#1
تو بر کردگار روان و خرد
✦
ستایش گزین تا چه اندر خورد
“Choose to praise the Creator of soul and intellect, in whatever manner is fitting for Him.”
#2
ببین ای خردمند روشن‌روان
✦
که چون باید او را ستودن توان
“Observe, O wise and enlightened soul, how it is possible to truly praise Him.”
#3
همه دانش ما به بیچارگیست
✦
به بیچارگان بر بباید گریست
“All our knowledge ends in utter helplessness; one must weep over such helpless creatures.”
#4
تو خستو شو آنرا که هست و یکیست
✦
روان و خرد را جزین راه نیست
“Confess Him who exists and is One; for spirit and intellect there is no other path.”
#5
ایا فلسفه‌دان بسیار گوی
✦
بپویم براهی که گویی مپوی
“O garrulous philosopher! I tread a path that you bid me not to tread.”
#6
ترا هرچ بر چشم سر بگذرد
✦
نگنجد همی در دلت با خرد
“Whatever passes merely before your physical eyes cannot fit within your heart through true wisdom.”
#7
سخن هرچ بایستِ توحید نیست
✦
به ناگفتن و گفتن او یکیست
“Any speech that does not serve the unity of God—its speaking or silent omission are one and the same.”
#8
تو گر سخته‌ای شو سخن سخته‌گوی
✦
نیاید به بن هرگز این گفت و گوی
“If you are a man of weight, speak measured words, for this endless debate will never reach an end.”
#9
به یک دم زدن رستی از جان و تن
✦
همی بس بزرگ آیدت خویشتن
“In a single breath you are released from soul and body, yet you seem so grand unto yourself.”
#10
همی بگذرد بر تو ایام تو
✦
سرای جز این باشد آرام تو
“Your days pass swiftly away; an abode other than this world shall be your final rest.”
#11
نخست از جهان‌آفرین یاد کن
✦
پرستش بر این یاد بنیاد کن
“First remember the Creator of the World, and lay the foundation of your worship upon this remembrance.”
#12
کزویست گردونِ گردان بپای
✦
هم اویست بر نیک و بد رهنمای
“For by Him the revolving heavens stand, and He alone is the guide to good and evil.”
#13
جهان پر شگفتست چون بنگری
✦
ندارد کسی آلت داوری
“The world is full of wonders when you look; no mortal holds the scales of absolute judgment.”
#14
که جانت شگفتست و تن هم شگفت
✦
نخست از خود اندازه باید گرفت
“For your soul is a wonder and your body a wonder; first, take measure of your own self.”
#15
دگر آنک این گرد گردان سپهر
✦
همی نو نمایدت هر روز چهر
“Furthermore, this revolving sphere of heaven presents a new face to you every day.”
#16
نباشی بدین گفته همداستان
✦
که دهقان همی گوید از باستان
“You may not readily agree with this tale which the old noble storyteller recounts from ancient times.”
#17
خردمند کاین داستان بشنوَد
✦
بدانش گراید بدین نگرود
“The wise man who hears this story inclines toward reason and does not blindly accept it.”
#18
ولیکن چو معنیش یادآوری
✦
شود رام و کوته کند داوری
“Yet when you recall its inner meaning, he becomes yielding and ceases his harsh judgment.”
#19
تو بشنو ز گفتار دهقان پیر
✦
گر ایدونک باشد سخن دلپذیر
“Listen then to the words of the aged Dehqan, if indeed such speech is pleasing to your heart.”
#20
سخنگوی دهقان چنین کرد یاد
✦
که یک روز کیخسرو از بامداد
“The eloquent Dehqan thus recalled that one morning King Kay Khosrow...”
#21
بیاراست گلشن بسان بهار
✦
بزرگان نشستند با شهریار
“...adorned the rose-garden like springtime, and the great nobles sat assembled with the monarch.”
#22
چو گودرز و چون رستم و گستهم
✦
چو برزین گرشاسپ از تخم جم
“Champions such as Goudarz, Rostam, Gustahm, and Barzin Garshasp of the seed of Jamshid;”
#23
چو گیو و چو رهام کار آزمای
✦
چو گرگین و خراد فرخنده رای
“And battle-tested heroes like Giv, Roham, Gorgin, and Khorrad of auspicious counsel.”
#24
چو از روز یک ساعت اندر گذشت
✦
بیامد بدرگاه چوپان ز دشت
“When an hour of the day had passed, a herdsman arrived at the court from the plain.”
#25
که گوری پدید آمد اندر گله
✦
چو شیری که از بند گردد یله
“Reporting that a wild ass had appeared among the herd, fierce as a lion unchained from its bonds.”
