#1
چو آگاهی آمد به آزادگان
✦
بر پیر گودرز کشوادگان
“When tidings reached the noble lords and old Goudarz, son of Kashvad,”
#2
که طوس و فریبرز گشتند باز
✦
نیارست رفتن بر دژ فراز
“That Tus and Fariborz had returned defeated, unable to scale the high fortress,”
#3
بیاراست پیلان و برخاست غو
✦
بیامد سپاه جهاندار نو
“The young world-conqueror arrayed the war-elephants, and the clamor of his new army arose.”
#4
یکی تخت زرین زبرجدنگار
✦
نهاد از بر پیل و بستند بار
“They bound upon an elephant a golden throne encrusted with chrysolite jewels.”
#5
به گرد اندرش با درفش بنفش
✦
به پا اندرون کرده زرینه کفش
“Surrounding him fluttered the violet banner, while he wore golden slippers upon his feet.”
#6
جهانجوی بر تخت زرین نشست
✦
به سر برش تاجی و گرزی به دست
“The seeker of the world sat upon the throne of gold, wearing a crown upon his head and holding a mace in hand.”
#7
دو یاره ز یاقوت و طوقی به زر
✦
به زر اندرون نقش کرده گهر
“He wore two armlets of ruby and a collar of gold inlaid with precious gems.”
#8
همی رفت لشکر گروها گروه
✦
که از سم اسپان زمین شد چو کوه
“Troop after troop the army marched onward, until the earth shook like mountains under the horses' hooves.”
#9
چو نزدیک دژ شد همی برنشست
✦
بپوشید درع و میان را ببست
“As he drew near the fortress, he mounted his steed, put on his coat of mail, and girded his loins for battle.”
#10
نویسنده‌ای خواست بر پشت زین
✦
یکی نامه فرمود با آفرین
“He summoned a scribe to his saddle-bow and ordered a letter filled with praises.”
#11
ز عنبر نوشتند بر پهلوی
✦
چنان چون بود نامهٔ خسروی
“They wrote with ambergris in Pahlavi script, fit for a royal scroll of kings.”
#12
که این نامه از بندهٔ کردگار
✦
جهانجوی کیخسرو نامدار
“"This letter is from the servant of the Creator, the renowned world-seeking Kai Khosrow,"”
#13
که از بند آهرمن بد بجست
✦
به یزدان زد از هر بدی پاک دست
“"Who escaped the bonds of evil Ahriman and stretched his hands in purity toward God."”
#14
که اویست جاوید برتر خدای
✦
خداوند نیکی ده و رهنمای
“"For He is the eternal Lord Supreme, the Bestower of all goodness and the supreme Guide,"”
#15
خداوند بهرام و کیوان و هور
✦
خداوند فر و خداوند زور
“"Lord of Mars, Saturn, and the Sun; Lord of Divine Glory and Lord of Power."”
#16
مرا داد اورند و فر کیان
✦
تن پیل و چنگال شیر ژیان
“"He granted me the crown, throne, and royal glory, the body of an elephant and the claws of a fierce lion."”
#17
جهانی سراسر به شاهی مراست
✦
در گاو تا برج ماهی مراست
“"The entire world is mine to rule, from the depth of Earth to the high sign of Pisces."”
#18
گر این دژ بر و بوم آهرمنست
✦
جهان آفرین را به دل دشمنست
“"If this fortress and land belong to Ahriman, making it an enemy in heart to the Creator,"”
#19
به فر و به فرمان یزدان پاک
✦
سراسر به گرز اندر آرم به خاک
“"Then by the glory and command of holy God, I shall level it to dust with my heavy mace!"”
#20
و گر جادوان راست این دستگاه
✦
مرا خود به جادو نباید سپاه
“"And if sorcerers hold sway over this realm, I have no need of an army against sorcery—"”
#21
چو خم دوال کمند آورم
✦
سر جادوان را به بند آورم
“"When I cast the loop of my lasso, I shall bring the heads of sorcerers into bondage."”
#22
وگر خود خجسته سروش اندرست
✦
به فرمان یزدان یکی لشکرست
“"And if the blessed Sorush dwells within, it stands as a divine host by God's decree."”
#23
همان من نه از دست آهرمنم
✦
که از فر و برزست جان و تنم
“"For I am not born of Ahriman's hand; my body and soul are forged of divine majesty and stature."”
