Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/121

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THE SHÁH NÁMEH
87
In these our days, thy son, Afrásiyáb,Crossing the Jihún, with a numerous forceInvaded Persia—think how Nauder died!Not in the field of battle, like a hero,But murdered by thy son—who, ever cruel,Afterwards stabbed his brother, young Aghriras,So deeply mourned by thee. Yet do I thirst notFor vengeance, or for strife. I yield the realmBeyond the Jihún—let that river beThe boundary between us; but thy son,Afrásiyáb, must take his solemn oathNever to cross that limit, or disturbThe Persian throne again; thus pledged, I grantThe peace solicited.”

The messenger without delay conveyed this welcome intelligence to Poshang, and the Túránian army was in consequence immediately withdrawn within the prescribed line of division. Rustem, however, expostulated with the king against making peace at a time the most advantageous for war, and especially when he had just commenced his victorious career; but Kai-kobád thought differently, and considered nothing equal to justice and tranquillity. Peace was accordingly concluded, and upon Rustem and Zál he conferred the highest honors, and his other warriors engaged in the late conflict also experienced the effects of his bounty and gratitude in an eminent degree.

Kai-kobád then moved towards Persia, and establishing his throne at Istakhar,[1] he administered the affairs of his government with admirable benevolence and clemency, and with unceasing solicitude for the welfare of his subjects. In his eyes every one had an equal claim to consideration and justice. The strong had no power to oppress the weak. After he had continued ten years at Istakhar, building towns and cities, and diffusing improvement and happiness over the land, he removed his throne into Irán. His reign lasted one hundred years, which were passed in the continued exercise of the most princely virtues, and the most munificent liberality. He had four sons: Kai-káús, Arish, Poshín, and Aramín; and when the period of his dissolution drew nigh, he solemnly enjoined the eldest, whom he appointed his successor, to pursue steadily the path of integrity and justice, and to be kind and merciful in the administration of the empire left to his charge.

  1. ↑ Istakhar, also called Persepolis, and Chehel-minar, or the Forty Pillars. This city was said to have been laid in ruins by Alexander after the conquest of Darius.
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