🦅 IRANLORE | ایران‌نامه
✦
✦
✦
✦
Heroic Era (Kianian)

Siavosh

❖
144 distichs in this chapter
Click any distich to open the interactive annotation drawer.
Siyavash Volunteers for Battle, Conquers Balkh, and Receives Kavus's Cautionary Letter
When tidings reached the royal court that Afrasiab had amassed a formidable host of one hundred thousand chosen Turanian horsemen and was marching toward the borders of Iran, the heart of King Kay Kavus grew heavy with trouble. He summoned the realm's grandees and chief Mobads, lamenting Afrasiab's unending oath-breaking and declaring his intention to lead the army in person. Yet the wise Mobads dissuaded the King, reminding him of past perils when he abandoned his throne for rash campaigns, urging him instead to choose a mighty champion to command the host.

Siyavash, whose soul was deeply burdened by the relentless intrigues of Sudabeh and the friction with his father, saw in this war a path to divine deliverance and eternal glory. Praying silently that the Almighty might free him from the shadows of the court, he stepped forward, girded his loins, and petitioned his father to grant him the supreme command. Kay Kavus rejoiced at his son's noble spirit and summoned Rostam, trusting the young prince to the heroic tutelage of the Elephant-Bodied champion. Rostam swore absolute devotion, declaring Siyavash to be the very soul within his body.

A glorious host was assembled: twelve thousand elite cavalry gathered from Pars, Pahlav, Gilan, Saruch, Koch, and Baloch, alongside twelve thousand shielded foot-soldiers, led by renowned chieftains such as Bahram and Zangah-e Shavaran, escorted by five Mobads bearing the sacred Kavian Banner. As the army prepared to march, Kavus wept bitterly upon embracing Siyavash; a dark premonition settled in their hearts that they would never behold each other's faces again.

Siyavash led the host first to Zabulistan, spending a joyful month in the hospitality of Zal, Rostam, and Zavareh, engaging in feasts and hunts. Thereafter, the prince marched through Herat, Taloqan, and Marw-Rud, maintaining strict discipline so that no civilian suffered. Upon reaching the gates of Balkh, the Turanian commanders Garsivaz and Barman were struck with terror at the approach of Siyavash and Rostam. Garsivaz dispatched a swift courier to Afrasiab, begging for immediate reinforcements.

Without delay, Siyavash launched a fierce assault. After three days of unrelenting combat, the Iranian forces shattered the Turanian lines and liberated Balkh. Garsivaz and Barman fled across the Oxus River toward Termez and Sogdia. Siyavash promptly penned a victory letter to Kay Kavus on silk scented with musk and rosewater, praising God for the triumph, detailing the capture of Balkh, and asking permission to cross the Oxus to annihilate Afrasiab's remaining forces in Sogdia.

Kay Kavus received the letter with immense pride and delight. He returned a glowing reply praising his son's valor, yet commanded Siyavash to exercise utmost caution and refrain from crossing the Oxus hastily, warning that Afrasiab was deceitful and treacherous by nature. Respecting his sovereign and father's command, Siyavash halted his advance at Balkh.

Meanwhile, Garsivaz arrived before Afrasiab, recounting with dread the boundless endurance and ruthless prowess of the Iranian warriors who fought in relentless shifts without rest. Though Afrasiab flew into a rage and banished Garsivaz from his sight, secret terror took root in the Turanian king's heart as he retired to his bed full of foreboding.
#1
به مهر اندرون بود شاه جهان
✦
که بشنید گفتار کارآگهان
“The King of the world was dwelling in tranquility when he received the report of his intelligence-gatherers,”
#2
که افراسیاب آمد و صدهزار
✦
گزیده ز ترکان شمرده سوار
“That Afrasiab had arrived with a hundred thousand chosen, counted cavalrymen of Turan,”
#3
سوی شهر ایران نهادست روی
✦
وزو گشت کشور پر از گفت و گوی
“Setting his face toward the realm of Iran, filling the entire country with anxious rumors.”
