When the Iranian host reached the foot of the White Mountain and beheld two solitary riders standing upon the high crags, Tus, the Commander-in-Chief, flared with rage. Halting the war-elephants and drums, he commanded that a swift warrior ride up the precipice to identify the strangers. He ordered that if they were Iranian stragglers, they should receive two hundred lashes; if enemy Turanians, they should be brought down in chains; and if spies sent to count the army, they should be sliced in two upon the peak.
Bahram, the noble son of Gudarz, took up the mandate. Mounting his charger, he rode up the steep incline with a troubled mind. From the summit, Prince Farud observed the oncoming rider and asked his veteran advisor Tokhar who this fearless horseman might be. Tokhar examined the warrior's armaments closely and counseled caution: 'This man wears the royal helmet and body armor that King Kay-Khusraw wore when he fled Touran. I suspect he is of the glorious house of Gudarz. Greet him with soft words.'
Reaching the peak, Bahram thundered like a dark cloud: 'Who are you to stand atop this peak, unfearful of the boundless army of Tus and the roar of his war-horns?' Farud replied with calm majesty: 'Do not speak with harshness! You are no lion and I no wild ass of the desert. I lack nothing of your strength, wit, or courage. Speak gently, and let us converse with wisdom.' Softened by his demeanor, Bahram recounted the leaders of the Iranian host—naming Tus, Gudarz, Giv, Rohham, Gurgin, Shidush, Farhad, Gustahm, and Zangey-e Shavaran—yet omitting his own name.
Farud smiled and asked: 'Why have you left out Bahram? My mother, Jarireh, told me that when the host arrives, I must seek out Bahram and Zangey-e Shavaran, for they are like brothers to my father Siyavash.' Astonished, Bahram cried: 'Are you indeed Prince Farud, the offspring of that royal tree?' He requested to see the famous birthmark of Siyavash. Farud bared his forearm, revealing the musk-black mark that no painter of Cathay could replicate. Beholding this, Bahram bowed before him in reverence.
Farud joyfully offered rich hospitality, proposing a week of feasting, gifts of horses and weapons, after which he would bind his waist to avenge his father Siyavash alongside the Iranian forces. Yet Bahram, knowing the arrogant nature of Tus, issued a grave warning: 'O young King, Tus is foolish and headstrong. He harbors resentment against us because he sought the throne for Fariburz rather than Khusraw. If I return to persuade him, he may reject my words in fury. Should anyone other than me ride up this mountain, do not trust him; retreat into your fortress and lock its gates!' Farud then presented Bahram with a turquoise-hilted golden mace as a token of brotherhood before Bahram descended the mountain to face Tus.
#1
چو ایرانیان از بر کوهسار
✦
بدیدند جای فرود و تخوار
“When the Iranians looked up from the mountain slopes and sighted the place of Farud and Tokhar,”
#2
برآشفت ازیشان سپهدار طوس
✦
فروداشت بر جای پیلان و کوس
“Tus, the army's commander, flared in anger and halted the war-elephants and drums.”
#3
چنین گفت کز لشکر نامدار
✦
سواری بباید کنون نیک‌یار
“He spoke thus: 'From this renowned host, a brave and noble horseman must now step forth,”
#4
که جوشان شود زین میان گروه
✦
برد اسپ تا بر سر تیغ کوه
“Who shall charge swiftly from among the troops and ride his steed up to the sharp mountain peak,”
#5
ببیند که آن دو دلاور کیند
✦
بران کوه سر بر ز بهر چیند
“To see who those two warriors are, and for what purpose they stand atop that mountain.”
#6
گر ایدونک از لشکر ما یکیست
✦
زند بر سرش تازیانه دویست
“If it be one from our own army, let him strike two hundred lashes upon his head;”
#7
وگر ترک باشند و پرخاش جوی
✦
ببندد کشانش بیارد بروی
“And if they be Turks seeking battle, let him bind them and drag them down by force;”
#8
وگر کشته آید سپارد بخاک
✦
سزد گر ندارد از آن بیم و باک
“And if one be slain in the attempt, let him be buried; he should have no fear or dread of that.”
#9
ورایدونک باشد ز کارآگهان
✦
که بشمرد خواهد سپه را نهان
“And if it be a spy sent in secret to count our host,”
#10
همانجا بدونیم باید زدن
✦
فروهشتن از کوه و باز آمدن
“He must be sliced in two right there, cast down from the mountain, and then return.'”
#11
بسالار بهرام گودرز گفت
✦
که این کار بر من نشاید نهفت
“Bahram, son of Gudarz, said to the commander: 'This task should not be concealed from me.”
#12
روم هرچ گفتی بجای آورم
✦
سر کوه یکسر بپای آورم
“I shall go and fulfill all that you have ordered, bringing the mountain peak under my feet.'”
