counsels, made ready to engage the Foor; and, with 
 imphcit reliance on the aid of the Merciful Creator, 
 advanced towards the enemy. The Foor also, urged 
 on by fate, at the head of his war-elephants and 
 veteran troops, with evil fortune advanced to offer 
 battle. When Iskander beheld this tremendous 
 display, his pure mind and the mirror of his soul 
 underwent a change, and he said : " In what man- 
 " ner shall I arrange the troops against the Hin- 
 '' doos ? By what precautions will it be possible to
 
 400 
 
 " avert from my army the fury of the elephants 
 " and the ravages of the hons ? " He therefore 
 took counsel with the philosophers, the wise men, 
 the intelhgent, and the experienced sages, who ac- 
 companied him; but from none of them did he 
 receive a satisfactory answer. At length the Inspirer 
 of Truth, conferring the bounty of grace, determined 
 him to adopt this device : — he assembled all the 
 artificers, and ordered them to make ready twenty- 
 four thousand hollow images of iron, copper, and 
 other metals : they were to finish them in the form 
 of soldiers ; and having filled their cavities with dry 
 wood and naphtha, to set fire to these combus- 
 tibles the moment the flames of battle began to 
 rage. The Foor, advancing with the chieftains and 
 soldiers of Hindustan, the panthers, tigers, and 
 lions of battle, and his mountain-hke elephants, 
 charged the army of Zu-ul-Kurnain ; but when the 
 trunks of the elephants and the claws of the hons 
 became entangled in the figures, and the heat of 
 the flames began to rage, all these animals tm*ned 
 to flight ; on which the soldiers of Room, with the 
 blows of their flame-showering sabres, hurled from 
 their saddles, to the earth, countless numbers of 
 their infidel foes. Upon this, the Foor took refuge 
 in a fortified city; whither, after a fewgdays, im- 
 mense multitudes flocked to him from various parts : 
 and these succours inspired him with such confi-
 
 401 
 
 dence, that he again offered Iskander battle. Dur- 
 ing the space of twenty days, the champions of both 
 armies, engaging in single combat, with swords and 
 arrows mutually lopped off each other's heads or 
 pierced each other's hearts ; and in these encounters 
 many of the Ionian warriors sped their way from the 
 field of battle to the other world. Zu-al-Kurnain 
 was deeply impressed with sorrow at this event ; 
 but at last, through the instruction of good fortune 
 and prosperity, sent the following message to the 
 Foor : — " What majesty or splendor can we ascribe 
 " to the monarch who in the time of gi'eat emer- 
 " gencies precipitates his soldiers and nobility into 
 " the abyss of slaughter and destruction, when he 
 " could avert their perils by exposing his single un- 
 " aided person ? My object in this statement is, 
 " if you concur, that you and I, without the help 
 " of our armies, should terminate this carnage, and, 
 " by such a measure, free from further calamity 
 " and destruction our subjects, who now expose 
 *' their precious lives for our interests." The Foor 
 was surprised at such a proposal ; but being of lofty 
 stature, and so mighty a frame, that Iskander by 
 the side of him appeared mean and contemptible, he 
 made no difficulty of complying with the king's re- 
 quest. He rushed alone and unattended, like a 
 fririous hon, to the field ; and Zu-al-Kurnain, hke a 
 raging leopard, advanced to meet him. Whilst the 
 
 D D
 
 402 
 
 two kings took their measures for the battle ; at the 
 moment of attack and defence, a dreadful sound 
 from the Indian camp, which was in reahty the 
 summons of Fate, reached the hearing of the Foor ; 
 and while his attention was engaged in wishing to 
 ascertain the cause of this unseasonable tumult 
 and from what quarter it proceeded, Iskander, 
 taking advantage of this, with one blow of his sabre, 
 hurled him from the back of his fleet charger, and, 
 immediately leaping from his horse and standing 
 on the breast of his prostrate foe, severed, with the 
 vindictive blade, his haughty head from the vehicle 
 of the body. On this, the uproar of the Hindoos 
 ascended to the orbit of Saturn ; and they again 
 prepared to renew the work of slaughter, urged on 
 by regret and grief. At last, Zu-al-Kurnain thus 
 addressed them : " Since the shadow of the Foor's 
 " liberality and beneficence is now far removed 
 " from your heads, what motive can you have for 
 " this unseasonable hostihty ?" The Hindoos re- 
 phed : '^ Do not suppose that we will voluntarily 
 " submit our persons to the degradation of captivity 
 " and the calamity of slaughter : as long as a breath 
 " of hfe remains, we will not withdraw oiu: hands 
 *' from the fight ; but, on the contrary, seated on 
 ** our steeds, cheerfully accept the invitation of 
 " death, and deny you the power of slaughtering 
 *' us." To this Iskander made answer : " I am famed
 
 403 
 
 " all over the world for observance of promises and 
 " the fulfilment of engagements; and altogether op- 
 " posed to breach of faith or the violation of cove- 
 " nants : whoever desists from battle, and enters 
 " on the paths of submission, shall be guaranteed by 
 " me in person and property." The enemy, trust- 
 ing to the king's declaration, advanced towards him 
 with humihty and submission, and were highly 
 honoured and exalted by the royal munificence. 
 Zu-al-Kurnain then, with the same honour and 
 sympathy he had so generously displayed in the 
 case of other monarchs, ordered them to take, with 
 due respect, the Poor's body from the surface 
 of the earth, and commit it to the bosom of the 
 tomb. 
 
 When Iskander had brought within the grasp of 
 his possession the Foor's treasures, mihtary stores, 
 and every thing of that description in Hindustan, he 
 directed his course to visit the Brahmins, the fame 
 of whose great wisdom and utter seclusion from the 
 glittering baubles of the world had reached his ears. 
 The Brahmins having learned his intentions, ad- 
 dressed to him a Letter to this purport : " If the 
 " king's design in visiting us be to acquire riches, 
 " we are all poor and destitute persons ; our food 
 " consisting of vegetables only, and our habits made 
 " of the skins of animals : but if the king's object 
 " be to acquire wisdom and science, what necessity 
 
 D D 2
 
 404. 
 
 " is there for this pomp and train of attendants ?" 
 On receiving their Letter, Iskander ordered his 
 army to halt, and, accompanied only by a few of his 
 principal courtiers, went to visit them : he beheld 
 a race of people hving in poverty, dwelhng in the 
 clefts and caverns of mountains ; their wives and 
 children employed in gathering the herbs which 
 grew on the plain. When Iskander entered the 
 assembly of the Brahmins, many controversies and 
 arguments arose between them and his companions, 
 as they mutually examined each other, concerning 
 the principles of science and abstruse questions. 
 Zu-al-Kurnain, who duly appreciated their pleasing 
 manners, and acknowledged their eminent virtues, 
 said to them : " Whatever wealth or favours the 
 " Brahmins demand of me shall be bestowed on 
 " them." To this they rephed : " Our only request 
 " from thy sovereign majesty is, to vouchsafe us 
 " eternal duration and immortality." Iskander 
 answered : " The accomplishment of this desire is 
 " not in the power of a mortal being. How is it 
 " possible for him, who cannot add even a single 
 " respiration to his own precious existence, to be- 
 " stow immortality on others ?" On this the Brah- 
 mins observed : " As the king is convinced that all 
 " earthly perfection has its period of decay, and that 
 " worldly prosperity is transitory, why then does 
 " he turn his attention to putting to death the
 
 405 
 
 " creatures of God, destroying cities, and accumu- 
 '' lating treasures ; all of which, we are sensible, must 
 '' at last be abandoned, whether we will or not?" 
 To this Iskander replied : '' I have been commanded 
 " by the Great and Glorious God (whose name be 
 " exalted !) to display the true faith, and follow the 
 " road to salvation ; to put to death the sceptic 
 " and infidel ; to refrain and check the wicked 
 " and corrupt. Had not the decrees of the Al- 
 " mighty pointed me out for these purposes, I would 
 " never have removed a single step from my pater- 
 " nal abode : but I am obedient to the will of the 
 " Supreme Creator (may His greatness become 
 " more conspicuous !), and will faithfully execute 
 " His commands (may His sacred words be exalted!) 
 " until the fated hour descends when I shall depart 
 " from this world, in the same manner as I have 
 " entered it." After many such conversations, 
 Iskander, bidding adieu to the Brahmins, returned 
 to his camp. 
 
 It is recorded in some histories, that after defeat- 
 ing the Foor, a report reached Iskander, that there 
 was then living, in one of the remotest regions of 
 Hindustan, a prince called the Kaid, who was famed 
 for vdsdom, policy, equity, and piety ; ruling over 
 a cultivated country and opulent people ; who had 
 likewise, by the efficacy of wisdom and mortifica- 
 tion, as completely subdued the influence of sensual
 
 406 
 
 passions and irritable feelings, as he had rendered 
 the soldiers and peasants submissive to his authority ; 
 and that he had nearly reached the age of three 
 hundred years. To this prince, Iskander sent am- 
 bassadors, with these instructions : " When my 
 " envoys arrive, if they find thee standing, sit not 
 " down ; and if thou be on a journey, travel hither 
 " with rapid speed : otherwise, fi'om the effects of 
 '' my wrath, there shall happen to thy country 
 " that which has befallen so many cities of Hin- 
 " dustan." 
 
