Unfortunately, it has been lost! The oldest copy of Shahnameh now extant dates back to 1217 (about two centuries after the original one), I think it is already in a musume in Florence, Italy.
One of the oldest handwritten Shahnamehs, Ferdowsis masterpiece, is kept in Tajikistans Ferdowsi Library in Dushanbe.
Tehran, 24 January 2006 (CHN) --
According to Abdullah Yunusov, head of Manuscript Division of
Tajikistan National Library, the oldest handwritten copy of the epic
masterpiece of Ferdowsi, Shahnameh, as well as the most ancient
handwritten copies of Boostan and Golestan of Saadi (famous Persian
poet of the 12th century AD), Tabari History book, and Abdolrahman Jami
series of books are being kept in Ferdowsi Library in Dushanbe, the
capital city of Tajikistan. However, it is still not clear whether the
book of Shahnameh which is kept in that library is the most ancient
copy of this book or not.
This copy of Shahnameh was written
in Nastaliq calligraphy, has gilded margins designed with beautiful
miniature works, said Yunusov.
Yunsov has asked the directors
of all libraries in the world to make an announcement if they have any
older version of Shahnameh, but he has received no responses in this
respect yet. Therefore, it seems that this 494-year-old book is the
most ancient handwritten copy of Shahnameh. However, an Iranian
Shahnameh expert said that the alleged manuscript of Shahnameh of
Tajikistans Ferdowsi Library is not the worlds oldest one.
Where
this book was written in and who wrote it still remain unknown. More
studies are needed to clarify the details about this ancient
handwritten manuscript.
Tajikistans Ferdowsi Library is
determined to demonstrate this copy to the Tajik and foreign
researchers and students, said Yunusov.
Tajikistans Ferdowsi
Library was established almost 70 years ago. Having some 2200
handwritten books, it is reputed as one of the richest libraries in
Central Asia.
Most of the handwritten books of this library
are on the subjects of literature and science. Some handwritten books
in Azeri language may also be seen among these books. In addition to
handwritten books, this library holds some 30,000 other books in
Persian, Arabic, English, Russian, and Uzbek languages.
Shahnameh
(The Story of Kings), composed in the 10th century by Ferdowsi, is a
literary masterpiece in Persian literature and is cherished by all
Iranians (including non-Persian ethnic groups) as well as Persian
language societies such as Afghanistan and Tajikistan
Kaiumers
first sat upon the throne of Persia, and was master of
the world. He took up his abode in the mountains, and clad himself and
his people in tiger-skins, and from him sprang all kindly nurture
and the arts of clothing, till then unknown. Men and beasts from all
parts of the earth came to do him homage and receive laws at his
hands, and his glory was like to the sun. Then Ahriman the Evil,
when he saw how the Shah's honour was increased, waxed envious, and
sought to usurp the diadem of the world. So he bade his son, a
mighty Deev, gather together an army to go out against Kaiumers and
his beloved son Saiamuk and destroy them utterly.
Now the Serosch, the angel who defendeth men from the snares of
the Deevs, and who each night flieth seven times around the earth that
he may watch over the children of Ormuzd, when he learned this,
appeared like unto a Peri and warned Kaiumers. So when Saiamuk set
forth at the head of his warriors to meet the army of Ahriman, he knew
that he was contending against a Deev, and he put forth all his
strength. But the Deev was mightier than he, and overcame him, and
crushed him under his hands.
When Kaiumers heard the news of mourning, he was bowed to the
ground. For a year did he weep without ceasing, and his army wept with
him; yea, even the savage beasts and the birds of the air joined in
the wailing. And sorrow reigned in the land, and all the world was
darkened until the Serosch bade the Shah lift his head and think on
vengeance. And Kaiumers obeyed, and commanded Husheng, the son of
Saiamuk, "Take the lead of the army, and march against the Deevs." And
the King, by reason of his great age, went in the rear. Now there were
in the host Peris; also tigers, lions, wolves, and other fierce
creatures, and when the black Deev heard their roaring he trembled for
very fear. Neither could he hold himself against them, and Husheng
routed him utterly. Then when Kaiumers saw that his well-beloved son
was revenged he laid him down to die, and the world was void of him,
and Husheng reigned in his stead.
