#1
وزانجا سوی راه بنهاد روی
✦
چنان چون بود مردم راه‌جوی
“And from that place he set out upon the road, moving as a seasoned traveler does.”
#2
همی رفت پویان به جایی رسید
✦
که اندر جهان روشنایی ندید
“He kept riding on until he reached a realm where he saw no light in all the world.”
#3
شب تیره چون روی زنگی سیاه
✦
ستاره نه پیدا نه خورشید و ماه
“The night was pitch dark like an Ethiopian's face; neither star was visible, nor sun nor moon.”
#4
تو خورشید گفتی به بند اندرست
✦
ستاره به خم کمند اندرست
“You would say the sun was held in chains, and the stars caught within the loops of a lasso.”
#5
عنان رخش را داد و بنهاد روی
✦
نه افراز دید از سیاهی نه جوی
“He loosened the reins of Rakhsh and moved forward, seeing neither high slope nor stream in the darkness.”
#6
وزانجا سوی روشنایی رسید
✦
زمین پرنیان دید و یکسر خوید
“From there he emerged into the light; he saw the ground soft as silk and covered in green sprouts.”
#7
جهانی ز پیری شده نوجوان
✦
همه سبزه و آبهای روان
“A world transformed from old age into youth, filled with greenery and flowing waters.”
#8
همه جامه بر برش چون آب بود
✦
نیازش به آسایش و خواب بود
“His clothes were soaked with sweat like water; he stood in deep need of rest and sleep.”
#9
برون کرد ببر بیان از برش
✦
به خوی اندرون غرقه بد مغفرش
“He took off the Babr-e Bayan from his body; his helmet was drenched in sweat.”
#10
بگسترد هر دو برِ آفتاب
✦
به خواب و به آسایش آمد شتاب
“He spread them both out under the sun and hastened to find sleep and repose.”
#11
لگام از سر رخش برداشت خوار
✦
رها کرد بر خوید در کشتزار
“He gently removed the bridle from Rakhsh's head and let him loose upon the young crops of the field.”
#12
بپوشید چون خشک شد خود و ببر
✦
گیاکرد بستر بسان هژبر
“Once his helmet and tiger-skin were dry, he put them on, laying down upon the grass like a lion.”
#13
بخفت و بیاسود از رنج تن
✦
هم از رخش غم بد هم از خویشتن
“He slept and found rest from physical toil, relieved of weariness for both Rakhsh and himself.”
#14
چو در سبزه دید اسپ را دشتوان
✦
گشاده زبان سوی او شد دوان
“When the field-keeper saw the horse amidst the green crops, he came running with a harsh tongue.”
#15
سوی رستم و رخش بنهاد روی
✦
یکی چوب زد گرم بر پای اوی
“He headed toward Rostam and Rakhsh, and struck Rostam hard upon the foot with a stick.”
#16
چو از خواب بیدار شد پیلتن
✦
بدو دشتوان گفت کای اهرمن
“When the elephant-bodied hero woke from sleep, the keeper shouted at him: 'O Ahriman!'”
#17
چرا اسپ بر خوید بگذاشتی
✦
بر رنج نابرده برداشتی
“'Why have you let your horse into the green crop, reaping where you did not toil?'”
#18
ز گفتار او تیز شد مرد هوش
✦
بجست و گرفتش یکایک دو گوش
“At his harsh words, the wise hero grew fierce; he leaped up and grabbed both of his ears at once.”
#19
بیفشرد و برکند هر دو ز بن
✦
نگفت از بد و نیک با او سخن
“He squeezed and tore them both out by the root, uttering not a word of good or ill to him.”
#20
سبک دشتبان گوش را برگرفت
✦
غریوان و مانده ز رستم شگفت
“The field-keeper swiftly picked up his ears, wailing aloud and marveling at Rostam's rage.”
#21
بدان مرز اولاد بد پهلوان
✦
یکی نامجوی دلیر و جوان
“In that region, Avlad was the chieftain—a brave, young champion seeking renown.”
#22
بشد دشتبان پیش او با خروش
✦
پر از خون به دستش گرفته دو گوش
“The keeper went shouting before him, holding his blood-drenched ears in his hands.”
