Shahnameh: The Story of Bojan and Manijeh

PEACE reigned again within the borders of Iran, and P the sword slept in its scabbard, and Key-Khosrow ordered the world with wisdom. And men rejoiced that the glory of Turan had been brought low, and the King feasted his nobles in lightness of heart. Now it came about one day that while they were shortening the hours with wine there entered in unto them the keeper of the curtains of the door. And he said that men from Arman stood without and craved an audience. Then Key-Khosrow bade that they be let in. So the men came before him, and they uttered cries of lamentation, and they fell down at his feet and implored his aid. And Key-Khosrow said-

"Who hath done you wrong?"

Then the men answered,

"Our wrong cometh unto us from the borders of Turan, for there issue forth thence wild boars that break into our fields and do destruction to our crops. And our fortunes are entwined with the ground, and no man can overcome these beasts. Wherefore, we pray thee, send forth a Pahlewan that he may subdue them, for our land groaneth under this plague."

Then Key-Khosrow said,

"It shall be done as you desire,"

and he dismissed them graciously. Then he called before him his treasurer, and bade him bring forth precious stones, and horses with girdles of gold, and rich brocades of Rum. And when they were placed before him he showed them to his nobles, and he said that whoever would go forth to combat the wild boars should not find him close-handed. But for a while none answered, for no man listed to go forth to battle with wild beasts. Then Bižan, the son of Giwe, arose and spake, saying-

"If the King will grant leave unto me, I will go forth and slay these foes."

Now Giwe was grieved thereat, because that Bižan was his only son, and he feared for his youth. Therefore he sought to restrain him. But Bižan suffered it not, and he said-

"O King, listen unto my desires; for though I be young in years, yet am I old in prudence, and I will do nought that is not fitting unto thy slave."

And Key-Khosrow granted his request, but he bade him take forth with him Gorgin, the wise in counsel, that he should guide him aright. And Bižan did as the King desired, and they set forth unto the land of Arman.

Now when they were come unto the wood they rested them, and made a great fire, and drank wine until they were refreshed. Then Gorgin would have laid him down to slumber. But Bižan said-

"Not so, let us go forth and seek the wild boars."

Then Gorgin said,

"Go thou alone, for it is thou who hast engaged in this combat, and who hast taken to thyself the gifts of the King. Therefore it behoveth me only to look on."

When Bižan heard these words he was amazed, but he regarded them not, and he entered in upon the forest. And after a while he came upon the wild boars, and they fell upon him. But he slew them with his mace, and he reddened the ground with their gore, and he went after them, even unto their lairs, and not one of them did he suffer to escape. Then when he had done thus, he parted their mighty teeth from off their heads and hung them about his saddle, that the men of Iran might behold them. And after this he Turned him back unto Gorgin.

Now Gorgin, when he beheld him mounted upon his horse, and bearing round his saddle the tokens of his triumph, was envious thereat. And with his mouth he gave him joy, but Ahriman took hold of his spirit. So he pondered all night long how he could lay a snare for Bižan. And when the morning was come he praised his prowess, and they quaffed wine together, and fair words were exchanged between them. Then Gorgin said-

"This land is known unto me, for I sojourned here with Rostam. And I know that at the distance of two farsangs lies the garden of Afrasiyab, where his women go forth to keep the feast of spring. And I bethink me that the time is at hand. Wherefore, I say unto thee, let us go hence, and behold with our eyes the fair ones whom the King of Turan hideth behind his curtains."

Now these words inflamed the blood of Bižan, and he gave ear unto Gorgin, for he was young, and he acted like a young man. So they set forth upon the road, and Gorgin filled the mind of Bižan with feasts and with sounds of music. And when they were come unto the spot, Bižan burned with impatience to look upon the women of Afrasiyab. And Gorgin feigned as though he would restrain his foot within the skirt of patience, but he rejoiced in secret, for he hoped that from this deed evil would arise. So Bižan sped forth unto the garden, and he hid himself beneath the shade of a tall cypress, and he feasted his eyes upon the beauty of the women. And the garden was clad in its robes of spring, and the world was green and fair, and all the air was filled with the sweet sounds of music and of song. And there moved amid the rose-bushes maidens of Pari face, and in staTure they were like to the cypress-trees, and one was exalted above them all. And she was daughter unto Afrasiyab, and Manidzeh was she named.

