When the shattered Turanian army returned from the field of battle, covered in dust and soaked in blood, news reached King Afrasiab that his watchful fortune had fallen into a dark slumber. Surkheh, his beloved son, had been slain, his head severed and hung inverted to avenge the innocent blood of Siyavash. Filled with anguish, Afrasiab cast down his crown, tore his hair, and rent his royal garments, weeping aloud for his son’s moon-like face and royal stature. He swore that sleep and food would be forbidden to him until blood rained upon the battlefield. He summoned his commanders, commanding them to replace their beds with coats of mail and steel armor. The brass war-horns blared, the elephant-drums thundered, and the sky seemed to kiss the earth as the mighty hosts mobilized.
Afrasiab stationed Barman on his right wing, Kahram the swordsman on his left, and took his own place at the center of the Turanian army. On the Iranian side, Rostam arrayed his forces with masterly skill: Tus and Giv held the right wing, Goudarz and Hojir held the left, while Rostam himself stood at the heart of the army, armed with his Kabuli blade and devastating mace. The collision of the two armies was immense—the sky turned black with dust, spears gleamed like the hide of a leopard, and the trampling hooves ground the earth to powder.
From the core of the Turanian ranks stepped Pilsam, the valiant brother of Piran. Filled with pride, he begged Afrasiab for a battle-steed and heavy armor so he might challenge Rostam directly. Piran warned the king against such folly, declaring that sending a youth against the Elephant-Bodied Rostam was akin to stepping willingly into the jaws of a dragon. But Pilsam scoffed at caution, boasting of his past victories over Iranian champions. Granted his wish by Afrasiab, Pilsam rode out and challenged the Iranian champion. Giv charged him first, but Pilsam struck him with a spear so fierce that Giv's feet were lifted from his stirrups. Faramarz rushed to his comrade's aid, severing Pilsam's spear with a blow of his sword. Pilsam fought both heroes like an enraged lion.
Seeing his warriors pressed, Rostam recognized that the hour of destiny had arrived for Pilsam, as foretold by the astrologers. Hefting a heavy iron spear, Rostam spurred Rakhsh forward like a lightning bolt. Approaching Pilsam, Rostam drove his spear into the warrior's girdle, lifted him effortlessly from his saddle like a polo ball, and hurled his lifeless body straight into the heart of the Turanian ranks, calling out mockingly to wrap him in yellow silk. Deep sorrow pierced Piran's heart, and the Turanian spirit crumbled.
A bloody general battle erupted. Afrasiab himself charged the Iranian front, slaying many and driving Tus back. Tus appealed to Rostam for aid. Rostam, accompanied by Faramarz, cut through the enemy ranks until Afrasiab spotted his purple banner. The Turanian monarch lunged at Rostam, striking him in the waist with a spear, but the point shattered against Rostam's impenetrable armor, the Babr-e Bayan. Rostam retaliated by striking Afrasiab's mount; the steed collapsed, casting the monarch to the dirt. Rostam reached down to seize the king by his belt, but Houman struck Rostam's shoulder from behind with a heavy iron mace. As Rostam turned in wrath, Afrasiab scrambled onto a swift replacement horse and fled the field. The Turanian lines broke into total rout, pursued for three leagues by the enraged Iranian champion, leaving behind a battlefield laden with armor, weapons, and rich spoils.
#1
چو لشکر بیامد ز دشت نبرد
✦
تنان پر ز خون و سران پر ز گرد
“When the army returned from the field of battle, their bodies soaked in blood and their heads covered in dust,”
#2
خبر شد ز ترکان به افراسیاب
✦
که بیدار بخت اندرآمد به خواب
“News reached Afrasiab from the Turanians that his vigilant fortune had fallen asleep.”
#3
همان سرخه نامور کشته شد
✦
چنان دولت تیز برگشته شد
“That the renowned Surkheh had been slain, and thus his swift-footed fortune had turned away.”
