Chapter 27
In those days, Pon’yah was king of Oas, and, by title, KING OF THE SUN; KING OF THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD; KING OF KINGS; MIGHTIEST OF MORTALS; OWNER OF ALL HUMAN FLESH; RULER OF THE EARTH, AND MASTER OF LIFE AND DEATH!
For nearly four years Zarathustra had been absent, and the effect of his preaching in foreign lands had been to cut off the paying of tribute to the City of the Sun. Which was why Pon’yah, king of Oas, had sworn an oath under his own thigh, to pursue Zarathustra and have him slain.
Accordingly, the king had equipped many different armies and sent them in search of Zarathustra; but while I’hua’Mazda led Zarathustra one way, he sent spirits to inspire the soldiers to go another way. Consequently, none of the armies sent to capture Zarathustra ever found him. When he was heard of in one city, and the soldiers came to that city, he was already gone. And so it continued, until now Zarathustra had returned to the very gates of Oas.
Because Zarathustra was the largest man in the world, he was easily known; and from a description of him, even those who had never seen him, would know him the first time they laid their eyes on him.
Asha had continued with the Zarathustrians; but in consequence of the persecutions of the kings of Oas, they had been obliged to retire farther into the forests, plains and unsettled regions, where the Listians, the wild people roved. To these the Zarathustrians were friends, and the Listians came in great numbers, and dwelt near the Zarathustrians.
After Zarathustra had completed his travels, he returned first to the Forest of Goats, to meet his followers, and to rejoice with them for the great light I’hua’Mazda had bestowed upon them. So when Zarathustra returned to them, there was great rejoicing; and there were present Zarathustra’s mother, and many of the Listians who knew him in his childhood.
After many days of rest and rejoicing, I’hua’Mazda came to Zarathustra, saying: Behold, the time has now come to go against the city of your birth. Take Asha with you, and I will cause Oas to fall before your hand.
Accordingly, Zarathustra took Asha and returned to the gates of Oas; but he was known at once; and when he demanded admittance, he was refused, because the king had previously decreed his banishment and death, there being an offer of reward to whoever would destroy him and bring his skull to the king.
The keeper of the gate, whose name was Zhoo’das, wanted to obtain the reward, and hit upon the following plan, saying to Zarathustra: I know you; you are Zarathustra, who is banished under penalty of death. I have no right to admit you within the city, nor do I have a desire to witness your sure death. But if you will hide yourself, till the change of watch, when I am absent on the king’s reports, you may take your own risk. But if I admit you, I will also be put to death.
Zarathustra said: I do not fear for myself, but I would not have you put to death on my account. Where, then, can I hide myself, till the change of watch?
Zhoo’das, the keeper of the gate, said: Within the chamber of the wall. Go, and your friend with you.
So Zarathustra went into the chamber of the wall, and Asha went with him. And now, when they were concealed, Zhoo’das called his wife and said to her: Stay here, walking back and forth, so that they who are concealed will think it is I. And I will run quickly to the guards, and they shall come and seize Zarathustra, for whom the reward is offered.
And the keeper’s wife came and walked back and forth; and the keeper ran quickly and brought the guards, one thousand men, with spears, swords, war clubs, slings, and bows and arrows, and they surrounded the chamber on all sides. And then Zhoo’das spoke ironically, saying: Come forth, Zarathustra, now is the change of watch!
And Zarathustra and Asha came forth and saw what was done. Zarathustra said to Asha: The Light is upon me. Go with me. No harm shall come to you. But the time has come when I shall fulfill what has been prophesied of me in my youth.