Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/123

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THE SHÁH NÁMEH
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declaring to his warriors that the splendor and glory of his reign should exceed that of either Jemshíd, Zohák, or Kaikobád. The warriors, however, were alarmed at this precipitate resolution, thinking it certain destruction to make war against the Demons; but they had not courage or confidence enough to disclose their real sentiments. They only ventured to suggest, that if his majesty reflected a little on the subject, he might not ultimately consider the enterprise so advisable as he had at first imagined. But this produced no impression, and they then deemed it expedient to despatch a messenger to Zál, to inform him of the wild notions which the Evil One had put into the head of Kai-káús to effect his ruin, imploring Zál to allow of no delay, otherwise the eminent services so lately performed by him and Rustem for the state would be rendered utterly useless and vain. Upon this summons, Zál immediately set off from Sístán to Irán; and having arrived at the royal court, and been received with customary respect and consideration, he endeavored to dissuade the king from the contemplated expedition into Mázinderán.

“O, could I wash the darkness from thy mind,And show thee all the perils that surroundThis undertaking! Jemshíd, high in power,Whose diadem was brilliant as the sun,Who ruled the demons—never in his prideDreamt of the conquest of Mázinderán!Remember Feridún, he overthrewZohák—destroyed the tyrant, but he neverThought of the conquest of Mázinderán!This strange ambition never fired the soulsOf by-gone monarchs—mighty Minúchihr,Always victorious, boundless in his wealth,Nor Zau, nor Nauder, nor even Kai-kobád,With all their pomp, and all their grandeur, everDreamt of the conquest of Mázinderán!It is the place of demon-sorcerers,And all enchanted. Swords are useless there,Nor bribery nor wisdom can obtainPossession of that charm-defended land,Then throw not men and treasure to the winds;Waste not the precious blood of warriors brave,In trying to subdue Mázinderán!”

Kai-káús, however, was not to be diverted from his purpose; and with respect to what his predecessors had not done, he considered himself superior in might and influence to either

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