The Epic of Kings
By Ferdowsi
Written 1010 A.C.E.
Translated by Helen Zimmern





Byzun and Manijeh
   







Peace reigned again within the borders of Iran, and P the sword slept in
its scabbard, and Kai Khosrau ordered the world with wisdom. And men rejoiced
that the glory of Turan had been brought low, and the Shah feasted his
nobles in lightness of heart.
Now it came about one day that while they were shortening the hours
with wine there entered in unto them the keeper of the curtains of the
door. And he said that men from Arman stood without and craved an audience.
Then Kai Khosrau bade that they be let in. So the men came before him,
and they uttered cries of lamentation, and they fell down at his feet and
implored his aid. And Kai Khosrau said-
"Who hath done you wrong?"
Then the men answered, "Our wrong cometh unto us from the borders of
Turan, for there issue forth thence wild boars that break into our fields
and do destruction to our crops. And our fortunes are entwined with the
ground, and no man can overcome these beasts. Wherefore, we pray thee,
send forth a Pehliva that he may subdue them, for our land groaneth under
this plague."
Then Kai Khosrau said, "It shall be done as you desire," and he
dismissed them graciously. Then he called before him his treasurer, and
bade him bring forth precious stones, and horses with girdles of gold,
and rich brocades of Roum. And when they were placed before him he showed
them to his nobles, and he said that whoever would go forth to combat the
wild boars should not find him close-handed. But for a while none answered,
for no man listed to go forth to battle with wild beasts. Then Byzun, the
son of Gew, arose and spake, saying-
"If the Shah will grant leave unto me, I will go forth and slay
these foes."
Now Gew was grieved thereat, because that Byzun was his only son,
and he feared for his youth. Therefore he sought to restrain him. But Byzun
suffered it not, and he said-
"O King, listen unto my desires; for though I be young in years,
yet am I old in prudence, and I will do nought that is not fitting unto
thy slave."
And Kai Khosrau granted his request, but he bade him take forth
with him Girgin, the wise in counsel, that he should guide him aright.
And Byzun did as the Shah desired, and they set forth unto the land of
Arman.
Now when they were come unto the wood they rested them, and made
a great fire, and drank wine until they were refreshed. Then Girgin would
have laid him down to slumber. But Byzun said-
"Not so, let us go forth and seek the wild boars."
Then Girgin said, "Go thou alone, for it is thou who hast engaged in
this combat, and who hast taken to thyself the gifts of the Shah. Therefore
it behoveth me only to look on."
When Byzun heard these words he was amazed, but he regarded them
not, and he entered in upon the forest. And after a while he came upon
the wild boars, and they fell upon him. But he slew them with his mace,
and he reddened the ground with their gore, and he went after them, even
unto their lairs, and not one of them did he suffer to escape. Then when
he had done thus, he parted their mighty teeth from off their heads and
hung them about his saddle, that the men of Iran might behold them. And
after this he turned him back unto Girgin.
Now Girgin, when he beheld him mounted upon his horse, and bearing
round his saddle the tokens of his triumph, was envious thereat. And with
his mouth he gave him joy, but Ahriman took hold of his spirit. So he pondered
all night long how he could lay a snare for Byzun. And when the morning
was come he praised his prowess, and they quaffed wine together, and fair
words were exchanged between them. Then Girgin said-
"This land is known unto me, for I sojourned here with Rustem.
And I know that at the distance of two farsangs lies the garden of Afrasiyab,
where his women go forth to keep the feast of spring. And I bethink me
that the time is at hand. Wherefore, I say unto thee, let us go hence,
and behold with our eyes the fair ones whom the King of Turan hideth behind
his curtains."
Now these words inflamed the blood of Byzun, and he gave ear unto
Girgin, for he was young, and he acted like a young man. So they set forth
upon the road, and Girgin filled the mind of Byzun with feasts and with
sounds of music. And when they were come unto the spot, Byzun burned with
impatience to look upon the women of Afrasiyab. And Girgin feigned as though
he would restrain his foot within the skirt of patience, but he rejoiced
in secret, for he hoped that from this deed evil would arise. So Byzun
sped forth unto the garden, and he hid himself beneath the shade of a tall
cypress, and he feasted his eyes upon the beauty of the women. And the
garden was clad in its robes of spring, and the world was green and fair,
and all the air was filled with the sweet sounds of music and of song.