#26
همان رنگ خورشید دارد درست
✦
سپهرش بزر آب گویی بشست
“Its color was exact to that of the sun, as though heaven had washed it in liquid gold.”
#27
یکی برکشیده خط از یال اوی
✦
ز مشک سیه تا بدنبال اوی
“A stripe was drawn along its mane, extending from black musk down to its tail.”
#28
سمندی بزرگست گویی بجای
✦
ورا چار گرزست آن دست و پای
“It seemed a mighty golden steed standing there, its four legs like heavy maces.”
#29
یکی نره شیرست گویی دژم
✦
همی بفگند یال اسپان ز هم
“It is like a enraged male lion, rending asunder the manes and necks of the horses.”
#30
بدانست خسرو که آن نیست گور
✦
که برنگذرد گور ز اسپی بزور
“Khosrow knew full well that this was no wild ass, for no ass could overcome a warhorse by sheer strength.”
#31
برستم چنین گفت کین رنج نیز
✦
به پیگار بر خویشتن سنج نیز
“He spoke to Rostam: 'Weigh this ordeal also upon yourself for the battle.'”
#32
برو خویشتن را نگه‌دار ازوی
✦
مگر باشد آهرمن کینه‌جوی
“'Go and guard yourself against it, lest it be revengeful Ahriman himself.'”
#33
چنین گفت رستم که با بخت تو
✦
نترسد پرستندهٔ تخت تو
“Rostam replied: 'With your royal fortune, the servant of your throne fears nothing.'”
#34
نه دیو و نه شیر و نه نر اژدها
✦
ز شمشیر تیزم نیابد رها
“'Neither demon, nor lion, nor fierce dragon shall escape my sharp sword!'”
#35
برون شد بنخچیر چون نره شیر
✦
کمندی بدست اژدهایی بزیر
“He rode out to the hunt like a roaring male lion, lasso in hand and a dragon beneath his saddle.”
#36
به دشتی کجا داشت چوپان گله
✦
وزانسو گذر داشت گور یله
“Toward the plain where the shepherd kept the herd, and where that wild ass roamed freely.”
#37
سه روزش همی جست در مرغزار
✦
همی کرد بر گرد اسپان شکار
“For three days he searched for it in the meadow, hunting around the horses.”
#38
چهارم بدیدش گرازان بدشت
✦
چو باد شمالی برو بر گذشت
“On the fourth day he saw it striding across the plain, passing over like the north wind.”
#39
درخشنده زرین یکی باره بود
✦
بچرم اندرون زشت پتیاره بود
“It was a glowing golden steed, yet within its hide lurked a hideously malignant monster.”
#40
برانگیخت رخش دلاور ز جای
✦
چو تنگ اندر آمد دگر شد برای
“Brave Rakhsh surged forward from his spot, but as he closed in, the quarry changed its path.”
#41
چنین گفت کین را نباید فگند
✦
بباید گرفتن بخم کمند
“Rostam said: 'This creature must not be slain; it should be captured in the loops of my lasso.'”
#42
نشایدش کردن بخنجر تباه
✦
بدین سانش زنده برم نزد شاه
“'I ought not destroy it with a dagger; in this manner I shall bring it alive before the King.'”
#43
بینداخت رستم کیانی کمند
✦
همی خواست کارد سرش را ببند
“Rostam cast his royal lasso, intending to ensnare its head in the noose.”
#44
چو گور دلاور کمندش بدید
✦
شد از چشم او در زمان ناپدید
“When the fierce wild ass saw the lasso, it instantly vanished from his eyes.”
#45
بدانست رستم که آن نیست گور
✦
ابا او کنون چاره باید نه زور
“Rostam realized that this was no wild ass; with it now, cunning was needed, not brute force.”
#46
جز اکوان دیو این نشاید بُدن
✦
ببایستش از باد تیغی زدن
“This can be none other than Akvan Div; he must be struck down with a blade swift as the wind.”
#47
بشمشیر باید کنون چاره کرد
✦
دوانیدن خون بران چرم زرد
“Now a remedy must be forged with the sword, spilling his blood upon that yellow hide.”
#48
ز دانا شنیدم که این جای اوست
✦
که گفتند بستاند از گور پوست
“I heard from a sage that this is his haunt, of whom men say he flays the skin from the wild ass.”
#49
همانگه پدید آمد از دشت باز
✦
سپهبد برانگیخت آن تند تاز
“At that very instant, the beast emerged again from the plain, and the chieftain urged forward his swift steed.”
#50
کمان را بزه کرد و از باد اسپ
✦
بینداخت تیری چو آذر گشسپ
“He strung his bow, and from his wind-swift charger loosed an arrow bright as the sacred fire Azar Gashasp.”
