Legends That Every Child Should Know

hrab against Rustem, though it

ows. Then he turned him unto the wilds that lie near Turan, even in the direction of the city of Samengan. And when he was come nigh unto it, he started a herd of asses and made sport among them till that he was w

n anger, and fell upon them as he had fallen upon the lion. And of one man he bit off the head, and another he struck down under his hoofs, and he would have overcome them all, but they were too many. So they ensnared hi

the Turks, and how can I

inquired of him how this was come about. Then Rustem told them how Rakush was vanished while he slumbered, and how he had followed his track even unto these gates. And he sware a great oath, and vowed that if his courser were not restored unto him many heads should quit their trunks.

kush canno

wine. And the King rejoiced in his guest, and encompassed him with sweet singers and all honour. And when the night was fallen the King himself led Rustem unto a

rom the threshold. And there stepped within a slave bearing a lamp perfumed with amber, and a woman whose beauty was veiled came after her. And as she moved musk was scattered fro

me and thy desire, and what seeke

how thou didst venture alone into Mazinderan, and how wild asses are devoured of thee, and how the earth groaneth under the tread of thy feet, and how men perish at thy blows, and how even the eagle dareth not swoop down upon her prey when she beholdeth thy sword. These things and more have they told unto me, and mine eyes have yearned to look upon thy face. And now hath God brought thee within the gates of my father, and I am come to say unto thee that I am

hat this adventure could not end save gloriously. So he sent a Mubid unto the King and demanded the hand of Tahmineh from her father. And the King, when he heard the news, was rejoiced, and gave his daughter unt

d, took from his arm an onyx that was known unto

from evil; but if it be granted unto thee to bring forth a son, fasten it upon his arm, that he may wear it like his father. A

, and when he knew that he was come he hastened forth to caress him. And with his own hands he fastened the saddle, and gave thanks unto Ormuzd, who had restored his joy between his hands. Then he knew that the time to depart was come. And he opened his arms and took unto his heart Tahmineh the fair of face, and he bathed her cheek with his tear

Sohrab. And when he numbered but one month he was like unto a child of twelve, and when he numbered five years he was skilled in arms and all the arts of war, and when ten yea

, and what I shall say when men ask me the name of my sire. But if thou refuse

ed in her spirit because that his fire was like to t

or thou art the offspring of Rustem, thou art descended from the seed of Saum and Zal, and Nerim

ehliva, and gave to him the gold and jewels Rust

r the hand of Afrasiyab, and he is foe unto Rustem the glorious. If, therefore, he should learn of thee, he would seek to destroy the son for hatred of the sire. Moreover, O m

I will give to Rustem the crown of the Kaianides, and together we will subdue the land of Turan, and Afrasiyab shall be slain by my hands. Then will I mount the throne in his stead. But thou shalt be called Queen of Iran, for since Rustem is my father and I am his son no other kings shall rule in th

teeds, and tested their strength like as his father had done before him of old, and he bowed them under his hand, and he could not be satisfied. And thus for many days did he seek a worthy steed. Then one came before him and told of

like thee, the world sha

forth into the land of Iran and seek out his father. And the King of Samengan, when he heard these wishes, deemed them to be just, and he opened the doors of his treasures without stint and

b how the courage and valour of Sohrab exceeded words. And Afrasiyab, when he heard this, hid not his contentment, and he called before him Human and Barman, the doughty.

out against him, then peradventure he will perish by the hands of this young lion, and Iran, devoid of Rustem, will fall a prey into my hands. Then we will subdue Sohrab also, and all the world wi

pour before the face of Sohrab. And they bare also a letter filled with soft words. And in the letter Afrasiyab lauded Sohrab for his resolve, and told him how that if I

of departure to be clashed, and the army made them ready to go forth. Then Sohrab led them into the land of Iran. And their track was marked by desolation and destruction, for they

he came forth to meet them. And Sohrab, when he saw him, drew his sword, and demanded his name, and bade him prepare to meet his end. And he taunted him with rashness that he was come forth thus unaided to stand against a lion. But Hujir answered Sohrab with taunts again, and vowed that he would sever his head from his trunk and

forth burnished mail and clad herself therein, and she hid her tresses under a helmet of Roum, and she mounted a steed of battle and came forth before the walls like to a warrior. And she uttered a cry of thunder, and flung it amid the rank

