#1
چو آمد سر ماه هنگام جنگ
✦
ز پیمان بگشتند و از نام و ننگ
“When the start of the month arrived, the time for battle came; they turned away from their pact, forsaking both honor and shame.”
#2
خروشی برآمد ز هر دو سپاه
✦
برفتند یکسر سوی رزمگاه
“A clamor arose from both armies as one, and all together they marched toward the battlefield.”
#3
ز بس ناله بوق و هندی درای
✦
همی آسمان اندر آمد ز جای
“From the overwhelming wail of war-horns and Indian bells, it seemed as though the sky itself was shaken from its place.”
#4
هم از یال اسپان و دست و عنان
✦
ز گوپال و تیغ و کمان و سنان
“Amidst horse manes, hands, and reins, and with maces, blades, bows, and spearheads raised...”
#5
تو گفتی جهان دام نر اژدهاست
✦
وگر آسمان بر زمین گشت راست
“You would say the world had become the snare of a fierce dragon, or that the heavens had crashed down directly upon the earth.”
#6
نبد پشه را روزگار گذر
✦
ز بس گرز و تیغ و سنان و سپر
“Even a gnat found no room to pass through, so dense was the shower of maces, swords, spear-tips, and shields.”
#7
سوی میمنه گیو گودرز بود
✦
رد و موبد و مهتر مرز بود
“On the right wing stood Giv, son of Goudarz—a wise chief, priest-counselor, and commander of the realm.”
#8
سوی میسره اشکش تیزچنگ
✦
که دریای خون راند هنگام جنگ
“On the left wing was Ashkash, swift and sharp-clawed, who made rivers of blood flow in the heat of battle.”
#9
یلان با فریبرز کاوس شاه
✦
درفش از پس پشت در قلبگاه
“Champions stood with Fariborz, son of King Kay Kavus, with the royal banner flying behind them at the center of the host.”
#10
فریبرز با لشکر خویش گفت
✦
که ما را هنرها شد اندر نهفت
“Fariborz spoke to his army: "Our prowess and valiant deeds have hitherto remained hidden!”
#11
یک امروز چون شیر جنگ آوریم
✦
جهان بر بداندیش تنگ آوریم
“On this single day, let us fight like lions and make the wide world narrow for our malignant foes!”
#12
کزین ننگ تا جاودان بر سپاه
✦
بخندد همی گرز و رومی کلاه
“Lest for this disgrace, until eternity, every battle-mace and Roman helmet mock our host!"”
#13
یکی تیرباران بکردند سخت
✦
چو باد خزانی که ریزد درخت
“They unleashed a fierce hail of arrows, like an autumn wind stripping the foliage from trees.”
#14
تو گفتی هوا پر کرگس شدست
✦
زمین از پی پیل پامس شدست
“You would say the air was swarming with vultures, while the earth was trampled flat beneath the heavy treads of war-elephants.”
#15
نبد بر هوا مرغ را جایگاه
✦
ز تیر و ز گرز و ز گرد سپاه
“Even birds in the sky found no space to fly, amidst the storm of arrows, maces, and swirling battle dust.”
#16
درفشیدن تیغ الماس گون
✦
بکردار آتش بگرد اندرون
“The flashing of diamond-bright blades shone through the swirling dust like blazing fire.”
#17
تو گفتی زمین روی زنگی شدست
✦
ستاره دل پیل جنگی شدست
“You would say the earth's face had turned black as an Ethiopian, while stars trembled like the heart of a war-elephant.”
#18
ز بس نیزه و گرز و شمشیر تیز
✦
برآمد همی از جهان رستخیز
“From the multitude of spears, maces, and sharp swords, a veritable Judgment Day arose upon the world.”
#19
ز قلب سپه گیو شد پیش صف
✦
خروشان و بر لب برآورده کف
“From the center of the army, Giv charged to the front line, roaring with rage and foaming at the mouth.”
