#1
چو یک هفته گرگین بره‌بر بپای
✦
همی بود و بیژن نیامد بجای
“When Gurgin waited a full week upon the road, and Bizhan did not return to his place,”
#2
ز هر سوش پویان بجستن گرفت
✦
رخان را بخوناب شستن گرفت
“He began searching for him in every direction, washing his cheeks with tears of blood.”
#3
پشیمانی آمدش زان کار خویش
✦
که چون بد سگالید بر یار خویش
“Repentance seized him for what he had done, for having plotted evil against his companion.”
#4
بشد تازیان تا بدان جشنگاه
✦
کجا بیژن گیو گم کرد راه
“He rode swiftly back to that festive ground where Bizhan, son of Giv, had lost his way.”
#5
همه بیشه برگشت و کس را ندید
✦
نه نیز اندرو بانگ مرغان شنید
“He searched the entire forest and found no one, nor did he hear the song of any bird within it.”
#6
همی گشت بر گرد آن مرغزار
✦
همی یار کرد اندرو خواستار
“He roamed all around that meadow, desperately calling out for his friend.”
#7
یکایک ز دور اسب بیژن بدید
✦
که آمد ازان مرغزاران پدید
“Suddenly from afar, he caught sight of Bizhan's steed emerging from those meadows.”
#8
گسسته لگام و نگون کرده زین
✦
فرو مانده بر جای اندوهگین
“Its bridle severed and saddle overturned, standing helpless and steeped in grief.”
#9
بدانست کو را تباهست کار
✦
بایران نیاید بدین روزگار
“He knew then that Bizhan's fate was ruined, and he would not return to Iran in these days.”
#10
اگر دار دارد اگر چاه و بند
✦
از افراسیاب آمدستش گزند
“Whether he hung from the gallows or lay in pit and chains, harm had surely come to him from Afrasiab.”
#11
کمند اندرافگند و برگاشت روی
✦
ز کرده پشیمان و دل جفت جوی
“He cast his lasso, secured the horse, and turned away, repentant of his deed yet seeking a path out.”
#12
ازان مرغزار اسب بیژن براند
✦
بخیمه در آورد و روزی بماند
“He drove Bizhan's horse from that meadow, brought it to the tent, and stayed for a day.”
#13
پس آنگه سوی شهر ایران شتافت
✦
شب و روز آرام و خوردن نیافت
“Then he hastened toward the city of Iran, finding neither rest nor nourishment by night or day.”
#14
چو آگاهی آمد ز گرگین بشاه
✦
که بیژن نبودست با او براه
“When word reached the King from Gurgin that Bizhan was not traveling with him,”
#15
بگفت این سخن گیو را شهریار
✦
بدان تا ز گرگین کند خواستار
“The monarch spoke of this to Giv, so that he might demand an accounting from Gurgin.”
#16
پس آگاهی آمد همانگه بگیو
✦
ز گم بودن رزمزن پور نیو
“At that moment news came to Giv of the disappearance of his brave, warrior son.”
#17
ز خانه بیامد دمان تا بکوی
✦
دل از درد خسته پر از آب روی
“He rushed out from his house into the street, his heart wounded with sorrow, his face bathed in tears.”
#18
همی گفت بیژن نیامد همی
✦
بارمان ندانم چه ماند همی
“He kept crying out: 'Bizhan comes not! I know not what has befallen him in Arman!'”
#19
بفرمود تا بور کشواد را
✦
کجا داشتی روز فریاد را
“He ordered Bor-e Kashvad to be brought forth—the steed he kept for days of desperate outcry.”
#20
بروبر نهادند زین خدنگ
✦
گرفته بدل گیو کین پلنگ
“They set upon it a saddle of hard poplar, while Giv's heart burned with the vengeance of a leopard.”
#21
همانگه بدو اندر آورد پای
✦
بکردار باد اندر آمد ز جای
“He instantly swung his leg over the saddle and bounded forth swift as the wind.”
#22
پذیره شدش تا کند خواستار
✦
که بیژن کجا ماند و چون بود کار
“He rode out to meet Gurgin to demand: Where did Bizhan remain, and how did it transpire?”
#23
همی گفت گرگین بدو ناگهان
✦
همانا بدی ساخت اندر نهان
“He pondered of Gurgin: 'Surely he hath secretly plotted some treachery against him.”
