#1
بیاورد گرسیوز آن خواسته
✦
که روی زمین زو شد آراسته
“Garsivaz brought forth those vast treasures, with which the face of the earth was richly adorned.”
#2
دمان تا لب رود جیحون رسید
✦
ز گردان فرستاده‌ای برگزید
“Speeding swift as wind, he arrived at the banks of the Oxus River and selected an envoy from among his brave warriors.”
#3
بدان تا رساند به شاه آگهی
✦
که گرسیوز آمد بدان فرهی
“He sent the messenger ahead to bring tidings to the prince that Garsivaz was approaching in grand splendor.”
#4
به کشتی به یکروز بگذاشت آب
✦
بیامد سوی بلخ دل پر شتاب
“In a single day, the courier crossed the rushing waters by boat and hastened swiftly toward the city of Balkh.”
#5
فرستاده آمد به درگاه شاه
✦
بگفتند گرسیوز آمد به راه
“The messenger arrived at the royal court and announced that Garsivaz was on his way.”
#6
سیاوش گو پیلتن را بخواند
✦
وزین داستان چند گونه براند
“Siyavash summoned the elephant-bodied hero Rostam, and together they deliberated on the matter in various ways.”
#7
چو گرسیوز آمد به درگاه شاه
✦
بفرمود تا برگشادند راه
“When Garsivaz arrived at the court, the prince ordered the gates to be opened wide for him.”
#8
سیاووش ورا دید بر پای خاست
✦
بخندید و بسیار پوزش بخواست
“Upon seeing Garsivaz, Siyavash rose to his feet, smiled, and offered warm apologies for any delay.”
#9
ببوسید گرسیوز از دور خاک
✦
رخش پر ز شرم و دلش پر ز باک
“Garsivaz kissed the dust from afar, his face filled with shame and his heart with trembling fear.”
#10
سیاووش بنشاندش زیر تخت
✦
از افراسیابش بپرسید سخت
“Siyavash seated him just beneath the throne and inquired earnestly after King Afrasiab's state.”
#11
چو بنشست گرسیوز از گاه نو
✦
بدید آن سر وافسر شاه نو
“As Garsivaz sat in the new hall, he marveled at the visage and radiant crown of the young prince.”
#12
به رستم چنین گفت کافراسیاب
✦
چو از تو خبر یافت اندر شتاب
“He turned to Rostam and said: 'When Afrasiab received news of your arrival, he hastened immediately...'”
#13
یکی یادگاری به نزدیک شاه
✦
فرستاد با من کنون در به راه
“'...and has sent a token of tribute with me on the road for the mighty prince.'”
#14
بفرمود تا پرده برداشتند
✦
به چشم سیاووش بگذاشتند
“He commanded the drapes to be pulled back so that Siyavash's eyes could behold the gifts.”
#15
ز دروازهٔ شهر تا بارگاه
✦
درم بود و اسپ و غلام و کلاه
“From the city gates to the royal court stretched lines of silver coins, steeds, slaves, and crown-caps.”
#16
کس اندازه نشناخت آنرا که چند
✦
ز دینار وَز تاج و تخت بلند
“None could measure the vast quantity of gold coin, high thrones, and jewel-encrusted crowns.”
#17
غلامان همه با کلاه و کمر
✦
پرستنده با یاره و طوق زر
“Male servants were arrayed in belts and caps, while maidservants wore golden armlets and collars.”
#18
پسند آمدش سخت بگشاد روی
✦
نگه کرد و بشنید پیغام اوی
“Siyavash was greatly pleased; his face brightened as he examined the treasures and listened to the message.”
#19
تهمتن بدو گفت یک هفته شاد
✦
همی باش تا پاسخ آریم یاد
“Tahamtan said to him: 'Feast in joy for a week until we prepare a fitting answer.'”
#20
بدین خواهش اندیشه باید بسی
✦
همان نیز پرسیدن از هر کسی
“'For such a request requires deep reflection and counsel with wise men.'”
#21
چو بشنید گرسیوز پیش بین
✦
زمین را ببوسید و کرد آفرین
“When the far-sighted Garsivaz heard this, he kissed the ground and bestowed glorious praise upon them.”
#22
یکی خانه او را بیاراستند
✦
به دیبا و خوالیگران خواستند
“They prepared a splendid pavilion for him, draped in silk brocade, and assigned master chefs to his service.”