#20
ابا نامداران گودرزیان
✦
کزیشان بدی راه سود و زیان
“Alongside the illustrious warriors of the House of Goudarz, upon whom depended the fate of profit and loss.”
#21
بتیغ و بنیزه برآویختند
✦
همی ز آهن آتش فرو ریختند
“They clashed with blade and spear, showering spark and fire from their iron armor and weapons.”
#22
چو شد رزم گودرز و پیران درشت
✦
چو نهصد تن از تخم پیران بکشت
“As the battle between the clans of Goudarz and Piran grew fierce, nearly nine hundred of Piran's kin were slain.”
#23
چو دیدند لهاک و فرشیدورد
✦
کزان لشکر گشن برخاست گرد
“When Lahhak and Farshidvard saw that heavy dust of slaughter had risen from their vast army...”
#24
یکی حمله بردند برسوی گیو
✦
بران گرزداران و شیران نیو
“They launched an assault against Giv, against those mace-wielders and brave lion-warriors.”
#25
ببارید تیر از کمان سران
✦
بران نامداران جوشن‌وران
“Arrows rained down from the bows of chieftains upon those renowned coat-of-mail-wearing knights.”
#26
چنان شد که کس روی کشور ندید
✦
ز بس کشتگان شد زمین ناپدید
“It came to pass that none could see the surface of the land, for the ground had vanished beneath the multitude of the slain.”
#27
یکی پشت بر دیگری برنگاشت
✦
نه بگذاشت آن جایگه را که داشت
“Neither side turned their back upon the other, nor yielded the ground on which they stood.”
#28
چنین گفت هومان به فرشیدورد
✦
که با قلبگه جست باید نبرد
“Thus spoke Houman to Farshidvard: "We must direct our assault straight against the center of the army!”
#29
فریبرز باید کزان قلبگاه
✦
گریزان بیاید ز پشت سپاه
“Fariborz must be forced to flee from the heart of the host, retreating behind his army's rear."”
#30
پس آسان بود جنگ با میمنه
✦
بچنگ آید آن رزمگاه و بنه
“"Then defeating their right wing will be easy, and the entire battlefield and its baggage train shall fall into our hands."”
#31
برفتند پس تا بقلب سپاه
✦
بجنگ فریبرز کاوس شاه
“They then charged into the very heart of the host to do battle with Fariborz, son of King Kavus.”
#32
ز هومان گریزان بشد پهلوان
✦
شکست اندر آمد برزم گوان
“The hero Fariborz fled before Houman, and defeat threw the ranks of the brave into disarray.”
#33
بدادند گردنکشان جای خویش
✦
نبودند گستاخ با رای خویش
“The proud commanders surrendered their positions, no longer confident in their own resolve.”
#34
یکایک بدشمن سپردند جای
✦
ز گردان ایران نبد کس بپای
“One by one they yielded the ground to the enemy, until not a single Iranian champion stood firm.”
#35
بماندند بر جای کوس و درفش
✦
ز پیکارشان دیده‌ها شد بنفش
“The war-drums and banners were left behind, and their eyes turned purple with grief and exhaustion from the conflict.”
#36
دلیران بدشمن نمودند پشت
✦
ازان کارزار انده آمد بمشت
“The brave turned their backs to the enemy; from that battle, only grief was gathered in hand.”
#37
نگون گشته کوس و درفش و سنان
✦
نبود ایچ پیدا رکیب از عنان
“Drums, banners, and spearheads were overturned; stirrups could no longer be distinguished from reins.”
#38
چو دشمن ز هر سو بانبوه شد
✦
فریبرز بر دامن کوه شد
“As the enemy pressed in from every side in great numbers, Fariburz retreated to the foot of the mountain.”
#39
برفتند ز ایرانیان هرک زیست
✦
بران زندگانی بباید گریست
“Whosoever of the Iranians remained alive fled away; upon such a life one must weep tears.”
#40
همی بود بر جای گودرز و گیو
✦
ز لشکر بسی نامبردار نیو
“Yet Goudarz and Giv stood firm in their place, along with many renowned and courageous heroes of the host.”