#24
شوم گر ببینمش بی بیژنم
✦
همانگه سرش را ز تن بر کنم
“If I see him coming without Bizhan, I shall sever his head from his trunk on the spot!'”
#25
بیامد چو گرگین مر او را بدید
✦
پیاده شد و پیش او در دوید
“When Gurgin saw him approaching, he dismounted and ran forward to meet him.”
#26
همی گشت غلتان بخاک اندرا
✦
شخوده رخان و برهنه سرا
“He rolled in the dust, tearing his cheeks and bareheaded in feigned anguish.”
#27
بپرسید و گفت ای گزین سپاه
✦
سپهدار سالار و خورشید گاه
“Giv asked him, saying: 'O chosen warrior of the host, commander, chieftain of radiant rank,”
#28
پذیره بدین راه چون آمدی
✦
که با دیدگان پر ز خون آمدی
“Why hast thou come upon this road to meet me with eyes so full of blood?”
#29
مرا جان شیرین نباید همی
✦
کنون خوارتر گر برآید همی
“I care no longer for my sweet life; let it end now, cheap though it be!'”
#30
چو چشمم بروی تو آید ز شرم
✦
بپالایم از دیدگان آب گرم
“Gurgin replied: 'When my eyes behold thy face, out of shame warm tears pour from my eyes.”
#31
کنون هیچ مندیش کو را بجان
✦
نیامد گزند و بگویم نشان
“Yet fear not for his life; no mortal harm hath come to him, and I shall tell thee the tale.'”
#32
چو اسب پسر دید گرگین بدست
✦
پر از خاک و آسیمه برسان مست
“When Giv saw his son's steed led in Gurgin's hand, covered in dust, wild and frantic like a madman,”
#33
چو گفتار گرگینش آمد بگوش
✦
ز اسب اندر افتاد و زو رفت هوش
“When Gurgin's words reached his ears, he fell from his horse and lost all consciousness.”
#34
بخاک اندرون شد سرش ناپدید
✦
همه جامهٔ پهلوی بردرید
“His head sank into the dirt, and he tore all his princely garments to shreds.”
#35
همی کند موی از سر و ریش پاک
✦
خروشان بسر بر همی ریخت خاک
“He plucked the hair from his head and beard completely, wailing and pouring dust upon his head.”
#36
همی گفت کای کردگار سپهر
✦
تو گستردی اندر دلم هوش و مهر
“He cried out: 'O Creator of the heavens, Thou who hast spread wisdom and love in my heart,”
#37
گر از من جدا ماند فرزند من
✦
روا دارم ار بگسلد بند من
“If my child is taken from me, I hold it fitting that my own life's bond be severed!”
#38
روانم بدان جای نیکان بری
✦
ز درد دل من تو آگه‌تری
“Take my spirit to the dwelling of the righteous, for Thou art best aware of the anguish in my heart.”
#39
مرا خود ز گیتی هم او بود و بس
✦
چه انده گسار و چه فریادرس
“He alone was all I had in the world—my comforter in grief, my helper in distress!”
#40
کنون بخت بد کردش از من جدا
✦
بماندم چنین در جهان مبتلا
“Now evil fortune hath torn him from me, leaving me thus afflicted in the world.'”
#41
ز گرگین پس آنگه سخن بازجست
✦
که چون بود خود روزگار از نخست
“Then he questioned Gurgin again: 'How was the affair from the very beginning?”
#42
زمانه بجایش کسی برگزید
✦
وگر خود ز چشم تو شد ناپدید
“Hath fate taken him away, or did he merely vanish from thy sight?”
#43
ز بدها چه آمد مر او را بگوی
✦
چه افگند بند سپهرش بروی
“Tell me what evil befell him! What snare of destiny was thrown over his face?”
#44
چه دیو آمدش پیش در مرغزار
✦
که او را تبه کرد و برگشت کار
“What demon confronted him in the meadow that ruined him and reversed his fortune?”
#45
تو این مرده‌ری اسب چون یافتی
✦
ز بیژن کجا روی برتافتی
“How didst thou find this legacy horse, and where didst thou turn away from Bizhan?'”
