#1
بینداخت آن تابداده کمند
✦
سران سواران همی کرد بند
“He cast that coiled lariat of his, snaring the leaders of the horsemen one by one.”
#2
چو آمد بنزدیک پیل سپید
✦
شد آن شاه چین از روان ناامید
“When he drew near to the white elephant, the King of China grew utterly hopeless of his life.”
#3
چو از دست رستم رها شد کمند
✦
سر شاه چین اندر آمد ببند
“As the lariat left Rostam's hand, the head of the King of China fell into its snare.”
#4
ز پیل اندر آورد و زد بر زمین
✦
ببستند بازوی خاقان چین
“He dragged him down from the elephant and struck him to the earth, binding the arms of China's Khaqan.”
#5
پیاده همی راند تا رود شهد
✦
نه پیل و نه تاج و نه تخت و نه مهد
“He was driven on foot all the way to the Shahd River, bereft of elephant, crown, throne, and litter.”
#6
چنینست رسم سرای فریب
✦
گهی بر فراز و گهی بر نشیب
“Such is the custom of this deceitful world: sometimes exalted high, and sometimes cast down low.”
#7
چنین بود تا بود گردان سپهر
✦
گهی جنگ و زهرست و گه نوش و مهر
“So it has been since the revolving sphere existed: at times poison and war, at times nectar and love.”
#8
ازان پس بگرز گران دست برد
✦
بزرگش همان و همان بود خرد
“Thereafter he laid hand upon his heavy mace, striking down the great and small alike.”
#9
چنان شد در و دشت آوردگاه
✦
که شد تنگ بر مور و بر پشه راه
“The valley and plain of the battlefield became so choked that the way was narrowed for ants and gnats.”
#10
ز بس کشته و خسته شد جوی خون
✦
یکی بی‌سر و دیگری سرنگون
“So many were slain and wounded that rivers of blood flowed, one headless and another cast upside down.”
#11
چنان بخت تابنده تاریک شد
✦
همانا بشب روز نزدیک شد
“So darkened was the radiant fortune of enemy that day indeed turned into night.”
#12
برآمد یکی ابر و بادی سیاه
✦
بشد روشنایی ز خورشید و ماه
“A dark cloud arose accompanied by a black wind, robbing all light from both sun and moon.”
#13
سر از پای دشمن ندانست باز
✦
بیابان گرفتند و راه دراز
“None could distinguish head from foot of the foe; they took to the wilderness and the long path.”
#14
نگه کرد پیران بدان کارزار
✦
چنان تیز برگشتن روزگار
“Piran gazed upon that battlefield, witnessing such a swift reversal of fortune.”
#15
نه منشور و فرطوس و خاقان چین
✦
نه آن نامداران و مردان کین
“Neither Manshur nor Fartus nor the Khaqan of China remained, nor any of those revengeful heroes.”
#16
درفش بزرگان نگونسار دید
✦
بخاک اندرون خستگان خوار دید
“He saw the banners of the nobles turned upside down, and the wounded lying wretched in the dust.”
#17
بنستیهن گرد و کلباد گفت
✦
که شمشیر و نیزه بباید نهفت
“He spoke to brave Nestihan and Kolbad, saying: 'We must now sheath sword and spear.'”
#18
نگونسار کرد آن درفش سیاه
✦
برفتند پویان به بیراه و راه
“They lowered that black banner and fled swiftly, taking paths both known and unknown.”
#19
همه میمنه گیو تاراج کرد
✦
در و دشت چون پر دراج کرد
“Giv plundered the entire right wing, turning the mountain and plain like the feathers of a francolin.”
#20
بجست از چپ لشکر و دست راست
✦
بدان تا بداند که پیران کجاست
“He searched the left wing and the right of the army to discover where Piran had gone.”
#21
چو او را ندیدند گشتند باز
✦
دلیران سوی رستم سرفراز
“When they found him not, they returned—those brave heroes—unto the exalted Rostam.”
#22
تبه گشته اسپان جنگی ز کار
✦
همه رنجه و خستهٔ کارزار
“Their warhorses were utterly broken by toil, all exhausted and wounded from the battle.”