#24
به فرمان یزدان کند این تهی
✦
که اینست پیمان شاهنشهی
“"By God's command let this place be vacated, for such is the covenant of the King of Kings."”
#25
یکی نیزه بگرفت خسرو به دست
✦
همان نامه را بر سر نیزه بست
“Khosrow took a spear in his hand and bound that written scroll atop its point.”
#26
بسان درفشی برآورد راست
✦
به گیتی به جز فر یزدان نخواست
“He raised it straight like a royal banner, desiring naught in the world but the Divine Glory.”
#27
بفرمود تا گیو با نیزه تفت
✦
به نزدیک آن بر شده باره رفت
“He commanded Gev to take the spear swiftly and approach the high rampart of the citadel.”
#28
بدو گفت کاین نامهٔ پندمند
✦
ببر سوی دیوار حصن بلند
“He said to him: "Take this wise letter to the wall of that towering fortress,"”
#29
بنه نامه و نام یزدان بخوان
✦
بگردان عنان تیز و لختی ممان
“"Place the scroll, invoke the Holy Name of God, turn your reins quickly, and delay not a moment."”
#30
بشد گیو نیزه گرفته به دست
✦
پر از آفرین جان یزدان پرست
“Gev rode forth holding the spear, his soul filled with praise for the God-worshipping King.”
#31
چو نامه به دیوار دژ برنهاد
✦
به نام جهانجوی خسرو نژاد
“When he set the letter against the wall of the fort in the name of Khosrow of royal lineage,”
#32
ز دادار نیکی دهش یاد کرد
✦
پس آن چرمهٔ تیزرو باد کرد
“He invoked the Creator, the Giver of all good, and then spurred his swift gray horse into the wind.”
#33
شد آن نامهٔ نامور ناپدید
✦
خروش آمد و خاک دژ بردمید
“That renowned letter vanished from sight; a roar echoed, and dust billowed from the fort.”
#34
همانگه به فرمان یزدان پاک
✦
ازان بارهٔ دژ برآمد تراک
“Instantaneously, by the decree of holy God, a cracking rupture split the fort's ramparts.”
#35
تو گفتی که رعدست وقت بهار
✦
خروش آمد از دشت و ز کوهسار
“You would say it was the thunder of springtime, as roars resounded from plain and mountain.”
#36
جهان گشت چون روی زنگی سیاه
✦
چه از باره دژ چه گرد سپاه
“The world turned black as a Moor's face, dark from both the fort's ruin and the army's dust.”
#37
تو گفتی برآمد یکی تیره ابر
✦
هوا شد به کردار کام هژبر
“You would say a dark cloud had arisen, and the sky turned into the gaping maw of a lion.”
#38
برانگیخت کیخسرو اسپ سیاه
✦
چنین گفت با پهلوان سپاه
“Kai Khosrow spurred his black steed and commanded the commander of the host:”
#39
که بر دژ یکی تیر باران کنید
✦
هوا را چو ابر بهاران کنید
“"Rain a hail of arrows upon the fortress; make the sky like a spring cloud!"”
#40
برآمد یکی میغ بارش تگرگ
✦
تگرگی که بردارد از ابر مرگ
“A cloud of deadly hailstones rained down, a hail that swept away life itself from the gloom.”
#41
ز دیوان بسی شد به پیکان هلاک
✦
بسی زهره کفته فتاده به خاک
“Many of the demons were slain by arrow-heads; many fell to the dust with ruptured hearts.”
#42
ازان پس یکی روشنی بردمید
✦
شد آن تیرگی سر به سر ناپدید
“Thereafter, a luminous radiant light blazed forth, and that deep darkness completely vanished.”
#43
جهان شد به کردار تابنده ماه
✦
به نام جهاندار پیروز شاه
“The world became like the shining moon, in the name of the victorious Lord of the World.”
#44
برآمد یکی باد با آفرین
✦
هوا گشت خندان و روی زمین
“A blessed breeze arose with praise; the air grew smiling and so did the face of the earth.”
#45
برفتند دیوان به فرمان شاه
✦
در دژ پدید آمد از جایگاه
“The demons fled by the King's command, and the gate of the fortress appeared in its place.”
