#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.”