#1
شبی قیرگون، ماه پنهان‌شده
✦
به خواب اندرون مرغ و دام و دده
“On a night pitch-black, with the moon concealed, when birds, wild beasts, and livestock lay deep in sleep,”
#2
چنان دید سالار پیران به خواب
✦
که شمعی برافروختی ز آفتاب
“The commander Piran saw in his sleep a candle ignited directly from the sun itself.”
#3
سیاوش برِ شمع تیغی به دست
✦
به آواز گفتی: نشاید نشست
“Beside the candle stood Siyavash, sword in hand, calling out aloud: 'It is no time to sit idle!”
#4
کزین خواب نوشین سر آزاد کن
✦
ز فرجام گیتی یکی یاد کن
“Awaken your mind from this sweet slumber, and reflect upon the destiny of the world;”
#5
که روز نوآیین و جشنی نوست
✦
شب سور آزاده کیخسروست
“For a day of new customs and a new festival has arrived; tonight is the night of celebration for the noble Kai Khosrow!'”
#6
سپهبد بلرزید در خواب خوش
✦
بجنبید گلشهر خورشیدفش
“The commander trembled in his pleasant dream, and Golshahr, radiant as the sun, stirred beside him.”
#7
بدو گفت پیران که برخیز و رو
✦
خرامنده پیش فرنگیس شو
“Piran said to her: 'Arise and go, hurry gracefully to the presence of Farangis!”
#8
سیاووش را دیدم اکنون به خواب
✦
درخشان‌تر از برسپهر آفتاب
“I have just seen Siyavash in a dream, more radiant than the sun in the high heavens,”
#9
که گفتی مرا چند خسپی؟ مپای!
✦
به جشن جهانجوی کیخسرو آی
“Saying to me: How long will you sleep? Tarry not! Come to the festival of world-seeking Kai Khosrow!'”
#10
همی رفت گلشهر تا پیش ماه
✦
جدا گشته بود از بر ماه، شاه
“Golshahr went until she came before that moon-like beauty; the prince had just separated from the moon-faced mother.”
#11
بدید و به شادی سبک بازگشت
✦
همانگاه گیتی پرآواز گشت
“She saw him and swiftly returned with joy, while at that moment the world became filled with joyful clamor.”
#12
بیامد به شادی به پیران بگفت
✦
که اینت به‌آیین خور و ماه جفت
“She came in delight and said to Piran: 'Behold this wondrous pairing of the sun and the moon!”
#13
یکی اندرآی و شگفتی ببین
✦
بزرگی و رای جهان‌آفرین
“Step inside and behold a wonder—the majesty and wisdom of the Creator of the world!”
#14
تو گویی نشاید مگر تاج را
✦
و گر جوشن و ترگ و تاراج را
“You would say he is fit for nothing less than the crown, or for body armor, helmet, and plunder!'”
#15
سپهبد بیامد بر شهریار
✦
بسی آفرین کرد و بردش نثار
“The commander came before the newborn prince, bestowed countless blessings upon him, and offered gifts.”
#16
بران برز و بالا و آن شاخ و یال
✦
تو گویی برو برگذشته‌ست سال
“Beholding his stature, his limbs, and his noble frame, you would say a full year had already passed over him.”
#17
ز بهر سیاوش دو دیده پرآب
✦
همی کرد نفرین بر افراسیاب
“With eyes filled with tears for Siyavash, he poured curses upon Afrasiab.”
#18
چنین گفت با نامدار انجمن
✦
که گر بگسلد زین سخن جان من
“He spoke thus to the noble assembly: 'Even if my life should be severed because of this matter,”
#19
نمانم که یازد بدین شاه چنگ
✦
مرا گر سپارد به چنگ نهنگ
“I will not suffer anyone to lay hands upon this king, even if he delivers me to the jaws of a crocodile!'”
#20
بدانگه که بنمود خورشید چهر
✦
به خواب اندرآمد سر تیره مهر
“When the sun displayed its glowing face, the dark sun of sleep vanished from their eyes.”