Now Husheng was a wise man and just, and the heavens revolved over
his throne forty years. justice did he spread over the land, and the
world was better for his reign. For he first gave to men fire, and
showed them how to draw it from out the stone; and he taught them
how they might lead the rivers, that they should water the land and
make it fertile; and he bade them till and reap. And he divided the
beasts and paired them and gave them names. And when he passed to a
brighter life he left the world empty of a throne of power. But
Tahumers, his son, was not unworthy of his sire. He too opened the
eyes of men, and they learned to spin and to weave; and he reigned
over the land long and mightily. But of him also were the Deevs
right envious, and sought to destroy him. Yet Tahumers overcame them
and cast them to earth. Then some craved mercy at his hands, and sware
how they would show him an art if he would spare them, and Tahumers
listened to their voice. And they taught him the art of writing, and
thus from the evil Deevs came a boon upon mankind.
Howbeit when Tahumers had sat upon the golden throne for the space
of thirty years he passed away, but his works endured; and Jemshid,
his glorious son, whose heart was filled with the counsels of his
father, came after him. Now Jemshid reigned over the land seven
hundred years girt with might, and Deevs, birds, and Peris obeyed him.
And the world was happier for his sake, and he too was glad, and death
was unknown among men, neither did they wot of pain or sorrow. And
he first parcelled out men into classes; priests, warriors,
artificers, and husbandmen did he name them. And the year also he
divided into periods. And by aid of the Deevs he raised mighty
works, and Persepolis was builded by him, that to this day is called
Tukht-e-Jemsheed, which being interpreted meaneth the throne of
Jemshid. Then, when these things were accomplished, men flocked from
all corners of the earth around his throne to do him homage and pour
gifts before his face. And Jemshid prepared a feast, and bade them
keep it, and called it Neurouz, which is the New Day, and the people
of Persia keep it to this hour. And Jemshid's power increased, and the
world was at peace, and men beheld in him nought but what was good.
Then it came about that the heart of Jemshid was uplifted in
pride, and he forgot whence came his weal and the source of his
blessings. He beheld only himself upon the earth, and he named himself
God, and sent forth his image to be worshipped. But when he had spoken
thus, the Mubids, which are astrologers and wise men, hung their heads
in sorrow, and no man knew how he should answer the Shah. And God
withdrew his hand from Jemshid, and the kings and the nobles rose up
against him, and removed their warriors from his court, and Ahriman
had power over the land.
Now there dwelt in the deserts of Arabia a king named Mirtas,
generous and just, and he had a son, Zohak, whom he loved. And it came
about that Ahriman visited the palace disguised as a noble, and
tempted Zohak that he should depart from the paths of virtue. And he
spake unto him and said-
"If thou wilt listen to me, and enter into a covenant, I will
raise thy head above the sun."
Now the young man was guileless and simple of heart, and he
sware unto the Deev that he would obey him in all things. Then Ahriman
bade him slay his father,
"for this old man,"
he said,
"cumbereth the ground, and while he liveth thou wilt remain unknown."
When
Zohak heard this he was filled with grief, and would have broken his
oath, but Ahriman suffered him not, but made him set a trap for
Mirtas. And Zohak and the evil Ahriman held their peace and Mirtas
fell into the snare and was killed. Then Zohak placed the crown of
Thasis upon his head, and Ahriman taught him the arts of magic, and he
ruled over his people in good and evil, for he was not yet wholly
given up to guile....."
Then Ahriman imagined a device in his black heart.