#13
بزد اسپ و راند از میان گروه
✦
پراندیشه بنهاد سر سوی کوه
“He struck his horse and rode out from among the host, riding toward the mountain full of thought.”
#14
چنین گفت پس نامور با تخوار
✦
که این کیست کامد چنین خوارخوار
“Then the renowned prince [Farud] said to Tokhar: 'Who is this who comes so recklessly?”
#15
همانانیندیشد از ما همی
✦
بتندی برآید ببالا همی
“It seems he has no thought of us as he ascends with such fierce speed.”
#16
یکی باره‌ای برنشسته سمند
✦
بفتراک بربسته دارد کمند
“He rides a dun charger, with a lariat fastened to his saddle-bow.'”
#17
چنین گفت پس رای‌زن با فرود
✦
که این را بتندی نباید بسود
“The wise counselor said to Farud: 'This man must not be approached with anger.”
#18
بنام و نشانش ندانم همی
✦
ز گودرزیانش گمانم همی
“I do not know his exact name and identity, but I reckon him to be of the lineage of Gudarz.”
#19
چو خسرو ز توران بایران رسید
✦
یکی مغفر شاه شد ناپدید
“When Khusraw came from Touran to Iran, a royal helmet disappeared from the king's gear;”
#20
گمانی همی آن برم بر سرش
✦
زره تا میان خسروانی برش
“I suspect that helmet is upon his head, and royal armor covers his chest to his waist.”
#21
ز گودرز دارد همانا نژاد
✦
یکی لب بپرسش بباید گشاد
“He surely traces his birth to Gudarz; a lip must be opened in gentle questioning.'”
#22
چو بهرام بر شد ببالای تیغ
✦
بغرید برسان غرنده میغ
“When Bahram reached the crest of the sharp peak, he thundered like a roaring cloud:”
#23
چه مردی بدو گفت بر کوهسار
✦
نبینی همی لشکر بیشمار
“'What manner of man are you upon this mountain? Do you not see the countless army below?”
#24
همی نشنوی نالهٔ بوق و کوس
✦
نترسی ز سالار بیدار طوس
“Do you not hear the wail of trumpets and drums? Are you not afraid of the watchful commander Tus?'”
#25
فرودش چنین پاسخ آورد باز
✦
که تندی ندیدی تو تندی مساز
“Farud gave him answer thus: 'You have seen no fierceness, so do not show fierceness yourself.”
#26
سخن نرم گوی ای جهاندیده مرد
✦
میارای لب را بگفتار سرد
“Speak softly, O experienced man! Do not adorn your lips with cold words.”
#27
نه تو شیر جنگی و من گور دشت
✦
برین گونه بر ما نشاید گذشت
“You are no fierce lion and I am no wild ass of the plain; it is not fitting to address us thus.”
#28
فزونی نداری تو چیزی ز من
✦
بگردی و مردی و نیروی تن
“You possess no superiority over me in knightly skill, manhood, or bodily strength.”
#29
سر و دست و پای و دل و مغز و هوش
✦
زبانی سراینده و چشم و گوش
“Head, hands, feet, heart, brain, and wit; a speaking tongue, and eyes and ears—”
#30
نگه کن بمن تا مرا نیز هست
✦
اگر هست بیهوده منمای دست
“Look upon me, for I too possess all these; if I have them, do not raise your hand in vain.”
#31
سخن پرسمت گر تو پاسخ دهی
✦
شوم شاد اگر رای فرخ نهی
“I shall ask of you words, if you will answer; I shall be glad if you offer auspicious counsel.'”
#32
بدو گفت بهرام بر گوی هین
✦
تو بر آسمانی و من بر زمین
“Bahram said to him: 'Speak on, then! You are in the high heavens and I upon the earth.'”
#33
فرود آن زمان گفت سالار کیست
✦
برزم اندرون نامبردار کیست
“Farud then asked: 'Who is the commander? Who are the famous heroes in battle?'”
#34
بدو گفت بهرام سالار طوس
✦
که با اختر کاویانست و کوس
“Bahram said: 'The commander is Tus, who bears the Kavian Banner and the war-drums.”
#35
ز گردان چو گودرز و رهام و گیو
✦
چو گرگین و شیدوش و فرهاد نیو
“Among the champions are Gudarz, Rohham, Giv, Gurgin, Shidush, and brave Farhad,”
#36
چو گستهم و چون زنگهٔ شاوران
✦
گرازه سر مرد کنداوران
“As well as Gustahm, Zangey-e Shavaran, and Gurazeh, the leader of brave men.'”
#37
بدو گفت کز چه ز بهرام نام
✦
نبردی و بگذاشتی کار خام
“Farud said to him: 'Why did you not name Bahram, leaving the account incomplete?”
