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

tame, was obedient to his command.
The savage beasts, and those of gentler kind, Alike reposed before him,
and appeared To do him homage.
The wolf, the tiger, the lion, the panther, and even the fowls of the air,
assembled in aid of him, and he, by the blessing of God, slew the
Demon and his offspring with his own hand. After which the army of
Kaiúmers, 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 Kaiúmers Húsheng ascended the throne of Persia.

HÚSHENG
It is recorded that Húsheng 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 Húsheng 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 Húsheng's
virtues.
The period of his government is said to have lasted forty years, and he
was succeeded by his son, Tahúmers.

TAHÚMERS
This sovereign was also called Díw-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. Tahúmers 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 Tahúmers; 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.
Tahúmers 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 Ghú. On one side the force consisted of fire, and smoke,
and Demons; on the other, brave and magnanimous warriors. Tahúmers
lifted his mace, as soon as he was opposed to the enemy, and giving
Ghú 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. Tahúmers 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 Tahúmers lasted thirty years, and after him the monarchy
descended to Jemshíd, his son.

JEMSHÍD
Jemshíd 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,