Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/41

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THE SHÁH NÁMEH


KAIÚMERS

ACCORDING to the traditions of former ages, recorded in the Bastan-námeh, the first person who established a code of laws and exercised the functions of a monarch in Persia, was Kaiúmers. It is said that he dwelt among the mountains, and that his garments were made of the skins of beasts.

His reign was thirty years, and o’er the earthHe spread the blessings of paternal sway;Wild animals, obsequious to his will,Assembled round his throne, and did him homage.He had a son named Saiámuk, a youthOf lovely form and countenance, in warBrave and accomplished, and the dear delightOf his fond father, who adored the boy,And only dreaded to be parted from him.So is it ever with the world—the parentStill doating on his offspring. KaiúmersHad not a foe, save one, a hideous Demon,Who viewed his power with envy, and aspiredTo work his ruin. He, too, had a son,Fierce as a wolf, whose days were dark and bitter,Because the favoring heavens in kinder moodSmiled on the monarch and his gallant heir.—When Saiámuk first heard the Demon’s aimWas to o’erthrow his father and himself,Surprise and indignation filled his heart,And speedily a martial force he raised,To punish the invader. Proudly garbedIn leopard’s skin, he hastened to the war;But when the combatants, with eager mien,Impatient met upon the battle-field.And both together tried their utmost strength,Down from his enemy’s dragon-grasp soon fellThe luckless son of royal Kaiúmers,Vanquished and lifeless. Sad, unhappy fate!
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