When the radiant sun hoisted its golden banner across the sky and saffron light replaced the violet silk of night, the royal drums echoed from King Kay Kavus's court and the roar of the host ascended to the clouds. At the vanguard of the Turanian army stood Puladvand—a monstrous, mountain-like Div of immense bodily power, armed with a lasso and a crushing mace. As both armies aligned, the sky turned dark with dust and the earth shuddered beneath the weight of footmen and horsemen.
Tahmattan Rostam donned his dragon-skin Babr-e Bayan, mounted Rakhsh, and charged into the enemy's right wing, laying low score upon score of Turanian warriors. But on the opposing flank, Puladvand uncoiled his twisting lasso and descended upon Tus son of Nowzar like a enraged elephant. Grasping the Iranian commander by his girdle, the Div lifted him effortlessly out of his saddle and slammed him to the earth. Seeing Tus overthrown, Gev spurred his dark steed Shabdiz and charged with his bull-headed mace, but Puladvand hurled his lasso, ensnaring Gev's neck. Roham and Bizhan, witnessing the Div's immense stature and brute strength, rode together to bind Puladvand's hands, yet the Div roared, seized them both, and cast them into the dirt, trampling them beneath his horse's hooves.
Flushed with bloodlust, Puladvand charged the sacred Kavian Banner—the holy symbol of Iran—and with a single stroke of his blade, severed the royal standard in two. A cry of despair erupted from the Iranian lines; not a single champion was left confident upon the field. Fariburz, Gudarz, and the remaining chieftains rushed to Rostam in mourning, proclaiming that no noble champion remained mounted and that the battlefield had turned into a place of utter ruin. The aged Gudarz, seeing his sons Gev and Roham and his grandson Bizhan unhorsed and humbled, unbuckled his belt, removed his helmet, and wept toward the heavens: 'O Just Lord! I possessed so many brave sons and grandsons who have fallen before my eyes; shame upon my grey hair that I remain alive while the youths lie in the dust!'
Rostam's heart grew heavy and he trembled like a autumn leaf upon hearing Gudarz's lament and seeing Iran's four premier champions wandering on foot like wild asses while the enemy hunted them like lions. Raising his eyes to the heavens, Rostam prayed: 'O Creator, higher than the revealed and the secret! Would that my eyes were blinded before beholding this dark day, wherein Piran, Homan, and this foul Div rejoice over Iran!' Spurring Rakhsh, he charged directly at Puladvand, shouting: 'O unruly Div, now shall you behold the turn of Fate!'
Puladvand boasted that he would slay Rostam and hand his army over to Afrasiab. But Rostam replied that arrogant words in battle only hasten a fool's demise. Remembering ancient tales of Rostam's thunderous mace in Mazandaran, a shudder passed through Puladvand, yet both behemoths closed in. Puladvand threw his coiled lasso, but Rostam ducked his neck and shattered the magical cord with his blade. The Iranian hero then brought his heavy mace down upon the Div's helm; the blow was so fierce that Puladvand's vision turned black and his hands lost their grip on the reins.
Seeing that weapons alone could not resolve the trial, the two giants agreed to a sacred trial of wrestling, swearing that neither army would intervene. Half a league of open ground separated the hosts while the stars watched the duel. Shideh, son of Afrasiab, beheld Rostam's colossal chest and shoulders and whispered to his father: 'This is Rostam the Div-Binder! Do not fight against fate, for he will slam the Div into the dust!' Afrasiab, enraged by his son's words, cursed him and broke the sacred covenant. Riding up to Puladvand, Afrasiab secretly urged the Div to draw a hidden dagger during the match and pierce Rostam's liver.
Gev rode up to Rostam, warning him of Afrasiab's treachery. But Rostam calmly answered: 'Fear nothing. If that foolish sorcerer breaks his oath to God, he only pours dust upon his own head.' Rostam then lunged like a furious lion, seized Puladvand by the chest and belt, hoisted the giant high above his shoulders, and hurled him down onto the earth with such catastrophic force that the Div's bones shattered. Shouts of triumph and the thunder of kettle-drums erupted from the Iranian army.
