#1
چو از لشگر آگه شد افراسیاب
✦
برو تیره شد تابش آفتاب
“When Afrasiab received tidings of the army, the shining sun turned dark before his eyes.”
#2
بزد کوس و نای و سپه برنشاند
✦
ز ایوان به کردار آتش براند
“He struck the war drums, sounded the pipes, mounted his host, and rode forth from the palace like a raging flame.”
#3
دو منزل یکی کرد و آمد دوان
✦
همی تاخت برسان تیر از کمان
“He made two stages into one, galloping swiftly like an arrow shot from a bow.”
#4
بیاورد لشکر بران رزمگاه
✦
که آورد کلباد بد با سپاه
“He brought his army to the battlefield where Kolbad had brought his host.”
#5
همه مرز لشکر پراگنده دید
✦
به هر جای بر مردم افگنده دید
“He saw the whole camp scattered and slain warriors lying everywhere upon the ground.”
#6
بپرسید کاین پهلوان با سپاه
✦
کی آمد ز ایران بدین رزمگاه
“He asked: 'Who among the warriors came from Iran to this battlefield with an army?'”
#7
نبرد آگهی کس ز جنگ‌آوران
✦
که بگذشت زین سان سپاهی گران
“None of the combatants brought news that such a heavy host had passed this way.”
#8
که برد آگهی نزد آن دیوزاد
✦
که کس را دل و مغز پیران مباد
“'Who brought news to that demon-born one, so that none may have the heart and mind of Piran?'”
#9
اگر خاک بودیش پروردگار
✦
ندیدی دو چشم من این روزگار
“'If dust had been his fosterer, my two eyes would never have seen such a day!'”
#10
سپهرم بدو گفت کاسان بدی
✦
اگر دل ز لشکر هراسان بدی
“Sepehr said to him: 'You would be at ease if your heart were afraid for the army.'”
#11
یکی گیو گودرز بودست و بس
✦
سوار ایچ با او ندیدند کس
“'It was only Giv, son of Gudarz; no other rider was seen alongside him!'”
#12
ستوه آمد از چنگ یک تن سپاه
✦
همی رفت گیو و فرنگیس و شاه
“'The army grew weary before the grasp of a single man; Giv went forth with Farangis and the King.'”
#13
سپهبد چو گفت سپهرم شنید
✦
سپاهی ز پیش اندر آمد پدید
“As the commander heard Sepehr's words, a host appeared from ahead.”
#14
سپهدار پیران به پیش اندرون
✦
سرو روی و یالش همه پر ز خون
“At their head came Commander Piran, his head, face, and mane all drenched in blood.”
#15
گمان برد کاو گیو رایافتست
✦
به پیروزی از پیش بشتافتست
“Afrasiab assumed Piran had captured Giv and was hastening ahead in victory.”
#16
چو نزدیکتر شد نگه کرد شاه
✦
چنان خسته بد پهلوان سپاه
“As the King drew closer and looked, he saw the army's champion so heavily wounded.”
#17
ورا دید بر زین ببسته چو سنگ
✦
دو دست از پس پشت با پالهنگ
“He saw him bound upon the saddle like a stone, his two hands tied behind his back with a tether.”
#18
بپرسید و زو ماند اندر شگفت
✦
غمی گشت و اندیشه اندر گرفت
“He questioned him and remained astonished; he grew sorrowful and fell into deep thought.”
#19
بدو گفت پیران که شیر ژیان
✦
نه درنده گرگ و نه ببر بیان
“Piran said to him: 'Neither a ferocious lion, nor a ravenous wolf, nor the Babr-e Bayan...'”
#20
نباشد چنان در صف کارزار
✦
کجا گیو تنها بد ای شهریار
“'...acts in the ranks of battle as Giv did alone, O King!'”
#21
من آن دیدم از گیو کز پیل و شیر
✦
نبیند جهاندیده مرد دلیر
“'I saw such deeds from Giv that no experienced, brave hero has ever seen from elephant or lion.'”
#22
بر آن سان کجا بردمد روز جنگ
✦
ز نفسش به دریا بسوزد نهنگ
“'The way he snorted on the day of battle, his breath would burn the crocodile in the sea!'”
#23
نخست اندر آمد به گرز گران
✦
همی کوفت چون پتک آهنگران
“'First he charged with a heavy mace, striking down like the hammer of blacksmiths.'”