 When the ambassadors arrived at his court, the 
 Kaid received them with great respect, and bestowed 
 on Iskander the title of King of Kings. Having con- 
 ferred splendid presents on the envoys, he dismissed 
 them with this representation : " During a long 
 " time, I have enjoyed possession of some objects, 
 " the idea of which no monarch has ever even con- 
 " ceived in the treasury of his imagination. First, 
 " there is in my palace, behind the veil of chastity, 
 " a damsel, the beauty of whose cheeks throws the 
 " sun himself into confusion ; and from her grace- 
 " ful movement, the foot of the waving cypress re- 
 " mains motionless in the earth : secondly, I have 
 " a philosopher, who without imposing on you the 
 " obligation of asking, can inform you of what 
 " passes in your mind : thirdly, there is in my ser- 
 " vice a physician, who in the preservation of health
 
 107 
 
 " possesses the miraculous hand " of Moses, and 
 *' who has attained the highest eminence in repel- 
 " ling disease : lastly, there is a cup, which being 
 " once filled with water, will ever remain in the 
 " same state, although all the people of the world 
 " should drink out of it. All these will I bestow on 
 " the monarch of the world ; and only entreat, that, 
 " on account of my advanced years and the infir- 
 " mities of age, he would excuse my journeying 
 " to him : but should the king not accept this ex- 
 " cuse, I will hasten to perform my duty, even on 
 " my head and eyes." Iskander, on receiving the 
 
 (") "According to the traditions of the Arabs, when Moses re- 
 turned from his father-in-law Shuayb (Jethro) to revisit his mother 
 and brethren in Egypt, in the course of his journey he found, on 
 the banks of the River Aimen, the prophetic mantle and staff. As 
 soon as he had put on the mantle, and taken up the staff", his hand 
 became of a surprising lustre : after which God appeared to him, 
 and commissioned him to go to Pharaoh, for the double purpose, 
 of reclaiming him from idolatry and delivering the Children of 
 Israel from bondage. On appearing before Pharaoh, that prince 
 demanded some miraculous proof of his divine mission : on which, 
 Moses cast his staffs on the ground, and Pharaoh immediately be- 
 held a monstrous dragon, with open mouth, looking at him most 
 intently. This sight alarmed Pharaoh and his courtiers ; who all 
 took to flight, entreating Moses to make the monster disappear ; at 
 the same time promising to grant all his demands. On this, Moses 
 took the dragon by the head, and nothing was seen except the 
 staff which he held. Pharaoh next asked Moses if he had no other 
 miracle to prove his mission : on which the prophet shewed him 
 his right-hand, which was as dark as his face, placed it under his 
 arm, and drew it out white as snow, shining like a star, with a 
 brilliancy which pervaded the atmosphere and the earth." 
 
 D'Herbelot.
 
 408 
 
 Kaid's answer, was seized with wonder ; and said : 
 " These things appear to me as impossible to be 
 " attained as the discovery of the Phoenix or the 
 " Philosopher's stone." He however ordered a 
 body of wise and learned lonians to approach the 
 Kaid, and examine the proffered objects : in case 
 they proved conformable to his description, and 
 that there was neither fraud nor subterfuge in his 
 account, they were to excuse the Kaid's coming to 
 pay his respects, and bring the presents to the foot 
 of the throne ; but should they prove different, they 
 were, either by persuasion or compulsion, to pro- 
 duce the Kaid in person at the sublime gate. The 
 wise men, having formed the resolution, set out, and, 
 having travelled many stages and traversed many 
 routes, reached the desired object, and arrived at 
 the Kaid's capital. On reaching the royal residence, 
 they were admitted to an audience ; received by the 
 king with the greatest respect ; and had a suitable 
 abode assigned them. The third day after their 
 arrival, he convened a solemn assembly ^ ; and hav- 
 ing commanded the assembled sages of Ionia and 
 Room, with those of Hindustan and his own domi- 
 nions, to appear in his presence, he seated the former 
 at his right-hand, and the latter on his left : the 
 
 {^) ^>SSm (_55^ The first is a Turkish word, properly sl^ify- 
 ing " a feast :" the second ^^^^J*^ the Translator has taken as Per- 
 sian, " great," " heavy," " important," &c.
 
 409 
 
 assembly being thus arranged, the wise men of these 
 different regions mutually proposed questions to 
 each other, on the principles of science and philoso- 
 phy : the arguments and disputations were prolonged 
 on both sides for a considerable time : at last, the 
 ambassadors turned the conversation on the pro- 
 mised objects ; and the Kaid being determined to 
 fulfil his engagements, delivered them to Zu-al- 
 Kurnain's envoys, whom he immediately permitted 
 to depart, having loaded the vehicles of their expec- 
 tation with the valuable silks and precious merchan- 
 dise of Hindustan. 
 
 The fortunate sages having accomplished their 
 purpose, returned in safety to the court, subhme as 
 the sphere of Saturn, and presented the gifts. When 
 Iskander had contemplated the roseate charms of 
 the damsel, he next proceeded to make a trial of the 
 Hindoo philosopher, to whom he sent a cup filled 
 with ghee «: he, having viewed it for some time, put 
 into it a thousand needles, and sent it back to the 
 king. Iskander ordered the needles to be melted, 
 formed into a ball, and taken back to the philosopher. 
 The Hindoo sage, after some reflection, directed 
 the ball to be made into a mirror, and then con- 
 veyed to the assembly convened before Zu-al-Kur- 
 nain: the king, on beholding the poHshed mir- 
 ror, called for a basin of water; in which havino- 
 
 O J^^j "melted butter or ghee."
 
 410 
 
 immersed the mirror, he commanded the basin and 
 water, at the bottom of which was the mirror, to be 
 shewn to the illustrious sage : the philosopher, on 
 this, formed the mirror into a cup, which he placed 
 on the top, so as to float about the basin, and sent 
 back the basin and cup to Iskander. The king then 
 ordered the cup to be filled with earth, and once 
 more taken back to the philosopher: as soon as 
 the cup filled with earth met his eyes, he began 
 to weep and mourn aloud, and to reproach griev- 
 ously his own sinful passions : he directed his face 
 to heaven, and, with every mark of contrition, fer- 
 vently implored the Divine forgiveness : after which, 
 he ordered the messenger to depart, and bear the 
 cup to Iskander; who expressed the greatest amaze- 
 ment at what had occurred, the mystery of which 
 no one could explain. The next day, the king, 
 having given orders for the presence of the Wise 
 Men, the Learned, the Pillars of the State, and 
 the Ministers, commanded the Hindoo Philosopher 
 (with whom he had never conversed) to be intro- 
 duced : on his introduction, the king beheld a man 
 of lofty stature and powerful fi'ame : on which, this 
 thought passed rapidly over his mind : " Such an 
 " appearance is not consistent with wisdom ; but if 
 " such a person also unite in himself a penetrating 
 " genius and quickness of conception, he is surely 
 " without an equal in the world." The philosopher.
 
 411 
 
 from his skill in physiognomy, having divined the 
 king's thoughts, immediately carrying the forefinger 
 round his face, afterwards placed it on the tip of the 
 nose. Iskander asked the meaning of this action ; 
 on which the philosopher thus answered : " By the 
 " light of understanding and the illumination of ge- 
 " nius, I discovered the king's sentiments respecting 
 " me, as they passed over his exalted mind. That 
 " action indicates, that as there is but one nose 
 " planted on the human countenance, in the same 
 " manner, I am unequalled and unrivalled on the 
 " surface of the earth, but particularly in the regions 
 " of Hindustan." Iskander then said : " What was 
 ** my meaning in sending the cup filled with ghee ? 
 " and what did you purpose by introducing the 
 " needles ?" The philosopher thus answered : " It 
 " appeared to me, that the king, by sending the cup 
 " full of ghee, intimated, ' My mind is so amply 
 " stored with knowledge and wisdom, that it can 
 " receive no addition to the principles of science ; 
 "just as this cup, which can hold nothing more/ 
 " On the other hand, by introducing the needles, I 
 " signified, that it was possible to unite other ac- 
 '' quisitions in science to those already stored up in 
 " the treasury of the king's mind, and to arrange 
 " them on the page of his illuminated soul, in the 
 " same manner as the needles, from their minute- 
 " ness, found a place in the ghee." Iskander next
 
 412 
 
 demanded what was meant by the ball and the 
 mirror ? The sage thus answered : '' The king's 
 ' meaning in sending the ball was evidently this : 
 *' ' My mind, through the effusion of blood, and at- 
 *' tention to affairs of policy, has become hard and 
 " obdurate like this ball, and is become incapable of 
 " admitting scientific propositions : ' but by making 
 " the mirror, I gave the king to imderstand, that 
 '* although iron is hard and stubborn, yet by skill it 
 " may be so arranged, that from its purity all other 
 *' substances may be reflected." Iskander next de- 
 manded, " What was my motive in putting the mir- 
 " ror into the basin of water ? and what did you 
 " mean by the cup which floated about in it ?" The 
 philosopher answered : " The king's meaning could 
 " only be this : as the min*or immediately sinks to 
 " the bottom of the water and there subsides, so 
 " the days of our life soon come to a close ; it is 
 *' therefore impossible to learn many sciences in a 
 *' short time : and my object in making the cup was 
 " this ; as by skill we can keep on the surface of the 
 " water an object which naturally sinks to the bot- 
 " torn, in hke manner it is possible, by exertion and 
 " appHcation, to acquire many valuable accomplish- 
 " ments within a short period." Iskander lastly ob- 
 served: *' You made no reply on my sending you the 
 " cup filled with earth?" The philosopher answered : 
 " That act needed not an observation : the king
 
 413 
 
 '' meant, that every being of accident is necessarily 
 " doomed to dissolution ; that nothing created can 
 '' possibly be eternal ; and that, hereafter, this feeble 
 " frame will be united to the heavy and inert ele- 
 " ment of earth." Iskander replied: " It is true : the 
 " gain accruing to me from coming to Hindustan has 
 " been the good fortune of your presence ; which, in 
 " truth, is the perfection of advantage." After this, 
 Zu-al-Kurnain, having elevated the philosopher by 
 costly dresses and splendid gifts, distinguished him 
 beyond all his contemporaries and equals. Masudi 
 tells us, that as long as Iskander remained in Hin- 
 dustan, this sage continued in attendance on the 
 fortunate retinue; but when the conqueror withdrew 
 from that region, he requested permission to remain 
 behind, which Iskander granted. They also relate, 
 that Zu-al-Kurnain made trial of the cup; which was 
 filled with water, and, although the people drank out 
 of it, there was neither change nor diminution percep- 
 tible in it. He also took the physician into his ser- 
 vice ; and witnessed from him so many extraordinary 
 results in the heahng art, that the fingers of descrip- 
 tion are inadequate to their narration. It is related 
 in the Tarikh-i-Hukama, that Iskander, after the 
 conquest of Hindustan, withdrew from that coun- 
 try; and having traversed long and distant routes, 
 directed the reins of his purpose towards Cheen : 
 that between him and the sovereign of that country
 
 4H 
 
 many controversies and disputes took place ; but at 
 last, the sovereign of Cheen obeyed the orders of 
 Zu-al-Kurnain, and, acceding to his commands with 
 unconditional submission, presented to him a thou- 
 sand mans^ of the purest gold; a thousand pieces 
 of white silk ; five thousand dresses of brocade ; a 
 hundred sabres, of which the hilts were set with 
 pearls and diamonds, so that the eyes of the be- 
 holder were dazzled ; a hundred horses of the king's 
 stud, which could outstrip the winds in speed ; a 
 hundred Chinese saddles, set with precious gems ; 
 a hundred lumps of the finest amber ; a hundred 
 thousand mithkals of musk; two hundred rotoh of 
 aloes-wood ; and vases wrought with all manner of 
 figures, devices, and forms, any one of which the 
 heart of even the spectator would not permit him 
 to part with ; and several thousand skins of the 
 sable, beaver, and ermine ; with innumerable things 
 besides ; accompanied by many excuses for his con- 
 duct. After this, Iskander wi'ote a treaty, which he 
 gave the people of Cheen, stipulating that they 
 should conform to his injunctions and prohibitions. 
 On terminating the affairs of Cheen, he subdued the 
 other countries of the East, and arranged the tribute 
 
 (^) Mdn, a weight which, according; to the custom of the coun- 
 try, varies from 401b. to 841b. According to D'Herbelot, mdn 
 signifies, in Persian, what we call " a pound weight." A mithkdl 
 is equal to a drachm and a half. The roioli varies from 12 ounces 
 to 4| lb. avoirdupois.
 