#23
برفتند با کام دل سوی کوه
✦
تهمتن بپیش اندرون با گروه
“Joyfully in heart they went toward the mountain, Tahamtan riding in front leading the group.”
#24
همه ترگ و جوشن به خون و به خاک
✦
شده غرق و برگستوان چاک چاک
“All their helmets and mail were drenched in blood and dust, and their horse-armors shredded to pieces.”
#25
تن از جنگ خسته دل از رزم شاد
✦
جهان را چنینست ساز و نهاد
“Their bodies were weary from fight, but their hearts glad with battle; such is the way and nature of the world.”
#26
پر از خون بر و تیغ و پای و رکیب
✦
ز کشته نه پیدا فراز از نشیب
“Full of blood were chest, sword, foot, and stirrup; because of the slain, high land could not be known from low.”
#27
چنین تا بشستن نپرداختند
✦
یک از دیگری باز نشناختند
“Until they washed themselves clean, they could not distinguish one from another.”
#28
سر و تن بشستند و دل شسته بود
✦
که دشمن ببند گران بسته بود
“They washed their heads and bodies, and their hearts were cleansed, for the enemy was bound in heavy fetters.”
#29
چنین گفت رستم بایرانیان
✦
که اکنون بباید گشادن میان
“Thus spoke Rostam to the Iranians: 'Now we must unbuckle our belts in devotion.'”
#30
بپیش جهاندار پیروزگر
✦
نه گوپال باید نه بند کمر
“'Before the victorious Creator of the world, there needs no mace nor fastened waist-belt.'”
#31
همه سر بخاک سیه بر نهید
✦
کزین پس همه تاج بر سر نهید
“'Lay all your heads upon the dark earth, for henceforth you shall place crowns upon your heads.'”
#32
کزین نامدارن یکی نیست کم
✦
که اکنون شدستی دل ما دژم
“'For not one of our renowned champions is missing, that our hearts should now be heavy with grief.'”
#33
چنین گفت رستم بگودرز و گیو
✦
بدان نامداران و گردان نیو
“Thus spoke Rostam to Goudarz and Giv, and to all those brave and valiant champions:”
#34
چو آگاهی آمد بشاه جهان
✦
بمن باز گفت این سخن در نهان
“'When tidings reached the King of the World, he revealed this matter to me in secret,'”
#35
که طوس سپهبد بکوه آمدست
✦
ز پیران و هومان ستوه آمدست
“'That Commander Tus had retreated to the mountain, worn down by Piran and Homan.'”
#36
از ایران برفتیم با رای و هوش
✦
برآمد ز پیکار مغزم بجوش
“'We departed Iran with resolve and intelligence, while my brain boiled with fury for battle.'”
#37
ز بهرام گودرز وز ریونیز
✦
دلم تیر تر گشت برسان شیز
“'Because of Bahram son of Goudarz and Rivniz, my heart grew blacker than ebony.'”
#38
از ایران همی تاختم تیزچنگ
✦
زمانی بجایی نکردم درنگ
“'I spurred hard from Iran swift as a falcon, pausing nowhere for even a moment.'”
#39
چو چشمم برآمد بخاقان چین
✦
بران نامداران و مردان کین
“'When my eye fell upon the Khaqan of China, and upon those famous and vengeful men,'”
#40
بویژه بکاموس و آن فر و برز
✦
بران یال و آن شاخ و آن دست و گرز
“'Especially upon Kamus and his splendor and stature, his neck, his arms, and his mace,'”
#41
که بودند هر یک چو کوهی بلند
✦
بزیر اندرون ژنده پیلی نژند
“'For each of them was like a tall mountain, mounted upon a formidable elephant,'”
#42
بدل گفتم آمد زمانم بسر
✦
که تا من ببستم بمردی کمر
“'I said in my heart: My time has come to an end, since first I bound my waist in manhood.'”
#43
ازین بیش مردان و زین بیش ساز
✦
ندیدم بجایی بسال دراز
“'More formidable men and greater armaments than this, I had not seen anywhere in all my years.'”
#44
رسیدم بدیوان مازندران
✦
شب تیره و گرزهای گران
“'Even when I reached the Demons of Mazandaran, through pitch-black night and heavy maces,'”
#45
ز مردی نپیچید هرگز دلم
✦
نگفتم که از آرزو بگسلم
“'My heart never turned away from courage, nor did I say that I would sever my desire from life.'”
