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Gushtásp remained two years his guest, enjoying all kinds of recreation, and particularly the sports of the field and the forests. When Bahman, the son of Isfendiyár, heard of the imprisonment of his father, he, in grief and alarm, abandoned his trust, dismissed the army, and proceeded to Balkh, where he joined his two brothers, and wept over the fate of their unhappy father.
Not a dirhem of treasure was left; For nothing eluded the conqueror's grasp; Of all was the royal pavilion bereft; All followed the fate of Arjásp! When Gushtásp received information of this mighty conquest, he sent orders to Isfendiyár to continue in the government of the new empire; but the prince replied that he had settled the country, and was anxious to see his father.
The next morning Isfendiyár took leave of the king, and with a vast army, and immense treasure, commenced his march towards Sístán. It happened that one of the camels in advance laid down, and though beaten severely, could not be made to get up on its legs. Isfendiyár, seeing the obstinacy of the animal, ordered it to be killed, and passed on.
Isfendiyár immediately called her to him, and requested her to sit down. The enchantress readily complied, anticipating a successful issue to her artful stratagems; but the intended victim of her sorcery was too cunning to be imposed upon. He soon perceived what she was, and forthwith cast his kamund over her, and in spite of all her entreaties, bound her too fast to escape.
Why clouds his brow Upon his son some demon must have changed His temper, once affectionate and kind, Calling me to him thus in anger! Thou Hast ever been my friend, my valued friend Say, must I go? Thy counsel I require." "The son does wrong who disobeys his father, Despising his command," Jamásp replied. "Yet," said Isfendiyár, "why should I go? He is in wrath, it cannot be for good."
Wearied out at length, Arjásp shrunk back, when with one mighty blow, Isfendiyár, exulting in his power, Cleft him asunder. Two of the wives, two daughters, and one sister of Arjásp fell immediately into the hands of the conqueror, who delivered them into the custody of his son, to be conveyed home.
When Bashútan, with the army, came to the spot, they were amazed at the prodigious size of the Símúrgh, and the valor by which it had been subdued. Kurugsar turned pale with astonishment and sorrow. "What will be our next adventure?" said Isfendiyár to him. "To-morrow more pressing ills will surround thee.
I have a daughter Dearer to me than life, her name is Roshung; Espouse her, I beseech thee and if Heaven Should bless thee with a boy, O! let his name be Isfendiyár, that he may propagate With zeal the sacred doctrines of Zerdusht, The Zendavesta, then my soul will be Happy in Heaven; and he, at Náu-rúz tide, Will also hold the festival I love, And at the altar light the Holy Fire; Nor will he cease his labour, till the faith Of Lohurásp be everywhere accepted, And everywhere believed the true religion."
When he had finished several dishes and as many flagons of wine, he paused, and Isfendiyár and the assembled chiefs were astonished at the quantity he had devoured. He now prepared to depart, and the prince said to him, "Go and consult with thy father: if thou art contented to be bound, well; if not, thou wilt have cause to repent, for I will assuredly attend to the commands of Gushtásp."
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."
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