 4.15 
 
 in proportion to their respective revenues : then 
 having founded many cities in Turkestan, he re- 
 turned to the regions of the West. 
 
 THE RECITAL OF A FEW OF THE ADVENTURES OF ISKANDER, WHICH 
 HAVE BEEN OMITTED BY THE PEN OF DESCRIPTION IN THE 
 COURSE OF THIS STORY, WITH THE MENTION OF SOME OF HIS 
 MAXIMS. 
 
 It is related in the Tarikh Maajem, that when 
 Iskander had subdued the realms of Fars, he took 
 and imprisoned many of the sons of the kings : on 
 which he wrote an epistle to the sage Aristatalis, 
 stating : " The conquest of the realms of the world 
 " in general, and the secure possession of the region 
 " of Fars in particular, has not been accomphshed 
 " by the force of our arm and bravery, or by the 
 " excellence of our pohcy and deserts ; but through 
 " the aid of Heaven, and the grace of the Almighty, 
 " this good fortune has blessed us. I have inspired 
 " the well-disposed with a desire to follow the true 
 " path, and excited in the foohsh a wish for the 
 " splendors of the lamp of Truth ; making the 
 " counsels of intelligence my model, in the rules for 
 " promoting the good of the people, and the insti- 
 " tutes for the protection of the humble : moreover, 
 " my energy has never allowed me to undertake an 
 " odious act or culpable proceeding. At present.
 
 416 
 
 " I am exceedingly perplexed and embarrassed with 
 '' 'respect to 'several members of the royal family, 
 " who arejclosely confined in my prisons. If I 
 " deliver them from the disgrace of confinement, 
 " a breach may ensue in the strong defences of 
 " the realm, the reparation and remedy for which 
 " would be totally beyond the compass of possibi- 
 " hty ; and if I put them to death, I thereby become 
 " detested in this world, and visited with punish- 
 " ment in the next." The great Master thus re- 
 plied : " It is impossible to put them to death from 
 " mere suspicion of danger ; and it is unjust to shed 
 " the blood of so many without overt acts : if you 
 " attempt to destroy a number of innocent persons, 
 " the Great and Glorious God will appoint some in- 
 " dividual to labour, in retaliation, to extirpate your 
 " household, and root out the tree of your family. 
 " It is therefore most advisable for you to appoint 
 " each of them to supreme power in the several 
 " provinces of Ajem ; and assign to each the abso- 
 " lute government of some district in Farsistan ; so 
 " that each of them, being independent and uncon- 
 " trolled by the other, should be unable to direct 
 *' his attention from the government of his own 
 " country, to criminal agitation against the other." 
 Iskander, regarding obedience to the dictates of the 
 sage as a sacred duty, divided the kingdom of Iran 
 amongst them, and sent each of them to some
 
 417 
 
 district : these are styled, by historians, Muluk-ut- 
 tuwaif (the Provincial Kings). Immediately after 
 the recital of the Biography of the Philosophers, the 
 history of this class, conformably to the instructions 
 of the most noble and dignified (Ali Shir), shall be 
 recorded in these pages, " if it please the Almighty." 
 It is recorded in the translation of the Tarikh-i- 
 Hukama, that Iskander, during his circuit in the 
 provinces, happened to pass by a certain village, in 
 which the dwelHngs of the inhabitants were narrow 
 and dark ; and at the door of each, he saw a grave 
 prepared: among them was neither governor nor 
 judge. Iskander having asked the reason of the 
 uniformity observed in the houses, the absence of a 
 governor or ruler, and the excavation of the gi'aves, 
 they answered : " A difference in the elevation of 
 " the houses would lead to a claim of superiority 
 " and pre-eminence over each other, and we are 
 " far removed from the influence of such a quality : 
 " we have the graves ready dug at our doors, that 
 " we may not forget death, or feel pride at our 
 " ephemeral existence, as pride is necessarily con- 
 " nected with calamity : and, lastly, as our actions 
 " are conformable to equity, what occasion have we 
 "forjudge or governor?" Zu-al-Kurnain asked: 
 " If I should appoint for your dwelling a more 
 " cheerful place, could you remove from your pre- 
 " sent abode?" They answered: "Our request 
 
 E E
 
 418 
 
 *' from the king is, that he would drive away from 
 "us the predestined hour of Fate!" To which 
 Iskander repUed : " If the fulfilment of your request 
 " had been possible to mortal man, no human being 
 " would be more able than myself to grant it." On 
 this they answered : " As the king, in this matter, 
 " is as weak as others, our request is, that he permit 
 " us to remain in our own abode ; for residence in 
 " the place of one's birth and growth has a pecu- 
 " Har dehght." 
 
 In the course of his conquests', Iskander is said 
 to have come to a city in which seven estimable 
 princes had in succession administered the govern- 
 ment. On asking the people of the place whether 
 or not any of the descendants of their fonner kings 
 remained, they answered : " There is a youth, re- 
 " lated to the ancient princes, who dwells in such a 
 " burial-ground, and feels an aversion to taking on 
 " himself the sovereign power." Iskander, with 
 some of his principal courtiers, went near the young 
 prince ; and reproaching him for abandoning the 
 kingdom and taking up his abode in that dismal 
 place, at the same time urged him to assume the 
 administration of affairs. The youth rephed : " O 
 " generous-minded sovereign, I am engaged in a 
 " pursuit, from which, until I be disengaged, it will 
 
 (') This story bears some resemblance to that of Abdalonimus, 
 who was raised to the throne of Sidon, by Alexander the Great.
 
 410 
 
 " be impossible for me to undertake the charge of 
 " dominion and authority." Zu-al-Kurnain ob- 
 served : " If you have any other concern than that 
 '' of contemplating mouldering bones, explain what 
 " it is." The prince answered : " Having maturely 
 " reflected on the world and its transitory nature, I 
 " voluntarily withdrew from society, and made this 
 " burial-ground my abode ; and, although I have 
 " long endeavoured to distinguish the bones of 
 *' powerful kings from those of humble worshippers, 
 '' I am still unable, and the matter remains uncer- 
 " tain. Truly, when I looked to the tombs, there was 
 " no difference between the slave and his master." 
 Iskander rephed : " This is an important point, 
 " which can only be comprehended by the know- 
 " ledge of the Almighty ; but if you are possessed 
 " of energy, permit not yourself to deviate from my 
 " commands, that I may restore you to the rank of 
 " your fathers and ancestors." The young prince 
 answered : " I have an energy which aspires to 
 " higher pursuits — a hfe exempt from death ; youth 
 '* fi-ee from the decrepitude of age ; wealth beyond 
 " the reach of poverty; joy unmixed with grief; a 
 " beloved object unattended with loathing ; and 
 " health uninterrupted by disease." Iskander ob- 
 served : " From me you cannot expect these ob- 
 jects." The young prince thus rephed: "I seek 
 them from one with whom I can find them." 
 
 E E 2
 
 420 
 
 His nobles once said to Iskander : " You possess 
 *' extensive dominions ; therefore turn your atten- 
 " tion to the Harem, that you may have many 
 " children, so that the kingdom may not fall into 
 " the hands of ahens." To this Iskander replied : 
 " It is by no means agreeable to my sentiments, 
 " that one who has always proved victorious over 
 " men should be overcome by women." 
 
 One day, a person in old and patched garments 
 entered his audience-hall to present some petition, 
 and expressed himself with eloquence and perspi- 
 cuity. Iskander met his petition with a harsh 
 answer, and said: *' In the same manner as you have 
 " clothed your sentiments in suitable language, 
 " it would have been better had you also decked 
 " your external appearance in a becoming habit." 
 The person rephed : *' Your servant has unhmited 
 " power over the use of words, but the sovereign 
 " of the world far exceeds him in the abihty of ar- 
 " rangements in dress : " — ^ which observation so 
 greatly pleased Iskander, that he exalted him by the 
 donation of a costly habit. 
 
 In some engagement, a great number of women 
 having advanced to attack him, on recognising them 
 he retired from the combat, saying : '' This is a 
 " host, which, if we subdue, we cannot exult in the 
 " victory ; and if, which Heaven forbid ! the matter 
 " be reversed, there would attach to us a reproach
 
 421 
 
 " which would furnish a subject for conversation to 
 " all eternity." 
 
 The poet Zitun one day asked him for ten thou- 
 sand dinars'': to which Iskander replied: "This 
 sum is somewhat too considerable for your rank. " 
 To this the poet answered : " If the sum be too 
 *' considerable for my rank, it is far too small for 
 " yours :" — which reply pleased Iskander so much, 
 that he immediately gave him an order to obtain 
 the sum of money specified. 
 
