#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.”