#1
بسی برنیامد برین روزگار
✦
که رنگ اندر آمد به خرم بهار
“Not long after this season had passed, a colorful bloom touched the joyful spring.”
#2
جدا گشت زو کودکی چون پری
✦
به چهره بسان بت آزری
“A child was born to her like a fairy, with a face like an idol carved by Azar.”
#3
بگفتند با شاه کاووس کی
✦
که برخوردی از ماه فرخنده‌پی
“They announced to King Kay Kavus: 'You have been blessed with a child of auspicious fortune from the moon.'”
#4
یکی بچهٔ فرخ آمد پدید
✦
کنون تخت بر ابر باید کشید
“'A fortunate child has appeared; now the throne should be raised above the clouds.'”
#5
جهان گشت ازان خوب پر گفت و گوی
✦
کزان گونه نشنید کس موی و روی
“The world became filled with talk of his beauty, for none had ever heard of such hair and countenance.”
#6
جهاندار نامش سیاوخش کرد
✦
برو چرخ گردنده را بخش کرد
“The ruler named him Siyavash, and commended his fortune to the turning heavens.”
#7
ازان کاو شمارد سپهر بلند
✦
بدانست نیک و بد و چون و چند
“He consulted the star-gazers of the high sphere to know the good, the ill, and the nature of his fate.”
#8
ستاره بران بچه آشفته دید
✦
غمی گشت چون بخت او خفته دید
“They saw the stars troubled over the child, and grew sorrowful seeing his fortune asleep.”
#9
بدید از بد و نیک آزار او
✦
به یزدان پناهید از کار او
“Seeing the harm and turmoil in his fate, the king sought refuge in God for his child's destiny.”
#10
چنین تا برآمد برین روزگار
✦
تهمتن بیامد بر شهریار
“As time passed in this manner, Tahamtan (Rostam) came before the King.”
#11
چنین گفت کاین کودک شیرفش
✦
مرا پرورانید باید به کش
“He spoke thus: 'This lion-like infant must be nurtured lovingly by me.'”
#12
چو دارندگان ترا مایه نیست
✦
مر او را بگیتی چو من دایه نیست
“'Since your guardians lack such capability, in all the world there is no fosterer like me for him.'”
#13
بسی مهتر اندیشه کرد اندر آن
✦
نیامد همی بر دلش بر گران
“The great king pondered this deeply, and the request was not burdensome to his heart.”
#14
به رستم سپردش دل و دیده را
✦
جهانجوی گرد پسندیده را
“He entrusted his heart and eyes—the noble, approved world-seeker—to Rostam.”
#15
تهمتن ببردش به زابلستان
✦
نشستن‌گهش ساخت در گلستان
“Tahamtan brought him to Zabulistan, and made his dwelling place in a rose garden.”
#16
سواری و تیر و کمان و کمند
✦
عنان و رکیب و چه و چون و چند
“Horsemanship, archery, bow and lasso, controlling reins and stirrups, and all essential skills,”
#17
نشستن‌گه مجلس و میگسار
✦
همان باز و شاهین و کار شکار
“Etiquette of assembly and wine-drinking, as well as hunting with falcon and hawk,”
#18
ز داد و ز بیداد و تخت و کلاه
✦
سخن گفتن رزم و راندن سپاه
“Justice and injustice, court and crown, discourse of battle and commanding armies—”
#19
هنرها بیاموختش سر به سر
✦
بسی رنج برداشت و آمد به بر
“He taught him every art completely; he endured much toil and gained the fruit of his labor.”
#20
سیاوش چنان شد که اندر جهان
✦
به مانند او کس نبود از مهان
“Siyavash became such that in all the world, none among the great could rival him.”
#21
چو یک چند بگذشت و او شد بلند
✦
سوی گردن شیر شد با کمند
“When a period passed and he grew tall, he could snare the neck of a lion with his lasso.”
#22
چنین گفت با رستم سرفراز
✦
که آمد به دیدار شاهم نیاز
“He spoke thus to exalted Rostam: 'Longing has filled my heart to behold the King, my father.'”
#23
بسی رنج بردی و دل سوختی
✦
هنرهای شاهانم آموختی
“'You have endured much toil and devoted your heart, teaching me all the arts of kings.'”
