As the sun crested the mountain heights, casting rubies of crimson light across the streams, Rostam gathered the vast spoils of war and distributed them among his brave warriors. With the thunderous call of war-horns echoing through the sky, the World-Champion set his host in motion, marching straight toward the realm of Afrasiab, their eyes wet with tears for Siyavash and their hearts consumed by vengeance.
When news of Rostam's unstoppable advance reached Afrasiab, the Turanian king turned in panic to Piran Viseh, lamenting that the Iranians had bound their loins to eradicate Turan. Afrasiab sought to capture Siyavash's young son (Kay Khosrow) and mother to send them back to Iran as a bid for peace, but fear overtook him. Ere Rostam reached his doors, Afrasiab abandoned his royal throne at Gang-Dezh and retreated with his armies toward the Sea of Chin.
Rostam triumphantly ascended Afrasiab's majestic throne, casting the king's fortune into the dust. He recalled ancient wisdom—that an enemy must not be spared, and that evil must be uprooted. He ordered the vast treasures of Turan unlocked: hoards of gold dinars, radiant gems, ivory thrones, brocades, and noble steeds. Rostam bestowed the ivory throne and the governance of Chach upon Tus, commanding him to execute any who dared speak Afrasiab's name. To the wise Goudarz, he granted Sepijab and Soghd, praising his lineage and sagacity. To Fariborz, Siyavash's brother, Rostam sent a golden crown and treasure, exhorting him to gird his loins tightly for his brother's blood and forego sleep until Turan was broken.
News of Rostam occupying the throne reached as far as Chin and Machin, prompting local lords to arrive with lavish tribute; Rostam granted them amnesty. For a long duration, Rostam remained in Turan, spending his days hunting. One day, his brother Zavareh reached a lush grove that had once been Siyavash's favored hunting ground. Upon hearing a guide recount how happy Siyavash had been in that place, Zavareh collapsed from his horse in grief. Awakening, he swore never to rest or hunt for pleasure until Turan was utterly laid waste. Moved by Zavareh's sorrow, Rostam unleashed total destruction upon the land: for over a thousand leagues, cities were burned, warriors slain, and captives taken.
Eventually, the surviving Turanian nobles bowed before Rostam, renouncing Afrasiab and begging for mercy. Seeing their plight and mindful that King Kavus sat vulnerable in Iran, the wise elders advised Rostam to return home. Rostam agreed, packing thousands of elephants with gold, musk, furs, and weapons, and led his victorious army back to Zabulistan and Fars. Upon Rostam's departure, Afrasiab returned to find his kingdom a desolate ash-heap. Weeping tears of blood, he rallied his remaining forces for relentless counter-invasions against Iran. Yet heaven withdrew its favor: a devastating drought struck the lands, withholding rain for seven long years and plunging the realm into severe hardship.
#1
چو خورشید برزد سر از کوهسار
✦
بگسترد یاقوت بر جویبار
“When the sun raised its head above the mountain range, scattering rubies across the flowing stream,”
#2
تهمتن همه خواسته گرد کرد
✦
ببخشید یکسر به مردان مرد
“Tahamtan gathered all the wealth and spoils, bestowing them entirely upon his valiant men.”
#3
خروش آمد و نالهٔ کرنای
✦
تهمتن برانگیخت لشکر ز جای
“A clamor arose with the wail of war-horns, as Tahamtan set his army in motion.”
#4
نهادند سر سوی افراسیاب
✦
همه رخ ز کین سیاوش پر آب
“They marched directly toward Afrasiab, their faces streaming with tears in vengeance for Siyavash.”
#5
پس آگاهی آمد به پرخاشجوی
✦
که رستم به توران در آورد روی
“Then word reached the warlike king that Rostam had turned his face toward Turan.”
#6
به پیران چنین گفت کایرانیان
✦
بدی را ببستند یکسر میان
“He spoke thus to Piran: 'The Iranians have firmly girded their loins for evil against us.”
#7
کنون بوم و بر جمله ویران شود
✦
به کام دلیران ایران شود
“Now all this realm and land will be devastated, reduced to the desire of Iran's brave warriors.'”