#21
چو بیدار شد پهلوان سپاه
✦
دمان اندر آمد به نزدیک شاه
“When the commander of the army awoke, he hastened swiftly to the presence of King Afrasiab.”
#22
همی ماند تا جای پردخت شد
✦
به نزدیک آن نامور تخت شد
“He waited until the chamber was cleared of strangers, then approached that famous throne.”
#23
بدو گفت خورشیدفش مهترا!
✦
جهاندار و بیدار و افسونگرا!
“He said to him: 'O sun-faced sovereign! O ruler of the world, vigilant and master of spellcraft!”
#24
به در بر یکی بنده بفزود دوش
✦
تو گفتی ورا مایه دادست هوش
“Last night a new servant was added to your gate; you would say wisdom itself was granted to him as his essence.”
#25
نماند ز خوبی جز از تو به کس
✦
تو گویی که بر گاه شاهست و بس
“No beauty remains to anyone save through him; you would say he belongs solely on the royal throne.”
#26
اگر تور را روز بازآمدی
✦
به دیدار چهرش نیاز آمدی
“If Tur were to return to life today, he would long to behold his majestic countenance.”
#27
فریدون گردست گویی بجای
✦
به فرّ و به چهر و به دست و به پای
“You would say valiant Fereydun has reappeared in his glory, his face, and his stature.”
#28
بر ایوان چنو کس نبیند نگار
✦
بدو تازه شد فرّه شهریار
“No painter has ever depicted such a figure on any palace wall; through him, the royal glory has blossomed anew.”
#29
از اندیشهٔ بد بپرداز دل
✦
برافراز تاج و برافروز دل
“Clear your heart of evil thoughts; raise your crown high and enlighten your mind.”
#30
چنان کرد روشن جهان‌آفرین
✦
کزو دور شد جنگ و بیداد و کین
“The Creator of the world made the earth so bright that war, injustice, and malice have been driven far from it.'”
#31
روانش ز خون سیاوش به درد
✦
برآورد بر لب یکی باد سرد
“Afrasiab's soul was in pain over the blood of Siyavash, and he let out a cold sigh from his lips.”
#32
پشیمان بشد زان کجا کرده بود
✦
به گفتار بیهوده آزرده بود
“He repented of what he had done, grieved by the foolish words that had led him astray.”
#33
بدو گفت من زین نوآمد بسی
✦
سخن‌ها شنیدستم از هر کسی
“He said to Piran: 'Concerning this newcomer, I have heard many words from every tongue.”
#34
پر آشوب جنگست زو روزگار
✦
همه یاد دارم ز آموزگار
“That destiny through him will be filled with tumultuous war; I remember all that my master taught me:”
#35
که از تخمهٔ تور وز کیقباد
✦
یکی شاه سر برزند بانژاد
“That from the seed of Tur and Kay Qobad, a king of noble lineage shall arise,”
#36
جهان را به مهر وی آید نیاز
✦
همه شهر توران برندش نماز
“Whose love the world shall crave, and to whom all the land of Turan shall bow down in homage.”
#37
کنون بودنی هرچ بایست بود
✦
ندارد غم و رنج و اندیشه سود
“Now whatever is fated must come to pass; grief, anguish, and anxious thoughts are of no avail.”
#38
مداریدش اندر میان گروه
✦
به نزد شبانان فرستش به کوه
“Keep him not among the people; send him to the mountains, into the hands of the shepherds,”
#39
بدان تا نداند که من خود کیم
✦
بدیشان سپرده ز بهر چیم
“So that he may not know who I am, nor why he was entrusted to them.”
#40
نیاموزد از کس خرد گر نژاد
✦
ز کار گذشته نیایدش یاد
“Let him learn no wisdom despite his noble blood, and let no memory of past deeds come to his mind.'”
#41
بگفت آنچ یاد آمدش زین سخن
✦
همه نو شمرد این سرای کهن
“He spoke all that he remembered of these matters, renewing the ancient traditions of this old world.”