#23
نشستند بیدار هر دو به هم
✦
سگالش گرفتند بر بیش و کم
“The two champions sat up late into the night, consulting together over every detail, great and small.”
#24
ازان کار شد پیلتن بدگمان
✦
کزان گونه گرسیوز آمد دمان
“The elephant-bodied Rostam grew suspicious at how hastily Garsivaz had arrived with such an offer.”
#25
طلایه ز هر سو برون تاختند
✦
چنان چون ببایست برساختند
“Outposts and scouts were dispatched in every direction, fortifying their positions as was necessary.”
#26
سیاوش ز رستم بپرسید و گفت
✦
که این راز بیرون کنید از نهفت
“Siyavash asked Rostam: 'Unveil this secret to me and pull back the shroud of doubt.'”
#27
که این آشتی جستن از بهر چیست
✦
نگه کن که تریاک این زهر چیست
“'What is the true motive behind seeking peace? See what antidote lies within this potential poison.'”
#28
ز پیوستهٔ خون به نزدیک اوی
✦
ببین تا کدامند صد نامجوی
“'Let us demand one hundred renowned champions from among his closest blood relatives.'”
#29
گروگان فرستد به نزدیک ما
✦
کند روشن این رای تاریک ما
“'If he sends hostages to us, it will illuminate the darkness of our suspicions.'”
#30
نباید که از ما غمی شد ز بیم
✦
همی طبل سازد به زیر گلیم
“'Lest he acts out of fear, beating a drum of deception secretly beneath a cloak.'”
#31
چو این کرده باشیم نزدیک شاه
✦
فرستاده باید یکی نیک‌خواه
“'Once this condition is secured, we must dispatch a noble envoy to the King of Kings.'”
#32
برد زین سخن نزد او آگهی
✦
مگر مغز گرداند از کین تهی
“'To deliver news of this treaty, so that his mind might be cleansed of vengeance.'”
#33
چنین گفت رستم که اینست رای
✦
جزین روی پیمان نیاید بجای
“Rostam replied: 'This is indeed the true path; no covenant can be fulfilled by any other means.'”
#34
به شبگیر گرسیوز آمد بدر
✦
چنان چون بود با کلاه و کمر
“At early dawn, Garsivaz came to the door, fully arrayed with crown and champion's belt.”
#35
بیامد به پیش سیاوش زمین
✦
ببوسید و بر شاه کرد آفرین
“He stepped before Siyavash, kissed the earth, and showered blessings upon the prince.”
#36
سیاوش بدو گفت کز کار تو
✦
پراندیشه بودم ز گفتار تو
“Siyavash said to him: 'I have pondered deeply upon your words and proposals.'”
#37
کنون رای یکسر بران شد درست
✦
که از کینه دل را بخواهیم شست
“'Now our decision is firmly set: we desire to cleanse our hearts entirely of malice.'”
#38
تو پاسخ فرستی به افراسیاب
✦
که از کین اگر شد سرت پر شتاب
“'Send answer to Afrasiab that if his heart indeed turns quickly away from vengeance...'”
#39
کسی کاو ببیند سرانجام بد
✦
ز کردار بد بازگشتش سزد
“'...it is fitting for one who foresees an evil end to refrain from evil deeds.'”
#40
دلی کز خرد گردد آراسته
✦
یکی گنج گردد پر از خواسته
“'A heart that is adorned with wisdom becomes a treasury overflowing with wealth.'”
#41
اگر زیر نوش اندرون زهر نیست
✦
دلت را ز رنج و زیان بهر نیست
“'If there is no poison beneath your honeyed words, your heart shall suffer no pain or loss.'”
#42
چو پیمان همی کرد خواهی درست
✦
که آزار و کینه نخواهیم جست
“'If you truly wish to establish a binding oath that we shall seek no harm or quarrel...'”
#43
ز گردان که رستم بداند همی
✦
کجا نامشان بر تو خواند همی
“'...send to me as hostages those noble warriors whom Rostam knows and shall name...'”
#44
بر من فرستی به رسم نوا
✦
که باشد به گفتار تو بر گوا
“'...to be sent to me in good faith, serving as living witnesses to your word.'”
#45
و دیگر ز ایران زمین هرچ هست
✦
که آن شهرها را تو داری به دست
“'And furthermore, surrender all Iranian lands that you currently occupy and hold.'”