#38
ز گودرزیان ما بدوییم شاد
✦
مرا زو نکردی بلب هیچ یاد
“Of all the line of Gudarz, we are joyful because of him; yet you made no mention of him on your lips.'”
#39
بدو گفت بهرام کای شیرمرد
✦
چنین یاد بهرام با تو که کرد
“Bahram said to him: 'O lion-like warrior, who brought such remembrance of Bahram to you?'”
#40
چنین داد پاسخ مر او را فرود
✦
که این داستان من ز مادر شنود
“Farud answered him thus: 'I heard this story from my mother.”
#41
مرا گفت چون پیشت آید سپاه
✦
پذیره شو و نام بهرام خواه
“She told me: When the army approaches you, go forth to meet them and ask for the name of Bahram,”
#42
دگر نامداری ز کنداوران
✦
کجا نام او زنگهٔ شاوران
“And another chieftain among the mighty warriors, whose name is Zangey-e Shavaran.”
#43
همانند همشیرگان پدر
✦
سزد گر بر ایشان بجویی گذر
“They are like milk-brothers to your father; it is right that you seek passage through them.'”
#44
بدو گفت بهرام کای نیکبخت
✦
تویی بار آن خسروانی درخت
“Bahram said to him: 'O fortunate prince, are you the fruit of that royal tree?”
#45
فرودی تو ای شهریار جوان
✦
که جاوید بادی به روشن‌روان
“Are you Farud, O young king? May you live forever with a luminous soul!'”
#46
بدو گفت کآری فرودم درست
✦
ازان سرو افگنده شاخی برست
“He said to him, 'Indeed, I am Forud; from that fallen cypress a branch has grown.'”
#47
بدو گفت بهرام بنمای تن
✦
برهنه نشان سیاوش بمن
“Bahram said to him, 'Uncover your body and show me the sign of Siyavash.'”
#48
به بهرام بنمود بازو فرود
✦
ز عنبر بگل بر یکی خال بود
“Forud revealed his arm to Bahram; upon the rose-petalled skin was a mark of ambergris.”
#49
کزان گونه بتگر بپرگار چین
✦
نداند نگارید کس بر زمین
“Such a mark that no painter with Chinese compasses could ever depict upon the earth.”
#50
بدانست کو از نژاد قباد
✦
ز تخم سیاووش دارد نژاد
“Bahram recognized then that he was of Qobad's lineage and descended from Siyavash's seed.”
#51
برو آفرین کرد و بردش نماز
✦
برآمد ببالای تند و دراز
“He praised him and bowed down in homage, then ascended to the steep, lofty height.”
#52
فرود آمد از اسپ شاه جوان
✦
نشست از بر سنگ روشن‌روان
“The young prince dismounted from his steed and sat upon the rock with a luminous soul.”
#53
ببهرام گفت ای سرافراز مرد
✦
جهاندار و بیدار و شیر نبرد
“He said to Bahram, 'O exalted warrior, world-conquering, vigilant lion of battle!'”
#54
دو چشم من ار زنده دیدی پدر
✦
همانا نگشتی ازین شادتر
“'Had my father lived to see you with his eyes, he surely would not have been happier than this.'”
#55
که دیدم ترا شاد و روشن‌روان
✦
هنرمند و بینادل و پهلوان
“'For I have found you joyful, enlightened, accomplished, wise-hearted, and a noble hero.'”
#56
بدان آمدستم بدین تیغ‌کوه
✦
که از نامداران ایران گروه
“'I have come to this mountain peak so that from among the Iranian nobles,'”
#57
بپرسم ز مردی که سالار کیست
✦
برزم اندرون نامبردار کیست
“'I might ask who is the commander in chief, and who is the renowned warrior in battle.'”
#58
یکی سور سازم چنانچون توان
✦
ببینم بشادی رخ پهلوان
“'I shall prepare a feast as grand as possible, to behold the hero's face in joy.'”
#59
ز اسپ و ز شمشیر و گرز و کمر
✦
ببخشم ز هر چیز بسیار مر
“'I shall bestow plentiful gifts of steeds, swords, maces, and girdles.'”
#60
وزان پس گرایم به پیش سپاه
✦
بتوران شوم داغ‌دل کینه‌خواه
“'And thereafter, I shall march ahead of the army to Turan, heart-grieved and seeking vengeance.'”
#61
سزاوار این جستن کین منم
✦
بجنگ آتش تیز برزین منم
“'I am the one worthy to seek this vengeance; in battle, I am the fierce fire of Burzin.'”
#62
سزد گر بگویی تو با پهلوان
✦
که آید برین سنگ روشن‌روان
“'It is fitting that you speak to the chieftain, so that he may ascend this rock with a bright heart.'”