#42
چه سازی که چاره بدست تو نیست
✦
درازست در کام و شست تو نیست
“What remedy can you devise when the cure is not in your hands? The hook is long, but it lies beyond your grasp.”
#43
گر ایدونک بد بینی از روزگار
✦
به نیکی همو باشد آموزگار
“If you foresee ill from fate, let destiny itself be your instructor in goodness.”
#44
بیامد به در پهلوان شادمان
✦
بدل بر همه نیک بودش گمان
“The hero Piran came out joyful, his heart filled with optimistic expectations.”
#45
جهان‌آفرین را نیایش گرفت
✦
به شاه جهان بر ستایش گرفت
“He offered praise to the Creator of the world and showered eulogies upon the monarch.”
#46
پراندیشه بُد تا به ایوان رسید
✦
کزان رنج و مهرش چه آید پدید
“He remained deep in thought until he reached his palace, wondering what fruit his care and affection would bear.”
#47
شبانان کوه قلا را بخواند
✦
وزان خرد چندی سخن‌ها براند
“He summoned the shepherds of Mount Qala and spoke to them at length regarding the child.”
#48
که این را بدارید چون جان پاک
✦
نباید که بیند ورا باد و خاک
“'Guard him as your own pure soul,' he urged, 'let neither dust nor wind touch him with harm.'”
#49
نباید که تنگ آیدش روزگار
✦
اگر دیده و دل کند خواستار
“'Ensure his days are never narrow or constrained, granting whatever his heart and eyes desire.'”
#50
شبان را ببخشید بسیار چیز
✦
یکی دایه با او فرستاد نیز
“He bestowed abundant gifts upon the shepherds and sent a wet-nurse along to care for him.”
#51
بریشان سپرد آن دل و دیده را
✦
جهانجوی گرد پسندیده را
“To their care he entrusted that heart and vision, that noble, praised seeker of the world.”
#52
بدین نیز بگذشت گردان سپهر
✦
به خسرو بر از مهر بخشود چهر
“Thus time revolved on its turning sphere, and fortune looked upon Khosrow with benevolent grace.”
#53
چو شد هفت ساله گو سرفراز
✦
هنر با نژادش همی گفت راز
“When the exalted hero reached seven years of age, his innate nobility whispered secrets of inherent virtue to him.”
#54
ز چوبی کمان کرد وز روده زه
✦
ز هر سو برافگند زه را گره
“He fashioned a bow out of wood and a string out of gut, securing knots upon the string on every side.”
#55
ابی پرّ و پیکان یکی تیر کرد
✦
به دشت اندر آهنگ نخچیر کرد
“With an arrow lacking feathers and point, he set forth into the wild desert to hunt.”
#56
چو ده‌ساله شد گشت گردی سترگ
✦
به زخم گراز آمد و خرس و گرگ
“By ten years old he had grown into a formidable warrior, confronting wild boars, bears, and wolves.”
#57
وزان جایگه شد به شیر و پلنگ
✦
هم آن چوب خمّیده بد ساز جنگ
“From there he advanced to fight lions and leopards, with only that curved stick as his instrument of war.”
#58
چنین تا برآمد برین روزگار
✦
بیامد به فرمان آموزگار
“Thus time passed until, by fate’s decree, an instructor's message called him back.”
#59
شبان اندر آمد ز کوه و ز دشت
✦
بنالید و نزدیک پیران گذشت
“The shepherd descended from the mountain and plain, coming before Piran with a tale of distress.”
#60
که من زین سرافراز شیر یله
✦
سوی پهلوان آمدم با گله
“He said: 'Because of this exalted, untamed lion, I have fled back to the chieftain with my flock.'”
#61
همی کرد نخچیر آهو نخست
✦
بر شیر و جنگ پلنگان نجست
“'At first he was content to hunt gazelles, seeking no clash with lions nor battles with leopards.'”
#62
کنون نزد او جنگ شیر دمان
✦
همانست و نخچیر آهو همان
“'Now to him, battling roaring lions is no different than hunting gentle gazelles!'”
