#1
چو آگاه شد دختر گژدهم
✦
که سالار آن انجمن گشت کم
“When the daughter of Gozhdeham learned that the commander of that fortress was lost,”
#2
زنی بود برسان گردی سوار
✦
همیشه به جنگ اندرون نامدار
“She was a woman who rode like a warrior champion, ever renowned in the fray of battle.”
#3
کجا نام او بود گردآفرید
✦
زمانه ز مادر چنین ناورید
“Her name was Gordafarid; time itself had never brought forth such a child from any mother.”
#4
چنان ننگش آمد ز کار هجیر
✦
که شد لاله رنگش به کردار قیر
“So deeply was she shamed by Hajir’s defeat that her tulip-hued cheeks turned dark as pitch.”
#5
بپوشید دِرْع سواران جنگ
✦
نبود اندر آن کار جای درنگ
“She put on the heavy coat of mail of warrior riders, for there was no time for delay.”
#6
نهان کرد گیسو به زیر زره
✦
بزد بر سر ترگ رومی گره
“She concealed her tresses beneath her chainmail and tightly bound her helmet of Roman steel upon her head.”
#7
فرود آمد از دژ به کردار شیر
✦
کمر بر میان بادپایی به زیر
“She descended from the fortress like a fierce lion, bound her waist tight, and mounted her swift warhorse.”
#8
به پیش سپاه اندر آمد چو گرد
✦
چو رعد خروشان یکی ویله کرد
“She charged before the army like a swirling duststorm and let out a roar like thunder.”
#9
که گردان کدامند و جنگ‌آوران
✦
دلیران و کارآزموده سران
“Shouting: "Who are the champions and warriors here—the brave and battle-proven lords?"”
#10
چو سهراب شیراوژن او را بدید
✦
بخندید و لب را به دندان گزید
“When lion-felling Sohrab beheld her, he laughed and bit his lip in delight.”
#11
چنین گفت کامد دگر باره گور
✦
به دام خداوند شمشیر و زور
“He said: "Once again a wild zebra has walked into the trap of the lord of sword and strength!"”
#12
بپوشید خفتان و بر سر نهاد
✦
یکی ترگ چینی به کردار باد
“He donned his cuirass and, swift as the wind, fastened a helmet of Chinese steel upon his head.”
#13
بیامد دمان پیش گرد آفرید
✦
چو دخت کمندافگن او را بدید
“He came charging forward before Gordafarid, and when the lasso-throwing maiden saw him...”
#14
کمان را بزه کرد و بگشاد بر
✦
نبد مرغ را پیش تیرش گذر
“She strung her bow and drew it back full length; no bird could fly past her lethal arrows.”
#15
به سهراب بر تیر باران گرفت
✦
چپ و راست جنگ سواران گرفت
“She rained down arrows upon Sohrab, waging a furious knightly battle from left and right.”
#16
نگه کرد سهراب و آمدش ننگ
✦
برآشفت و تیز اندر آمد به جنگ
“Sohrab looked upon this with indignity; enraged, he swiftly lunged into the fray.”
#17
سپر بر سر آورد و بنهاد روی
✦
ز پیگار خون اندر آمد به جوی
“He raised his shield above his head and charged; from their combat, streams of blood began to flow.”
#18
چو سهراب را دید گردآفرید
✦
که برسان آتش همی بردمید
“When Gordafarid saw Sohrab flaring up like a blaze of fire,”
#19
کمان بزه را به بازو فگند
✦
سمندش برآمد به ابر بلند
“She slung her strung bow over her arm, while her golden steed reared high into the clouds.”
#20
سر نیزه را سوی سهراب کرد
✦
عنان و سنان را پر از تاب کرد
“She pointed her spear-head straight at Sohrab, twisting rein and spear point with fury.”
#21
برآشفت سهراب و شد چون پلنگ
✦
چو بدخواه او چاره گر بد به جنگ
“Sohrab boiled with anger and turned fierce as a leopard, seeing his enemy using cunning tactics in combat.”
#22
عنان برگرایید و برگاشت اسپ
✦
بیامد به کردار آذرگشسپ
“He reined his horse around, wheeled it about, and charged like the lightning flame of Azargashasp.”
#23
زدوده سنان آنگهی درربود
✦
درآمد بدو هم به کردار دود
“He brandished his polished spearhead and closed in upon her like a pillar of smoke.”
#24
بزد بر کمربند گردآفرید
✦
زره بر برش یک به یک بردرید
“He struck Gordafarid upon her waist-belt, rending the mail upon her breast link by link.”
#25
ز زین برگرفتش به کردار گوی
✦
چو چوگان به زخم اندر آید بدوی
“He lifted her off her saddle like a polo ball struck by the powerful blow of a mallet.”
#26
چو بر زین بپیچید گرد آفرید
✦
یکی تیغ تیز از میان برکشید
“As Gordafarid twisted upon the saddle, she drew a sharp sword from her belt.”