#24
به اسپ و به گرز و به پای و رکیب
✦
سوار از فراز اندر آمد به شیب
“'With horse, mace, foot, and stirrup, horsemen were brought crashing down from above.'”
#25
همانا که باران نبارد ز میغ
✦
فزون زانک بارید بر سرش تیغ
“'Truly, rain does not fall from the clouds more abundantly than swords rained upon his head.'”
#26
چو اندر گلستان به زین بر بخفت
✦
تو گفتی که گشتست با کوه جفت
“'Yet as if sleeping on a saddle in a rose garden, you would say he had joined with a mountain.'”
#27
سرانجام برگشت یکسر سپاه
✦
بجز من نشد پیش او کینه خواه
“'In the end, the whole army turned back; none but I stepped forward to seek vengeance against him.'”
#28
گریزان ز من تاب داده کمند
✦
بیفگند و آمد میانم به بند
“'Fleeing from me, he cast his twisted lasso, caught me around the waist, and bound me fast.'”
#29
پراگنده شد دانش و هوش من
✦
به خاک اندر آمد سر و دوش من
“'My mind and senses were scattered, and my head and shoulders fell to the dust.'”
#30
از اسپ اندر آمد دو دستم ببست
✦
برافگند بر زین و خود بر نشست
“'He dismounted, tied my two hands, bound me to the saddle, and mounted his horse.'”
#31
زمانی سر وپایم اندر کمند
✦
به دیگر زمان زیر سوگند و بند
“'For a time my head and feet were in the lasso, and at another time under oath and bond.'”
#32
به جان و سر شاه و خورشید وماه
✦
به دادار هرمزد و تخت و کلاه
“'By the soul and head of the King, by the sun and moon, by Creator Hormozd, and the throne and crown...'”
#33
مرا داد زین‌گونه سوگند سخت
✦
بخوردم چو دیدم که برگشت بخت
“'...He made me swear such a harsh oath, which I swore when I saw fortune had turned against me.'”
#34
که کس را نگویی که بگشای دست
✦
چنین رو دمان تا بجای نشست
“'That I should tell no one to untie my hands, riding thus weepingly until I reached my dwelling.'”
#35
ندانم چه رازست نزد سپهر
✦
بخواهد بریدن ز ما پاک مهر
“'I know not what secret lies with the heavens, that it wishes to sever its pure love from us.'”
#36
چو بشنید گفتارش افراسیاب
✦
بدیده ز خشم اندرآورد آب
“When Afrasiab heard his words, tears of fury filled his eyes.”
#37
یکی بانگ برزد ز پیشش براند
✦
بپیچید پیران و خامش بماند
“He let out a shout and rode past him; Piran winced and remained silent.”
#38
ازان پس به مغز اندر افگند باد
✦
به دشنام و سوگند لب برگشاد
“Then arrogance filled his brain; he opened his lips in curses and violent oaths.”
#39
که گر گیو و کیخسرو دیوزاد
✦
شوند ابر غرنده گر تیز باد
“'Even if Giv and the demon-born Kay Khosrow become roaring clouds or swift winds...'”
#40
فرود آورمشان ز ابر بلند
✦
بزد دست و ز گرز بگشاد بند
“'...I will bring them down from the high cloud!' He reached out and unbound his mace.”
#41
میانشان ببرم به شمشیر تیز
✦
به ماهی دهم تا کند ریز ریز
“'I will cut them in half with a sharp sword, and feed them to the fish to shred to pieces!'”
#42
چو کیخسرو ایران بجوید همی
✦
فرنگیس باری چه پوید همی
“'Though Kay Khosrow seeks Iran, why does Farangis hurry along?'”
#43
خود و سرکشان سوی جیحون کشید
✦
همی دامن از چشم در خون کشید
“He and his chieftains rode toward the Jayhun, tears of blood streaming from their eyes.”
#44
به هومان بفرمود کاندر شتاب
✦
عنان را بکش تا لب رود آب
“He commanded Houman: 'Hasten and pull your reins toward the riverbank...'”
#45
که چون گیو و خسرو ز جیحون گذشت
✦
غم و رنج ما باد گردد بدشت
“'...For if Giv and Khosrow cross the Jayhun, our grief and toil will turn to wind in the plain!'”