#63
نباید که آید برو بر گزند
✦
بیاویزدم پهلوان بلند
“'Lest harm befall him and the exalted chieftain hold me accountable in anger.'”
#64
چو بشنید پیران بخندید و گفت
✦
نماند نژاد و هنر در نهفت
“When Piran heard this, he smiled and remarked: 'Noble lineage and natural talent never remain concealed.'”
#65
نشست از بر بارهٔ دست‌کش
✦
بیامد بر خسرو شیرفش
“He mounted his obedient steed and rode swift to Khosrow, who possessed the valour of a lion.”
#66
بفرمود تا پیش او شد به مهر
✦
نگه کرد پیران بران فرّ و چهر
“He commanded him to approach affectionately, and Piran gazed upon his divine grace and countenance.”
#67
به بر درگرفتش زمانی دراز
✦
همی گفت با داور پاک راز
“He embraced him tightly for a long moment, sharing secret prayers with the Holy Judge of the universe.”
#68
بدو گفت کیخسرو پاک‌دین
✦
به تو باد رخشنده توران زمین
“The pure-hearted Khosrow then said to him: 'May the land of Turan shine bright through you!'”
#69
ازیرا کسی کت نداند همی
✦
جز از مهربانت نخواند همی
“'For anyone who knows you not can call you nothing less than loving and kind.'”
#70
شبان‌زاده‌ای را چنین در کنار
✦
بگیری و از کس نیایدت عار
“'That you embrace a shepherd's son so warmly, feeling no shame or pride before anyone.'”
#71
خردمند را دل برو بر بسوخت
✦
به کردار آتش رخش برفروخت
“The wise man's heart burned with compassion for him; his face kindled red like glowing fire.”
#72
بدو گفت کای یادگار مهان
✦
پسندیده و ناسپرده جهان
“He said to him: 'O remembrance of the great ones, beloved of the world yet unblemished by its trials!'”
#73
که تاج سر شهریاران توی
✦
که گوید که پور شبانان توی
“'You are the crown upon the heads of monarchs; who could ever claim you are a shepherd's son?'”
#74
شبان نیست از گوهر تو کسی
✦
وزین داستان هست با من بسی
“'None of your blood comes from shepherd stock, and of this story I have much to tell you.'”
#75
ز بهر جوان اسپ و بالای خواست
✦
همان جامهٔ خسروآرای خواست
“He called for a horse fit for the youth's stature, along with garments adorned for kings.”
#76
به ایوان خرامید با او به هم
✦
روانش ز بهر سیاوش دژم
“Together they stepped into the palace, though Piran's soul remained sorrowful for Siyavash.”
#77
همی پرورانیدش اندر کنار
✦
بدو شادمان گردش روزگار
“He nurtured him fondly at his side, and the turning of time grew joyful through him.”
#78
بدین نیز بگذشت چندی سپهر
✦
به مغز اندرون داشت با شاه مهر
“Thus another period of time passed by, while the chief harbored deep affection for the young prince in his heart.”
#79
شب تیره هنگام آرام و خواب
✦
کس آمد ز نزدیک افراسیاب
“In the pitch-black night, at the hour of rest and slumber, a messenger arrived from Afrasiab.”
#80
بران تیرگی پهلوان را بخواند
✦
گذشته سخن‌ها فراوان براند
“In that dark hour he summoned the paladin, speaking at great length regarding past events.”
#81
کز اندیشهٔ بد همه شب دلم
✦
بپیچید وز غم همی بگسلم
“For all night long my heart twisted in dark foreboding, and I am breaking apart from grief.”
#82
ازین کودکی کز سیاوش رسید
✦
تو گفتی مرا روز شد ناپدید
“Because of this child born of Siyavash, you would say that daylight itself has vanished from my eyes.”
#83
نبیرهٔ فریدون شبان پرورد
✦
ز رای و خرد این کی اندر خورد؟
“That a descendant of Fereydun should be raised by shepherds—how does this accord with wisdom and sound judgment?”
