When a fruitful, majestic tree towers into the heavens, should the harsh turn of the heavens strike its boughs, its leaves wither and its roots grow weak, yielding its place to a fresh, newly sprung branch. When a father leaves the realm to his son, he reveals all secrets hidden and clear; yet if the son casts away the glorious name of his forefathers, he is a stranger and unworthy of lineage.
Following the passing of King Kay Qobad, his son Kay Kavus mounted the Kianian throne, and the world bowed in absolute allegiance to his crown. Inheriting the jewel-studded golden crown, the royal torcs, crystal-footed thrones, and thick-maned Arabian chargers, Kavus reigned supreme. On a radiant day within his gilded garden, he sat upon a golden throne resting on crystal pillars, drinking sweet wine alongside the noble paladins of Iran.
Suddenly, a cunning demon disguised as a courtly musician presented himself before the royal chamberlain, requesting an audience. He claimed to be a sweet-voiced minstrel hailing from the enchanted land of Mazandaran. Admitted into the royal hall and seated among the king's harpists, the demon struck the strings of his lute and began a mesmerizing song in praise of his homeland:
"May our realm of Mazandaran be ever remembered, its soil eternally blooming! For roses ever blossom in its bowers, and tulips cover its emerald peaks. Its air is wholesome, its earth a tapestry of everlasting spring..."
These spellbinding verses ignited a fire of rash ambition and hubris within Kavus. Believing himself superior in fortune, royal glory, and justice to Jamshid, Zahhak, and Kay Qobad, the king declared to his champions that prolonged ease breeds lethargy. He vowed to conquer Mazandaran and add its magical riches to his crown.
The Iranian lords froze in terror. None among the great paladins—Tus, Goudarz, Giev, Khorrad, Gorgin, and Rohham—wished to wage war against the terrifying demons of Mazandaran. Yet, unable to challenge the king openly, they feigned obedience, only to gather in a desperate, secret council once outside the hall to find a way to avert this impending doom.
#1
درخت برومند چون شد بلند
✦
گر آید ز گردون برو بر گزند
“When a fruitful tree grows high toward the sky, if damage comes to it from the turning heavens,”
#2
شود برگ پژمرده و بیخ سست
✦
سرش سوی پستی گراید نخست
“Its leaves wither and its roots grow weak, and its head first bends down toward decay.”
#3
چو از جایگه بگسلد پای خویش
✦
به شاخ نو آیین دهد جای خویش
“As it detaches its roots from its place, it surrenders its realm to a fresh and newly sprung branch.”
#4
مراو را سپارد گل و برگ و باغ
✦
بهاری به کردار روشن چراغ
“It yields up the flowers, the leaves, and the garden—a new spring radiant as a glowing lamp.”
#5
اگر شاخ بد خیزد از بیخ نیک
✦
تو با شاخ تندی میاغاز ایک
“If an evil branch springs from a good root, do not begin strife with that fierce branch.”
#6
پدر چون به فرزند ماند جهان
✦
کند آشکارا برو بر نهان
“When a father leaves the world to his son, he reveals to him all that was hidden.”
#7
گر او بفگند فر و نام پدر
✦
تو بیگانه خوانش مخوانش پسر
“Yet if the son casts away the glory and name of his father, call him a stranger—do not call him a son.”
#8
کرا گم شود راه آموزگار
✦
سزد گر جفا بیند از روزگار
“Whoever loses the path of their teacher deserves to suffer cruelty from fate.”
#9
چنین است رسم سرای کهن
✦
سرش هیچ پیدا نبینی ز بن
“Such is the custom of this ancient house; you can discern neither its top nor its bottom.”
#10
چو رسم بدش بازداند کسی
✦
نخواهد که ماند به گیتی بسی
“When one learns its evil practice, one no longer desires to abide long in the world.”
#11
چو کاووس بگرفت گاه پدر
✦
مر او را جهان بنده شد سر به سر
“When Kavus ascended the throne of his father, the world became entirely subject to his command.”
#12
همان تخت و هم طوق و هم گوشوار
✦
همان تاج زرین زبرجد نگار
“He inherited the throne, the collar, the earrings, and the golden crown studded with chrysolite.”