#46
بدو گفت گرگین که بازآر هوش
✦
سخن بشنو و پهن بگشای گوش
“Gorgin said to him: 'Bring back your senses, listen to my words, and open your ears wide,'”
#47
که این کار چون بود و کردار چون
✦
بدان بیشه با خوک پیکار چون
“'To hear how this affair unfolded, how the deeds transpired, and how the battle went with the boars in that thicket.'”
#48
بدان پهلوانا و آگاه باش
✦
همیشه فروزندهٔ گاه باش
“'Know this, O champion, and be aware; may you ever illuminate the throne of power!'”
#49
برفتیم ز ایدر بجنگ گراز
✦
رسیدیم نزدیک ارمان فراز
“'We set forth from here to do battle with the wild boars, and arrived near the heights of Arman.'”
#50
یکی بیشه دیدیم کرده چو دست
✦
درختان بریده چراگاه پست
“'We beheld a forest leveled flat like a palm, its trees snapped asunder and pastures trampled low.'”
#51
همه جای گشته کنام گراز
✦
همه شهر ارمان از آن در کزاز
“'The entire place had become a lair for wild boars, and all the city of Arman was in grief and distress because of them.'”
#52
چو ما جنگ را نیزه برگاشتیم
✦
ببیشه درون بانگ برداشتیم
“'When we raised our lances for combat, we let out a great battle-cry within the forest.'”
#53
گراز اندر آمد بکردار کوه
✦
نه یک یک بهر جای گشته گروه
“'The boars charged forth like mountain crags, not individually, but swarming in herds everywhere.'”
#54
بکردیم جنگی بکردار شیر
✦
بشد روز و نامد دل از جنگ سیر
“'We fought lion-heartedly like ferocious beasts; the day passed away, yet our hearts were never sated with battle.'”
#55
چو پیلان بهم بر فگندیمشان
✦
بمسمار دندان بکندیمشان
“'We cast them down one upon another like mighty elephants, and uprooted them despite their peg-like tusks.'”
#56
وزآنجا بایران نهادیم روی
✦
همه راه شادان و نخچیر جوی
“'Thence we turned our faces back toward Iran, joyful all along the way and seeking game to hunt.'”
#57
برآمد یکی گور زان مرغزار
✦
کزان خوبتر کس نبیند نگار
“'A wild ass bounded forth from that meadow, more exquisite than any painted image.'”
#58
بکردار گلگون گودرز موی
✦
چو خنگ شباهنگ فرهاد روی
“'Its coat matched Goudarz's famous bay steed Golgun, its face like Farhad's famous white horse Shabahang.'”
#59
چو سیمش دو پا و چو پولاد سم
✦
چو شبرنگ بیژن سر و گوش و دم
“'Its forelegs like silver, its hooves like steel; its head, ears, and tail like Shabrang, the steed of Bijan.'”
#60
بگردن چو شیر و برفتن چو باد
✦
تو گفتی که از رخش دارد نژاد
“'With a neck like a lion's and swift as the wind, one would say it was sired by Rakhsh itself!'”
#61
بر بیژن آمد چو پیلی نژند
✦
برو اندر افگند بیژن کمند
“'It came toward Bijan like a furious elephant, and Bijan cast his lasso upon it.'”
#62
فگندن همان بود و رفتن همان
✦
دوان گور و بیژن پس اندر دمان
“'No sooner was it lassoed than it bolted; the wild ass fled in haste, with Bijan galloping fiercely behind.'”
#63
ز تازیدن گور و گرد سوار
✦
برآمد یکی دود زان مرغزار
“'From the wild ass's gallop and the dust raised by the rider, a thick cloud rose up over the meadow.'”
#64
بکردار دریا زمین بردمید
✦
کمندافگن و گور شد ناپدید
“'The earth billowed like a stormy sea, and both the lasso-caster and the wild ass vanished from sight.'”
#65
پی اندر گرفتم همه دشت و کوه
✦
که از تاختن شد سمندم ستوه
“'I followed their tracks across all the plain and mountain, until my horse grew exhausted from the pursuit.'”
#66
ز بیژن ندیدم بجایی نشان
✦
جزین اسب و زین از پس ایدر کشان
“'I found no trace of Bijan anywhere, save for this horse and saddle that I lead behind me here.'”
#67
دلم شد پر آتش ز تیمار اوی
✦
که چون بود با گور پیکار اوی
“'My heart burned like fire in grief for him, wondering how his encounter with the wild ass had ended.'”