#23
بدو گفت: «مردی چو دیو سیاه
✦
پلنگینه جوشن از آهن کلاه؛
“He said to him: 'A man like a black demon, wearing a leopard cuirass and an iron helmet;'”
#24
-همه دشت سرتاسر آهرمنست
✦
وگر اژدها خفته بر جوشنست-
“'The entire field is consumed as if by Ahriman, or a dragon slumbers upon his armor—'”
#25
برفتم که اسپش برانم ز کشت
✦
مرا خود به اسپ و به کشته نهشت:
“'I went to drive his horse from the crop, but he spared neither me, nor the horse, nor the field:'”
#26
مرا دید برجست و یافه نگفت
✦
دو گوشم بکند و همانجا بخفت»
“'When he saw me, he sprang up without idle speech, tore off both my ears, and laid right back down!'”
#27
چو بشنید اولاد برگشت زود
✦
برون آمد از درد دل همچو دود
“When Avlad heard this, he turned swiftly; smoke-like anger rose from the pain in his heart.”
#28
که تا بنگرد کاو چه مردست خود
✦
ابا او ز بهر چه کردست بد
“So that he might see what manner of man this stranger was, and why he had committed such harm.”
#29
همی گشت اولاد در مرغزار
✦
ابا نامداران ز بهر شکار
“Avlad was riding through the meadow with his noble warriors on a hunt.”
#30
چو از دشتبان این شگفتی شنید
✦
به نخچیر گه بر پی شیر دید
“When he heard this marvel from the keeper, he tracked the trail of the lion from the hunting ground.”
#31
عنان را بتابید با سرکشان
✦
بدان سو که بود از تهمتن نشان
“He turned his reins along with his chieftains, heading toward where the signs of Tahmatan led.”
#32
چو آمد به تنگ اندرون جنگجوی
✦
تهمتن سوی رخش بنهاد روی
“As the challenger drew near in fight, Tahmatan turned toward Rakhsh.”
#33
نشست از بر رخش و رخشنده تیغ
✦
کشید و بیامد چو غُرّنده میغ
“He mounted Rakhsh, unsheathed his gleaming sword, and advanced like a thundering stormcloud.”
#34
بدو گفت اولاد نام تو چیست
✦
چه مردی و شاه و پناه تو کیست
“Avlad said to him: 'What is your name? What kind of man are you, and who is your king and protector?'”
#35
نبایست کردن برین ره گذر
✦
ره نره دیوان پرخاشخر
“'You should not have traversed this pass, for it is the path of fierce, aggressive demons!'”
#36
چنین گفت رستم که نام من: «ابر!»
✦
(اگر ابر باشد به زور هژبر؛
“Rostam replied: 'My name is Cloud!—if a cloud could possess the strength of a roaring lion;'”
#37
همه نیزه و تیغ بار آورد
✦
سران را سر اندر کنار آورد)
“'A cloud that rains down spears and swords, bringing the heads of chieftains down to their knees!'”
#38
به گوش تو گر نام من بگذرد
✦
دم و جان و خون و دلت بفسرد
“'If my true name should strike your ear, your breath, soul, blood, and heart would freeze within you!'”
#39
نیامد به گوشت به هر انجمن
✦
کمند و کمان گو پیلتن
“'Have you never heard in any council of the lasso and bow of the elephant-bodied warrior?'”
#40
هران مام کاو چون تو زاید پسر
✦
کفن دوز خوانیمش ار مویه‌گر
“'Any mother who bears a son such as you—we might as well call her a shroud-weaver or a mourner!'”
#41
تو با این سپه پیش من رانده‌ای
✦
همی گو ز برگنبد افشانده‌ای
“'You ride against me with this host, mouthing empty words like walnuts rattled on a dome!'”
#42
نهنگ بلا برکشید از نیام
✦
بیاویخت از پیش زین خم خام
“He drew his sword—the dragon of calamity—from its sheath, and hung the raw leather lasso from his saddle-bow.”
#43
چو شیر اندر آمد میان بره
✦
همه رزمگه شد ز کشته خره
“Like a lion swooping upon a flock of sheep, the entire battlefield became covered with piles of slain warriors.”
#44
به یک زخم دو دو سرافگند خوار
✦
همی یافت از تن به یک تن چهار
“With a single stroke he severed two heads effortlessly, felling four bodies for every single man he struck.”
#45
سران را ز زخمش به خاک آورید
✦
سر سرکشان زیر پی گسترید
“With his blows he brought the leaders down to dust, trampling the heads of the proud beneath his horse's hooves.”
#46
در و دشت شد پر ز گرد سوار
✦
پراگنده گشتند بر کوه و غار
“The hills and plains were filled with the dust of warriors, as they scattered into the mountains and caves.”
#47
همی گشت رستم چو پیل دژم
✦
کمندی به بازو درون شصت خم
“Rostam ranged about like a furious elephant, with a lasso of sixty coils upon his arm.”
