#1
منیژه خبر یافت از کاروان
✦
یکایک بشهر اندر آمد دوان
“When Manizheh heard word of the caravan, she rushed into the city running frantically.”
#2
برهنه نوان دخت افراسیاب
✦
بر رستم آمد دو دیده پر آب
“Barefoot and trembling, the daughter of Afrasiab came before Rostam with eyes filled with tears.”
#3
برو آفرین کرد و پرسید و گفت
✦
همی به آستین خون مژگان برفت
“She praised him, asked her burning questions, and wiped the blood-tinged tears from her lashes with her sleeve.”
#4
که برخوردی از جان وز گنج خویش
✦
مبادت پشیمانی از رنج خویش
“She said: 'May you enjoy your life and treasure, and may you suffer no regret for your labors!'”
#5
بکام تو بادا سپهر بلند
✦
ز چشم بدانت مبادا گزند
“'May the high heavens move according to your desire, and may no harm touch you from evil eyes!'”
#6
هر امید دل را که بستی میان
✦
ز رنجی که بردی مبادت زیان
“'May every hope your heart has tied itself to bring you profit, without loss for the toil you've borne.'”
#7
همیشه خرد بادت آموزگار
✦
خنک بوم ایران و خوش روزگار
“'May wisdom ever be your teacher; hail to the land of Iran and its joyous fortune!'”
#8
چه آگاهی استت ز گردان شاه
✦
ز گیو و ز گودرز و ایران سپاه
“'What news have you of the King's warriors—of Giv, of Goudarz, and the army of Iran?'”
#9
نیامد به ایران ز بیژن خبر
✦
نیایش نخواهد بدن چاره‌گر
“'No news of Bizhan has reached Iran, nor can his grandfather offer any remedy!'”
#10
که چون او جوانی ز گودرزیان
✦
همی بگسلاند بسختی میان
“'For a youth such as he from the house of Goudarz now snaps his waist under brutal torment!'”
#11
بسودست پایش ز بند گران
✦
دو دستش ز مسمار آهنگران
“'His feet are worn away by heavy fetters, his hands pierced by the nails of blacksmiths!'”
#12
کشیده بزنجیر و بسته ببند
✦
همه چاه پرخون آن مستمند
“'Bound in chains and held fast, the pit of that wretched soul is filled with blood!'”
#13
نیابم ز درویشی خویش خواب
✦
ز نالیدن او دو چشمم پر آب
“'Poverty and misery grant me no sleep, and my eyes stream with water at his lamentations!'”
#14
بترسید رستم ز گفتار اوی
✦
یکی بانگ برزد براندش ز روی
“Rostam grew fearful of her words; he raised a harsh cry and drove her from his presence.”
#15
بدو گفت کز پیش من دور شو
✦
نه خسرو شناسم نه سالارنو
“He said to her: 'Get thee gone from me! I know neither King Khosrow nor any new commander!'”
#16
ندارم ز گودرز و گیو آگهی
✦
که مغزم ز گفتار کردی تهی
“'I have no news of Goudarz and Giv; your idle chatter has emptied my brain!'”
#17
به رستم نگه کرد و بگریست زار
✦
ز خواری ببارید خون بر کنار
“She looked at Rostam and wept bitterly, pouring tears of grief down her robe in humiliation.”
#18
بدو گفت کای مهتر پرخرد
✦
ز تو سرد گفتن نه اندر خورد
“She said: 'O wise chieftain, it is unbecoming of you to speak so coldly!'”
#19
سخن گر نگویی مرانم ز پیش
✦
که من خود دلی دارم از درد ریش
“'Even if you will not answer, do not drive me away, for my heart is already wounded with grief!'”
#20
چنین باشد آیین ایران مگر
✦
که درویش را کس نگوید خبر
“'Is this perchance the custom of Iran, that none offers news to a beggar in need?'”
#21
بدو گفت رستم که ای زن چبود
✦
مگر اهرمن رستخیزت نمود
“Rostam said to her: 'O woman, what is this? Has Ahriman conjured a resurrection for you?'”
#22
همی بر نوشتی تو بازار من
✦
بدان روی بد با تو پیکار من
“'You are disrupting my market trade; because of that ill talk, I contended with you.'”
#23
بدین تندی از من میازار بیش
✦
که دل بسته بودم ببازار خویش
“'Grieve no more over my harshness, for my heart was set on my commerce.'”