 He once asked a philosopher, '' In what pursuit 
 should a king exhibit perseverance ? " He re- 
 turned for answer : " In meditating by night on the 
 " interests of the subjects, and attending to the 
 " concerns of his people ; and in carrying them into 
 " execution the following day." Iskander was once 
 asked : " Among all the objects obtained by your 
 power, from which do you receive most delight?" 
 He replied : " From increasing the power and 
 
 (^) The dinar, a gold coin weighing a mithkal and a half, passed 
 for twenty to twenty-five dirhems : these latter were of silver, and 
 for the first time marked with an Arabic inscription, a. heg. 78. 
 They were of three kinds : the first weighed a mithkal and a half; 
 the second, half a mithkal ; and the third three-fifths of it : there 
 was also a fourth kind current, which weighed seven-tenths of a 
 mithkal. When the pound of silver is coined, as with us, into 
 sixty-two shillings, the first dirhem =8i-|(i. ; the second= 4i-|o?. ; 
 the third ^5~rf. ; and the fourth =5-|-|-^rf. — the medium value 
 of which would be 5|c?. ; that of the dinar about 10*. lid. 
 
 Carlyle Maured Allata'fet.
 
 42-2 
 
 ''dignity of any one who has rendered me good 
 " service." 
 
 They one time censured Iskander for exposing 
 his person in the field of battle : to which he an- 
 swered : " It would be altogether opposed to justice, 
 " that another should, by voluntarily engaging in 
 " battle, expose himself to destruction for my in- 
 '* terests ; and that I, dechning all participation in 
 " it, should hold myself exempted from a hke obh- 
 " gation." 
 
 Two of his courtiers', who entertained a violent 
 animosity against each other, entreated that he 
 would in person decide between them the matter 
 in dispute. He answered : " My decision would 
 *' certainly gratify the one, and give pain to the 
 " other ; but if you tread in the path of good faith 
 " and the road of rectitude, it will render you both 
 " acceptable to God and benevolent." 
 
 (') This is perhaps the version of the dispute between Craterus 
 and Hephaestion ; in which, according to Plutarch, he told He- 
 phaestion, publicly, " he was a fool and a madman, if he did not 
 " know that without his master's favour he would be nothing." 
 He gave Craterus also a severe reprimand in private ; and after 
 hav-ing brought them together and reconciled them, he swore, by 
 Jupiter Ammon and all the other Gods, " that he loved them more 
 " than all the men in the w orld ; but if he perceived them again at 
 " variance, he would put them both to death, or at least the ag- 
 " gressor." This is said to have had such an effect upon them, that 
 they never afterwards expressed any dislike to each other, even in 
 jest. — Plutarch's L'weit.
 
 4^23 
 
 At the time he purposed to give Ddra battle, his 
 spies having reported the hostile army to consist of 
 more than three hundred thousand veteran soldiers, 
 he observed, " The skilful butcher and the active 
 ** skinner never feel alarmed at the numbers of the 
 " sheep." 
 
 One day, when, according to estabhshed custom 
 and settled rule, he conferred splendor and em- 
 belhshment on the throne by his presence, it hap- 
 pened that no one came, either to complain of op- 
 pression, or to address any request to him ; on which 
 Iskander said to himself: 
 
 *' Whatever day I pass in this manner, 
 
 " God knows, I consider not as a part of my life ! " 
 
 He was one day asked, " Why do you shew 
 " greater respect and reverence to your instructor" 
 " than you do to your father?" He rephed : " From 
 " my tutor I obtain life eternal ; and from my father, 
 " a perishable existence. Moreover, my father 
 " brought me down from heaven to earth, but 
 " Aristu has raised me from earth to heaven ;" — that 
 is, from the father is derived " the germ of the 
 
 (™) According to Plutarch, " Aristotle was the man he admired 
 " in his younger years ; and, as he himself averred, he had no less 
 " affection for him than for his own father : from the one he de- 
 " rived the blessing of life ; from the other, the blessing of a good 
 " life."
 
 424 
 
 coagulated blood and piece of flesh"," placed by 
 physical energy in the sure receptacle, where, in 
 process of time, without the tracing of pen or com- 
 pass, being impressed with a variety of forms, it 
 issues forth into the area of visibility : again, when 
 the destined number of breathings has been com- 
 pleted, and the last breath fetched up ; when the 
 members become scattered, and return back from 
 the world of passiveness and the abode of formation 
 to the regions of destruction and the realm of invi- 
 sibility; the Instructor is then the cause of Hfe 
 eternal ; the sources of which are knowledge and 
 philosophy : moreover, the wise regard important 
 knowledge as the essence of the existence of the 
 intellectual power ; and the true Khizar °, in their 
 belief, is the intellectual power of the learned ; and 
 darkness, according to them, is the gloom of igno- 
 
 (") Sale's Koran, chap. 23. ver. 2. 
 
 (°) Khizar, a prophet, who, according to Eastern traditions, was 
 the companion, Vizir, or General, of the ancient monarch, named 
 Zu-al-Kurnain, or the Two-horned ; a title which was also assumed 
 by Alexander the Great, on account of his extensive conquests : as 
 Khazar, in Arabic, means " green," " verdant," &c. : they pretend 
 that the prophet was so called, because he is exempted from death, in 
 consequence of his having drunk of the water of life. He is con- 
 founded by many with the Prophet Elias, who is supposed to dwell 
 in the Terrestrial Paradise, in the enjoyment of immortality. As the 
 Tree of Life is in this Paradise, near the Fountain, the Mahomme 
 dans believe that his immortality arises as much from the fruit of 
 the tree as the water of the fountain. Others believe that there is 
 a compact of brotherhood and society between these two holy per- 
 sonages.
 
 425 
 
 ranee : therefore every individual who comes from 
 the gloom of ignorance to the fountain of hfe, that 
 is, wisdom, allays the thirst excited by error and 
 folly with the living water, and thus attains to a 
 second existence and life immortal. 
 
 Some of his chiefs having urged him to make a 
 night attack on the Persian army, he answered" : 
 " To obtain the victory over enemies by stealth or 
 " surprise, is contrary to the dictates of my energy." 
 
 He once asked a philosopher, " What device af- 
 " fords a guarantee against the censure of the 
 " world?" He answered: ''To say something to 
 which they assent." 
 
 It is one of Iskander's maxims : " The high- 
 " minded and generous man, although poor, is 
 *' always held in honour ; but the mean-spirited and 
 " avaricious, however high their rank, are despicable, 
 
 sonages, which has given rise to the compound Khizar-Elias ; a 
 name which is also given to St. George, the tutelar saint of Eng- 
 land. According to the Tarikh Muntakhab, this prophet was 
 Abraham's nephew, and served as guide to Moses and the Children 
 of Israel, in their passage of the Red Sea, and the Desert. The same 
 author teUs us, that the prophet lived in the time of Kaikobad, at 
 which time he discovered the Fountain of Life ; and as he drank of 
 its waters, he is not to die until the sound of the last trumpet, i. e. 
 the Day of Judgment. — D'Herbelot. 
 
 (P) " They waited upon the king, therefore, after he had finished 
 " the sacrifice, and advised him to attack the enemy in the night, 
 " when darkness would hide what was most dreadftil in the com- 
 " bat. Upon which he returned them the celebrated answer : ' I 
 " will not steal a victory.' " — Plutarch's Lives.
 
 126 
 
 '* and devoid of influence." He has also said: " Man 
 " has greater need of understanding than of 
 " wealth." 
 
 ACCOUNT OF ISKANDER S DEATH. 
 
 The astrologers, who calculated Iskander's nativity, 
 had announced, that when the prince's death drew 
 nigh, the earth under him would become iron, and 
 the heavens above him be of gold. Now, when 
 Zu-al-Kurnain had rested from the conquest of 
 kingdoms, he made preparations for returning into 
 the Ionian country : in the district of Kums, being 
 separated from his army", a great hemorrhage seized 
 him, so that, through the urgency of the occasion, 
 one of the nobles spread his coat of mail under 
 him, and, in order to keep off the inconvenience of 
 the heat, interposed his golden shield between him 
 and the sun. Iskander, on contemplating this ar- 
 rangement, exclaimed : " This is the earth of iron 
 " and the heaven of gold, which the astrologers de- 
 " clared to be one of the prognostics of my death ; 
 " so that my life draws to a conclusion : — 
 
 O Literally, " being in advance of his Hag."
 
 427 
 
 " Alas ! the tale of youth is concluded ; 
 " The blooming spring of life is turned to December : 
 " The bird of delight, which nestled in my heart, 
 " I know not when it came, or when it departed." 
 
 He then sent for a secretary, to write a Letter to 
 his mother ; and, by the king's direction, the com- 
 mencement of it ran thus : " This Letter is ad- 
 " dressed from the slave, the son of a slave, namely, 
 '' Iskander, (who for a short time and limited space 
 " consorted with his fellow-mortals on earth, but 
 " who, during future times and countless ages, will 
 " associate with the inhabitants of eternity,) to his 
 " mother, from the benefits of whose society and 
 " attentions I derived no advantage in this abode of 
 " proximity': but, if it please God, when in the world 
 " of hght and honour, and the mansions of bhss 
 " and joy, I shall have the profit of being near her." 
 Such is the purport of the long epistle, which is 
 recorded at length in more extended histories. 
 
 When the world-subduing monarch had folded 
 up the carpet of life, and expressed his cheerful 
 resignation to the summons of the Almighty, agree- 
 ably to his testament, having wrapped his body 
 in a shroud, they deposited it in a golden coffin, 
 which the grandees and nobles bore, and exhibited 
 in a great assembly. On this the chief of the people 
 
 C) This change from the third to the first person is common 
 in Oriental writers.
 
 428 
 
 rose up, and said : " Should any one feel inclined 
 " to weep over a sovereign, it may surely be over 
 " this one. Should he choose to express his admi- 
 " ration, it surely may be in this instance ! " After 
 which, turning towards the sages, he requested them 
 to say something sententious and concise, expres- 
 sive of the regrets of the nobles, and imparting 
 counsel to the people. One of Aristu's disciples 
 then arose, and, placing on his head the hand of 
 Iskander (which, by his testament, was left, after 
 his decease, outside the coffin, to let all the world 
 see, that, notwithstanding his dominion and wealth, 
 he departed empty-handed to the other world), he 
 thus spoke : " O heart-delighting orator ! and, O 
 " eloquent speaker ! what has rendered thee thus 
 " deaf and dumb ! Notwithstanding the wide ex- 
 " tent of thy science and wisdom, how hast thou, 
 *' hke the heedless game, fallen into the narrow 
 " snare ! " 
 
 Another said : " Yesterday, Iskander laid up, out 
 " of sight, hoards of silver and gold ; but, to-day, 
 " Fortune has concealed him fi'om human gaze, like 
 *' treasures of silver and gold." 
 