#46
به دژ در شد آن شاه آزادگان
✦
ابا پیر گودرز کشوادگان
“Into the fortress entered that noble king, together with aged Goudarz, son of Kashvad.”
#47
یکی شهر دید اندر آن دژ فراخ
✦
پر از باغ و میدان و ایوان و کاخ
“He beheld a vast city inside that stronghold, filled with gardens, squares, porticos, and palaces.”
#48
بدانجای کان روشنی بردمید
✦
سر بارهٔ دژ بشد ناپدید
“In that very spot where the divine radiance shone forth, the ramparts of the dark fortress vanished.”
#49
بفرمود خسرو بدان جایگاه
✦
یکی گنبدی تا به ابر سیاه
“Thereupon Khosrow ordered a high dome to be raised at that place, reaching unto the dark clouds.”
#50
درازی و پهنای او ده کمند
✦
به گرد اندرش طاقهای بلند
“Its length and breadth measured ten lassos across, encircled all around by lofty arches.”
#51
ز بیرون دو نیمی تگ تازی اسپ
✦
برآورد و بنهاد آذرگشسپ
“At a distance of half a galloping steed's course outside, he founded and established the holy fire of Azar Goshasp.”
#52
نشستند گرد اندرش موبدان
✦
ستاره‌شناسان و هم بخردان
“Around it sat the Zoroastrian priests, astrologers, and wise sages.”
#53
دران شارستان کرد چندان درنگ
✦
که آتشکده گشت با بوی و رنگ
“He tarried in that citadel so long until the fire-temple flourished in full splendor and fragrance.”
#54
چو یک سال بگذشت لشکر براند
✦
بنه بر نهاد و سپه برنشاند
“When a full year had passed, he led forth his host, packed the baggage, and mounted his army.”
#55
چو آگاهی آمد به ایران ز شاه
✦
ازان ایزدی فر و آن دستگاه
“When news reached Iran of the king, of his divine farr and grand majesty,”
#56
جهانی فرو ماند اندر شگفت
✦
که کیخسرو آن فر و بالا گرفت
“The whole world was struck with wonder that Kay Khosrow had attained such glory and lofty stature.”
#57
همه مهتران یک به یک با نثار
✦
برفتند شادان بر شهریار
“All the chieftains, one by one, bearing tribute and offerings, set out joyfully to meet the king.”
#58
فریبرز پیش آمدش با گروه
✦
از ایران سپاهی بکردار کوه
“Fariborz advanced to meet him with a host, an Iranian army massive like a mountain.”
#59
چو دیدش فرود آمد از تخت زر
✦
ببوسید روی برادر پدر
“When Khosrow saw him, he dismounted his golden throne and kissed the cheek of his father's brother.”
#60
نشاندش بر تخت زر شهریار
✦
که بود از در یاره و گوشوار
“The king seated him upon the golden throne, worthy of royal armlets and earrings.”
#61
همان طوس با کاویانی درفش
✦
همی رفت با کوس و زرینه کفش
“Likewise came Tous bearing the Kavian Banner, moving to the beat of drums and wearing golden boots.”
#62
بیاورد و پیش جهاندار برد
✦
زمین را ببوسید و او را سپرد
“He brought it before the ruler of the world, kissed the ground, and surrendered it to him.”
#63
بدو گفت کاین کوس و زرینه کفش
✦
به نیک اختری کاویانی درفش
“He said to him: 'This drum, these golden boots, and under happy stars, this Kavian Banner—”
#64
ز لشکر ببین تا سزاوار کیست
✦
یکی پهلوان از در کار کیست
“Look upon the host to see who is worthy, and which champion is suited for command.'”
#65
ز گفتارها پوزش آورد پیش
✦
بپیچید زان بیهده رای خویش
“He offered apologies for his past words, turning away from his foolish judgment of before.”
#66
جهاندار پیروز بنواختش
✦
بخندید و بر تخت بنشاختش
“The victorious ruler received him warmly, smiled, and seated him upon the throne.”
#67
بدو گفت کین کاویانی درفش
✦
هم آن پهلوانی و زرینه کفش
“Khosrow said to him: 'This Kavian Banner, as well as the supreme leadership and golden boots—”
#68
نبینم سزای کسی در سپاه
✦
ترا زیبد این کار و این دستگاه
“I see no one in all the army more deserving; to you alone belong this office and this majesty.”
