ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Epic of Kings [shah-nama] The Death of Rustem How shall a man escape from that which is written; How shall he flee from his destiny? There stood a slave in the house of Zal, and she was fair to see, so that the heart of the aged man went out to her. And there was born to her a son, goodly of mien, like unto Saum the hero, and Zal named him Shugdad.

Then he consulted the Mubids concerning him, and they searched the stars for his destiny, and they read therein that he would do much evil in the house of his father, and lay low the race of Saum, the son of Neriman. Now Zal, when he heard this, was sore afflicted, and he prayed unto God that He would avert this fate from his head. And he reared him tenderly, and when he was come unto man's estate he sent him forth into Cabul.

And the King of Cabul rejoiced in the sight of the hero, and he kept him beside him and gave unto him his daughter to wife. Now the King of Cabul paid tribute unto Rustem, and it was a grievance to him to do so, and since he had taken Shugdad as his son he deemed that it was fitting that he should be relieved of this burden. And he spake thereof unto Shugdad, and said how Rustem ceased not to demand it. And Shugdad said, "This man is foolish.

What mattereth it whether he be my brother or a stranger, let us consider how we may ensnare him." So Shugdad and the King of Cabul passed a night pondering how they should bring Rustem unto destruction. And Shugdad said- "Call together thy nobles unto a feast, and when thou shalt have drunk wine, speak insults unto me, and I will be angered and ride forth unto Zaboulistan and make plaint of thee before Rustem, and assuredly he will come forth to avenge me.

And while I am gone, cause a deep pit to be dug on the road that Rustem must pass, a pit that will swallow him and Rakush his steed, and line the sides thereof with sharp spears, and swords, and lances.

And when it is done, cover it with earth and let no man know thereof, nay, whisper it not even unto the moon." And the King said, "Thy device is good," and he made a great feast and called thereto his warriors, and he spake words of insult unto Shugdad, and he reproached him, and said that he was not of the race of Saum, but son unto a slave. And he said that Rudabeh would refuse to him the name of brother unto Rustem. And he spake lightly also of Rustem.