#24
و دیگر بجایی که کیخسروست
✦
بدان شهر من خود ندارم نشست
“'Moreover, I do not dwell in the city where Kay Khosrow holds court.'”
#25
ندانم همی گیو و گودرز را
✦
نه پیموده‌ام هرگز آن مرز را
“'I know nothing of Giv or Goudarz, nor have I ever set foot in that domain.'”
#26
بفرمود تا خوردنی هرچ بود
✦
نهادند در پیش درویش زود
“He commanded that whatever food was at hand be placed quickly before the poor woman.”
#27
یکایک سخن کرد ازو خواستار
✦
که با تو چرا شد دژم روزگار
“He questioned her about her tale, asking why fortune had turned so grim against her.”
#28
چه پرسی ز گردان و شاه و سپاه
✦
چه داری همی راه ایران نگاه
“'Why do you ask of warriors, kings, and armies? Why do you fix your eyes upon the road to Iran?'”
#29
منیژه بدو گفت کز کار من
✦
چه پرسی ز بدبخت و تیمار من
“Manizheh said to him: 'Why do you ask of my plight, of my ill fate and sorrow?'”
#30
کزان چاه سر با دلی پر ز درد
✦
دویدم بنزد تو ای رادمرد
“'From the brink of that deep pit, with a heart heavy with sorrow, I ran to you, noble sir!'”
#31
زدی بانگ بر من چو جنگاوران
✦
نترسیدی از داور داوران
“'You shouted at me like a warrior, fearing not the Judge of all judges!'”
#32
منیژه منم دخت افراسیاب
✦
برهنه ندیدی رخم آفتاب
“'I am Manizheh, daughter of Afrasiab, whose face the sun had never seen uncovered!'”
#33
کنون دیده پرخون و دل پر ز درد
✦
ازین در بدان در دوان گردگرد
“'Now with bloodshot eyes and a heart of pain, I run begging from door to door!'”
#34
همی نان کشکین فرازآورم
✦
چنین راند یزدان قضا بر سرم
“'I procure dry barley bread; such is the destiny Yazdan has ordained for me!'”
#35
ازین زارتر چون بود روزگار
✦
سر آرد مگر بر من این کردگار
“'How could fortune be wretched than this? Unless the Creator brings an end to my life!'”
#36
چو بیچاره بیژن بدان ژرف چاه
✦
نبیند شب و روز خورشید و ماه
“'While helpless Bizhan in that deep pit sees neither the sun nor the moon by day or night.'”
#37
بغل و بمسمار و بند گران
✦
همی مرگ خواهد ز یزدان بران
“'Bound in heavy chains and heavy nails, he begs Yazdan for death!'”
#38
مرا درد بر درد بفزود زین
✦
نم دیدگانم بپالود زین
“'My sorrow has added to sorrow, and tears continuously pour from my eyes.'”
#39
کنون گرت باشد بایران گذر
✦
ز گودرز کشواد یابی خبر
“'Now, if your path leads to Iran, seek word of Goudarz, son of Kashvad.'”
#40
بدرگاه خسرو مگر گیو را
✦
ببینی و گر رستم نیو را
“'Perchance at Khosrow's court you may see Giv, or the valiant Rostam!'”
#41
بگویی که بیژن بسختی درست
✦
اگر دیر گیری شود کار پست
“'Tell them: Bizhan is in dire distress; if you delay, all will be ruined!'”
#42
گرش دید خواهی میاسای دیر
✦
که بر سرش سنگست و آهن بزیر
“'If you wish to see him alive, rest not, for a stone lies upon his head and iron beneath him!'”
#43
بدو گفت رستم که ای خوب چهر
✦
که مهرت مبراد از وی سپهر
“Rostam said to her: 'O fair-faced one, may the heavens never sever your love from him!'”
#44
چرا نزد باب تو خواهشگران
✦
نینگیزی از هر سوی مهتران
“'Why do you not raise intercessors among the nobles to go before your father?'”
#45
مگر بر تو بخشایش آرد پدر
✦
بجوشدش خون و بسوزد جگر
“'Perchance your father will take pity on you, his blood will stir, and his heart will burn.'”
#46
گر آزار بابت نبودی ز پیش
✦
ترا دادمی چیز ز اندازه بیش
“"Had it not been for your father's past offenses, I would have bestowed upon you wealth beyond measure."”