#4
بریده سرش را نگونسار کرد
✦
تنش را به خون غرقه بر دار کرد
“They had severed his head and hung it upside down, drowning his body in blood upon the gallows.”
#5
همه شهر ایران جگر خسته‌اند
✦
به کین سیاوش کمر بسته‌اند
“All the realm of Iran is heart-wounded, girding their loins to avenge Siyavash.”
#6
نگون شد سر و تاج افراسیاب
✦
همی کند موی و همی ریخت آب
“Afrasiab’s head and crown drooped down; he tore his hair and shed bitter tears.”
#7
همی گفت رادا سرا موبدا
✦
ردا نامدارا یلا بخردا
“He kept crying out: 'O noble and wise leader! O famous chieftain, valiant and sage!'”
#8
دریغ ارغوانی رخت همچو ماه
✦
دریغ آن کیی برز و بالای شاه
“'Alas for thy ruby-red, moon-like face! Alas for that royal stature and height of a king!'”
#9
خروشان به سر بر پراگند خاک
✦
همه جامه ها کرد بر خویش چاک
“Wailing, he poured dust upon his head and rent all his garments upon himself.”
#10
چنین گفت با لشکر افراسیاب
✦
که مارا بر آمد سر از خورد و خواب
“Thus spoke Afrasiab to his army: 'Food and sleep are now forbidden unto us!'”
#11
همه کینه را چشم روشن کنید
✦
نهالی ز خفتان و جوشن کنید
“'Open your eyes wide for vengeance, and make your beds of body-armor and mail!'”
#12
چو برخاست آوای کوس از درش
✦
بجنبید بر بارگه لشکرش
“When the sound of the war-drum arose from his portal, his army stirred upon the court.”
#13
بزد نای رویین و بربست کوس
✦
همی آسمان بر زمین داد بوس
“They struck the brass trumpets and bound on the drums; it seemed as though heaven kissed the earth.”
#14
به گردنکشان خسرو آواز کرد
✦
که ای نامداران روز نبرد
“The King called out to his champions: 'O renowned ones of the day of battle!'”
#15
چو برخیزد آوای کوس از دو روی
✦
نجوید زمان مرد پرخاشجوی
“'When the roar of the drum rises from both sides, a warrior seeking combat seeks no delay!'”
#16
همه رزم را دل پر از کین کنید
✦
به ایرانیان پاک نفرین کنید
“'Fill your hearts with vengeance for battle, and pour pure curses upon the Iranians!'”
#17
خروش آمد و نالهٔ کرّنای
✦
دم نای رویین و هندی درای
“There arose shouts and the wail of clarions, the sound of brass flutes and Indian bells.”
#18
زمین آمد از سمّ اسپان به جوش
✦
به ابر اندر آمد فغان و خروش
“The earth seethed under the hooves of horses, and clamor and cries ascended to the clouds.”
#19
چو برخاست از دشت گرد سپاه
✦
کس آمد بر رستم از دیده‌گاه
“When dust from the army rose from the plain, a lookout came to Rostam”
#20
که آمد سپاهی چو کوه گران
✦
همه رزم جویان کندآوران
“Saying: 'An army like a heavy mountain has arrived, all battle-seeking and valiant heroes!'”
#21
ز تیغ دلیران هوا شد بنفش
✦
برفتند با کاویانی درفش
“From the swords of the brave the air turned violet, as they marched under the Kavian Banner.”
#22
برآمد خروش سپاه از دو روی
✦
جهان شد پر از مردم جنگجوی
“The roar of soldiers arose from both flanks, and the world was filled with fighting men.”
#23
خور و ماه گفتی به رنگ اندرست
✦
ستاره به چنگ نهنگ اندرست
“Thou wouldst say sun and moon were drained of color, as though a star were in the clutches of a dragon.”