#69
ترا پوزش اکنون نیاید به کار
✦
نه بیگانه‌ای خواستی شهریار
“You need no apology now, for you did not seek a stranger to be king.'”
#70
چو پیروز برگشت شیر از نبرد
✦
دل و دیدهٔ دشمنان تیره کرد
“When the victorious lion returned from battle, having darkened the heart and eyes of his foes,”
#71
سوی پهلو پارس بنهاد روی
✦
جوان بود و بیدار و دیهیم جوی
“He set out toward the marches of Pars, young, vigilant, and seeking the crown.”
#72
چو زو آگهی یافت کاووس کی
✦
که آمد ز ره پور فرخنده پی
“When Kay Kavus received word that his auspicious grandson had arrived from the road,”
#73
پذیره شدش با رخی ارغوان
✦
ز شادی دل پیر گشته جوان
“He went forth to welcome him with a beaming face, his aged heart made young again with joy.”
#74
چو از دور خسرو نیا را بدید
✦
بخندید و شادان دلش بردمید
“When Khosrow saw his grandfather from afar, he smiled and his heart blossomed with joy.”
#75
پیاده شد و برد پیشش نماز
✦
به دیدار او بد نیا را نیاز
“He dismounted and bowed low in homage before him, while the grandfather yearned to behold his face.”
#76
بخندید و او را به بر در گرفت
✦
نیایش سزاوار او برگرفت
“Kavus smiled and embraced him, offering praise worthy of his noble stature.”
#77
وزانجا سوی کاخ رفتند باز
✦
به تخت جهاندار دیهیم ساز
“From there they returned together to the palace, unto the throne of the ruler who bestows crowns.”
#78
چو کاووس بر تخت زرین نشست
✦
گرفت آن زمان دست خسرو به دست
“When Kavus sat upon the golden throne, he took Khosrow's hand in his own.”
#79
بیاورد و بنشاند بر جای خویش
✦
ز گنجور تاج کیان خواست پیش
“He brought him forward and seated him in his own place, then asked the treasurer for the crown of the Kayanids.”
#80
ببوسید و بنهاد بر سرش تاج
✦
به کرسی شد از نامور تخت عاج
“He kissed the crown and placed it upon his head; thus the famous throne of ivory was adorned by his glory.”
#81
ز گنجش زبرجد نثار آورید
✦
بسی گوهر شاهوار آورید
“They brought forth chrysolites scattered from his royal treasury, and offered a abundance of kingly jewels.”
#82
بسی آفرین بر سیاوش بخواند
✦
که خسرو به چهره جز او را نماند
“He bestowed countless praises upon Siyavash, for in visage Kai Khosrow resembled none but his father.”
#83
ز پهلو برفتند آزادگان
✦
سپهبد سران و گرانمایگان
“The noblemen came forward from the ranks—commanders, leaders, and men of great renown.”
#84
به شاهی برو آفرین خواندند
✦
همه زر و گوهر برافشاندند
“They showered blessings upon his kingship, and scattered gold and precious gems over him.”
#85
جهان را چنین است ساز و نهاد
✦
ز یک دست بستد به دیگر بداد
“Such is the nature and design of this world: it snatches away with one hand and grants with the other.”
#86
بدردیم ازین رفتن اندر فریب
✦
زمانی فراز و زمانی نشیب
“We are worn weary by this journey of deceit, rising at times to the heights and sinking at times to the depths.”
#87
اگر دل توان داشتن شادمان
✦
به شادی چرا نگذرانی زمان
“If it lies within your power to keep your heart joyful, why then would you not spend your time in happiness?”
#88
به خوشی بناز و به خوبی ببخش
✦
مکن روز را بر دل خویش رخش
“Delight in comfort, bestow goodness generously, and make not the day a heavy burden upon your heart.”
#89
ترا داد و فرزند را هم دهد
✦
درختی که از بیخ تو برجهد
“It granted unto you, and so shall it grant unto your child—the branch that springs from your own root.”
#90
نبینی که گنجش پر از خواستست
✦
جهانی به خوبی بیاراستست
“Do you not see that His treasury is filled with bounty, and the whole world is adorned in splendor?”
#91
کمی نیست در بخشش دادگر
✦
فزونی بخوردست انده مخور
“There is no lack in the bounty of the Just Creator; He has provided abundantly, so harbor no grief.”