When Rostam twirled his coiled, royal lariat, its binding loop settled around the Khaqan of China. The arrogant monarch, who stood atop his majestic white elephant, felt sudden terror as soul and hope abandoned him. Rostam hauled him down from his high perch, slammed him to the earth, and bound his arms tightly in heavy fetters. The Khaqan, who once possessed crowns, ivory thrones, and royal litters, was marched on foot through the dust of battle—a stark reminder of the treacherous world that raises a man high only to cast him into the abyss.
With the Khaqan bound, Rostam brandished his heavy mace once more, charging into the panicked ranks. The field became so packed with battle and slaughter that path failed even the ant and the gnat, as rivers of blood surged beneath fallen bodies. Suddenly, a pitch-black cloud and dark gale swallowed the sun and moon, veiling the horizon in absolute night. Piran Viseh looked upon the carnage and saw that his greatest champions—Kamus, Manshur, and the Khaqan—were all slain or captured, and the black banners of Turan lay overturned in the mire. Realizing destiny had turned against him, he instructed his brother Nestihan and Kolbad to sheath their weapons, lower the banners, and flee stealthily through the dark wilderness.
Giv and the Iranian champions plundered the enemy's right wing, searching frantically for Piran, but finding no trace of him, they returned to Rostam. Covered in blood, dust, and sweat, their armor torn, they washed their bodies and souls, offering fervent prayers of thanksgiving to Yazdan. Rostam addressed Goudarz, Giv, and the gathering of heroes, recounting how he felt when King Kay Khosrow privately revealed that Tus was besieged on Mount Hamavan and that brave Bahram and Rivniz had fallen. He confessed that when he first laid eyes on the mountain-like champions Kamus and the Khaqan atop their armored elephants, his mind was transported back to the terrifying demons of Mazandaran; yet Divine Providence granted victory over those towering foes. The Iranians feasted and drank royal wine until midnight, honoring the Almighty.
At dawn's first crimson light, Rostam dispatched Bijan to reconnoiter the field, only to discover that the entire Turanian army had slipped away in the dark while the Iranian sentries slept. Rostam erupted in fury at Tus and the negligent guards, berating them for allowing Piran, Kolbad, Homan, Rouyin, and Foulad to escape into the night. He then commanded the army to collect the vast spoils left behind—jeweled crowns, ruby-encrusted belts, ivory thrones, Roman brocade, weapons, and war elephants. Reflecting on the fleeting nature of earthly wealth, Rostam summoned Prince Fariborz, son of Kay Kavus, entrusting him with the victory dispatch, the royal captives including the Khaqan, and the immense treasures to present before King Kay Khosrow, while Rostam prepared to pursue the fleeing remnants of Turan.
#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
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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
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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
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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
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ز گوپال وز خنجر هندوان
“Arrows, bows, armor for horses, heavy maces, and sharp Indian daggers—”
#103
یکی کوه بد در میان دو کوه
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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
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بتن زورمندی و کنداوری
“An archer-rider broad of chest, possessed of immense physical might and heroism—”
#105
خدنگی بینداختی چارپر
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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که با شاه گستاخ باشد نخست
“Tahamtan sought an envoy who possessed intimate familiarity and confidence before the King.”
#127
فریبرز کاوس را برگزید
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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
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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
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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!'”