#68
بماندم فراوان بر آن مرغزار
✦
همی کردمش هر سوی خواستار
“'I lingered long upon that meadow, searching for him in every direction.'”
#69
ازو باز گشتم چنین ناامید
✦
که گور ژیان بود و دیو سپید
“'Thus hopeless I returned from him, fearing that wild ass was in truth a ferocious beast or the White Demon!'”
#70
چو بشنید گیو این سخن هوشیار
✦
بدانست کو را تباهست کار
“When the wise Gev heard this tale, he realized that Bijan's plight was dire indeed.”
#71
ز گرگین سخن سربسر خیره دید
✦
همی چشمش از روی او تیره دید
“He found Gorgin's words completely hollow and deceitful, and his eyes grew dark as he looked upon Gorgin's face.”
#72
رخش زرد از بیم سالار شاه
✦
سخن لرزلرزان و دل پر گناه
“Gorgin's face was sallow with dread of the King; his speech trembled, and his heart was heavy with guilt.”
#73
چو فرزند را گیو گم بوده دید
✦
سخن را برآنگونه آلوده دید
“When Gev saw that his son was missing and found the explanation so tainted and deceitful,”
#74
ببرد اهرمن گیو را دل ز جای
✦
همی خواست کو را درآرد ز پای
“Ahriman drove Gev's heart into a fury, and he sought to slay Gorgin on the spot.”
#75
بخواهد ازو کین پور گزین
✦
وگر چند نیک آید او را ازین
“He willed to exact vengeance upon him for his noble son, even though no good might come of it.”
#76
پس اندیشه کرد اندران بنگرید
✦
نیامد همی روشنایی پدید
“Then Gev pondered deeply and considered the outcome, yet no clear wisdom appeared to him.”
#77
چه آید مرا گفت از کشتنا
✦
مگر کام بدگوهر آهرمنا
“He said to himself: 'What gain is there for me in killing him, save fulfilling the wish of evil-natured Ahriman?'”
#78
به بیژن چه سود آید از جان اوی
✦
دگرگونه سازیم درمان اوی
“'What profit does Bijan reap from Gorgin's life? We must devise a different remedy for his plight.'”
#79
بباشیم تا زین سخن نزد شاه
✦
شود آشکارا ز گرگین گناه
“'Let us wait until, before the King, Gorgin's guilt in this matter is brought to light.'”
#80
ازو کین کشیدن بسی کار نیست
✦
سنان مرا پیش دیوار نیست
“'To exact revenge on him will be no difficult task; my spear encounters no wall that can block it!'”
#81
بگرگین یکی بانگ برزد بلند
✦
که ای بدکنش ریمن پرگزند
“He shouted loudly at Gorgin: 'O evil-doer, deceitful and full of harm!”
#82
تو بردی ز من شید و ماه مرا
✦
گزین سواران و شاه مرا
“You have stolen from me my sun and my moon, the chosen of riders and my prince!”
#83
فگندی مرا در تک و پوی پوی
✦
بگرد جهان اندرون چاره‌جوی
“You have cast me into endless running and searching, seeking a remedy throughout the world!”
#84
پس اکنون بدستان و بند و فریب
✦
کجا یابی آرام و خواب و شکیب
“Now, through your tricks, deceit, and trickery, how can you find rest, sleep, or peace?”
#85
نباشد ترا بیش ازین دستگاه
✦
کجا من ببینم یکی روی شاه
“You shall have no more power or refuge than this, once I behold the face of the King!”
#86
پس آنگه بخواهم ز تو کین خویش
✦
ز بهر گرامی جهانبین خویش
“Then I shall demand my vengeance from you, for the sake of my beloved, light of my eyes!'”
#87
وز آنجا بیامد بنزدیک شاه
✦
دو دیده پر از خون و دل کینه‌خواه
“And from there he came before the King, his eyes filled with blood and his heart demanding vengeance.”
#88
برو آفرین کرد کای شهریار
✦
همیشه جهان را بشادی گذار
“He praised him, saying: 'O Sovereign, may you ever spend your life in joy!”
#89
انوشه جهاندار نیک اخترا
✦
نبینی که بر سر چه آمد مرا
“Immortal ruler of good fortune! Do you not see what disaster has befallen my head?”
#90
ز گیتی یکی پور بودم جوان
✦
شب و روز بودم بدوبر نوان
“I had but one young son in this world, over whom I wept night and day.”
