When Rostam, the World-Champion, entered the presence of King Kay Khosrow, he bowed low, kissing the dust before the royal throne. Rising with profound reverence, he offered a magnificent benediction, invoking the auspicious Zoroastrian months and days—Hormozd, Bahman, Ordibehesht, Shahrivar, Sepandarmaz, Khordad, Amordad, Dey, and Azar—praying that their cosmic blessings, wisdom, and eternal light might ever guard the King's crown and soul. Kay Khosrow was overjoyed by Rostam’s presence, seating the hero beside himself and inquiring affectionately after Zal, Faramarz, and Zavareh. Rostam assured him of their well-being and loyalty.
The King then ordered a spectacular feast in the royal garden. Beneath a flowering shade, a wondrous mechanical tree of silver and gold stood exalted, its branches laden with ruby, emerald, and agate fruits. The hollow golden citrons and quinces within the tree were filled with powdered musk and fine wine, perfuming the breeze whenever it swept through the branches. The foremost paladins of Iran—Goudarz, Tus, Giv, and other noble lords—assembled in robes of Chinese brocade and jeweled crowns, sipping wine amidst music and rose-petals.
Amidst the festivity, Kay Khosrow turned to Rostam, hailing him as the protective Simorgh whose wings shield Iran from every threat. The King spoke mournfully of the grief consuming the house of Goudarz and the deep sorrow of Giv over his imprisoned son, Bijan. He implored Rostam to undertake the rescue of Bijan from Turan, offering unlimited treasures, steeds, and armies. Rostam kissed the earth, declaring his absolute devotion to the throne. He noted that this perilous task could not be accomplished by heavy maces or vast armies, but required stealth, cunning, and stratagem. Hearing Rostam's resolute acceptance, the Iranian lords rejoiced, and the feast continued with renewed hope.
#1
چو آمد بر شاه کهترنواز
✦
نوان پیش او رفت و بردش نماز
“When he came before the King who favors the humble, he walked trembling before him and offered his homage.”
#2
ستایش کنان پیش خسرو دوید
✦
که مهر و ستایش مر او را سزید
“He ran praising before Khosrow, for love and exaltation were truly fitting for the King.”
#3
برآورد سر آفرین کرد و گفت
✦
مبادت جز از بخت پیروز جفت
“He raised his head, offered blessings, and said: 'May victorious fortune ever be your companion!'”
#4
چو هرمزد بادت بدین پایگاه
✦
چو بهمن نگهبان فرخ کلاه
“'May Hormozd grant you this grand station, and may Bahman protect your glorious crown!'”
#5
همه ساله اردیبهشت هژیر
✦
نگهبان تو با هش و رای پیر
“'May the good Ordibehesht guard you all year long with wisdom and the counsel of elders!'”
#6
چو شهریورت باد پیروزگر
✦
بنام بزرگی و فر و هنر
“'May Shahrivar bring you victory in the name of greatness, royal glory, and virtue!'”
#7
سفندارمذ پاسبان تو باد
✦
خرد جان روشن روان تو باد
“'May Sepandarmaz be your guardian, and wisdom be the radiant soul of your life!'”
#8
چو خردادت از یاوران بر دهاد
✦
ز مرداد باش از بر و بوم شاد
“'May Khordad grant you fruitfulness from your helpers, and may Amordad make you glad in land and domain!'”
#9
دی و اورمزدت خجسته بواد
✦
در هر بدی بر تو بسته بواد
“'May Dey and Ohrmazd be auspicious for you, and may every gate of misfortune be closed against you!'”
#10
دیت آذر افروز و فرخنده روز
✦
تو شادان و تاج تو گیتی فروز
“'May your Dey kindle the fire of Azar on blessed days; may you remain joyous and your crown light up the world!'”
#11
چو این آفرین کرد رستم بپای
✦
بپرسید و کردش بر خویش جای
“When Rostam finished these blessings standing before him, the King welcomed him and gave him a place by his side.”
#12
بدو گفت خسرو درست آمدی
✦
که از جان تو دور بادا بدی
“Khosrow said to him: 'Welcome in health! May harm be far removed from your soul!'”
#13
توی پهلوان کیان جهان
✦
نهان آشکار آشکارت نهان
“'You are the champion of the world's royal monarchs; the hidden and the manifest are known to you.'”
#14
گزین کیانی و پشت سپاه
✦
نگهدار ایران و لشکر پناه
“'The chosen of the Kianians, the backbone of the host, the guardian of Iran, and the refuge of the army.'”
