#1
چو آگاهی آمد به کاووس شاه
✦
که تنگ اندر آمد ز دیوان سپاه
“When tidings came to King Kavus that the demon army had pressed them tight,”
#2
بفرمود تا رستم زال زر
✦
نخستین بران کینه بندد کمر
“He bade Rostam, son of Zal the White-haired, to be the first to gird his belt for vengeance.”
#3
به طوس و به گودرز کشوادگان
✦
به گیو و به گرگین آزادگان
“And to Tus, and to Gudarz of Kasvad's line, to Giv and to Gurgin of noble birth,”
#4
بفرمود تا لشکر آراستند
✦
سنان و سپرها بپیراستند
“He commanded that they array the host and burnish their lance-tips and shields.”
#5
سراپردهٔ شهریار و سران
✦
کشیدند بر دشت مازندران
“They pitched the royal pavilions of the king and chiefs upon the plain of Mazandaran.”
#6
ابر میمنه طوس نوذر به پای
✦
دل کوه پر نالهٔ کر نای
“Upon the right wing stood Tus, son of Nowzar, while mountain heart wailed with warhorns.”
#7
چو گودرز کشواد بر میسره
✦
شده کوه آهن زمین یکسره
“On the left wing stood Gudarz, son of Kasvad, turning mountain into iron and earth into steel.”
#8
سپهدار کاووس در قلبگاه
✦
ز هر سو رده برکشیده سپاه
“In the center stood King Kavus, marshaling troops drawn up on every side.”
#9
به پیش سپاه اندرون پیلتن
✦
که در جنگ هرگز ندیدی شکن
“Before the army marched the elephant-bodied Rostam, who in battle had never known defeat.”
#10
یکی نامداری ز مازندران
✦
به گردن برآورده گرز گران
“There came forth a renowned warrior from Mazandaran, bearing a heavy mace upon his shoulder,”
#11
که جویان بدش نام و جوینده بود
✦
گرایندهٔ گرز و گوینده بود
“Whose name was Juyan—a seeker of combat, a wield of heavy maces, and a bold speaker.”
#12
به دستوری شاه دیوان برفت
✦
به پیش سپهدار کاووس تفت
“By order of the Demon King he stepped forth, swiftly advancing before Kay Kavus's host.”
#13
همی جوشن اندر تنش برفروخت
✦
همی تف تیغش زمین را بسوخت
“His chainmail gleamed upon his body, and the heat of his sword seemed to burn the ground.”
#14
بیامد به ایران سپه برگذشت
✦
بتوفید از آواز او کوه و دشت
“He rode before the army of Iran, and mountain and plain shook from his roaring voice.”
#15
همی گفت با من که جوید نبرد
✦
کسی کاو برانگیزد از آب گرد
“He cried out: 'Who among you seeks battle with me? Who dares raise dust from water?'”
#16
نشد هیچکس پیش جویان برون
✦
نه رگشان بجنبید در تن نه خون
“Not one man stepped forth against Juyan; neither vein stirred nor blood moved in their bodies.”
#17
به آواز گفت آن زمان شهریار
✦
به گردان هشیار و مردان کار
“Then spoke the King with loud voice to his wise heroes and men of war:”
#18
که زین دیوتان سر چرا خیره شد
✦
از آواز او رویتان تیره شد
“'Why have your heads grown foolish before this demon? Why are your faces darkened by his voice?'”
#19
ندادند پاسخ دلیران به شاه
✦
ز جویان بپژمرد گفتی سپاه
“The brave gave no answer to the king; as though the host had withered before Juyan.”
#20
یکی برگرایید رستم عنان
✦
بر شاه شد تاب داده سنان
“Then Rostam gave reign to his steed, approached the King, and tilted his spear,”
#21
که دستور باشد مرا شهریار
✦
شدن پیش این دیو ناسازگار
“Saying: 'Grant me leave, O King, to go forth against this ill-favored demon.'”
#22
بدو گفت کاووس کاین کار تست
✦
از ایران نخواهد کس این جنگ جست
“Kavus said to him: 'This task is yours alone; no one else in Iran will seek this fight.'”
#23
چو بشنید ازو این سخن پهلوان
✦
بیامد به کردار شیر ژیان
“When the champion heard these words, he came forth like a roaring lion.”
#24
برانگیخت رخش دلاور ز جای
✦
به چنگ اندرون نیزهٔ سر گرای
“He spurred brave Rakhsh into motion, clutching his sharp-pointed spear in hand.”