#48
به اولاد چون رخش نزدیک شد
✦
به کردار شب روز تاریک شد
“As Rakhsh drew near to Ovlād, the bright day turned dark as night in Ovlād's eyes.”
#49
بیفگند رستم کمند دراز
✦
به خم اندر آمد سر سرفراز
“Rostam cast forth his long lasso, catching that proud chieftain right in its loop.”
#50
از اسپ اندر آمد دو دستش ببست
✦
بپیش اندر افگند و خود برنشست
“Dismounting from his steed, he bound Ovlād's hands, drove him ahead, and mounted once again.”
#51
بدو گفت اگر راست گویی سخن
✦
ز کژی نه سر یابم از تو نه بن
“He said to him, 'If you speak the truth and practice no deceit, I shall spare your head and root.'”
#52
نمایی مرا جای دیو سپید
✦
همان جای پولاد غندی و بید
“'Show me the lair of the White Demon, as well as the dwelling of Pulād-Ghandi and Bid.'”
#53
به جایی که بستست کاووس کی
✦
کسی کاین بدیها فگندست پی
“'And show me where King Kay Kāvus is bound by him who laid the foundation of these evils.'”
#54
نمایی و پیدا کنی راستی
✦
نیاری به کار اندرون کاستی
“'Guide me with complete truthfulness, and let no deception enter into your conduct.'”
#55
من این تخت و این تاج و گرز گران
✦
بگردانم از شاه مازندران
“'I shall wrest this throne, crown, and heavy mace from the King of Māzandarān.'”
#56
تو باشی برین بوم و بر شهریار
✦
ار ایدونک کژی نیاری بکار
“'And you shall reign over this land as monarch, provided you do not resort to falsehood.'”
#57
بدو گفت اولاد دل را ز خشم
✦
بپرداز و بگشای یکباره چشم
“Ovlād replied, 'Purge your heart of anger, and open your eyes fully to the truth.'”
#58
تن من مپرداز خیره ز جان
✦
بیابی ز من هرچ خواهی همان
“'Do not rashly sever my soul from my body; you shall receive from me all that you desire.'”
#59
ترا خانهٔ بید و دیو سپید
✦
نمایم من این را که دادی نوید
“'I will guide you to the abode of Bid and the White Demon, according to the promise you made.'”
#60
به جایی که بستست کاووس شاه
✦
بگویم ترا یک به یک شهر و راه
“'And to the place where King Kāvus is imprisoned, I will describe to you every city and route step by step.'”
#61
از ایدر به نزدیک کاووس کی
✦
صد افگنده بخشیده فرسنگ پی
“'From here to King Kay Kāvus lie one hundred long leagues of journeying.'”
#62
وزانجا سوی دیو فرسنگ صد
✦
بیاید یکی راه دشوار و بد
“'And from there to the White Demon are another hundred leagues of difficult and treacherous road.'”
#63
میان دو صد چاهساری شگفت
✦
به پیمایش اندازه نتوان گرفت
“'Between them lie two hundred wondrous pit-caverns, too vast for anyone to measure.'”
#64
میان دو کوهست این هول جای
✦
نپرید بر آسمان بر همای
“'That fearful region lies between two mountains, where even the royal Huma bird dares not fly.'”
#65
ز دیوان جنگی ده و دو هزار
✦
به شب پاسبانند بر چاهسار
“'Twelve thousand warrior demons guard those abysses throughout the night.'”
#66
چو پولاد غندی سپهدار اوی
✦
چو بیدست و سنجه نگهدار اوی
“'Pulād-Ghandi is their commander, with Bid and Sanjeh acting as its guardians.'”
#67
یکی کوه یابی مر او را به تن
✦
بر و کتف و یالش بود ده رسن
“'You will find his body like a mountain; his chest, shoulders, and mane measure ten ropes across.'”
#68
ترا با چنین یال و دست و عنان
✦
گذارندهٔ گرز و تیغ و سنان
“'Though you possess such mighty shoulders, hands, and reins, wielding mace, sword, and spear...'”
#69
چنین برز و بالا و این کار کرد
✦
نه خوب است با دیو جستن نبرد
“'Despite such height, stature, and famous deeds, it is unwise for you to fight with this demon.'”
#70
کزو بگذری سنگلاخست و دشت
✦
که آهو بران ره نیارد گذشت
“'Beyond him lies a stony wasteland so desolate that even a gazelle cannot traverse it.'”