#4
دل شاه کاووس ازان تنگ شد
✦
که از بزم رایش سوی جنگ شد
“The heart of King Kavus became constricted with grief, as his mind turned from feasting unto war.”
#5
یکی انجمن کرد از ایرانیان
✦
کسی را که بد نیکخواه کیان
“He convened an assembly of Iranians—everyone who was a well-wisher of the Kianian dynasty.”
#6
بدیشان چنین گفت کافراسیاب
✦
ز باد و ز آتش ز خاک و ز آب
“He spoke to them thus: 'Verily, Afrasiab is made neither of wind nor fire, nor earth nor water,”
#7
همانا که ایزد نکردش سرشت
✦
مگر خود سپهرش دگرگونه کشت
“Indeed, God did not create his nature properly, or perhaps the heavens molded him differently,”
#8
که چندین به سوگند پیمان کند
✦
زبان را به خوبی گروگان کند
“For he makes so many solemn oaths and pledges, giving his tongue as a bond of goodwill,”
#9
چو گردآورد مردم کینه جوی
✦
بتابد ز پیمان و سوگند روی
“Yet as soon as he gathers a vengeance-seeking host, he turns his face away from covenant and oath!”
#10
جز از من نشاید ورا کینه خواه
✦
کنم روز روشن بدو بر سیاه
“None but myself ought to seek vengeance upon him; I shall make the bright day dark for him,”
#11
مگر گم کنم نام او در جهان
✦
وگر نه چو تیر از کمان ناگهان
“Lest I erase his name from the world; otherwise, like an arrow suddenly loosed from a bow,”
#12
سپه سازد و رزم ایران کند
✦
بسی زین بر و بوم ویران کند
“He will raise an army, wage war on Iran, and desolate much of this land and realm.'”
#13
بدو گفت موبد چه باید سپاه
✦
چو خود رفت باید به آوردگاه
“The Mobad said to him: 'Why must the King lead the army himself into the battlefield?”
#14
چرا خواسته داد باید بباد
✦
در گنج چندین چه باید گشاد
“Why should wealth be scattered to the wind, and the doors of so many treasuries be opened?”
#15
دو بار این سر نامور گاه خویش
✦
سپردی به تیزی به بدخواه خویش
“Twice before, in haste, you surrendered your renowned head and throne to your enemy!”
#16
کنون پهلوانی نگه کن گزین
✦
سزاوار جنگ و سزاوار کین
“Now seek out an elite champion, worthy of battle and worthy of vengeance.'”
#17
چنین داد پاسخ بدیشان که من
✦
نبینم کسی را بدین انجمن
“The King answered them: 'I see no one in this assembly,”
#18
که دارد پی و تاب افراسیاب
✦
مرا رفت باید چو کشتی بر آب
“Who possesses the stature and strength to withstand Afrasiab; I must go myself, like a ship upon the water.”
#19
شما بازگردید تا من کنون
✦
بپیچم یکی دل برین رهنمون
“Return now, while I deliberate deeply upon finding a guide for this path.'”
#20
سیاوش ازان دل پراندیشه کرد
✦
روان را از اندیشه چون بیشه کرد
“Siyavash became full of anxious thought; his soul grew dense as a forest with contemplation.”
#21
به دل گفت من سازم این رزمگاه
✦
به خوبی بگویم بخواهم ز شاه
“He said in his heart: 'I shall undertake this battlefield, speaking graciously to ask it of the King,”
#22
مگر کم رهایی دهد دادگر
✦
ز سودابه و گفت و گوی پدر
“Perchance the Just Creator will grant me release from Sudabeh and my father's agonizing talk.”
#23
دگر گر ازین کار نام آورم
✦
چنین لشکری را به دام آورم
“Moreover, if I win renown through this deed, I shall ensnare such a great army.'”