#51
همان کو کمان کیان درکشید
✦
دگر باره شد گور ازو ناپدید
“Yet no sooner had he drawn that royal bow than the wild ass vanished once more from his sight.”
#52
همی تاخت اسپ اندران پهن دشت
✦
چو سه روز و سه شب برو بر گذشت
“He galloped his steed across that vast expanse until three days and three nights passed over him.”
#53
به آبش گرفت آرزو هم به نان
✦
سر از خواب بر کوههٔ زین زنان
“A deep craving for water and bread overcame him, his head drooping in sleep upon his saddle-bow.”
#54
چو بگرفتش از آب روشن شتاب
✦
به پیش آمدش چشمهٔ چون گلاب
“As his thirst for clear water grew desperate, a spring fragrant as rosewater appeared before him.”
#55
فرود آمد و رخش را آب داد
✦
هم از ماندگی چشم را خواب داد
“He dismounted, gave drink to Rakhsh, and overcome by utter exhaustion, surrendered his eyes to sleep.”
#56
کمندش ببازوی و ببر بیان
✦
بپوشیده و تنگ بسته میان
“Lasso coiled on his arm and clad in Babr-e Bayan, his waist remained tightly girded.”
#57
ز زین کیانیش بگشاد تنگ
✦
به بالین نهاد آن جناغ خدنگ
“He loosened the girth of his royal saddle and placed that wooden tree beside his head as a pillow.”
#58
چراگاه رخش آمد و جای خواب
✦
نمدزین برافگند بر پیش آب
“Finding a pasture for Rakhsh and a resting spot for himself, he spread his saddle-felt beside the waters.”
#59
بدان جایگه خفت و خوابش ربود
✦
که از رنج وز تاختن مانده بود
“He slept in that spot and slumber bound him fast, spent as he was from hardship and endless chasing.”
#60
چو اکوانش از دور خفته بدید
✦
یکی باد شد تا بر او رسید
“When Akvan saw him sleeping from afar, he transformed into a roaring wind to reach his side.”
#61
زمین گرد ببرید و برداشتش
✦
ز هامون بگردون برافراشتش
“He carved away the ground around him, lifted him high, and raised him from the plain up into the heavens.”
#62
غمی شد تهمتن چو بیدار شد
✦
سر پر خرد پر ز پیکار شد
“Tahamtan grew heavy with grief upon awakening, his wise mind instantly filling with battle thoughts.”
#63
چو رستم بجنبید بر خویشتن
✦
بدو گفت اکوان که ای پیلتن
“As Rostam stirred in mid-air, Akvan called to him, saying: 'O elephant-bodied warrior!'”
#64
یکی آرزو کن که تا از هوا
✦
کجات آید افگندن اکنون هوا
“'Make a final wish: where from this high air would you have your fall land now?'”
#65
سوی آبت اندازم ار سوی کوه
✦
کجا خواهی افتاد دور از گروه
“'Shall I hurl you into the waters or onto the mountains? Where do you wish to crash, far from all mankind?'”
#66
چو رستم بگفتار او بنگرید
✦
هوا در کف دیو واژونه دید
“When Rostam reflected upon his words, he saw the sky held fast in the grip of a perverse demon.”
#67
چنین گفت با خویشتن پیلتن
✦
که بد نامبردار هر انجمن
“Thus thought the elephant-bodied hero to himself—he whose name was renowned in every hall:”
#68
گر اندازدم گفت بر کوهسار
✦
تن و استخوانم نیاید بکار
“'If he casts me upon the rocky mountainside,' he thought, 'my frame and bones will be broken past repair.'”
#69
بدریا به آید که اندازدم
✦
کفن سینهٔ ماهیان سازدم
“'It is better that he drops me into the ocean, though the maw of fishes become my shroud.'”
#70
وگر گویم او را بدریا فگن
✦
بکوه افگند بدگهر اهرمن
“'Yet if I tell him to cast me in the sea, this foul-natured Ahriman will hurl me onto the peaks.'”
#71
همه واژگونه بود کار دیو
✦
که فریادرس باد گیهان خدیو
“'All acts of the demon are contrary—may the Sovereign of the World be my succor!'”
#72
چنین داد پاسخ که دانای چین
✦
یکی داستانی زدست اندرین
“So he answered: 'A sage of Chin once handed down a parable on this matter:'”
#73
که در آب هر کو بر آیدش هوش
✦
به مینو روانش نبیند سروش
“'Whoever loses his life in the waters shall never have his soul guided to paradise by Surush.'”