#47
بخوالیگرش گفت کز هر خورش
✦
که او را بباید بیاور برش
“He then instructed his cook, "Bring before her whatever food she desires."”
#48
یکی مرغ بریان بفرمود گرم
✦
نوشته بدو اندرون نان نرم
“He ordered a warm roasted bird for her, wrapped skillfully in soft, fresh bread.”
#49
سبک دست رستم بسان پری
✦
بدو درنهان کرد انگشتری
“Swiftly and nimbly like a fairy, Rostam concealed his signet ring inside it.”
#50
بدو داد و گفتش بدان چاه بر
✦
که بیچارگان را توی راهبر
“He handed it to her and said, "Take this to the pit, for you are the guide and savior to the helpless."”
#51
منیژه بیامد بدان چاه سر
✦
دوان و خورشها گرفته ببر
“Manijeh hurried to the mouth of the pit, running with the food clasped to her chest.”
#52
نوشته بدستار چیزی که برد
✦
چنان هم که بستد ببیژن سپرد
“Whatever was wrapped in the cloth, just as she received it, she handed down to Bijan.”
#53
نگه کرد بیژن بخیره بماند
✦
ازان چاه خورشید رخ را بخواند
“Bijan looked at the offering in amazement, and from the pit called out to the sun-faced maiden:”
#54
که ای مهربان از کجا یافتی
✦
خورشها کزین گونه بشتافتی
“"O loving one, whence did you find such fine food that you came hastening with it?”
#55
بسا رنج و سختی کت آمد بروی
✦
ز بهر منی در جهان پوی پوی
“"How much hardship and distress you have endured, wandering the world all for my sake!"”
#56
منیژه بدو گفت کز کاروان
✦
یکی مایه ور مرد بازارگان
“Manijeh replied to him, "From a caravan came a wealthy merchant,”
#57
از ایران بتوران ز بهر درم
✦
کشیده ز هر گونه بسیار غم
“"Who travelled from Iran to Turan in pursuit of gain, suffering much toil along the way;”
#58
یکی مرد پاکیزه با هوش و فر
✦
ز هر گونه با او فراوان گهر
“"A noble man of intellect and glory, carrying with him vast riches of every kind.”
#59
گشن دستگاهی نهاده فراخ
✦
یکی کلبه سازیده بر پیش کاخ
“"With immense wealth broadly displayed, he has set up his abode right before the palace.”
#60
بمن داد زین گونه دستارخوان
✦
که بر من جهان آفرین را بخوان
“"He gave me this cloth filled with food, saying: 'Pray to the Creator of the World for my sake,”
#61
بدان چاه نزدیک آن بسته بر
✦
دگر هرچ باید ببر سربسر
“'And carry all that is needed to that captive bound down by the pit.'"”
#62
بگسترد بیژن پس آن نان پاک
✦
پراومید یزدان دل از بیم و باک
“Bijan then spread out the pure bread, his heart filled with hope in God, free from fear and dread.”
#63
چو دست خورش برد زان داوری
✦
بدید آن نهان کرده انگشتری
“As he reached out to partake of the meal, he spotted the hidden signet ring.”
#64
نگینش نگه کرد و نامش بخواند
✦
ز شادی بخندید و خیره بماند
“He looked at its gem and read the name engraved; he laughed with joy and stood utterly amazed.”
#65
یکی مهر پیروزه رستم بروی
✦
نبشته به آهن بکردار موی
“It was a turquoise seal belonging to Rostam, carved into the stone with fine, hair-thin iron strokes.”
#66
چو بار درخت وفا را بدید
✦
بدانست کآمد غمش را کلید
“When he beheld the fruit of loyalty's tree, he knew the key to end his grief had arrived.”
#67
بخندید خندیدنی شاهوار
✦
چنان کآمد آواز بر چاهسار
“He burst into a royal, resonant laughter, such that the echo resounded up from the deep pit.”
#68
منیژه چو بشنید خندیدنش
✦
ازان چاه تاریک بسته تنش
“When Manijeh heard his laughter rising from that dark pit where his body was bound,”
#69
زمانی فرو ماند زان کار سخت
✦
بگفت این چه خندست ای نیکبخت
“She paused in bewilderment at this strange turn, and said, "What laughter is this, O fortunate one?”
#70
شگفت آمدش داستانی بزد
✦
که دیوانه خندد ز کردار خود
“Surprised, she cited a proverb: 'Only a madman laughs at his own miserable plight!'”