#46
جز آن دم که دیدم ز کاموس جنگ
✦
دلم گشت یکباره زین کینه تنگ
“Except for that moment when I faced Kamus in battle, my heart grew weary of this vengeance altogether.”
#47
کنون گر همه پیش یزدان پاک
✦
بغلتیم با درد یک یک بخاک
“Now, even if we all fall before the pure God in pain upon the dust...”
#48
سزاوار باشد که او داد زور
✦
بلند اختر و بخش کیوان و هور
“'Tis fitting, for He granted strength, a exalted star, and the fortune of Saturn and the Sun.”
#49
مبادا که این کار گیرد نشیب
✦
مبادا که آید بما بر نهیب
“May this triumph never suffer decline, nor any fear or dismay come upon us!”
#50
نگه کن که کارآگهان ناگهان
✦
برند آگهی نزد شاه جهان
“Behold, how messengers shall suddenly carry these joyful tidings to the King of the World.”
#51
بیاراید آن نامور بارگاه
✦
بسر بر نهد خسروانی کلاه
“That renowned monarch shall adorn his throne room and place the royal crown upon his head.”
#52
ببخشد فراوان بدرویش چیز
✦
که بر جان او آفرین باد نیز
“He shall bestow rich gifts upon the needy; blessings be upon his soul forever!”
#53
کنون جامهٔ رزم بیرون کنید
✦
بآسایش آرایش افزون کنید
“Now cast off your garments of war, and enhance your splendour in restful ease.”
#54
غم و کام دل بی‌گمان بگذرد
✦
زمانه دم ما همی بشمرد
“Both sorrow and heart's desire will surely pass; Time counts our fleeting breaths as they flow.”
#55
همان به که ما جام می بشمریم
✦
بدین چرخ نامهربان ننگریم
“'Tis better that we count our cups of wine, and gaze not upon this unkindly sphere.”
#56
سپاس از جهاندار پیروزگر
✦
کزویست مردی و بخت و هنر
“Praise be to the victorious Ruler of the world, from Whom proceed valour, fortune, and art.”
#57
کنون می گساریم تا نیم‌شب
✦
بیاد بزرگان گشاییم لب
“Now let us drink wine until midnight hour, opening our lips in praise of the great ancestors.”
#58
سزد گر دل اندر سرای سپنج
✦
نداریم چندین بدرد و برنج
“It is fitting that we set not our heart on this transient hostelry with such grief and toil.”
#59
بزرگان برو خواندند آفرین
✦
که بی‌تو مبادا کلاه و نگین
“The nobles showered praises upon him, saying, 'May crown and signet ring never be without thee!'”
#60
کسی را که چون پیلتن کهترست
✦
ز گرودن گردان سرش برترست
“He who has a vassal like the elephant-bodied hero holds his head higher than the revolving sky!”
#61
پسندیده باد این نژاد و گهر
✦
هم آن بوم کو چون تو آرد ببر
“Praised be this lineage and noble seed, as well as the land that bears a champion like thee!”
#62
تو دانی که با ما چه کردی بمهر
✦
که از جان تو شاد بادا سپهر
“Thou knowest what loving deeds thou hast wrought for us; may the heavens rejoice in thy soul!”
#63
همه مرده بودیم و برگشته روز
✦
بتو زنده گشتیم و گیتی‌فروز
“We were all dead and our fortune ill-fated; through thee we returned to life, O world-illuminator!”
#64
بفرمود تا پیل با تخت عاج
✦
بیارند با طوق زرین و تاج
“He commanded an elephant with an ivory throne to be brought, adorned with a golden collar and crown.”
#65
می خسروانی بیاورد و جام
✦
نخستین ز شاه جهان برد نام
“They brought royal wine and goblet, and first drank to the name of the Sovereign of the World.”
#66
بزد کرنای از بر ژنده پیل
✦
همی رفت آوازشان بر دو میل
“Clarions sounded atop the huge elephant, and their blast echoed for two miles around.”
#67
چو خرم شد از می رخ پهلوان
✦
برفتند شادان و روشن‌روان
“When the champion's visage grew bright with wine, they set forth full of joy and cheerful spirit.”