#24
بشد با کمر پیش کاووس شاه
✦
بدو گفت من دارم این پایگاه
“Girded with a belt, he came before King Kavus and said: 'I possess the stature for this station,”
#25
که با شاه توران بجویم نبرد
✦
سر سروران اندر آرم به گرد
“To seek battle with the King of Turan and bring low the heads of their grandees to the dust.'”
#26
چنین بود رای جهان آفرین
✦
که او جان سپارد به توران زمین
“Such was the decree of the Creator of the world, that he should surrender his soul in the land of Turan;”
#27
به رای و به اندیشهٔ نابکار
✦
کجا بازگردد بد روزگار
“For by mortal judgment and futile thoughts, how can the evil turn of fate be turned back?”
#28
بدین کار همداستان شد پدر
✦
که بندد برین کین سیاوش کمر
“The father agreed to this request, that Siyavash should gird his loins for this revenge.”
#29
ازو شادمان گشت و بنواختش
✦
به نوی یکی پایگه ساختش
“He rejoiced in him and caressed him, elevating his rank anew.”
#30
بدو گفت گنج و گهر پیش تست
✦
تو گویی سپه سر به سر خویش تست
“He said to him: 'Treasures and jewels are before thee; thou mayest say the army is entirely thine own.'”
#31
ز گفتار و کردار و از آفرین
✦
که خوانند بر تو به ایران زمین
“'For the praise, deeds, and blessings that shall be chanted over thee across the land of Iran.'”
#32
گو پیلتن را بر خویش خواند
✦
بسی داستانهای نیکو براند
“He summoned the Elephant-Bodied hero (Rostam) to his presence and spoke many fine tales to him.”
#33
بدو گفت همزور تو پیل نیست
✦
چو گرد پی رخش تو نیل نیست
“He said to him: 'Even an elephant equals not thy strength, and the river Nile is not like the dust of Rakhsh's hooves.”
#34
ز گیتی هنرمند و خامش توی
✦
که پروردگار سیاوش توی
“In all the world, thou art skilled and modest, and thou art the guardian and educator of Siyavash.”
#35
چو آهن ببندد به کان در گهر
✦
گشاده شود چون تو بستی کمر
“When iron binds jewel in the mine, it is loosed when thou girdest thy belt.”
#36
سیاوش بیامد کمر بر میان
✦
سخن گفت با من چو شیر ژیان
“Siyavash came, belt tightly bound, speaking to me like a raging lion.”
#37
همی خواهد او جنگ افراسیاب
✦
تو با او برو روی ازو برمتاب
“He desires war against Afrasiab; go thou with him and turn not thy face from him.”
#38
چو بیدار باشی تو خواب آیدم
✦
چو آرام یابی شتاب آیدم
“When thou art vigilant, sleep comes to me; when thou art at rest, haste overtakes me.”
#39
جهان ایمن از تیر و شمشیر تست
✦
سر ماه با چرخ در زیر تست
“The world is safe because of thy arrow and sword; the crown of the moon is beneath thy feet.'”
#40
تهمتن بدو گفت من بنده‌ام
✦
سخن هرچ گویی نیوشنده‌ام
“Tahamtan said to him: 'I am thy servant; whatever command thou utterest, I listen to it.”
#41
سیاوش پناه و روان منست
✦
سر تاج او آسمان منست
“Siyavash is my refuge and my soul; the head of his crown is my sky.'”
#42
چو بشنید ازو آفرین کرد و گفت
✦
که با جان پاکت خرد باد جفت
“When the King heard this, he praised him and said: 'May wisdom be paired with thy pure soul!'”
#43
وزان پس خروشیدن نای و کوس
✦
برآمد بیامد سپهدار طوس
“And thereafter, the clamor of trumpets and drums arose, as Tus the commander of the host arrived.”
#44
به درگاه بر انجمن شد سپاه
✦
در گنج دینار بگشاد شاه
“The army assembled at the royal court, and the King unlocked the doors of the gold treasury.”
