The Persian Literature, Comprising The Shah Nameh, The Rubaiyat, The Divan, and The Gulistan, Volume 1Omar Khayyam
GeneralSufism
The Persian Literature, Comprising The Shah Nameh, The Rubaiyat, The Divan, and The Gulistan, Volume 1
Omar Khayyam
Persian literature -- Translations into English
The youth was placed on a golden throne next to Afrásiyáb, and a
magnificent banquet prepared in honor of the stranger, and music and the
songs of beautiful women enlivened the festive scene. They chanted the
praises of Saiáwush, distinguished, as they said, among men for three
things: first, for being of the line of Kai-kobád; secondly, for his
faith and honor; and, thirdly, for the wonderful beauty of his person,
which had gained universal love and admiration. The favorable sentiments
which characterized the first introduction of Saiáwush to Afrásiyáb
continued to prevail, and indeed the king of Túrán seemed to regard him
with increased attachment and friendship, as the time passed away, and
showed him all the respect and honor to which his royal birth would have
entitled him in his own country. After the lapse of a year, Pírán-wísah,
one of Afrásiyáb's generals, said to him: "Young prince, thou art now
high in the favor of the king, and at a great distance from Persia, and
thy father is old; would it not therefore be better for thee to marry
and take up thy residence among us for life?" The suggestion was a
rational one, and Saiáwush readily expressed his acquiescence;
accordingly, the lovely Gúlshaher, who was also named Jaríra, having
been introduced to him, he was delighted with her person, and both
consenting to a union, the marriage ceremony was immediately performed.
And many a warm delicious kiss,
Told how he loved the wedded bliss.
Some time after this union, Pírán suggested another alliance, for the
purpose of strengthening his political interest and power, and this was
with Ferangís, the daughter of Afrásiyáb. But Saiáwush was so devoted to
Gúlshaher that he first consulted with her on the subject, although the
hospitality and affection of the king constituted such strong claims on
his gratitude that refusal was impossible. Gúlshaher, however, was a
heroine, and willingly sacrificed her own feelings for the good of
Saiáwush, saying she would rather condescend to be the very handmaid of
Ferangís than that the happiness and prosperity of her lord should be
compromised. The second marriage accordingly took place, and Afrásiyáb
was so pleased with the match that he bestowed on the bride and her
husband the sovereignty of Khoten, together with countless treasure in
gold, and a great number of horses, camels, and elephants. In a short
time they proceeded to the seat of the new government.
Meanwhile Káús suffered the keenest distress and sorrow when he heard of
the flight of Saiáwush into Túrán, and Rustem felt such strong
indignation at the conduct of the king that he abruptly quitted the
court, without permission, and retired to Sístán. Káús thus found
himself in an embarrassed condition, and deemed it prudent to recall
both Tús and the army from Balkh, and relinquish further hostile
measures against Afrásiyáb.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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