#91
بجانش پر از بیم گریان بدم
✦
ز درد جداییش بریان بدم
“My heart was filled with fear for his life, weeping, and I was consumed with grief over his separation.”
#92
کنون آمد ای شاه گرگین ز راه
✦
زبان پر ز یافه روان پر گناه
“Now, O King, Gorgin has returned from the road, his tongue full of nonsense and his soul full of sin.”
#93
بدآگاهی آورد از پور من
✦
ازان نامور پاک دستور من
“He brought ill news of my son, of that renowned and pure counselor of mine.”
#94
یکی اسب دیدم نگونسار زین
✦
ز بیژن نشانی ندارد جزین
“I saw a horse with an upside-down saddle; he brings no trace of Bizhan other than this.”
#95
اگر داد بیند بدین کار ما
✦
یکی بنگرد ژرف سالار ما
“If our Lord will look deeply into our cause and render justice in this matter,”
#96
ز گرگین دهد داد من شهریار
✦
کزو گشتم اندر جهان خاکسار
“The King will exact my justice from Gorgin, for because of him I have become wretched in the world.'”
#97
غمی شد ز درد دل گیو شاه
✦
برآشفت و بنهاد فرخ کلاه
“The King grew grieved at the heartache of Giv; he became furious and took off his blessed crown.”
#98
رخ شاه بر گاه بی‌رنگ شد
✦
ز تیمار بیژن دلش تنگ شد
“The King's visage paled upon his throne, and his heart grew heavy with sorrow for Bizhan.”
#99
بگیو آنگهی گفت گرگین چه گفت
✦
چه گوید کجا ماند از نیک جفت
“Then he said to Giv: 'What did Gorgin say? What account does he give of where he parted from his good companion?'”
#100
ز گفتار گرگین پس آنگاه گیو
✦
سخن گفت با خسرو از پور نیو
“Thereupon Giv related to Khosrow what Gorgin had said regarding his valiant son.”
#101
چو از گیو بشنید خسرو سخن
✦
بدو گفت مندیش و زاری مکن
“When Khosrow heard the words of Giv, he said to him: 'Grieve not, nor weep so bitter a lament.”
#102
که بیژن بجانست خرسند باش
✦
بر امید گم بوده فرزند باش
“For Bizhan is alive; be content, and hold fast to hope for your lost son.”
#103
که ایدون شنیدستم از موبدان
✦
ز بیدار دل نامور بخردان
“For thus have I heard from the Mobads, the wise and vigilant scholars of renown,”
#104
که من با سواران ایران بجنگ
✦
سوی شهر توران شوم بی‌درنگ
“That I shall march with the warriors of Iran without delay toward the land of Turan,”
#105
بکین سیاوش کشم لشکرا
✦
بپیلان سرآرم از آن کشورا
“To avenge Siyavash I shall lead an army, and with war elephants overthrow that land.”
#106
بدان کینه اندر بود بیژنا
✦
همی رزم جوید چو آهرمنا
“In the midst of that vengeance, Bizhan shall be found, fighting fiercely like Ahriman!”
#107
تو دل را بدین کار غمگین مدار
✦
من این را همانا بسم خواستار
“Keep not your heart sorrowful over this matter, for I myself shall surely be the seeker of his fate.'”
#108
بشد گیو یکدل پر اندوه و درد
✦
دو دیده پر از آب و رخساره زرد
“Giv departed, his heart whole yet filled with grief and pain, his eyes full of tears, and his face pale yellow.”
#109
چو گرگین بدرگاه خسرو رسید
✦
ز گردان در شاه پردخته دید
“When Gorgin reached Khosrow's court, he found the King's threshold empty of warriors.”
#110
ز تیمار بیژن همه مهتران
✦
ز درگاه با گیو رفته سران
“Out of grief for Bizhan, all the chieftains and leaders had departed from the court with Giv.”
#111
همه پر ز درد و همه پر زرنج
✦
همه همچو گم کرده صد گونه گنج
“All were full of pain and distress, like those who had lost a hundred kinds of treasures.”
#112
پراگنده رای و پراگنده دل
✦
همه خاک ره ز اشک کرده چو گل
“With scattered thoughts and broken hearts, they turned the dust of the road into mud with their tears.”
