Persian Literature, Volume 1, Comprising The Shah Nameh | Page 9

of Kai��mers, and the devouring animals that accompanied him in his march, defeated and tore to pieces the scattered legions of the enemy. Upon the death of Kai��mers H��sheng ascended the throne of Persia.

H��SHENG
It is recorded that H��sheng was the first who brought out fire from stone, and from that circumstance he founded the religion of the Fire-worshippers, calling the flame which was produced, the Light of the Divinity. The accidental discovery of this element is thus described:--
Passing, one day, towards the mountain's side, Attended by his train, surprised he saw Something in aspect terrible--its eyes Fountains of blood; its dreadful mouth sent forth Volumes of smoke that darkened all the air. Fixing his gaze upon that hideous form, He seized a stone, and with prodigious force Hurling it, chanced to strike a jutting rock, Whence sparks arose, and presently a fire O'erspread the plain, in which the monster perished. --Thus H��sheng found the element which shed Light through the world. The monarch prostrate bowed, Praising the great Creator, for the good Bestowed on man, and, pious, then he said, "This is the Light from Heaven, sent down from God; If ye be wise, adore and worship it!"
It is also related that, in the evening of the day on which the luminous flash appeared to him from the stone, he lighted an immense fire, and, having made a royal entertainment, he called it the Festival of Siddeh. By him the art of the blacksmith was discovered, and he taught river and streamlet to supply the towns, and irrigate the fields for the purposes of cultivation. And he also brought into use the fur of the sable, and the squirrel, and the ermine. Before his time mankind had nothing for food but fruit, and the leaves of trees and the skins of animals for clothing. He introduced, and taught his people, the method of making bread, and the art of cookery.
Then ate they their own bread, for it was good, And they were grateful to their benefactor; Mild laws were framed--the very land rejoiced, Smiling with cultivation; all the world Remembering H��sheng's virtues.
The period of his government is said to have lasted forty years, and he was succeeded by his son, Tah��mers.

TAH��MERS
This sovereign was also called D��w-bund, or the Binder of Demons. He assembled together all the wise men in his dominions, to consider and deliberate upon whatever might be of utility and advantage to the people of God. In his days wool was spun and woven, and garments and carpets manufactured, and various animals, such as panthers, falcons, hawks, and syagoshes, were tamed, and taught to assist in the sports of the field. Tah��mers had also a vizir, renowned for his wisdom and understanding. Having one day charmed a Demon into his power by philters and magic, he conveyed him to Tah��mers; upon which, the brethren and allies of the prisoner, feeling ashamed and degraded by the insult, collected an army, and went to war against the king. Tah��mers was equally in wrath when he heard of these hostile proceedings, and having also gathered together an army on his part, presented himself before the enemy. The name of the leader of the Demons was Gh��. On one side the force consisted of fire, and smoke, and Demons; on the other, brave and magnanimous warriors. Tah��mers lifted his mace, as soon as he was opposed to the enemy, and giving Gh�� a blow on the head, killed him on the spot. The other Demons being taken prisoners, he ordered them to be destroyed; but they petitioned for mercy, promising, if their lives were spared, that they would teach him a wonderful art. Tah��mers assented, and they immediately brought their books, and pens and ink, and instructed him how to read and write.
They taught him letters, and his eager mind With learning was illumined. The world was blest With quiet and repose, Peris and Demons Submitting to his will.
The reign of Tah��mers lasted thirty years, and after him the monarchy descended to Jemsh��d, his son.

JEMSH��D
Jemsh��d was eminently distinguished for learning and wisdom. It is said that coats of mail, cuirasses, and swords and various kinds of armor were invented and manufactured in his time, and also that garments of silk were made and worn by his people.
Helmets and swords, with curious art they made, Guided by Jemsh��d's skill; and silks and linen And robes of fur and ermine. Desert lands Were cultivated; and wherever stream Or rivulet wandered, and the soil was good, He fixed the habitations of his people; And there they ploughed and reaped: for in that age All labored; none in sloth and idleness Were suffered to remain, since indolence Too often vanquishes the best, and turns To nought the noblest, firmest resolution.
Jemsh��d afterwards commanded his Demons to construct