Believing Puladvand to be dead, Rostam turned back to his army. But the Div, possessing supernatural resilience, crawled out of the dust, regained his breath, and fled like an arrow back to Afrasiab, bleeding and weeping. Seeing the Div broken and the enemy in disarray, Rostam ordered a massive archery barrage, darkening the sky like spring rain clouds. Bizhan, Gev, Roham, and Gorgin charged forward on foot and horseback. Puladvand gasped to his men: 'Why throw away our lives for nothing?' and retreated. Piran Viseh urged Afrasiab: 'Did I not warn you never to engage Rostam? Over a hundred thousand Iranian cavalry are pressing forward, and the earth is soaked in blood. Abandon the army and flee across the sea!'
#1
چو بنمود خورشید تابان درفش
✦
معصفر شد آن پرنیان بنفش
“When the shining sun displayed its brilliant banner, that violet silk of night was stained saffron yellow.”
#2
تبیره برآمد ز درگاه شاه
✦
بابر اندر آمد خروش سپاه
“Kettledrums thundered from the King's portal, and the roar of the host reached up to the clouds.”
#3
بپیش سپه بود پولادوند
✦
بتن زورمند و ببازو کمند
“At the head of the Turanian army stood Puladvand—mighty in body, with a coiled lasso on his arm.”
#4
چو صف برکشیدند هر دو سپاه
✦
هوا شد بنفش و زمین شد سیاه
“As both armies drew up their lines, the sky turned dark violet and the earth grew black with dust.”
#5
تهمتن بپوشید ببر بیان
✦
نشست از بر ژنده پیل ژیان
“Tahmattan donned his Babr-e Bayan armor and mounted his enraged, elephant-bodied steed.”
#6
برآشفت و بر میمنه حمله برد
✦
ز ترکان بیفگند بسیار گرد
“He grew enraged and charged the right wing, casting down many a Turanian champion into the dust.”
#7
ازان پس غمی گشت پولادوند
✦
ز فتراک بگشاد پیچان کمند
“Thereupon Puladvand grew furious and unfastened his coiled lasso from his saddle-bow.”
#8
برآویخت با طوس چون پیل مست
✦
کمندی به بازوی گُرزی به دست
“He grappled with Tus like a mad elephant, holding a lasso on his arm and a mace in his hand.”
#9
کمربند بگرفت و او را ز زین
✦
برآورد و آسان بزد بر زمین
“He seized Tus by the belt, lifted him from the saddle, and easily slammed him to the ground.”
#10
به پیگار او گیو چون بنگرید
✦
سر طوس نوذر نگونسار دید
“When Gev looked upon the combat, he saw Tus son of Nowzar overthrown and headlong.”
#11
برانگیخت از جای شبدیز را
✦
تن و جان بیاراست آویز را
“He spurred his steed forward, preparing body and soul for fierce battle.”
#12
برآویخت با دیو چون شیر نر
✦
زرهدار با گرزهٔ گاوسر
“Armored and wielding his bull-headed mace, he grappled with the Div like a male lion.”
#13
کمندی بینداخت پولادوند
✦
سر گیو گرد اندر آمد ببند
“Puladvand cast his lasso, and Gev's head was caught within its trap.”
#14
نگه کرد رهام و بیژن ز راه
✦
بدان زور و بالا و آن دستگاه
“Roham and Bizhan watched from afar, seeing that immense strength, stature, and power.”
#15
برفتند تا دست پولادوند
✦
ببندند هر دو بخم کمند
“They charged together to bind Puladvand's hands with the loops of their lassos.”
#16
بزد دست پولاد بسیار هوش
✦
برانگیخت اسپ و برآمد خروش
“Puladvand used all his cunning strength, spurred his steed, and let out a mighty shout.”
#17
دو گرد از دلیران پر مایه را
✦
سرافراز و گرد و گرانمایه را
“Those two noble, exalted, and highly precious champions of Iran...”
#18
بخاک اندر افگند و بسپرد خوار
✦
نظاره بران دشت چندان سوار
“...He cast into the dust and trampled them miserably, while so many horsemen looked on in terror.”
#19
بیامد بر اختر کاویان
✦
بخنجر بدو نیم کردش میان
“He charged up to the sacred Kavian Banner and severed it in half with his sword!”
