Rustam Enters Turan in Disguise

When the commander's turn came to march out, at dawn the warriors buckled on their belts. All of them spear-bearing fighters, all famous guardians of the frontier. All with spears and arrows loaded on their camels, all with hands washed in blood, ready for battle. At daybreak, at the crowing of the rooster, they strapped the war drums onto the elephant's back. The mighty hero came forward like a tall cypress, a mace in his fist and a lasso coiled on his saddle. The army behind him, the champions ahead, each of them holding his life in the palm of his hand. He left the king's court with his troops, and blessed his homeland again and again. When he neared the border of Turan, he picked out the leaders from among the army. Then the hero addressed his soldiers: 'Stay here, and keep your spirits bright.' 'Do not move from this place, unless the pure God tears my life from my body.' 'Be ready for war, every hand sharpened for blood.' The army stayed at the border of Iran, while he and his chosen champions rode toward Turan. They all dressed in the clothing of merchants and untied the belts from their waists. The champions unfastened their silver belts and put on coarse woolen cloaks. They set their faces toward the city of Turan, a caravan full of color and perfume. Seven precious horses came with the caravan, one was Rakhsh, the others mounts for the warriors. A hundred camels loaded with jewels, a hundred camels bearing the soldiers' garments. With so much clamor and the ringing of bells, it sounded like the trumpet of King Tahmuras. From city to city he led the litters along, and traveled on until he reached the city of Turan. When he came near the city of Khotan, men and women came out to watch him. All the champions of Turan stood in their place, gathered on foot before Piran son of Vise. When Piran son of Vise came back from the hunting ground, the mighty hero met him on the road. Rustam wrapped a golden cup full of jewels in silk brocade. Ten precious horses with their trappings, fittingly adorned with brocade. He handed these to his servants and went ahead himself, striding swiftly to Piran's court. He blessed him, saying: 'Renowned one, famed for fortune and skill in Iran and Turan.' The Lord of the world had so altered his face that Piran did not recognize him. He questioned him and said: 'Tell me where you are from. What sort of man are you, and why have you come hurrying here?' Rustam said to him: 'I am your humble servant. God has made my livelihood in your city.' 'As a merchant I have traveled from Iran to Turan, crossing this hard and distant road.' 'I am a seller and a buyer alike; I sell and buy goods of every kind.' 'My heart is glad because of your kindness; such hope has taken hold of me.' 'If the great hero takes me under his protection, I will buy livestock and sell jewels.' 'Under your justice no one will harm me, and from the cloud of your favor I will rain jewels.' Then he set that royal, jewel-filled cup before him, among the nobles, as a gift. The precious horses of Arab breed, over whose coats the wind scatters no dust. He offered many blessings and gave that wealth to him, and so the matter was settled. When Piran gazed at those jewels that appeared from that gleaming cup, he blessed him and treated him warmly, and seated him upon that turquoise throne. 'Go, glad and safe, into the city; now we will make a place for you near ourselves.' 'You need have no worry over these goods; no one will quarrel with you about them.' 'Go, bring out whatever you have of value; find buyers among those who want it, everywhere.' 'Come lodge in my son's house; be with me as though you were my own kin.' Rustam said to him: 'O hero, let us stay right here with the caravan,' 'for all sorts of people are with us, and I would not want any jewel to be lost.' He said to him: 'Settle wherever you wish; I will guide you and go before you on foot.' He chose a house and set up his affairs, and stored his goods and baggage in the lodging. Word spread that a caravan had come from Iran to the famous hero. From every side buyers pricked up their ears when news came of the jewel-seller. Buyers of brocade, carpets, and jewels turned their steps toward Piran's court. When the sun adorned the world each day, the marketplace in that lodging came to life.