#74
بزاری هم ایدر بماند بجای
✦
خرامش نیاید بدیگر سرای
“'He shall abide in wretchedness right here, unable to pass over to the realm beyond.'”
#75
به کوهم بینداز تا ببر و شیر
✦
ببینند چنگال مرد دلیر
“'Throw me onto the mountain, so the leopards and lions may feel the sharp claws of a warrior!'”
#76
ز رستم چو بشنید اکوان دیو
✦
برآورد بر سوی دریا غریو
“When Akvan Div heard these words from Rostam, he let out a great roar toward the sea.”
#77
بجایی بخواهم فگندنت گفت
✦
که اندر دو گیتی بمانی نهفت
“'I shall drop you into a abyss,' he cried, 'where you will remain hidden across both worlds!'”
#78
بدریای ژرف اندر انداختش
✦
ز کینه خور ماهیان ساختش
“He cast him down into the deep ocean, seeking out of malice to make him food for fish.”
#79
همان کز هوا سوی دریا رسید
✦
سبک تیغ تیز از میان برکشید
“The instant he reached the sea from the air, Rostam swiftly drew his sharp blade from his waist.”
#80
نهنگان که کردند آهنگ اوی
✦
ببودند سرگشته از چنگ اوی
“The sea-monsters that lunged at him were left shattered and slain by the fury of his grasp.”
#81
بدست چپ و پای کرد آشناه
✦
بدیگر ز دشمن همی جست راه
“With his left hand and feet he struck through the waves, while with his right he sought a passage away from his foe.”
#82
بکارش نیامد زمانی درنگ
✦
چنین باشد آن کو بود مرد جنگ
“Not for a single moment did he hesitate in his effort; such is the nature of a true man of war.”
#83
اگر ماندی کس بمردی بپای
✦
پی او زمانه نبردی ز جای
“If anyone could endure through sheer manhood and valor, Time itself could never displace their foothold.”
#84
ولیکن چنینست گردنده دهر
✦
گهی نوش یابند ازو گاه زهر
“But such is the way of turning fate: at times men taste its sweet nectar, and at times its bitter venom.”
#85
ز دریا بمردی به یکسو کشید
✦
برآمد بهامون و خشکی بدید
“Through valiant effort he pulled himself free of the sea, emerged onto the plain, and beheld the dry shore.”
#86
ستایش گرفت آفریننده را
✦
رهانیده از بد تن بنده را
“He began to utter praises to the Creator, who had delivered His servant's body from evil.”
#87
برآسود و بگشاد بند میان
✦
بر چشمه بنهاد ببر بیان
“He rested and loosened the belt at his waist, laying his tiger-skin armor beside a freshwater spring.”
#88
کمند و سلیحش چو بفگند نم
✦
زره را بپوشید شیر دژم
“As the dampness dried from his lasso and weapons, the fierce lion put his chainmail back on.”
#89
بدان چشمه آمد کجا خفته بود
✦
بران دیو بدگوهر آشفته بود
“He returned to the spring where he had been sleeping, his mind deeply enraged at that evil-natured demon.”
#90
نبود رخش رخشان بران مرغزار
✦
جهانجوی شد تند با روزگار
“Resplendent Rakhsh was no longer in the meadow, and the world-conquering hero grew wrathful at fate.”
#91
برآشفت و برداشت زین و لگام
✦
بشد بر پی رخش تا گاه شام
“Enraged, he picked up his saddle and bridle, trailing the footsteps of Rakhsh until eventide.”
#92
پیاده همی رفت جویان شکار
✦
به پیش اندر آمد یکی مرغزار
“Walking on foot in search of game, a lush meadow came into view before him.”
#93
همه بیشه و آبهای روان
✦
بهر جای دراج و قمری نوان
“Filled with thick woods and flowing streams, where black francolins and turtledoves warbled everywhere.”
#94
گله‌دار اسپان افراسیاب
✦
به بیشه درون سر نهاده بخواب
“The herdsman of Afrasiab's warhorses lay fast asleep deep within the forest grove.”
#95
دمان رخش بر مادیانان چو دیو
✦
میان گله برکشیده غریو
“Rakhsh was snorting and charging among the mares like a demon, raising a tumultuous uproar in the herd.”
#96
چو رستم بدیدش کیانی کمند
✦
بیفگند و سرش اندر آمد به بند
“When Rostam caught sight of him, he cast his royal lasso, securing the steed's head in its loop.”
#97
بمالیدش از گرد و زین برنهاد
✦
ز یزدان نیکی دهش کرد یاد
“He wiped away the dust from his steed, strapped on the saddle, and gave thanks to God, the Bestower of Good.”
