Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/73

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THE SHÁH NÁMEH
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therefore, be impossible for thee to oppose both. I am now aged and infirm, and my only wish is to pass the remainder of my days in retirement and repose. Better, then, will it be for thee to pursue the path of peace and friendship, and like me throw away all desire for dominion.

For if the sword of anger is unsheathed,And war comes on, thy head will soon be freedFrom all the cares of government and life.There is no cause for thee to quit the world,The path of peace and amity is thine.”

Irij agreed with his father, and declared that he would willingly sacrifice his throne and diadem rather than go to war with his brothers.

“Look at the Heavens, how they roll on;And look at man, how soon he’s gone.A breath of wind, and then no more;A world like this, should man deplore?”

With these sentiments Irij determined to repair immediately to his brothers, and place his kingdom at their disposal, hoping by this means to merit their favor and affection, and he said:

“I feel no resentment, I seek not for strife,I wish not for thrones and the glories of life;What is glory to man?—an illusion, a cheat;What did it for Jemshíd, the world at his feet?When I go to my brothers their anger may cease,Though vengeance were fitter than offers of peace.”

Feridún observed to him: “It is well that thy desire is for reconciliation, as thy brothers are preparing for war.” He then wrote a letter to his sons, in which he said: “Your younger brother considers your friendship and esteem of more consequence to him than his crown and throne. He has banished from his heart every feeling of resentment against you; do you, in the like manner, cast away hostility from your hearts against him. Be kind to him, for it is incumbent upon the eldest born to be indulgent and affectionate to their younger brothers. Although your consideration for my happiness has passed away, I still wish to please you.” As soon as the letter was finished, Irij mounted his horse, and set off on his journey,

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