Now it came about that as Manidzeh stood at the door of her tent she beheld Bižan where he was hid. And she marvelled at his beauty, and her heart was captive unto him. So she called about her her maidens, and said-

"Go forth and question the stranger who regardeth us, for I bethink me that he is a Pari, or that Siawosh is come back unto the earth, for no mortal can own such beauty, neither can any man enter here."

Then one went forth and bare unto Bižan this message. And his heart leaped thereat, and he said-

"Say unto your mistress that I am come forth from Iran to slay the wild boars of Arman. And I came hither that perchance I might gaze upon the face of the daughter of Afrasiyab, for tidings of her beauty were told unto me, and reached even unto Iran. Go, therefore, and ask if I may speak with her."

Then the handmaidens did as Bižan desired, and Manidzeh said,

"Let him come forth."

So Bižan entered into the tents of Manidzeh, and she received him with joy, and she caused his feet to be washed with musk and amber, and she poured jewels before him, and prepared for him a feast of sweet meats. And slaves stood around and made soft music, and the heart of Bižan was ensnared in the meshes of the net that had been spread. And three days and three nights did he sojourn beside Manidzeh, and his passion for her waxed greater, and he thought not of Iran, neither of the time of deparTure. And Manidzeh too rejoiced in his presence, and when the time was come for her to quit the garden of spring she would not part with him. So she gave unto him a cup wherein she had mingled a potion. And the wine caused Bižan to sleep, and while he slept the maidens bare him in a litter even into the house of Afrasiyab. And Manidzeh hid him behind the curtains of the women, and none, save only her handmaidens, were aware of his presence.

Now when Bižan awoke he asked whither he was come, and when he learned that he was in the house of Afrasiyab he was afraid, and desired to reTurn unto Iran. But Manidzeh quieted his distrust, and he forgot his fears in her love. And she made the earth glad about him, and the hours fled on the wings of wine and of joy. And many days sped thus, and none knew what passed in the house of the women.

Then it came about that a guardian of the door learned thereof, and he came before Afrasiyab, and told unto him that his daughter hid within her house a man of the race of Iran. And Afrasiyab, when he learned it, was beside himself with anger, and he cursed Manidzeh, and he said-

"The hour is come unto this man."

Then he called for Garsivaz, his brother, and bade him go forth with a band of armed men unto the house of the women. And Garsivaz did as Afrasiyab commanded, and he put guards at all the doors. Then the sounds of lutes and of rejoicing fell upon his ear, for none were aware of the vengeance that was come upon them. And when Garsivaz was come unto the house of Manidzeh, the daughter of Afrasiyab, he brake open the doors, and stood in the midst of the revels. And he beheld within the chamber many slaves playing on lutes of gold, and fair women that handed the wine-cups. And Manidzeh was seated upon a throne of gold, and beside her was Bižan, the son of Giwe, the Iranian, and joy was painted on his visage.

Now when Garsivaz beheld Bižan, he cried,

"O vile man, thou art fallen into my hands! How wilt thou now save thy life? "

And Bižan was dismayed, for he had neither sword nor armour, and he thought within himself-

"I fear me that my life will end this day."

But he drew forth from his boot a dagger that was hidden therein, and he threatened Garsivaz, and he said that he would plunge it into his breast if he led him not before Afrasiyab.

Now Garsivaz knew that Bižan was quick to act, and would do that which he spake, so he held back from combat, and he seized Bižan and bound him, and led him before Afrasiyab. And when Afrasiyab saw him in such plight, he said-

"O man of evil, wherefore didst thou come into my land?"

