Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/88

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54

FIRDUSI

In the meantime Sám was commanded by the king to invade and subdue the Demon provinces of Karugsár and Mazinderán;^[1] and Zál was in consequence left by his father in charge of Zábulistán. The young nursling of the Símurgh is said to have performed the duties of sovereignty with admirable wisdom and discretion, during the absence of his father. He did not pass his time in idle exercises, but with zealous delight in the society of accomplished and learned men, for the purpose of becoming familiar with every species of knowledge and acquirement. The city of Zábul, however, as a constant residence, did not entirely satisfy him, and he wished to see more of the world; he therefore visited several other places, and proceeded as far as Kábul, where he pitched his tents, and remained for some time.

RÚDÁBEH

THE chief of Kábul was descended from the family of Zohák. He was named Mihráb, and to secure the safety of his state, paid annual tribute to Sám. Mihráb, on the arrival of Zál, went out of the city to see him, and was hospitably entertained by the young hero, who soon discovered that he had a daughter of wonderful attractions.

Her name Rúdábeh; screened from public view,Her countenance is brilliant as the sun;From head to foot her lovely form is fairAs polished ivory. Like the spring, her cheekPresents a radiant bloom,—in stature tall,And o’er her silvery brightness, richly flowDark musky ringlets clustering to her feet.She blushes like the rich pomegranate flower;Her eyes are soft and sweet as the narcissus,Her lashes from the raven’s jetty plumeHave stolen their blackness, and her brows are bentLike archer’s bow. Ask ye to see the moon?Look at her face. Seek ye for musky fragrance?She is all sweetness. Her long fingers seemPencils of silver, and so beautifulHer presence, that she breathes of Heaven and love.

↑ The province of Mazinderán, of which the principal city is Amol, comprehends the whole of the southern coast of the Caspian sea. It was known to the ancients by the name of Hyrcania. At the period to which the text refers, the country was in the possession of demons.

[1] The province of Mazinderán, of which the principal city is Amol, comprehends the whole of the southern coast of the Caspian sea. It was known to the ancients by the name of Hyrcania. At the period to which the text refers, the country was in the possession of demons.

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