#45
ز شمشیر و گُرز و کلاه و کمر
✦
همان خود و درع و سنان و سپر
“Of swords, maces, helmets, and belts, as well as headpieces, coats of mail, spearheads, and shields,”
#46
به گنجی که بد جامهٔ نابرید
✦
فرستاد نزد سیاوش کلید
“He sent unto Siyavash the key to the treasury where uncut, priceless garments lay stored.”
#47
که بر جان و بر خواسته کدخدای
✦
توی ساز کن تا چه آیدت رای
“Saying: "Thou art the master over life and wealth; prepare all things as thy wisdom decrees."”
#48
گزین کرد ازان نامداران سوار
✦
دلیران جنگی ده و دو هزار
“From among those renowned horsemen, he selected twelve thousand valiant, battle-tested warriors.”
#49
هم از پهلو و پارس و کوچ و بلوچ
✦
ز گیلان جنگی و دشت سروچ
“From Parthia and Pars, from Kutch and Baloch, from warlike Gilan and the plain of Saruch.”
#50
سپرور پیاده ده و دو هزار
✦
گزین کرد شاه از در کارزار
“Twelve thousand shield-bearing foot-soldiers fit for battle did the king likewise choose.”
#51
از ایران هرآنکس که گوزاده بود
✦
دلیر و خردمند و آزاده بود
“Whosoever in Iran was born of hero's line—valiant, wise, and noble-born—”
#52
به بالا و سال سیاوش بدند
✦
خردمند و بیدار و خامش بدند
“They were matched to Siyavash in stature and years—wise, vigilant, and grave in speech.”
#53
ز گردان جنگی و نام‌آوران
✦
چو بهرام و چون زنگهٔ شاوران
“Of battle-proven warriors and men of renown, like Bahram and Zangeh-ye Shavaran.”
#54
همان پنج موبد از ایرانیان
✦
برافراختند اختر کاویان
“Likewise five priests of Iranian blood raised high the glorious Kavian banner.”
#55
بفرمود تا جمله بیرون شدند
✦
ز پهلو سوی دشت و هامون شدند
“He commanded them all to march forth, departing Pahlu for the open plains.”
#56
تو گفتی که اندر زمین جای نیست
✦
که بر خاک او نعل را پای نیست
“Thou wouldst say no space remained upon the earth, nor room for horses' shoes upon its dust.”
#57
سراندر سپهر اختر کاویان
✦
چو ماه درخشنده اندر میان
“High into the heavens reached the Kavian banner, shining like the radiant moon in their midst.”
#58
ز پهلو برون رفت کاووس شاه
✦
یکی تیز برگشت گرد سپاه
“King Kay Kavus issued forth from Pahlu and rode swiftly around the army's ranks.”
#59
یکی آفرین کرد پرمایه کی
✦
که ای نامداران فرخنده پی
“The noble King bestowed his blessing, saying: "O illustrious and auspicious heroes,”
#60
مبادا جز از بخت همراهتان
✦
شده تیره دیدار بدخواهتان
“May none but good fortune be your companion, and may the vision of your foes be darkened!”
#61
به نیک اختر و تندرستی شدن
✦
به پیروزی و شاد باز آمدن
“Depart under a fortunate star and in full health, and return victorious and joyful!"”
#62
وزان جایگه کوس بر پیل بست
✦
به گردان بفرمود و خود برنشست
“Then from that spot he bound the war-drums on the elephants, commanded his braves, and mounted his steed.”
#63
دو دیده پر از آب کاووس شاه
✦
همی بود یک روز با او به راه
“With eyes brimming with tears, King Kay Kavus rode alongside him for a whole day's journey.”
#64
سرانجام مر یکدگر را کنار
✦
گرفتند هر دو چو ابر بهار
“At last they clasped each other in embrace, weeping together like clouds of spring.”
#65
ز دیده همی خون فرو ریختند
✦
به زاری خروشی برانگیختند
“They shed tears of blood from their eyes, raising a lamentation full of grief.”