Then Bižan told him how he was gone forth to slay the boars, and how he was come into the garden of Afrasiyab, and he said that a Pari had borne him unto the palace, for he would not do hurt unto Manidzeh. But Afrasiyab refused belief unto his words, and he commanded that a gibbet should be raised without his court, and that Bižan be hung thereon, because he had dishonoured the house of the women, and had stolen like a thief in the night into the house of the King. And in vain did Bižan invoke mercy at the hands of Afrasiyab, and he was led forth beyond the courts. And the men of Afrasiyab made ready the gallows, and Bižan stood bound beneath. And he wept sore in his distress, and he prayed to the winds that they would bear tidings of him unto the King of Iran, and he sware that his death should be avenged upon Turan.

Now while he waited thus there passed by Piran, the Pahlewan, who was come forth to do homage unto the King. And when he beheld the gibbet he questioned concerning it, and when he learned that it was for Bižan he was troubled. So he got him from his horse and came near unto the youth, and questioned him of this advenTure. And Bižan told him all that was come about, and how his evil comrade had laid for him a snare. Then Piran commanded that punishment be stayed until he should have spoken unto Afrasiyab. And he went in and stood before the King as a suppliant. Then Afrasiyab bade him make known his desires. And Piran opened his mouth and spake words of wisdom unto Afrasiyab, his King. And he reminded him of the death of Siawosh, and how Bižan was of much account in his own country, and how surely his blood would be avenged. And he said how the land of Turan was not ready to stand again in a new war, and he prayed Afrasiyab to content him with a dungeon. And he said-

"Heap chains upon Bižan, and let the earth hide him, that Iran may not know whither he is vanished."

Now Afrasiyab knew that the words of Piran were wise, and he gave ear unto them. So Bižan was led forth unto a desert place and he was laden with chains of iron and his tender flesh was bound and he was thrown into a deep hole. And the opening thereof was closed with a mighty stone that the Deev Akwan had torn from the nethermost sea, and neither sun nor moon could be seen by Bižan, and Afrasiyab trusted that his reason would forsake him in this pit. And when he had done thus unto Bižan, he bade Garsivaz go in unto the house of the daughter that had dishonoured him, and tear off her costly robes, and her crown, and her veil. And he said-

"Let her be cast forth also into the desert, that she may behold the dungeon wherein Bižan is hid. And say unto her, 'Thou hast been his Spring, be now his comforter, and wait upon him in his narrow prison."'

And Garsivaz did as Afrasiyab commanded, and he tore the veil from off Manidzeh, and he caused her to walk barefooted unto the spot where Bižan was hid.

Now Manidzeh was bowed down with sorrow, and she wept sore, and she wandered through the desert day and night bewailing her fate. And ever did she reTurn unto the pit, and she sought how she might enter therein. But she could not move the mighty stone that closed its mouth. Yet after some days were gone by she found an opening where she could thrust in her hand. Now when she had found it she rejoiced, and daily she went forth unto the city and begged of men that they would give her bread. And none knew her for the daughter of Afrasiyab, but all had pity upon her sorry plight, and they gave her freely of that which they had. And she returned with it unto Bižan, and she fed him through the hole that she had made. And she spake unto him sweet words of comfort, and she kept his heart alive within him.

Now while these things were passing in Turan, Gorgin was returned unto Iran much discomfited. And he pondered how he should come before the King, and what he should say unto Giwe. And he told them that they had of their combined strength overcome the boars, and he boasted that he had done deeds of great prowess, and he said that a wild ass was come forth out of the forest and had borne away Bižan from before his eyes, and verily he held that it must be a Deev. Then Key-Khosrow questioned him closely, and when he had done so he saw that Gorgin held not unto his story. So his mind misgave him, and he commanded that Gorgin be put in chains. And he said-

"I will guard thee until I have learned tidings of Bižan."

Now Giwe was beside himself with grief because of his only son, whom he loved, but Key-Khosrow spake comfort unto his soul. And he bade riders go forth unto all corners of the wind to seek tidings of Bižan, and he said-

"If I learn nought concerning him until the feast of Norouz be come, I will search for him in the crystal globe wherein I can behold the world, and read the secrets of destiny."