#27
بزد نیزهٔ او به دو نیم کرد
✦
نشست از بر اسپ و برخاست گرد
“She struck Sohrab's spear and sheared it in two, firmly reseated herself on her horse, and kicked up dust.”
#28
به آورد با او بسنده نبود
✦
بپیچید ازو روی و برگاشت زود
“Realizing she was no match for him in head-on battle, she turned her face away and fled swiftly.”
#29
سپهبد عنان اژدها را سپرد
✦
به خشم از جهان روشنایی ببرد
“The commander gave free rein to his dragon-like steed, his rage blackening the very light of the world.”
#30
چو آمد خروشان به تنگ اندرش
✦
بجنبید و برداشت خود از سرش
“As he came roaring close behind her, he reached out and snatched the helmet from her head.”
#31
رها شد ز بند زره موی اوی
✦
درفشان چو خورشید شد روی اوی
“Her hair poured forth free from the bonds of the mail, and her face shone bright as the sun.”
#32
بدانست سهراب کاو دخترست
✦
سر و موی او ازدر افسرست
“Then Sohrab knew that his opponent was a maiden, whose head and tresses were worthy of a royal crown.”
#33
شگفت آمدش گفت از ایران سپاه
✦
چنین دختر آید به آوردگاه
“Astonished, he said: "From the army of Iran comes such a maiden to the battlefield!"”
#34
سواران جنگی به روز نبرد
✦
همانا به ابر اندر آرند گرد
“"Surely the brave knights on the day of battle must raise dust into the highest clouds!"”
#35
ز فتراک بگشاد پیچان کمند
✦
بینداخت و آمد میانش ببند
“Unfastening his coiled lasso from his saddle-bow, he cast it, and it bound her around the waist.”
#36
بدو گفت کز من رهایی مجوی
✦
چرا جنگ جویی تو ای ماهروی
“He said to her: "Seek no escape from me! Why do you seek battle, O moon-faced beauty?"”
#37
نیامد بدامم بسان تو گور
✦
ز چنگم رهایی نیابی مشور
“"Never before has such a prized zebra fallen into my trap; you shall not escape my grasp, move not!"”
#38
بدانست کاویخت گردآفرید
✦
مر آن را جز از چاره درمان ندید
“Gordafarid realized she was caught in a deadly snare, and saw no remedy save clever trickery.”
#39
بدو روی بنمود و گفت ای دلیر
✦
میان دلیران به کردار شیر
“Turning her face toward him, she said: "O brave hero, lion-like among all valiant warriors!"”
#40
دو لشکر نظاره برین جنگ ما
✦
برین گرز و شمشیر و آهنگ ما
“"Both armies are watching this battle of ours—our maces, swords, and fierce resolve."”
#41
کنون من گشایم چنین روی و موی
✦
سپاه تو گردد پر از گفت‌وگوی
“"If I now unveil my face and tresses thus, your army will fill with mocking gossip,"”
#42
که با دختری او به دشت نبرد
✦
بدین سان به ابر اندر آورد گرد
“"Saying: 'It was with a girl in the field of battle that he raised dust up to the clouds!'"”
#43
نهانی بسازیم بهتر بود
✦
خرد داشتن کار مهتر بود
“"It is far better that we reach a secret concord; to possess wisdom is the true mark of great leaders."”
#44
ز بهر من آهو ز هر سو مخواه
✦
میان دو صف برکشیده سپاه
“"Do not invite reproach upon yourself from every side for my sake, between the two arrayed armies!"”
#45
کنون لشکر و دژ به فرمان تست
✦
نباید برین آشتی جنگ جست
“"Now both army and fortress are under your command; there is no need to seek war over this peace!"”
#46
دژ و گنج و دژبان سراسر تراست
✦
چو آیی بدان ساز کت دل هواست
“"The fortress, treasure, and its warden are all yours; enter as your heart desires when you wish."”
#47
چو رخساره بنمود سهراب را
✦
ز خوشاب بگشاد عناب را
“When she revealed her face to Sohrab, she unlocked her ruby lips of pearl-like speech.”
#48
یکی بوستان بد در اندر بهشت
✦
به بالای او سرو دهقان نکشت
“She was like a garden in Paradise; no farmer had ever nurtured a cypress as tall as her stature.”
#49
دو چشمش گوزن و دو ابرو کمان
✦
تو گفتی همی بشکفد هر زمان
“Her eyes were like a gazelle's and her brows like bows; you would say she blossomed anew at every moment.”
#50
بدو گفت کاکنون ازین برمگرد
✦
که دیدی مرا روزگار نبرد
“She said to him, 'Now turn not back from this place, for you have seen my prowess on the day of battle.'”
#51
برین بارهٔ دژ دل اندر مبند
✦
که این نیست برتر ز ابر بلند
“'Set not your heart upon taking these ramparts, though they reach no higher than the high cloud.'”