#13
همان تازی اسپان آگنده یال
✦
به گیتی ندانست کس را همال
“As well as Arabian horses with thick manes, such that none in the world knew their equal.”
#14
چنان بد که در گلشن زرنگار
✦
همی خورد روزی می خوشگوار
“It so happened that one day in his gilded garden, he was drinking delicious wine in pleasure.”
#15
یکی تخت زرین بلورینش پای
✦
نشسته بروبر جهان کدخدای
“Seated upon a golden throne resting on crystal feet, the ruler of the world sat in glory.”
#16
ابا پهلوانان ایران به هم
✦
همی رای زد شاه بر بیش و کم
“Together with the heroes of Iran, the king deliberated upon matters great and small.”
#17
چو رامشگری دیو زی پرده‌دار
✦
بیامد که خواهد بر شاه بار
“When a demon disguised as a musician came before the chamberlain, seeking entry to the king,”
#18
چنین گفت کز شهر مازندران
✦
یکی خوشنوازم ز رامشگران
“He spoke thus: "From the city of Mazandaran, I am a sweet-voiced musician.”
#19
اگر در خورم بندگی شاه را
✦
گشاید بر تخت او راه را
“If I am worthy to serve the monarch, let the path to his throne be opened to me."”
#20
برفت از بر پرده سالار بار
✦
خرامان بیامد بر شهریار
“The master of the veil left the king's presence and returned gracefully to the ruler,”
#21
بگفتا که رامشگری بر درست
✦
ابا بربط و نغز رامشگرست
“Saying, "There is a fine musician at the door with a lute, an exquisite performer of melodies."”
#22
بفرمود تا پیش او خواندند
✦
بر رود سازانش بنشاندند
“The king commanded that he be summoned before him and seated among his lute-players.”
#23
به بربط چو بایست بر ساخت رود
✦
برآورد مازندرانی سرود
“As he tuned his lute as required, he raised a song of Mazandaran:”
#24
که مازندران شهر ما یاد باد
✦
همیشه بر و بومش آباد باد
“"May our land of Mazandaran ever be remembered! May its soil and realm be forever prosperous!”
#25
که در بوستانش همیشه گلست
✦
به کوه اندرون لاله و سنبلست
“For in its orchards roses ever bloom, and upon its mountainsides thrive tulips and hyacinths.”
#26
هوا خوشگوار و زمین پرنگار
✦
نه گرم و نه سرد و همیشه بهار
“Its air is sweet and wholesome, its soil richly adorned; neither hot nor cold, but eternal spring.”
#27
نوازنده بلبل به باغ اندرون
✦
گرازنده آهو به راغ اندرون
“The nightingale warbles within the garden, while the graceful deer prances across the meadow.”
#28
همیشه بیاساید از خفت و خوی
✦
همه ساله هرجای رنگست و بوی
“One ever finds rest from sweat and strain; all year long, every place is filled with scent and color.”
#29
گلابست گویی به جویش روان
✦
همی شاد گردد ز بویش روان
“You would say rosewater flows within its streams, making the soul gladdened by its fragrance.”
#30
دی و بهمن و آذر و فرودین
✦
همیشه پر از لاله بینی زمین
“In December, January, November, or April, you will ever find the earth covered with tulips.”
#31
همه ساله خندان لب جویبار
✦
به هر جای باز شکاری به کار
“All year round the stream banks are laughing, and everywhere hunting falcons are at work.”
#32
سراسر همه کشور آراسته
✦
ز دیبا و دینار وز خواسته
“The entire land is embellished with silk brocades, gold coins, and boundless wealth.”
#33
بتان پرستنده با تاج زر
✦
همه نامداران به زرین کمر
“Serving maidens wear crowns of gold, and all its noble lords wear girdles wrought of gold."”
#34
چو کاووس بشنید از او این سخن
✦
یکی تازه اندیشه افگند بن
“When Kavus heard these words from him, a new and foolish ambition took root in his mind.”