#46
بپردازی و خود به توران شوی
✦
زمانی ز جنگ و ز کین بغنوی
“Leave this land and return to Turan, to rest for a while from war and malice.”
#47
نباشد جز از راستی در میان
✦
به کینه نبندم کمر بر میان
“Nothing but truth shall reign between us; I shall no longer gird my waist in hatred.”
#48
فرستم یکی نامه نزدیک شاه
✦
مگر با آشتی باز خواند سپاه
“I will dispatch a letter to King Siyavash, hoping he will recall his army in peace.”
#49
برافگند گرسیوز اندر زمان
✦
فرستاده‌ای چون هژبر دمان
“At once Garsivaz dispatched an envoy, swift and fierce as a roaring lion.”
#50
بدو گفت خیره منه سر به خواب
✦
برو تازیان نزد افراسیاب
“He told him: 'Do not sleep or delay; ride swiftly to Afrasiab.'”
#51
بگویش که من تیز بشتافتم
✦
همی هرچ جستم همه یافتم
“'Tell him I hastened with all speed, and achieved all that I sought.'”
#52
گروگان همی خواهد از شهریار
✦
چو خواهی که برگردد از کارزار
“'He demands hostages from the king, if you wish him to withdraw from the battlefield.'”
#53
فرستاده آمد بدادش پیام
✦
ز شاه و ز گرسیوز نیک‌نام
“The messenger arrived and delivered the message from King Siyavash and the renowned Garsivaz.”
#54
چو گفت فرستاده بشنید شاه
✦
فراوان بپیچید و گم کرد راه
“When King Afrasiab heard the messenger's words, he writhed in distress and lost his peace of mind.”
#55
همی گفت صد تن ز خویشان من
✦
گر ایدونک کم گردد از انجمن
“He lamented: 'If one hundred of my kin are taken away from our court,'”
#56
شکست اندر آید بدین بارگاه
✦
نماند بر من کسی نیک‌خواه
“'Ruin will strike this royal court, and no well-wisher shall remain to support me.'”
#57
وگر گویم از من گروگان مجوی
✦
دروغ آیدش سر به سر گفت و گوی
“'Yet if I tell him not to seek hostages, all my promises of peace will seem a lie.'”
#58
فرستاد باید بر او نوا
✦
اگر بی گروگان ندارد روا
“'Thus I must send them those noble hostages, since peace without hostages is unacceptable to him.'”
#59
بران سان که رستم همی نام برد
✦
ز خویشان نزدیک صد بر شمرد
“Just as Rostam had demanded by name, Afrasiab selected one hundred of his closest kinsmen.”
#60
بر شاه ایران فرستادشان
✦
بسی خلعت و نیکوی دادشان
“He sent them to the Prince of Iran, bestowing upon them rich robes of honor and fine gifts.”
#61
بفرمود تا کوس با کره‌نای
✦
زدند و فروهشت پرده‌سرای
“He ordered the war drums and trumpets to sound, and packed up the royal pavilion.”
#62
به خارا و سغد و سمرقند و چاچ
✦
سپیجاب و آن کشور و تخت عاج
“From Khara, Sogd, Samarkand, and Chach, to Sepijab and that realm of ivory thrones,”
#63
تهی کرد و شد با سپه سوی گنگ
✦
بهانه نجست و فریب و درنگ
“He evacuated all, moving his army toward Gang, making no excuses, deceit, or delay.”
#64
چو از رفتنش رستم آگاه شد
✦
روانش ز اندیشه کوتاه شد
“When Rostam learned of his retreat, his mind was eased of all grave worries.”
#65
به نزد سیاوش بیامد چو گرد
✦
شنیده سخنها همه یاد کرد
“Swift as a whirlwind he came to Siyavash, and recounted all the news he had heard.”
#66
بدو گفت چون کارها گشت راست
✦
چو گرسیوز ار بازگردد رواست
“He said to him: 'Now that matters are settled, it is fitting for Garsivaz to return.'”
#67
بفرمود تا خلعت آراستند
✦
سلیح و کلاه و کمر خواستند
“Siyavash ordered splendid robes of honor to be prepared, along with arms, helmets, and jeweled girdles.”
#68
یکی اسپ تازی به زرین ستام
✦
یکی تیغ هندی به زرین نیام
“An Arabian steed with golden harness, and an Indian sword in a golden scabbard.”