#98
لگامش بسر بر زد و برنشست
✦
بران تیز شمشیر بنهاد دست
“He fitted the bridle over his head, mounted, and laid his hand upon his sharp blade.”
#99
گله هر کجا دید یکسر براند
✦
بشمشیر بر نام یزدان بخواند
“Wherever he spotted the herd, he drove them all together, calling upon God's holy name over his sword.”
#100
گله‌دار چون بانگ اسبان شنید
✦
سرآسیمه از خواب سر بر کشید
“When the herdsman heard the loud commotion of the horses, he started up bewildered from his sleep.”
#101
سواران که بودند با او بخواند
✦
بر اسپ سرافرازشان برنشاند
“He called together the riders who accompanied him and had them mount their noble horses.”
#102
گرفتند هر کس کمند و کمان
✦
بدان تا که باشد چنین بدگمان
“Each man took up lasso and bow, wondering who this audacious intruder could be.”
#103
که یارد بدین مرغزار آمدن
✦
بنزدیک چندین سوار آمدن
“"Who dares enter this meadow, confronting so many horsemen face to face?"”
#104
پس اندر سواران برفتند گرم
✦
که بر پشت رستم بدرند چرم
“The horsemen galloped swiftly in pursuit, eager to rend the armor from Rostam's back.”
#105
چو رستم شتابندگان را بدید
✦
سبک تیغ تیز از میان برکشید
“When Rostam saw his eager pursuers closing in, he swiftly drew his razor-sharp sword from his waist.”
#106
بغرید چون شیر و برگفت نام
✦
که من رستمم پور دستان سام
“He roared like a lion and bellowed his name: "I am Rostam, son of Dastan son of Sam!"”
#107
بشمشیر ازیشان دو بهره بکشت
✦
چو چوپان چنان دید بنمود پشت
“With his sword he cut down two parts of them; when the chief herdsman saw this carnage, he turned tail and fled.”
#108
چو باد از شگفتی هم اندر شتاب
✦
بدیدار اسپ آمد افراسیاب
“Swift as the wind in haste and astonishment, Afrasiab himself arrived to inspect his horses.”
#109
بجایی که هر سال چوپان گله
✦
بران دشت و آن آب کردی یله
“To the spot where every year the herdsman released the herd to roam freely across that plain and waters.”
#110
خود و دو هزار از یل نامدار
✦
رسیدند تازان بران مرغزار
“Accompanied by two thousand renowned heroes, he arrived galloping hard into the meadow.”
#111
ابا باده و رود و گردان بهم
✦
بدان تا کند بر دل اندیشه کم
“Bringing wine, lute-players, and warriors together, hoping to ease the grief and worry from his heart.”
#112
چو نزدیک آن مرغزاران رسید
✦
ز اسپان و چوپان نشانی ندید
“When he arrived near those lush meadows, he saw no sign of either horses or herdsman.”
#113
یکایک خروشیدن آمد ز دشت
✦
همه اسپ یک بر دگر برگذشت
“Suddenly a loud uproar echoed across the plain, as horses surged and trampled over one another in wild panic.”
#114
ز خاک پی رخش بر سرکشان
✦
پدید آمد از دور پیدا نشان
“From the dust kicked up by Rakhsh's hooves, a distinct trail became visible from afar to those noble leaders.”
#115
چو چوپان بر شاه توران رسید
✦
بدو باز گفت آن شگفتی که دید
“When the herdsman reached the King of Turan, he recounted to him the wondrous marvel he had witnessed.”
#116
که تنها گله برد رستم ز دشت
✦
ز ما کشت بسیار و اندر گذشت
“"Rostam alone has borne away the herd from the plain; he slew many of us and passed on unscathed."”
#117
ز ترکان برآمد یکی گفت و گوی
✦
که تنها بجنگ آمد این کینه‌جوی
“Among the Turanims, an uproar arose: "This vengeful warrior has come to battle single-handed!"”
#118
بباید کشیدن یکایک سلیح
✦
که این کار بر ما گذشت از مزیح
“"Every one of us must draw weapons, for this affair has passed beyond a jest!"”
#119
چنین زار گشتیم و خوار و زبون
✦
که یک تن سوی ما گراید به خون
“"Have we become so wretched, vile, and weak that a single man charges against us seeking our blood?"”
#120
همی بفگند نام مردی ز ما
✦
به تیغ او براند ز خون آسیا
“"He sweeps away the very name of manhood from us, turning watermills with torrents of our blood!"”
#121
همی بگذراند به یک تن گله
✦
نشاید چنین کار کردن یله
“"He drives off the herd alone; it is unthinkable to let such a deed go unpunished!"”