And there moved amid the rose-bushes maidens of Peri face, and in stature
they were like to the cypress-trees, and one was exalted above them all.
And she was daughter unto Afrasiyab, and Manijeh was she
named.
Now it came about that as Manijeh stood at the door of her tent
she beheld Byzun where he was hid. And she marvelled at his beauty, and
her heart was captive unto him. So she called about her her maidens, and
said-
"Go forth and question the stranger who regardeth us, for I bethink
me that he is a Peri, or that Saiawush is come back unto the earth, for
no mortal can own such beauty, neither can any man enter
here."
Then one went forth and bare unto Byzun this message. And his heart
leaped thereat, and he said-
"Say unto your mistress that I am come forth from Iran to slay
the wild boars of Arman. And I came hither that perchance I might gaze
upon the face of the daughter of Afrasiyab, for tidings of her beauty were
told unto me, and reached even unto Iran. Go, therefore, and ask if I may
speak with her."
Then the handmaidens did as Byzun desired, and Manijeh said, "Let
him come forth."
So Byzun entered into the tents of Manijeh, and she received him
with joy, and she caused his feet to be washed with musk and amber, and
she poured jewels before him, and prepared for him a feast of sweet meats.
And slaves stood around and made soft music, and the heart of Byzun was
ensnared in the meshes of the net that had been spread. And three days
and three nights did he sojourn beside Manijeh, and his passion for her
waxed greater, and he thought not of Iran, neither of the time of departure.
And Manijeh too rejoiced in his presence, and when the time was come for
her to quit the garden of spring she would not part with him. So she gave
unto him a cup wherein she had mingled a potion. And the wine caused Byzun
to sleep, and while he slept the maidens bare him in a litter even into
the house of Afrasiyab. And Manijeh hid him behind the curtains of the
women, and none, save only her handmaidens, were aware of his
presence.
Now when Byzun awoke he asked whither he was come, and when he
learned that he was in the house of Afrasiyab he was afraid, and desired
to return unto Iran. But Manijeh quieted his distrust, and he forgot his
fears in her love. And she made the earth glad about him, and the hours
fled on the wings of wine and of joy. And many days sped thus, and none
knew what passed in the house of the women.
Then it came about that a guardian of the door learned thereof,
and he came before Afrasiyab, and told unto him that his daughter hid within
her house a man of the race of Iran. And Afrasiyab, when he learned it,
was beside himself with anger, and he cursed Manijeh, and he
said-
"The hour is come unto this man."
Then he called for Gersiwaz, his brother, and bade him go forth with
a band of armed men unto the house of the women. And Gersiwaz did as Afrasiyab
commanded, and he put guards at all the doors. Then the sounds of lutes
and of rejoicing fell upon his ear, for none were aware of the vengeance
that was come upon them. And when Gersiwaz was come unto the house of Manijeh,
the daughter of Afrasiyab, he brake open the doors, and stood in the midst
of the revels. And he beheld within the chamber many slaves playing on
lutes of gold, and fair women that handed the wine-cups. And Manijeh was
seated upon a throne of gold, and beside her was Byzun, the son of Gew,
the Iranian, and joy was painted on his visage.
Now when Gersiwaz beheld Byzun, he cried, "O vile man, thou art
fallen into my hands! How wilt thou now save thy life?
"
And Byzun was dismayed, for he had neither sword nor armour, and
he thought within himself-
"I fear me that my life will end this day."
But he drew forth from his boot a dagger that was hidden therein, and
he threatened Gersiwaz, and he said that he would plunge it into his breast
if he led him not before Afrasiyab.
Now Gersiwaz knew that Byzun was quick to act, and would do that
which he spake, so he held back from combat, and he seized Byzun and bound
him, and led him before Afrasiyab. And when Afrasiyab saw him in such plight,
he said-
"O man of evil, wherefore didst thou come into my
land?"