#46
نشان آمد از گفتهٔ راستان
✦
که دانا بگفت از گه باستان
“A sign was handed down in the words of the truthful ones, which the wise spoke in ancient times:”
#47
که از تخمهٔ تور وز کیقباد
✦
یکی شاه خیزد ز هر دو نژاد
“That from the lineage of Tur and Kay Qubad, a king shall arise born of both royal stocks,”
#48
که توران زمین را کند خارستان
✦
نماند برین بوم و بر شارستان
“Who shall turn the land of Turan into a wasteland of thorns, leaving no remaining city or citadel upon its soil.”
#49
رسیدند پس گیو و خسرو بر آب
✦
همی بودشان بر گذشتن شتاب
“Then Giv and Khosrow reached the river's edge, filled with urgent haste to cross over.”
#50
گرفتند پیگار با باژخواه
✦
که کشتی کدامست بر باژگاه
“They began to debate with the toll-collector, asking where the boat was at the toll station.”
#51
نوندی کجا بادبانش نکوست
✦
به خوبی سزاوار کیخسرو اوست
“Asking: "Which swift vessel with fine sails is truly worthy of Kay Khosrow?"”
#52
چنین گفت با گیو پس باج خواه
✦
که آب روان را چه چاکر چه شاه
“The toll-collector then replied to Giv: "To the flowing river, a king and a servant are all the same!”
#53
همی گر گذر بایدت ز آب رود
✦
فرستاد باید به کشتی درود
“If you desire to cross the river's waters, you must pay the tribute due to the ship."”
#54
بدو گفت گیو آنچ خواهی بخواه
✦
گذر ده که تنگ اندر آمد سپاه
“Giv said to him: "Ask whatever toll you wish, but grant us passage, for the army is closing in upon us!"”
#55
بخواهم ز تو باج گفت اندکی
✦
ازین چار چیزت بخواهم یکی
“He replied: "I ask of you a modest toll—give me one of these four things:”
#56
زره خواهم از تو گر اسپ سیاه
✦
پرستار و گر پور فرخنده ماه
“I demand from you either the mail-shirt, or the black steed, or the maiden servant, or the moon-faced prince."”
#57
بدو گفت گیو ای گسسته خرد
✦
سخن زان نشان گوی کاندر خورد
“Giv said to him: "O foolish man! Speak in a manner that is fitting and sensible!”
#58
به هر باژ گر شاه شهری بدی
✦
ترا زین جهان نیز بهری بدی
“If for every toll collected you became the king of a city, you would indeed own a great share of this world!”
#59
که باشی که شه را کنی خواستار
✦
چنین باد پیمایی ای بادسار
“Who are you to demand the king himself? Why do you act so foolishly and chase after wind, O reckless one?”
#60
وگر مادر شاه خواهی همی
✦
به باژ افسر ماه خواهی همی
“Or if you demand the king's mother as toll, it is as though you demand the very crown of the moon!”
#61
سه دیگر چو شبرنگ بهزاد را
✦
که کوتاه دارد به تگ باد را
“Thirdly, to demand Shabrang Behzad, who outpaces the wind itself in his swift gallop!”
#62
چهارم چو جستی به خیره زره
✦
که آن را ندانی گره تا گره
“And fourthly, you foolishly demand the coat of mail, whose intricate links and weaves you cannot even comprehend—”
#63
نگردد چنین آهن از آب تر
✦
نه آتش برو بر بود کارگر
“Such iron grows not wet in water, nor can fire have any effect upon it;”
#64
نه نیزه نه شمشیر هندی نه تیر
✦
چنین باژ خواهی بدین آب‌گیر
“Neither spear, nor Indian sword, nor arrow can pierce it! Yet you demand such a toll at this river crossing?”
#65
کنون آب ما را و کشتی ترا
✦
بدین گونه شاهی درشتی ترا
“Now the river belongs to us and the boat to you! And for this kingship, harshness is your fitting reward!"”
#66
بدو گفت گیو ار تو کیخسروی
✦
نبینی ازین آب جز نیکوی
“Giv said to him: "If you are indeed Kay Khosrow, you shall see nothing but goodness from these waters!”
#67
فریدون که بگذاشت اروند رود
✦
فرستاد تخت مهی را درود
“When Fereydun crossed the Arvand River, he sent praise upon the throne of greatness!”