#122
سپهدار با چار پیل و سپاه
✦
پس رستم اندر گرفتند راه
“The army commander, accompanied by four war-elephants and his host, set out in pursuit of Rostam.”
#123
چو گشتند نزدیک رستم کمان
✦
ز بازو برون کرد و آمد دمان
“When they drew near Rostam, he unslung his bow from his arm and charged forward like a raging storm.”
#124
بریشان ببارید چو ژاله میغ
✦
چه تیر از کمان و چه پولاد تیغ
“He rained upon them like hailstones from a cloud—both sharp arrows from his bow and steel from his blade.”
#125
چو افگنده شد شست مرد دلیر
✦
بگرز اندر آمد ز شمشیر شیر
“When sixty valiant warriors were slain, the lion-like hero put away his sword and took up his mace.”
#126
همی گرز بارید همچون تگرگ
✦
همی چاک چاک آمد از خود و ترگ
“He rained mace-blows like hail, breaking helm and armor with resounding cracks.”
#127
ازیشان چهل مرد دیگر بکشت
✦
غمی شد سپهدار و بنمود پشت
“He slew forty more of their warriors, until the army commander lost heart and turned his back to flee.”
#128
ازو بستد آن چار پیل سپید
✦
شدند آن سپاه از جهان ناامید
“Rostam seized those four white elephants from them, and that army despaired of life.”
#129
پس پشتشان رستم گرزدار
✦
دو فرسنگ برسان ابر بهار
“The mace-bearing Rostam pursued them for two leagues, thundering like a spring raincloud.”
#130
چو برگشت برداشت پیل و رمه
✦
بنه هرچ آمد بچنگش همه
“Upon returning, he gathered the elephants, the herds, and all the baggage he had captured.”
#131
بیامد گرازان بران چشمه باز
✦
دلش جنگ جویان بچنگ دراز
“He returned proudly to the spring, his heart eager for battle and his reach long.”
#132
دگر باره اکوان بدو باز خورد
✦
نگشتی بدو گفت سیر از نبرد
“Once again Akvan Div confronted him, saying: "Have you not had your fill of fighting?"”
#133
برستی ز دریا و چنگ نهنگ
✦
بدشت آمدی باز پیچان بجنگ
“"You escaped the sea and the jaws of the crocodile, yet you return to the plain, eagerly seeking battle!"”
#134
تهمتن چو بنشید گفتار دیو
✦
برآورد چون شیر جنگی غریو
“When Tahamtan heard the demon's words, he let out a roar like a war-lion.”
#135
ز فتراک بگشاد پیچان کمند
✦
بیفگند و آمد میانش به بند
“He unloosed his coiled lasso from the saddle-strap, cast it forth, and bound the demon by the waist.”
#136
بپیچید بر زین و گرز گران
✦
برآهیخت چون پتک آهنگران
“Twisting in his saddle, he raised his heavy mace, wielding it like a blacksmith's hammer.”
#137
بزد بر سر دیو چون پیل مست
✦
سر و مغزش از گرز او گشت پست
“He struck the demon upon the head like a mad elephant, crushing its skull and brain under his heavy blow.”
#138
فرود آمد آن آبگون خنجرش
✦
برآهیخت و ببرید جنگی سرش
“He drew his water-tempered blade, brought it down, and severed the formidable demon's head.”
#139
همی خواند بر کردگار آفرین
✦
کزو بود پیروزی و زور کین
“He sang praises to the Creator, acknowledging that victory, strength, and retribution come from Him alone.”
#140
تو مر دیو را مردم بد شناس
✦
کسی کو ندارد ز یزدان سپاس
“Know that a demon is an evil man—anyone who shows no gratitude to God.”
#141
هرانکو گذشت از ره مردمی
✦
ز دیوان شمر مشمر از آدمی
“Whoever strays from the path of humanity, reckon him among the demons, not mankind.”
#142
خرد گر برین گفتها نگرود
✦
مگر نیک مغزش همی نشنود
“If intellect believes not these tales, perchance its inner ears hear not aright.”
#143
گر آن پهلوانی بود زورمند
✦
به بازو ستبر و به بالا بلند
“If there be a hero strong of arm, broad-shouldered and of towering height,”
#144
گوان خوان و اکوان دیوش مخوان
✦
که بر پهلوانی بگردد زیان
“Call him a champion and call him not Akvan Div, lest injury be done to chivalry.”
#145
چه گویی تو ای خواجهٔ سالخورد
✦
چشیده ز گیتی بسی گرم و سرد
“What sayest thou, O aged master, who hast tasted much of the world's hot and cold?”