#41
چو گودرز کشواد بر قلبگاه
✦
درفش فریبرز کاوس شاه
“When Goudarz, son of Kashvad, at the center of the army, looked for the banner of Fariburz, son of King Kay Kavus,”
#42
ندید و یلان سپه را ندید
✦
بکردار آتش دلش بردمید
“And saw it not, nor saw the brave heroes of the host, his heart flared up like fire with anger and dismay.”
#43
عنان کرد پیچان براه گریز
✦
برآمد ز گودرزیان رستخیز
“He turned his reins toward the path of flight, and a commotion of despair arose among the clan of Goudarz.”
#44
بدو گفت گیو ای سپهدار پیر
✦
بسی دیده‌ای گرز و گوپال و تیر
“Giv said to him: "O aged commander, you have seen many a mace, heavy club, and arrow!”
#45
اگر تو ز پیران بخواهی گریخت
✦
بباید بسر بر مرا خاک ریخت
“If even you choose to flee from Piran, then dust should be poured upon my head!”
#46
نماند کسی زنده اندر جهان
✦
دلیران و کارآزموده مهان
“No one will remain alive in this world forever, neither heroes nor experienced chieftains.”
#47
ز مردن مرا و ترا چاره نیست
✦
درنگی تر از مرگ پتیاره نیست
“For you and me there is no escape from death; nor is there anything more inescapable than terrible death.”
#48
چو پیش آمد این روزگار درشت
✦
ترا روی بینند بهتر که پشت
“Now that this harsh hour has come upon us, it is far better that they see your face than your back.”
#49
بپیچیم زین جایگه سوی جنگ
✦
نیاریم بر خاک کشواد ننگ
“Let us turn back from this spot toward the battle, and bring no disgrace upon the dust of Kashvad!"”
#50
ز دانا تو نشنیدی آن داستان
✦
که برگوید از گفتهٔ باستان
“"Did you not hear that tale from the wise, which quotes the sayings of the ancients?”
#51
که گر دو برادر نهد پشت پشت
✦
تن کوه را سنگ ماند بمشت
“'If two brothers stand back to back, the mountain's heavy heart will crumble into handfuls of stone in their grip'?”
#52
تو باشی و هفتاد جنگی پسر
✦
ز دوده ستوده بسی نامور
“You are here with seventy warrior sons, all renowned and praised from your heroic lineage!”
#53
بخنجر دل دشمنان بشکنیم
✦
وگر کوه باشد ز بن برکنیم
“With our daggers we shall break the hearts of the enemy, and though it be a mountain, we shall tear it up by the roots!"”
#54
چو گودرز بشنید گفتار گیو
✦
بدید آن سر و ترگ بیدار نیو
“When Goudarz heard the words of Giv and saw the noble crest and helmet of that vigilant warrior,”
#55
پشیمان شد از دانش و رای خویش
✦
بیفشارد بر جایگه پای خویش
“He repented of his initial thought and decision, and firmly planted his feet in the battle line.”
#56
گرازه برون آمد و گستهم
✦
ابا برته و زنگهٔ یل بهم
“Then Gorazeh stepped forth, together with Gustaham, along with Barteh and the valiant Zangeh.”
#57
بخوردند سوگندهای گران
✦
که پیمان شکستن نبود اندران
“They swore solemn and mighty oaths, wherein there was no thought of breaking faith:”
#58
کزین رزمگه برنتابیم روی
✦
گر از گرز خون اندر آید بجوی
“That they would not turn their faces from this battlefield, even if blood should flow like streams beneath their maces!”
#59
وزان جایگه ران بیفشاردند
✦
برزم اندرون گرز بگذاردند
“And standing their ground at that spot, they urged their steeds forward and brought their maces down in fierce combat.”
#60
ز هر سو سپه بیکران کشته شد
✦
زمانه همی بر بدی گشته شد
“Countless soldiers were slain on every side, and Fate continued its turn toward misfortune.”