#68
جهانی شد او را سراسر رهی
✦
که با روشنی بود و با فرهی
“The whole world became his servant, for he possessed divine light and royal glory.”
#69
چه اندیشی ار شاه ایران توی
✦
سرنامداران و شیران توی
“What fear have you if you are the King of Iran, the leader of all famed heroes and lions?”
#70
به بد آب را کی بود بر تو راه
✦
که با فر و برزی و زیبای گاه
“How could the waters bring harm to you, who possess divine glory, grand majesty, and are worthy of the throne?”
#71
اگر من شوم غرقه گر مادرت
✦
گزندی نباید که گیرد سرت
“Even if I am drowned, or even your mother, no harm must come upon your head.”
#72
ز مادر تو بودی مراد جهان
✦
که بیکار بد تخت شاهنشهان
“You were born of your mother as the true hope of the world, for the throne of kings stood vacant without you.”
#73
مرا نیز مادر ز بهر تو زاد
✦
ازین کار بر دل مکن هیچ یاد
“My mother too gave birth to me for your sake; so do not let any anxiety regarding this trouble your heart.”
#74
که من بیگمانم که افراسیاب
✦
بیاید دمان تا لب رود آب
“For I have no doubt that Afrasiab will come roaring right up to the riverbank!”
#75
مرا برکشد زنده بر دار خوار
✦
فرنگیس را با تو ای شهریار
“He would hang me alive upon a shameful gallows, along with Farangis and yourself, O King!”
#76
به آب افگند ماهیان‌تان خورند
✦
وگر زیر نعل اندرون بسپرند
“He would cast you into the water for fish to devour, or trample you beneath the horses' hooves!"”
#77
بدو گفت کیخسرو اینست و بس
✦
پناهم به یزدان فریادرس
“Kay Khosrow said to him: "This is indeed so, and no more; my refuge is in God, the divine Helper."”
#78
فرود آمد از بارهٔ راه‌جوی
✦
بمالید و بنهاد بر خاک روی
“He dismounted from his swift steed, rubbed his face against the earth, and lay prostrate in prayer.”
#79
همی گفت پشت و پناهم توی
✦
نمایندهٔ رای و راهم توی
“He kept praying: "Thou art my support and refuge; Thou art the shower of my wisdom and path!”
#80
درستی و پستی مرا فرّ تست
✦
روان و خرد سایهٔ پرّ تست
“My health and humility come from Thy glory; my soul and intellect are under the shadow of Thy wings!"”
#81
به آب اندرون دلفزایم توی
✦
به خشکی همان رهنمایم توی
“In the surging water Thou art my heart's strength, and upon the dry land Thou art my true guide.”
#82
به آب اندر افگند خسرو سیاه
✦
چو کشتی همی راند تا باژگاه
“Khosrow urged his black steed into the river, riding him like a vessel all the way to the toll-station.”
#83
پس او فرنگیس و گیو دلیر
✦
نترسد ز جیحون و زان آب شیر
“Behind him came Farangis and valiant Gev, undaunted by the Jayhun and its fierce, roaring torrents.”
#84
بدان سو گذشتند هر سه درست
✦
جهانجوی خسرو سر و تن بشست
“All three crossed safely to the opposing shore, where Khosrow, seeker of the world, washed his head and body.”
#85
بدان نیستان در نیایش گرفت
✦
جهان آفرین را ستایش گرفت
“Within that bed of reeds he bowed in prayer, offering praise and gratitude to the Maker of the World.”
#86
چو از رود کردند هر سه گذر
✦
نگهبان کشتی شد آسیمه سر
“When all three had completed their crossing, the boatman was left stunned and bewildered.”
#87
به یاران چنین گفت کاینت شگفت
✦
کزین برتر اندیشه نتوان گرفت
“He spoke to his companions: 'Behold this wonder! No imagination could conceive a greater marvel.'”
#88
بهاران و جیحون و آب روان
✦
سه جوشنور و اسپ و برگستوان
“'In the high tide of spring, across the wild Jayhun: three armored warriors with horses and heavy caparisons!'”
#89
بدین ژرف دریا چنین بگذرد
✦
خردمندش از مردمان نشمرد
“'Whoever traverses such a boundless deep like this, no wise man would account him a mortal human.'”