#68
چو پیراهن شب بدرید ماه
✦
نهاد از بر چرخ پیروزه‌گاه
“When the moon tore open night's dark robe, it set a turquoise throne upon the sky.”
#69
طلایه پراگند بر گرد دشت
✦
چو زنگی درنگی شب اندر گذشت
“The outposts spread across the plain as the night, lingering like a dark Nubian, passed away.”
#70
پدید آمد آن خنجر تابناک
✦
بکردار یاقوت شد روی خاک
“The shining blade of dawn appeared, and the face of the earth turned red like rubies.”
#71
تبیره برآمد ز پرده‌سرای
✦
برفتند گردان لشکر ز جای
“Drums resounded from the pavilion, and the warriors of the army moved forth from their places.”
#72
چنین گفت رستم بگردنکشان
✦
که جایی نیامد ز پیران نشان
“Thus spoke Rostam to the proud chieftains: 'No trace of Piran has been found anywhere.'”
#73
بباید شدن سوی آن رزمگاه
✦
بهر سو فرستاد باید سپاه
“'We must march toward that field of battle, and dispatch troops to every side.'”
#74
شد از پیش او بیژن شیر مرد
✦
بجایی کجا بود دشت نبرد
“Bizhan, the lion-hearted warrior, departed from his presence toward the field of battle.”
#75
جهان دید پر کشته و خواسته
✦
بهر سو نشستی بیاراسته
“He saw the realm filled with slain bodies and plunder, with encampments arrayed on every side.”
#76
پراگنده کشور پر از خسته دید
✦
بخاک اندر افگنده پا بسته دید
“He saw the country scattered with the wounded, bound and cast down into the dust.”
#77
ندیدند زنده کسی را بجای
✦
زمین بود و خرگاه و پرده‌سرای
“They saw no living person remaining; there was only the earth, tents, and royal pavilions.”
#78
بنزدیک رستم رسید آگهی
✦
که شد روی کشور ز ترکان تهی
“Word reached Rostam that the face of the land had been emptied of the Turanians.”
#79
ز ناباکی و خواب ایرانیان
✦
برآشفت رستم چو شیر ژیان
“At the carelessness and slumber of the Iranians, Rostam grew enraged like a ferocious lion.”
#80
زبان را بدشنام بگشاد و گفت
✦
که کس را خرد نیست با مغز جفت
“He opened his tongue in reproaches, saying: 'Not one of you has wisdom joined to his brain!'”
#81
بدین گونه دشمن میان دو کوه
✦
سپه چون گریزد ز ما همگروه
“In such a manner, between two mountains, how does the enemy army manage to flee from us in entire bands?”
#82
طلایه نگفتم که بیرون کنید
✦
در و راغ چون دشت و هامون کنید
“Did I not order you to send out vanguard scouts, to clear the mountain passes and hills as thoroughly as the plains?”
#83
شما سر بآسایش و خوابگاه
✦
سپردید و دشمن بسیچید راه
“You surrendered your heads to rest and slumber, while the enemy readied themselves for retreat.”
#84
تن‌آسان غم و رنج بار آورد
✦
چو رنج آوری گنج بار آورد
“Ease and luxury yield only sorrow and suffering, whereas toil and effort bear the fruit of treasure.”
#85
چو گویی که روزی تن‌آسان شوند
✦
ز تیمار ایران هراسان شوند
“If you think they will rest at ease one day, they will only live in dread of Iran's constant grief and vigilance.”
#86
ازین پس تو پیران و کلباد را
✦
چو هومان و رویین و پولاد را
“Henceforth, look upon Piran and Kalbad, as well as Houman, Ruyin, and Pulad—”
#87
نگه کن بدین دشت با لشکری
✦
تو در کشوری رستم از کشوری
“Look upon this plain with your army; you are in one realm, and Rostam is in another.”
#88
اگر تاو دارید جنگ آورید
✦
مرا زین سپس کی بچنگ آورید
“If you possess the strength, give battle! For when again will you ever catch me?”
#89
که پیروز برگشتم از کارزار
✦
تبه شد نکو گشته فرجام کار
“Though I returned victorious from the field of battle, the good outcome of our affair has gone to ruin.”