#61
به بیژن چنین گفت گودرز پیر
✦
کز ایدر برو زود برسان تیر
“Aged Goudarz said to Bizhan: "Hasten quickly from here like a flying arrow!”
#62
بسوی فریبرز برکش عنان
✦
بپیش من آر اختر کاویان
“Turn your reins toward Fariburz, and bring before me the Kavian Banner!”
#63
مگر خود فریبرز با آن درفش
✦
بیاید کند روی دشمن بنفش
“Perchance Fariburz himself, along with that banner, will come and turn the enemy's face dark with dismay."”
#64
چو بشنید بیژن برانگیخت اسپ
✦
بیامد بکردار آذرگشسپ
“When Bizhan heard this, he urged his steed forward and came like the fiery lightning of Azar-Goshasp.”
#65
بنزد فریبرز و با او بگفت
✦
که ایدر چه داری سپه در نهفت
“He came before Fariburz and said to him: "Why do you keep the army hidden here?”
#66
عنان را چو گردان یکی برگرای
✦
برین کوه سر بر فزون زین مپای
“Turn your reins like brave warriors; do not linger any longer upon this high mountain!”
#67
اگر تو نیایی مرا ده درفش
✦
سواران و این تیغهای بنفش
“If you yourself will not come, hand over to me the banner, the horsemen, and these shining purple blades!"”
#68
چو بیژن سخن با فریبرز گفت
✦
نکرد او خرد با دل خویش جفت
“When Bizhan spoke these words to Fariburz, the prince did not couple wisdom with his heart.”
#69
یکی بانگ برزد به بیژن که رو
✦
که در کار تندی و در جنگ نو
“He shouted at Bizhan: "Be gone! For you are rash in action and inexperienced in war!”
#70
مرا شاه داد این درفش و سپاه
✦
همین پهلوانی و تخت و کلاه
“To me the Shah entrusted this banner and army, as well as the supreme command, the throne, and the crown!"”
#71
درفش از در بیژن گیو نیست
✦
نه اندر جهان سربسر نیو نیست
“The banner is worthy of none but Bijan, son of Giv; nor is any brave warrior missing from the world.”
#72
یکی تیغ بگرفت بیژن بنفش
✦
بزد ناگهان بر میان درفش
“Bijan grasped a violet-gleaming sword and suddenly struck the middle of the banner.”
#73
بدو نیمه کرد اختر کاویان
✦
یکی نیمه برداشت گرد از میان
“He cleaved the Kavian Banner into two halves, and the brave hero snatched one half from the midst of the fray.”
#74
بیامد که آرد بنزد سپاه
✦
چو ترکان بدیدند اختر براه
“He turned back to bring it to the Iranian army; when the Turanians saw the standard moving along the path...”
#75
یکی شیردل لشکری جنگجوی
✦
همه سوی بیژن نهادند روی
“A lion-hearted, battle-eager host turned their faces entirely toward Bijan.”
#76
کشیدند گوپال و تیغ بنفش
✦
به پیکار آن کاویانی درفش
“They drew their maces and violet steel blades to fight over that Kavian standard.”
#77
چنین گفت هومان که آن اخترست
✦
که نیروی ایران بدو اندر است
“Thus spoke Homan: 'That is the standard in which the very strength of Iran resides!'”
#78
درفش بنفش ار بچنگ آوریم
✦
جهان جمله بر شاه تنگ آوریم
“'If we seize this violet banner, we shall bring the whole world to narrow straits for the Iranian king.'”
#79
کمان را بزه کرد بیژن چو گرد
✦
بریشان یکی تیرباران بکرد
“Like a warrior champion, Bijan strung his bow and unleashed a volley of arrows upon them.”
#80
سپه یکسر از تیر او دور شد
✦
همی گرگ درنده را سور شد
“The entire host recoiled from his deadly arrows, and a feast was made for the ravenous wolves.”
