Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/65

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THE SHÁH NÁMEH
31

KAVAH, THE BLACKSMITH

ZOHÁK having one day summoned together all the nobles and philosophers of the kingdom, he said to them: “I find that a young enemy has risen up against me; but notwithstanding his tender years, there is no safety even with an apparently insignificant foe. I hear, too, that though young, he is distinguished for his prowess and wisdom; yet I fear not him, but the change of fortune. I wish therefore to assemble a large army, consisting of Men, Demons, and Peris, that this enemy may be surrounded, and conquered. And, further, since a great enterprise is on the eve of being undertaken, it will be proper in future to keep a register or muster-roll of all the people of every age in my dominions, and have it revised annually.” The register, including both old and young, was accordingly prepared.

At that period there lived a man named Kavah, a blacksmith, remarkably strong and brave, and who had a large family. Upon the day on which it fell to the lot of two of his children to be killed to feed the serpents, he rose up with indignation in presence of the king, and said:

“Thou art the king, but wherefore on my head.Cast fire and ashes? If thou hast the formOf hissing dragon, why to me be cruel?Why give the brains of my beloved children.As serpent-food, and talk of doing justice?”
At this bold speech the monarch was dismayed,And scarcely knowing what he did, releasedThe blacksmith’s sons. How leapt the father’s heart,How warmly he embraced his darling boys!But now Zohák directs that Kavah’s nameShall be inscribed upon the register.Soon as the blacksmith sees it written there,Wrathful he turns towards the chiefs assembled,Exclaiming loud: “Are ye then men, or what,Leagued with a Demon!” All astonished heard,And saw him tear the hated register,And cast it under foot with rage and scorn.

Kavah having thus reviled the king bitterly, and destroyed the register of blood, departed from the court, and took his

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