#84
ازو گر نوشته به من بر بدی‌ست
✦
نشاید گذشتن که آن ایزدی‌ست
“If evil destiny has been written for me through him, it cannot be avoided, for it is ordained by God.”
#85
چو کار گذشته نیارد به یاد
✦
زید شاد و ما نیز باشیم شاد
“If he does not recall the tragic past, he may live in joy, and we too shall dwell in happiness.”
#86
وگر هیچ خوی بد آرد پدید
✦
بسان پدر سر بباید برید
“But if he shows any trace of an evil nature, his head must be severed just like his father's.”
#87
بدو گفت پیران که ای شهریار
✦
ترا خود نباید کس آموزگار
“Piran said to him, 'O King! Indeed, you stand in need of no teacher.'”
#88
یکی کودکی خرد چون بیهشان
✦
ز کار گذشته چه دارد نشان؟
“A small child, naive as those who lack understanding—what knowledge could he possess of past events?”
#89
تو خود این میندیش و بد را مکوش
✦
چه گفت آن خردمند بسیارهوش
“Do not dwell on such thoughts nor strive for ill; remember what that wise and deeply perceptive sage once said:”
#90
که پروردگار از پدر برترست
✦
اگر زاده را مهر با مادرست
“'The foster-father holds a higher place than the sire, even though a child's love naturally lies with its mother.'”
#91
نخستین به پیمان مرا شاد کن
✦
ز سوگند شاهان یکی یاد کن
“First, gladden me with a solemn pledge, and swear an oath fit for royal kings.”
#92
فریدون به داد و به تخت و کلاه
✦
همی داشتی راستی را نگاه
“'By Fereydun, by his justice, his throne, and his crown, who ever upheld the path of truth and righteousness!'”
#93
ز پیران چو بشینید افراسیاب
✦
سر مرد جنگی درآمد ز خواب
“When Afrasiyab heard these words from Piran, the warrior-king roused himself as if waking from sleep.”
#94
یکی سخت سوگند شاهانه خورد
✦
به روز سپید و شب لاژورد
“He swore a mighty, royal oath by the radiant day and the azure night,”
#95
به دادار کاو این جهان آفرید
✦
سپهر و دد و دام و جان آفرید
“By the Creator who fashioned this world, who created the heavens, wild beasts, cattle, and every living soul,”
#96
که ناید بدین کودک از من ستم
✦
نه هرگز برو بر زنم تیزدم
“That no cruelty shall reach this child from me, nor shall I ever raise a sharp blade against him.”
#97
زمین را ببوسید پیران و گفت
✦
که ای دادگر شاه بی‌یار و جفت
“Piran kissed the ground before him and said: 'O peerless, just king!'”
#98
برین بند و سوگند تو ایمنم
✦
کنون یافت آرام جان و تنم
“'I rest secure in this pledge and oath of yours; now at last my soul and body have found peace.'”
#99
وزانجا بر خسرو آمد دمان
✦
رخی ارغوان و دلی شادمان
“From there he hurried back to Khosrow, his face flushed like the arghawan blossom and his heart full of joy.”
#100
بدو گفت کز دل خرد دور کن
✦
چو رزم آورد پاسخش سور کن
“He said to him: 'Cast all wisdom away from your heart; if he speaks of war, reply to him with talk of feasting!'”
#101
مرو پیش او جز به دیوانگی
✦
مگردان زبان جز به بیگانگی
“'Go before him in no manner save that of madness, and let your tongue utter nothing but wild, incoherent nonsense.'”
#102
مگرد ایچ‌گونه به گرد خرد
✦
یک امروز بر تو مگر بگذرد
“'Do not approach wisdom in any way today, so that this single day may pass safely over you.'”
#103
به سر برنهادش کلاه کیان
✦
ببستش کیانی کمر بر میان
“He placed the royal crown of the Kianians upon his head and bound the Kianian girdle about his waist.”