#69
چو گرسیوز آن خلعت شاه دید
✦
تو گفتی مگر بر زمین ماه دید
“When Garsivaz beheld the prince's robe of honor, you would say he saw the full moon alight upon the earth.”
#70
بشد با زبانی پر از آفرین
✦
تو گفتی مگر بر نوردد زمین
“He departed with words full of praise, riding so swiftly as if he were rolling up the earth beneath him.”
#71
سیاوش نشست از بر تخت عاج
✦
بیاویخته بر سر عاج تاج
“Siyavash sat upon his ivory throne, with a royal crown suspended above his head.”
#72
همی رای زد با یکی چرب‌گوی
✦
کسی کاو سخن را دهد رنگ و بوی
“He took counsel with an eloquent speaker, one who could bestow color and charm upon words.”
#73
ز لشکر همی جست گردی سوار
✦
که با او بسازد دم شهریار
“He sought a valiant knight from his army who could convey the royal message to the king.”
#74
چنین گفت با او گو پیلتن
✦
کزین در که یارد گشادن سخن
“The elephant-bodied hero Rostam said to him: 'Who else dares open his lips regarding this matter?'”
#75
همانست کاووس کز پیش بود
✦
ز تندی نکاهد نخواهد فزود
“'Kavus is still the same as before; he will neither diminish nor temper his fierce nature.'”
#76
مگر من شوم نزد شاه جهان
✦
کنم آشکارا برو بر نهان
“'Perchance I myself should go to the Shah of the world, and make all hidden matters clear to him.'”
#77
ببرم زمین گر تو فرمان دهی
✦
ز رفتن نبینم همی جز بهی
“'I shall cross the land swiftly if you give the command; I see nothing but good in going.'”
#78
سیاوش ز گفتار او شاد شد
✦
حدیث فرستادگان باد شد
“Siyavash rejoiced at Rostam's words, and the thought of sending other messengers vanished into the wind.”
#79
سپهدار بنشست و رستم به هم
✦
سخن راند هرگونه از بیش و کم
“The prince and Rostam sat together, speaking of all matters great and small.”
#80
بفرمود تا رفت پیشش دبیر
✦
نوشتن یکی نامه‌ای بر حریر
“He summoned a scribe before him, to write a letter upon fine silk.”
#81
نخست آفرین کرد بر دادگر
✦
کزو دید نیروی و فر و هنر
“First, he offered praise unto the Just Creator, from Whom he derived strength, royal glory, and skill.”
#82
خداوند هوش و زمان و مکان
✦
خرد پروراند همی با روان
“The Lord of intellect, time, and space, Who nourishes wisdom alongside the soul.”
#83
گذر نیست کس را ز فرمان او
✦
کسی کاو بگردد ز پیمان او
“None can stray from His command, nor any who turns away from His covenant...”
#84
ز گیتی نبیند مگر کاستی
✦
بدو باشد افزونی و راستی
“Shall see naught from the world but decline, for in Him alone lie abundance and righteousness.”
#85
ازو باد بر شهریار آفرین
✦
جهاندار وز نامداران گزین
“From Him may blessings shower upon the King—ruler of the world, elite among the renowned.”
#86
رسیده به هر نیک و بد رای او
✦
ستودن خرد گشته بالای او
“Whose counsel reaches all good and evil, and whose high stature is adorned by praising wisdom.”
#87
رسیدم به بلخ و به خرم بهار
✦
همه شادمان بودم از روزگار
“I arrived at Balkh and at Khorram-Bahar, entirely joyful with fate and fortune.”
#88
ز من چون خبر یافت افراسیاب
✦
سیه شد به چشم اندرش آفتاب
“When Afrasiab received word of my coming, the bright sun turned pitch-black in his eyes.”
#89
بدانست کش کار دشوار گشت
✦
جهان تیره شد بخت او خوار گشت
“He realized that his plight had grown dire; the world turned dark, and his fortune sank low.”
#90
بیامد برادرش با خواسته
✦
بسی خوبرویان آراسته
“His brother arrived laden with riches and many adorned, fair-faced maidens.”
#91
که زنهار خواهد ز شاه جهان
✦
سپارد بدو تاج و تخت مهان
“Seeking quarter from the King of the World, offering to yield to him the crown and throne of the great.”