enge, and a second prize

little and she would have thrown him from his seat. And Sohrab was amazed, and his wrath knew no bounds. Then he ran at Gurdafrid with fury, and seized the reins of her steed, and caught her by the waist, and tore her armour, and threw her upon the ground. Yet ere he could raise his hand to strike her, she drew her sword and shivered his lance in twain, and leaped again upon her steed. And when she saw that the day was hers, she was weary of further combat, and she sped

to thee, and go forth unto battle

hrew it about her, and boun

beauty, for never hath prey like u

her face that was unveiled, for she beheld n

surely now they will gibe when they learn that thy strength was withstood by a woman. Better would it beseem thee to hide this adventure, lest thy cheeks have cause t

ned, was beguiled by her word

e with me, for verily these wa

ad befooled him, and his fury knew no bounds. But ere he was recovered from his surprise she came out upon the battlements and scoffed at him, and counselled him to go back whence he was come; for surely, since he could not stand against a woman, he would fall an easy prey before Rustem, when

m Turan, at whose head rode a chief that was a child in years, a lion in strength and stature. And he told how Hujir had been bound, and how the fortress w

empty, and the doors thereof stood open, and no warriors appeared upon its walls. And he was surprised, for he knew not that in the darkness the inmates we

this moon is vanish

he was sore afflicted and much afraid, and he called ab

tahem doth liken him in power unto Rustem,

one accord, "Unto Rustem alon

Heaven upon his head, and he told him all that was come to pass, and how new dangers threatened Iran, and how to Rustem alone could he look for help in his t

that hangeth upon thy lips; and if thou bearest roses in thy hand

aboulistan, and bade him neither rest nor tarry until

ain unto me; neither abide within the courts

the gates of Rustem. And Rustem greeted him kindly, and asked him of his mission; and wh

ave myself a son in Samengan, but he is yet an infant, and his mother writeth to me that he rejoiceth in the sports of his age, and though he be like to become a hero among men, his time is not yet co

to forget cares and time. But when morn was come Gew remembered the commands of the Shah that he tarry not, but retur

for death will surely

another day and rest,

this Sohrab be a hero

y he shall fal

roused without ceasing. But on the fourth Gew uprose with res

r of Sohrab weigheth upon his heart, and his soul burneth with impatience, and he hath lost sleep, and hath

not, for none on earth d

rmy, and saddled Rakush, and set forth from Zab

stem gat him from Rakush and hastened into the presence of his lord. But Kai Kaous, when he beheld him, was angry, and spake not, and his brows were

rd within my grasp I would spilt his head like to an orange. Seize him, I command, an

d in his heart, but he said, "Dost th

uld be appeased; but Rustem broke from his grasp and stood before Kai Kaous, and all the nobles were filled with fear when they saw his anger. And he flung reproaches at Kai Kaous, and he recalled to him his follies, and the mar

my sword is my seal, and my helmet my crown. And but for me, who called forth Kai Kobad, thine eyes had never looked upon this throne. And had I desired it I could have

tand against this Turk. And they blamed Kai Kaous, and counted over the good deeds that Rustem had done for him, and they pondered and spake long. And in the end they resolved to send a messenger unto Kai Kaous, and they chose from their midst Gudarz the aged, and bade him stand before the Shah. And Gudarz did as they desired, and he spake long and without fear, and he counted over each deed that had been don

u sayest, surel

he told the nobles of his mission, and they joined themselves unto him, and all the chiefs of Iran went forth in quest of Rustem. And when they had found him, they prostrated themselves into the dust

of Iran done no wrong that it should perish at his hands. Ye

he should anger me? and what am I that I have need of him? I have not deserved the evil words th

e, and fear took hold on their hearts. But Guda

ll be downtrodden at his hands. Turn thee not, therefore, at this hour from thy allegiance to the Shah, and tarnish not thy glory by this retreat, neither suffer that the downfall of Iran rest upon thy

these words in his heart, and knew

nned the din of arms, and I depart not because of Sohrab,

Shah. So he did that which he knew to be right, and he rode till he came un

hat which was come about. And he said how he had been angered because Rustem had tarried in his coming, and how haste was his birth