#146
که داند که چندین نشیب و فراز
✦
به پیش آرد این روزگار دراز
“Who knows how many ups and downs this long expanse of time will bring forth?”
#147
تگ روزگار از درازی که هست
✦
همی بگذراند سخنها ز دست
“The swift passage of time in its endless expanse slips tales right out of our hands.”
#148
که داند کزین گنبد تیزگرد
✦
درو سور چند است و چندی نبرد
“Who knows how many feasts and how many battles lie within this swiftly turning dome?”
#149
چو ببرید رستم سر دیو پست
✦
بران بارهٔ پیل پیکر نشست
“When Rostam severed the vile demon's head, he mounted his giant steed once more.”
#150
به پیش اندر آورد یکسر گله
✦
بنه هرچ کردند ترکان یله
“He drove the entire herd before him, along with all the spoils left behind by the Turanians.”
#151
همی رفت با پیل و با خواسته
✦
وزو شد جهان یکسر آراسته
“He marched back laden with elephants and captured treasure, and through his triumph the whole world became arrayed in splendour.”
#152
ز ره چون به شاه آمد این آگهی
✦
که برگشت رستم بدان فرهی
“When news from the road reached King Kay Khosrow that Rostam was returning in all his royal glory,”
#153
از ایدر میان را بدان کرد بند
✦
کجا گور گیرد بخم کمند
“The King remarked: "He girded his loins from here merely to catch a wild ass with the loop of his lasso,”
#154
کنون دیو و پیل آمدستش بچنگ
✦
بخشکی پلنگ و بدریا نهنگ
“Now demon and elephant have fallen into his grasp—he subdues leopards on dry land and sea-monsters in the deep!"”
#155
نیابد گذر شیر بر تیغ اوی
✦
همان دیو و هم مردم کینه‌جوی
“Neither lion nor demon nor vengeful man can withstand the sharp edge of his blade.”
#156
پذیره شدن را بیاراست شاه
✦
بسر بر نهادند گردان کلاه
“The King prepared a glorious welcome, and the noble warriors donned their ceremonial helmets.”
#157
درفش شهنشاه با کرنای
✦
ببردند با ژنده پیل و درای
“They bore forth the royal banner accompanied by trumpets, massive war-elephants, and ringing bells.”
#158
چو رستم درفش جهاندار شاه
✦
نگه کرد کامد پذیره براه
“When Rostam beheld the banner of the world-ruling king coming along the road to greet him,”
#159
فرود آمد و خاک را داد بوس
✦
خروش سپاه آمد و بوق و کوس
“He dismounted and kissed the ground, as the clamor of the army rose alongside horns and kettledrums.”
#160
سر سرکشان رستم تاج بخش
✦
بفرمود تا برنشیند برخش
“The ruler of champions, King Kay Khosrow, bade the crown-bestowing Rostam remount his famous steed Rakhsh.”
#161
وزانجا بایوان شاه آمدند
✦
گشاده دل و نیک خواه آمدند
“From there they proceeded to the royal palace, joyful of heart and full of mutual goodwill.”
#162
به ایرانیان بر گله بخش کرد
✦
نشست تن خویشتن رخش کرد
“Rostam distributed the herds of captured horses among the Iranians, reserving Rakhsh once more for himself.”
#163
فرستاد پیلان بر پیل شاه
✦
که بر شیر پیلان بگیرند راه
“He sent the captured elephants to the royal stables, so that those lion-like beasts might guard the king's path.”
#164
بیک هفته ایوان بیاراستند
✦
می و رود و رامشگران خواستند
“For a full week they adorned the palace hall, summoning wine, lutes, and court minstrels.”
#165
بمی رستم آن داستان برگشاد
✦
وز اکوان همی کرد بر شاه یاد
“Over wine, Rostam opened his lips to tell the story, recalling for the king all that happened with Akvan.”
#166
که گوری ندیدم بخوبی چنوی
✦
بدان سرافرازی و آن رنگ و بوی
“"Never had I seen a wild ass of such grace," he said, "with such majestic stature, color, and scent.”
#167
چو خنجر بدرید بر تنش پوست
✦
بروبر نبخشود دشمن نه دوست
“Yet when my dagger ripped open its hide, neither friend nor foe could take pity on its ghastly form.”
#168
سرش چون سر پیل و مویش دراز
✦
دهن پر زدندانهای گراز
“Its head was like an elephant's head, its hair long, and its mouth bristling with wild boar tusks.”
#169
دو چشمش کبود و لبانش سیاه
✦
تنش را نشایست کردن نگاه
“Its two eyes were blueish-gray and its lips jet-black; one could hardly bear to gaze upon its hideosity.”
