Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/331

 crown and the throne, take with thee my whole army, and all my treasure.--What wouldst thou have more? He who has conquered the terrific obstacles of the Heft-khan, and has slain Arjásp and subdued his entire kingdom, can have no cause to fear the prowess of Rustem, or any other chief." Isfendiyár replied that he had no fear of Rustem's prowess; he was now old, and therefore not equal to himself in strength; still he had no wish to oppose him:--

"For he has been the monitor and friend Of our Kaiánian ancestors; his care  Enriched their minds, and taught them to be brave;  And he was ever faithful to their cause.  Besides," said he, "thou wert the honoured guest  Of Rustem two long years; and at Sístán  Enjoyed his hospitality and friendship,  His festive, social board; and canst thou now,  Forgetting that delightful intercourse,  Become his bitterest foe?"

Gushtásp replied:--

"Tis true he may have served my ancestors; But what is that to me? His spirit is proud,  And he refused to yield me needful aid  When danger pressed; that is enough, and thou  Canst not divert me from my settled purpose.  Therefore, if thy aim be still  To rule, thy father's wish fulfil;  Quickly trace the distant road;  Quick invade the chiefs abode;  Bind his feet, and bind his hands  In a captive's galling bands;  Bring him here, that all may know  Thou hast quelled the mighty foe."

But Isfendiyár was still reluctant, and implored him to relinquish his design.

"For if resolved, a gloomy cloud Will quickly all thy glories shroud,    And dim thy brilliant throne;  I would not thus aspire to reign,  But rather, free from crime, remain    Sequestered and alone."

Again Gushtásp spoke, and said: "There is no necessity for any further delay. Thou art appointed my successor,