#63
بباشیم یک هفته ایدر بهم
✦
سگالیم هرگونه از بیش و کم
“'We shall remain together here for a week, consulting on all matters, great and small.'”
#64
به هشتم چو برخیزد آوای کوس
✦
بزین اندر آید سپهدار طوس
“'On the eighth day, when the sound of war-drums resounds, Commander Tus shall mount his saddle.'”
#65
میان را ببندم بکین پدر
✦
یکی جنگ سازم بدرد جگر
“'I shall gird my loins to avenge my father, and wage a war that tears the very liver.'”
#66
که با شیر جنگ آشنایی دهد
✦
ز نر پر کرگس گوایی دهد
“'A fight that brings familiarity with the warlike lion, and causes vultures' feathers to bear witness.'”
#67
که اندر جهان کینه را زین نشان
✦
نبندد میان کس ز گردنکشان
“'For in this world, no proud ruler ever girded his waist for vengeance in such a manner.'”
#68
بدو گفت بهرام کای شهریار
✦
جوان و هنرمند و گرد و سوار
“Bahram said to him, 'O Prince, young, accomplished, champion, and horseman,'”
#69
بگویم من این هرچ گفتی بطوس
✦
بخواهش دهم نیز بر دست بوس
“'I shall relay all that you have said to Tus, and with entreaty I shall kiss his hand.'”
#70
ولیکن سپهبد خردمند نیست
✦
سر و مغز او از در پند نیست
“'Yet the commander is not wise; his mind and soul are not receptive to counsel.'”
#71
هنر دارد و خواسته هم نژاد
✦
نیارد همی بر دل از شاه یاد
“'He possesses skill, wealth, and noble lineage, yet he keeps no remembrance of the Shah in his heart.'”
#72
بشورید با گیو و گودرز و شاه
✦
ز بهر فریبرز و تخت و کلاه
“'He quarreled with Giv, Goudarz, and the Shah for the sake of Fariburz and the crown and throne.'”
#73
همی گوید از تخمهٔ نوذرم
✦
جهان را بشاهی خود اندر خورم
“'He constantly says: "I am of Naudar's lineage; I alone am worthy to rule the world as king!"'”
#74
سزد گر بپیچد ز گفتار من
✦
گراید بتندی ز کردار من
“'It is likely he will turn away from my words and react fiercely to my proposal.'”
#75
جز از من هرآنکس که آید برت
✦
نباید که بیند سر و مغفرت
“'Whoever comes to you besides me, let him not see his head or helmet intact!'”
#76
که خودکامه مردیست بی تار و پود
✦
کسی دیگر آید نیارد درود
“'For he is a self-willed man without substance; if anyone else comes, he will bring no greeting.'”
#77
و دیگر که با ما دلش نیست راست
✦
که شاهی همی با فریبرز خواست
“'Furthermore, his heart is not true to us, for he desired the kingship for Fariburz.'”
#78
مرا گفت بنگر که بر کوه کیست
✦
چو رفتی مپرسش که از بهر چیست
“'He told me: "Go see who is upon the mountain, and when you go, ask him not why he is there!"'”
#79
بگرز و بخنجر سخن گوی و بس
✦
چرا باشد این روز بر کوه‌کس
“'"Speak only with mace and dagger; why should anyone be upon the mountain on such a day?"'”
#80
بمژده من آیم چنو گشت رام
✦
ترا پیش لشکر برم شادکام
“'I shall return with good tidings once he softens, and lead you joyfully before the army.'”
#81
وگر جز ز من دیگر آید کسی
✦
نباید بدو بودن ایمن بسی
“And should anyone else besides me come up to you, you must not place much trust or feel safe in him.”
#82
نیاید بر تو به جز یک سوار
✦
چنینست آیین این نامدار
“No more than a single horseman will approach you, for such is the custom of this renowned commander.”
#83
چو آید ببین تا چه آیدت رای
✦
در دژ ببند و مپرداز جای
“When he comes, consider what your wisdom dictates; lock the fortress gates and do not abandon your position.”
#84
یکی گرز پیروزه دسته بزر
✦
فرود آن زمان برکشید از کمر
“At that moment, Forud unbuckled from his belt a mace studded with turquoise and crafted with a golden hilt.”
#85
بدو داد و گفت این ز من یادگار
✦
همی دار تا خودکی آید بکار
“He gave it to him, saying: 'Keep this as a token from me, until perhaps one day it proves useful.'”
#86
چو طوس سپهبد پذیرد خرام
✦
بباشیم روشن‌دل و شادکام
“If Tus the commander accepts our invitation to come, we shall be joyful and filled with light in our hearts.”
#87
جزین هدیه‌ها باشد و اسپ و زین
✦
بزر افسر و خسروانی نگین
“Besides this mace, there shall be gifts of horses and saddles, golden crowns, and royal signet rings.”