He took upon
himself the form of a youth, and craved that he might serve the King
as cook. And Zohak, who knew him not, received him well and granted
his request, and the keys of the kitchen were given unto him. Now
hitherto men had been nourished with herbs, but Ahriman prepared flesh
for Zohak. New dishes did he put before him, and the royal favour
was accorded to his savory meats. And the flesh gave the King
courage and strength like to that of a lion, and he commanded that his
cook should be brought before him and ask a boon at his hands. And the
cook said-
"If the King take pleasure in his servant, grant that he may
kiss his shoulders."
Now Zohak, who feared no evil, granted the request, and Ahriman
kissed him on his shoulders. And when he had done so, the ground
opened beneath his feet and covered the cook, so that all men
present were amazed thereat. But from his kiss sprang hissing
serpents, venomous and black; and the King was afraid, and desired
that they should be cut off from the root. But as often as the
snakes were cut down did they grow again, and in vain the wise men and
physicians cast about for a remedy. Then Ahriman came once again
disguised as a learned man, and was led before Zohak, and he spake,
saying-
"This ill cannot be healed, neither can the serpents be
uprooted. Prepare food for them, therefore, that they may be fed,
and give unto them for nourishment the brains of men, for perchance
this may destroy them."
But in his secret heart Ahriman desired that the world might
thus be made desolate; and daily were the serpents fed, and the fear
of the King was great in the land. The world withered in his thrall,
the customs of good men were forgotten, and the desires of the
wicked were accomplished.
Now it was spread abroad in Iran that in the land of Thasis
there reigned a man who was mighty and terrible to his foes. Then
the kings and nobles who had withdrawn from Jemshid because he had
rebelled against God, turned to Zohak and besought him that he would
be their ruler, and they proclaimed him Shah. And the armies of Arabia
and Persia marched against Jemshid, and he fled before their face. For
the space of twice fifty years no man knew whither he was gone, for he
hid from the wrath of the Serpent-King. But in the fulness of time
he could no longer escape the fury of Zohak, whose servants found
him as he wandered on the sea-shore of Cathay, and they sawed him in
twain, and sent tidings thereof to their lord. And thus perished the
throne and power of Jemshid like unto the grass that withereth,
because that he was grown proud, and would have lifted himself above
his Maker.
So the beloved of Ahriman, Zohak the Serpent, sat upon the
throne of Iran, the kingdom of Light. And he continued to pile evil
upon evil till the measure thereof was full to overflowing, and all
the land cried out against him. But Zohak and his councillors, the
Deevs, shut ear unto this cry, and the Shah reigned thus for the space
of a thousand years, and vice stalked in daylight, but virtue was
hidden. And despair filled all hearts, for it was as though mankind
must perish to still the appetite of those snakes sprung from Evil,
for daily were two men slaughtered to satisfy their desire. Neither
had Zohak mercy upon any man. And darkness was spread over the land
because of his wickedness.
But Ormuzd saw it and was moved with compassion for his people,
and he declared they should no longer suffer for the sin of Jemshid.
And he caused a grandson to be born to Jemshid, and his parents called
him Feridoun.
Now it befell that when he was born, Zohak dreamed he beheld a
youth slender like to a cypress, and he came towards him bearing a
cow-headed mace, and with it he struck Zohak to the ground. Then the
tyrant awoke and trembled, and called for his Mubids, that they should
interpret to him this dream. And they were troubled, for they
foresaw danger, and he menaced them if they foretold him evil. And
they were silent for fear three days, but on the fourth one who had
courage spake and said-
"There will arise one named Feridoun, who shall inherit thy throne
and reverse thy fortunes, and strike thee down with a cow-headed
mace."
When Zohak heard these words he swooned, and the Mubids fled
before his wrath. But when he had recovered he bade the world be
scoured for Feridoun. And henceforth Zohak was consumed for bitterness
of spirit, and he knew neither rest nor joy.