Now when the horsemen had sought Bižan in vain throughout the plains of Iran and in the gorges of the land of Arman, they returned them unto the courts of the King. So when the feast of Norouz was come, Key-Khosrow clothed himself in a robe of Roum, and he took from off his head the crown of the Key’ianides, and he presented himself in humility before Urmazd. Then he took in his hand the globe of crystal, and he prayed to God that He would grant unto him to behold the seven zones of the world. And God granted it. And Key-Khosrow surveyed all the lands of the earth, and nowhere upon them could he behold Bižan. And he was downcast and sad in his spirit, for he deemed that Bižan was departed from the world. Then Urmazd showed unto him where he was hidden in a pit, and Key-Khosrow beheld him, and the damsel that watched beside him. So he called before him Giwe, and said-

"Let thy heart cease from sorrow, for thy son liveth, and he is tended by a maiden of noble birth. But he is bound, and a mighty stone is laid above his prison, and Rostam alone can deliver him. Wherefore I counsel thee, speed forth unto Zabolestan and entreat the son of Zal that he come unto our aid yet again."

Then Key-Khosrow wrote a letter unto Rostam, wherein he told him all that was come about, and he gave the writing unto Giwe. And Giwe sped forth therewith unto Zabolestan.

Now when he was come within the courts of Rostam, Zal beheld him from afar, and he feared that evil was come upon Iran since the King sent forth a man of might like unto Giwe to be his messenger. So he came forth in haste and questioned him. And when he learned his mission he bade him come within, and he told him how Rostam was gone forth to chase the wild ass, and he made a feast for him, and

entertained him until his son was returned within the courts. Now when Rostam learned the tidings, his eyes were filled with tears, but he spake comfort unto Giwe, and he said-

"Be not disquieted, for verily Rostam shall not remove the saddle from Rakhsh until he hath grasped the hand of Bižan, and broken his chains and his prison."

And when he had read the letter of the King, he made him ready to go, before Key-Khosrow. And when he was come into his presence, he did obeisance before him, and he said-

"O King of kings, I am ready to do thy commandments, for my mother brought me into the world that I might weary myself for thee, and unto thee pertaineth rest and joy, and unto me combat everlasting."

Then he chose forth from among the warriors men of renown, that they should go out with him to deliver Bižan. And Gorgin sent greeting unto Rostam, and craved of him that he would plead for him with the King. And he bewailed his fault, and he entreated that he might go out to succour Bižan. And Rostam asked his forgiveness of Key-Khosrow, and when the King would have refused his suit, he pressed him hard. So Key Khosrow listened to the desires of his Pahlewan. Then he said unto him-

"Tell me what men and treasures thou desirest to bear with thee into Turan."

And Rostam said,

"I desire not a large army, for I think to regain Bižan by the arts of wile. Give unto me, therefore, jewels and rich brocades, and carpets, and stuffs of value, for I purpose to go forth in the garb of a merchant."

Then Key-Khosrow gave him the Key to all his treasures, and Rostam chose forth rich stuffs, and loaded them upon an hundred camels. And he desired seven valiant knights that they should go forth with him clad in the dress of merchants, and that an army be posted in secret upon the borders. And when all was ready the caravan went forth. And they journeyed until they came into the town of Khoten, and all the people came forth to gaze upon their merchandise. Then Rostam, in his disguise, went unto the house of Piran, and he poured gifts before him, and he asked leave of him that he might remain within the borders to sell his wares. And Piran granted his request. So Rostam took for himself a house, and showed his goods unto the people, and bartered them, and it was noised through all the land that a caravan was come out from Iran, and all who had need of aught flocked into the city. And the news spread even unto the ears of Manidzeh. And when she learned that it was men of Iran who were come forth, she made her way unto the city, and came before Rostam and questioned him, saying-

"What news is there abroad in Iran concerning Bižan, the son of Giwe, and doth no army come forth to save him? O noble merchant, I entreat of thee when thou goest back to thy land, to seek out Giwe, and Key-Khosrow, and Rostam the mighty, and bring unto them tidings of Bižan, lest he Parish in his chains."