#92
بسنده کند زین جهان مرز خویش
✦
بداند همی پایه و ارز خویش
“Contenting himself solely with his own realm, recognizing his true station and worth.”
#93
از ایران زمین بسپرد تیره خاک
✦
بشوید دل از کینه و جنگ پاک
“He surrenders the dark earth of Iran's domain, cleansing his heart of vengeance and battle.”
#94
ز خویشان فرستاد صد نزد من
✦
بدین خواهش آمد گو پیلتن
“He sent a hundred of his own kinsmen to me; with this plea came the elephant-bodied hero.”
#95
گر او را ببخشد ز مهرش سزاست
✦
که بر مهر او چهر او بر گواست
“If the King forgives him out of mercy, it is fitting, for his countenance bears witness to his sincerity.”
#96
چو بنوشت نامه یل جنگجوی
✦
سوی شاه کاووس بنهاد روی
“When the warrior hero took the completed letter, he set his course toward King Kay Kavus.”
#97
وزان روی گرسیوز نیک‌خواه
✦
بیامد بر شاه توران سپاه
“Meanwhile, the well-wishing Garsivaz returned unto the King of the Turanian host.”
#98
همه داستان سیاوش بگفت
✦
که او را ز شاهان کسی نیست جفت
“He recounted the entire tale of Siyavash, saying that among kings, he has no equal.”
#99
ز خوبی دیدار و کردار او
✦
ز هوش و دل و شرم و گفتار او
“Of the nobility of his countenance and deeds, of his intellect, heart, modesty, and speech.”
#100
دلیر و سخن‌گوی و گرد و سوار
✦
تو گویی خرد دارد اندر کنار
“Brave, eloquent, a warrior and knight—one would say that wisdom itself rests in his embrace.”
#101
بخندید و با او چنین گفت شاه
✦
که چاره به از جنگ ای نیک‌خواه
“The King smiled and said to him: 'O well-wisher, remedy is far better than war!'”
#102
و دیگر کزان خوابم آمد نهیب
✦
ز بالا بدیدم نشان نشیب
“Furthermore, that nightmare struck me with dread; from the heights I foresaw my downfall.”
#103
پر از درد گشتم سوی چاره باز
✦
بدان تا نبینم نشیب و فراز
“Filled with anguish, I turned to diplomacy, so that I might not face the bitter ups and downs of fate.”
#104
به گنج و درم چاره آراستم
✦
کنون شد بران سان که من خواستم
“With treasures and coin I devised a solution, and now all has unfolded just as I desired.”
#105
وزان روی چون رستم شیرمرد
✦
بیامد بر شاه ایران چو گرد
“Meanwhile, Rostam the lion-hearted warrior sped swift as dust to the King of Iran.”
#106
به پیش اندر آمد بکش کرده دست
✦
برآمد سپهبد به جای نشست
“He stepped forward with arms folded in respect, while the army commander ascended to his seat.”
#107
بپرسید و بگرفتش اندر کنار
✦
ز فرزند و از گردش روزگار
“He greeted him, embraced him warmly, inquiring after his son and the turn of fate.”
#108
ز گردان و از رزم و کار سپاه
✦
وزان تا چرا بازگشت او ز راه
“Of the warriors, the battle, the army's state, and why Rostam had returned from his path.”
#109
نخست از سیاوش زبان برگشاد
✦
ستودش فراوان و نامه بداد
“First, Rostam spoke of Siyavash, praised him abundantly, and presented the letter.”
#110
چو نامه برو خواند فرخ دبیر
✦
رخ شهریار جهان شد چو قیر
“When the blessed scribe read the letter to him, the face of the sovereign grew black as pitch.”
#111
به رستم چنین گفت گیرم که اوی
✦
جوانست و بد نارسیده بروی
“He said to Rostam: 'Granted that he is young, untried, and hasn't faced misfortune yet...'”
#112
چو تو نیست اندر جهان سر به سر
✦
به جنگ از تو جویند شیران هنر
“'...yet in all the world there is none like thee; from thee in war, even lions seek martial skill!'”
#113
ندیدی بدیهای افراسیاب
✦
که گم شد ز ما خورد و آرام و خواب
“'Didst thou not see the evil deeds of Afrasiab, which stripped us of food, rest, and sleep?'”
#114
مرا رفت بایست کردم درنگ
✦
مرا بود با او سری پر ز جنگ
“'I should have marched, yet I tarried; my head was full of battle against him.'”