#24
سپهدار ترکان برآراست جنگ
✦
گرفتند گوپال و خنجر به چنگ
“The commander of the Turanians arrayed the battle; they took maces and daggers in hand.”
#25
بیامد سوی میمنه بارمان
✦
سپاهی ز ترکان دنان و دمان
“Barman came to the right wing, leading a roaring and furious host of Turanians.”
#26
سوی میسره کهرم تیغ‌زن
✦
به قلب اندرون شاه با انجمن
“To the left wing went Kahram the swordsman, and in the center stood the King with his assembly.”
#27
وزین روی رستم سپه برکشید
✦
هوا شد ز تیغ یلان ناپدید
“And on this side, Rostam drew up his troops; the sky vanished behind the flashing swords of the heroes.”
#28
بیاراست بر میمنه گیو و طوس
✦
سواران بیدار با پیل و کوس
“He arrayed Giv and Tus on the right wing, with vigilant riders, war-elephants, and drums.”
#29
چو گودرز کشواد بر میسره
✦
هجیر و گرانمایگان یکسره
“While Goudarz, son of Kashvad, held the left wing, alongside Hojir and all the noble chieftains.”
#30
به قلب اندرون رستم زابلی
✦
زره‌دار با خنجر کابلی
“In the center stood Rostam of Zabul, clad in mail, wielding a Kabuli blade.”
#31
تو گفتی نه شب بود پیدا نه روز
✦
نهان گشت خورشید گیتی‌فروز
“Thou wouldst say neither night nor day was clear; the world-illuminating sun was hidden.”
#32
شد از سم اسپان زمین سنگ رنگ
✦
ز نیزه هوا همچو پشت پلنگ
“The ground turned the color of flint from horse-hooves, and the air was like a leopard's back with spears.”
#33
تو گفتی هوا کوه آهن شدست
✦
سر کوه پر ترگ و جوشن شدست
“Thou wouldst say the sky had become an iron mountain, its crest covered with helmets and coats of mail.”
#34
به ابر اندر آمد سنان و درفش
✦
درفشیدن تیغهای بنفش
“Spearheads and banners reached into the clouds, and violet swords gleamed continuously.”
#35
بیامد ز قلب سپه پیلسم
✦
دلش پر ز خون کرده چهره دژم
“From the center of the army came Pilsam, his heart filled with blood and his face grim.”
#36
چنین گفت با شاه توران سپاه
✦
که‌ای پرهنر خسرو نیک‌خواه
“Thus he spoke to the King of the Turanian army: 'O accomplished and benevolent monarch!'”
#37
گر ایدونک از من نداری دریغ
✦
یکی باره و جوشن و گرز و تیغ
“'If thou wilt not stint me now a war-steed, armor, a mace, and a sword,'”
#38
ابا رستم امروز جنگ آورم
✦
همه نام او زیر ننگ آورم
“'I shall give battle to Rostam today, and drag his renown beneath shame!'”
#39
به پیش تو آرم سر و رخش او
✦
همان خود و تیغ جهان بخش او
“'I shall bring before thee his head and his horse Rakhsh, along with his helmet and world-conquering blade!'”
#40
ازو شاد شد جان افراسیاب
✦
سر نیزه بگذاشت از آفتاب
“Afrasiab's soul was gladdened by him, and the point of his spear reached beyond the sun.”
#41
بدو گفت کای نام بردار شیر
✦
همانا که پیلت نیارد به زیر
“He said to him: 'O renowned lion! Surely even an elephant could not bring thee down!'”
#42
اگر پیلتن را به چنگ آوری
✦
زمانه برآساید از داوری
“'If thou capturest that Elephant-bodied Rostam, time itself shall rest from strife!'”
#43
به توران چو تو کس نباشد به جاه
✦
به گنج و به تیغ و به تخت و کلاه
“'In Turan, none shall match thy rank—in treasure, sword, throne, and crown!'”