 Another said : " This is he who was yesterday a 
 " victorious monarch over the people of the world ; 
 '' and who to-day, in the opinion of some of them, 
 " remains defeated." 
 
 Another said : " Yesterday he was able to hear
 
 429 
 
 " recitals ; and others, through feelings of awe, were 
 " unable to speak before him : to-day, others are 
 '' able to express themselves in his presence, and 
 " he has neither ability to speak nor hear." 
 
 Another said : *' This is the king whose sway 
 " comprehended the extent of the earth, from East 
 " to West, and who is at present confined between 
 " two cubits' space." 
 
 Another said : " This is he whose vicinity was 
 " yesterday regarded by his foes with abhorrence, 
 " and whom his friends to-day approach with 
 « loathing." 
 
 Another said : " This is Iskander, who yesterday, 
 " by strength of mind, was able to enforce the ad- 
 " ministration of nations and the management of 
 " affairs, and is, at present, altogether helpless in 
 " the details of his own concerns. Glory to Him, 
 " whose perfection endures, whilst every thing be- 
 " sides perishes ! " 
 
 When each of the sages, according to the measure 
 of his science and wisdom, had thus spoken a few 
 words, they then despatched towards Iskanderieh', 
 Zu-al-Kurnain's remains, enveloped in the mercy 
 and forgiveness of the Almighty. The people of 
 the city went forth to meet the bier with all 
 
 ( ) As Aristander the soothsayer announced that the possession 
 of the royal corpse would give stability to the kingdom where it 
 was interred, Ptolemy, by many stratagems, got it conveyed to 
 Alexandria.
 
 430 
 
 possible splendor : but when it met his mother's 
 sight, she wept over him, with moans and lamenta- 
 tions and accents of sorrow, and spoke thus : — 
 " O delight of mine eyes ! O beloved child ! I 
 " behold with astonishment, how he, whose wis- 
 " dom and science had mounted to the heavens, 
 " who had made the four habitable regions his 
 " kingdom, and rendered the sovereigns of the 
 " world his slaves, now sleeps so profoundly as not 
 " to awake, and has become so silent as not to 
 " utter a word. Which of you will inform Iskander, 
 " on my part, that you gave me counsel, and I ac- 
 " cepted it ; that you condoled with me, and I was 
 " comforted ; that you exhorted me to patience, 
 *' and I put endurance in practice ?" At this con- 
 juncture, all the wise men, coming into her presence, 
 condoled with her in a suitable manner ; and having 
 recourse to exhortations and counsels, then com- 
 mitted the blessed remains of Iskander to the earth. 
 His mother also, in affliction and grief, prepared, in 
 the manner prescribed in the king's Letter and dic- 
 tated in his testament, a banquet at her palace ; to 
 which she invited all the women of the country, 
 and placed them at table. At the moment of be- 
 ginning to eat, she commanded thus : '' Let that 
 " person only partake of those viands who has 
 " never experienced grief, calamity, misfortune, 
 ^' and mourning." They all drew l)ack the hand.
 
 431 
 
 wondering at the presence of the meats and the 
 prohibition against eating ; as there was not one of 
 them, from the chimney of whose family the smoke 
 of grief had not ascended. Iskander's mother 
 having asked the reason of their reluctance and 
 abstaining from the viands, they represented to her 
 the state of the case : on which she understood her 
 son's object, in desiring this measure by his last 
 will, was, that she should not mourn to excess in 
 this calamity, as she had many partners and num- 
 berless rivals in affliction. " When calamity is 
 general, it is good (or alleviated)." She conse- 
 quently moderated her expression of mourning and 
 distress ; and meeting with obedience the Di\dne 
 decree, she thus said : " Perpetuity without limit ; 
 existence without end ; the kingdom without de- 
 cay ; hfe eternal and infinite, belong exclusively 
 to the Creator." " He is the One who decays 
 not and dies not : I am the Lord God ; to me 
 you shall all revert." 
 
 It is recorded in the Tarikh Maajem, that Iskan- 
 der's appearance had no resemblance to that of his 
 father and mother : his complexion was inchned to 
 a vivid ruddiness : he had one eye black and the 
 other blue ' ; the one continually directed upwards, 
 
 (*) Tzetzes, in his Chiliads, also affirms that one of his eyes 
 was black and the other blue.
 
 432 
 
 and the other downwards : his teeth small and 
 sharp-pointed : his face resembled that of a lion. 
 Even during his boyhood, and the commencement 
 of maturity, he was famed for bravery and intrepi- 
 dity. In his nineteenth year he became supreme 
 ruler. The period of his government extended to 
 seventeen years : nine years of this were spent in 
 various campaigns ; and he passed eight years of his 
 life in perfect tranquillity, free from every anxiety. 
 He possessed absolute power over twenty-two great 
 empires of the East and West, North and South. 
 Out of the number of his relations and companions, 
 some became invested with full power over thirteen 
 realms, in proportion to their services or expedi- 
 tions, or personal attendance at court. He travelled 
 over most of the world in two years, and surveyed 
 in person most of its regions and territories ; thus 
 beholding many strange and wondrous sights. But 
 should the agreeably-pacing courser of our perfume- 
 scattering pen attempt to curvet in the area of their 
 enumeration, he would be soon obliged to desist 
 from the endeavour. Iskander subdued all the 
 kingdoms of the East and West, at the head of 
 three hundred thousand men of approved valour : 
 and at last reluctantly resigned the world to others ; 
 so that, out of all his treasiu'es, riches, cavalry and 
 infantry, he took with him only a few ells of fine 
 linen. " To every period there is a sacred volume :
 
 438 
 
 '* God blots out and inserts whatever he pleases : to 
 *' Him belongs the mother of the Holy Book"." 
 
 It is thus recorded in the Ghaniah. " Authors 
 
 " differ greatly about the appellation of Zu-ul- 
 
 " Kurnain (* of the two horns, or the two genera- 
 
 "tions'): some maintain that he was so called 
 
 *' because he was a prophet, sent to a particular 
 
 " people, who accused him of falsehood, and smote 
 
 " him on one point of his head, and slew him ; 
 
 " but that the Almighty revived him, and he was 
 
 " consequently styled Zu-ul-Kurnain, or ' the man 
 
 " of two ages ' : such is the relation of All Ibn Abu 
 
 " Taleb, on whom be benedictions ! It is said he 
 
 " was so called because God deputed him as a 
 
 " prophet to a generation of men who imputed to 
 
 '* him falsehood : these the Almighty destroyed, 
 
 ** and sent him to another generation : he was 
 
 " therefore called Zu-ul-Kurnain, or ' the prophet 
 
 " of two generations.' It is also said, that he was 
 
 (") One of the titles given by Mohammedans to the Fatihah, or 
 first chapter of the Koran. According to their Commentators, the 
 Ahnig'hty sent down from heaven one hundred and four volumes 
 at different periods, all the science of which was condensed in four 
 books — the Pentateuch, Gospel, Psalms, and Furkan. He after- 
 wards concentrated the essence of these in the Koran ; and finally 
 the essence of the Koran in its first chapter or Surah ; whoever 
 understands the explanation of which, will be regarded as under- 
 standing all the volumes revealed by the Almighty ; and whoever 
 reads it over will be as if he had read over the Pentateuch, Gospel, 
 Psalms, and Furkan. — Maraccius. 
 
 F F
 
 434 
 
 *' so called, as the temples of his head were of 
 " copper, or, as some say, of brass or of gold : God 
 " only is most wise ! Wahab, the son of Munab- 
 " beh, says, he was so called because he ruled over 
 " the entire of Farsistan and Room ; or because 
 " he reached the two horns of the world, or its 
 " eastern and western extremities. According to 
 *' others, he saw, in a vision, that he had laid hold 
 " of the two horns of the sun : on which, having 
 " consulted the interpreters of dreams, they an- 
 " swered, ' Thou shalt surely rule over the whole 
 " earth.' According to some, he had two curled 
 " ringlets on his head ; and as a ringlet in Arabic 
 " is called ' kum,' he was therefore called ' the man 
 " with two ringlets, or Zu-ul-Kurnain' : others say, 
 " that on each side of his head he had a horn of 
 *' gold, like those of the gazel : God only is most 
 " wise !" The most probable opinion is that of the 
 author of the Ghaniah. Some writers however 
 say, that he was styled Zu-ul-Kumain because he 
 had reigned sixty years, which is the same as two 
 generations : but, according to others, he was so 
 styled because he had two long ears. There are 
 other reasons also assigned for this appellation, the 
 enumeration of which would be the cause of too 
 great prohxity. 
 
 Let it not be concealed from the notice of the
 
 435. 
 
 intelligent, that the writer of these pages was long 
 time perplexed about deciding in what part he 
 should most fitly introduce the " Lives of the Phi- 
 losophers," so as not to appear unsuitable to the 
 discriminating sight of the residents of the region 
 of eloquence : and as his doubts still continued, he 
 therefore represented the case to the radiant-sun- 
 resembhng reason of the highly-dignified Amir of 
 praiseworthy qualities and liberal mind, (with whom 
 if Aristu and Iskander had been contemporary, he 
 would have served as a model to the former, for 
 the mode of imparting instruction to the most pro- 
 found sages, and fortifying the sentiments of the 
 most subtle philosophers ; and the latter would 
 have bitten the finger of astonishment, on beholding 
 the benevolence of his nature, and the rapidity of 
 his conception) : without hesitation or reflection, 
 the following solution proceeded from his gem-scat- 
 tering lips, the commentators on the texts of the 
 Code of Mercy : " Whereas most of the eminent 
 ' sages, such as Aflatoon (Plato), Aristu (Aristotle), 
 ' and others, were contemporary with Iskander, and 
 ' some were even in attendance on him ; and more- 
 ' over, as Zu-ul-Kurnain was distinguished beyond 
 ' all preceding sovereigns for regulating the affairs 
 ' and promoting the interests of this description of 
 ' men ; it would therefore be proper, by way of 
 
 F F 2
 
 436 
 
 " appendix to the history of that fortunate personage, 
 " to commit to writing a sketch of the results of 
 " their sayings and doings." 
 