#24
پدر باید اکنون که بیند ز من
✦
هنرهای آموزش پیلتن
“'My father must now see from me the accomplishments taught by the Elephant-bodied hero.'”
#25
گو شیردل کار او را بساخت
✦
فرستادگان را ز هر سو بتاخت
“The lion-hearted champion arranged his affairs, sending emissaries to every quarter.”
#26
ز اسپ و پرستنده و سیم و زر
✦
ز مهر و ز تخت و کلاه و کمر
“Horses, servants, silver, gold, signet rings, thrones, crowns, and belts,”
#27
ز پوشیدنی هم ز گستردنی
✦
ز هر سو بیاورد آوردنی
“Garments to wear and carpets to spread—he gathered rare gifts from every direction.”
#28
ازین هر چه در گنج رستم نبود
✦
ز گیتی فرستاد و آورد زود
“Whatever was missing from Rostam's treasury, he quickly summoned and fetched from across the realm.”
#29
گسی کرد ازان گونه او را به راه
✦
که شد بر سیاوش نظاره سپاه
“He equipped him for the journey in such splendor that the entire army gazed at Siyavash in awe.”
#30
همی رفت با او تهمتن به هم
✦
بدان تا نباشد سپهبد دژم
“Tahamtan himself rode beside him, ensuring the prince would not feel somber on the journey.”
#31
جهانی به آیین بیاراستند
✦
چو خشنودی نامور خواستند
“They decorated the world in grand fashion, seeking to please the renowned young prince.”
#32
همه زر به عنبر برآمیختند
✦
ز گنبد به سر بر همی ریختند
“Gold mixed with ambergris was scattered over their heads from every dome.”
#33
جهان گشته پر شادی و خواسته
✦
در و بام هر برزن آراسته
“The world became full of joy and riches; every door and roof in every alley was embellished.”
#34
به زیر پی تازی اسپان درم
✦
به ایران نبودند یک تن دژم
“Coins were showered beneath the hooves of Arabian steeds; in all Iran, not a single person remained sad.”
#35
همه یال اسپ از کران تا کران
✦
براندوده مشک و می و زعفران
“The manes of the horses were smeared from side to side with musk, wine, and saffron.”
#36
چو آمد به کاووس شاه آگهی
✦
که آمد سیاووش با فرهی
“When word reached King Kavus that Siyavash was approaching with divine splendor,”
#37
بفرمود تا با سپه گیو و طوس
✦
برفتند با نای رویین و کوس
“He commanded Giv and Tus to advance with the army, amidst sound of brass trumpets and drums.”
#38
همه نامداران شدند انجمن
✦
چو گرگین و خراد لشکرشکن
“All the renowned heroes assembled, such as Gorgin and host-shattering Khorrad.”
#39
پذیره برفتند یکسر ز جای
✦
به نزد سیاووش فرخنده رای
“They all went forth together to welcome auspicious-minded Siyavash.”
#40
چو دیدند گردان گو پور شاه
✦
خروش آمد و برگشادند راه
“When the warriors beheld the King's brave son, shouts of joy arose and they opened the path.”
#41
پرستار با مجمر و بوی خوش
✦
نظاره برو دست کرده به کش
“Maidens with censers of sweet incense stood gazing at him with hands folded in respect.”
#42
بهر کنج در سیصد استاده بود
✦
میان در سیاووش آزاده بود
“In every corner three hundred stood, while noble Siyavash moved in their midst.”
#43
بسی زر و گوهر برافشاندند
✦
سراسر همه آفرین خواندند
“They scattered much gold and jewels, and all together sang praises upon him.”
#44
چو کاووس را دید بر تخت عاج
✦
ز یاقوت رخشنده بر سرش تاج
“When Siyavash saw Kavus upon the ivory throne, with a crown of gleaming rubies upon his head,”
#45
نخست آفرین کرد و بردش نماز
✦
زمانی همی گفت با خاک راز
“First he offered praise and paid homage, pressing his face to the dust for a moment in reverence.”
#46
وزان پس بیامد بر شهریار
✦
سپهبد گرفتش سر اندر کنار
“Thereafter Siyavash came into the presence of the King, and the commander clasped his head in a warm embrace.”