#66
گواهی همی داد دل در شدن
✦
که دیدار ازان پس نخواهد بدن
“Their hearts gave witness as they parted that never again would they behold one another.”
#67
چنین است کردار گردنده دهر
✦
گهی نوش بار آورد گاه زهر
“Such is the way of revolving fortune: at times it yields sweet nectar, and at times bitter poison.”
#68
سوی گاه بنهاد کاووس روی
✦
سیاوش ابا لشکر جنگ‌جوی
“Kay Kavus turned his face back toward his throne, while Siyavash marched on with his warlike host.”
#69
سپه را سوی زابلستان کشید
✦
ابا پیلتن سوی دستان کشید
“He led the army toward Zabulistan, heading with the Elephant-bodied hero toward Dastan.”
#70
همی بود یکچند با رود و می
✦
به نزدیک دستان فرخنده پی
“For a time he abode with auspicious Dastan, midst the sound of lutes and flowing wine.”
#71
گهی با تهمتن بدی می بدست
✦
گهی با زواره گزیدی نشست
“Now he held wine in hand with Tahamtan, and now he chose to sit in council with Zavareh.”
#72
گهی شاد بر تخت دستان بدی
✦
گهی در شکار و شبستان بدی
“Now joyfully seated upon Dastan's throne, now engaged in hunting or in the royal quarters.”
#73
چو یک ماه بگذشت لشکر براند
✦
گوپیلتن رفت و دستان بماند
“When a month had passed, he moved his army forward; the elephant-bodied hero went with him, while Dastan remained behind.”
#74
سپاهی برفتند با پهلوان
✦
ز زابل هم از کابل و هندوان
“A mighty host marched with the champion, drawn from Zabul, Kabul, and the lands of Ind.”
#75
ز هر سو که بد نامور لشکری
✦
بخواند و بیامد به شهر هری
“From every quarter he summoned renowned troops, arriving at last at the city of Hari.”
#76
ازیشان فراوان پیاده ببرد
✦
بنه زنگهٔ شاوران را سپرد
“He took with him a vast force of foot-soldiers, entrusting the baggage train to Zangeh-ye Shavaran.”
#77
سوی طالقان آمد و مرورود
✦
سپهرش همی داد گفتی درود
“He marched toward Taleqan and Marv-er-Rud; it seemed as though the heavens themselves offered him praise.”
#78
ازانپس بیامد به نزدیک بلخ
✦
نیازرد کس را به گفتار تلخ
“Thereafter he drew near to Balkh, causing distress to none with bitter words.”
#79
وزان روی گرسیوز و بارمان
✦
کشیدند لشکر چو باد دمان
“Meanwhile, from the other side, Garsivaz and Barman advanced their forces like a rushing wind.”
#80
سپهرم بد و بارمان پیش رو
✦
خبر شد بدیشان ز سالار نو
“Sipahram and Barman were in the vanguard; news reached them of the new commander's approach.”
#81
که آمد سپاهی و شاهی جوان
✦
از ایران گو پیلتن پهلوان
“That a vast host and a youthful king have arrived from Iran, flanked by elephant-bodied hero-warriors.”
#82
هیونی به نزدیک افراسیاب
✦
برافگند برسان کشتی برآب
“A swift dromedary rider sped towards Afrasiab, gliding across the land like a ship upon the water.”
#83
که آمد ز ایران سپاهی گران
✦
سپهبد سیاووش و با او سران
“Reporting that a formidable army has come from Iran, led by Commander Siyavash and accompanied by noble chieftains.”
#84
سپه کش چو رستم گو پیلتن
✦
به یک دست خنجر به دیگر کفن
“With a commander like Rustam, the elephant-bodied hero, holding a dagger in one hand and a shroud in the other.”
#85
تو لشکر بیاری و چندین مپای
✦
که از باد کشتی بجنبد ز جای
“Delay no more and bring forth your army, for even a gentle breeze can set a ship adrift.”