 As the intrinsic value of this suggestion, when 
 assayed by the touchstone of intellect, was found 
 to be of perfect standard, our musk-scattering pen, 
 in conformity to the exalted intimation, entered on 
 the subject, and boldly ventures to cite two distichs, 
 the result of the humble-talented author's reflection, 
 descriptive of the pure-minded Amir : 
 
 " Although the coin bears not the stamp of thy name, 
 *' Yet on the tablet of the soul it altogether resembles an im- 
 pression on gold : 
 " The fame of thy excellence is spread over land and sea, 
 " Without the aid of the orator who declaims in his pulpit of 
 wood." 
 
 And now the writer concludes, with perfect hope 
 and sure rehance, that 
 
 " Great men will not criticise the productions of the humble." 
 
 FINIS
 
 NOTES. 
 
 Page 74. A parricide should not he a king, ^c] This alludes to 
 Shiroueh, the son of Khusrau Purveez. This prince had deter- 
 mined to place the tiara on the head of Merdaza, the most favoured 
 of his sons. Shiroueh, indignant at this attempt to put his rig'ht of 
 primogeniture aside, conspired with some malcontents to dethrone 
 his father, who was seized, and expired on the fifth day of his con- 
 finement. It was long before a person could be found to put 
 Khusrau to death : at last, Hoormuz, the son of Murdou Shah, who 
 had been slain by Khusrau, offered his services. When Hoormuz 
 appeared before him, Khusrau understood what was meant, and 
 exclaimed, " It is just and proper for a son to slay the murderer of 
 his father." After killing the king, Hoormuz went to Shiroueh, 
 and told him all that had passed. " It is just and proper for a son 
 to slay the murderer of his father," repeated the cruel prince who 
 had employed him ; and slew him upon the spot. Shiroueh, how- 
 ever, is described by Mirkhond as a prince who paid attention to 
 justice and the laws ; although the historian informs us, that he had 
 kiUed his father and fifteen of his brothers. He also adds, that it 
 was the reproaches of his sisters, cast upon him for these acts, which 
 threw him into that deep melancholy which terminated his life or 
 reign within a period of eight months. — Malcolm's Persia. 
 
 Page 134. In the Muruj-uz-zahab, Feridoon is called the son 
 of Athkidn, the son of Jemsheed, 8fc.] The reasoning adopted by 
 Anquetil du Perron relative to the long reigns of the Peshdadian 
 monarchs, and the mode of reconciling the discordant accounts of 
 the ancient chronologists with those of Herodotus, appear so inge- 
 nious and plausible, that they deserve to be carefiiUy considered. 
 He begins by observing, that critics on this subject may be divided 
 into two classes ; the first of which, in accordance with Ctesias, 
 Diodorus Siculus, Julius Africanus, Justin, and Syncellus, assign 
 thirteen or fourteen hundred years for the duration of the Assyrian
 
 438 
 
 empire ; totally rejecting the testimony of Herodotus, and making 
 no attempts to reconcile his statements with that of other writers. 
 
 The second class confine themselves to the authority of Herodo- 
 tus ; and, with that historian, limit the total duration of the Assy- 
 rian empire to 520 years ; regarding as unworthy of credit the 1360 
 years of Ctesias, and the long catalogue of princes mentioned by 
 Syncellus. 
 
 On one point, however, both these classes agree — in regarding 
 the reigns and existence of the Peshdadian monarchs as altogether 
 fabulous: but the difficulty which arises from these apparently 
 conflicting statements may be overcome, by shewing, in the first 
 place, that Ctesias was justified in assigning thirteen centuries to 
 the Assyrian empire, i.e. from Belus, 2175 years before the Chris- 
 tian era, to Sardanapalus, about 941 years before the same era. 
 In the second place, that Herodotus expresses himself correctly, 
 in stating the duration of their empire over Upper Asia, or the 
 whole of Asia, at 520 years, i. e. from Beleteran (Feridoon), the 
 twentieth Assyrian monarch (under whom the dynasty was changed) 
 to Sardanapalus. In the third place, that the reigns of the Pesh- 
 dadian princes, as recorded in the ancient books of the Persians, 
 are true, or at least probable, when considered in a proper point 
 of view ; i. e. the reign or dynasty of Jemsheed as the Chaldsean 
 dynasty of Julius Africanus ; that of Zohak as the Arab djTiasty 
 of the same author; and that of Feridoon as the dynasty of 
 Beletaran, ending with Sardanapalus : these three successive dynas- 
 ties give fi-om thirty-one to thirty-five reigns ; and the series of 
 kings, as given by Ctesias, contains thirty or thirty-five reigns. 
 Thus, without changing in the least the catalogue of Syncellus, we 
 may say that the thirty-seven or forty-one kings enumerated in it 
 reigned in Assyria ; sometimes as absolute and independent sove- 
 reigns ; at other periods, as dependent princes : whilst Babylon was 
 occasionally subject to the Chaldseans and Arabs, who at these 
 periods were masters of the Assyrian empire. 
 
 According to Anquetil du Perron, on the authority of the 
 Boundehesh, and the Mujmel-ut-tuvarikh, Jemsheed was either 
 grand-nephew or grandson to Tehmuras, by Vivengham : and 
 from Jemsheed are traced the following generations : Atbian** the 
 
 C*) This word is variously written in MSS.— Athkian/Atbian, Atvian, 
 Apiten, Atbien, &c.
 
 439 
 
 First ; Zargueshen ; Atbian the Second ; Atbian of many herds ; 
 Atbian of the fat oxen; Atbian of the white oxen; Atbian of the 
 black oxen ; Atbian of the red oxen ; Second Atbian of the black 
 oxen ; and Atbian rich in oxen, the father of Feridoon, who was 
 put to death by the last of the Zohak or Arab dynasty, during the 
 infancy of his son Feridoon, who afterwards mounted the throne 
 of Assyria and avenged his father's death. This genealogy, pro- 
 bably unknown to Mirkhond, or disregarded by him, is confirmed, 
 in some measure, by his mentioning the tradition of many genera- 
 tions having elapsed between Jemsheed and Feridoon. Feridoon is 
 said to have reigned 500 years, and to have partitioned the empire 
 among his sons. According to the Boundehesh and the Muj- 
 mel-ut-tuvarlkh^ during this reign or dynasty the foUowing 
 generations intervened between Feridoon and Minucheher: 1st, 
 Iraj; Goseke; Fregoseg or Fregosek ; Zosheka or Ashak; Fre- 
 sosheg or Fresang; Betek or Betak; Throteg or Throseg; Bote- 
 reke orVotrek; Kemam Sodak ; Menoshkernak ; Menoshkeraar or 
 Menjer ; and Minucheher, who, avenging the death of Iraj, over- 
 turns the Assyrian monarchy, and founds what the Classic writers 
 style the empire of the Medes : he is probably therefore the Ar- 
 baces of the Greeks. 
 
 It is proper to state here, on the authority of the Dabistan, a 
 book professedly compiled from the works of the ancient Fire- 
 worshippers, by Shaik Mohammed Mohsin Fani^ a Suffee or 
 Philosophical Devotee, and an avowed believer in the Brahminical 
 doctrines, that previous to Kaiomars there were four dynasties: 
 1st, that of Mahabad, and his thirteen successors of the same name, 
 supposed to be the fourteen Menus of the Hindoos. 
 
 2d, That of Jy-AfFram, who established the Jyanian dynasty : 
 the number of his successors unknown : the last was named Jyabad. 
 
 3d, That of Shah-Kuleev, who established another dynasty, of 
 which the last prince was Shah Mahbool; supposed to be the 
 Mahabali of the Hindoos, and Belus of the Assyrians. 
 
 4th, That of Yassan, who established the dynasty of the Yassa- 
 nians, which ended in Yassan- Ajem. 
 
 (") In this list of names, tiie first mentioned are from the Boundehesh 
 and their variations from the Mujmel-ut-tuvan'kh. 
 
 C) See the Authorities at the end of Sir W.Ouseley's Travels vol III 
 p. 564 ; and also Mr. Erskine's Paper on the Dabistan, in the Eombav 
 Transactions, vol. II. p. 374.
 
 440 
 
 The agoregate reigns of these monarchs is estimated at many 
 thousand millions of years. This much suffices to shew the extra- 
 vao-ance of such chimerical dynasties, and their incredible duration ; 
 but we can scarcely deny Shaikh Mohammed the credit of faith- 
 fully recording what he found in ancient books, no long^er accessi- 
 ble to the learned ; particularly if the research, impartiality, and 
 extensive knowledge which he displays, in his accounts of the 
 Jewish and Christian Dispensations, the forms and very terms of 
 the Church of Rome, may constitute a standard for judging cor- 
 rectly of the remainder of the Dabistan. 
 
 Paffe 137- line 13.] We are informed by D'Herbelot, that this 
 famous standard was so richly ornamented, that it was divided 
 into many portions, and enriched all who shared in it. Major 
 Price, in his History of the Mohammedan Conquests, is more par- 
 ticular : he states, that " for the tribe of Ben-i-Temiem was re- 
 " served the additional good fortune of seizing the celebrated 
 " standard of the Persian empire ; which, from the original dimen- 
 " sions and shape of a blacksmith's apron, had been, by this time, 
 " enlaro-ed to the length of two and twenty feet, by about fifteen 
 " in breadth, enriched with jewels of great value." 
 
 Malcolm's Persia. 
 
 Page 144. line 13.] Mahraj is evidently the Sanscrit Maha Raja 
 or Great King. 
 
 Pao-e 344, Note, on Abu yaJiid.'] When the Almighty had de- 
 termined on the creation of Adam, the Mohammedans believe that 
 he sent the angels Gabriel, Michael, and Israfil, one after 
 another, to fetch for that purpose seven handfuls of earth from 
 different depths, and of different colours (whence some account for 
 the various complexions of mankind) ; but the Earth being appre- 
 hensive of the consequence, and desiring them to represent her 
 fears to God, that the creature he designed to form would rebel 
 ao-ainst him and draw down his curse upon her, they returned 
 without performing God's command : whereupon he sent Azrafl 
 on the same errand, who executed his commission without re- 
 morse ; for which reason God appointed that angel to separate the 
 souls from the bodies, and he is therefore called the Angel of Death. 
 The Arabs also call him Abu Yahia ; and the Persians, Murdad. 
 This tradition about Azrjul is borrowed from the Talmud. 
 
 D'Herbelot.
 