hee best with thy servants. And until old age shall my loins be gir

aid, "O my Pehliva, may thy

and held counsel together how they should act; and slaves poured rich gifts before R

they were come unto the plains where stood the fortress of Hujir, they set up their tents as was their manner. So the watchman saw them from the battlements, and he set up a great cry. And Sohrab heard the cry, and questioned the man wherefore he shouted; and when he learned that the enemy were come, he rejoiced, and demanded a cup of wine, and drank to th

n he had looked upon the boy he saw that he was like to a tall cypress of good sap, and that his arms were sinewy and strong like to the flanks of a camel, and that his stature was that of a hero. And he saw that round about him stood brave warriors. And slaves with golden bugles poured wine before them, and they were all glad, neither did they dream of sorrow. Then it came about that while Rustem regarded them, Zindeh changed his seat and ca

th into the light that

m had lifted up his hand and struck h

his blood, they came and told Sohrab what they had seen. But Sohrab would not believe it; so he ran to the spot and bade them bring torches, and all the warriors and singing girls followed after him. Then w

urk, drew his sword and held himself ready for combat. But Rustem smiled and opened his mouth, and Gew knew his voice, and came to him and questioned him what he did without in the darkness. And Rust

went unto a height whence he could look down over the camp of t

y unto my questions with sincerity, I will loosen thy bonds and give thee tre

give answer unto thee ac

ld yon tent of gold brocade, adorned with skins of leopard, before whose doors stand an hundred elephants of war. Within its gates is a throne of turquoise, and over

"It pertaineth unto

her tent draped in the colours of mourning, and above

f Tus, the son of Nuder, for he b

many warriors clad in rich armour? A flag of gold

ve. And those who stand about it are his sons, fo

lag of Kawah. I see upon its throne a Pehliva, nobler of mien than all his fellows, whose head striketh th

may know Rustem the Pehliva, surely he will fall upon him and seek to destroy him. It will beseem me bett

nto Kai Kaous from far Cathay, a

his mother said that he would know him, he could not credit the words of his eyes against the words of Hujir. Still he asked yet again the name of the warrior, and

h the standard with

f Gudarz, who dwelleth within that te

hich are raised awnings and brocades of Rou

the throne of Fraburz

h the son of a Shah to surroun

of yellow that was encircled by flags of m

raz the lion-hearte

d that he knew not the name of its master. And when Sohrab pressed him concerning Rustem, he said that Rustem lingered in Zaboulistan, for it was the feast of roses. B

e thy head from off thy shoulders, and the world shall fade

may have found his equal in this boy. And, for that the stripling is younger, it might come about that he subdue the Pehliva. What recketh my

ilt know him in battle, and he shall strike thee dumb, and

d his stalwart form and majesty of mien and action. Then Sohrab opened his mouth, and his voice of thunder was heard even unto the far ends of the camp. And he spake words of pride, and called forth the Shah to do battle with him, and he sware with a loud voice that the blood of Zindeh should be avenged. Now when Sohrab's voice h

s doth Kai Kaous

kled upon him his armour, and they threw his leopard-skin about him, and they saddled Rakus

ombat awaiteth thee, for veril

nd beheld the youth, brave and strong, wi

e, and step forth from out

hey stepped out into it, and made them ready for single combat. But when Sohrab would have fallen upon him, the

life. Yet if we combat together, surely thou wilt fall by my hands, for none have withstood my power, neither men nor Deevs n

art of Sohrab went out to him. And

ding to the truth. Tell unto me thy name, that my heart may rejoice in thy words, for it seemeth u

am I sprung from the race of Neriman. Rustem is a Pehliva,

t, until their spears were shivered and their swords hacked like unto saws. And when all their weapons were bent, they betook them into clubs, and they waged war with these until they were broken. Then they strove until their mail was torn and their horses spent with exhaustion, and even then they could not desist, but wrestled with one another with their hands till t

m, and Rustem reeled beneath the stroke, and bit his lips in agony. Then Sohrab vaunted his advantage, and bade Rustem go and measure him with his equals; for though his strength be great, he could not stand against a youth. So they went their ways, and Rustem fell upon the men of Turan, and spread confusion far and wide among their ranks; and Sohrab raged along the l

so his house lest he should fall in the fight, and he commanded that a tender message be borne unto Rudabeh, and he sent words of comfort unto Zal, his father. And Sohra