#86
برانگیخت برسان آتش هیون
✦
کزین سان سخن راند با رهنمون
“He spurred his mount like a flaring flame, having delivered these urgent words to the commander.”
#87
سیاووش زین سو به پاسخ نماند
✦
سوی بلخ چون باد لشکر براند
“Meanwhile, Siyavash did not wait for a reply; like the swift wind, he drove his host towards Balkh.”
#88
چو تنگ اندر آمد ز ایران سپاه
✦
نشایست کردن به پاسخ نگاه
“As the Iranian host pressed closely upon them, there was no longer time to tarry for a response.”
#89
نگه کرد گرسیوز جنگ‌جوی
✦
جز از جنگ جستن ندید ایچ روی
“Battle-ready Garsivaz surveyed the field and saw no choice left before him save to fight.”
#90
چو ز ایران سپاه اندر آمد به تنگ
✦
به دروازهٔ بلخ برخاست جنگ
“As the Iranian forces encircled the city, fierce battle erupted at the very gates of Balkh.”
#91
دو جنگ گران کرده شد در سه روز
✦
بیامد سیاووش لشکر فروز
“Two intense battles were fought over three days, as Siyavash, the radiant army-leader, pressed forward.”
#92
پیاده فرستاد بر هر دری
✦
به بلخ اندر آمد گران لشکری
“He stationed foot-soldiers at every gate, and his mighty army triumphantly entered Balkh.”
#93
گریزان سپهرم بدان روی آب
✦
بشدبا سپه نزد افراسیاب
“Fleeing across the river, Sipahram escaped with his remaining troops to rejoin Afrasiab.”
#94
سیاووش در بلخ شد با سپاه
✦
یکی نامه فرمود نزدیک شاه
“Siyavash established his army in Balkh, and commanded that a letter be prepared for the Shah.”
#95
نوشتن به مشک و گلاب و عبیر
✦
چنان‌چون سزاوار بُد بر حریر
“They penned it upon fine silk with musk, rosewater, and ambergris, as fitted royal tradition.”
#96
نخست آفرین کرد بر کردگار
✦
کزو گشت پیروز و به روزگار
“He opened with praise unto the Almighty Creator, by Whose grace he had triumphed and prospered.”
#97
خداوند خورشید و گردنده ماه
✦
فرازندهٔ تاج و تخت و کلاه
“Sovereign of the radiant sun and the revolving moon, Who elevates crowns, thrones, and royal helms.”
#98
کسی را که خواهد برآرد بلند
✦
یکی را کند سوگوار و نژند
“Who exalts whomever He wills on high, and casts another down in sorrow and despair.”
#99
چرا نه به فرمانش اندر نه چون
✦
خرد کرد باید بدین رهنمون
“Before His decree there is no asking 'why' or 'how'; wisdom itself must bow to this divine Guide.”
#100
ازان دادگر کاو جهان آفرید
✦
ابا آشکارا نهان آفرید
“Praise be to that Just Creator Who fashioned the cosmos, bringing forth both the manifest and the hidden.”
#101
همی آفرین باد بر شهریار
✦
همه نیکوی باد فرجام کار
“May blessings ever rest upon the King, and may the final outcome of all deeds be goodness.”
#102
به بلخ آمدم شاد و پیروز بخت
✦
به فر جهاندار باتاج و تخت
“"I have entered Balkh in joy and fortune, by the divine glory of the King who commands throne and crown.”
#103
سه روز اندرین جنگ شد روزگار
✦
چهارم ببخشود پروردگار
“For three days the battle raged continuously; on the fourth, the Almighty bestowed His mercy upon us.”
#104
سپهرم به ترمذ شد و بارمان
✦
به کردار ناوک بجست از کمان
“Sipahram fled to Termez and Barman sped away, like an arrow launched from a drawn bow.”
#105
کنون تا به جیحون سپاه منست
✦
جهان زیر فر کلاه منست
“Now my army stretches all the way to the Jayhun river, and the realm lies beneath the grace of my crown.”