#113
وزین روی گرگین شوریده رفت
✦
بنزدیک ایوان درگاه تفت
“Meanwhile, the distraught Gorgin went swiftly toward the hall of the royal court.”
#114
چو در پیش کیخسرو آمد زمین
✦
ببوسید و بر شاه کرد آفرین
“When he came before Kay Khosrow, he kissed the ground and offered praise to the King.”
#115
چو الماس دندانهای گراز
✦
بر تخت بنهاد و بردش نماز
“He laid the boar's tusks, sharp as diamonds, before the throne and bowed down in reverence.”
#116
که خسرو بهر کار پیروز باد
✦
همه روزگارش چو نوروز باد
“May Khosrow ever triumph in every deed, and may all his days shine bright as Nowruz.”
#117
سر دشمنان تو بادا بگاز
✦
بریده چنان کان سران گراز
“May the heads of your foes be severed with shears, cut away even as the heads of those wild boars.”
#118
بدندانها چون نگه کرد شاه
✦
بپرسید و گفتش که چون بود راه
“When the King gazed upon the boars' tusks, he questioned him, asking how the journey had fared.”
#119
کجا ماند از تو جدا بیژنا
✦
بروبر چه بد ساخت آهرمنا
“Where was Bizhan parted from your side, and what evil scheme did Ahriman plot against him?”
#120
چو خسرو چنین گفت گرگین بجای
✦
فرو ماند خیره همیدون بپای
“When Khosrow spoke thus to Gurgin, he stood rooted to the spot in bewildered silence.”
#121
ندانست پاسخ چه گوید بدوی
✦
فروماند بر جای بر زرد روی
“He knew not what answer to give him; he remained immobile, his countenance pale with dread.”
#122
زبان پر ز یافه روان پر گناه
✦
رخان زرد و لرزان تن از بیم شاه
“His tongue spun meaningless lies, his soul laden with guilt; his face grew pale and his body trembled with fear of the King.”
#123
چو گفتارها یک بدیگر نماند
✦
برآشفت وز پیش تختش براند
“When his stories no longer held together, the King was enraged and drove him from before his throne.”
#124
همش خیره سر دید هم بدگمان
✦
بدشنام بگشاد خسرو زبان
“Finding him both obstinate and treacherous, Khosrow opened his lips to rebuke him fiercely.”
#125
بدو گفت نشنیدی آن داستان
✦
که دستان زدست از گه باستان
“He said: 'Have you not heard the tale that Dastan recited from ancient lore?”
#126
که گر شیر با کین گودرزیان
✦
بسیچد تنش را سر آید زمان
“That if even a lion stirs the wrath of the line of Gudarz, its life shall swiftly reach its end?'”
#127
اگر نیستی از پی نام بد
✦
وگر پیش یزدان سرانجام بد
“'Were it not for fear of an evil name, and a bad reckoning before the Almighty Lord,”
#128
بفرمودمی تا سرت را ز تن
✦
بکندی بکردار مرغ اهرمن
“I would command your head to be torn from your body, even as one plucks a demonic fowl.'”
#129
بفرمود خسرو بپولادگر
✦
که بندگران ساز و مسمارسر
“Khosrow commanded the blacksmith to forge heavy fetters with spiked rivets.”
#130
هم اندر زمان پای کردش ببند
✦
که از بند گیرد بداندیش پند
“Without delay he placed his feet in chains, so that the evil-minded man might take heed from his punishment.”
#131
بگیو آنگهی گفت بازآر هوش
✦
بجویش بهر جای و هر سو بکوش
“Then he turned to Giv and said: 'Regain your composure; search for him in every place and strive on all sides.”
#132
من اکنون ز هر سو فراوان سپاه
✦
فرستم بجویم بهر جا نگاه
“I shall now dispatch a vast host in all directions, searching every realm with watchful eyes,”
#133
ز بیژن مگر آگهی یابما
✦
بدین کار هشیار بشتابما
“That perchance we may gain tidings of Bizhan; let us hasten into this matter with vigilance.”
#134
وگر دیر یابیم زو آگهی
✦
تو جای خرد را مگردان تهی
“And if news of him be long in coming, do not vacate the place of wisdom within your mind.”
#135
بمان تا بیاید مه فرودین
✦
که بفروزد اندر جهان هور دین
“Wait until the month of Farvardin arrives, when the sun of faith shall illuminate the world.”