#104
یکی بارهٔ گام‌زن خواست نغز
✦
برو برنشست آن گو پاک‌مغز
“He summoned a fine, swift-pacing steed, and that noble, pure-minded hero mounted it.”
#105
بیامد به درگاه افراسیاب
✦
جهانی برو دیده کرده پرآب
“He arrived at the court of Afrasiyab, while all the world looked upon him with eyes full of tears.”
#106
روارو برآمد که بگشای راه
✦
که آمد نوآیین یکی پیشگاه
“A shout of 'Make way!' resounded, for a youth of noble blood and royal stature had arrived before the throne.”
#107
همی رفت پیش اندرون شاه گرد
✦
سپهدار پیران ورا پیش برد
“The brave youth walked ahead, while the commander Piran escorted him forward.”
#108
بیامد به نزدیک افراسیاب
✦
نیا را رخ از شرم او شد پرآب
“He came close to Afrasiyab, and the grandfather's face grew wet with tears of shame before him.”
#109
بران خسروی یال و آن چنگ او
✦
بدان شاخ و آن فرّ و اورنگ او
“Beholding his royal stature and powerful arms, his noble lineage, his divine grace, and his majesty,”
#110
زمانی نگه کرد و نیکو بدید
✦
همی گشت رنگ رخش ناپدید
“Afrasiyab gazed at him intently for a time, and the color slowly faded from his own face.”
#111
تن پهلوان گشت لرزان چو بید
✦
ز جان جوان پاک بگسست امید
“The champion's body began to quiver like a willow tree, and all hope for the young prince's life seemed shattered.”
#112
زمانی چنان بود بگشاد چهر
✦
زمانه به دلش اندر آورد مهر
“For a moment he remained thus; then his countenance softened, for Destiny filled his heart with affection for the youth.”
#113
بپرسید کای نورسیده جوان
✦
چه آگاه داری ز کار جهان؟
“He asked him, saying: 'O newly-risen youth! What knowledge do you possess of the world's affairs?'”
#114
بر گوسفندان چه گردی همی؟
✦
زمین را چه گونه سپردی همی؟
“'Why do you roam among the sheep? How have you been traversing the lands?'”
#115
چنین داد پاسخ که نخچیر نیست
✦
مرا خود کمان و پر تیر نیست
“The youth replied: 'There is no hunting here! Indeed, I have neither bow nor feathered arrow!'”
#116
بپرسید بازش ز آموزگار
✦
ز نیک و بد و گردش روزگار
“Afrasiyab questioned him yet again concerning his tutor, and of good and evil, and the turnings of fate.”
#117
بدو گفت جایی که باشد پلنگ
✦
بدرّد دل مردم تیزچنگ
“The boy replied to him: 'Wherever a leopard dwells, it tears open the heart of swift-clawed men.'”
#118
سه دیگر بپرسیدش از مام و باب
✦
ز ایوان و از شهر وز خورد و خواب
“A third time he asked him of his mother and father, of his hall and city, and of his food and sleep.”
#119
چنین داد پاسخ که درّنده شیر
✦
نیارد سگ کارزاری به زیر
“Thus he answered: 'A fierce, ravening lion cannot be overcome by a hound of battle.'”
#120
بخندید خسرو ز گفتار اوی
✦
سوی پهلوان سپه کرد روی
“King Afrasiyab laughed at his nonsensical words, and turned his face toward the commander of his host.”
#121
بدو گفت کاین دل ندارد بجای
✦
ز سر پرسمش پاسخ آرد ز پای
“He said to him: 'This lad has lost his wits; if I ask him of the head, he answers of the feet.'”
#122
نیاید همانا بد و نیک ازوی
✦
نه زین‌سان بود مردم کینه‌جوی
“Indeed, neither good nor evil can come from him, for a vengeful soul is never of such a nature.”
#123
رو این را به خوبی به مادر سپار
✦
به دست یکی مرد پرهیزگار
“'Go now, hand him over gently to his mother, under the care of a god-fearing, virtuous man.'”