#106
به سغد است با لشکر افراسیاب
✦
سپاه و سپهبد بدان روی آب
“Afrasiab remains in Sogdia with his host; both commander and troops are stationed beyond the river.”
#107
گر ایدونک فرمان دهد شهریار
✦
سپه بگذرانم کنم کارزار
“If the Sovereign now gives his command, I shall cross the river with the army and engage in battle."”
#108
چو نامه بر شاه ایران رسید
✦
سر تاج و تختش به کیوان رسید
“When the letter reached the Shah of Iran, the splendor of his throne and crown exalted unto the heavens.”
#109
به یزدان پناهید و زو جست بخت
✦
بدان تا ببار آید آن نو درخت
“He sought refuge in God and prayed for fortune, that this young tree of hope might bear rich fruit.”
#110
به شادی یکی نامه پاسخ نوشت
✦
چو تازه بهاری در اردیبهشت
“In high spirits he penned a reply to the missive, delightful as a fresh spring day in the month of Ordibehesht.”
#111
که از آفرینندهٔ هور و ماه
✦
جهاندار و بخشندهٔ تاج و گاه
“"From the Creator of the sun and moon, the Sovereign of the world and Bestower of crown and throne:”
#112
ترا جاودان شادمان باد دل
✦
ز درد و بلا گشته آزاد دل
“May your heart remain joyful forever, liberated from all suffering, grief, and affliction!”
#113
همیشه به پیروزی و فرهی
✦
کلاه بزرگی و تاج مهی
“May victory and divine glory be ever yours, along with the helm of greatness and crown of supremacy!”
#114
سپه بردی و جنگ را خواستی
✦
که بخت و هنر داری و راستی
“You led the host into battle with courage, for good fortune, martial skill, and truth are your companions.”
#115
همی از لبت شیر بوید هنوز
✦
که زد بر کمان تو از جنگ توز
“Though the scent of milk still lingers on your lips, the war-bark of battle has already bound your bow."”
#116
همیشه هنرمند بادا تنت
✦
رسیده به کام دل روشنت
“May your body ever be endowed with skill and virtue, and may your bright heart attain all its desires.”
#117
ازان پس که پیروز گشتی به جنگ
✦
به کار اندرون کرد باید درنگ
“Now that you have emerged victorious in battle, you must proceed with caution and refrain from hasty actions.”
#118
نباید پراگنده کردن سپاه
✦
بپیمای روز و برآرای گاه
“Do not scatter your army; measure the passing days wisely and prepare the throne and court.”
#119
که آن ترک بدپیشه و ریمنست
✦
که هم بدنژادست و هم بدتنست
“For that Turk is deceitful and evil in nature, born of wicked lineage and corrupted in frame.”
#120
همان با کلاهست و با دستگاه
✦
همی سر برآرد ز تابنده ماه
“Yet he possesses crown and splendor, raising his head beyond the luminous moon in pride.”
#121
مکن هیچ بر جنگ جستن شتاب
✦
به جنگ تو آید خود افراسیاب
“Hasten not to seek further battle, for Afrasiab himself will surely march out to fight you.”
#122
گر ایدونک زین روی جیحون کشد
✦
همی دامن خویش در خون کشد
“Should he cross to this side of the Jayhun, he will only drag his own skirts in blood.”
#123
نهاد از بر نامه بر مهر خویش
✦
همانگه فرستاده را خواند پیش
“He placed his royal seal upon the letter, and straightway summoned the messenger before him.”
#124
بدو داد و فرمود تا گشت باز
✦
همی تاخت اندر نشیب و فراز
“He handed him the scroll and bade him return; the messenger rode relentlessly through valleys and hills.”
#125
فرستاده نزد سیاوش رسید
✦
چو آن نامهٔ شاه ایران بدید
“The envoy reached Siyavash, who rejoiced upon beholding the letter from the King of Iran.”
#126
زمین را ببوسید و دل شاد کرد
✦
ز هر غم دل پاک آزاد کرد
“He kissed the ground in respect, his heart filled with joy, freeing his pure mind from all worry.”