Now it came about that the mother of Feridoun feared lest the Shah
should destroy the child if he learned that he was sprung from
Jemshid's race. So she hid him in the thick forest where dwelt the
wondrous cow Purmaieh, whose hairs were like unto the plumes of a
peacock for beauty. And she prayed the guardian of Purmaieh to have
a care of her son, and for three years he was reared in the wood,
and Purmaieh was his nurse. But when the time was accomplished the
mother knew that news of Purmaieh had reached the ears of Zohak, and
she feared he would find her son. Therefore she took him far into Ind,
to a pious hermit who dwelt on the Mount Alberz. And she prayed the
hermit to guard her boy, who was destined for mighty deeds. And the
hermit granted her request. And it befell that while she sojourned
with him Zohak had found the beauteous Purmaieh and learned of
Feridoun, and when he heard that the boy was fled he was like unto a
mad elephant in his fury. He slew the wondrous cow and all the
living things round about, and made the forest a desert. Then he
continued his search, but neither tidings nor sight could he get of
Feridoun, and his heart was filled with anguish.
In this year Zohak caused his army to be strengthened, and he
demanded of his people that they should certify that he had ever
been to them a just and noble king. And they obeyed for very fear. But
while they sware there arose without the doorway of the Shah the cry
of one who demanded justice. And Zohak commanded that he should be
brought in, and the man stood before the assembly of the nobles.
Then Zohak opened his mouth and said,
"I charge thee give a name unto him who hath done thee wrong."
And the man, when he saw it was the Shah who questioned him, smote
his head with his hands. But he answered and said-
"I am Kawah, a blacksmith and a blameless man, and I sue for
justice, and it is against thee, O King, that I cry out. Seventeen
fair sons have I called mine, yet only one remaineth to me, for that
his brethren were slain to still the hunger of thy serpents, and now
they have taken from me this last child also. I pray thee spare him
unto me, nor heap thy cruelties upon the land past bearing."
And the Shah feared Kawah's wrath,
beholding that it was great,
and he granted him the life of his son and sought to win him with soft
words. Then he prayed him that he would also sign the testimony that
Zohak was a just and noble king.
But Kawah cried,
"Not so, thou wicked and ignoble man, ally of
Deevs, I will not lend my hand unto this lie,"
and he seized the
declaration and tore it into fragments and scattered them into the
air. And when he had done so he strode forth from the palace, and
all the nobles and people were astonished, so that none dared uplift a
finger to restrain him. Then Kawah went to the market-place and
related to the people all that which he had seen, and recalled to them
the evil deeds of Zohak and the wrongs they had suffered at his hands.
And he provoked them to shake off the yoke of Ahriman. And taking
off the leathern apron wherewith blacksmiths cover their knees when
they strike with the hammer, he raised it aloft upon the point of a
lance and cried-
"Be this our banner to march forth and seek out Feridoun and
entreat him that he deliver us from out the hands of the
Serpent-King."
Then the people set up a shout of joy and gathered themselves
round Kawah, and he led them out of the city bearing aloft his
standard. And they marched thus for many days unto the palace of
Feridoun.
Now these things came about in the land of Iran after twice
eight years were passed over the head of Feridoun. And when that
time was accomplished, he descended from the Mount Alberz and sought
out his mother, questioning her of his lineage. And she told him how
that he was sprung from the race of Jemshid, and also of Zohak and
of his evil deeds.
Then said Feridoun,
"I will uproot this monster from the earth,
and his palace will I raze to the dust."
But his mother spake, and said,
"Not so, my son, let not thine youthful anger betray thee;
for how canst thou stand against all the world?"
Yet not long did she suffer the hard task to hinder him, for
soon a mighty crowd came towards the palace led by one who bare an
apron uplifted upon a lance. Then Feridoun knew that succour was
come unto him. And when he had listened to Kawah, he came into the
presence of his mother with the helmet of kings upon his head, and
he said unto her-
"Mother, I go to the wars, and it remaineth for thee to pray God
for my safety."
Then he caused a mighty club to be made for him, and he traced the
pattern thereof upon the ground, and the top thereof was the head of a
cow, in memory of Purmaieh, his nurse. Then he cased the standard of
Kawah in rich brocades of Roum, and hung jewels upon it. And when
all was made ready, they set forth towards the West to seek out Zohak,
for, they knew not that he was gone to Ind in search of Feridoun.