#8
کسی نزد رستم برد آگهی
✦
ازین کودک شوم بی‌فرهی
“Let someone carry news to Rostam of this ill-omened child devoid of royal glory,”
#9
هم آنگه برندش به ایران سپاه
✦
یکی ناسزا برنهندش کلاه
“That they may take him forthwith to the army of Iran, and place a crown upon one unfit.”
#10
نوندی برافگن هم اندر زمان
✦
بر شوم پی‌زادهٔ بدگمان
“'Dispatch a swift courier immediately unto that ill-omened, suspicious offspring,”
#11
که با مادر آن هر دو تن را به هم
✦
بیارد بگوید سخن بیش و کم
“To bring both him and his mother together, speaking of matters great and small.'”
#12
نوندی بیامد ببردندشان
✦
شدند آن دو بیچاره چون بیهشان
“A messenger sped forth and brought them along; those two helpless ones became like men senseless with grief.”
#13
به نزدیک افراسیاب آمدند
✦
پر از درد و تیمار و تاب آمدند
“They came into the presence of Afrasiab, filled with pain, sorrow, and burning agony.”
#14
وز آن جایگه شاه توران زمین
✦
بیاورد لشکر به دریای چین
“And from that place, the king of the Turanian land withdrew his host toward the Sea of Chin.”
#15
تهمتن نشست از بر تخت اوی
✦
به خاک اندر آمد سر بخت اوی
“Tahamtan seated himself upon Afrasiab's throne, casting the crown of his fortune into the dust.”
#16
یکی داستانی بگفت از نخست
✦
که پرمایه آنکس که دشمن نجست
“He recounted a proverb from of old: 'Glorious is he who never sought an enemy.”
#17
چو بدخواه پیش آیدت کشته به
✦
گر آواره از پیش برگشته به
“When a malicious foe comes against thee, better he be slain, or turned back in flight!'”
#18
از ایوان همه گنج او بازجست
✦
بگفتند با او یکایک درست
“They searched all the treasures of his palace, reporting truth to him step by step.”
#19
غلامان و اسپ و پرستندگان
✦
همان مایه‌ور خوب رخ بندگان
“The slaves, horses, and attendants, as well as priceless, beautiful bondsmen,”
#20
در گنج دینار و پرمایه تاج
✦
همان گوهر و دیبه و تخت عاج
“The treasure doors of dinars and glorious crowns, alongside jewels, silks, and thrones of ivory—”
#21
یکایک ز هر سو به چنگ آمدش
✦
بسی گوهر از گنج گنگ آمدش
“One by one from every side came into his hands; vast jewels were taken from the hoard of Gang.”
#22
سپه سر به سر زان توانگر شدند
✦
ابا یاره و تخت و افسر شدند
“The host from end to end became wealthy therefrom, adorned with armlets, thrones, and crowns.”
#23
یکی طوس را داد زان تخت عاج
✦
همان یاره و طوق و منشور چاچ
“He gave that ivory throne to Tus, along with armlets, neck-rings, and the royal charter of Chach.”
#24
ورا گفت هر کس که تاب آورد
✦
وگر نام افراسیاب آورد
“He commanded him: 'If anyone shows defiance, or brings forth the name of Afrasiab,”
#25
همانگه سرش را ز تن دور کن
✦
ازو کرگسان را یکی سور کن
“Sever his head from his body at once, and make of him a feast for the vultures!'”
#26
کسی کاو خرد جوید و ایمنی
✦
نیازد سوی کیش آهرمنی
“Whoever seeks wisdom and safety turns not toward the path of Ahriman.”
#27
چو فرزند باید که داری به ناز
✦
ز رنج ایمن از خواسته بی‌نیاز
“If thou hast a child, rear him with tenderness, safe from hardship and free from want.”
#28
تو درویش را رنج منمای هیچ
✦
همی داد و بر داد دادن بسیچ
“Do not inflict pain upon the needy; prepare constantly to bestow justice upon justice.”
#29
که گیتی سپنجست و جاوید نیست
✦
فری برتر از فر جمشید نیست
“For this world is a transient inn and not eternal; no glory surpasses the Glory of Jamshid.”