mine, and that I behold about him the tokens that my mother recounted unto me. And my heart goeth out toward him, and I mus

n battle, and mine eyes have beheld his deeds of valour; but this man in

asiyab had enjoined him to lead Sohrab into destruction. A

the midway spot that stretched between the armies. And Sohrab bare in his hands a mighty club, and the garb of

emeth unto me that this conflict is impure. And if thou wilt listen to my desires, my heart shall speak to thee of love, and I will make the tears of shame spring up into thine eyes. And for this cause I ask thee yet agai

at, and mine ears are sealed against thy words of lure. I am an old man, and thou art y

ling? I desired that thy soul should leave thee upon thy bed, but thou hast elected to perish in

d their strength from the morning until the setting of the sun. And when the day was about to vanish, Sohrab seized upon Rustem by the girdle and threw him upon the ground, and kneele

our that he who overthroweth a brave man for the first time should not destroy him, but pr

ight no more, but turned him aside and chased the deer until the night was spent. Then came to him Human, and asked of the adventures of the day

is is not the custom among the brave. And now perchanc

en he heard the words

in in battle, and verily he will not stand

him such strength that the rock whereon Rustem stood gave way under his feet, because it had not power to bear him. Then Rustem saw it was too much, and he prayed yet again that part thereof be taken from him. And once more Ormuzd listened to his voice. Then

u come out once more against me? But I say unto thee,

fears, and they made them ready for the fight. And he closed upon Sohrab with all his new-found might, and shook him terribly, and though Sohrab returned his attacks with vigour, the hour of his overthrow was come. For Rustem took

fter him. And now have my pains been fruitless, for it hath not been given unto me to look upon his face. Yet I say unto thee, if thou shouldest become a fish that swimmeth in the depths of the ocean, if thou shouldest change into a star that is concealed in the farthest h

heart a groan as of one whose heart was racked with anguish. And the earth became dark before his eyes, and he sank down lif

hat the words which thou speakest are true? For I am Rustem t

words his misery was b

and I implored of thee thy name, for I thought to behold in thee the tokens recounted of my mother. But I appealed unto thy heart in vain, and now is the time gone by fo

ad seen it he tore his clothes in his distress, and he covered his head with ashes. And th

Weep not, therefore, for doubtless

eek him. And when they were gone but a little way they came upon Rakush, and when they saw that he was alone they raise

if Rustem be truly fallen, let the drums call men

eld afar off the men th

ed to his fa

o him but to do my desire, and on my head alone resteth this expedition. Wherefore I desire not that they should perish when I can defen

thes were torn, and that he bare about him the marks of sorrow, they asked of him what was come to pass. Then he told them how he had caused a noble son to perish. And they were

est, and depart across the river ere many days be fallen. As for me, I will fight no more, yet neither will I speak unto

en he saw the agony of the boy, was beside himself, and would have made an end of his own life, but the nobles suffered it not, and stayed his hand. Then Rustem remembe

to thee, recall now my benefits in the hour of my need, and have pity upon my dire distress. Send un

received from Rustem, and he recalled only the proud words that he had spoken before him. And he was afraid lest the might of Sohrab be joined to that of his father, a

bitter gourd that ceaseth never to bear fruit. Yet I counsel thee, g

him, and told unto him that Sohrab was departed from the world. Then Rustem set up a wailing such as the earth hath not heard the like of,

have uprooted this mighty boy. I have torn the heart

addle, and his leopard-skin, his armour well tried in battle, and all the appurtenances of his throne.

is sick un

borders, he made ready his army to return unto Zaboulistan. And the nobles marched before the bier, and their heads were covered with ashes, and their garments were torn

n might unto Saum the son of Neriman, and he told him all that was come to pass, and how this was his son, who in years was but an infant, but a hero in battle. And Rudabeh too came out to behold the child, and she joined her lamentations unto theirs. Then they built for Sohrab a tomb like to a horse's hoof, and Rust

head, and tore her hair, and wrung her hands, and rolled on the ground in her agony. And her mouth was never weary of plaining. Then she caused the garments of Sohrab to be brought unto her, and his throne and his steed. And she regarded them, and stroked the courser and poured tears upon his hoofs, and she cherished the robes as though they yet contained her boy, and she