#170
بدان زور و آن تن نباشد هیون
✦
همه دشت ازو شد چو دریای خون
“No monster possesses such immense strength or frame; the entire plain became like a sea of blood from it.”
#171
سرش کردم از تن بخنجر جدا
✦
چو باران ازو خون شد اندر هوا
“I severed its head from its body with my dagger, and its blood spurted high into the air like rain."”
#172
ازو ماند کیخسرو اندر شگفت
✦
چو بنهاد جام آفرین برگرفت
“Kay Khosrow remained marveling at his words; setting down his goblet, he offered praise to the Almighty.”
#173
بران کو چنان پهلوان آفرید
✦
کسی این شگفتی بگیتی ندید
“Praise be to God Who created such a hero! No man in the world has ever witnessed such wonders,”
#174
که مردم بود خود بکردار اوی
✦
بمردی و بالا و دیدار اوی
“That a mortal man should match Rostam in valor, tall stature, and commanding presence!”
#175
همی گفت اگر کردگار سپهر
✦
ندادی مرا بهره از داد و مهر
“The King remarked: "If the Creator of the heavens had not granted me a share of justice and mercy,”
#176
نبودی بگیتی چنین کهترم
✦
که هزمان بدو دیو و پیل اشکرم
“I would not possess such a vassal in the world, through whom I may hunt demons and elephants at any hour."”
#177
دو هفته بران گونه بودند شاد
✦
ز اکوان وز بزم کردند یاد
“For two weeks they remained joyful in this manner, recalling the defeat of Akvan amid festive banqueting.”
#178
سه دیگر تهمتن چنین کرد رای
✦
که پیروز و شادان شود باز جای
“In the third week, the valiant Tahamtan decided that it was time to return victorious and happy to his homeland.”
#179
مرا بویهٔ زال سامست گفت
✦
چنین آرزو را نشاید نهفت
“He said: "I yearn to see Zal, son of Sam; such a longing should not be kept concealed.”
#180
شوم زود و آیم بدرگاه باز
✦
بباید همی کینه را کرد ساز
“I shall go swiftly and return soon to court, for we must prepare our forces for revenge,”
#181
که کین سیاوش به پیل و گله
✦
نشاید چنین خوار کردن یله
“Since the vengeance for Siyavash must not be neglected or abandoned for mere herds and elephants."”
#182
در گنج بگشاد شاه جهان
✦
گرانمایه چیزی که بودش نهان
“The sovereign of the world opened his treasury, bringing forth precious treasures long kept hidden.”
#183
بیاورد ده جام گوهر ز گنج
✦
بزر بافته جامهٔ شاه پنج
“He brought ten goblets filled with jewels from the treasury and five royal garments woven with gold thread,”
#184
غلامان رومی بزرین کمر
✦
پرستندگان نیز با طوق زر
“Roman youths adorned with golden belts, and attendants wearing heavy golden collars,”
#185
ز گستردنیها و از تخت عاج
✦
ز دیبا و دینار و پیروزه تاج
“Along with rich carpets, an ivory throne, brocades, gold dinars, and a turquoise-studded crown.”
#186
بنزدیک رستم فرستاد شاه
✦
که این هدیه با خویشتن بر براه
“The King sent word unto Rostam, declaring: 'Take these royal gifts along with thee upon thy journey.'”
#187
یک امروز با ما بباید بدن
✦
وزان پس ترا رای رفتن زدن
“'Remain with us for this one day alone, and thereafter thou mayest set thy mind to depart.'”
#188
ببود و بپیمود چندی نبید
✦
بشبگیر جز رای رفتن ندید
“He stayed and partook of wine for a while, yet at dawn's first light he saw no choice but to depart.”
#189
دو فرسنگ با او بشد شهریار
✦
بپدرود کردن گرفتش کنار
“The monarch rode with him for two leagues, and embraced him warmly in farewell.”
#190
چو با راه رستم هم آواز گشت
✦
سپهدار ایران ازو بازگشت
“When Rostam set out upon his way, the commander of Iran turned back from him.”
#191
جهان پاک بر مهر او گشت راست
✦
همی داشت گیتی بر انسان که خواست
“The whole world became aligned with his benevolence, and fate moved precisely as he desired.”
#192
برین گونه گردد همی چرخ پیر
✦
گهی چون کمانست و گاهی چو تیر
“Thus turns the ancient sphere of heaven—at times bent like a bow, and at times swift as an arrow.”
#193
چو این داستان سربسر بشنوی
✦
از اکوان سوی کین بیژن شوی
“When thou hast heard this tale from end to end, thou shalt turn from Akvan to the story of Bizhan's vengeance.”