#124
گسی کن به سوی سیاووش‌گرد
✦
مگردان بدآموز را هیچ گرد
“'Send them away toward Siyavashgerd, and let no evil counselor come anywhere near him.'”
#125
ز اسپ و پرستنده و بیش و کم
✦
بده هرچ باید ز گنج و درم
“'Provide whatever is needed from the treasury and wealth—horses, servants, and all provisions, great and small.'”
#126
سپهبد برو کرد لختی شتاب
✦
برون بردش از پیش افراسیاب
“The chieftain hastened quickly, leading the youth away from the presence of Afrasiyab.”
#127
به ایوان خویش آمد افروخته
✦
خرامان و چشم بدی دوخته
“He returned to his own palace radiant and joyful, walking proudly with the evil eye averted.”
#128
همی گفت کز دادگر کردگار
✦
درخت نو آمد جهان را به بار
“He kept saying: 'By the grace of the Just Creator, a new tree has borne fruit for the world!'”
#129
در گنج‌های کهن کرد باز
✦
ز هر گونه‌ای شاه را کرد ساز
“He opened the doors of ancient treasuries, equipping the young prince with every manner of royal bounty.”
#130
ز دینار و دیبا و تیغ و گهر
✦
ز اسب و سلیح و کلاه و کمر
“With gold coins, silks, swords, and precious gems; with horses, armor, crowns, and belts of state.”
#131
هم از تخت وز بدره‌های درم
✦
ز گستردنی‌ها و از بیش و کم
“Together with thrones and bags of silver coins, fine carpets, and all manner of goods both great and small.”
#132
گسی کردشان سوی آن شارستان
✦
کجا جملگی گشته بد خارستان
“He dispatched them toward that city, which had turned entirely into a desolate place of thorns.”
#133
فرنگیس و کیخسرو آنجا رسید
✦
بسی مردم آمد ز هرسو پدید
“When Farangis and Kay Khosrow arrived there, crowds of people streamed in from every direction.”
#134
بدیده سپردند یک‌یک زمین
✦
زبان دد و دام پرآفرین
“They kissed the ground before them one by one, while even the wild beasts seemed to chant praises.”
#135
همی گفت هرکس که بودش هنر
✦
سپاس از جهان‌داور دادگر
“Every person of wisdom and virtue exclaimed: 'Praise be to the Just Lord of the World!'”
#136
کزان بیخ برکنده فرخ درخت
✦
ازین‌گونه شاخی برآورد سخت
“'That from that glorious tree which was uprooted, such a sturdy and noble branch has now sprouted forth!'”
#137
ز شاه کیان چشم بد دور باد
✦
روان سیاوش پر از نور باد
“'May the evil eye be far from the King of the Kians, and may the soul of Siyavash be filled with light!'”
#138
همه خاک آن شارستان شاد شد
✦
گیا بر چمن سرو آزاد شد
“The very soil of that city rejoiced, and the verdure upon the meadow blossomed like a free cypress.”
#139
ز خاکی که خون سیاوش بخورد
✦
به ابر اندرآمد درختی ز گرد
“From the soil that had drunk the blood of Siyavash, a miraculous tree rose up through the dust unto the clouds.”
#140
نگاریده بر برگ‌ها چهر او
✦
همه بوی مشک آمد از مهر او
“His countenance was painted upon its leaves, and its loving fragrance was as pure musk.”
#141
به دی‌مه نشان بهاران بدی
✦
پرستشگه سوگواران بدی
“Even in the midwinter month of Dey it bore the token of spring, and became a place of sanctuary for mourners.”
#142
چنین است کردار این گنده پیر
✦
ستاند ز فرزند پستان شیر
“Such is the manner of this decrepit hag; she snatches the breast of milk away from her child.”
#143
چو پیوسته شد مهر دل بر جهان
✦
به خاک اندرآرد سرش ناگهان
“No sooner does one's heart become bound in love to the world, than she suddenly drags his head down into the dust.”
#144
تو از وی به جز شادمانی مجوی
✦
به باغ جهان برگ انده مبوی
“Seek nothing from her save joy, and smell not the leaf of sorrow in the garden of this world.”