#47
شگفتی ز دیدار او خیره ماند
✦
بروبر همی نام یزدان بخواند
“In wonder at his sight the King stood spellbound, and called down the holy name of God upon his stature.”
#48
بدان اندکی سال و چندان خرد
✦
که گفتی روانش خرد پرورد
“So few in years yet blessed with such vast wisdom, it seemed as though Wisdom itself had nourished his soul.”
#49
بسی آفرین بر جهان آفرین
✦
بخواند و بمالید رخ بر زمین
“The King bestowed boundless praise upon the World-Creator, and pressed his face in devotion against the earth.”
#50
همی گفت کای کردگار سپهر
✦
خداوند هوش و خداوند مهر
“He prayed, 'O Creator of the spinning heaven, Lord of wisdom and Sovereign of loving-kindness,”
#51
همه نیکویها به گیتی ز تست
✦
نیایش ز فرزند گیرم نخست
“All goodness in this world proceedeth from Thee; first let me render praise for granting me this child.'”
#52
ز رستم بپرسید و بنواختش
✦
بران تخت پیروزه بنشاختش
“He inquired after Rostam and showered him with honor, seating him upon the turquoise throne.”
#53
بزرگان ایران همه با نثار
✦
برفتند شادان بر شهریار
“The grandees of Iran, bearing lavish gifts, stepped forward joyfully into the presence of the Monarch.”
#54
ز فر سیاوش فرو ماندند
✦
بدادار برآفرین خواندند
“They stood awestruck by the divine splendor of Siyavash, and sang praises to the Almighty Creator.”
#55
بفرمود تا پیشش ایرانیان
✦
ببستند گردان لشکر میان
“The King commanded the brave warriors of the realm to gird their loins before the prince.”
#56
به کاخ و به باغ و به میدان اوی
✦
جهانی به شادی نهادند روی
“In palace, garden, and polo field, all the world turned eagerly toward celebration.”
#57
به هر جای جشنی بیاراستند
✦
می و رود و رامشگران خواستند
“Everywhere banquets were adorned, as wine, lutes, and minstrels were summoned.”
#58
یکی سور فرمود کاندر جهان
✦
کسی پیش از وی نکرد از مهان
“The King ordered such a feast as no great ruler before him had ever arranged.”
#59
به یک هفته زان گونه بودند شاد
✦
به هشتم در گنجها برگشاد
“For a full week they rejoiced in this manner, and on the eighth day he unlocked his treasuries.”
#60
ز هر چیز گنجی بفرمود شاه
✦
ز مهر و ز تیع و ز تخت و کلاه
“The King bade a treasury of every treasure be assembled: jewels, swords, thrones, and crowns,”
#61
از اسپان تازی به زین پلنگ
✦
ز برگستوان و ز خفتان جنگ
“Arabian steeds with leopard-skin saddles, armor for battle, and war-harnesses,”
#62
ز دینار و از بدره‌های درم
✦
ز دیبای و از گوهر بیش و کم
“Gold coins, purses of silver dirhams, fine brocades, and jewels beyond count.”
#63
جز افسر که هنگام افسر نبود
✦
بدان کودکی تاج در خور نبود
“Save for the royal crown, for its time had not yet come; a crown was not yet fitting for one so young.”
#64
سیاووش را داد و کردش نوید
✦
ز خوبی بدادش فراوان امید
“All these he bestowed upon Siyavash with royal promises, inspiring in his heart high hopes of goodness.”
#65
چنین هفت سالش همی آزمود
✦
به هر کار جز پاک زاده نبود
“For seven years the King tested his character, and in every trial he proved noble and pure-born.”
#66
بهشتم بفرمود تا تاج زر
✦
ز گوهر درافشان کلاه و کمر
“On the eighth year, he ordered a golden crown, jewel-studded, along with a royal cap and belt.”
#67
نبشتند منشور بر پرنیان
✦
به رسم بزرگان و فر کیان
“They wrote his royal charter upon fine silk, after the custom of grandees and the glory of Kayanid kings.”
#68
زمین کهستان ورا داد شاه
✦
که بود او سزای بزرگی و گاه
“The King granted him the domain of Kuhestan, for he was truly worthy of greatness and high station.”
#69
چنین خواندندش همی پیشتر
✦
که خوانی ورا ماوراء النهر بر
“In former days they called that land Kuhestan—the selfsame realm thou now callest Transoxiana.”