#52
بپای آورد زخم کوپال من
✦
نراندکسی نیزه بر یال من
“'The blow of my heavy mace fells any opponent, and no man has ever cast a spear at my neck.'”
#53
عنان را بپیچید گرد آفرید
✦
سمند سرافراز بر دژ کشید
“Gordafarid turned her reins and spurred her noble steed toward the fortress.”
#54
همی رفت و سهراب با او به هم
✦
بیامد به درگاه دژ گژدهم
“She rode onward with Sohrab by her side, until she reached the gates of Gazhdaham's fortress.”
#55
درِ باره بگشاد گرد آفرید
✦
تن خسته و بسته بر دژ کشید
“Gordafarid opened the citadel gate and brought her wounded, weary body inside.”
#56
در دژ ببستند و غمگین شدند
✦
پر از غم دل و دیده خونین شدند
“They barred the gate and fell into sorrow; their hearts filled with grief and their eyes wept blood.”
#57
ز آزار گردآفرید و هجیر
✦
پر از درد بودند برنا و پیر
“For the plight of Gordafarid and Hajir, both young and old were consumed with distress.”
#58
بگفتند کای نیکدل شیرزن
✦
پر از غم بد از تو دل انجمن
“They said, 'O noble-hearted lioness! The hearts of all the assembly were filled with sorrow for you.'”
#59
که هم رزم جستی هم افسون و رنگ
✦
نیامد ز کار تو بر دوده ننگ
“'For you displayed both courage in battle and clever deceit; no disgrace was brought upon your lineage by your deed.'”
#60
بخندید بسیار گرد آفرید
✦
به باره برآمد سپه بنگرید
“Gordafarid laughed heartily, mounted the wall, and looked down upon the host.”
#61
چو سهراب را دید بر پشت زین
✦
چنین گفت کای شاه ترکان چین
“When she saw Sohrab atop his saddle, she addressed him: 'O King of the Turks of Chin!'”
#62
چرا رنجه گشتی کنون بازگرد
✦
هم از آمدن هم ز دشت نبرد
“'Why trouble yourself further? Turn back now, both from your journey and from this battlefield.'”
#63
بخندید و او را به افسوس گفت
✦
که ترکان ز ایران نیابند جفت
“She laughed and told him mockingly: 'The Turks shall find no brides in Iran!'”
#64
چنین بود و روزی نبودت ز من
✦
بدین درد غمگین مکن خویشتن
“'So it was destined, and I was not meant for you; grieve not your heart with this pain.'”
#65
همانا که تو خود ز ترکان نه‌ای
✦
که جز بآفرین بزرگان نه‌ای
“'Indeed, you seem not to be of Turkic stock yourself, for you deserve only praise from great nobles.'”
#66
بدان زور و بازوی و آن کتف و یال
✦
نداری کس از پهلوانان همال
“'With such strength, arm, shoulder, and neck, you have no equal among all champions.'”
#67
ولیکن چو آگاهی آید به شاه
✦
که آورد گردی ز توران سپاه
“'Yet when word reaches the Shah that a warrior has brought an army from Turan...'”
#68
شهنشاه و رستم بجنبد ز جای
✦
شما با تهمتن ندارید پای
“'...the Emperor and Rostam will march forth, and you cannot stand against Tahamtan.'”
#69
نماند یکی زنده از لشکرت
✦
ندانم چه آید ز بد بر سرت
“'Not a single man of your army shall remain alive; I know not what ill fate will overtake you.'”
#70
دریغ آیدم کاین چنین یال و سفت
✦
همی از پلنگان بباید نهفت
“'It grieves me that such stature and neck must soon be hidden from wild leopards.'”
#71
ترا بهتر آید که فرمان کنی
✦
رخ نامور سوی توران کنی
“'It would be better for you to heed advice and turn your famous face back to Turan.'”
#72
نباشی بس ایمن به بازوی خویش
✦
خورد گاو نادان ز پهلوی خویش
“'Rely not too securely on your own arm; the foolish ox suffers harm from its own flank.'”
#73
چو بشنید سهراب ننگ آمدش
✦
که آسان همی دژ به چنگ آمدش
“When Sohrab heard this, shame seized him, for he had thought the fortress was easily within his grasp.”
#74
به زیر دژ اندر یکی جای بود
✦
کجا دژ بدان جای بر پای بود
“There was a spot beneath the citadel upon which the very foundation of the fort rested.”
#75
به تاراج داد آن همه بوم و رست
✦
به یکبارگی دست بد را بشست
“He surrendered all those surrounding lands to plunder, giving free rein to destruction.”
#76
چنین گفت کامروز بیگاه گشت
✦
ز پیگارمان دست کوتاه گشت
“He said, 'Today it has grown late, and our hand is stayed from combat.'”
#77
برآرم به شبگیر ازین باره گرد
✦
ببینند آسیب روز نبرد
“'At morning's light I will raise dust from this rampart, and they shall feel the brunt of battle.'”