#90
برآشفت با طوس و شد چون پلنگ
✦
که این جای خوابست گر دشت جنگ
“He flew into a rage at Tus, turning fierce as a leopard, crying: 'Is this a place for slumber, or a battlefield?'”
#91
طلایه نگه کن که از خیل کیست
✦
سرآهنگ آن دوده را نام چیست
“Go see whose troop forms the vanguard, and what is the name of that commander leading the clan!”
#92
چو مرد طلایه بیابی بچوب
✦
هم اندر زمان دست و پایش بکوب
“When you find the man who was on watch, beat his hands and feet with sticks without delay!”
#93
ازو چیز بستان و پایش ببند
✦
نگه کن یکی پشت پیلی بلند
“Strip him of his possessions, bind his feet, and look for a tall elephant’s back to load him upon.”
#94
بدین سان فرستش بنزدیک شاه
✦
مگر پخته گردد بدان بارگاه
“Send him thus bound unto the King, so that he may learn wisdom in that royal court.”
#95
ز یاقوت وز گوهر و تخت عاج
✦
ز دینار وز افسر و گنج و تاج
“Of rubies, jewels, thrones of ivory, gold dinars, crowns, treasures, and diadems—”
#96
نگر تا که دارد ز ایران سپاه
✦
همه یکسره خواسته پیش خواه
“See what each man in the Iranian army possesses, and command all spoils to be brought forward.”
#97
ازین هدیهٔ شاه باید نخست
✦
پس آنگه مرا و ترا بهر جست
“First, the King’s portion must be set aside from these gifts; only then may you and I seek our own share.”
#98
بدان دشت بسیار شاهان بدند
✦
همه نامداران گیهان بدند
“Upon that plain had stood many kings, all of them renowned rulers of the world.”
#99
ز چین و ز سقلاب وز هند و وهر
✦
همه گنج داران گیرنده شهر
“From China, Saqlab, India, and Vahr—all holders of treasures and conquerors of cities.”
#100
سپهبد بیامد همه گرد کرد
✦
برفتند گردان بدشت نبرد
“The commander arrived and gathered everything together, while the champions marched onto the battle-plain.”
#101
کمرهای زرین و بیجاده تاج
✦
ز دیبای رومی و از تخت عاج
“Golden belts and crowns set with garnets, fine Roman silks and thrones of ivory—”
#102
ز تیر و کمان و ز برگستوان
✦
ز گوپال وز خنجر هندوان
“Arrows, bows, armor for horses, heavy maces, and sharp Indian daggers—”
#103
یکی کوه بد در میان دو کوه
✦
نظاره شده گردش اندر گروه
“A mountain of spoils was piled high between the two mountains, with crowds gathered around to marvel at it.”
#104
کمان‌کش سواری گشاده‌بری
✦
بتن زورمندی و کنداوری
“An archer-rider broad of chest, possessed of immense physical might and heroism—”
#105
خدنگی بینداختی چارپر
✦
ازین سو بدان سو نکردی گذر
“Had he shot a four-feathered poplar arrow, it could not have passed through that colossal pile.”
#106
چو رستم نگه کرد خیره بماند
✦
جهان آفرین را فراوان بخواند
“When Rostam looked upon the heap, he stood astonished and offered manifold praises to the Creator of the world.”
#107
چنین گفت کین روز ناپایدار
✦
گهی بزم سازد گهی کارزار
“He said: 'This transient world builds a feast at one moment and brings forth battle at the next.'”
#108
همی گردد این خواسته زان برین
✦
بنفرین بود گه گهی بفرین
“This wealth passes constantly from one hand to another, sometimes attended by curses, sometimes by praise.”
#109
زمانه نماند بآرام خویش
✦
چنینست تا بود آیین و کیش
“Time never remains motionless in its state; such has been the law and way of the world since origin.”
#110
یکی گنج ازین سان همی پرورد
✦
یکی دیگر آید کزو برخورد
“One man labors to amass a treasure like this, only for another to arrive and enjoy its fruits.”
#111
بران بود کاموس و خاقان چین
✦
که آتش برآرد ز ایران زمین
“Kamus and the Khagan of China intended to lay waste to the land of Iran with fire,”
#112
بدین ژنده پیلان و این خواسته
✦
بدین لشکر و گنج آراسته
“Relying on these colossal elephants, these treasures, this grand army, and adorned wealth.”