#81
بگفتند با گیو و با گستهم
✦
سواران که بودند با او بهم
“The horsemen who were alongside him spoke to Giv and Gostahm:”
#82
که مان رفت باید بتوران سپاه
✦
ربودن ازیشان همی تاج و گاه
“'We must charge into the Turanian army and snatch from them their crown and throne!'”
#83
ز گردان ایران دلاور سران
✦
برفتند بسیار نیزه‌وران
“From the Iranian warriors, brave leaders and many spearmen rushed forward into battle.”
#84
بکشتند زیشان فراوان سوار
✦
بیامد ز ره بیژن نامدار
“They slew many a horseman of the enemy, and renowned Bijan returned from the fray.”
#85
سپاه اندر آمد بگرد درفش
✦
هوا شد ز گرد سواران بنفش
“The army swarmed around the standard, and the sky turned violet-darkened by the dust of cavalry.”
#86
دگر باره از جای برخاستند
✦
بران دشت رزمی نو آراستند
“Once again they surged from their positions, arranging a new battle upon that plain.”
#87
به پیش سپه کشته شد ریونیز
✦
که کاوس را بد چو جان عزیز
“In front of the army, Rivniz was slain—he who was as dear as life itself to Kay Kavus.”
#88
یکی تاجور شاه کهتر پسر
✦
نیاز فریبرز و جان پدر
“A crowned prince, the younger son of the king, the beloved of Fariburz and the very soul of his father.”
#89
سر و تاج او اندر آمد بخاک
✦
بسی نامور جامه کردند چاک
“His head and crown fell into the dust, and many renowned warriors rent their garments in grief.”
#90
ازان پس خروشی برآورد گیو
✦
که ای نامداران و گردان نیو
“Thereafter Giv let out a mighty shout: 'O brave chieftains and valiant heroes!'”
#91
چنویی نبود اندرین رزمگاه
✦
جوان و سرافراز و فرزند شاه
“'There was none like him on this battlefield—so young, exalted, and the king's own son!'”
#92
نبیره جهاندار کاوس پیر
✦
سه تن کشته شد زار بر خیره خیر
“'Of the line of the old world-lord Kavus, three have now been slain miserably and in vain!'”
#93
فرود سیاوش چون ریونیز
✦
بگیتی فزون زین شگفتی چه چیز
“'Forud, Siyavash, and now Rivniz—what marvel in the world could be more wondrous or tragic than this?'”
#94
اگر تاج آن نارسیده جوان
✦
بدشمن رسد شرم دارد روان
“'If the crown of that unfulfilled youth falls into enemy hands, the soul itself will feel ashamed!'”
#95
اگر من بجنبم ازین رزمگاه
✦
شکست اندر آید بایران سپاه
“'Yet if I move from my position on this battlefield, defeat will surely fall upon the host of Iran!'”
#96
نباید که آن افسر شهریار
✦
بترکان رسد در صف کارزار
“'Must it not be that the prince's crown falls to the Turanians in the thick of battle!'”
#97
فزاید بر این ننگها ننگ نیز
✦
ازین افسر و کشتن ریو نیز
“'For shame would be heaped upon shame—from the loss of this crown and the slaying of Rivniz as well!'”
#98
چنان بد که بشنید آواز گیو
✦
سپهبد سرافراز پیران نیو
“So it was that the exalted army commander, valiant Piran, heard Giv's shouting voice.”
#99
برامد بنوی یکی کارزار
✦
ز لشکر بران افسر نامدار
“A fresh battle broke out anew around that famed crown among the forces.”
#100
فراوان ز هر سو سپه کشته شد
✦
سربخت گردنکشان گشته شد
“Many soldiers were slain on both sides, and the fortune of proud warlords turned sour.”
#101
برآویخت چون شیر بهرام گرد
✦
بنیزه بریشان یکی حمله برد
“Bahram the hero engaged like a lion, launching a fierce charge at them with his spear.”
#102
بنوک سنان تاج را برگرفت
✦
دو لشکر بدو مانده اندر شگفت
“Upon the tip of his spear he snatched up the crown, leaving both armies gazing in amazement.”