#20
خروشی برآمد ز ایران سپاه
✦
نماند ایچ گرد اندر آوردگاه
“A cry of despair rose from the Iranian army; no warrior remained confident upon the battlefield.”
#21
فریبرز و گودرز و گردنکشان
✦
گرفتند از آن دیو جنگی نشان
“Fariburz, Gudarz, and the noble chieftains sought out that warlike Div.”
#22
بگفتند با رستم کینهخواه
✦
که پولادوند اندرین رزمگاه
“They spoke to vengeful Rostam, saying that Puladvand was raging in the field,”
#23
بزین بر یکی نامداری نماند
✦
ز گردان لشکر سواری نماند
“Leaving no renowned champion in his saddle, nor any horseman among the army unbowed,”
#24
که نفگند بر خاک پولادوند
✦
بگرز و بخنجر بتیر و کمند
“Whom Puladvand has not cast onto the earth with mace, sword, arrow, or lasso.”
#25
همه رزمگه سربسر ماتمست
✦
بدین کار فریادرس رستمست
“'The entire battlefield is full of mourning; in this plight, Rostam alone is our savior!'”
#26
ازان پس خروشیدن ناله خاست
✦
ز قلب و چپ لشکر و دست راست
“Thereupon wailing and cries of agony arose from the center, the left, and the right wings.”
#27
چو کم شد ز گودرز هر دو پسر
✦
بنالید با داور دادگر
“When Gudarz saw both his sons unhorsed and broken, he wept to the Just Judge of Heaven:”
#28
که چندین نبیره پسر داشتم
✦
همی سر ز خورشید بگذاشتم
“'So many sons and grandsons I possessed, raising my head higher than the sun,”
#29
برزم اندرون پیش من کشته شد
✦
چنین اختر و روز من گشته شد
“Now slain and broken before me in battle; such has my star and destiny become!”
#30
جوانان و من زنده با پیر سر
✦
مرا شرم باد از کلاه و کمر
“The youths are down while I remain alive in old age; shame upon my crown and girdle!'”
#31
کمر برگشاد و کله برگرفت
✦
خروشیدن و ناله اندر گرفت
“He unbuckled his girdle, took off his helmet, and gave way to weeping and bitter lamentation.”
#32
چو بشنید رستم دژم گشت سخت
✦
بلرزید برسان برگ درخت
“When Rostam heard this, he grew deeply aggrieved and shook like the leaves of a tree.”
#33
بیامد بنزدیک پولادوند
✦
ورا دید برسان کوه بلند
“He rode close to Puladvand and saw him standing tall like a high mountain.”
#34
سپه را همه بیشتر خسته دید
✦
وزان روی پرخاش پیوسته دید
“He saw most of the army wounded, and from the enemy side, relentless assault continuing.”
#35
بدل گفت کین روز ما تیره گشت
✦
سرنامداران ما خیره گشت
“He said in his heart: 'Our day has turned dark, and the heads of our leaders are dazed in confusion.”
#36
همانا که برگشت پرگار ما
✦
غنوده شد آن بخت بیدار ما
“Surely our fortune's compass has reversed, and our vigilant luck has fallen asleep.'”
#37
بیفشارد ران رخش را تیز کرد
✦
برآشفت و آهنگ آویز کرد
“He pressed his thighs to Rakhsh, spurred him forward, grew enraged, and resolved to fight.”
#38
بدو گفت کای دیو ناسازگار
✦
ببینی کنون گردش روزگار
“He said to him: 'O unruly Div! Now you shall behold the turn of Fate!'”
#39
چو آواز رستم بگردان رسید
✦
تهمتن یلان را پیاده بدید
“When Rostam's voice reached the warriors, Tahmattan beheld the heroes unhorsed and walking on foot.”
#40
دژم گشته زو چار گرد دلیر
✦
چو گوران و دشمن بکردار شیر
“Four brave heroes dejected like wild asses, while the enemy preyed upon them like lions.”
#41
چنین گفت با کردگار جهان
✦
که ای برتر از آشکار و نهان
“Thus he spoke to the Creator of the world: 'O You who are higher than all revealed and hidden things!”
#42
مرا چشم اگر تیره گشتی بجنگ
✦
بهستی ز دیدار این روز تنگ
“Would that my eyes had been blinded in battle rather than beholding this dire day,”
#43
کزین سان برآمد ز ایران غریو
✦
ز پیران و هومان وز نره دیو
“Wherein such shouts of triumph rise from Turan, from Piran, Homan, and the ferocious Div!”