Now Rostam, when he heard her words, was afraid for his secret, for he knew not who she was. Wherefore he spoke roughly unto her, and he said-

"I am a man of peace and of ignoble birth, a merchant, and I know nought of Giwe, or of Bižan, or of the King. Get thee hence, maiden, thou dost but hinder my business, and this alone concerneth me."

When he had thus spoken, Manidzeh looked on him with sorrow, and wept, saying-

"Do the men of Iran refuse tidings unto the poor?"

Then Rostam repented him of his harshness, and said-

"Woman, who art thou, and how do these things regard thee? "

And he caused food to be put before her, and he comforted her with

kind words. Then Manidzeh said-

"I am daughter unto Afrasiyab, and my father hath cast me forth because of Bižan."

And she told him all that was come about, and how she had tended

her beloved, and how she had kept him alive. And she related untoRostam how he languished in his chains, and how they put their trust alone in Rostam the Pahlewan. And she said-

"When it was told unto me that men from Iran were come forth, I sped hither unto thee, for I hoped that tidings of Bižan might come thus unto the mighty warrior."

When Rostam heard her words he was moved with compassion. And when he had spoken softly unto her, he gave to her savoury meats, and he bade her bear them unto Bižan. Now within the body of a fowl he had hidden a ring whereon was graven his seal. And when Bižan came upon it, and felt the ring, and that it bare the name of Rostam, his heart laughed within him, for he knew that the end of his ills was come. And his lips laughed also, and his laughter shook the walls of the pit.

Now when Manidzeh heard his laughter she was amazed, and she feared lest his wits were distraught, and she leaned over the mouth of the pit and spake, saying-

"O man of ill fortune, wherefore is thy heart thus light, thou who seest neither sun, nor moon, nor stars?"

Then Bižan answered and said,

"Hope is sprung up in my breast."

And Manidzeh said,

"Whence dost thou behold the rays of hope?"

And Bižan answered,

"I know not whether I can confide it unto thee, for a woman cannot keep a secret."

Now Manidzeh was pained at these words, and she upbraided Bižan, and recalled to him all she had suffered for his sake. And Bižan repented him of his hasty speech, for he knew that she was prudent and strong of spirit. So he said-

"Swear unto me a great oath, and I will tell it unto thee."

And Manidzeh sware. Then Bižan said-

"I know that the merchant who is come forth from Iran is come out because of me. Go therefore again into his presence, and say unto him, 'O Pahlewan of the King of kings, tell unto me, art thou the master of Rakhsh?' "

Now Manidzeh, when she had heard these words, sped forth to do the bidding of Bižan. And she came before Rostam, and spake to him the words that had been told her. And he answered and said-

"Go say unto thy friend, verily I am the master of Rakhsh, and that I am come forth to deliver him."

Then he bade her gather together wood into a pyre, and set light thereto when the night should be come, that he might know where Bižan was laid. And Manidzeh did as Rostam commanded, and she wearied not to scour the land, and she stripped the trees of their branches, and her tender body was torn of thorns; but she bare all gladly for the sake of Bižan, whom she loved. And when the night was fallen she set light unto the wood, and Rostam came forth unto the spot, and his seven comrades came with him. And each strove in Turn to lift the stone that closed the pit, but none could roll it aside. Then Rostam prayed to God that He would grant him strength, and he came unto the mouth of the pit, and he bent down his body, and he spake

unto Bižan, and questioned him how he was come into these straits.

Then he said-

"I would ask of thee a boon. Grant thy forgiveness unto Gorgin, if it be given unto me to move this stone, and to free thee from out of this pit. For verily he repenteth him of his evil deed, and because he is valiant I would that there should be peace between you."

But Bižan said,

"Thou knowest not all the evil that Gorgin hath brought upon me. I cannot give ear unto thy request, for I desire to take vengeance upon him."

Then Rostam said,

"If thy mind be thus evil that thou wilt not listen to my desires, nor remember how I am come forth in friendship to succour thee, I shall mount upon Rakhsh and leave thee to Parish in thy chains."

When Bižan heard these words he gave a loud cry, and bewailed his evil plight. And he said,

"Be it as thou desirest."