#25
به آورد گه رفت چون پیل مست
✦
یکی پیل زیر اژدهایی به دست
“He entered the battlefield like an enraged elephant, an elephant riding an dragon in battle.”
#26
عنان را بپیچید و برخاست گرد
✦
ز بانگش بلرزید دشت نبرد
“He turned his reins and raised a cloud of dust; the battlefield trembled at his cry.”
#27
به جویان چنین گفت کای بد نشان
✦
بیفگنده نامت ز گردنکشان
“He spoke to Juyan: 'O ill-omened demon, who hast cast away thy name among the proud!”
#28
کنون بر تو بر جای بخشایش است
✦
نه هنگام آورد و آرامش است
“Now is the time for pity upon thee, not the season for combat or repose!”
#29
بگرید ترا آنک زاینده بود
✦
فزاینده بود ار گزاینده بود
“'She who gave thee birth shall weep for thee, whether she raised thee or nurtured thy harm!'”
#30
بدو گفت جویان که ایمن مشو
✦
ز جویان و از خنجر سرد رو
“Juyan answered him: 'Be not secure from Juyan and his cold-faced blade,”
#31
که اکنون به درد جگر مادرت
✦
بگرید بدین جوشن و مغفرت
“'For now thy mother shall weep in heart's grief over this armor and helmet of thine!'”
#32
چو آواز جویان به رستم رسید
✦
خروشی چو شیر ژیان برکشید
“When Juyan's voice reached Rostam's ear, he let out a roar like a ferocious lion.”
#33
پس پشت او اندر آمد چو گرد
✦
سنان بر کمربند او راست کرد
“He circled behind him like the wind and aimed his lance straight at his girdle.”
#34
بزد نیزه بر بند درع و زره
✦
زره را نماند ایچ بند و گره
“He struck with his spear at the fastening of mail and armor, leaving no knot unsevered.”
#35
ز زینش جدا کرد و برداشتش
✦
چو بر بابزن مرغ برگاشتش
“He lifted him clean from his saddle, holding him aloft like a fowl upon a skewer.”
#36
بینداخت از پشت اسپش به خاک
✦
دهان پر ز خون و زره چاک چاک
“He dashed him from horse to earth, mouth filled with blood and coat of mail shredded.”
#37
دلیران و گردان مازندران
✦
به خیره فرو ماندند اندران
“The heroes and warriors of Mazandaran stood utterly stunned at that deed.”
#38
سپه شد شکسته دل و زرد روی
✦
برآمد ز آورد گه گفت و گوی
“Their army grew broken-hearted and pale-faced, and murmurs arose across the battlefield.”
#39
بفرمود سالار مازندران
✦
به یکسر سپاه از کران تا کران
“Then commanded the ruler of Mazandaran his whole army from end to end,”
#40
که یکسر بتازید و جنگ آورید
✦
همه رسم و راه پلنگ آورید
“'Charge all at once and wage war! Bring forth all the fierce tactics of the leopard!'”
#41
برآمد ز هر دو سپه بوق و کوس
✦
هوا نیلگون شد زمین آبنوس
“From both armies warhorns and drums resounded; the sky turned indigo, the earth black ebony.”
#42
چو برق درخشنده از تیره میغ
✦
همی آتش افروخت از گرز و تیغ
“Like flashing lightning from dark clouds, fire ignited from maces and swords.”
#43
هوا گشت سرخ و سیاه و بنفش
✦
ز بس نیزه و گونه‌گونه درفش
“The air grew red, black, and violet from many spears and banners of diverse hues.”
#44
زمین شد به کردار دریای قیر
✦
همه موجش از خنجر و گرز و تیر
“The earth became like a sea of pitch, whose waves were formed of daggers, maces, and arrows.”
#45
دوان باد پایان چو کشتی بر آب
✦
سوی غرق دارند گویی شتاب
“Swift steeds ran like ships upon water, rushing headlong into the abyss.”
#46
همی گرز بارید بر خود و ترگ
✦
چو باد خزان بارد از بید برگ
“Heavy maces showered down upon helmets and headpieces, as autumn winds shower leaves down from the willow tree.”
#47
به یک هفته دو لشکر نامجوی
✦
به روی اندر آورده بودند روی
“For a full week, the two renowned armies stood face to face in fierce conflict.”
#48
به هشتم جهاندار کاووس شاه
✦
ز سر برگرفت آن کیانی کلاه
“On the eighth day, King Kay Kavus, ruler of the world, removed the Kianian crown from his head.”
#49
به پیش جهاندار گیهان خدای
✦
بیامد همی بود گریان به پای
“He stood weeping before Almighty God, Creator of the world.”