#44
پیاده شده گیو و رهام و طوس
✦
چو بیژن که بر شیر کردی فسوس
“Gev, Roham, and Tus unhorsed—along with Bizhan who used to scoff at lions!”
#45
تبه گشته اسپ بزرگان بتیر
✦
بدین سان برآویخته خیره خیر
“Their nobles' steeds slain by arrows, struggling helplessly in confusion!'”
#46
بدو گفت پولادوند ای دلیر
✦
جهاندیده و نامبردار و شیر
“Puladvand said to him, "O brave hero, battle-tested, renowned, and lion-like,”
#47
که بگریزد از پیش تو ژنده پیل
✦
ببینی کنون موج دریای نیل
“"From whose path even a furious elephant flees; but now you shall behold the crashing waves of the River Nile!”
#48
نگه کن کنون آتش جنگ من
✦
کمند و دل و زور و آهنگ من
“"Look now upon the fire of my battle, upon my lasso, my courage, my strength, and my resolve.”
#49
کزین پس نیابی ز شاهت نشان
✦
نه از نامداران و گردنکشان
“"For henceforth you shall find no trace of your king, nor of your famous warriors and proud leaders.”
#50
نبینی زمین زین سپس جز بخواب
✦
سپارم سپاهت بافراسیاب
“"From now on you shall see the earth only in your dreams, for I shall surrender your army to Afrasiab!"”
#51
چنین گفت رستم بپولادوند
✦
که تا چند ازین بیم و نیرنگ و بند
“Rustam replied to Puladvand: "How long will you offer such threats, tricks, and empty boasts?”
#52
ز جنگ آوران تیز گویا مباد
✦
چو باشد دهد بیگمان سر بباد
“"A true warrior should not be sharp-tongued, for if he is, he will surely forfeit his head to the wind."”
#53
چو بشنید پولادوند این سخن
✦
بیاد آمدش گفتههای کهن
“When Puladvand heard these words, ancient sayings came back to his memory:”
#54
که هر کو ببیداد جوید نبرد
✦
جگر خسته باز آید و روی زرد
“"Whoever seeks battle unjustly shall return wounded at heart and pale of face.”
#55
گر از دشمنت بد رسد گر ز دوست
✦
بد و نیک را داد دادن نکوست
“"Whether harm comes from an enemy or a friend, it is noble to render justice to good and evil alike.”
#56
همان رستمست این که مازندران
✦
شب تیره بستد بگرز گران
“"This is that very Rustam who seized Mazandaran in the dark of night with his heavy mace!"”
#57
بدو گفت کای مرد رزم آزمای
✦
چه باشیم برخیره چندین بپای
“He then said to him: "O battle-tested warrior, why do we stand idle and talk in vain?”
#58
بگشتند وز دشت برخاست گرد
✦
دو پیل ژیان و دو شیر نبرد
“They wheeled around, and dust rose from the plain—two furious elephants, two lions of battle!”
#59
برانگیخت آن باره پولادوند
✦
بینداخت پس تاب داده کمند
“Puladvand spurred his steed forward and cast his coiled lasso toward his foe.”
#60
بدزدید یال آن نبرده سوار
✦
چو زین گونه پیوسته شد کارزار
“The valiant knight ducked his neck beneath his steed as the combat grew fierce and tight.”
#61
بزد تیغ و بند کمندش برید
✦
بجای آمد آن بند بد را کلید
“Rustam struck with his sword and severed the loops of the lasso; thus the key to breaking that evil snare was found!”
#62
بپیچید زان پس سوی دست راست
✦
بدانست کان روز روز بلاست
“Then Puladvand turned to the right, realizing that this day was a day of doom.”
#63
عمودی بزد بر سرش پیلتن
✦
که بشنید آواز او انجمن
“The elephant-bodied Rustam struck a blow with his mace upon Puladvand's head, the sound of which echoed through the assembly.”
#64
چنان تیره شد چشم پولادوند
✦
که دستش عنان را نبد کار بند
“Puladvand's eyes grew so dark that his hands could no longer hold the reins.”