#15
مرا شاد کردی بدیدار خویش
✦
بدین پر هنر جان بیدار خویش
“'You have gladdened me by your sight, and by your vigilant spirit full of virtue.'”
#16
زواره فرامرز و دستان سام
✦
درستند ازیشان چه داری پیام
“'Are Zavareh, Faramarz, and Dastan son of Sam in health? What message do you bring from them?'”
#17
فرو بود رستم ببوسید تخت
✦
که ای نامور خسرو نیکبخت
“Rostam bowed low and kissed the throne, saying: 'O renowned and fortunate King!'”
#18
ببخت تو هر سه درستند و شاد
✦
انوشه کسی کش کند شاه یاد
“'Through your good fortune all three are healthy and happy; immortal is he whom the King remembers!'”
#19
بسالار نوبت بفرمود شاه
✦
که گودرز و طوس و گوان را بخواه
“The King commanded the master of ceremonies to summon Goudarz, Tus, and the heroes.”
#20
در باغ بگشاد سالار بار
✦
نشستنگهی بود بس شاهوار
“The master of ceremonies opened the garden gate—a seating place truly fit for kings.”
#21
بفرمود تا تاج زرین و تخت
✦
نهادند زیر گلفشان درخت
“He commanded a golden crown and throne to be placed beneath a blossom-scattering tree.”
#22
همه دیبهٔ خسروانی بباغ
✦
بگسترد و شد گلستان چون چراغ
“They spread royal brocade throughout the garden, and the rose-bower became lit like a lamp.”
#23
درختی زدند از بر گاه شاه
✦
کجا سایه گسترد بر تاج و گاه
“They erected a mechanical tree above the King's place, casting shade over crown and throne.”
#24
تنش سیم و شاخش ز یاقوت و زر
✦
برو گونه‌گون خوشه‌های گهر
“Its trunk was of silver, its branches of ruby and gold, bearing clusters of wondrous gems.”
#25
عقیق و زمرد همه برگ و بار
✦
فروهشته از تاج چون گوشوار
“Carnelian and emerald formed all its leaves and fruit, hanging down from the canopy like earrings.”
#26
همه بار زرین ترنج و بهی
✦
میان ترنج و بهیها تهی
“All its fruit were golden citrons and quinces, yet hollow within the citrons and quinces.”
#27
بدو اندرون مشک سوده بمی
✦
همه پیکرش سفته برسان نی
“Inside them was musk steeped in wine, its whole structure pierced like a reed flute.”
#28
کرا شاه بر گاه بنشاندی
✦
برو باد ازو مشک بفشاندی
“Whomever the King seated upon the throne, the wind would scatter musk upon him from the tree.”
#29
همه میگساران بیپش اندرا
✦
همه بر سران افسر از گوهرا
“All the cup-bearers stood before them, jewels adorning their diadems.”
#30
ز دیبای زربفت چینی قبای
✦
همه پیش گاه سپهبد بپای
“Clad in robes of Chinese gold-woven brocade, all stood at attention before the Commander's throne.”
#31
همه طوق بربسته و گوشوار
✦
بریشان همه جامه گوهرنگار
“All wore neck-torcs and earrings, and their garments were woven with sparkling jewels.”
#32
همه رخ چو دیبای رومی برنگ
✦
فروزنده عود و خروشنده چنگ
“Their cheeks were rosy like Roman silk, as aloe-wood perfumed the air and harp strings echoed.”
#33
همه دل پر از شادی و می بدست
✦
رخان ارغوانی و نابوده مست
“Every heart was filled with joy, holding wine in hand, cheeks purple, yet none was intoxicated.”
#34
بفرمود تا رستم آمد بتخت
✦
نشست از بر گاه زیر درخت
“The King bade Rostam approach the throne and sit upon the seat beneath the tree.”
#35
برستم چنین گفت پس شهریار
✦
که ای نیک پیوند و به روزگار
“Then the monarch said to Rostam: 'O noble in lineage and favored by fortune!'”
#36
ز هر بد توی پیش ایران سپر
✦
همیشه چو سیمرغ گسترده پر
“'Against every evil you are the shield of Iran, ever spreading your wings like the Simorgh.'”
#37
چه درگاه ایران چه پیش کیان
✦
همه بر در رنج بندی میان
“'Whether at the court of Iran or before the Kianian kings, you ever gird your loins for hardship.'”
#38
شناسی تو کردار گودرزیان
✦
به آسانی و رنج و سود و زیان
“'You know full well the deeds of the Goudarzian, through ease and distress, gain and loss.'”