#71
چه گونه گشادی بخنده دو لب
✦
که شب روز بینی همی روز شب
“"How can you open your lips in laughter, when you see night as day and day as night?”
#72
چه رازست پیش آر و با من بگوی
✦
مگر بخت نیکت نمودست روی
“"What secret is this? Reveal it to me! Has good fortune finally shown its face to you?"”
#73
بدو گفت بیژن کزین کارسخت
✦
بر اومید آنم که بگشاد بخت
“Bijan said to her, "From this dire calamity, I hope that fate has finally unsealed my path.”
#74
چو با من بسوگند پیمان کنی
✦
همانا وفای مرا نشکنی
“"If you swear a solemn covenant with me and promise never to break your faith,”
#75
بگویم سراسر تورا داستان
✦
چو باشی بسوگند همداستان
“"I shall tell you the entire secret, provided you agree to this oath.”
#76
که گر لب بدوزی ز بهر گزند
✦
زنان را زبان کم بماند ببند
“"For if you seal your lips against harm—though women's tongues are rarely held in check..."”
#77
منیژه خروشید و نالید زار
✦
که بر من چه آمد بد روزگار
“Manijeh wept and cried out bitterly: "What misfortune has evil fate brought upon me!”
#78
دریغ آن شده روزگاران من
✦
دل خسته و چشم باران من
“"Alas for my lost days, my aching heart, and my tear-filled eyes!”
#79
بدادم ببیژن تن و خان و مان
✦
کنون گشت بر من چنین بدگمان
“"I surrendered my body, home, and hearth to Bijan, yet now he has grown so suspicious of me!”
#80
همان گنج دینار و تاج گهر
✦
بتاراج دادم همه سربسر
“"I gave up my treasure of gold and my jewel-studded crown, letting it all be plundered for his sake."”
#81
پدر گشته بیزار و خویشان ز من
✦
برهنه دوان بر سر انجمن
“My father has turned away, and my kin despise me; bare-footed and distraught, I run among the crowd.”
#82
ز امید بیژن شدم ناامید
✦
جهانم سیاه و دو دیده سپید
“I lost all hope for Bijan; my world grew dark, and my eyes dimmed with endless tears.”
#83
بپوشد همی راز بر من چنین
✦
تو داناتری ای جهان آفرین
“He hides his secret from me so; yet Thou knowest all, O Creator of the World!”
#84
بدو گفت بیژن همه راستست
✦
ز من کار تو جمله برکاستست
“Bijan said to her, "All that you say is true; it is because of me that your fortune has withered."”
#85
چنین گفتم اکنون نبایست گفت
✦
ایا مهربان یار و هشیار جفت
“"I spoke thus, though I should not have spoken so, O loving companion and prudent mate!"”
#86
سزد گر بهر کار پندم دهی
✦
که مغزم برنج اندرون شد تهی
“"It is fitting if you counsel me in all things, for my mind has grown faint beneath this anguish."”
#87
تو بشناس کاین مرد گوهر فروش
✦
که خوالیگرش مر ترا داد توش
“"Know then that this merchant of jewels, whose cook gave thee that nourishing food..."”
#88
ز بهر من آمد بتوران فراز
✦
وگرنه نبودش بگوهر نیاز
“"...came unto Turan for my sake alone; otherwise he had no need for trading gems."”
#89
ببخشود بر من جهان آفرین
✦
ببینم مگر پهن روی زمین
“"The Creator of the World has taken pity upon me, that perchance I may behold the wide face of the earth once more."”
#90
رهاند مرا زین غمان دراز
✦
ترا زین تکاپوی و گرم و گداز
“"He shall deliver me from these endless sorrows, and free thee from this restless toil and agonizing distress."”
#91
بنزدیک او شو بگویش نهان
✦
که ای پهلوان کیان جهان
“"Go unto him, and whisper secretly: 'O hero among the royal champions of the world...'”
#92
بدل مهربان و بتن چاره جوی
✦
اگر تو خداوند رخشی بگوی
“"...who art kind at heart and ever seeking a remedy—if thou art the master of Rakhsh, pray tell!'"”
#93
منیژه بیامد بکردار باد
✦
ز بیژن برستم پیامش بداد
“Manijeh swift as the wind hastened away, and delivered Bijan's secret message to Rustam.”