#145
اگر تاج داری و گر دست تنگ
✦
نبینی همی روزگار درنگ
“Whether you possess a crown or are empty-handed, you shall not find a moment of tarrying in this life.”
#146
مرنجان روان کاین سرای تو نیست
✦
بجز تنگ تابوت جای تو نیست
“Torment not your soul, for this world is not your home; your ultimate dwelling is nowhere but the narrow coffin.”
#147
نهادن چه باید؟ بخوردن نشین
✦
بر امّید گنج جهان‌آفرین
“Why hoard up wealth? Sit down and enjoy it, trusting in the bountiful treasury of the Creator of the World.”
#148
چو آمد به نزدیکِ سر تیغ شست،
✦
مده می که از سال شد مرد مست
“When sixty years have sharpened their blade near your head, serve no wine, for man is already drunken with age.”
#149
بجای عنانم عصا داد سال
✦
پراگنده شد مال و برگشت حال
“In place of the rein, old age gave me a walking stick; my wealth scattered, and my condition turned.”
#150
همان دیده‌بان بر سر کوهسار
✦
نبیند همی لشکر شهریار
“Even the watchman standing atop the mountain peak can no longer perceive the host of the King.”
#151
کشیدن ز دشمن نداند عنان
✦
مگر پیش مژگانش آید سنان
“He knows not how to turn his rein from the foe, unless the spear-point flashes before his eyes.”
#152
گرایندهٔ تیزپای نوند
✦
همان شست بدخواه کردش به بند
“That swift and agile runner was ultimately ensnared by the thumb and bow-string of the adversary.”
#153
همان گوش از آوای او گشت سیر
✦
همش لحن بلبل هم آوای شیر
“Ears never grew weary of his voice, for he combined the song of the nightingale with the roar of the lion.”
#154
چو برداشتم جام پنجاه و هشت
✦
نگیرم به جز یاد تابوت و تشت
“Now that I have raised the goblet of fifty-eight years, I hold no thought in mind save the coffin and the wash-basin.”
#155
دریغ آن گل و مشک و خوشاب سی
✦
همان تیغ برّندهٔ پارسی
“Alas for that rose-like cheek, the fragrant musk, the thirty pearl-like teeth, and that sharp Persian blade!”
#156
نگردد همی گرد نسرین تذرو
✦
گل نارون خواهد و شاخ سرو
“The pheasant no longer hovers about the eglantine; it now seeks the elm blossom and the cypress bough.”
#157
همی خواهم از روشن کردگار
✦
که چندان زمان یابم از روزگار
“I pray to the Luminous Creator that He grant me such span of life in this world...”
#158
کزین نامور نامهٔ باستان
✦
بمانم به گیتی یکی داستان
“...that from this renowned book of ancient lore, I may leave behind a lasting chronicle in the world,”
#159
که هرکس که اندر سخن داد داد
✦
ز من جز به نیکی نگیرند یاد
“...so that all who render justice unto eloquent verse shall remember me with naught but goodness.”
#160
بدان گیتیم نیز خواهشگرست
✦
که با تیغ تیزست و با افسرست
“In that world too, my intercessor is He who holds the sharp sword and wears the divine crown.”
#161
منم بندهٔ اهل بیت نبی
✦
سرایندهٔ خاک پای وصی
“I am a servant of the Prophet's holy house, singing the praise of the dust beneath the Successor's feet.”
#162
برین زادم و هم برین بگذرم
✦
چنان دان که خاک پی حیدرم
“Upon this faith was I born and upon it shall I depart; know for truth that I am the dust beneath Haidar's feet.”
#163
ابا دیگران مر مرا کار نیست
✦
بدین اندرون هیچ گفتار نیست
“I have no concern with others, and regarding this devotion, there is no dispute.”
#164
به گفتار دهقان کنون بازگرد
✦
نگر تا چه گوید سراینده مرد
“Now turn once more to the tale of the Dehqan, and see what that poetic narrator unveils.”