The tragic saga opens with a profound meditation upon death and the mysterious workings of destiny. When a sudden gale sweeps from the dark horizon and casts down an unripe fruit into the dust, mortal minds question whether this strike of fate is tyranny or divine justice. If death is indeed the ultimate expression of cosmic law, why do mortals raise such agonized cries against it? The human spirit remains blind to the secrets behind the veil of mortality, and despite all worldly greed and striving, no soul has ever unlocked this ultimate riddle. Yet perhaps in leaving this transitory world, a grander abode of serenity awaits. Death’s terrifying breath, like an unsparing flame, fears neither the vibrant vigor of youth nor the fragile decay of old age. When death tightens the reins upon its steed of destruction, no mortal can delay their departure. Thus, if a soul is illuminated with the light of faith, silence and humble devotion best become it, for the hidden mysteries of the Almighty belong not to creation—unless one’s soul has partnered with darkness. In this fleeting world, humankind must strive only for righteousness, so that goodness becomes their eternal legacy. With this solemn reflection, the tragic chronicle of Sohrab’s fateful clash with his father unfolds.
#1
اگر تندبادی براید ز کنج
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بخاک افگند نارسیده ترنج
“If a fierce gale blows from a hidden corner, and strikes to the earth an unripe citrus fruit,”
#2
ستمکاره خوانیمش ار دادگر
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هنرمند دانیمش ار بی‌هنر
“Shall we call Fate a tyrant or just? Shall we deem it virtuous or void of wisdom?”
#3
اگر مرگ دادست بیداد چیست
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ز داد این همه بانگ و فریاد چیست
“If death is true justice, then what is tyranny? And why this lament and outcry against justice?”
#4
ازین راز جان تو آگاه نیست
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بدین پرده اندر ترا راه نیست
“Your soul is unversed in this deepest mystery; you have no path behind this veiled curtain.”
#5
همه تا در آز رفته فراز
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به کس بر نشد این در راز باز
“Though all have striven up to the door of longing, to none has this portal of secrets ever opened.”
#6
برفتن مگر بهتر آیدش جای
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چو آرام یابد به دیگر سرای
“Perchance in departing, a grander place awaits, where the spirit finds rest in the eternal realm.”
#7
دم مرگ چون آتش هولناک
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ندارد ز برنا و فرتوت باک
“The breath of death, like a fearsome fire, spares neither the tender young nor the aged.”
#8
درین جای رفتن نه جای درنگ
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بر اسپ فنا گر کشد مرگ تنگ
“This world is a place of passing, no place to tarry, when death tightens its reins upon the steed of doom.”
#9
چنان دان که دادست و بیداد نیست
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چو داد آمدش جای فریاد نیست
“Know it to be absolute justice and not tyranny; when true justice arrives, there is no cause for lament.”
#10
جوانی و پیری به نزدیک مرگ
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یکی دان چو اندر بدن نیست برگ
“Youth and old age are as one in the eyes of death, once the leaf of life fades within the frame.”
#11
دل از نور ایمان گر آگنده‌ای
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ترا خامشی به که تو بنده‌ای
“If your heart is filled with the light of faith, silence becomes you, for you are but a humble servant.”
#12
برین کار یزدان ترا راز نیست
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اگر جانت با دیو انباز نیست
“Unto these deeds of God you have no secret key, unless your soul has partnered with the Div.”
#13
به گیتی دران کوش چون بگذری
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سرانجام نیکی بر خود بری
“In this mortal realm, strive so that when you depart, you bear the harvest of goodness as your final fate.”
#14
کنون رزم سهراب رانم نخست
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ازان کین که او با پدر چون بجست
“Now I shall tell first of Sohrab’s fateful battle, and how he sought strife against his own father.”