Then Byzun told him how he was gone forth to slay the boars, and how
he was come into the garden of Afrasiyab, and he said that a Peri had borne
him unto the palace, for he would not do hurt unto Manijeh. But Afrasiyab
refused belief unto his words, and he commanded that a gibbet should be
raised without his court, and that Byzun be hung thereon, because he had
dishonoured the house of the women, and had stolen like a thief in the
night into the house of the King. And in vain did Byzun invoke mercy at
the hands of Afrasiyab, and he was led forth beyond the courts. And the
men of Afrasiyab made ready the gallows, and Byzun stood bound beneath.
And he wept sore in his distress, and he prayed to the winds that they
would bear tidings of him unto the Shah of Iran, and he sware that his
death should be avenged upon Turan.
Now while he waited thus there passed by Piran, the Pehliva, who
was come forth to do homage unto the King. And when he beheld the gibbet
he questioned concerning it, and when he learned that it was for Byzun
he was troubled. So he got him from his horse and came near unto the youth,
and questioned him of this adventure. And Byzun told him all that was come
about, and how his evil comrade had laid for him a snare. Then Piran commanded
that punishment be stayed until he should have spoken unto Afrasiyab. And
he went in and stood before the King as a suppliant. Then Afrasiyab bade
him make known his desires. And Piran opened his mouth and spake words
of wisdom unto Afrasiyab, his King. And he reminded him of the death of
Saiawush, and how Byzun was of much account in his own country, and how
surely his blood would be avenged. And he said how the land of Turan was
not ready to stand again in a new war, and he prayed Afrasiyab to content
him with a dungeon. And he said-
"Heap chains upon Byzun, and let the earth hide him, that Iran
may not know whither he is vanished."
Now Afrasiyab knew that the words of Piran were wise, and he gave
ear unto them. So Byzun was led forth unto a desert place and he was laden
with chains of iron and his tender flesh was bound and he was thrown into
a deep hole. And the opening thereof was closed with a mighty stone that
the Deev Akwan had torn from the nethermost sea, and neither sun nor moon
could be seen by Byzun, and Afrasiyab trusted that his reason would forsake
him in this pit. And when he had done thus unto Byzun, he bade Gersiwaz
go in unto the house of the daughter that had dishonoured him, and tear
off her costly robes, and her crown, and her veil. And he
said-
"Let her be cast forth also into the desert, that she may behold
the dungeon wherein Byzun is hid. And say unto her, 'Thou hast been his
Spring, be now his comforter, and wait upon him in his narrow
prison."'
And Gersiwaz did as Afrasiyab commanded, and he tore the veil from
off Manijeh, and he caused her to walk barefooted unto the spot where Byzun
was hid.
Now Manijeh was bowed down with sorrow, and she wept sore, and
she wandered through the desert day and night bewailing her fate. And ever
did she return unto the pit, and she sought how she might enter therein.
But she could not move the mighty stone that closed its mouth. Yet after
some days were gone by she found an opening where she could thrust in her
hand. Now when she had found it she rejoiced, and daily she went forth
unto the city and begged of men that they would give her bread. And none
knew her for the daughter of Afrasiyab, but all had pity upon her sorry
plight, and they gave her freely of that which they had. And she returned
with it unto Byzun, and she fed him through the hole that she had made.
And she spake unto him sweet words of comfort, and she kept his heart alive
within him.
Now while these things were passing in Turan, Girgin was returned
unto Iran much discomfited. And he pondered how he should come before the
Shah, and what he should say unto Gew. And he told them that they had of
their combined strength overcome the boars, and he boasted that he had
done deeds of great prowess, and he said that a wild ass was come forth
out of the forest and had borne away Byzun from before his eyes, and verily
he held that it must be a Deev. Then Kai Khosrau questioned him closely,
and when he had done so he saw that Girgin held not unto his story. So
his mind misgave him, and he commanded that Girgin be put in chains. And
he said-
"I will guard thee until I have learned tidings of
Byzun."
Now Gew was beside himself with grief because of his only son, whom
he loved, but Kai Khosrau spake comfort unto his soul. And he bade riders
go forth unto all corners of the wind to seek tidings of Byzun, and he
said-
"If I learn nought concerning him until the feast of Neurouz be
come, I will search for him in the crystal globe wherein I can behold the
world, and read the secrets of destiny."