#30
سپهر بلندش به پا آورید
✦
جهان را جزو کدخدا آورید
“Yet the high heavens brought him low, leaving the world to another master.”
#31
یکی تاج پرگوهر شاهوار
✦
دو تا یاره و طوق با گوشوار
“A crown studded with royal gems, two armlets, a collar, and earrings—”
#32
سپیجاب و سغدش به گودرز داد
✦
بسی پند و منشور آن مرز داد
“He gave Sepijab and Soghd to Goudarz, bestowing many counsels and the charter of that borderland.”
#33
ستودش فراوان و کرد آفرین
✦
که چون تو کسی نیست ز ایران زمین
“He praised him exceedingly and invoked blessings, saying: 'There is none like thee in the land of Iran.”
#34
بزرگی و فر و بلندی و داد
✦
همان بزم و رزم از تو داریم یاد
“Greatness, royal glory, eminence, and justice, as well as knowledge of feast and fight, we remember from thee.”
#35
ترا با هنر گوهرست و خرد
✦
روانت همی از تو رامش برد
“In thee, virtue, noble blood, and wisdom are joined; thy spirit ever derives joy from thy deeds.”
#36
روا باشد ار پند من بشنوی
✦
که آموزگار بزرگان توی
“It is fitting if thou heartenest my counsel, for thou art the teacher of the great.'”
#37
سپیجاب تا آب گلزریون
✦
ز فرمان تو کس نیاید برون
“'From Sepijab unto the Gulzariyun waters, let no man step outside thy command.'”
#38
فریبرز کاووس را تاج زر
✦
فرستاد و دینار و تخت و کمر
“To Fariborz, son of Kavus, he sent a golden crown, dinars, a throne, and a royal girdle.”
#39
بدو گفت سالار و مهتر توی
✦
سیاووش رد را برادر توی
“He said to him: 'Thou art the commander and chief; thou art the brother of the valiant Siyavash.”
#40
میان را به کین برادر ببند
✦
ز فتراک مگشای بند کمند
“Gird thy waist to avenge thy brother; release not the loop of thy lasso from thy saddle-bow!”
#41
به چین و ختن اندرآور سپاه
✦
به هر جای از دشمنان کینه‌خواه
“Lead armies into Chin and Khotan; seek revenge upon enemies in every place.”
#42
میاسای از کین افراسیاب
✦
ز تن دور کن خورد و آرام و خواب
“Rest not from seeking vengeance upon Afrasiab; banish food, ease, and sleep from thy body!'”
#43
به ماچین و چین آمد این آگهی
✦
که بنشست رستم به شاهنشهی
“Unto Machin and Chin came news that Rostam had seated himself upon the throne of sovereignty.”
#44
همه هدیه ها ساختند و نثار
✦
ز دینار و ز گوهر شاهوار
“They prepared all gifts and offerings, of dinars and royal gemstones.”
#45
تهمتن به جان داد زنهارشان
✦
بدید آن روانهای بیدارشان
“Tahamtan granted them amnesty for their lives, beholding their enlightened and watchful spirits.”
#46
وزان پس بنخچیر با یوز و باز
✦
برآمد برین روزگاری دراز
“Thereafter, equipped with cheetahs and falcons, he spent a long period engaged in the chase.”
#47
چنان بد که روزی زواره برفت
✦
به نخچیر گوران خرامید تفت
“It so chanced that one day Zavareh set forth, riding swiftly to hunt wild asses.”
#48
یکی ترک تا باشدش رهنمای
✦
به پیش اندر افگند و آمد بجای
“He sent ahead a Turk to serve as his guide, and followed behind until he reached the place.”
#49
یکی بیشه دید اندران پهن دشت
✦
که گفتی برو بر نشاید گذشت
“In that vast plain he beheld a woodland so dense that one would say it could not be traversed.”
#50
ز بس بوی و بس رنگ و آب روان
✦
همی نو شد از باد گفتی روان
“So rich was it in scents, colors, and running streams that the breeze seemed to revive the very soul.”