#35
دل رزمجویش ببست اندران
✦
که لشکر کشد سوی مازندران
“His battle-seeking heart became fixated on leading a great host toward Mazandaran.”
#36
چنین گفت با سرفرازان رزم
✦
که ما سر نهادیم یکسر به بزم
“He spoke to the proud champions of battle: "We have devoted ourselves entirely to banquets.”
#37
اگر کاهلی پیشه گیرد دلیر
✦
نگردد ز آسایش و کام سیر
“If a warrior adopts slothfulness as his habit, he will never be satisfied with real ease or desire.”
#38
من از جم و ضحاک و از کیقباد
✦
فزونم به بخت و به فر و به داد
“I surpass Jamshid, Zahhak, and Kay Qobad in fortune, divine glory, and justice.”
#39
فزون بایدم زان ایشان هنر
✦
جهانجوی باید سر تاجور
“My prowess must exceed theirs; a world-conqueror must be a crowned leader!"”
#40
سخن چون به گوش بزرگان رسید
✦
ازیشان کس این رای فرخ ندید
“When these words reached the ears of the nobles, none among them deemed this idea auspicious.”
#41
همه زرد گشتند و پرچین بروی
✦
کسی جنگ دیوان نکرد آرزوی
“Their faces turned pale and lined with dread; for none desired to wage war with demons.”
#42
کسی راست پاسخ نیارست کرد
✦
نهانی روان‌شان پر از باد سرد
“None dared to offer a word of reply, while secretly their souls were filled with cold sighs.”
#43
چو طوس و چو گودرز کشواد و گیو
✦
چو خراد و گرگین و رهام نیو
“Lords like Tus, Goudarz son of Kashvad, Giev, Khorrad, Gorgin, and valiant Rohham...”
#44
به آواز گفتند ما کهتریم
✦
زمین جز به فرمان تو نسپریم
“Spoke aloud, saying: "We are your servants; we tread the earth only by your command."”
#45
ازان پس یکی انجمن ساختند
✦
ز گفتار او دل بپرداختند
“Thereafter they held a secret council, their hearts troubled and grieved by his words.”
#46
نشستند و گفتند با یکدگر
✦
که از بخت ما را چه آمد به سر
“They sat together and conferred in anxiety: 'What dark affliction hath fate brought upon our heads?'”
#47
اگر شهریار این سخنها که گفت
✦
به می خوردن اندر نخواهد نهفت
“'If the King buries not these rash words he spoke while drinking wine...'”
#48
ز ما و ز ایران برآمد هلاگ
✦
نماند برین بوم و بر آب و خاک
“'...destruction shall overtake both us and Iran, and naught shall remain of this land, its water, or its soil.'”
#49
که جمشید با فر و انگشتری
✦
به فرمان او دیو و مرغ و پری
“'For even Jamshid, endowed with divine glory and the ring of power, who commanded demons, birds, and fairies...'”
#50
ز مازندران یاد هرگز نکرد
✦
نجست از دلیران دیوان نبرد
“'...never even spoke of Mazandaran, nor sought battle with its fierce demon warriors.'”
#51
فریدون پردانش و پرفسون
✦
همین را روانش نبد رهنمون
“'And Fereydoun, full of wisdom and magic lore, never allowed his spirit to lead him toward such an enterprise.'”
#52
اگر شایدی بردن این بد بسر
✦
به مردی و گنج و به نام و هنر
“'If this ill venture could be accomplished through valor, wealth, renown, or skill...'”
#53
منوچهر کردی بدین پیشدست
✦
نکردی برین بر دل خویش پست
“'...Manuchehr would have taken the lead, nor lowered his proud heart before it.'”
#54
یکی چاره باید کنون اندرین
✦
که این بد بگردد ز ایران زمین
“'Now must we find a remedy for this plight, so that this evil may be turned away from the land of Iran.'”
#55
چنین گفت پس طوس با مهتران
✦
که ای رزم دیده دلاور سران
“Then Tous spoke to the chieftains: 'O battle-tested, valiant leaders!'”
#56
مراین بند را چاره اکنون یکیست
✦
بسازیم و این کار دشوار نیست
“'There is but one remedy for this snare; let us prepare it, for it is no difficult task.'”