Now when they were come to Bagdad, which is upon the banks of the
Tigris, they halted, and Feridoun bade the guardians of the flood
convey them across. But these refused, saying, the King bade that none
should pass save only those who bore the royal seal. When Feridoun
heard these words he was wroth, and he regarded not the rushing
river nor the dangers hidden within its floods. He girded his loins
and plunged with his steed into the waters, and all the army
followed after him. Now they struggled sore with the rushing stream,
and it seemed as though the waves would bear them down. But their
brave horses overcame all dangers, and they stepped in safety upon the
shore. Then they turned their faces towards the city which is now
called Jerusalem, for here stood the glorious house that Zohak had
builded. And when they had entered the city all the people rallied
round Feridoun, for they hated Zohak and looked to Feridoun to deliver
them. And he slew the Deevs that held the palace, and cast down the
evil talisman that was graven upon the walls. Then he mounted the
throne of the idolater and placed the crown of Iran upon his head, and
all the people bowed down before him and called him Shah.
Now when Zohak returned from his search after Feridoun and learned
that he was seated upon his throne, he encompassed the city with his
host. But the army of Feridoun marched against him, and the desires of
the people went with them. And all that day bricks fell from the walls
and stones from the terraces, and it rained arrows and spears like
to hail falling from a dark cloud, until Feridoun had overcome the
might of Zohak. Then Feridoun raised his cow-headed mace to slay the
Serpent-King. But the blessed Serosch swooped down, and cried-
"Not so, strike not, for Zohak's hour is not yet come."
Then the Serosch bade the Shah bind the usurper and carry him
far from the haunts of men, and there fasten him to a rock. And
Feridoun did as he was bidden, and led forth Zohak to the Mount
Demawend. And he bound him to the rock with mighty chains and nails
driven into his hands, and left him to perish in agony. And the hot
sun shone down upon the barren cliffs, and there was neither tree
nor shrub to shelter him, and the chains entered into his flesh, and
his tongue was consumed with thirst. Thus after a while the earth
was delivered of Zohak the evil one, and Feridoun reigned in his
stead. ..."
Five hundred years did Feridoun rule the world,
and might and
virtue increased in the land, and all his days he did that which was
good. And he roamed throughout the kingdom to seek out that which
was open and that which was hid, and wrong was righted at his hands.
With kindness did he curb the sway of evil. He ordered the world
like to a paradise, he planted the cypress and the rose where the wild
herb had sprouted.
Now after many years were passed there were born to him three
sons, whose mother was of the house of Jemshid. And the sons were fair
of mien, tall and strong, yet their names were not known to men, for
Feridoun had not tested their hearts. But when he beheld that they
were come to years of strength he called them about his throne and
bade them search out the King of Yemen, who had three daughters,
fair as the moon, that they should woo them unto themselves. And the
sons of Feridoun did according to the command of their father. They
set forth unto Yemen, and there went with them a host countless as the
stars. And when they were come to Yemen, the King came forth to
greet them, and his train was like to the plumage of a pheasant.
Then the sons of Feridoun gained the hands of the daughters of Serv,
King of Yemen, and departed with them to their own land. And Serv gave
to his new sons much treasure laid upon the backs of camels, and
umbrellas too did he give unto them in sign of kingship.
Now it came about that when Feridoun learned that his sons were
returning, he went forth to meet them and prove their hearts. So he
took upon him the form of a dragon that foamed at the mouth with fury,
and from whose jaws sprang mighty flames. And when his sons were
come near unto the mountain pass, he came upon them suddenly, like
to a whirlwind, and raised a cloud of dust about the place with his
writhings, and his roaring filled the air with noise. Then he threw
himself upon the eldest born, and the prince laid down his spear and
said,
"A wise and prudent man striveth not with dragons."