Now when the horsemen had sought Byzun in vain throughout the plains
of Iran and in the gorges of the land of Arman, they returned them unto
the courts of the Shah. So when the feast of Neurouz was come, Kai Khosrau
clothed himself in a robe of Roum, and he took from off his head the crown
of the Kaianides, and he presented himself in humility before Ormuzd. Then
he took in his hand the globe of crystal, and he prayed to God that He
would grant unto him to behold the seven zones of the world. And God granted
it. And Kai Khosrau surveyed all the lands of the earth, and nowhere upon
them could he behold Byzun. And he was downcast and sad in his spirit,
for he deemed that Byzun was departed from the world. Then Ormuzd showed
unto him where he was hidden in a pit, and Kai Khosrau beheld him, and
the damsel that watched beside him. So he called before him Gew, and
said-
"Let thy heart cease from sorrow, for thy son liveth, and he is
tended by a maiden of noble birth. But he is bound, and a mighty stone
is laid above his prison, and Rustem alone can deliver him. Wherefore I
counsel thee, speed forth unto Zaboulistan and entreat the son of Zal that
he come unto our aid yet again."
Then Kai Khosrau wrote a letter unto Rustem, wherein he told him
all that was come about, and he gave the writing unto Gew. And Gew sped
forth therewith unto Zaboulistan.
Now when he was come within the courts of Rustem, Zal beheld him
from afar, and he feared that evil was come upon Iran since the Shah sent
forth a man of might like unto Gew to be his messenger. So he came forth
in haste and questioned him. And when he learned his mission he bade him
come within, and he told him how Rustem was gone forth to chase the wild
ass, and he made a feast for him, and entertained him until his son was
returned within the courts. Now when Rustem learned the tidings, his eyes
were filled with tears, but he spake comfort unto Gew, and he
said-
"Be not disquieted, for verily Rustem shall not remove the saddle
from Rakush until he hath grasped the hand of Byzun, and broken his chains
and his prison."
And when he had read the letter of the Shah, he made him ready
to go, before Kai Khosrau. And when he was come into his presence, he did
obeisance before him, and he said-
"O King of kings, I am ready to do thy commandments, for my mother
brought me into the world that I might weary myself for thee, and unto
thee pertaineth rest and joy, and unto me combat everlasting."
Then he chose forth from among the warriors men of renown, that
they should go out with him to deliver Byzun. And Girgin sent greeting
unto Rustem, and craved of him that he would plead for him with the Shah.
And he bewailed his fault, and he entreated that he might go out to succour
Byzun. And Rustem asked his forgiveness of Kai Khosrau, and when the Shah
would have refused his suit, he pressed him hard. So Kai Khosrau listened
to the desires of his Pehliva. Then he said unto him-
"Tell me what men and treasures thou desirest to bear with thee
into Turan."
And Rustem said, "I desire not a large army, for I think to regain
Byzun by the arts of wile. Give unto me, therefore, jewels and rich brocades,
and carpets, and stuffs of value, for I purpose to go forth in the garb
of a merchant."
Then Kai Khosrau gave him the key to all his treasures, and Rustem
chose forth rich stuffs, and loaded them upon an hundred camels. And he
desired seven valiant knights that they should go forth with him clad in
the dress of merchants, and that an army be posted in secret upon the borders.
And when all was ready the caravan went forth. And they journeyed until
they came into the town of Khoten, and all the people came forth to gaze
upon their merchandise. Then Rustem, in his disguise, went unto the house
of Piran, and he poured gifts before him, and he asked leave of him that
he might remain within the borders to sell his wares. And Piran granted
his request. So Rustem took for himself a house, and showed his goods unto
the people, and bartered them, and it was noised through all the land that
a caravan was come out from Iran, and all who had need of aught flocked
into the city. And the news spread even unto the ears of Manijeh. And when
she learned that it was men of Iran who were come forth, she made her way
unto the city, and came before Rustem and questioned him,
saying-
"What news is there abroad in Iran concerning Byzun, the son of
Gew, and doth no army come forth to save him? O noble merchant, I entreat
of thee when thou goest back to thy land, to seek out Gew, and Kai Khosrau,
and Rustem the mighty, and bring unto them tidings of Byzun, lest he perish
in his chains."