#70
برآمد برین نیز یک روزگار
✦
چنان بد که سودابهٔ پرنگار
“A period passed in this wise, until it came to pass that Sudabeh, radiant and ornate,”
#71
ز ناگاه روی سیاوش بدید
✦
پراندیشه گشت و دلش بردمید
“Suddenly caught sight of Siyavash's face; her heart swelled with passion and her thoughts grew wild.”
#72
چنان شد که گفتی طراز نخ است
✦
وگر پیش آتش نهاده یخ است
“She became like a fragile strand of thread, or like ice set before a blazing fire.”
#73
کسی را فرستاد نزدیک اوی
✦
که پنهان سیاووش را این بگوی
“She dispatched a messenger to him, saying, 'Tell Siyavash in secret this word:”
#74
که اندر شبستان شاه جهان
✦
نباشد شگفت ار شوی ناگهان
“"It would be no wonder if thou shouldst come unawares into the royal quarters of the King of the World."'”
#75
فرستاده رفت و بدادش پیام
✦
برآشفت زان کار او نیکنام
“The envoy went and delivered the message; at this, the noble-named prince burned with fury.”
#76
بدو گفت مرد شبستان نیم
✦
مجویم که بابند و دستان نیم
“He said to him, 'I am no man of the women's quarters; seek me not for this, for I am no man of trickery or deceit.'”
#77
دگر روز شبگیر سودابه رفت
✦
بر شاه ایران خرامید تفت
“On the next day at early dawn, Sudabeh went in haste before the Shah of Iran.”
#78
بدو گفت کای شهریار سپاه
✦
که چون تو ندیدست خورشید و ماه
“She said to him, 'O Sovereign of armies, the like of whom sun and moon have never seen,”
#79
نه اندر زمین کس چو فرزند تو
✦
جهان شاد بادا به پیوند تو
“Nor is there anyone on earth like unto thy son; may the world rejoice in thy noble lineage!”
#80
فرستش به سوی شبستان خویش
✦
بر خواهران و فغستان خویش
“Send him unto thy royal harem, to visit his sisters and the women of thy realm.'”
#81
همه روی پوشیدگان را ز مهر
✦
پر ازخون دلست و پر از آب چهر
“Out of affection, all the veiled women within are filled with heartfelt anguish and tears upon their cheeks.”
#82
نمازش برند و نثار آورند
✦
درخت پرستش به بار آورند
“They shall bow in reverence before thee and shower gifts, bringing the tree of devotion to full fruit.”
#83
بدو گفت شاه این سخن در خورست
✦
برو بر ترا مهر صد مادرست
“The King said to him, 'This request is most fitting; go unto them, for they hold for thee the love of a hundred mothers.'”
#84
سپهبد سیاووش را خواند و گفت
✦
که خون و رگ و مهر نتوان نهفت
“The monarch called Siyavash near and said, 'Kinship, blood, and affection cannot be concealed.'”
#85
پس پردهٔ من ترا خواهرست
✦
چو سودابه خود مهربان مادرست
“Behind my curtain thou hast sisters, and Sudabeh herself is unto thee a loving mother.”
#86
ترا پاک یزدان چنان آفرید
✦
که مهر آورد بر تو هرکت بدید
“Pure God created thee in such beauty that all who gaze upon thee fall in love.”
#87
به ویژه که پیوستهٔ خون بود
✦
چو از دور بیند ترا چون بود
“Especially one who is tied to thee by blood; how could she bear it when she sees thee even from afar?”
#88
پس پرده پوشیدگان را ببین
✦
زمانی بمان تا کنند آفرین
“Go behind the curtain and meet the veiled ladies; stay a moment that they may offer thee praise and blessings.”
#89
سیاوش چو بشنید گفتار شاه
✦
همی کرد خیره بدو در نگاه
“When Siyavash heard the King's command, he gazed intently at him in wonder and hesitation.”
#90
زمانی همی با دل اندیشه کرد
✦
بکوشید تا دل بشوید ز گرد
“For a moment he pondered deeply in his heart, striving to cleanse his mind of suspicion and doubt.”
