#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
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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
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بران خاک چون مار پیچان شده
“For Puladvand lay lifeless, twisting upon the dust like a wounded serpent.”
#110
گمان برد رستم که پولادوند
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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تو با ویژگان سوی دریا بران
“'Leave the remaining army standing in formation like this, and flee toward the sea with your inner circle!'”