Now Rustem, when he heard her words, was afraid for his secret,
for he knew not who she was. Wherefore he spoke roughly unto her, and he
said-
"I am a man of peace and of ignoble birth, a merchant, and I know
nought of Gew, or of Byzun, or of the Shah. Get thee hence, maiden, thou
dost but hinder my business, and this alone concerneth
me."
When he had thus spoken, Manijeh looked on him with sorrow, and
wept, saying-
"Do the men of Iran refuse tidings unto the
poor?"
Then Rustem repented him of his harshness, and said-
"Woman, who art thou, and how do these things regard thee?
"
And he caused food to be put before her, and he comforted her with
kind words. Then Manijeh said-
"I am daughter unto Afrasiyab, and my father hath cast me forth
because of Byzun."
And she told him all that was come about, and how she had tended
her beloved, and how she had kept him alive. And she related unto Rustem
how he languished in his chains, and how they put their trust alone in
Rustem the Pehliva. And she said-
"When it was told unto me that men from Iran were come forth, I
sped hither unto thee, for I hoped that tidings of Byzun might come thus
unto the mighty warrior."
When Rustem heard her words he was moved with compassion. And when
he had spoken softly unto her, he gave to her savoury meats, and he bade
her bear them unto Byzun. Now within the body of a fowl he had hidden a
ring whereon was graven his seal. And when Byzun came upon it, and felt
the ring, and that it bare the name of Rustem, his heart laughed within
him, for he knew that the end of his ills was come. And his lips laughed
also, and his laughter shook the walls of the pit.
Now when Manijeh heard his laughter she was amazed, and she feared
lest his wits were distraught, and she leaned over the mouth of the pit
and spake, saying-
"O man of ill fortune, wherefore is thy heart thus light, thou
who seest neither sun, nor moon, nor stars?"
Then Byzun answered and said, "Hope is sprung up in my
breast."
And Manijeh said, "Whence dost thou behold the rays of
hope?"
And Byzun answered, "I know not whether I can confide it unto thee,
for a woman cannot keep a secret."
Now Manijeh was pained at these words, and she upbraided Byzun,
and recalled to him all she had suffered for his sake. And Byzun repented
him of his hasty speech, for he knew that she was prudent and strong of
spirit. So he said-
"Swear unto me a great oath, and I will tell it unto
thee."
And Manijeh sware. Then Byzun said-
"I know that the merchant who is come forth from Iran is come out because
of me. Go therefore again into his presence, and say unto him, 'O Pehliva
of the King of kings, tell unto me, art thou the master of Rakush?'
"
Now Manijeh, when she had heard these words, sped forth to do the
bidding of Byzun. And she came before Rustem, and spake to him the words
that had been told her. And he answered and said-
"Go say unto thy friend, verily I am the master of Rakush, and
that I am come forth to deliver him."
Then he bade her gather together wood into a pyre, and set light
thereto when the night should be come, that he might know where Byzun was
laid. And Manijeh did as Rustem commanded, and she wearied not to scour
the land, and she stripped the trees of their branches, and her tender
body was torn of thorns; but she bare all gladly for the sake of Byzun,
whom she loved. And when the night was fallen she set light unto the wood,
and Rustem came forth unto the spot, and his seven comrades came with him.
And each strove in turn to lift the stone that closed the pit, but none
could roll it aside. Then Rustem prayed to God that He would grant him
strength, and he came unto the mouth of the pit, and he bent down his body,
and he spake unto Byzun, and questioned him how he was come into these
straits. Then he said-
"I would ask of thee a boon. Grant thy forgiveness unto Girgin,
if it be given unto me to move this stone, and to free thee from out of
this pit. For verily he repenteth him of his evil deed, and because he
is valiant I would that there should be peace between
you."
But Byzun said, "Thou knowest not all the evil that Girgin hath
brought upon me. I cannot give ear unto thy request, for I desire to take
vengeance upon him."
Then Rustem said, "If thy mind be thus evil that thou wilt not
listen to my desires, nor remember how I am come forth in friendship to
succour thee, I shall mount upon Rakush and leave thee to perish in thy
chains."