#91
گمانی چنان برد کاو را پدر
✦
پژوهد همی تا چه دارد به سر
“He suspected that his father was testing him, to discover what thoughts he harbored in his mind.”
#92
که بسیاردان است و چیره زبان
✦
هشیوار و بینادل و بدگمان
“For the King was knowledgeable and eloquent, wise, insightful, yet prone to suspicion.”
#93
بپیچید و بر خویشتن راز کرد
✦
از انجام آهنگ آغاز کرد
“He felt uneasy, kept his secret within, and deduced the ultimate outcome from the very beginning.”
#94
که گر من شوم در شبستان اوی
✦
ز سودابه یابم بسی گفت و گوی
“Thinking: 'If I enter his inner quarters, I shall face much trouble and gossip from Sudabeh.'”
#95
سیاوش چنین داد پاسخ که شاه
✦
مرا داد فرمان و تخت و کلاه
“Siyavash thus replied: 'The King has bestowed upon me command, throne, and crown;'”
#96
کز آنجایگه کآفتاب بلند
✦
برآید کند خاک را ارجمند
“'From the realm where the high sun ascends and bestows glory upon the earth,'”
#97
چو تو شاه ننهاد بر سر کلاه
✦
به خوبی و دانش به آیین و راه
“'No king like thee has ever worn a crown in goodness, wisdom, custom, and righteous path.'”
#98
مرا موبدان ساز با بخردان
✦
بزرگان و کارآزموده ردان
“'Set my companions to be high priests, wise men, nobles, and experienced chieftains,'”
#99
دگر نیزه و گرز و تیر و کمان
✦
که چون پیچم اندر صف بدگمان
“'And teach me spear, mace, bow, and arrow, that I may know how to charge into the enemy ranks,'”
#100
دگرگاه شاهان و آیین بار
✦
دگر بزم و رزم و می و میگسار
“'Likewise the court of kings, audience protocol, feast and fight, wine and cupbearers.'”
#101
چه آموزم اندر شبستان شاه
✦
بدانش زنان کی نمایند راه
“'What can I learn inside the royal harem? When did women ever guide the path to wisdom?'”
#102
گر ایدونک فرمان شاه این بود
✦
ورا پیش من رفتن آیین بود
“'Yet if this be the King's command, it is my solemn duty to obey.'”
#103
بدو گفت شاه ای پسر شاد باش
✦
همیشه خرد را تو بنیاد باش
“The King said unto him, 'Be joyful, my son! May wisdom ever be thy foundation.'”
#104
سخن کم شنیدم بدین نیکوی
✦
فزاید همی مغز کاین بشنوی
“'Seldom have I heard words so excellent; listening to them truly expands the mind.'”
#105
مدار ایچ اندیشهٔ بد به دل
✦
همه شادی آرای و غم برگسل
“'Harbor no evil thoughts in thy heart; foster all joy and sever thyself from grief.'”
#106
ببین پردگی کودکان را یکی
✦
مگر شادمانه شوند اندکی
“'Just pay a visit to the young ladies behind the curtain, that they may be somewhat gladdened.'”
#107
پس پرده اندر ترا خواهرست
✦
پر از مهر و سودابه چون مادرست
“'Behind the curtain thou hast sisters full of affection, and Sudabeh is like a mother to thee.'”
#108
سیاوش چنین گفت کز بامداد
✦
بیایم کنم هر چه او کرد یاد
“Siyavash replied, 'At dawn I shall come and fulfill all that the King hath requested.'”
#109
یکی مرد بد نام او هیربد
✦
زدوده دل و مغز و رایش ز بد
“There was a eunuch chamberlain named Hirbad, whose heart, mind, and intellect were cleansed of all evil.”
#110
که بتخانه را هیچ نگذاشتی
✦
کلید در پرده او داشتی
“He never neglected the inner chamber, and held the key to the harem's curtained doors.”
#111
سپهدار ایران به فرزانه گفت
✦
که چون برکشد تیغ هور از نهفت
“The ruler of Iran said to that wise man, 'As soon as the sun unsheathes its blade from concealment,'”
#112
به پیش سیاوش همی رو بهوش
✦
نگر تا چه فرماید آن دار گوش
“'Go attentively before Siyavash, and listen carefully to whatever that prince commands.'”