#65
تهمتن بران بد که مغز سرش
✦
ببیند پر از رنگ تیره برش
“Tahamtan was about to spill his brain, seeing him coated in dark hue before him.”
#66
چو پولادوند از بر زین بماند
✦
تهمتن جهان آفرین را بخواند
“As Puladvand remained stunned atop his saddle, Tahamtan called upon the Creator of the World:”
#67
که ای برتر از گردش روزگار
✦
جهاندار و بینا و پروردگار
“"O Lord higher than the turning of time, Sovereign, All-Seeing Creator!”
#68
گرین گردش جنگ من داد نیست
✦
روانم بدان گیتی آباد نیست
“"If this turn of battle of mine is not righteous, my soul shall not prosper in the world beyond.”
#69
روا دارم از دست پولادوند
✦
روان مرا برگشاید ز بند
“"I would accept it if by the hand of Puladvand, my soul were unloosed from its mortal bonds;”
#70
ور افراسیابست بیدادگر
✦
تو مستان ز من دست و زور و هنر
“"But if Afrasiab is the transgressor, do not take from me my strength, power, and skill!”
#71
که گر من شوم کشته بر دست اوی
✦
بایران نماند یکی جنگجوی
“"For if I am slain by his hand, not a single warrior will remain in Iran!”
#72
نه مرد کشاورز و نه پیشهور
✦
نه خاک و نه کشور نه بوم و نه بر
“"Neither farmer nor artisan, neither soil nor nation, neither land nor territory!"”
#73
بکشتی گرفتن نهادند روی
✦
دو گرد سرافراز و دو جنگجوی
“Then both exalted champions and fierce warriors set their minds to wrestling.”
#74
بپیمان که از هر دو روی سپاه
✦
بیاری نیاید کسی کینهخواه
“They bound themselves by a pact that no vengeful warrior from either army should come to aid.”
#75
میان سپه نیم فرسنگ بود
✦
ستاره نظاره بران جنگ بود
“Half a farsang lay between the two armies, while even the stars stood watch over that battle.”
#76
چو پولادوند و تهمتن بهم
✦
برآویختند آن دو شیر دژم
“When Puladvand and Tahamtan grappled with one another—those two furious lions!”
#77
همی دست سودند یک با دگر
✦
گرفته دو جنگی دوال کمر
“They gripped each other's waist-belts, testing each other's power with wrestling hands.”
#78
چو شیده بر و یال رستم بدید
✦
یکی باد سرد از جگر برکشید
“When Shideh saw the chest and neck of Rustam, he drew a cold sigh from his heart.”
#79
پدر را چنین گفت کین زورمند
✦
که خوانی ورا رستم دیوبند
“He said to his father: "This mighty champion whom you call Rustam, binder of demons—”
#80
بدین برز بالا و این دست برد
✦
بخاک اندر آرد سر دیو گرد
“"With this stature and prowess, he will drag the head of even the bravest demon into the dust!"”
#81
نبینی ز گردان ما جز گریز
✦
مکن خیره با چرخ گردان ستیز
“You shall see naught but flight from our warriors; strive not blindly against revolving fate.”
#82
چنین گفت با شیده افراسیاب
✦
که شد مغز من زین سخن پرشتاب
“Thus spoke Afrasiab to Shideh: "My mind has grown restless and enraged at these words!"”
#83
برو تا ببینی که پولادوند
✦
بکشتی همی چون کند دست بند
“"Go and watch how Puladvand locks his grip in this wrestling match!"”
#84
چنین گفت شیده که پیمان شاه
✦
نه این بود با او بپیش سپاه
“Shideh replied: "O King, your covenant before the army was not this."”
#85
چو پیمان شکن باشی و تیره مغز
✦
نیاید ز دست تو پیگار نغز
“"If you break your pledge and turn dark-minded, no noble battle shall come from your hands."”
#86
تو این آب روشن مگردان سیاه
✦
که عیب آورد بر تو بر عیبخواه
“"Taint not this crystal water with dark shame, lest your enemies find fault in you."”
#87
بدشنام بگشاد خسرو زبان
✦
برآشفت و شد با پسر بدگمان
“The king opened his mouth in foul curses; enraged, he grew distrustful of his own son.”