#50
از آن پس بمالید بر خاک روی
✦
چنین گفت کای داور راستگوی
“Thereafter he rubbed his face upon the dust and prayed: 'O Just and Truthful Judge!'”
#51
برین نره دیوان بی‌بیم و باک
✦
تویی آفرینندهٔ آب و خاک
“'Grant us victory over these fierce, fearless demons—You who created water and earth!'”
#52
مرا ده تو پیروزی و فرهی
✦
به من تازه کن تخت شاهنشهی
“'Grant me victory and royal glory, and renew through me the throne of kingship.'”
#53
بپوشید ازان پس به مغفر سرش
✦
بیامد بر نامور لشکرش
“Then he donned his iron helmet once more and returned to his renowned army.”
#54
خروش آمد و نالهٔ کرنای
✦
بجنبید چون کوه لشکر ز جای
“The clarions bellowed and the war-trumpets wailed; the army surged forward like a moving mountain.”
#55
سپهبد بفرمود تا گیو و طوس
✦
به پشت سپاه اندر آرند کوس
“The commander ordered Giv and Tus to sound the war-drums at the rear of the host.”
#56
چو گودرز با زنگهٔ شاوران
✦
چو رهام و گرگین جنگ‌آوران
“Mighty warriors like Goudarz, Zangeh-ye Shavaran, Rohham, and the valiant Gorgin advanced.”
#57
گرازه همی شد بسان گراز
✦
درفشی برافراخته هفت باز
“Gorazeh charged forward like a wild boar, bearing a banner seven cubits high.”
#58
چو فرهاد و خراد و برزین و گیو
✦
برفتند با نامداران نیو
“Heroes such as Farhad, Khorrad, Barzin, and Giv marched forth alongside brave and noble warriors.”
#59
تهمتن به قلب اندر آمد نخست
✦
زمین را به خون دلیران بشست
“Tahamtan launched an assault into the heart of the enemy lines, washing the earth with the blood of heroes.”
#60
چو گودرز کشواد بر میمنه
✦
سلیح و سپه برد و کوس و بنه
“Goudarz, son of Kashvad, commanded the right wing, leading weapons, troops, drums, and baggage.”
#61
ازان میمنه تا بدان میسره
✦
بشد گیو چون گرگ پیش بره
“From the right wing to the left, Giv swept across the field like a wolf charging a herd of lambs.”
#62
ز شبگیر تا تیره شد آفتاب
✦
همی خون به جوی اندر آمد چو آب
“From early dawn until the sun grew dim, blood flowed across the battlefield like a river.”
#63
ز چهره بشد شرم و آیین مهر
✦
همی گرز بارید گفتی سپهر
“All pity and mercy vanished from every face; it seemed as if the sky rained down heavy maces.”
#64
ز کشته به هر جای بر توده گشت
✦
گیاها به مغز سر آلوده گشت
“Mounds of slain corpses piled high, and the grass was smeared with human brains.”
#65
چو رعد خروشنده شد بوق و کوس
✦
خور اندر پس پردهٔ آبنوس
“Clarions and kettledrums roared like thunder, while the sun hid behind an ebony veil of dust.”
#66
ازان سو که بد شاه مازندران
✦
بشد پیلتن با سپاهی گران
“Toward the side where the King of Mazandaran stood, elephant-bodied Rostam charged with a mighty host.”
#67
زمانی نکرد او یله جای خویش
✦
بیفشارد بر کینه گه پای خویش
“Not for a single moment did he abandon his ground; he planted his feet firmly upon the field of vengeance.”
#68
چو دیوان و پیلان پرخاشجوی
✦
بروی اندر آورده بودند روی
“As the warlike demons and fierce elephants stood face to face in combat...”
#69
جهانجوی کرد از جهاندار یاد
✦
سناندار نیزه به دارنده داد
“The world-seeking champion remembered Almighty God and handed his spear to his lance-bearer.”
#70
برآهیخت گرز و برآورد جوش
✦
هوا گشت از آواز او پرخروش
“He drew his mace and let out a mighty roar, filling the air with his thunderous voice.”
#71
برآورد آن گرد سالار کش
✦
نه با دیو جان و نه با پیل هش
“The champion leader wreaked such havoc that neither demon retained life nor elephant preserved its wits.”
#72
فگنده همه دشت خرطوم پیل
✦
همه کشته دیدند بر چند میل
“Severed trunks of elephants lay across the field, and slain bodies stretched for miles.”
