Began to ravage and to massacre
Till all the land showed signs of misery,
And from Túrán up to Sakláb and Rúm
Folk saw no cultured tract. The Íránians
Beheaded all the men, both young and old,
And made the women and the children slaves.
Thus o'er a thousand leagues and more the reek
Of burning rose. Then all of noble race
Came with the dust upon their heads protesting:—
“We are aweary of Afrásiyáb,
And would not see him even in a dream.
As for the guiltless blood that he hath shed,
We had not any voice or part therein,
And now, although we are a scattered people,
Yet are we all thy slaves. As thou art mighty
Shed not, provoking God, more guiltless blood.
None knoweth where our king is, or if he
Is well or blasted by the dragon's breath.”
The prudent Rustam's heart was grieved thereat,
He summoned all the chieftains of the host,
And marched the army to Káchár Báshí.
The wise, the great men, and the veteran chiefs
Flocked to his presence, and one said: “Káús,
Who hath not Grace, and cannot soar or stand,
Is seated on the throne without a guide,
And if Afrásiyáb should suddenly
Come with an army to invade Írán,
And conquer old Káús, our joy and peace
Would be destroyed. We all have won both honour
And vengeance, and have burned up every city.
Now let us go back to the agéd king;
When feasts begin we shall be all new men.
For six years we have had not one glad day;
Our slaves, our states, our signets, and our crowns
V. 708
Are in Írán. 'Tis wealth hath dazed us thus!
Heart sated is soul bated! If thou settest
Thy heart upon this ancient dwelling-place
'Twill flatter thee but cozen thee withal;
So, if thy heart be not with Áhriman,
Abstain from greed which is the enemy.
Array thyself and lavish, drink and eat,
Such is thy portion of this fleeting show.”
The matchless Rustam yielded his assent
To what the noble archimage had urged.
That jocund counsellor went on to say:—
“Choose pleasure in this Wayside Inn. Reflect
That in the dust there is no brotherhood,
And how thou wilt deplore this present good!”