#88
بدو گفت اگر دیو پولادوند
✦
ازین مرد بدخواه یابد گزند
“He said to him: "If the demon Puladvand suffers harm from this malevolent man..."”
#89
نماند بدین رزمگه زنده کس
✦
ترا از هنرها زیانست و بس
“"...none shall remain alive upon this battlefield, and from all your famed skills, you shall gain only harm!"”
#90
عنان برگرایید و آمد چو شیر
✦
به آوردگاه دو مرد دلیر
“He turned his reins and rode like a lion toward the arena where the two brave champions fought.”
#91
نگه کرد پیکار دو پیل مست
✦
درآورده بر یکدگر هر دو دست
“He watched the combat of two furious elephants, their arms grappling with one another.”
#92
بپولاد گفت ای سرافراز شیر
✦
بکشتی گر آری مر او را بزیر
“He cried to Puladvand: "O proud lion! If you bring him down in this wrestle..."”
#93
بخنجر جگرگاه او را بکاف
✦
هنر باید از کار کردن نه لاف
“"...cleave his liver with your dagger! True skill comes from deeds, not empty boasting!"”
#94
نگه کرد گیو اندر افراسیاب
✦
بدان خیره گفتار و چندان شتاب
“Gev gazed at Afrasiab, beholding his foolish speech and frantic haste.”
#95
برانگیخت اسپ و برآمد دمان
✦
چو بشکست پیمان همی بدگمان
“He spurred his horse and charged roaring, as the treacherous king broke his pledge.”
#96
برستم چنین گفت کای جنگجوی
✦
چه فرمان دهی کهتران را بگوی
“He said to Rostam: "O warrior! Speak your command to your loyal servants!"”
#97
نگه کن به پیمان افراسیاب
✦
چو جای بلا دید و جای شتاب
“"Behold the oath of Afrasiab, now that he foresees calamity and acts in panic!"”
#98
بیآمد همی دل بیافروزدش
✦
بکشتی درون خنجر آموزدش
“"He has come to embolden him, teaching him to draw a dagger in the midst of wrestling!"”
#99
بدو گفت رستم که جنگی منم
✦
بکشتی گرفتن درنگی منم
“Rostam said to him: "I am the warrior; I am the one taking my time in this match."”
#100
شما را چرا بیم آید همی
✦
چرا دل به دو نیم آید همی
“"Why does fear possess your hearts? Why do your souls split with terror?"”
#101
اگر نیستتان جنگ را زور و دست
✦
دل من بخیره نباید شکست
“"If you lack the strength and power for combat, do not dishearten me in vain!"”
#102
گر ایدونک این جادوی بیخرد
✦
ز پیمان یزدان همی بگذرد
“"If indeed this foolish sorcerer transgresses God's solemn covenant..."”
#103
شما را ز پیمان شکستن چه باک
✦
گر او ریخت بر تارک خویش خاک
“"...what fear have you of his broken pledge? Let him pour dust upon his own head!"”
#104
من آکنون سر دیو پولادوند
✦
بخاک اندر آرم ز چرخ بلند
“"I shall now hurl the head of the demon Puladvand from the high sky down into the dust!"”
#105
وزان پس بیازید چون شیر چنگ
✦
گرفت آن بر و یال جنگی نهنگ
“Then he extended his grip like a lion, seizing the chest and mane of that warlike monster.”
#106
بگردن برآورد و زد بر زمین
✦
همی خواند بر کردگار افرین
“He lifted him above his neck and slammed him to the earth, chanting praises to the Creator.”
#107
خروشی بر آمد ز ایران سپاه
✦
تبیره زنان برگرفتند راه
“A mighty roar arose from the Iranian host; the drummers struck their drums and set out.”
#108
بابر اندر آمد دم کرنای
✦
خروشیدن نای و سنج و درای
“The blast of trumpets rose into the clouds, alongside the clamor of flutes, cymbals, and bells.”
#109
که پولادوندست بیجان شده
✦
بران خاک چون مار پیچان شده
“For Puladvand lay lifeless, twisting upon the dust like a wounded serpent.”
#110
گمان برد رستم که پولادوند
✦
ندارد بتن در درست ایچ بند
“Rostam assumed that Puladvand had not a single unbroken bone left in his body.”