#73
ازان پس تهمتن یکی نیزه خواست
✦
سوی شاه مازندران تاخت راست
“Thereafter Tahamtan called for a lance and charged straight toward the King of Mazandaran.”
#74
چو بر نیزهٔ رستم افگند چشم
✦
نماند ایچ با او دلیری و خشم
“When the enemy king cast his eyes upon Rostam's lance, all courage and fury vanished from him.”
#75
یکی نیزه زد بر کمربند اوی
✦
ز گبر اندر آمد به پیوند اوی
“Rostam struck a spear-thrust at his belt, piercing through his armor into his flesh.”
#76
شد از جادویی تنش یک لخت کوه
✦
از ایران بروبر نظاره گروه
“Through sorcery, his body instantly turned into a solid mass of rock, while the Iranian troops looked on in awe.”
#77
تهمتن فرو ماند اندر شگفت
✦
سناندار نیزه به گردن گرفت
“Tahamtan stood amazed in utter astonishment, as his lance-bearer took the spear upon his shoulder.”
#78
رسید اندر آن جای کاووس شاه
✦
ابا پیل و کوس و درفش و سپاه
“King Kay Kavus arrived at that spot with elephants, drums, royal banners, and his army.”
#79
به رستم چنین گفت کای سرفراز
✦
چه بودت که ایدر بماندی دراز
“He said to Rostam: 'O exalted hero, what happened that kept thee here so long?'”
#80
بدو گفت رستم که چون رزم سخت
✦
ببود و بیفروخت پیروز بخت
“Rostam replied to him: 'When the combat raged fierce and victorious fortune shined upon us...'”
#81
مرا دید چون شاه مازندران
✦
به گردن برآورده گرز گران
“When the King of Mazandaran beheld me, bearing a heavy mace resting upon my shoulder,”
#82
به رخش دلاور سپردم عنان
✦
زدم بر کمربند گبرش سنان
“I gave the rein to brave Rakhsh, and struck the point of my spear upon the belt of his armor.”
#83
گمانم چنان بد که او شد نگون
✦
کنون آید از کوههٔ زین برون
“I deemed that he would be overthrown and tumble straightway from the pommel of his saddle.”
#84
بر این گونه شد سنگ در پیش من
✦
نبود آگه از رای کم بیش من
“Yet in this wise he turned to stone before me; he had no heed of my thought, whether more or less.”
#85
برین گونه خارا یکی کوه گشت
✦
ز جنگ و ز مردی بی‌اندوه گشت
“Thus he became a mountain of hard granite, freed from all grief of war and valor.”
#86
به لشکر گهش برد باید کنون
✦
مگر کاید از سنگ خارا برون
“'Now must he be borne unto the encampment, perchance he may emerge from the solid rock.'”
#87
ز لشکر هر آن کس که بد زورمند
✦
بسودند چنگ آزمودند بند
“Whosoever among the army possessed great strength tried their hands and tested their ropes.”
#88
نه برخاست از جای سنگ گران
✦
میان اندرون شاه مازندران
“Yet the heavy rock stirred not from its place, with the King of Mazandaran enclosed within.”
#89
گو پیلتن کرد چنگال باز
✦
بران آزمایش نبودش نیاز
“The elephant-bodied hero opened his hands, needing no elaborate test for such a feat.”
#90
بران گونه آن سنگ را برگرفت
✦
کزو ماند لشکر سراسر شگفت
“He lifted up that stone in such a manner that the entire host remained filled with wonder.”
#91
ابر کردگار آفرین خواندند
✦
برو زر و گوهر برافشاندند
“They offered praise unto the Creator, and showered gold and jewels upon Rostam.”
#92
به پیش سراپردهٔ شاه برد
✦
بیفگند و ایرانیان را سپرد
“He carried it before the royal pavilion, cast it down, and left it in charge of the Iranians.”
#93
بدو گفت ار ایدونک پیدا شوی
✦
به گردی ازین تنبل و جادوی
“Rostam said to him: 'If thou step forth, emerging from this trickery and sorcery,”
#94
وگرنه به گرز و به تیغ و تبر
✦
ببرم همه سنگ را سر به سر
“Otherwise, with mace and sword and battle-axe, I shall shatter this rock entirely to pieces!'”
#95
چو بشنید شد چون یکی پاره ابر
✦
به سر برش پولاد و بر تنش گبر
“When he heard this, he emerged like a dark storm-cloud, with a steel helmet upon his head and armor on his body.”
#96
تهمتن گرفت آن زمان دست اوی
✦
بخندید و زی شاه بنهاد روی
“The champion thereupon seized his hand, laughed, and turned his face toward King Kay Kavus.”