#44
به گردان سپهر اندرآری سرم
✦
سپارم ترا دختر و کشورم
“'I shall raise thy head into the revolving sky; I shall give thee my daughter and my kingdom!'”
#45
از ایران و توران دو بهر آن تست
✦
همان گوهر و گنج و شهر آن تست
“'Two parts of Iran and Turan shall be thine, along with all jewels, treasures, and cities!'”
#46
چو بشنید پیران غمی گشت سخت
✦
بیامد بر شاه خورشید بخت
“When Piran heard this news, he grew deeply grieved; he hurried before the sun-blessed King.”
#47
بدو گفت کاین مرد برنا و تیز
✦
همی بر تن خویش دارد ستیز
“He said to him: 'This young and impetuous man is seeking his own undoing through reckless combat.”
#48
همی در گمان افتد از نام خویش
✦
نیندیشد از کار فرجام خویش
“He has grown arrogant with pride in his own name, giving no thought to the final outcome of his deed.”
#49
کسی سوی دوزخ نپوید به پا
✦
و گر خیره سوی دم اژدها
“No sane man marches into hell on his own feet, nor blindly rushes into the breath of a dragon.'”
#50
گر او با تهمتن نبرد آورد
✦
سر خویش را زیر گرد آورد
“If he should engage Tahamtan in battle, he will bring his own head down into the dust.”
#51
شکسته شود دل گوان را به جنگ
✦
بود این سخن نیز بر شاه ننگ
“The hearts of our warriors will break in war, and this defeat shall bring disgrace upon the King.”
#52
برادر تو دانی که کهتر بود
✦
فزون‌تر برو مهر مهتر بود
“You well know that a younger brother always holds a greater share of an elder's love.'”
#53
به پیران چنین گفت پس پیلسم
✦
کزین پهلوان دل ندارد دژم
“Then Pilsam spoke to Piran thus: 'My heart feels no dread toward this Iranian champion,”
#54
که گر من کنم جنگ جنگی نهنگ
✦
نیارم به بخت تو بر شاه ننگ
“For if I battle this fierce and warlike dragon, by your good fortune I shall bring no shame upon the King.”
#55
به پیش تو با نامور چار گرد
✦
چه کردم تو دیدی ز من دست برد
“Before your very eyes, against four famed heroes, you witnessed how I emerged victorious.”
#56
همانا کنون زورم افزونترست
✦
شکستن دل من نه اندرخورست
“Indeed, my strength is even greater now; to break my spirit with fear is unworthy of you.”
#57
برآید به دست من این کارکرد
✦
به گرد در اختر بد مگرد
“This heroic deed shall be achieved by my hand; do not let your mind dwell upon ill-omened stars.'”
#58
چو بشنید زو این سخن شهریار
✦
یکی اسپ شایستهٔ کارزار
“When the Sovereign heard these words from him, he granted him a charger worthy of the battle-field,”
#59
بدو داد با تیغ و برگستوان
✦
همان نیزه و درع و خود گوان
“And bestowed a sword, war-barding, spear, mail, and a helmet fitting for a mighty champion.”
#60
بیاراست آن جنگ را پیلسم
✦
همی راند چون شیر با باد و دم
“Pilsam arrayed himself for combat and charged forth like a lion, with the speed of wind and fury.”
#61
به ایرانیان گفت رستم کجاست
✦
که گوید که او روز جنگ اژدهاست
“He cried out to the Iranians: 'Where is Rostam, who claims to be a dragon on the day of battle?'”
#62
چو بشنید گیو این سخن بردمید
✦
بزد دست و تیغ از میان برکشید
“When Gev heard this challenge, he boiled with rage; he reached out and drew his blade from his waist.”
#63
بدو گفت رستم به یک ترک جنگ
✦
نسازد همانا که آیدش ننگ
“Rostam had said to him: 'He will not fight a single warrior, for he would deem it a shame.'”