 441 
 
 Page 347. line 28.] The supplicant generally takes with him a 
 drawn sword and a Koran, to intimate to his superior, " If you 
 " wish to put me to death, I am resigned to my fate, and offer you 
 " a drawn sword, to inflict due punishment on me ; but if you 
 " deign to grant me mercy, I swear, on this Koran, never more to 
 " be unfaithful." 
 
 Page 243. Note on Jabreel and Bordk.] This is an allusion to 
 the visit of Mohammed to the Seventh Heavens, under the guidance 
 of the archangel Gabriel. As to Alborak, Jelaleddin, in his Com- 
 mentaries on the Koran, thus reports, from Mohammed's own de- 
 clarations. "P. 412. Marac. Alcor. — I came riding on Alborak, 
 " an animal of a white colour, greater than an ass and smaller than 
 " a mule, with cloven hoofs : and he bore me until I came to the 
 " Temple of Jerusalem, where I fastened him to the ring to which 
 " the Prophets of old fastened him." 
 
 Other commentators tell us, that when Alborak was brought to 
 Mohammed, he shook his ears vehemently, and tried to run away : 
 but that when Mohammed said to him, " Stand still, " Alborak re- 
 plied, "What! am I sent here for his convenience?" To which 
 Gabriel answered, " Most assuredly." On this, Alborak answered, 
 " I will not suffer Idm to mount, until he shall first intercede with 
 " God for me." Mohammed, on this, interceded with God for him, 
 and mounted without further difficulty. The author of the Muarij-al- 
 Nubuwat gives the following minute description of Borak : — " Then 
 " I beheld an animal standing, larger than an ass, but less than a 
 " mule ; the face resembling that of a man, and the ears those of 
 " the elephant; his feet like the horse's, and his neck like the 
 " camel's ; his breast as a mule's, and his tail like a camel's ; his 
 " legs, those of the ox, with cloven hoofs. On his thighs he had 
 " two wings : when these were expanded, they included between 
 " them all from east to west ; and when he drew them in, they 
 " fitted close to his side." 
 
 In Persian paintings, in accordance with popular belief, Borak 
 is represented with the body of a horse, a beautiful female face, 
 the head sometimes crowned, a precious collar round the neck, and 
 a peacock's expanded tail. 
 
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 LIST OF WORKS 
 
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 In Demy Quarto; price £1. 
 
 2. 
 MEMOIRS OF THE EMPEROR JAHANGUEIR,t 
 
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 In Demy Quarto; 12s. 
 
 3. 
 
 THE TRAVELS OF MACARIUS, PATRIARCH OF 
 
 ANTIOCH, 
 
 Written by his Attendant Archdeacon, Paul of Aleppo, in Arabic. 
 
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 HAN KOONG TSEW, or THE SORROWS OF HAN, 
 
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 HISTORY OF THE AFGHANS,t 
 
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 THE FORTUNATE UNION,* 
 
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 by a Budhist : and KOLAN NATTANNAWA, a Cingalese 
 
 Poem, descriptive of the Characters assumed by 
 
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 Translated by JOHN CALLAWAY, late Missionary in Ceylon. 
 
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 THE ADVENTURES OF HATIM TAI, 
 
 A Romance, translated from the Persian. By DUNCAN FORBES, A.M. 
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 THE LIFE OF SHEIKH MOHAMMED ALI HAZIN, 
 
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 By F. C. BELFOUR, M.A. Oxon.&c. &c. 
 
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 10. 
 
 MEMOIRS OF A MALAYAN FAMILY, 
 
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 In Demy Octavo ; 2s. 6c?. 
 
 11. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE WAR IN BOSNIA, 
 
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 Translated from the Turkish by C. ERASER, Professor of German in the Naval 
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 12. 
 
 THE MULFUZAT TIMURY; or AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL 
 
 MEMOIRS OF THE MOGHUL EMPEROR TIMUR,* 
 
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 Hussaini, and translated into English 
 
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 13. 
 
 THE HISTORY OF VARTAN AND OF THE BATTLE OF 
 
 THE ARMENIANS, 
 
 Containing an Account of the Religious Wars between tlie Persians and 
 
 Armenians, by Elisseus Bishop of the Amadnnians. 
 
 Translated from the Armenian, by C. F. ISiEUMANN, 
 
 Member of the Armenian Academy of the Mechitaristes at St. Lazaro, &c. &c. 
 
 In Demy Quarto; 10s. 
 
 14. 
 THE TRAVELS OF MAC ARIUS, PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH, 
 
 Written by his Attendant Archdeacon, Paul of Aleppo, in Arabic. 
 
 Part the Second. — Wallachia, Moldavia, and the Cossack Country. 
 
 Translated by F. C. BELFOUR, A.M. Oxon. &c. &c. 
 
 In Demy Quarto; \0s. 
 
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 15. 
 
 THE LIFE OF HAFIZ UL MULK, HAFIZ REHxMUT 
 
 KHAN. 
 
 Written by his Son Nuwab Must'ujab Khan Buhadar, and entitled 
 
 Gulistan-i Rehmut. 
 
 Abridged and translated from the Persian, by CHARLES ELLIOTT, Esq., 
 
 Of tlie Bengal Civil Service. 
 
 In Demy 8vo. as. 
 
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 THE LIFE OF SHEIKH MOHAMMED ALI HAZIN, 
 
 Written by Himself ; edited from two Persian ISIanuscripts, and noted with tlieir 
 
 various Readings, by F. C. BELFOUll, M.A, Oxon, &c. &c. 
 
 In Demy 8vo. 10.s. GrL 
 
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 17. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS TRANSLATIONS FROM ORIENTAL 
 
 LANGUAGES, 
 
 Volume the First. In Demy 8vo. 8^. 
 
 CONTENTS : 
 
 I. Notes of a Journey into the Interior of Northern Africa. — By Haji 
 Ibn-ud-din Al-Aghwaati. Translated from the Arabic by W. B. Hodgson, Esq., 
 late American Consul at Algiers, F.M. R.A.S. 
 
 II. Extracts from the Sakaa Thevan Saasteram, or Book of Fate. — 
 Translated from the Tamul Language, by the Rev. Joseph Roberts, Cor.M.R.A.S. 
 
 III. The Last Days of Krishna and the Sons of Pandu, from the con- 
 cluding Section of the Mahabharat. Translated from the Persian version, made 
 by Nekkeib Khan, in the time of the Emperor Akbar. By Major David Price, 
 of the Bombay Army, M.R. A.S., of the Oriental Translation Committee, and of 
 the Royal Society of Literature. 
 
 IV. The Vedala Cadai, l)eing the Tamul Version of a Collection of Ancient 
 Tales in tlie Sanscrit Language ; popularly known throughout India, and entitled 
 the Vetala Panchavinsati. Translated by B. G. Babington, M.D., F. R.S., 
 M.R. A.S., M.Madras Lit.Soc, &c. 
 
 V. Indian Cookery, as practised and described by the Natives of the East. 
 Translated by Sandf ord Arnot.
 
 18. 
 
 THE ALGEBRA OF MOHAMMED BEN MUSA,t 
 ARABIC AND ENGLISH. 
 
 Edited and translated by FREDERIC ROSEN. 
 In Demy Octavo; 10s. 
 
 19. 
 
 THE HISTORY OF THE MARITIME WARS 
 OF THE TURKS, 
 
 Translated from the Turkish of Haji Khalifeh, by JAMES MITCHELL. 
 Part I. In Demy Quarto; 7s. 
 
 20. 
 
 TRANSLATIONS FROM THE CHINESE AND ARMENIAN, 
 
 By CHARLES F. NEUMANN. 
 In Demy 8vo. I2s. bds, 
 CONTENTS : 
 
 I. History of the Pirates who infested the China Sea, from 1807 to 1810. 
 Translated from the Chinese Original, with Notes and Illustrations. 
 
 II. The Catechism of the Shamans ; or, the Laws and Regulations of the 
 Priesthood of Buddha, in China. Translated from the Chinese Original, with 
 Notes and Illustrations. 
 
 III. Vahram's Chronicle of the Armenian Kingdom in Cilicia, during the time 
 of the Crusades. Translated from the Original Armenian, with Notes and 
 Illustrations. 
 
 21 & 22. 
 
 THE GEOGRAPHICAL WORKS OF SADIK ISFAHANI'; 
 
 And a CRITICAL ESSAY ON VARIOUS MANUSCRIPT 
 
 WORKS, ARABIC AND PERSIAN, 
 
 Translated by J. C. from Original Persian MSS. in the Collection of 
 
 Sir William Ouseley, the Editor. 
 
 Octavo; 10s. 
 
 23. 
 
 THE SHAH NAMEH OF THE PERSIAN POET 
 FIRDAUSr,* 
 
 Translated and Abridged in Prose and Verse, with Notes and Illustrations, 
 
 By JAMES ATKINSON, Esq., 
 
 Of the Honourable East- India Company's Bengal Medical Service. 
 
 Octavo; I5s. 
 
 24. 
 
 THE TEZKEREH AL VAKIAT; OR, PRIVATE MEMOIRS 
 OF THE MOGHUL EMPEROR HUMAYUN. 
 
 Written in the Persian Language by Jouher, a Confidential Domestic of his 
 
 Majesty. 
 
 Translated by Major CHARLES STEWART, of the Honourable East-India 
 
 Company's Service, M.R.A.S., &c. &c. 
 
 Quarto; 10s.
 
 6 
 
 25. 
 
 THE SIYAR-UL-MUTAKHERIN, 
 
 A History of the Mahomedan Power in India, during the last Century. 
 
 By MIR GHOLAM HUSSEIN-KHAN. 
 
 Revised from the Translation of Haji Mustafa, and Collated with the Persian 
 
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 Vol. I. 8vo. 14s. 
 
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 HOEI LAN KI ; OU, L'HISTOIRE DU CERCLE DE CRAIE, 
 
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 27. 
 
 SAN KOKF TSOU RAN TO SETS ; OU, APERCU 
 
 GENERAL DES TROIS ROYAUMES. 
 
 Traduit de I'Original Japonais- Chinois, par M. J. KLAPROTH. 
 
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 Octavo. : 15s. 
 
 28. 
 ANNALS OF THE TURKISH EMPIRE, FROM 1591 TO 
 1659 OF THE CHRISTIAN ERA, 
 
 Translated from the Turkish, by CHARLES FRASER. 
 Vol. L 4to.; ,£1. Us.Gd. 
 