#51
پس آن ترک خیره زبان برگشاد
✦
به پیش زواره همی کرد یاد
“Then that bold Turk opened his mouth and spoke thus before Zavareh:”
#52
که نخچیرگاه سیاوش بد این
✦
برین بود مهرش به توران زمین
“"This was the hunting ground of Siyavash; to this place his heart was bound in the land of Turan.”
#53
بدین جایگه شاد و خرم بدی
✦
جز ایدر همه جای با غم بدی
“Here alone was he joyful and glad; in all other places he was laden with grief."”
#54
زواره چو بشنید زو این سخن
✦
برو تازه شد روزگار کهن
“When Zavareh heard these words from him, memories of past days blossomed anew within his heart.”
#55
چو گفتار آن ترکش آمد به گوش
✦
ز اسپ اندر افتاد و زو رفت هوش
“As the Turk's words struck his ears, he fell from his horse and swooned away in anguish.”
#56
یکی باز بودش به چنگ اندرون
✦
رها کرد و مژگان شدش جوی خون
“He let slip the hunting falcon from his grip, while streams of bloody tears poured from his eyes.”
#57
رسیدند یاران لشکر بدوی
✦
غمی یافتندش پر از آب روی
“His companions from the army reached him and found him sorrow-stricken, his face drenched in tears.”
#58
گرفتند نفرین بران رهنمای
✦
به زخمش فگندند هر یک ز پای
“They called down curses upon that guide, and each struck him down until he lay slain.”
#59
زواره یکی سخت سوگند خورد
✦
فرو ریخت از دیدگان آب زرد
“Zavareh swore a mighty, solemn oath, as bitter tears shed from his eyes:”
#60
کزین پس نه نخچیر جویم نه خواب
✦
نپردازم از کین افراسیاب
“"Henceforth I shall seek neither hunt nor slumber, nor desist from exact vengeance upon Afrasiab!”
#61
نمانم که رستم برآساید ایچ
✦
همی کینه را کرد باید بسیچ
“I will not suffer Rostam to rest at all; we must make all haste in preparing our revenge!"”
#62
همانگه چو نزد تهمتن رسید
✦
خروشید چون روی او را بدید
“Then straightway, when he reached Tahamtan, he uttered a loud cry upon beholding his face.”
#63
بدو گفت کایدر به کین آمدیم
✦
و گر لب پر از آفرین آمدیم
“He said to him: "Did we come here for vengeance, or with lips full of praise and blessings?”
#64
چو یزدان نیکی دهش زور داد
✦
از اختر ترا گردش هور داد
“Since God, the Bestower of Good, granted thee strength, and the stars decreed for thee a sun-like course,”
#65
چرا باید این کشور آباد ماند
✦
یکی را برین بوم و بر شاد ماند
“Why should this realm remain prosperous, and anyone in this land dwell in joy?”
#66
فرامش مکن کین آن شهریار
✦
که چون او نبیند دگر روزگار
“Forget not the blood-feud of that prince, the likes of whom time shall never see again!"”
#67
برانگیخت آن پیلتن را ز جای
✦
تهمتن هم آن کرد کاو دید رای
“He roused that elephant-bodied hero from his place, and Tahamtan fulfilled what he deemed fit.”
#68
همان غارت و کشتن اندر گرفت
✦
همه بوم و بر دست بر سر گرفت
“Plunder and slaughter were renewed once more, and all the populace put their hands to their heads in despair.”
#69
ز توران زمین تا به سقلاب و روم
✦
نماندند یک مرز آباد بوم
“From the land of Turan unto Saqlab and Rome, they left not a single border domain flourishing.”
#70
همی سر بریدند برنا و پیر
✦
زن و کودک خرد کردند اسیر
“They beheaded young and old alike, and took captive both women and small children.”
#71
برین گونه فرسنگ بیش از هزار
✦
برآمد ز کشور سراسر دمار
“In this manner, across more than a thousand leagues, destruction swept over the entire land.”
#72
هرآنکس که بد مهتری با گهر
✦
همه پیش رفتند بر خاک سر
“Every noble chieftain of lineage came forward and prostrated himself upon the dust,”
#73
که بیزار گشتیم ز افراسیاب
✦
نخواهیم دیدار او را به خواب
“Saying: "We have turned away in disgust from Afrasiab, nor do we wish to see him even in our dreams!”