#97
چنین گفت کاوردم ان لخت کوه
✦
ز بیم تبر شد به چنگم ستوه
“He said: 'I have brought that chunk of mountain; out of fear of the battle-axe, he surrendered in my grip.'”
#98
برویش نگه کرد کاووس شاه
✦
ندیدش سزاوار تخت و کلاه
“King Kavus looked upon his face and deemed him unworthy of throne and crown.”
#99
وزان رنجهای کهن یاد کرد
✦
دلش خسته شد سر پر از باد کرد
“He recalled all the ancient afflictions; his heart grew grieved and his head filled with pride and wrath.”
#100
به دژخیم فرمود تا تیغ تیز
✦
بگیرد کند تنش را ریز ریز
“He ordered the executioner to take a sharp sword and chop his body into pieces.”
#101
به لشکر گهش کس فرستاد زود
✦
بفرمود تا خواسته هرچ بود
“Swiftly he sent a messenger to the enemy camp, commanding that all their possessions,”
#102
ز گنج و ز تخت و ز در و گهر
✦
ز اسپ و سلیح و کلاه و کمر
“Of treasure, thrones, pearls, and jewels, of horses, weapons, crowns, and belts,”
#103
نهادند هرجای چون کوه کوه
✦
برفتند لشکر همه هم گروه
“Should be piled high in mountain heaps everywhere, as the whole army assembled together.”
#104
سزاوار هرکس ببخشید گنج
✦
به ویژه کسی کش فزون بود رنج
“He bestowed the treasure upon each according to his desert, especially unto those who had suffered greater toil.”
#105
ز دیوان هرآنکس که بد ناسپاس
✦
وز ایشان دل انجمن پرهراس
“And among the demons, whoever was ungrateful and rebellious, filling the assembly's heart with dread,”
#106
بفرمودشان تا بریدند سر
✦
فگندند جایی که بد رهگذر
“He commanded that their heads be severed and cast in places where travelers pass by.”
#107
وز آن پس بیامد به جای نماز
✦
همی گفت با داور پاک راز
“Thereafter he came unto the place of prayer, communing in secret with the pure Judge.”
#108
به یک هفته بر پیش یزدان پاک
✦
همی با نیایش بپیمود خاک
“For a whole week before the pure God, he prostrated himself upon the dust in worship.”
#109
بهشتم در گنجها کرد باز
✦
ببخشید بر هرکه بودش نیاز
“On the eighth day he unlocked the doors of the treasuries, bestowing gifts upon all who were in need.”
#110
همی گشت یک هفته زین گونه نیز
✦
ببخشید آن را که بایست چیز
“For another week he continued in this fashion, bestowing riches upon those who required them.”
#111
سیم هفته چون کارها گشت راست
✦
می و جام یاقوت و میخواره خواست
“In the third week, when all affairs were set aright, he called for wine, ruby goblets, and revelers.”
#112
به یک هفته با ویژگان می به چنگ
✦
به مازندران کرد زان پس درنگ
“For one week, wine-cup in hand alongside his intimates, he tarried thereafter in Mazandaran.”
#113
تهمتن چنین گفت با شهریار
✦
که هرگونه‌ای مردم آید به کار
“Rostam then spoke unto the monarch: 'Every manner of man may prove useful in his own turn.”
#114
مرا این هنرها ز اولاد خاست
✦
که بر هر سویی راه بنمود راست
“These accomplishments of mine stemmed from Olad, who guided me rightly in every direction.”
#115
به مازندران دارد اکنون امید
✦
چنین دادمش راستی را نوید
“He now places his hopes upon the rule of Mazandaran, for in truth I gave him such a promise.'”
#116
کنون خلعت شاه باید نخست
✦
یکی عهد و مهری بروبر درست
“First, he must receive the royal robe of honor, / And a binding covenant sealed with the royal mark,”
#117
که تا زنده باشد به مازندران
✦
پرستش کنندش همه مهتران
“So that as long as he lives in Mazandaran, / All the nobles and elders shall render him service and obedience.”
#118
چو بشنید گفتار خسرو پرست
✦
به بر زد جهاندار بیدار دست
“When the vigilant sovereign heard the words of his loyal hero, / The ruler of the world placed his hand upon his breast in accord.”
#119
سپرد آن زمان تخت شاهی بدوی
✦
وزانجا سوی پارس بنهاد روی
“He then entrusted the throne of that realm unto him, / And set forth from that place to return toward Pars.”