And he
turned his back and fled before the monster, and left him to fall upon
his brothers. Then the dragon sprang upon the second, and he said,
"An it be that I must fight, what matter if it be a furious lion or a
knight full of valour?"
So he took his bow and stretched it. But the
youngest came towards him, and seeing the dragon, said,
"Thou reptile,
flee from our presence, and strut not in the path of lions. For if
thou hast heard the name of Feridoun, beware how thou doest thus,
for we are his sons, armed with spears and ready for the fight. Quit
therefore, I counsel thee, thine evil path, lest I plant upon thy head
the crown of enmity."
Then the glorious Feridoun, when he had thus made trial of their
hearts, vanished from their sight. But presently he came again with
the face of their father, and many warriors, elephants, and cymbals
were in his train. And Feridoun bore in his hand the cow-headed
mace, and the Kawanee, the apron of Kawah, the kingly standard, was
waved above his head. Now when the sons saw their father, they
alighted from their steeds and ran to greet him, and kissed the ground
before his feet. And the cymbals were clashed, and the trumpets
brayed, and sounds of rejoicing were heard around. Then Feridoun
raised his sons and kissed their foreheads, and gave unto them
honour according to their due. And when they were come to the royal
house he prayed to God that He would bless his offspring, and
calling them about him, he seated them upon thrones of splendour. Then
he opened his mouth and said unto them-
"O my sons, listen unto the words that I shall speak. The raging
dragon whose breath was danger was but your father, who sought to test
your hearts, and having learned them gave way with joy. But now will I
give to you names such as are fitting unto men. The first-born shall
be called Silim (may thy desires be accomplished in the world!) for
thou soughtest to save thyself from the clutches of the dragon, nor
didst thou hesitate in the hour of flight. A man who fleeth neither
before an elephant nor a lion, call him rather foolhardy than brave.
And the second, who from the beginning showed his courage, which was
ardent as a flame, I will call him Tur, the courageous, whom even a
mad elephant cannot daunt. But the youngest is a man prudent and
brave, who knoweth both how to haste and how to tarry; he chose the
midway between the flame and the ground, as it beseemeth a man of
counsel, and he hath proven himself brave, prudent, and bold. Irij
shall he be called, that the gate of power may be his goal, for
first did he show gentleness, but his bravery sprang forth at the hour
of danger."
When Feridoun had thus opened his lips he called for the book
wherein are written the stars, and he searched for the planets of
his sons. And he found that Jupiter reigned in the sign of the
Archer in the house of Silim, and the sun in the Lion in that of
Tur, but in the house of Irij there reigned the moon in the
Scorpion. And when he saw this he was sorrowful, for he knew that
for Irij were grief and bale held in store. Then having read the
secrets of Fate, Feridoun parted the world and gave the three parts
unto his sons in suzerainty. Roum and Khaver, which are the lands of
the setting sun, did he give unto Silim. Turan and Turkestan did he
give unto Tur, and made him master of the Turks and of China, but unto
Irij he gave Iran, with the throne of might and the crown of
supremacy.
For many years had the sons of Feridoun sat upon their golden
thrones in happiness and peace, but evil was hidden in the bosom of
Fate. For Feridoun had grown old, and his strength inclined to the
grave. And as his life waned, the evil passions of his sons waxed
stronger. The heart of Silim was changed, and his desires turned
towards evil; his soul also was steeped in greed. And he pondered in
his spirit the parting of the lands, and he revolted thereat in his
thoughts, because that the youngest bore the crown of supremacy.
Then he bade a messenger mount him upon a dromedary swift of foot, and
bear this saying unto Tur-
"O King of Turan, thy brother greeteth thee, and may thy days be
long in the land. Tell unto me, I pray thee, for thou hast might and
wisdom, should we remain thus ever satisfied, for surely unto us,
not unto Irij, pertaineth the throne of Iran, but now is our brother
set above our heads, and should we not strive against the injustice of
our father?"