#74
ازان خون که او ریخت بر بیگناه
✦
کسی را نبود اندر آن روی راه
“In that innocent blood which he spilled, none of us had any share or fault.”
#75
کنون انجمن گر پراگنده‌ایم
✦
همه پیش تو چاکر و بنده‌ایم
“Though our people are now scattered, we stand before thee as thy humble servants and thralls.”
#76
چو چیره شدی بیگنه خون مریز
✦
مکن چنگ گردون گردنده تیز
“Since thou hast triumphed, shed not innocent blood; sharpen not the claws of turning fate against thyself.”
#77
ندانیم ماکان جفاگر کجاست
✦
به ابرست گر در دم اژدهاست
“We know not where that oppressor hides—whether he be in the clouds or in the dragon's breath."”
#78
چو بشنید گفتار آن انجمن
✦
بپیچید بینادل پیلتن
“When the clear-sighted, elephant-bodied hero heard the words of that assembly, his heart relented.”
#79
سوی مرز قچغار باشی براند
✦
سران سپه را سراسر بخواند
“He rode rapidly toward the marches of Qachghar, and summoned all the commanders of his host.”
#80
شدند انجمن پیش او بخردان
✦
بزرگان و کارآزموده ردان
“The wise men, the nobles, and battle-tested chieftains gathered together before him.”
#81
که کاووس بی‌دست و بی فر و پای
✦
نشستست بر تخت بی‌رهنمای
“For Kay Kavus sits helpless upon the throne, lacking glory, vigor, and a guiding force.”
#82
گر افراسیاب از رهی بی‌درنگ
✦
یکی لشکر آرد به ایران به جنگ
“If Afrasiab should lead an army swiftly from his realm to wage war on Iran once more,”
#83
بیابد بران پیر کاووس دست
✦
شود کام و آرام ما جمله پست
“He will overpower old Kavus, and all our desires and tranquil ease will be ruined.”
#84
یکایک همه فام کین توختیم
✦
همه شهر آباد او سوختیم
“We have fully exacted the blood-price for Siyavash and burnt all Afrasiab's prosperous lands.”
#85
کجا سالیان اندر آمد به شش
✦
که نگذشت بر ما یکی روز خوش
“Six full years have passed over us in war, wherein not a single happy day was ours.”
#86
کنون نزد آن پیر خسرو شویم
✦
چو رزم اندر آید همه نو شویم
“Now let us return to that old king, so that when battle beckons again, we may renew our strength.”
#87
چو دل بر نهی بر سرای کهن
✦
کند ناز و ز تو بپوشد سخن
“When you set your heart upon this transient world, it shows disdain and conceals its secrets from you.”
#88
تهمتن بران گشت همداستان
✦
که فرخنده موبد زد این داستان
“The mighty Rustam agreed with the wise counsel that the blessed Mobad had imparted.”
#89
چنین گفت خرم دل رهنمای
✦
که خوبی گزین زین سپنجی سرای
“Thus spoke the joyful-hearted guide: 'Choose only goodness from this fleeting abode.”
#90
بنوش و بناز و بپوش و بخور
✦
ترا بهره اینست زین رهگذر
“Drink, take joy, clothe yourself, and eat; this alone is your share from this passing journey.'”
#91
سوی آز منگر که او دشمنست
✦
دلش بردهٔ جان آهرمنست
“Look not with eyes of greed, for greed is an enemy whose heart is captive to Ahriman's soul.”
#92
نگه کن که در خاک جفت تو کیست
✦
برین خواسته چند خواهی گریست
“Consider who shall lie beside you in the dust; how long will you weep over these possessions?”
#93
تهمتن چو بشنید شرم آمدش
✦
برفتن یکی رای گرم آمدش
“When Tahamtan heard these words, a sense of shame overcame him, and he resolved earnestly to depart.”
#94
نگه کرد ز اسپان به هر سو گله
✦
که بودند بر دشت ترکان یله
“He surveyed the herds of horses on every side, roaming freely across the plains of Turan.”
