Page:Persian Literature (1900), vol. 1.djvu/334



"In wisdom ripe, and with a form Of brass to meet the battle-storm,  Thou wouldst confess his every boon,  Had been derived from Feridún."

Bashútan in the meanwhile observed to his brother, with some degree of dissatisfaction, that his enemy had come into his power, on his own feet too, but had been strangely permitted to go away again. To this gentle reproof Isfendiyár confidently replied, "If he does fail to return, I will go and secure him in bonds, even in his own house,"--"Ah!" said Bashútan, "that might be done by gentleness, but not by force, for the descendant of Sám, the champion of the world, is not to be subdued so easily." These words had a powerful effect upon the mind of Isfendiyár, and he became apprehensive that Rustem would not return; but whilst he was still murmuring at his own want of vigilance, the champion appeared, and at this second interview repeated his desire that the prince would become his guest. "I am sent here by my father, who relies upon thy accepting his proffered hospitality."--"That may be," said Isfendiyár, "but I am at my utmost limit, I cannot go farther. From this place, therefore, thou hadst better prepare to accompany me to Irán." Here Rustem paused, and at length artfully began to enumerate his various achievements, and to blazon his own name.

"I fettered fast the emperor of Chin, And broke the enchantment of the Seven Khans;  I stood the guardian of the Persian kings,  Their shield in danger. I have cleared the world  Of all their foes, enduring pain and toil  Incalculable. Such exploits for thee  Will I achieve, such sufferings will I bear,  And hence we offer thee a social welcome.  But let not dark suspicion cloud thy mind,  Nor think thyself exalted as the heavens,  Because I thus invite thee to our home."

Isfendiyár felt so indignant and irritated by this apparent boasting and self-sufficiency of Rustem, that his first impulse was to cast a dagger at him; but he kept down his wrath, and satisfied himself with giving him a scornful glance, and telling him to take a seat on his left hand. But Rustem resented this affront, saying that he never yet had sat down on the left of