#113
به سودابه فرمود تا پیش اوی
✦
نثار آورد گوهر و مشک و بوی
“He commanded Sudabeh to bring before him offerings of gems, musk, and sweet perfumes.”
#114
پرستندگان نیز با خواهران
✦
زبرجد فشانند بر زعفران
“And that the maidservants along with his sisters should scatter chrysolites over saffron.”
#115
چو خورشید برزد سر از کوهسار
✦
سیاوش برآمد بر شهریار
“When the sun raised its head above the mountains, Siyavash presented himself before the Sovereign.”
#116
برو آفرین کرد و بردش نماز
✦
سخن گفت با او سپهد به راز
“He offered praise unto him and bowed in reverence, and then the commander spoke to him in private.”
#117
چو پردخته شد هیربد را بخواند
✦
سخنهای شایسته چندی براند
“When he was finished, he summoned the Hirbad and addressed him with appropriate words.”
#118
سیاووش را گفت با او برو
✦
بیارای دل را به دیدار نو
“He said to Siyavash, "Go with him, and delight thy heart with new encounters."”
#119
برفتند هر دو به یک جا به هم
✦
روان شادمان و تهی دل ز غم
“So both went together to the place, with joyful spirits and hearts free of sorrow.”
#120
چو برداشت پرده ز در هیربد
✦
سیاوش همی بود ترسان ز بد
“As Hirbad raised the curtain from the threshold, Siyavash was filled with dread of coming evil.”
#121
شبستان همه پیشباز آمدند
✦
پر از شادی و بزم ساز آمدند
“The entire harem came forth to welcome him, brimming with joy and prepared for feast.”
#122
همه جام بود از کران تا کران
✦
پر از مشک و دینار و پر زعفران
“Everywhere from edge to edge were vessels filled with musk, golden coins, and saffron.”
#123
درم زیر پایش همی ریختند
✦
عقیق و زبرجد برآمیختند
“They scattered silver coin under his feet, mingling therewith carnelians and chrysolites.”
#124
زمین بود در زیر دیبای چین
✦
پر از در خوشاب روی زمین
“The ground was draped in Chinese silk, strewn all over with lustrous pearls.”
#125
می و رود و آوای رامشگران
✦
همه بر سران افسران گران
“Wine, lutes, and the songs of minstrels filled the air, while all wore heavy crowns upon their heads.”
#126
شبستان بهشتی شد آراسته
✦
پر از خوبرویان و پرخواسته
“The royal harem became an adorned paradise, teeming with beauties and boundless treasures.”
#127
سیاوش چو نزدیک ایوان رسید
✦
یکی تخت زرین درفشنده دید
“When Siyavash drew near the high hall, he beheld a gleaming golden throne.”
#128
برو بر ز پیروزه کرده نگار
✦
به دیبا بیاراسته شاهوار
“Adorned with inlaid turquoise patterns, and decked in regal Chinese brocade.”
#129
بران تخت سودابه ماه روی
✦
بسان بهشتی پر از رنگ و بوی
“Upon that throne sat moon-faced Sudabeh, like unto a paradise brimming with color and scent.”
#130
نشسته چو تابان سهیل یمن
✦
سر جعد زلفش سراسر شکن
“Seated like the brilliant star Canopus of Yemen, her curled locks cascading in countless waves.”
#131
یکی تاج بر سر نهاده بلند
✦
فرو هشته تا پای مشکین کمند
“A lofty crown rested upon her head, and her musky tresses hung down to her feet like a lasso.”
#132
پرستار نعلین زرین بدست
✦
به پای ایستاده سرافگنده پست
“Handmaidens stood waiting with golden slippers in hand, bowing low in humble service.”
#133
سیاوش چو از پیش پرده برفت
✦
فرود آمد از تخت سودابه تفت
“As Siyavash stepped through the curtain, Sudabeh quickly descended from her throne.”
#134
بیامد خرامان و بردش نماز
✦
به بر در گرفتش زمانی دراز
“She advanced gracefully, bowed down in reverence, and held him in a long embrace.”
#135
همی چشم و رویش ببوسید دیر
✦
نیامد ز دیدار آن شاه سیر
“She kissed his eyes and face repeatedly, never weary of beholding the prince.”