#111
برخش دلیر اندر آورد پای
✦
بماند آن تن اژدها را بجای
“The hero put his foot in Rakhsh's stirrup, leaving that dragon-like body behind on the ground.”
#112
چو پیش صف آمد یل شیرگیر
✦
نگه کرد پولاد برسان تیر
“As the lion-capturing hero rode before the ranks, Puladvand darted up swift as an arrow!”
#113
گریزان بشد پیش افراسیاب
✦
دلش پر ز خون و رخش پر ز آب
“Fleeing, he rushed before Afrasiab, his heart full of blood and his face bathed in tears.”
#114
بخفت از بر خاک تیره دراز
✦
زمانی بشد هوش زان رزمساز
“He collapsed stretched out upon the dark earth; for a time, consciousness left the warrior demon.”
#115
تهمتن چو پولاد را زنده دید
✦
همه دشت لشکر پراگنده دید
“When Tahamtan saw Puladvand still alive, he saw the whole army scattered across the plain.”
#116
دلش تنگتر گشت و لشکر براند
✦
جهاندیده گودرز را پیش خواند
“His heart grew even heavier with distress, so he urged his host forward and summoned the battle-tested Goudarz to his side.”
#117
بفرمود تا تیرباران کنند
✦
هوا را چو ابر بهاران کنند
“He commanded a volley of arrows to be loosed, making the sky resemble a rain-bearing spring cloud.”
#118
ز یک دست بیژن ز یک دست گیو
✦
جهانجوی رهام و گرگین نیو
“From one side attacked Bizhan, and from the other Giv, together with the world-seeking Rahham and valiant Gorgin.”
#119
تو گفتی که آتش برافروختند
✦
جهان را بخنجر همی سوختند
“You would say a mighty fire was kindled, as they set the world ablaze with the flash of their daggers.”
#120
بلشکر چنین گفت پولادوند
✦
که بیتخت و بیگنج و نام بلند
“Thus spoke Pouladvand to his warriors: 'Without a throne, without treasure, and lacking lofty fame,'”
#121
چرا سر همی داد باید بباد
✦
چرا کرد باید همی رزم یاد
“'Why should we cast our lives to the wind? Why must we fight such a bitter war?'”
#122
سپه را بپیش اندر افگند و رفت
✦
ز رستم همی بند جانش بکفت
“He thrust his army forward and fled the field, as fear of Rostam tore the very bonds of his soul apart.”
#123
چنین گفت پیران بافراسیاب
✦
که شد روی گیتی چو دریای آب
“Thus Piran spoke to Afrasiab: 'The face of the earth has turned into a churning ocean;'”
#124
نگفتم که با رستم شوم دست
✦
نشاید درین کشور ایمن نشست
“'Did I not warn you that against Rostam’s deadly hand, no one in this realm can rest secure?'”
#125
ز خون جوانی که بد ناگریز
✦
بخستی دل ما بپیکار تیز
“'By shedding the blood of noble youths—an unavoidable tragedy—you have wounded our hearts in fierce strife.'”
#126
چه باشی که با تو کس اندر نماند
✦
بشد دیو پولاد و لشکر براند
“'Why do you tarry here when none remains to support you? Poulad the demon has fled and swept his army away.'”
#127
همانا ز ایرانیان صد هزار
✦
فزونست برگستوانور سوار
“'Indeed, more than a hundred thousand armored Iranian horsemen are advancing now.'”
#128
بپیش اندرون رستم شیر گیر
✦
زمین پر ز خون و هوا پر ز تیر
“'At their vanguard is lion-vanquishing Rostam; the ground is drenched with blood and the sky thick with arrows.'”
#129
ز دریا و دشت و ز هامون و کوه
✦
سپاه اندر آمد همه همگروه
“'From sea and plain, from mountain and desert, the vast horde of troops has converged as one.'”
#130
چو مردم نماند آزمودیم دیو
✦
چنین جنگ و پیکار و چندین غریو
“'When no mortal warriors were left, we put the demon to the test—and behold such bloody battle and endless clamor!'”
#131
سپه را چنین صف کشیده بمان
✦
تو با ویژگان سوی دریا بران
“'Leave the remaining army standing in formation like this, and flee toward the sea with your inner circle!'”