#64
برآویختند آن دو جنگی به هم
✦
دمان گیو گودرز با پیلسم
“Those two warriors locked in combat: roaring Gev, son of Goudarz, against fierce Pilsam.”
#65
یکی نیزه زد گیو را کز نهیب
✦
برون آمدش هر دو پا از رکیب
“Pilsam struck Gev with such a mighty spear-thrust that from the terrifying impact both his feet slipped from the stirrups.”
#66
فرامرز چون دید یار آمدش
✦
همی یار جنگی به کار آمدش
“When Faramarz saw his comrade in distress, he rushed in to assist, a martial companion in time of need.”
#67
یکی تیغ بر نیزهٔ پیلسم
✦
بزد نیزه از تیغ او شد قلم
“He struck a heavy sword blow upon Pilsam's lance, snapping the spear into a stub like a reed pen.”
#68
دگر باره زد بر سر ترگ اوی
✦
شکسته شد آن تیغ پرخاشجوی
“Then he struck once more upon Pilsam's helmet, but the battle-seeking blade shattered with the blow.”
#69
همی گشت با آن دو یل پیلسم
✦
به میدان به کردار شیر دژم
“Yet Pilsam fought on against both heroes in the battlefield, wheeling like a raging lion.”
#70
تهمتن ز قلب سپه بنگرید
✦
دو گرد دلیر و گرانمایه دید
“Tahamtan looked out from the center of the host; he beheld two brave and noble warriors”
#71
برآویخته با یکی شیرمرد
✦
به ابر اندر آورده از باد گرد
“Locked in furious strife with a lion-hearted warrior, raising dust up to the clouds with their fury.”
#72
بدانست رستم که جز پیلسم
✦
ز ترکان ندارد کس آن زور و دم
“Rostam knew well that among the Turks none save Pilsam possessed such strength and martial spirit.”
#73
و دیگر که از نامور بخردان
✦
ز گفت ستاره‌شمر موبدان
“Moreover, from famous sages and the lore of star-gazing mobads,”
#74
ز اختر بد و نیک بشنوده بود
✦
جهان را چپ و راست پیموده بود
“He had heard of good and evil fortunes under the stars, having traversed the world in all directions:”
#75
که گر پیلسم از بد روزگار
✦
خرد یابد و بند آموزگار
“That if Pilsam, despite evil fortune, should gain wisdom and heed the guidance of a master,”
#76
نبرده چنو در جهان سر به سر
✦
به ایران و توران نبندد کمر
“No warrior like him in all the world, across Iran and Turan, would ever girt his loins for battle.”
#77
همانا که او را زمان آمدست
✦
که ایدر به چنگم دمان آمدست
“'Surely his appointed hour has come, for he has charge headlong into my grasp here!'”
#78
به لشکر بفرمود کز جای خویش
✦
مگر ناورند اندکی پای پیش
“He commanded his host not to advance even a single foot from their positions.”
#79
شوم برگرایم تن پیلسم
✦
ببینم که دارد پی و شاخ و دم
“'I shall go and test Pilsam's body myself, to see what roots, horns, and tail he truly possesses!'”
#80
یکی نیزهٔ بارکش برگرفت
✦
بیفشارد ران ترگ بر سر گرفت
“He took up a heavy, formidable spear, pressed his thighs against his steed, and put on his war helmet.”
#81
گران شد رکیب و سبک شد عنان
✦
به چشم اندر آورد رخشان سنان
“His stirrup grew heavy and his reins turned light; he aimed his gleaming spear straight toward his enemy’s eye.”
#82
غمی گشت و بر لب برآورد کف
✦
همی تاخت از قلب تا پیش صف
“Grievous and raging, foam rose to his lips, as he galloped furiously from the center to the front of the ranks.”
#83
چنین گفت کای نامور پیلسم
✦
مرا خواستی تا بسوزی به دم
“He shouted: 'O renowned Pilsam! You sought to consume me with your fiery breath!'”