 29. 
 RAGHUVANSA, KALIDXS^ CARMEN,* 
 
 Sanskrite et Latine 
 Edidit ADOLPHUS FRIDERICUS STENZLER. 
 Quarto; £]. Is. 
 
 30. 
 HISTORY OF THE EARLY KINGS OF PERSIA, 
 
 From Kaiomars, the first of the Peshdadian Dynasty, to the conquest of Iran by 
 Alexander the Great. 
 Translated from the original Persian Mirkhond, entitled the Rauzat-us-safa, 
 with Notes and Illustrations, by DAVID SHEA, of the Oriental Department 
 of the Hon. East-India Company's College. 8vo. 
 
 31. 
 CUSTOMS AND MANNERS OF THE WOMEN OF PER- 
 SIA, AND THEIR DOMESTIC SUPERSTITIONS. 
 
 Translated from the original Persian Manuscript, by JAMES ATKINSON, Esq. 
 of the Hon. East-India Company's Bengal Medical Establishment. 8vo. 
 
 LIST OF WORKS IN THE PRESS. 
 
 The Travels of Evliya Effendi; translated by M. de Hammer. 
 
 This work contains an account in Turkish, of the travels of Evliya in all parts of the Turkish 
 empire, and in Turkestan, &c. in the middle of the seventeenth centurj*. 
 
 Nipon u dai itsi ran ; translated by M. Jules de Klaproth. 
 
 This Japanese work contains the History of the Dairis or Ecclesiastical Emperors of Japan from 
 the year 660 Ante Christum.
 
 The Text of the Alfiyya of Ebn Malek, edited by the Baron Silvestre de Sacy. 
 
 This is one of the most esteemed works on Arabic Grammar. It will be accompanied by a 
 
 Commentary. 
 The Travels of Macarius, Patriarch of Antioch. Written by his Attendant 
 
 Archdeacon, Paul of Aleppo; translated by F. C Beifour, Esq. M.A., LL.D., 
 
 Part III. 
 
 This Arabic Manuscript, which is of great rarity, describes the Patriarch's journey through 
 Syria, Anatolia, Rumelia, Walachia, Moldavia, and Russia, between the years 1653 and lO'WJ of 
 the Christian yEra. 
 Haji Khalifa's Bibliographical Dictionary; translated by Monsieur Gustave 
 
 Flugel. 
 
 This valuable Arabic work, which formed the ground-work of d'Herbelot's " Bibliothtque 
 Orientale," contains accounts of upwards of 13,000 Arabic, Persian, and Turkish works, arranged 
 alphabetically. 
 The Tuhfat ul Mujahedin ; translated by Lieutenant Rowlandson. 
 
 This Arabic work gives an account of the first settlement of the Mohammedans in Malabar, and 
 of their subsequent struggles with the Portuguese. 
 
 A History of the Birman Empire, translated by Father Sangermano. 
 
 This work, which contains the political and religious history of Birmah, was translated by Fa- 
 ther Sangermano, who was a missionary in Ava twenty-six years. It also furnishes accounts of the 
 natural productions, laws, and metaphysics of that country. 
 
 The Didascalia, or Apostolical Constitutions of the Abyssinian Church ; translated 
 by T. P. Piatt, Esq. A.M. 
 This ancient Ethiopic work is unknown in Europe, and contains many very curious opinions. 
 
 The Harivansa, translated by M. Langlois. 
 
 This Sanskrit work is generally considered as a Supplement to the Mahabharata, and throws 
 much light upon Hindu Mythology. 
 
 The Tarikh Tabari ; translated by M. Dubeux. 
 
 A highly esteemed and very authentic history, written in Persian, containing accounts of 
 the Patriarchs, Prophets, Philosophers, of Mohammed and of the Khalifs. 
 
 The Divan of the Huzeilis ; translated by Professor Kosegarten. 
 
 This is a collection of ancient Arabic Poems similar to the Hamasa ; the translation will be 
 accompanied by the Arabic Text and scholia. 
 
 The Khatai Nameh ; translated by M. Fleischer. 
 
 This curious Turkish work contains a description of China, with accounts of its government, 
 laws, &c. 
 
 LIST OF TRANSLATIONS PREPARING FOR 
 PUBLICATION. 
 
 Class 1st. — Theology, Ethics, and Metaphysics. 
 
 The Sankhya Karika; translated by Henry Thomas Colebrooke, Esq. 
 
 This Sanskrit work contains, in seventy-two stanzas, the principles of the Sdnkhya System of 
 Metaphysical Philosophy. 
 The Li ki, translated by M. Stanislas Julien. 
 
 This ancient Chinese work, which is attributed to Confucius, was the original moral and cere- 
 monial code of China, and is still the principal authority on those subjects in that empire. 
 A Collation of the Syriac MSS. of the New Testament, both Nestorian and 
 Jacobite, that are accessible in England, by the Rev. Professor Lee. 
 
 This collation will include the various readings of the Syriac MSS. of the New Testament 
 in the British Museum, and the Libraries at Oxford, Cambridge, &:c. 
 The Vrihad Aranyaka ; translated by Dr. Stenzler. 
 
 This ancient Sanskrit Upanishad is reckoned part of the Yajur Veda. It consists of reflections 
 and dialogues on the origin and nature of the gods, men, fire, &c., and is one of the principal 
 authorities in the Vedanta system of philosophy. 
 
 Class 2d. — History, Geography, and Travels. 
 
 The Sharaf Namah ; translated by Professor Charmoy. 
 
 This is a Persian History of the Dynasties which have governed in Kurdistan, written by 
 Sheref Ibn Shams-ud-din, at the close of the sixteenth century. 
 
 The History of Mazindaran and Tabaristan ; translated by Professor Charmoy. 
 This is a Persian history of part of the Persian empire, written by Zahir-uddln, and comes 
 down to A.D. 1475.
 
 The Tarlkh-i- Afghan ; translated by Professor Bernliard Dorn. Part IT. 
 
 This is a Persian History of the Afghans, who claim to be descended from the Jews. It will btJ 
 accompanied by an account of the Afghan tribes. 
 
 The Annals of Elias, Metropolitan of Nisibis ; translated by the Rev. Josiah 
 Forshall, A.M. 
 
 This Syriac Chronicle contains chronological tables of the principal dynasties of the world, 
 brief memoirs of the Patriarchs of the Nestorian church, and notices of the most remarkable 
 events in the East, from the birth of our Saviour to the beginning of the eleventh century. 
 
 Ibn Haukal's Geography ; translated by Professor Hamaker. 
 
 This Arabic work was compiled in the Kith century by a celebrated Mohammedan Traveller, 
 and is not the same as the Oriental Geography of Ebn Haukal that was translated by Sir William 
 Ouseley. 
 
 The History of Raja Krishan Chandra, translated by Graves C. Hanghton, Esq., 
 M.A. F.R.S.,&c. &c. 
 
 This Bengali work includes an account of the Rise of the Raja's family, of the events that led to 
 the fatal catastrophe of the Black Hole at Calcutta, and of the triumphant establishment of the 
 English under Lord Clive in Bengal. 
 
 The Chronicle of Abulfat'li Ibn Abulhasan Alsamari ; translated by the Rev. T. 
 Jarrett, M.A. 
 
 This rare Arabic work, of which only one perfect copy is known to be in Europe, is a History 
 of the Samaritans from the creation to the middle of the fourteenth century. 
 
 Ibn Khaldiin's History of the Berbers ; translated by the Rev. Professor Lee. 
 
 This is a most rare and valuable work, containing an account of the origin, progress, and 
 decline of the dynasties which governed the northern coast of Africa. 
 
 Ibn Koteiba's Histoiyof the Arabians, translated by Dr. J. H. Mceller. 
 
 This celebrated work contains the History of the Arabians from the time of Ismael the son of 
 Abraham to near the end of the third century of the Mahommedan, or the 9th of the Chris- 
 tian era. 
 
 Makrizi's Khitat, or History and Statistics of Egypt; translated by Abraham 
 Salame, Esq. 
 
 This Arabic work includes accounts of the conquest of Egypt by the Caliphs, A.D. G40; and 
 of the cities, rivers, ancient and modern inhabitants of Egypt, &c. 
 
 TheTuhfatal Kibar of Haji Khalifah ; translated by Mr. James Mitchell. Part II. 
 This Turkish History contains an account of the maritime wars of the Turks in the Mediter- 
 ranean and Black Seas, and on the Danube, &c., principally in the time of the Crusades. 
 
 The Siyarul Mutakherin of Mir Gholam Hussein Khan; translated by Lieut. 
 Col. John Briggs. Vol- II. 
 This celebrated Persian work comprises the annals of Hindustan from the time of the Emperor 
 Aurungzebe to the administration of Warren Hastings in Bengal. 
 
 The great Geographical Work of Idrisi ; translated by the Rev. G. C. Rc- 
 nouard, B. D. 
 
 This Arabic work was written A.D. 1153, to illustrate a large silver globe made for Roger, 
 Khig of Sicily, and is divided into the seven climates described by the Greek geographers. 
 
 Class 3d. — Bibliography, Belles- Lettres, and Biography. 
 
 Haft Paiker, an historical Romance of Bahram Giir; translated by the Right 
 Hon. Sir Gore Ouseley, Bart. 
 
 This Persian poem of Nazami of Ganjah, contains the romantic history of BehrAm, the 
 Vth of the Sassanian dynasty of Persian Kings. 
 
 Mihr-u-Mushteri ; translated by the Right Hon. Sir Gore Ouseley, Bart. 
 
 This Persian Poem, of which an abridgment will be published, was composed by Muhammed 
 Assdr, and celebrates the friendship and adventures of Mihr and Mushteri, the sons of King 
 Shapur and his grand Vizier. 
 
 Ibn Khallikan's Lives of Illustrious Men : translated by Dr. F. A. Rosen. 
 
 This is an Arabic Biographical Dictionary, arranged alphabetically, of the most celebrated 
 Arabian historians, poets, warriors, &c. who lived in the seven first centuries of the era of 
 Mahommed, A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300. 
 
 The Bustan of Sadi ; translated by James Ross, Esq., A.M. 
 
 This is a much-admired Persian Poem, consisting of Tales, &c. illustrative of moral duties. 
 
 Royal Asiatic Sociely's House, 
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 \st December 1832.
 
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