#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.”