When Byzun heard these words he gave a loud cry, and bewailed his
evil plight. And he said, "Be it as thou desirest."
Then Rustem laid hold of the stone, and he put forth all his strength,
and he lifted it from off the mouth of the pit and threw it far into the
desert. Then he let down his cord and enmeshed Byzun therein, and drew
him forth from his dungeon. And he was a sorry sight to see, for the earth
had withered his body, and his skin hung about his bones.
Now Rustem, when he had broken the chains of Byzun, covered him
with a cloak and set him upon a horse, and he took Manijeh also, and led
them unto his house in the city. Then when he had refreshed them with water,
and covered them with new robes, he desired that they be led unto the spot
where the army was hidden. And he said unto Byzun-
"I desire to fall upon Turan, but thou art too wasted to
fight."
But Byzun said, "Not so; let Manijeh go forth into shelter, but it
behoveth not a man to be guarded like a woman."
And he refused ear to the desires of Rustem, and he clad him in
a coat of mail, and he girded him to ride beside the Pehliva. And they
went forth in the darkness until they were come unto the house of Afrasiyab.
And when they were come there, Rustem lifted the doors from off their hinges
and entered into the precincts, and he slew the guards that kept the curtains,
and he made him a passage unto the chamber of Afrasiyab. And when he stood
therein he lifted up his voice of thunder, and he cried-
"Sleep, man of folly, and may thy slumbers be deep. Thou hast rested
upon thy throne while Byzun was hidden in a pit. But thou hast forgotten
that a road leadeth from Iran into Turan, and thou didst think in thine
evil heart that none would come forth to avenge him. Listen, therefore,
unto my voice; for I am Rustem, the son of Zal, the Pehliva, and I have
broken down thy doors, and released Byzun from his chains, and I am come
to do vengeance upon thee."
When Afrasiyab heard these words he awoke, and cried out in his
fear. And he called upon the names of his guards. But no man came forth,
because they had been laid low by the hands of Rustem. Then Afrasiyab made
his way unto the door, and because it was dark he escaped thence, and he
fled before the face of Rustem, and left his house between his hands. Then
Rustem took much rich booty of slaves, and horses, and jewels, and when
he had done so he sped back unto his army, for he knew that with the day
Afrasiyab would come forth with an host to assail him. And it came about
as he foresaw, and when the day was risen the watchers cried out that an
army marched forth from Turan. Then Rustem set his men in battle order,
and he sent Manijeh and the slaves and the booty into Iran, and he placed
himself at the head of the host, and Byzun rode beside him. And there was
fought a mighty battle, and great was the slaughter, and the bodies of
the slain and the broken armour covered the earth. And the banner of Turan
sank, and Afrasiyab fled before his enemies.
Then Rustem returned with joy unto Kai Khosrau, and the Shah was
glad also. And he came forth to greet his Pehliva, and there rode with
him Gew and Gudarz, his warriors. And when Kai Khosrau saw Rustem he embraced
him, and said-
"O stay of my soul, and man of valour, thou resemblest the sun,
for wheresoever men may look they behold the traces of thy mighty deeds.
Happy is Zal who owneth a son such as thou!"
Then he blessed him, and showered rich gifts upon him; and Gew
blessed him also, and Gudarz, because he had brought back Byzun into their
midst. Then Kai Khosrau gave orders that a great feast be prepared, and
the heroes drank until their heads were heavy with wine. But in the morning
Rustem came before the Shah in audience, and opened his mouth and
said-
"May it please the King to lend his ear unto his slave. I desire
to return unto Zal, my father."
And Kai Khosrau listened to the just desires of Rustem, though
he would fain have kept him in his courts.
Now when Rustem was departed, Kai Khosrau called before him Byzun,
and he spake to him of that which was come about, and he poured pity upon
the daughter of Afrasiyab when he learned all she had suffered for the
sake of Byzun; and he gave him rich gifts, and bade him bear them unto
her, and he said-
"Cherish this woman in thy bosom, and suffer not that grief come
nigh unto her, neither speak to her cold words, for she hath endured much
for thee. And may thy life beside her be happy."
And when the Shah had thus spoken he dismissed Byzun from his
presence.
Thus endeth the history of Byzun and Manijeh.