Then Rostam laid hold of the stone, and he put forth all his strength, and he lifted it from off the mouth of the pit and threw it far into the desert. Then he let down his cord and enmeshed Bižan therein, and drew him forth from his dungeon. And he was a sorry sight to see, for the earth had withered his body, and his skin hung about his bones.

Now Rostam, when he had broken the chains of Bižan, covered him with a cloak and set him upon a horse, and he took Manidzeh also, and led them unto his house in the city. Then when he had refreshed them with water, and covered them with new robes, he desired that they be led unto the spot where the army was hidden. And he said unto Bižan-

"I desire to fall upon Turan, but thou art too wasted to fight."

But Bižan said,

"Not so; let Manidzeh go forth into shelter, but it behoveth not a man to be guarded like a woman."

And he refused ear to the desires of Rostam, and he clad him in a coat of mail, and he girded him to ride beside the Pahlewan. And they went forth in the darkness until they were come unto the house of Afrasiyab. And when they were come there, Rostam lifted the doors from off their hinges and entered into the precincts, and he slew the guards that kept the curtains, and he made him a passage unto the chamber of Afrasiyab. And when he stood therein he lifted up his voice of thunder, and he cried-

"Sleep, man of folly, and may thy slumbers be deep. Thou hast rested upon thy throne while Bižan was hidden in a pit. But thou hast forgotten that a road leadeth from Iran into Turan, and thou didst think in thine evil heart that none would come forth to avenge him. Listen, therefore, unto my voice; for I am Rostam, the son of Zal, the Pahlewan, and I have broken down thy doors, and released Bižan from his chains, and I am come to do vengeance upon thee."

When Afrasiyab heard these words he awoke, and cried out in his fear. And he called upon the names of his guards. But no man came forth, because they had been laid low by the hands of Rostam. Then Afrasiyab made his way unto the door, and because it was dark he escaped thence, and he fled before the face of Rostam, and left his house between his hands. Then Rostam took much rich booty of slaves, and horses, and jewels, and when he had done so he sped back unto his army, for he knew that with the day Afrasiyab would come forth with an host to assail him. And it came about as he foresaw, and when the day was risen the watchers cried out that an army marched forth from Turan. Then Rostam set his men in battle order, and he sent Manidzeh and the slaves and the booty into Iran, and he placed himself at the head of the host, and Bižan rode beside him. And there was fought a mighty battle, and great was the slaughter, and the bodies of the slain and the broken armour covered the earth. And the banner of Turan sank, and Afrasiyab fled before his enemies.

Then Rostam returned with joy unto Key-Khosrow, and the King was glad also. And he came forth to greet his Pahlewan, and there rode with him Giwe and Goudarz, his warriors. And when Key-Khosrow saw Rostam he embraced him, and said-

"O stay of my soul, and man of valour, thou resemblest the sun, for wheresoever men may look they behold the traces of thy mighty deeds. Happy is Zal who owneth a son such as thou!"

Then he blessed him, and showered rich gifts upon him; and Giwe blessed him also, and Goudarz, because he had brought back Bižan into their midst. Then Key-Khosrow gave orders that a great feast be prepared, and the heroes drank until their heads were heavy with wine. But in the morning Rostam came before the King in audience, and opened his mouth and said-

"May it please the King to lend his ear unto his slave. I desire to reTurn unto Zal, my father."

And Key-Khosrow listened to the just desires of Rostam, though he would fain have kept him in his courts.

Now when Rostam was departed, Key-Khosrow called before him Bižan, and he spake to him of that which was come about, and he poured pity upon the daughter of Afrasiyab when he learned all she had suffered for the sake of Bižan; and he gave him rich gifts, and bade him bear them unto her, and he said-

"Cherish this woman in thy bosom, and suffer not that grief come nigh unto her, neither speak to her cold words, for she hath endured much for thee. And may thy life beside her be happy."

And when the King had thus spoken he dismissed Bižan from his presence. Thus endeth the history of Bižan and Manidzeh.

[ Continue: Afrâsiyâb ]

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