#115
نرفتم که گفتند ز ایدر مرو
✦
بمان تا بسیچد جهاندار نو
“'I went not because they urged me not to go, but to wait until the young prince readied his force.'”
#116
چو بادافرهٔ ایزدی خواست بود
✦
مکافات بدها بدی خواست بود
“When divine retribution comes to pass, bad deeds shall meet with bad recompense.”
#117
شما را بدان مردری خواسته
✦
بدان گونه بر شد دل آراسته
“Your hearts were so tempted and charmed by that leftover, useless wealth.”
#118
کجا بستد از هر کسی بی‌گناه
✦
بدان تا بپیچیدتان دل ز راه
“Wealth that he seized from innocent people, only to turn your hearts away from the right path.”
#119
به صد ترک بیچاره و بدنژاد
✦
که نام پدرشان ندارید یاد
“Sent with a hundred helpless, low-born Turks whose fathers' names you do not even remember.”
#120
کنون از گروگان کی اندیشد او
✦
همان پیش چشمش همان خاک کو
“Who would Afrasiab care for among these hostages now? In his eyes, they are worth no more than dust.”
#121
شما گر خرد را بسیچید کار
✦
نه من سیرم از جنگ و از کارزار
“Though you may summon wisdom to govern your deeds, I am far from sated with war and battle.”
#122
به نزد سیاوش فرستم کنون
✦
یکی مرد پردانش و پرفسون
“I shall now send unto Siyavash a man of great wisdom and skilled in counsel and cunning.”
#123
بفرمایمش کآتشی کن بلند
✦
ببند گران پای ترکان ببند
“I will command him to kindle a towering fire and bind the feet of those Turks in heavy chains.”
#124
برآتش بنه خواسته هرچ هست
✦
نگر تا نیازی به یک چیز دست
“Place upon that fire all the treasures sent, and take care that not a single item is touched by hand.”
#125
پس آن بستگان را بر من فرست
✦
که من سر بخواهم ز تن‌شان گسست
“Then send those bound captives to me, for I intend to sever their heads from their bodies.”
#126
تو با لشکر خویش سر پر ز جنگ
✦
برو تا به درگاه او بی‌درنگ
“You, with your army full of eagerness for battle, march straight to his court without delay.”
#127
همه دست بگشای تا یکسره
✦
چو گرگ اندر آید به پیش بره
“Unleash your full force so that altogether your troops descend upon them like a wolf upon a lamb.”
#128
چو تو سازگیری بد آموختن
✦
سپاهت کند غارت و سوختن
“Once you begin to wage relentless war, your army shall plunder and burn all in its path.”
#129
بیاید بجنگ تو افراسیاب
✦
چو گردد برو ناخوش آرام و خواب
“Then shall Afrasiab come out to fight you, when rest and sleep become bitter to him.”
#130
تهمتن بدو گفت کای شهریار
✦
دلت را بدین کار غمگین مدار
“Tahamtan (Rostam) said to him: 'O King! Do not let your heart be troubled over this matter.'”
#131
سخن بشنو از من تو ای شه نخست
✦
پس آنگه جهان زیر فرمان تست
“Hear my words first, O King, and after that, the world remains beneath your command.”
#132
تو گفتی که بر جنگ افراسیاب
✦
مران تیز لشکر بران روی آب
“You yourself commanded: 'Do not hastily drive the army across the river to wage war on Afrasiab.'”
#133
بمانید تا او بیاید به جنگ
✦
که او خود شتاب آورد بی‌درنگ
“'Wait until he himself comes forth to fight, for he will surely hasten without delay.'”
#134
ببودیم یک چند در جنگ سست
✦
در آشتی او گشاد از نخست
“We stayed our hand from war for a time, and it was he who first opened the door to peace.”
#135
کسی کاشتی جوید و سور و بزم
✦
نه نیکو بود پیش رفتن برزم
“When someone seeks peace, celebration, and feast, it is not fitting to march against him in war.”
#136
و دیگر که پیمان شکستن ز شاه
✦
نباشد پسندیدهٔ نیک‌خواه
“Furthermore, breaking an oath on the part of a King is not praised by any well-wisher.”
#137
سیاوش چو پیروز بودی بجنگ
✦
برفتی بسان دلاور پلنگ
“Siyavash was victorious in battle, advancing like a valiant leopard.”