#57
هیونی تکاور بر زال سام
✦
بباید فرستاد و دادن پیام
“'A swift courier must be dispatched to Zal, son of Sam, carrying our message:'”
#58
که گر سر به گل داری اکنون مشوی
✦
یکی تیز کن مغز و بنمای روی
“'"If thy head is anointed with clay, wash it not now; sharpen thy wit and make thy presence seen!"'”
#59
مگر کاو گشاید لب پندمند
✦
سخن بر دل شهریار بلند
“'"Perchance his wise counsel may sway the high King's heart,"'”
#60
بگوید که این اهرمن داد یاد
✦
در دیو هرگز نباید گشاد
“'"And tell him that Ahriman inspired this thought, and the portal of the demon must never be opened!"'”
#61
مگر زالش آرد ازین گفته باز
✦
وگرنه سرآمد نشان فراز
“'"Perchance Zal may turn him back from this intent; otherwise, the height of our fortunes hath come to an end."'”
#62
سخنها ز هر گونه برساختند
✦
هیونی تکاور برون تاختند
“Having framed their words of every kind, they dispatched a swift courier on his way.”
#63
رونده همی تاخت تا نیمروز
✦
چو آمد بر زال گیتی فروز
“The messenger rode tirelessly unto Nimruz, until he came before Zal, the illuminator of the world.”
#64
چنین داد از نامداران پیام
✦
که ای نامور با گهر پور سام
“Thus he delivered the message of the nobles: 'O renowned and noble prince, son of Sam!'”
#65
یکی کار پیش آمد اکنون شگفت
✦
که آسانش اندازه نتوان گرفت
“'A wondrous and grave matter hath now arisen, which cannot easily be measured or dismissed.'”
#66
برین کار گر تو نبندی کمر
✦
نه تن ماند ایدر نه بوم و نه بر
“'If thou dost not gird thy loins for this, neither life nor land nor realm shall here remain.'”
#67
یکی شاه را بر دل اندیشه خاست
✦
بپیچیدش آهرمن از راه راست
“'A strange desire hath arisen in the King's heart; Ahriman hath turned him from the righteous path.'”
#68
به رنج نیاگانش از باستان
✦
نخواهد همی بود همداستان
“'He refuses to respect the ancient labors of his forefathers, nor heed their legacy.'”
#69
همی گنج بی‌رنج بگزایدش
✦
چراگاه مازندران بایدش
“'His effortless treasures now irk him; he longs for the lush pastures of Mazandaran.'”
#70
اگر هیچ سرخاری از آمدن
✦
سپهبد همی زود خواهد شدن
“'If he meets with no hindrance to his march, the commander will depart forthwith.'”
#71
همی رنج تو داد خواهد به باد
✦
که بردی ز آغاز باکیقباد
“'He will cast to the winds all the toil that thou didst bear from the beginning with Kay Qobad.'”
#72
تو با رستم شیر ناخورده سیر
✦
میان را ببستی چو شیر دلیر
“'Thou, alongside Rustam—who was yet a suckling babe—girded thy loins like a valiant lion.'”
#73
کنون آن همه باد شد پیش اوی
✦
بپیچید جان بداندیش اوی
“'Now all that seems as mere wind to him, for his malevolent soul hath twisted away.'”
#74
چو بشنید دستان بپیچید سخت
✦
تنش گشت لرزان بسان درخت
“When Dastan heard these words, he writhed in anguish; his body trembled like a tree in the wind.”
#75
همی گفت کاووس خودکامه مرد
✦
نه گرم آزموده ز گیتی نه سرد
“He said: 'Kay Kavus is a willful man, who hath tasted neither the hot nor the cold of the world.'”
#76
کسی کاو بود در جهان پیش گاه
✦
برو بگذرد سال و خورشید و ماه
“'Though a ruler sit upon the realm's high throne, while years and months pass over him...'”
#77
که ماند که از تیغ او در جهان
✦
بلرزند یکسر کهان و مهان
“'...yet how long can he endure, though all high and low tremble at his sword in this world?'”