#84
همی گفت و می‌تاخت برسان گرد
✦
یکی کرد با او سخن در نبرد
“Thus he spoke, charging like a whirling dust-storm; with only a single word exchanged in battle,”
#85
یکی نیزه زد بر کمرگاه اوی
✦
ز زین برگرفتش به کردار گوی
“He thrust a spear right into his waist, lifting him off the saddle as though he were a polo ball.”
#86
همی تاخت تا قلب توران سپاه
✦
بینداختش خوار در قلبگاه
“He galloped straight into the heart of the Turanian host, casting him down ignominiously in the center of the battlefield.”
#87
چنین گفت کاین را به دیبای زرد
✦
بپوشید کز گرد شد لاژورد
“He cried out: 'Wrap him in golden silk, for he has turned lapis-blue beneath the battle dust!'”
#88
عنان را بپیچید زان جایگاه
✦
بیامد دمان تا به قلب سپاه
“Then he turned his reins from that spot, charging back fiercely toward the center of the host.”
#89
ببارید پیران ز مژگان سرشک
✦
تن پیلسم دور دید از پزشک
“Piran shed tears from his eyes, seeing Pilsam's body far beyond all healing.”
#90
دل لشکر و شاه توران سپاه
✦
شکسته شد و تیره شد رزمگاه
“The heart of the army and the King of Turan broke, and darkness settled over the battle-plain.”
#91
خروش آمد از لشکر هر دو سوی
✦
ده و دار گردان پرخاشجوی
“A mighty roar rose from both armies, filled with the shouts and clamor of battle-seeking warriors.”
#92
خروشیدن کوس بر پشت پیل
✦
ز هر سو همی رفت تا چند میل
“The thunder of the war-drums mounted on elephants echoed for miles across the field.”
#93
زمین شد ز نعل ستوران ستوه
✦
همه کوه دریا شد و دشت کوه
“The earth grew weary beneath the horses' hooves; the mountains turned to seas of blood, the plains were heaped like hills of dead.”
#94
ز بس نعره و نالهٔ کره‌نای
✦
همی آسمان اندر آمد ز جای
“With the intense roar of trumpets and shouts of war, it seemed the sky itself was shaken from its place.”
#95
همی سنگ مرجان شد و خاک خون
✦
سراسر سر سروران شد نگون
“Stones turned red as coral and soil turned to blood; head after head of noble chieftains tumbled low.”
#96
بکشتند چندان ز هردو گروه
✦
که شد خاک دریا و هامون چو کوه
“So many were slain from both factions that the dust became a sea of blood and the plain raised mounds like mountains.”
#97
یکی باد برخاست از رزمگاه
✦
هوا را بپوشید گرد سپاه
“A violent wind swept across the battle-ground, and the dust raised by the armies enveloped the sky.”
#98
دو لشکر به هامون همی تاختند
✦
یک از دیگران بازنشناختند
“Both armies charged across the plain, unable to distinguish friend from foe amidst the gloom.”
#99
جهان چون شب تیره تاریک شد
✦
تو گفتی به شب روز نزدیک شد
“The world grew dark as pitch-black night; it seemed as though the day had merged into night.”
#100
چنین گفت با لشکر افراسیاب
✦
که بیدار بخت اندر آمد به خواب
“Afrasiab addressed his army, saying: 'Our vigilant fortune has fallen into slumber!'”
#101
اگر سستی آرید یک تن به جنگ
✦
نماند مرا روزگار درنگ
“'If a single one of you shows weakness in battle, no time will remain for us to delay.'”
#102
بریشان ز هر سو کمین آورید
✦
به نیزه خور اندر زمین آورید
“'Ambush them from every side, and with your spears bring down the sun itself to the earth!'”