#138
چه جستی جز از تخت و تاج و نگین
✦
تن آسانی و گنج ایران زمین
“What else did you seek besides throne, crown, and signet, ease of body, and the treasure of Iran?”
#139
همه یافتی جنگ خیره مجوی
✦
دل روشنت به آب تیره مشوی
“You have attained it all; do not seek senseless war, nor cloud your bright heart with murky waters.”
#140
گر افراسیاب این سخنها که گفت
✦
به پیمان شکستن بخواهد نهفت
“If Afrasiab seeks to break his solemn pledge and deny the promises he made...”
#141
هم از جنگ جستن نگشتیم سیر
✦
بجایست شمشیر و چنگال شیر
“We too are not weary of war; our swords and the claws of the lion are still ready.”
#142
ز فرزند پیمان شکستن مخواه
✦
مکن آنچ نه اندر خورد با کلاه
“Do not demand that your son break his oath, nor do that which is unworthy of the royal crown.”
#143
نهانی چرا گفت باید سخن
✦
سیاوش ز پیمان نگردد ز بن
“Why speak of secret deceit? Siyavash will never break his oath from its foundation.”
#144
وزین کار کاندیشه کردست شاه
✦
بر آشوبد این نامور پیشگاه
“And because of this deed which the King contemplates, this glorious court shall be thrown into turmoil.”
#145
چو کاووس بشنید شد پر ز خشم
✦
برآشفت زان کار و بگشاد چشم
“When Kavus heard this, he grew full of rage; he flared up at that counsel and opened his eyes wide in fury.”
#146
به رستم چنین گفت شاه جهان
✦
که ایدون نماند سخن در نهان
“The King of the world said thus to Rostam: 'The truth shall no longer remain concealed!'”
#147
که این در سر او تو افگنده‌ای
✦
چنین بیخ کین از دلش کنده‌ای
“'It is you who put this notion into his head, and uprooted the root of vengeance from his heart!'”
#148
تن آسانی خویش جستی برین
✦
نه افروزش تاج و تخت و نگین
“'You sought your own ease and comfort in this, rather than the splendor of the crown, throne, and signet!'”
#149
تو ایدر بمان تا سپهدار طوس
✦
ببندد برین کار بر پیل کوس
“'Stay here then, while Tus the commander straps the war-drums upon the elephant for this war!'”
#150
من اکنون هیونی فرستم به بلخ
✦
یکی نامهٔ با سخنهای تلخ
“'I shall now dispatch a swift courier to Balkh with a letter filled with bitter words!'”
#151
سیاوش اگر سر ز پیمان من
✦
بپیچد نیاید به فرمان من
“If Siyavash swerves from my solemn covenant and refuses to obey my royal command,”
#152
بطوس سپهبد سپارد سپاه
✦
خود و ویژگان باز گردد به راه
“He must surrender the army to Commander Tus, and return upon the road alongside his trusted inner circle.”
#153
ببیند ز من هرچ اندر خورست
✦
گر او را چنین داوری در سرست
“He shall experience from me whatever he deserves, if such a rebellious judgment resides within his head.”
#154
غمی گشت رستم به آواز گفت
✦
که گردون سر من بیارد نهفت
“Rostam grew deeply grieved and cried aloud: 'May fate wrap my head in the shroud of darkness!'”
#155
اگر طوس جنگی‌تر از رستم است
✦
چنان دان که رستم ز گیتی کم است
“'If Tus is indeed a greater warrior than Rostam, then consider Rostam erased from the face of the earth!'”
#156
بگفت این و بیرون شد از پیش اوی
✦
پر از خشم چشم و پر آژنگ روی
“Having uttered this, he exited the king's presence, his eyes burning with fury and his brow furrowed with deep anger.”
#157
هم اندر زمان طوس را خواند شاه
✦
بفرمود لشکر کشیدن به راه
“Without delay, the Shah summoned Tus and commanded him to march the host onto the road.”
#158
چو بیرون شد از پیش کاووس طوس
✦
بفرمود تا لشکر و بوق و کوس
“When Tus departed from Kay Kavus, he ordered the troops, trumpets, and war-drums to be readied,”
#159
بسازند و آرایش ره کنند
✦
وزان رزمگه راه کوته کنند
“To make all preparations for the march, and make haste toward that distant battlefield.”