The Shahnama of Firdausi (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 edition. Excerpt: ...Then I myself have daughters like to thee, Begotten of thy seed, of thy pure stock; Or should he take a child of Kai Arash, Or Kai Pashin, she would give thanks with joy." 1 Open praise, especially of the young, was regarded as unlucky. He said to her: " It is my wish. My name v. 537 And greatness are dependent on the issue." Next morning Siyawush approached the Shah, And called down blessings on the crown and throne. The monarch caused all strangers to depart And, speaking with his son in privacy, Said thus: " I have in me a secret longing, Inspired by God, the Maker of the world, That thou shouldst leave a memory of thy name, And that a king should issue from thy loins, That as my face refreshed at seeing thee, Thy heart should be enlarged at sight of him. I had thy horoscope to this effect From archimages that can read the stars, That from thy loins a king shall come and be Thy monument. Now choose thyself a wife Among the great from those within the veil Of Kai Pashm or bower of Kai Arash; Make all things ready and bestow thy hand." He said: " I am the Shah's slave and I bow My head before his counsel and behest. His choice for me is good, whoe'er she be; The world-lord is a monarch o'er his slaves. Would that Sudaba heard it not her words Are otherwise, she hath ho mind thereto; I cannot talk to her of this affair, And have no business in that bower of hers." The Shah smiled at the words of Siyawush, Not witting of the quag beneath the straw, And said to him: " Thy wife must be thy choice. Sudaba least of all need be considered, Her words are full of loving-kindliness; She tendereth thy welfare." Siyawush Was gladdened by the words, and reassured Began to speak the world-king's praise and pay Him reverence, falling down before the...