#136
بدانگه که بر گل نشاندت باد
✦
چو بر سر همی گل فشاندت باد
“At that time when the spring breeze seats you upon flowers, and showers blossoms upon your head,”
#137
زمین چادر سبز در پوشدا
✦
هوا بر گلان زار بخروشدا
“When the earth dons its mantle of green, and the heavens weep tenderly over the blossoms,”
#138
بهرسو شود پاک فرمان ما
✦
پرستش که فرمود یزدان ما
“Our royal command shall go forth in every quarter, to perform the worship ordained by our God.”
#139
بخواهم من آن جام گیتی نمای
✦
شوم پیش یزدان بباشم بپای
“I shall call for the world-revealing Cup, and stand in prayer before God Almighty,”
#140
کجا هفت کشور بدو اندرا
✦
ببینم بر و بوم هر کشورا
“Wherein I may behold all seven climes, observing the land and soil of every kingdom.”
#141
کنم آفرین بر نیاکان خویش
✦
گزیده جهاندار و پاکان خویش
“I shall offer praise unto my ancestors—those chosen rulers and pure-souled progenitors,”
#142
بگویم ترا هر کجا بیژنست
✦
بجام اندرون این مرا روشنست
“And I will tell you where Bizhan lies, for within the Cup this shall be manifest to me.”
#143
چو بشنید گیو این سخن شاد شد
✦
ز تیمار فرزند آزاد شد
“When Giv heard these words, he rejoiced and was delivered from the anguish for his son.”
#144
بخندید و بر شاه کرد آفرین
✦
که بی‌تو مبادا زمان و زمین
“He smiled and bestowed blessings upon the King, saying: 'May time and earth never be devoid of you!”
#145
بکام تو بادا سپهر بلند
✦
بجان تو هرگز مبادا گزند
“May the lofty heavens revolve according to your desire, and may no harm ever reach your soul!”
#146
ز نیکی دهش بر تو باد آفرین
✦
که بر تو برازد کلاه و نگین
“Praise be upon you from the Bestower of Goodness, for the crown and signet ring truly become you.'”
#147
چو گیو از بر گاه خسرو برفت
✦
ز هر سو سواران فرستاد تفت
“When Giv departed from Khosrow's throne, he swiftly sent horsemen forth to every quarter.”
#148
بجستن گرفتند گرد جهان
✦
که یابد مگر زو بجایی نشان
“They began to search all around the world, hoping someone might discover a trace of him somewhere.”
#149
همه شهر ارمان و تورانیان
✦
سپردند و نامد ز بیژن نشان
“They traversed all the city of Arman and the lands of Turan, yet no trace of Bizhan came to light.”
#150
چو نوروز فرخ فراز آمدش
✦
بدان جام روشن نیاز آمدش
“When the auspicious Nowruz drew near, the King felt the need for that luminous Cup.”
#151
بیامد پر امید دل پهلوان
✦
ز بهر پسر گوژ گشته نوان
“Full of hope came the champion Gev, though bent double and trembling in grief for his son.”
#152
چو خسرو رخ گیو پژمرده دید
✦
دلش را بدرد اندر آزرده دید
“When King Khosrow beheld Gev’s withered face and saw his heart tormented with anguish,”
#153
بیامد بپوشید رومی قبای
✦
بدان تا بود پیش یزدان بپای
“He came and donned a robe of Roman silk, so that he might stand before the Almighty God in prayer.”
#154
خروشید پیش جهان آفرین
✦
بخورشید بر چند برد آفرین
“He cried out in supplication before the Creator of the World, offering praise to the radiant sun.”
#155
ز فریادرس زور و فریاد خواست
✦
از آهرمن بدکنش داد خواست
“From the Almighty Helper he sought strength and deliverance, demanding justice against evil-doing Ahriman.”
#156
خرامان ازان جا بیامد بگاه
✦
بسر بر نهاد آن خجسته کلاه
“Stately he returned from his place of prayer to the throne, placing upon his head the blessed crown.”
#157
یکی جام بر کف نهاده نبید
✦
بدو اندرون هفت کشور پدید
“He held in his hand a cup filled with wine, wherein the seven climes of the world were revealed.”
#158
زمان و نشان سپهر بلند
✦
همه کرده پیدا چه و چون و چند
“The movements and signs of the high heavens were depicted therein, making clear every matter's quality and fate.”