#127
ازان نامهٔ شاه چون گشت شاد
✦
بخندید و نامه بسر بر نهاد
“Delighted by the King's missive, he smiled warmly and placed the letter reverently upon his head.”
#128
نگه داشت بیدار فرمان اوی
✦
نپیچید دل را ز پیمان اوی
“He strictly heeded his father's command and did not turn his heart away from his covenant.”
#129
وزان سو چو گرسیوز شوخ مرد
✦
بیامد بر شاه ترکان چو گرد
“Meanwhile, the audacious Garsivaz returned swift as dust to the King of the Turks.”
#130
بگفت آن سخنهای ناپاک و تلخ
✦
که آمد سپهبد سیاوش به بلخ
“He delivered those bitter and grim tidings: that the commander Siyavash had arrived in Balkh.”
#131
سپه کش چو رستم سپاهی گران
✦
بسی نامداران و جنگ آوران
“With an army commander like Rustam and a vast host full of renowned warriors and champions.”
#132
ز هر یک ز ما بود پنجاه بیش
✦
سرافراز با گُرزهٔ گاومیش
“For every one of us, they numbered more than fifty, proud warriors wielding bull-headed maces.”
#133
پیاده به کردار آتش بدند
✦
سپردار با تیر و ترکش بدند
“Their foot-soldiers raged like blazing fire, equipped with shields, arrows, and quivers.”
#134
نپرد به کردار ایشان عقاب
✦
یکی را سر اندر نیاید بخواب
“Not even an eagle could fly as swiftly as they strike, nor does sleep ever overcome their eyes.”
#135
سه روز و سه شب بود هم زین نشان
✦
غمی شد سر و اسپ گردنکشان
“For three days and nights this state endured, until the heads and steeds of the proud commanders grew weary.”
#136
ازیشان کسی را که خواب آمدی
✦
ز جنگش بدانگه شتاب آمدی
“Whenever sleep overcame one of them, he would make haste to finish his bout of battle.”
#137
بخفتی و آسوده برخاستی
✦
به نوی یکی جنگ آراستی
“He would sleep briefly, rise refreshed, and straightway prepare for a fresh combat.”
#138
برآشفت چون آتش افراسیاب
✦
که چندش چه گویی ز آرام و خواب
“Afrasiab flared up like fire, shouting: "How long will you speak to me of rest and sleep?!"”
#139
به گرسیوز اندر چنان بنگرید
✦
که گفتی میانش بخواهد برید
“He glared at Garsivaz with such fury, as if he intended to cut him in two on the spot.”
#140
یکی بانگ برزد براندش ز پیش
✦
کجا خواست راندن برو خشم خویش
“He roared in rage and drove him from his presence, unleashing all his wrath upon him.”
#141
بفرمود کز نامداران هزار
✦
بخوانید وز بزم سازید کار
“He commanded: "Summon a thousand renowned chieftains, and prepare a grand feast!"”
#142
سراسر همه دشت پرچین نهید
✦
به سغد اندر آرایش چین نهید
“Cover the entire plain with pleated silk tents, and set up Chinese decorations throughout Sughd!”
#143
بدین سان به شادی گذر کرد روز
✦
چو از چشم شد دور گیتی فروز
“In this manner the day passed in feasting; and when the sun, illuminator of the world, vanished from sight...”
#144
به خواب و به آرامش آمد شتاب
✦
بغلتید بر جامه افراسیاب
“Eager for sleep and rest, Afrasiab threw himself onto his bed.”

Distich Annotation & Lore

English Translation:

Modern Interpretation:

Literary & Narrative Dimensions:
Entities Identified:
The Guide
Companion of Epic Lore & Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
Greetings, seeker of ancient lore! I am The Guide, your companion through the heroes, monarchs, mythical creatures, and timeless verses of the Shahnameh. Ask me anything about the epic tradition.
Suggested inquiries: