#1
چو خورشید تیغ از میان برکشید
✦
شب تیره گشت از جهان ناپدید
“When the sun unsheathed its blade of radiant light, dark night vanished from the face of the world.”
#2
تبیره برآمد ز درگاه شاه
✦
به سر برنهادند گردان کلاه
“Drums resounded from the king's court, and the heroic warriors donned their battle-helmets.”
#3
چو طوس و چو گودرز و گیو دلیر
✦
چو گرگین و گستهم و بهرام شیر
“Chieftains like Tus, Goudarz, and brave Giv, alongside Gurgin, Gustahm, and valiant Bahram...”
#4
گرانمایگان نزد شاه آمدند
✦
بران نامور بارگاه آمدند
“These exalted nobles assembled before the king, entering that renowned imperial court.”
#5
به نخچیر شد شهریار جهان
✦
ابا رستم نامور پهلوان
“The sovereign of the world set forth to hunt, accompanied by the famed hero Rostam.”
#6
ز لشکر برفتند آزادگان
✦
چو گیو و چو گودرز کشوادگان
“From the host, noble lords rode alongside them—such as Giv and Goudarz, son of Kashvad.”
#7
سپاهی که شد تیره خورشید و ماه
✦
همی رفت با یوز و با باز شاه
“An army so vast it eclipsed the sun and moon marched forth, carrying the royal hunting leopards and falcons.”
#8
همه بوم ایران سراسر بگشت
✦
به آباد و ویرانی اندر گذشت
“He traversed the entire realm of Iran, passing through both prosperous lands and desolated ruins.”
#9
هران بوم و برکان نه آباد بود
✦
تبه بود و ویران ز بیداد بود
“Wherever a province lay uncultivated, ruined and laid waste by tyranny and injustice...”
#10
درم داد و آباد کردش ز گنج
✦
ز داد و ز بخشش نیامدش رنج
“He bestowed money from his treasury to rebuild it, never tiring of justice and generous giving.”
#11
به هر شهر بنشست و بنهاد تخت
✦
چنانچون بود خسرو نیک بخت
“In every city he visited, he sat upon the throne and established justice, as fit for an auspicious monarch.”
#12
همه بدره و جام و می خواستی
✦
به دینار گیتی بیاراستی
“He called for purses of coin, goblets, and wine, adorning the world with gold and royal benevolence.”
#13
وز آنجا سوی شهر دیگر شدی
✦
همی با می و تخت و افسر شدی
“From there he traveled onward to another city, bringing with him joy, throne, and royal crown.”
#14
همی رفت تا آذرابادگان
✦
ابا او بزرگان و آزادگان
“Thus he journeyed until he reached Adarabadagan, surrounded by nobles and free-born lords.”
#15
گهی باده خورد و گهی تاخت اسپ
✦
بیامد سوی خان آذرگشسپ
“At times he partook of wine and at times rode hard, until he arrived at the sacred abode of Adar Gushnasp.”
#16
جهان‌آفرین را ستایش گرفت
✦
به آتشکده در نیایش گرفت
“He offered praise to the Creator of the World and entered the fire-temple in humble supplication.”
#17
بیامد خرامان ازان جایگاه
✦
نهادند سر سوی کاوس شاه
“Majestically he stepped forth from that holy site, and together they directed their path toward King Kavus.”
#18
نشستند هر دو به هم شادمان
✦
نبودند جز شادمان یک زمان
“The two monarchs sat together in joyful union, passing not a single moment save in delight.”
#19
چو پر شد سر از جام روشن‌گلاب
✦
به خواب و به آسایش آمد شتاب
“When their heads grew light with goblets of sparkling rose-wine, they hastened toward rest and sleep.”
#20
چو روز درخشان برآورد چاک
✦
بگسترد یاقوت بر تیره خاک
“As radiant day cleaved the dark night, scattering rubies over the dim earth...”
#21
جهاندار بنشست و کاوس کی
✦
دو شاه سرافراز و دو نیک‌پی
“The ruler sat beside Kay Kavus—two exalted kings of holy sign and fortune.”
#22
ابا رستم گرد و دستان به هم
✦
همی گفت کاوس هر بیش و کم
“In the presence of mighty Rostam and Zal son of Sam, Kay Kavus began to speak of matters great and small.”
#23
از افراسیاب اندر آمد نخست
✦
دو رخ را به خون دو دیده بشست
“First he spoke of Afrasiab, and tears of crimson blood streamed from both his eyes.”
#24
بگفت آنکه او با سیاوش چه کرد
✦
از ایران سراسر برآورد گرد
“He recounted what Afrasiab had inflicted upon Siyavash, raising clouds of dust and ruin across Iran.”
#25
بسی پهلوانان که بیجان شدند
✦
زن و کودک خرد پیچان شدند
“How countless paladins were bereft of life, and women and tender children writhed in agony.”
#26
بسی شهر بینی ز ایران خراب
✦
تبه گشته از رنج افراسیاب
“Thou seest so many cities of Iran in ruins, destroyed by the ruthless torment of Afrasiab.”
#27
ترا ایزدی هرچ بایدت هست
✦
ز بالا و از دانش و زور دست
“God has granted thee every virtue required—stature, wisdom, and the strength of hand.”
#28
ز فر تمامی و نیک‌اختری
✦
ز شاهان به هر گونه‌ای برتری
“Through complete Divine Glory and auspicious fate, thou art superior to all earthly kings.”
#29
کنون از تو سوگند خواهم یکی
✦
نباید که پیچی ز داد اندکی
“Now I demand of thee a solemn oath, that thou shalt never swerve a hair's breadth from justice:”
#30
که پرکین کنی دل ز افراسیاب
✦
دمی آتش اندر نیاری به آب
“That thou shalt fill thy heart with vengeance against Afrasiab, nor for a single instant bring fire unto water;”
#31
ز خویشی مادر بدو نگروی
✦
نپیچی و گفت کسی نشمری
“Nor let maternal kinship lean thy heart toward him, nor turn aside nor heed any soft counsel;”
#32
به گنج و فزونی نگیری فریب
✦
همان گر فراز آیدت گر نشیب
“Be not beguiled by treasure or abundance, whether hardship or triumph befalleth thee;”
#33
به تاج و به تخت و نگین و کلاه
✦
به گفتار با او نگردی ز راه
“By crown, throne, signet ring, and royal cap, swerve not from thy pledge in word or deed with him.”
#34
بگویم که بنیاد سوگند چیست
✦
خرد را و جان ترا پند چیست
“I shall dictate the foundation of this oath, and what wisdom and thy soul require as counsel.”
#35
بگویی به دادار خورشید و ماه
✦
به تیغ و به مهر و به تخت و کلاه
“Swear by the Creator of sun and moon, by blade and love, by throne and royal crown,”
#36
به فر و به نیک‌اختر ایزدی
✦
که هرگز نپیچی به سوی بدی
“By the divine grace and holy fortune, that thou shalt never turn toward evil,”
#37
میانجی نخواهی جز از تیغ و گرز
✦
منش برز داری و بالای برز
“Seeking no mediator between you save blade and mace, maintaining a lofty soul and grand stature.”
#38
چو بشنید زو شهریار جوان
✦
سوی آتش آورد روی و روان
“When the young king heard this, he turned his face and soul toward the sacred fire.”
#39
به دادار دارنده سوگند خورد
✦
به روز سپید و شب لاژورد
“He swore a sacred oath by the Sustaining Creator, by the bright day and by the lapis night,”
#40
به خورشید و ماه و به تخت و کلاه
✦
به مهر و به تیغ و به دیهیم شاه
“By sun and moon, by throne and royal cap, by love and blade and the kingly crown,”
#41
که هرگز نپیچم سوی مهر اوی
✦
نبینم بخواب اندرون چهر اوی
“That I shall never incline in love toward him, nor look upon his face even in my dreams.”
#42
یکی خط بنوشت بر پهلوی
✦
به مشکاب بر دفتر خسروی
“He wrote a covenant in Pahlavi script, inscribed with musk-water upon the royal scroll.”
#43
گوا بود دستان و رستم برین
✦
بزرگان لشکر همه همچنین
“Zal and Rostam stood as witnesses to this pledge, as did all the grandees of the host.”
#44
به زنهار بر دست رستم نهاد
✦
چنان خط و سوگند و آن رسم و داد
“He deposited that written covenant and oath into the safekeeping of Rostam's hand, establishing that law and custom.”
#45
ازان پس همی خوان و می خواستند
✦
ز هر گونه مجلس بیاراستند
“Thereafter they called for feast and wine, decking out halls of revelry in every style.”
#46
ببودند یک هفته با رود و می
✦
بزرگان به ایوان کاوس کی
“For a full week, the nobles gathered with harp and wine in the high hall of Kay Kavus.”
#47
جهاندار هشتم سر و تن بشست
✦
بیاسود و جای نیایش بجست
“On the eighth day, the ruler of the world washed his head and body, rested, and sought a place of worship.”
#48
به پیش خداوند گردان سپهر
✦
برفت آفرین را بگسترد چهر
“Coming before the Lord of the turning sky, he bowed his face in devout praise.”
#49
شب تیره تا برکشید آفتاب
✦
خروشان همی بود دیده پرآب
“From the dark night until the sun rose high, he wept aloud, his eyes brimmed with tears.”
#50
چنین گفت کای دادگر یک خدای
✦
جهاندار و روزی ده و رهنمای
“He prayed: 'O Just and Unique God, Ruler of the world, Provider of sustenance, and Guide!”
#51
به روز جوانی تو کردی رها
✦
مرا بی‌سپاه از دم اژدها
“'In the days of my youth, Thou didst deliver me, helpless and army-less, from the dragon's breath.”
#52
تو دانی که سالار توران سپاه
✦
نه پرهیز داند نه شرم گناه
“'Thou knowest that the commander of Turan's host knows neither piety nor shame for sin.”
#53
به ویران و آباد نفرین اوست
✦
دل بیگناهان پر از کین اوست
“'His curse falls alike on waste and inhabited land, and the hearts of the innocent overflow with hatred of him.”
#54
به بیداد خون سیاوش بریخت
✦
بدین مرز باران آتش ببیخت
“'Unjustly he spilled the blood of Siyavash, and sifted a rain of fire upon this realm.”
#55
دل شهریاران پر از بیم اوست
✦
بلا بر زمین تخت و دیهیم اوست
“'The hearts of kings are filled with dread of him; his throne and crown are a scourge upon the earth.”
#56
به کین پدر بنده را دست گیر
✦
ببخشای بر جان کاوس پیر
“'Hold Thou Thy servant's hand to avenge his father, and have mercy upon the soul of aged Kavus.”
#57
تو دانی که او را بدی گوهرست
✦
همان بدنژادست و افسونگرست
“'Thou knowest his nature is evil—he is base-born and a practitioner of sorcery.”
#58
فراوان بمالید رخ بر زمین
✦
همی خواند بر کردگار آفرین
“Much did he press his face against the earth, uttering praises to the Creator.”
#59
وزان جایگه شد سوی تخت باز
✦
بر پهلوانان گردن‌فراز
“Then from that place of prayer he returned to his throne, coming among his proud paladins.”
#60
چنین گفت کای نامداران من
✦
جهانگیر و خنجر گزاران من
“He spoke thus: 'O my renowned heroes, my conquerors of worlds, my valiant sword-wielders!”
#61
بپیمودم این بوم ایران بر اسپ
✦
ازین مرز تا خان آذرگشسپ
“'I have traversed this land of Iran on horseback, from this border to the sanctuary of Azar Goshasp.”
#62
ندیدم کسی را که دلشاد بود
✦
توانگر بد و بومش آباد بود
“'I saw no man whose heart was glad, nor one who was prosperous with a thriving realm.”
#63
همه خستگانند از افراسیاب
✦
همه دل پر از خون و دیده پرآب
“'All are wounded by Afrasiab; all have hearts full of blood and eyes overflowing with tears.”
#64
نخستین جگرخسته از وی منم
✦
که پر درد ازویست جان و تنم
“'I am the foremost whose liver is pierced by him, whose soul and body are filled with grief through his deeds.”
#65
دگر چون نیا شاه آزادمرد
✦
که از دل همی برکشد باد سرد
“'Next is my grandfather, that noble king, who draws cold sighs from his heavy heart.”
#66
به ایران زن و مرد ازو با خروش
✦
ز بس کشتن و غارت و جنگ و جوش
“'In Iran, both men and women cry out in anguish because of his endless slaughter, pillage, and turmoil.”
#67
کنون گر همه ویژه یار منید
✦
بِدل سربسر دوستدار منید
“'Now, if you are indeed my true allies and love me wholeheartedly without reserve,”
#68
به کین پدر بست خواهم میان
✦
بگردانم این بد ز ایرانیان
“'I shall gird my loins to avenge my father and avert this evil from the Iranians.”
#69
اگر همگنان رای جنگ آورید
✦
بکوشید و رسم پلنگ آورید
“'If you all resolve upon war, strive hard and adopt the fierce ways of the leopard!”
#70
مرا این سخن پیش بیرون شود
✦
ز جنگ یلان کوه هامون شود
“'Let my decree be carried forth; through the battle of heroes, mountains shall be flattened into plains!”
#71
هران خون که آید به کین ریخته
✦
گنهکار او باشد آویخته
“'Whatever blood is shed in this revenge, the guilty transgressor alone shall be hanged for it.”
#72
وگر کشته گردد کسی زین سپاه
✦
بهشت بلندش بود جایگاه
“'And if any man of this host be slain, high Paradise shall be his resting place.”
#73
چه گویید و این را چه پاسخ دهید
✦
همه یکسره رای فرخ نهید
“'What say you, and what answer do you give? Let all together unite in an auspicious counsel.'”
#74
بدانید کو شد به بد پیشدست
✦
مکافات بد را نشاید نشست
“'Know that he took the initiative in evil deeds, and one must not sit idly without requiting evil.'”
#75
بزرگان به پاسخ بیاراستند
✦
به درد دل از جای برخاستند
“The nobles prepared their response and stood up from their places with grief-stricken hearts,”
#76
که ای نامدار جهان شادباش
✦
همیشه ز رنج و غم آزاد باش
“Saying: 'O renowned monarch of the world, be joyful! May you ever be free from pain and grief!”
#77
تن و جان ما سربه‌سر پیش تست
✦
غم و شادمانی کم و بیش تست
“'Our bodies and souls are entirely at thy service; our griefs and joys, our less and more, belong to thee.”
#78
ز مادر همه مرگ را زاده‌ایم
✦
همه بنده‌ایم ارچه آزاده‌ایم
“'We were all born of our mothers to die; we are all thy servants, noble though we be.'”
#79
چو پاسخ چنین یافت از پیلتن
✦
ز طوس و ز گودرز و از انجمن
“When the king received such an answer from the elephant-bodied warrior, from Tus, Gudarz, and all the assembly,”
#80
رخ شاه شد چون گل ارغوان
✦
که دولت جوان بود و خسرو جوان
“The king's cheek flushed like the purple arghavan flower, for fortune was young and Khosrow himself was young.”
#81
بدیشان فراوان بکرد آفرین
✦
که آباد بادا به گردان زمین
“He showered them with abundant praise and blessings, saying, 'May the earth flourish forever through its mighty champions!'”