#159
ز ماهی بجام اندرون تا بره
✦
نگاریده پیکر همه یکسره
“From the Fish to the Ram within that cup, all the celestial constellations were painted completely.”
#160
چو کیوان و بهرام و ناهید و شیر
✦
چو خورشید و تیر از بر و ماه زیر
“Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Leo were seen, with Sun and Mercury above, and the Moon below.”
#161
همه بودنیها بدو اندرا
✦
بدیدی جهاندار افسونگرا
“All future events were contained within it, which the world-ruling, wondrous monarch could perceive.”
#162
نگه کرد و پس جام بنهاد پیش
✦
بدید اندرو بودنیها ز بیش
“He gazed intently, placing the cup before him, and saw within it all secrets of destiny and things to come.”
#163
بهر هفت کشور همی بنگرید
✦
ز بیژن بجایی نشانی ندید
“He scanned through all the seven realms, yet found no trace of Bijan anywhere at first.”
#164
سوی کشور گرگساران رسید
✦
بفرمان یزدان مر او را بدید
“As his gaze reached the realm of Gurgsaran, by God's decree he finally caught sight of him.”
#165
بچاهی ببسته ببند گران
✦
ز سختی همی مرگ جست اندران
“Bound in heavy chains at the bottom of a deep pit, Bijan longed for death in his unbearable torment.”
#166
یکی دختری از نژاد کیان
✦
ز بهر زوارش ببسته میان
“A maiden of royal line was standing by, devotedly girded to minister to his needs.”
#167
سوی گیو کرد آنگهی روی شاه
✦
بخندید و رخشنده شد پیشگاه
“Then the King turned his face toward Gev; he smiled, and the royal throne brightened.”
#168
که زندست بیژن دلت شاد دار
✦
ز هر بد تن مهتر آزاد دار
“He said: 'Bijan is alive! Rejoice your heart, and free your noble mind from every sorrow!'”
#169
نگر غم نداری بزندان و بند
✦
ازان پس که بر جانش نامد گزند
“'Grieve no more for his imprisonment and chains, now that you know his life is safe from harm.'”
#170
که بیژن بتوران ببند اندرست
✦
زوارش یکی نامور دخترست
“'Though Bijan is trapped in chains in Turan, a noble maiden acts as his faithful caregiver.'”
#171
ز بس رنج و سختی و تیمار اوی
✦
پر از درد گشتم من از کار اوی
“'Yet at the sight of his great hardship, torment, and grief, my own heart was filled with aching sorrow.'”
#172
بدان سان گذارد همی روزگار
✦
که هزمان بروبر بگرید زوار
“'He spends his days in such a wretched state that every moment his tender attendant weepingly mourns him.'”
#173
ز پیوند و خویشان شده ناامید
✦
گرازنده بر سان یک شاخ بید
“'Despairing of all his kin and companions, his once-graceful body trembles like a willow branch.'”
#174
دو چشمش پر از خون و دل پر ز درد
✦
زبانش ز خویشان پر از یاد کرد
“'His eyes are brimming with blood, his heart with anguish, as his lips continually call upon his family.'”
#175
چو ابر بهاران ببارندگی
✦
همی مرگ جوید بدان زندگی
“'Weeping like a rain-laden spring cloud, he longs for death to end such a living misery.'”
#176
بدین چاره اکنون که جنبد ز جای
✦
که خیزد میان بسته این را بپای
“'Now, who shall step forward to undertake this remedy? Who will gird his loins to stand up for this deed?'”
#177
که دارد بدین کار ما را وفا
✦
که آرد ز سختی مر او را رها
“'Who possesses such loyalty to us in this enterprise as to deliver him from his harsh bondage?'”
#178
نشاید جز از رستم تیز چنگ
✦
که از ژرف دریا برآرد نهنگ
“'None is fitted for this task save fierce-clawed Rustam, who can pull a dragon-whale from the deep ocean!'”
#179
کمر بند و برکش سوی نیمروز
✦
شب از رفتن راه مأسا و روز
“'Gird thy waist and ride post-haste to Nimruz; make no pause by night or day upon thy journey!'”
#180
ببر نامهٔ من بر رستما
✦
مزن داستان را بره بردما
“'Carry my letter to Rustam, and let no delay obstruct thy path or story!'”