When hands were first stretched forth to fashion this monumental chronicle of kings, a noble protector of exalted lineage stepped into the light—a youth endowed with the heroic essence of ancient blood, wise of mind, vigilant, and possessed of a radiant soul. He was a master of sound counsel, modesty, fair speech, and gentle grace. Sheltering the poet like a delicate, fresh apple from the harsh winds of fortune, he raised him from the humble dust unto the high realm of Saturn. Gold and silver were as worthless dust in his eyes, for true generosity adorned his noble heart.
Yet alas, that upright cypress of the garden vanished from the assembly of men, ensnared by bloodthirsty adversaries, leaving neither trace nor sign of life or death. Though heartbroken and trembling like a willow branch in the winter storm, the poet held fast to his patron’s noble counsel: to turn away from deceit toward righteousness, and to complete this glorious Book of Kings for the exalted monarchs of the world.
#1
بدین نامه چون دست کردم دراز
✦
یکی مهتری بود گردن‌فراز
“When I stretched forth my hand to begin this book, there was an exalted and high-minded lord.”
#2
جوان بود و از گوهر پهلوان
✦
خردمند و بیدار و روشن روان
“He was young, of noble heroic lineage, wise, alert, and radiant of spirit.”
#3
خداوند رای و خداوند شرم
✦
سخن گفتن خوب و آوای نرم
“A master of wise counsel and modesty, gracious in speech and soft of voice.”
#4
مرا گفت کز من چه باید همی
✦
که جانت سخن برگراید همی
“He asked me: 'What do you require of me, now that your soul is drawn toward verse?'”
#5
به چیزی که باشد مرا دسترس
✦
بکوشم نیازت نیارم به کس
“'Whatever lies within my power I shall provide, so that you need never turn to anyone else.'”
#6
همی داشتم چون یکی تازه سیب
✦
که از باد نامد به من بر نهیب
“He cherished me like a fresh apple, protecting me so no cold wind might harm me.”
#7
به کیوان رسیدم ز خاک نژند
✦
از آن نیک‌دل نامدار ارجمند
“Through that benevolent and illustrious lord, I reached Saturn from the humble earth.”
#8
به چشمش همان خاک و هم سیم و زر
✦
کریمی بدو یافته زیب و فر
“In his eyes, dust, silver, and gold were one; generosity gained grace and splendor through him.”
#9
سراسر جهان پیش او خوار بود
✦
جوانمرد بود و وفادار بود
“The entire world was trivial before him; he was chivalrous, gallant, and loyal.”
#10
چنان نامور گم شد از انجمن
✦
چو در باغ سرو سهی از چمن
“Yet alas, such a renowned hero vanished from among men, like a tall cypress disappearing from the garden lawn.”
#11
نه ز او زنده بینم نه مرده نشان
✦
به دست نهنگان مردم کشان
“I see no trace of him, alive or dead, fallen into the grasp of man-slaying monsters.”
#12
دریغ آن کمربند و آن گِردگاه
✦
دریغ آن کِیی برز و بالای شاه
“Alas for that noble waist and frame, alas for that royal stature and high height of the lord!”
#13
گرفتار ز او دل شده نا‌امید
✦
نوان لرز لرزان به کردار بید
“Entangled in sorrow for him, my heart grew hopeless, trembling constantly like a willow in the wind.”
#14
یکی پند آن شاه یاد آوریم
✦
ز کژی روان سوی داد آوریم
“Let us recall a piece of advice from that ruler, and turn our soul away from deceit toward justice.”
#15
مرا گفت کاین نامهٔ شهریار
✦
گرت گفته آید به شاهان سپار
“He told me: 'When this chronicle of kings is composed by you, hand it over to the monarchs of the realm.'”
#16
بدین نامه من دست بردم فراز
✦
به نام شهنشاه گردن‌فراز
“Thus I reached out to compose this book, in the name of the high-minded King of Kings.”