#136
همی گفت صد ره ز یزدان سپاس
✦
نیایش کنم روز و شب بر سه پاس
“She said, "A hundred praises unto God! Night and day through all hours shall I offer my prayers,"”
#137
که کس را بسان تو فرزند نیست
✦
همان شاه را نیز پیوند نیست
“"For none possesses a son like unto thee, nor hath the King any kin so sublime."”
#138
سیاوش بدانست کان مهر چیست
✦
چنان دوستی نز ره ایزدیست
“Siyavash perceived the nature of that affection, knowing such passion was not born of divine virtue.”
#139
به نزدیک خواهر خرامید زود
✦
که آن جایگه کار ناساز بود
“He hastened quickly toward his sisters, for that spot was fraught with peril and impropriety.”
#140
برو خواهران آفرین خواندند
✦
به کرسی زرینش بنشاندند
“His sisters bestowed blessings upon him, and seated him upon a throne of gold.”
#141
بر خواهران بد زمانی دراز
✦
خرامان بیامد سوی تخت باز
“After spending much time with his sisters, he walked back gracefully toward the main throne.”
#142
شبستان همه شد پر از گفت‌وگوی
✦
که اینت سر و تاج فرهنگ جوی
“Whispers echoed throughout the harem, saying: "Behold this crown and head of noble wisdom!"”
#143
تو گویی به مردم نماند همی
✦
روانش خرد برفشاند همی
“"One would say he scarce resembles mortal men; his soul radiates pure wisdom!"”
#144
سیاوش به پیش پدر شد بگفت
✦
که دیدم به پرده‌سرای نهفت
“Siyavash returned before his father and said, "I have visited the inner sanctuary hidden behind curtains."”
#145
همه نیکویی در جهان بهر تست
✦
ز یزدان بهانه نبایدت جست
“"All goodness in the world is thy portion; thou hast no cause for complaint against God."”
#146
ز جم و فریدون و هوشنگ شاه
✦
فزونی به گنج و به شمشیر و گاه
“"Above Jamshid, Fereydun, and King Hoshang art thou in treasure, blade, and throne."”
#147
ز گفتار او شاد شد شهریار
✦
بیاراست ایوان چو خرم بهار
“The King was gladdened by his words, and adorned the hall like the fresh spring.”
#148
می و بربط و نای برساختند
✦
دل از بودنیها بپرداختند
“They readied wine, lutes, and flutes, freeing their hearts from concern for all that might befall.”
#149
چو شب گشت پیدا و شد روز تار
✦
شد اندر شبستان شه نامدار
“As night revealed itself and the day grew dark, the famed King went into the harem.”
#150
پژوهنده سودابه را شاه گفت
✦
که این رازت از من نباید نهفت
“Inquiringly, the King said to Sudabeh, "Thou must not hide this secret from me."”
#151
ز فرهنگ و رای سیاوش بگوی
✦
ز بالا و دیدار و گفتار اوی
“Speak of Siyavash’s wisdom and sound judgment, of his noble stature, his countenance, and his eloquent speech.”
#152
پسند تو آمد خردمند هست
✦
از آواز به گر ز دیدن بهست
“He has won your approval and is truly wise; whether judged by report or by sight, he is finer still.”
#153
بدو گفت سودابه همتای شاه
✦
ندیدست بر گاه خورشید و ماه
“Sudabeh said to him: "The sun and moon upon their thrones have never beheld anyone equal to the king's son."”
#154
چو فرزند تو کیست اندر جهان
✦
چرا گفت باید سخن در نهان
“"Who in this world compares to your child? Why must we speak of him only in secret?"”
#155
بدو گفت شاه ار به مردی رسد
✦
نباید که بیند ورا چشم بد
“The King replied: "Now that he has reached manhood, may the evil eye never touch him."”
#156
بدو گفت سودابه گر گفت من
✦
پذیره شود رای را جفت من
“Sudabeh said: "If my husband consents and accepts my advice,"”
#157
هم از تخم خویشش یکی زن دهم
✦
نه از نامداران برزن دهم
“"I shall grant him a wife from our own noble lineage, not merely from the celebrated houses of the city."”
#158
که فرزند آرد ورا در جهان
✦
به دیدار او در میان مهان
“"So that she may bring forth a child into the world, one matching his stature among the great."”