#71
چو زو بگذری رود آبست پیش
✦
که پهنای او بر دو فرسنگ بیش
“'Once past that, a river lies ahead whose width spans more than two leagues.'”
#72
کنارنگ دیوی نگهدار اوی
✦
همه نره دیوان به فرمان اوی
“'A demon named Kanārang guards it, with all male demons under his command.'”
#73
وزان روی بزگوش تا نرم پای
✦
چو فرسنگ سیصد کشیده سرای
“'And from there, the realm of Bozgush to Narm-pāy extends over three hundred leagues.'”
#74
ز بزگوش تا شاه مازندران
✦
رهی زشت و فرسنگهای گران
“'From Bozgush to the King of Māzandarān lies a grim road of grueling leagues.'”
#75
پراگنده در پادشاهی سوار
✦
همانا که هستند سیصدهزار
“'Scattered across the kingdom are horsemen—verily three hundred thousand strong.'”
#76
ز پیلان جنگی هزار و دویست
✦
کزیشان به شهر اندرون جای نیست
“'With twelve hundred war elephants, so vast in number that the city has no space to hold them.'”
#77
نتابی تو تنها و گر ز آهنی
✦
بسایدت سوهان آهرمنی
“'You cannot withstand them alone; even if you were made of iron, the file of Ahriman would wear you down.'”
#78
چنان لشکری با سلیح و درم
✦
نبینی ازیشان یکی را دژم
“'Such a mighty army, well-armed and wealthy—you will not see a single dispirited man among them.'”
#79
بخندید رستم ز گفتار اوی
✦
بدو گفت اگر با منی راه جوی
“Rostam laughed at his warning and said, 'If you are with me, simply point out the path.'”
#80
ببینی کزین یک تن پیلتن
✦
چه آید بران نامدار انجمن
“'You shall witness what this single elephant-bodied warrior will inflict upon that renowned host!'”
#81
به نیروی یزدان پیروزگر
✦
به بخت و به شمشیر تیز و هنر
“By the strength of the Victorious God, by good fortune, the sharp sword, and my martial skill,”
#82
چو بینند تاو بر و یال من
✦
به جنگ اندرون زخم گوپال من
“When they behold the prowess of my chest and shoulders, and the deadly strikes of my mace in battle,”
#83
به درد پی و پوستشان از نهیب
✦
عنان را ندانند باز از رکیب
“Their sinews and skin shall split from terror; in panic they will not tell the reins from the stirrups.”
#84
ازان سو کجا هست کاووس کی
✦
مرا راه بنمای و بردار پی
“Show me the way to where Kay Kavus lies, and lead the path before me.”
#85
نیاسود تیره شب و پاک روز
✦
همی راند تا پیش کوه اسپروز
“He rested neither through the dark night nor the clear day, riding onward until he reached Mount Esparuz.”
#86
بدانجا که کاووس لشکر کشید
✦
ز دیوان جادو بدو بد رسید
“To that place where Kavus had pitched his camp and suffered calamity at the hands of the sorcerer demons.”
#87
چو یک نیمه بگذشت از تیره شب
✦
خروش آمد از دشت و بانگ جلب
“When half of the dark night had passed, a great clamor arose from the plain along with the sound of drums.”
#88
به مازندران آتش افروختند
✦
به هر جای شمعی همی سوختند
“Fires were blazed across Mazandaran, and torches were lit in every corner.”
#89
تهمتن به اولاد گفت آن کجاست
✦
که آتش برآمد همی چپ و راست
“Tahamtan asked Olad: 'What place is that where fire flares up on the left and right?'”
#90
در شهر مازندران است گفت
✦
که از شب دو بهره نیارند خفت
“Olad replied: 'That is the entrance to the city of Mazandaran, where for two-thirds of the night they do not sleep.'”
#91
بدان جایگه باشد ارژنگ دیو
✦
که هزمان برآید خروش و غریو
“'There resides Arzhang the Demon, from whose realm loud shouts and roaring arise at every moment.'”
#92
بخفت آن زمان رستم جنگجوی
✦
چو خورشید تابنده بنمود روی
“Rostam the warlike knight then went to sleep until the radiant sun unveiled its face.”
#93
بپیچید اولاد را بر درخت
✦
به خم کمندش درآویخت سخت
“He bound Olad fast to a tree, hanging him tightly within the coils of his lasso.”
#94
به زین اندر افگند گرز نیا
✦
همی رفت یکدل پر از کیمیا
“He hung his ancestor's mace upon his saddle and rode forth, resolute and full of ingenuity.”