#39
میان بسته دارند پیشم بپای
✦
همیشه بنیکی مرا رهنمای
“'They stand before me with girded loins, ever guiding me toward righteousness.'”
#40
بتنها تن گیو کز انجمن
✦
ز هر بد سپر بود در پیش من
“'Especially Giv alone, who among the assembly was a shield against every evil before me.'”
#41
چنین غم بدین دوده نامد بنیز
✦
غم و درد فرزند برتر ز چیز
“'Never has such sorrow come upon this dynasty, and the grief for a child is greater than all things.'”
#42
بدین کار گر تو ببندی میان
✦
پذیره نیایدت شیر ژیان
“'If you gird your loins for this task, even a ferocious lion would not dare face you.'”
#43
کنون چارهٔ کار بیژن بجوی
✦
که او را ز توران بد آمد بروی
“'Now seek a remedy for Bijan's plight, for evil has befallen him from Turan.'”
#44
ز گردان و اسبان و شمشیر و گنج
✦
ببر هرچ باید مدار این برنج
“'Take whatever you need of warriors, steeds, swords, and treasure, and spare no pain.'”
#45
چو رستم ز کیخسرو ایدون شنید
✦
زمین را ببوسید و دم درکشید
“When Rostam heard this from Kay Khosrow, he kissed the earth and held his breath in quiet resolve.”
#46
برو آفرین کرد کای نیک نام
✦
چو خورشید هر جای گسترده کام
“He bestowed praises upon the king, saying, 'O renowned monarch, whose fame and desire are spread everywhere like the sun!'”
#47
ز تو دور بادا دو چشم نیاز
✦
دل بدسگالت بگرم و گداز
“'May the eyes of need be ever far from thee, and may the heart of thy ill-wisher burn and melt away!'”
#48
توی بر جهان شاه و سالار و کی
✦
کیان جهان مر ترا خاک پی
“'Thou art the king, the leader, and the ruler over all the world; the sovereigns of the earth are but dust beneath thy feet.'”
#49
که چون تو ندیدست یک شاه گاه
✦
نه تابنده خروشید و گردنده ماه
“'For neither the royal throne has ever seen a king like thee, nor have the radiant sun and turning moon beheld thy match.'”
#50
بدان را ز نیکان تو کردی جدا
✦
تو داری بافسون و بند اژدها
“'Thou hast separated the wicked from the good; by thy spells and chains, thou holdest even the dragon bound.'”
#51
بکندم دل دیو مازندران
✦
بفر کیانی و گرز گران
“'I tore out the heart of the White Demon of Mazandaran, empowered by the royal grace and my heavy mace.'”
#52
مرامادر از بهر رنج تو زاد
✦
تو باید که باشی بآرام و شاد
“'My mother bore me to endure hardship for thy sake; it is fitting for thee to dwell in tranquil joy.'”
#53
منم گوش داده بفرمان تو
✦
نگردم بهرسان ز پیمان تو
“'I stand obedient to thy command, nor shall I swerve in any way from my pledge to thee.'”
#54
دل و جان نهاده بسوی کلاه
✦
بران ره روم کم بفرمود شاه
“'With heart and soul devoted to thy crown, I shall travel whichever path the King ordains.'”
#55
و نیز از پی گیو اگر بر سرم
✦
هوا بارد آتش بدو ننگرم
“'And for Giv's sake, even if the heavens rain fire upon my head, I shall pay no heed to it.'”
#56
رسیده بمژگانم اندر سنان
✦
ز فرمان خسرو نتابم عنان
“'Though spear-points should pierce unto my very eyelashes, I shall not turn my reins from Khosrow's command.'”
#57
برآرم ببخت تو این کار کرد
✦
سپهبد نخواهم نه مردان مرد
“'By thy good fortune I shall accomplish this task; I require neither army commanders nor brave warriors.'”
#58
کلید چنین بند باشد فریب
✦
نه هنگام گرزست و روز نهیب
“'The key to such a fetter is guile and stratagem; this is no time for the heavy mace or terror.'”
#59
چو رستم چنین گفت گودرز و گیو
✦
فریبرز و فرهاد و شاپور نیو
“When Rostam spoke thus, Goudarz and Giv, Fariborz, Farhad, and the valiant Shapur...”
#60
بزرگان لشکر برو آفرین
✦
همی خواندند از جهان آفرین
“...and all the nobles of the army invoked blessings upon him from the Creator of the World.”
#61
بمی دست بردند با شهریار
✦
گشاده بشادی در نوبهار
“They reached for wine alongside the monarch, opening the doors of joy in the lush early spring.”