#95
غلام و پرستندگان ده هزار
✦
بیاورد شایستهٔ شهریار
“Ten thousand slaves and attendants he collected, all worthy of a king.”
#96
همان نافهٔ مشک و موی سمور
✦
ز در سپید و ز کیمال بور
“Together with pods of musk, sables' fur, white pearls, and brown Kamakh leather,”
#97
به رنگ و به بوی و به دیبا و زر
✦
شد آراسته پشت پیلان نر
“The backs of male elephants were laden and adorned with colors, scents, brocades, and gold.”
#98
ز گستردنیها و از بیش و کم
✦
ز پوشیدنیها و گنج و درم
“From carpets and fine garments, to treasures, dirhams, and riches great and small,”
#99
ز گنج سلیح و ز تاج و ز تخت
✦
به ایران کشیدند و بربست رخت
“Armories of weapons, crowns, and thrones were all packed and borne away toward Iran.”
#100
ز توران سوی زابلستان کشید
✦
به نزدیک فرخنده دستان کشید
“From Turan he marched toward Zabulistan, returning to the blessed Dastan (Zal).”
#101
سوی پارس شد طوس و گودرز و گیو
✦
سپاهی چنان نامبردار و نیو
“Tus, Goudarz, and Giv headed toward Pars, leading an army famous and valorous.”
#102
نهادند سر سوی شاه جهان
✦
همه نامداران فرخ نهان
“All the noble chieftains of holy lineage bowed their heads in homage to the King of the World.”
#103
وزان پس چو بشنید افراسیاب
✦
که بگذشت رستم بران روی آب
“Thereafter, when Afrasiab heard that Rustam had crossed back over the river,”
#104
شد از باختر سوی دریای گنگ
✦
دلی پر ز کینه سری پر ز جنگ
“He came from the west toward the Gang River, his heart full of malice, his head brimming with war.”
#105
همه بوم زیر و زبر کرده دید
✦
مهان کشته و کهتران برده دید
“He saw his entire realm turned upside down, the nobles slain, and the common folk taken captive.”
#106
نه اسپ و نه گنج و نه تاج و نه تخت
✦
نه شاداب در باغ برگ درخت
“Neither horse nor treasure, crown nor throne remained; not even a fresh green leaf upon the orchard trees.”
#107
جهانی به آتش برافروخته
✦
همه کاخها کنده و سوخته
“A world set ablaze with fire, all palaces razed and consumed by flames.”
#108
ز دیده ببارید خونابه شاه
✦
چنین گفت با مهتران سپاه
“Tears of blood spilled from the king's eyes, and he addressed the chieftains of his army:”
#109
که هر کس که این را فرامش کند
✦
همی جان بیدار خامش کند
“'Whoever forgets this shame suppresses his own vigilant spirit.”
#110
همه یک به یک دل پر از کین کنید
✦
سپر بستر و تیغ بالین کنید
“Let every single one of you fill his heart with vengeance; make the shield your bed and the sword your pillow!”
#111
به ایران سپه رزم و کین آوریم
✦
به نیزه خور اندر زمین آوریم
“We shall bring war and vengeance upon the army of Iran, bringing down the sun to earth with our spears.”
#112
به یک رزم اگر باد ایشان بجست
✦
نباید چنین کردن اندیشه پست
“Though the wind favored them in a single battle, we must not let our spirits fall so low.'”
#113
برآراست بر هر سوی تاختن
✦
ندید ایچ هنگام پرداختن
“He organized raids on every side, allowing himself no time for rest.”
#114
همی سوخت آباد بوم و درخت
✦
به ایرانیان بر شد آن کار سخت
“He burned prosperous lands and trees, making matters grievous for the Iranians.”
#115
ز باران هوا خشک شد هفت سال
✦
دگرگونه شد بخت و برگشت حال
“For seven years the sky withheld its rain; fortune turned, and the condition of the world was altered.”
#116
شد از رنج و سختی جهان پر نیاز
✦
برآمد برین روزگار دراز
“Through toil and hardship, the world became filled with dire want; and thus a long age elapsed in distress.”