#113
به گنج و بانبوه بودند شاد
✦
زمانی ز یزدان نکردند یاد
“They rejoiced in their riches and their vast numbers, never sparing a single moment to remember God,”
#114
که چرخ سپهر و زمان آفرید
✦
بسی آشکار و نهان آفرید
“Who created the revolving heavens and time, and brought forth all things manifest and hidden.”
#115
ز یزدان شناس و بیزدان سپاس
✦
بدو بگرود مرد نیکی‌شناس
“Know that all comes from God, and render thanks to Him; for a righteous, wise man places his faith in Him.”
#116
کزو بودمان زور و فر و هنر
✦
ازو دردمندی و هم زو گهر
“From Him comes all our strength, glory, and art; from Him comes sorrow, and from Him every precious essence.”
#117
سپه بود و هم گنج آباد بود
✦
سگالش همه کار بیداد بود
“He held vast armies and a thriving treasury, yet all his counsel was directed toward tyranny.”
#118
کنون از بزرگان هر کشوری
✦
گزیده ز هر کشوری مهتری
“Now from among the chieftains of every land, a noble leader from each realm has been chosen as captive.”
#119
بدین ژنده پیلان فرستم بشاه
✦
همان تخت زرین و زرین کلاه
“I shall send these captives upon formidable war-elephants to the King, along with the golden throne and golden crown.”
#120
همان خواسته بر هیونان مست
✦
فرستم سزاوار چیزی که هست
“Likewise, all the treasure laden upon swift camels shall I send, fitting for a monarch's majesty.”
#121
وز ایدر شوم تازیان چون پلنگ
✦
درنگی نه والا بود مرد سنگ
“And from here I shall gallop swift as a leopard, for a resolute hero ought not to tarry.”
#122
کسی کو گنهکار و خونی بود
✦
بکشور بمانی زبونی بود
“To leave a criminal and murderous foe alive in the realm is a source of weakness and shame.”
#123
زمین را بخنجر بشویم ز کین
✦
بدان را نمانم همی بر زمین
“I shall cleanse the earth of vengeance with my blade, nor will I leave the wicked standing upon the soil.”
#124
بدو گفت گودرز کای نیک رای
✦
تو تا جای ماند بمانی بجای
“Goudarz said to him: 'O noble-minded hero! May you endure as long as the world endures!'”
#125
بکام دل شاد بادی و راد
✦
بدین رزم دادی چو بایست داد
“May your heart be joyful and your spirit noble! In this battle, you have delivered justice as justice demanded.”
#126
تهمتن فرستاده‌ای را بجست
✦
که با شاه گستاخ باشد نخست
“Tahamtan sought an envoy who possessed intimate familiarity and confidence before the King.”
#127
فریبرز کاوس را برگزید
✦
که با شاه نزدیکی او را سزید
“He chose Fariburz, son of Kavus, for his close kinship to the King made him most worthy.”
#128
چنین گفت کای نیک پی نامدار
✦
هم از تخم شاهی و هم شهریار
“He said: 'O renowned and fortunate prince, you are both of royal seed and a sovereign ruler yourself.”
#129
هنرمند و با دانش و بانژاد
✦
تو شادان و کاوس شاه از تو شاد
“Full of art, wisdom, and noble lineage—may you be glad, and may King Kavus rejoice in you!'”
#130
یکی رنج برگیر و ز ایدر برو
✦
ببر نامهٔ من بر شاه نو
“'Take on this task and depart from here; carry my letter unto the sovereign King.”
#131
ابا خویشتن بستگان را ببر
✦
هیونان و این خواسته سربسر
“'Take with you the captives, the camel-trains, and all these riches in their entirety;”
#132
همان افسر و یاره و گرز و تاج
✦
همان ژنده پیلان و هم تخت عاج
“'Likewise the diadem, armlets, mace, and crown, as well as the formidable war-elephants and ivory throne.'”
#133
فریبرز گفت ای هژبر ژیان
✦
منم راه را تنگ بسته میان
“Fariburz replied: 'O fierce lion, I have tightly girded my loins to take to the road!'”