#90
پشیمان شد از کار و گفتار خویش
✦
تبه دید ازان کار بازار خویش
“He repented deeply of his former deeds and words, foreseeing the ruin of his trade and standing.”
#91
بیاراست کشتی به چیزی که داشت
✦
ز باد هوا بادبان برگذاشت
“He readied his vessel with all that he possessed, hoisting the sails to catch the gathering wind.”
#92
به پوزش برفت از پس شهریار
✦
چو آمد به نزدیکی رودبار
“He set out to beg forgiveness from the sovereign, drawing near to the bank where they landed.”
#93
همه هدیه ها نزد شاه آورید
✦
کمان و کمند و کلاه آورید
“He presented all manner of gifts before the king, bringing back the bow, the lasso, and the royal crown.”
#94
بدو گفت گیو ای سگ بی‌خرد
✦
توگفتی که این آب مردم خورد
“Gev shouted at him: 'O foolish dog! You claimed these roaring waters devour men!'”
#95
چنین مایه ور پرهنر شهریار
✦
همی از تو کشتی کند خواستار
“'Such a glorious, accomplished monarch was humbly requesting a passage in your boat!'”
#96
ندادی کنون هدیهٔ تو مباد
✦
بود روز کاین روزت آید به یاد
“'You refused him then—now keep your gifts! A day will come when you shall rue this hour.'”
#97
چنان خوار برگشت زو رودبان
✦
که جان را همی گفت پدرودمان
“The river-keeper turned back so deeply disgraced, feeling his very soul taking leave of life.”
#98
چو آمد به نزدیکی باژگاه
✦
هم آنگه ز توران بیامد سپاه
“Just as he drew near the toll-station, the host of Turan arrived upon the bank.”
#99
چو نزدیک رود آمد افراسیاب
✦
ندید ایچ مردم نه کشتی برآب
“When Afrasiab approached the river’s edge, he saw neither a living soul nor any vessel upon the waters.”
#100
یکی بانگ زد تند بر باژخواه
✦
که چون یافت این دیو بر آب راه
“He bellowed fiercely at the toll-collector: 'How did this demon find a path across the water?'”
#101
چنین داد پاسخ که‌ای شهریار
✦
پدر باژبان بود و من باژدار
“The man replied: 'O King! My father was the river's toll-man, and I follow in his trade.'”
#102
ندیدم نه هرگز شنیدم چنین
✦
که کردی کسی ز آب جیحون زمین
“'Never have I seen nor heard it told that anyone could make dry land of Jayhun's floods.'”
#103
بهاران و این آب با موج تیز
✦
چو اندر شوی نیست راه گریز
“'In spring, when these waters rage with sharp waves, once you enter, there is no escape.'”
#104
چنان برگذشتند هر سه سوار
✦
تو گفتی هوا داشت شان برکنار
“'Yet those three riders crossed in such a way, as though the very air bore them safely across.'”
#105
ازان پس بفرمود افراسیاب
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که بشتاب و کشتی برافگن به آب
“Thereupon Afrasiab gave the command: 'Make haste! Launch the boats into the flood!'”
#106
بدو گفت هومان که ای شهریار
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براندیش و آتش مکن در کنار
“Human counselled him: 'O King! Reflect wisely, and do not kindle a fire at your own side!'”
#107
تو با این سواران به ایران شوی
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همی در دم گاوشیدان شوی
“'If you march with these horsemen into Iran, you step straight into the dragon's breath!'”
#108
چو گودرز و چون رستم پیلتن
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چو طوس و چو گرگین و آن انجمن
“'For there await Goudarz and mighty Rostam, Tus, Gurgin, and all that champion host!'”
#109
همانا که از گاه سیر آمدی
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که ایدر به چنگال شیر آمدی
“'Surely you must be weary of your throne, to walk willingly into the lion's claws here!'”
#110
ازین روی تا چین و ماچین تراست
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خور و ماه و کیوان و پروین تراست
“'From here to Chin and Machin is your realm; Sun, Moon, Saturn, and Pleiades shine for you!'”
#111
تو توران نگه‌دار و تخت بلند
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ز ایران کنون نیست بیم گزند
“'Guard Turan well and your exalted throne; from Iran now there is no cause for fear.'”
#112
پر از خون دل از رود گشتند باز
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برآمد برین روزگار دراز
“With hearts grieving and full of blood they turned back from the river; and upon this, a long time passed.”