#103
بیامد خود از قلب توران سپاه
✦
بر طوس شد داغ دل کینه‌خواه
“Afrasiab himself charged out from the center of the Turanian army, rushing grieving and vengeful against Tous.”
#104
از ایران فراوان سپه را بکشت
✦
غمی شد دل طوس و بنمود پشت
“He slaughtered many soldiers of Iran; Tous grew disconsolate and turned his back in retreat.”
#105
بر رستم آمد یکی چاره‌جوی
✦
که امروز ازین رزم شد رنگ و بوی
“A seeker of help came swiftly to Rostam, declaring: 'Today the tide and favor of battle are lost!'”
#106
همه رزمگه شد چو دریای خون
✦
درفش سپهدار ایران نگون
“'The whole battleground has turned into a sea of blood, and the banner of Iran’s commander has fallen low!'”
#107
بیامد ز قلب سپه پیلتن
✦
پس او فرامرز با انجمن
“The elephant-bodied Rostam rode forth from the center of the host, followed by Faramarz and his warrior band.”
#108
سپردار بسیار در پیش بود
✦
که دلشان ز رستم بداندیش بود
“Many shield-bearers stood in front, their hearts filled with dread and malice toward Rostam.”
#109
همه خویش و پیوند افراسیاب
✦
همه دل پر از کین و سر پرشتاب
“All were kinsmen and relatives of Afrasiab, their hearts brimming with vengeance and their heads full of impetuous rage.”
#110
تهمتن فراوان از ایشان بکشت
✦
فرامرز و طوس اندر آمد به پشت
“Tahamtan (Rostam) slew a great number of them, while Faramarz and Tous supported his rear.”
#111
چو افراسیاب آن درفش بنفش
✦
نگه کرد بر جایگاه درفش
“When Afrasiab beheld the violet banner and gazed upon the place where it stood,”
#112
بدانست کان پیلتن رستم است
✦
سرافراز وز تخمهٔ نیرم است
“He knew that elephant-bodied champion was Rostam—exalted and of the lineage of Nayram (Nariman).”
#113
برآشفت بر سان جنگی پلنگ
✦
بیفشارد ران پیش او شد به جنگ
“He raged like a ferocious leopard, pressed his thighs against his steed, and charged to join battle with him.”
#114
چو رستم درفش سیه را بدید
✦
به کردار شیر ژیان بردمید
“When Rostam caught sight of the dark banner, he roared like a raging lion.”
#115
به جوش آمد آن نامبردار گرد
✦
عنان بارهٔ تیزتگ را سپرد
“The famous hero surged with fury, giving free rein to his swift-footed steed.”
#116
برآویخت با سرکش افراسیاب
✦
به پیگار خون رفت چون رود آب
“He clashed directly with the rebellious Afrasiab; in that fierce battle, blood flowed like a surging river.”
#117
یکی نیزه سالار توران سپاه
✦
بزد بر بر رستم کینه‌خواه
“The leader of Turan's host thrust his spear straight against the chest of vengeful Rostam.”
#118
سنان اندر آمد به بند کمر
✦
به ببر بیان بر نبد کارگر
“The spearhead struck against his waist-belt, yet had no effect upon his leopard-skin armor.”
#119
تهمتن به کین اندر آورد روی
✦
یکی نیزه زد بر سر اسپ اوی
“Tahamtan turned his face in vengeance and drove a spear straight into the head of his horse.”
#120
تگاور ز درد اندر آمد به سر
✦
بیفتاد زو شاه پرخاشخر
“The swift steed tumbled headlong in agony, and down fell the warlike monarch.”
#121
همی جست رستم کمرگاه او
✦
که از رزم کوته کند راه او
“Rostam sought to seize him by the waist, so as to cut short his path of battle forever.”
#122
نگه کرد هومان بدید از کران
✦
به گردن برآورد گرز گران
“Houman looked from the flank and saw the danger; he raised a heavy mace high above his shoulder.”