#159
مرا دخترانند مانند تو
✦
ز تخم تو و پاک پیوند تو
“"I have daughters who are like you, born of your royal seed and your pure stock."”
#160
گر از تخم کی آرش و کی پشین
✦
بخواهد به شادی کند آفرین
“"If he chooses a bride from the lineage of Kay Arash or Kay Pashin, he shall bestow his blessing in joy."”
#161
بدو گفت این خود بکام منست
✦
بزرگی به فرجام نام منست
“The king said to her: "This is indeed my heart's desire, bringing glory to my name unto the end."”
#162
سیاوش به شبگیر شد نزد شاه
✦
همی آفرین خواند بر تاج و گاه
“At dawn, Siyavash came before the king, offering praises upon the throne and crown.”
#163
پدر با پسر راز گفتن گرفت
✦
ز بیگانه مردم نهفتن گرفت
“The father began to confide his secrets in his son, concealing their counsel from all strangers.”
#164
همی گفت کز کردگار جهان
✦
یکی آرزو دارم اندر نهان
“He said: "I hold a quiet wish in my heart before the Creator of the world,"”
#165
که ماند ز تو نام من یادگار
✦
ز تخم تو آید یکی شهریار
“"That my name may endure through you as a legacy, and a future monarch may spring from your seed,"”
#166
چنان کز تو من گشته‌ام تازه روی
✦
تو دل برگشایی به دیدار اوی
“"Just as my face brightens at the sight of you, so may your heart rejoice in beholding your own son."”
#167
چنین یافتم اخترت را نشان
✦
ز گفت ستاره شمر موبدان
“"For thus I found the sign of your horoscope, foretold by the star-reading Mobads,"”
#168
که از پشت تو شهریاری بود
✦
که اندر جهان یادگاری بود
“"That from your loins shall come a sovereign who will be an everlasting tribute in the world."”
#169
کنون از بزرگان یکی برگزین
✦
نگه کن پس پردهٔ کی پشین
“"Now choose a maiden among the nobility; gaze behind the curtain of Kay Pashin's house,"”
#170
به خان کی آرش همان نیز هست
✦
ز هر سو بیارای و بپساو دست
“"Or in the home of Kay Arash as well; adorn yourself from all sides and stretch forth your hand."”
#171
بدو گفت من شاه را بنده‌ام
✦
به فرمان و رایش سرافگنده‌ام
“Siyavash replied: "I am the King's humble servant, obedient to your command and wisdom."”
#172
هرآن کس که او برگزیند رواست
✦
جهاندار بربندگان پادشاست
“"Whomever the King selects is worthy, for the ruler of the world is master over his servants."”
#173
نباید که سودابه این بشنود
✦
دگرگونه گوید بدین نگرود
“"Only let Sudabeh not hear of this, lest she twist words and oppose this course."”
#174
به سودابه زین‌گونه گفتار نیست
✦
مرا در شبستان او کار نیست
“"I have no desire to speak thus with Sudabeh, nor have I any business in her inner chambers."”
#175
ز گفت سیاوش بخندید شاه
✦
نه آگاه بد ز آب در زیر کاه
“The king laughed at Siyavash’s words, unaware of the hidden deceit beneath the surface.”
#176
گزین تو باید بدو گفت زن
✦
ازو هیچ مندیش وز انجمن
“He told him: "She must choose a bride for you; entertain no worry about her or the court."”
#177
که گفتار او مهربانی بود
✦
به جان تو بر پاسبانی بود
“"For her words stem from loving affection, and she acts as a guardian over your life."”
#178
سیاوش ز گفتار او شاد شد
✦
نهانش ز اندیشه آزاد شد
“Siyavash grew gladdened by his father's words, and his inner mind was freed from worry.”
#179
به شاه جهان بر ستایش گرفت
✦
نوان پیش تختش نیایش گرفت
“He began to praise the King of the World, bowing humbly before his throne in prayer.”
#180
نهانی ز سودابهٔ چاره‌گر
✦
همی بود پیچان و خسته جگر
“Yet secretly, because of artful Sudabeh, his heart remained twisted and tormented.”
#181
بدانست کان نیز گفتار اوست
✦
همی زو بدرید بر تنش پوست
“He realized that this plan too originated from her, and anxiety tore at his very skin.”