#78
نباشد شگفت ار بمن نگرود
✦
شوم خسته گر پند من نشنود
“'It were no wonder if he heeds me not; yet I shall be grieved if he turns away from my counsel.'”
#79
ورین رنج آسان کنم بر دلم
✦
از اندیشهٔ شاه دل بگسلم
“'Yet if I dismiss this burden easily from my heart, and sever my soul from concern for the King...'”
#80
نه از من پسندد جهان‌آفرین
✦
نه شاه و نه گردان ایران زمین
“'...neither the Creator of the World, nor the King, nor the warriors of Iran shall approve of me.'”
#81
شوم گویمش هرچ آید ز پند
✦
ز من گر پذیرد بود سودمند
“I shall go to him and offer every counsel I possess; if he heeds my words, it will surely redound to his benefit.”
#82
وگر تیز گردد گشادست راه
✦
تهمتن هم ایدر بود با سپاه
“And should he grow sharp and wrathful, the path remains open; after all, Tahamtan is here as well with the army.”
#83
پر اندیشه بود آن شب دیرباز
✦
چو خورشید بنمود تاج از فراز
“Filled with heavy care was he through that long night, until the sun displayed its glowing crown from on high.”
#84
کمر بست و بنهاد سر سوی شاه
✦
بزرگان برفتند با او به راه
“He girded his loins and turned his face toward the King, while the nobles set forth upon the road alongside him.”
#85
خبر شد به طوس و به گودرز و گیو
✦
به رهام و گرگین و گردان نیو
“Tidings reached Tous, Goudarz, and Giv, as well as Rohham, Gorgin, and the valiant heroes,”
#86
که دستان به نزدیک ایران رسید
✦
درفش همایونش آمد پدید
“That Dastan had drawn near the realm of Iran, and his auspicious banner had appeared on the horizon.”
#87
پذیره شدندش سران سپاه
✦
سری کاو کشد پهلوانی کلاه
“The captains of the host went forth to greet him—every chief whose head bore a paladin's crown.”
#88
چو دستان سام اندر آمد به تنگ
✦
پذیره شدندنش همه بی‌درنگ
“As Dastan, son of Sam, approached nearby, they all hastened without delay to welcome him.”
#89
برو سرکشان آفرین خواندند
✦
سوی شاه با او همی راندند
“The proud chieftains showered praises upon him, and rode beside him toward the King's presence.”
#90
بدو گفت طوس ای گو سرفراز
✦
کشیدی چنین رنج راه دراز
“Tous spoke to him: 'O exalted hero, you have borne the toil of so long a journey,'”
#91
ز بهر بزرگان ایران زمین
✦
برآرامش این رنج کردی گزین
“'For the sake of the nobles of the Iranian land, you chose this arduous labor above your own rest.'”
#92
همه سر به سر نیک خواه توایم
✦
ستوده به فر کلاه توایم
“'We are, one and all, your devoted well-wishers, praised through the glory of your exalted crown.'”
#93
ابا نامداران چنین گفت زال
✦
که هر کس که او را نفرسود سال
“Zal thus addressed the renowned leaders: 'Whosoever has not been worn thin by the weight of years,'”
#94
همه پند پیرانش آید به یاد
✦
ازان پس دهد چرخ گردانش داد
“'Must bear in mind the counsel of the aged; only then shall the turning heavens accord him justice.'”
#95
نشاید که گیریم ازو پند باز
✦
کزین پند ما نیست خود بی‌نیاز
“'It is not fitting that we withhold our counsel from him, for he himself is not beyond the need of our advice.'”
#96
ز پند و خرد گر بگردد سرش
✦
پشیمانی آید ز گیتی برش
“'If his mind turns away from advice and wisdom, nothing but regret shall he reap from the world.'”
#97
به آواز گفتند ما با توایم
✦
ز تو بگذرد پند کس نشنویم
“With one voice they cried out: 'We stand with thee; if thy counsel is set aside, we shall heed no other man's!'”
#98
همه یکسره نزد شاه آمدند
✦
بر نامور تخت گاه آمدند
“Together, one and all, they entered the King's presence, approaching his renowned royal throne.”