Now. when Tur had listened to these words, his head was filled
with wind, and he spake unto the messenger and said-
"Say unto your master, O my brother, full of courage, since our
father deceived us when we were young and void of guile, with his
own hands hath he planted a tree whence must issue fruit of blood
and leaves that are poison. Let us therefore meet and take counsel
together how we may rid us of our evil fate."
When Silim heard this he set forth from Roum, and Tur also quitted
China, and they met to counsel together how they should act. Then they
sent a messenger unto Feridoun the glorious, and they said-
"O King, aged and great,
fearest thou not to go home unto thy God?
for evil hast thou done, and injustice dost thou leave behind thee.
Thy realm hast thou allotted with iniquity, and thine eldest born hast
thou treated with disfavour. But we thy sons entreat thee that ere
it be too late thou listen to our voice. Command thou Irij to step
down from the throne of Iran, and hide him in some corner of the
earth, that he be weak and forgotten like ourselves. Yet if thou doest
not our bidding, we will bring forth riders from Turkestan and
Khaver filled with vengeance, and will utterly destroy Irij and the
land of Iran."
When Feridoun had listened to these hard words he was angered, and
straightway said-
"Speak unto these men, senseless and impure, these sons of
Ahriman, perverse of heart, and say unto them, Feridoun rejoiceth that
ye have laid bare before him your hearts, for now he knoweth what
manner of men ye are. And he answereth unto you that he hath parted
his realm with equity. Many counsellors did he seek, and night and day
did they ponder it, and gave unto each that which seemed best in their
sight. And he now speaketh unto you a word that he doth bid you
treasure in your hearts, As ye sow, so also shall ye reap, for there
is for us another, an eternal home. And this is the rede sent unto you
by an aged man, that he who betrayeth his brother for greed is not
worthy to be sprung from a noble race. So pray unto God that He turn
your hearts from evil."
When the messenger had heard these words he departed. Then
Feridoun called Irij before him and warned him against the craft of
his brethren, and bade him prepare an army and go forth to meet
them. But Irij, when he had heard of the evil thoughts of his
brothers, was moved, and said-
"Not so, O my father, suffer that I go forth alone and speak
unto my brethren, that I may still the anger that they feel against
me. And I will entreat them that they put not their trust in the glory
of this world, and will recall unto them the name of Jemshid, and
how that his end was evil because that he was uplifted in his heart."
Then Feridoun answered and said,
"Go forth, my son, if such be thy
desire. The wish of thy brethren is even unto war, but thou seekest
the paths of peace. Yet I pray thee take with thee worthy knights, and
return unto me with speed, for my life is rooted in thy happiness."
And he gave him a letter signed with his royal seal that he should
bear it unto the kings of Roum and China. And Feridoun wrote how
that he was old, and desired neither gold nor treasures, save only
that his sons should be united. And he commended unto them his
youngest born, who was descended from his throne and come forth to
meet them with peace in his heart.
Now when Irij was come to the spot where his brethren were
encamped, the army saw him and was filled with wonder at his beauty
and at his kingly form, and they murmured among themselves, saying,
"Surely this one alone is worthy to bear the sceptre."
But when
Silim and Tur heard this murmur their anger was deepened, and they
retreated into their tents, and all night long did they hold counsel
how they might do hurt unto their brother.
Now when the curtain that hid the sun was lifted, the brethren
went forth unto the tents of Irij. And Irij would have greeted them,
but they suffered him not, but straightway began to question him,
and heap reproaches upon his head. And Tur said-
"Why hast thou uplifted thyself above us, and is it meet that
thy elders bow down before thee?"
When Irij heard their words, he answered,
"O Kings greedy of
power, I say unto you, if ye desire happiness, strive after peace. I
covet neither the royal crown nor the hosts of Iran; power that endeth
in discord is an honour that leadeth to tears. And I will step down
from the throne of Iran if it shall foster peace between us, for I
crave not the possession of the world if ye are afflicted by the
sight. For I am humble of heart, and my faith bids me be kind." /to be cont./
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