#103
همی بود زان گونه تا تیره گشت
✦
همی دیده از تیرگی خیره گشت
“The combat continued in that fashion until night fell, and eyes grew blurred in the darkness.”
#104
چنین هر زمانی برآشوفتند
✦
همی بر سر یکدگر کوفتند
“Thus at every moment they grew enraged anew, striking continuously at one another's heads.”
#105
ز گودرزیان هشت تن زنده بود
✦
بران رزمگه دیگر افگنده بود
“Of the clan of Goudarz, only eight men remained alive; all the rest lay slain upon that battlefield.”
#106
هم از تخمهٔ گیو چون بیست و پنج
✦
که بودند زیبای دیهیم و گنج
“Likewise, twenty-five fell from Gev's lineage, noble warriors worthy of crown and royal treasury.”
#107
هم از تخم کاوس هفتاد مرد
✦
سواران و شیران روز نبرد
“Seventy men from Kay Kavus's royal blood perished too, valiant horsemen and lions in the day of strife.”
#108
جز از ریونیز آن سر تاجدار
✦
سزد گر نیاید کسی در شمار
“Aside from Rivniz, that crowned prince, none of the rest could even be fully reckoned in numbers.”
#109
چو سیصد تن از تخم افراسیاب
✦
کجا بختشان اندر آمد بخواب
“And nearly three hundred of Afrasiab's own kin were slain, their fortunes having fallen into slumber.”
#110
ز خویشان پیران چو نهصد سوار
✦
کم آمد برین روز در کارزار
“Nearly nine hundred horsemen of Piran's own kinsmen were lost on this day of battle.”
#111
همان دست پیران بد و روز اوی
✦
ازان اختر گیتی‌افروز اوی
“Yet it was Piran's triumph and his day of glory, favored by his world-illuminating star.”
#112
نبد روز پیکار ایرانیان
✦
ازان جنگ جستن سرآمد زمان
“It was no day of triumph for the Iranians; through seeking this fight, their time had reached its end.”
#113
از آوردگه روی برگاشتند
✦
همی خستگان خوار بگذاشتند
“They turned their faces away from the battlefield, abandoning their wounded helplessness behind.”
#114
بدانگه کجا بخت برگشته بود
✦
دمان بارهٔ گستهم کشته بود
“At that moment when fortune had turned away, the swift steed of Gustaham was slain beneath him.”
#115
پیاده همی رفت نیزه بدست
✦
ابا جوشن و خود برسان مست
“He trudged on foot with spear in hand, clad in coat of mail and helmet, staggering like a drunken man.”
#116
چو بیژن بگستهم نزدیک شد
✦
شب آمد همی روز تاریک شد
“As Bizhan drew near to Gustaham, night fell and the daylight turned into darkness.”
#117
بدو گفت هین برنشین از پسم
✦
گرامی‌تر از تو نباشد کسم
“Bizhan called to him, "Haste, mount behind me! I hold no one more precious than you."”
#118
نشستند هر دو بران بارگی
✦
چو خورشید شد تیره یکبارگی
“Both mounted upon that single charger, just as the sun was wholly swallowed by darkness.”
#119
همه سوی آن دامن کوهسار
✦
گریزان برفتند برگشته کار
“Defeated and stricken by ill fate, they all fled in haste toward the mountain slopes.”
#120
سواران ترکان همه شاددل
✦
ز رنج و ز غم گشته آزاددل
“The Turanian horsemen were all joyful of heart, freed at last from toil and affliction.”
#121
بلشکرگه خویش بازآمدند
✦
گرازنده و بزم ساز آمدند
“They returned to their camp in triumph, strutting proudly and preparing a grand feast.”
#122
ز گردان ایران برآمد خروش
✦
همی کر شد از نالهٔ کوس گوش
“But from the Iranian heroes arose a bitter cry, while ears were deafened by the mournful drumbeat.”