#123
بزد بر سر شانهٔ پیلتن
✦
به لشکر خروش آمد از انجمن
“He struck the elephant-bodied hero on the shoulder, and a roar broke out from the gathered host.”
#124
ز پس کرد رستم همانگه نگاه
✦
بجست از کفش نامبردار شاه
“Rostam turned his gaze behind him at once, and in that instant, the famous king slipped from his grasp.”
#125
برآشفت گردافگن تاج‌بخش
✦
به دنبال هومان برانگیخت رخش
“Enraged, the crown-bestowing champion urged Rakhsh in swift pursuit of Houman.”
#126
بتازید چندی و چندی شتافت
✦
زمانه بدش مانده او را نیافت
“He galloped and pressed hard for a time, but fate decreed that he could not catch him.”
#127
سپهدار ترکان نشد زیر دست
✦
یکی بارهٔ تیزتگ برنشست
“The leader of the Turanians was not subdued; he mounted a swift-footed steed and rode off.”
#128
چو از جنگ رستم بپیچید روی
✦
گریزان همی رفت پرخاشجوی
“When he turned his back on battle with Rostam, the warlike king fled in haste.”
#129
برآمد ز هر سو دم کرنای
✦
همی آسمان اندر آمد ز جای
“The blast of trumpets rose from every side, as though the very heavens were shaken from their place.”
#130
به ابر اندر آمد خروش سران
✦
گراییدن گرزهای گران
“The shouting of the commanders reached the clouds, along with the violent swinging of heavy maces.”
#131
گوان سر به سر نعره برداشتند
✦
سنانها به ابر اندر افراشتند
“The warriors raised mighty battle cries all together, raising their spearheads high into the clouds.”
#132
زمین سر به سر کشته و خسته بود
✦
وگر لاله بر زعفران رسته بود
“The ground from end to end was strewn with dead and wounded, as if red tulips grew upon a bed of saffron.”
#133
سپردند اسپان همی خون به نعل
✦
شده پای پیل از دل کشته لعل
“The horses trod in blood with their shoes, and the feet of elephants turned ruby-red from the hearts of the slain.”
#134
هزیمت گرفتند ترکان چو باد
✦
که رستم ز بازو همی داد داد
“The Turanians took flight like the wind, for Rostam was exacting justice through the strength of his arms.”
#135
سه فرسنگ چون اژدهای دمان
✦
تهمتن همی شد پس بدگمان
“For three leagues Tahamtan pursued the malevolent foe, like a raging dragon in full fury.”
#136
وز آن جایگه پیلتن بازگشت
✦
سپه یکسر از جنگ ناساز گشت
“From that distant spot the elephant-bodied hero turned back, and the enemy army abandoned all fight.”
#137
ز رستم بپرسید پرمایه طوس
✦
که چون یافت شیر از یکی گور کوس
“The noble Tus asked Rostam: 'How could a wild ass dare to deliver a blow against a lion?'”
#138
بدو گفت رستم که گرز گران
✦
چو یاد آرد از یال جنگ‌آوران
“Rostam replied to him: 'When a heavy mace comes down upon the neck of warriors,'”
#139
دل سنگ و سندان نماند درست
✦
بر و یال کوبنده باید نخست
“'Not even the heart of stone or anvil remains whole; first, the striker's own chest and shoulder must be shattered.'”
#140
عمودی که کوبنده هومان بود
✦
تو آهن مخوانش که موم آن بود
“'The mace that Houman struck with—call it not iron, for against my body it was soft as wax!'”
#141
به لشکرگه خویش گشتند باز
✦
سپه یکسر از خواسته بی‌نیاز
“They returned to their own encampment, the whole army now rendered free from want by the riches captured.”
#142
همه دشت پر آهن و سیم و زر
✦
سنان و ستام و کلاه و کمر
“The entire battlefield was filled with iron, silver, and gold, spearheads, horse trappings, helmets, and belts.”