#94
چو بشنید گفتار آن خوب روی
✦
کزان راه دور آمده پوی پوی
“When he heard the words of that fair maiden, who had hurried along that long and bitter road...”
#95
بدانست رستم که بیژن سخن
✦
گشادست بر لالهٔ سروبن
“Rustam knew that Bijan had disclosed his secret to that cypress-like beauty with rose-red cheeks.”
#96
ببخشود و گفتش که ای خوب چهر
✦
که یزدان ترا زو مبراد مهر
“He took pity on her and said: "O fair-faced maiden, may God never sever your love from him!"”
#97
بگویش که آری خداوند رخش
✦
ترا داد یزدان فریاد بخش
“"Go say to him: 'Yes, the lord of Rakhsh is here, sent to thee by God, the grantor of aid!'"”
#98
ز زاول بایران ز ایران بتور
✦
ز بهر تو پیمودم این راه دور
“"'From Zavol to Iran, and from Iran to Turan, for thy sake have I traversed this long and arduous way.'"”
#99
بگویش که ما را بسان پلنگ
✦
بسود از پی تو کمرگاه و چنگ
“"'Tell him that like a leopard hunting its prey, my waist and strength have been worn in pursuit of thy rescue.'"”
#100
چو با او بگویی سخن راز دار
✦
شب تیره گوشت به آواز دار
“"'When thou hast spoken these secret words to him, keep thine ear listening in the dark of night.'"”
#101
ز بیشه فرازآر هیزم بروز
✦
شب آید یکی آتشی برفروز
“"'Gather firewood from the forest by day, and when night falls, kindle a great beacon of fire!'"”
#102
منیژه ز گفتار او شاد شد
✦
دلش ز اندهان یکسر آزاد شد
“Manijeh grew joyful at his words, and her heart was freed at once from all sorrows.”
#103
بیامد دوان تا بدان چاهسار
✦
که بودش بچاه اندرون غمگسار
“She ran back swiftly to the deep pit wherein her beloved comforter was bound.”
#104
بگفتش که دادم سراسر پیام
✦
بدان مرد فرخ پی نیک نام
“She said to him: "I have conveyed thy whole message to that blessed and illustrious hero."”
#105
چنین داد پاسخ که آنم درست
✦
که بیژن بنام و نشانم بجست
“Bijan replied: "It is now clear to me that this is indeed he whom I sought by name and sign."”
#106
تو با داغ دل چند پویی همی
✦
که رخ را بخوناب شویی همی
“"How long must thou wander with a wounded heart, washing thy face with bloody tears?"”
#107
کنون چون درست آمد از تو نشان
✦
ببینی سر تیغ مردم کشان
“"Now that his identity is proven through thy sign, thou shalt soon behold the edge of his man-slaying sword!"”
#108
زمین را بدرانم اکنون بچنگ
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بپروین براندازم آسوده سنگ
“"I would now tear the earth asunder with my claws, and effortlessly hurl the heavy stone up to the Pleiades!"”
#109
مرا گفت چون تیره گردد هوا
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شب از چنگ خورشید یابد رها
“"He told me: 'When the sky grows dark and night is freed from the grasp of the sun...'”
#110
بکردار کوه آتشی برفروز
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که سنگ و سر چاه گردد چو روز
“"...kindle a fire as huge as a mountain, so that the stone and the pit's mouth shine like bright day!'"”
#111
بدان تا ببینم سر چاه را
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بدان روشنی بسپرم راه را
“"...so that I may behold the mouth of the pit, and guided by that light, make my way toward thee."”
#112
بفرمود بیژن که آتش فروز
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که رستیم هر دو ز تاریک روز
“Bijan bade her: "Kindle the fire, for we both are delivered from these days of gloom!"”
#113
سوی کردگار جهان کرد سر
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که ای پاک و بخشنده و دادگر
“Then he turned his face toward the Creator of the World: "O Pure, Merciful, and Just Lord!"”
#114
ز هر بد تو باشی مرا دستگیر
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تو زن بر دل و جان بدخواه تیر
“"Thou art my savior against every evil; strike Thou an arrow into the heart and soul of my malicious foe!"”
#115
بده داد من زآنک بیداد کرد
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تو دانی غمان من و داغ و درد
“"Grant me justice against him who dealt unjustly; for Thou alone knowest my sorrow, my anguish, and my pain."”
#116
مگر بازیابم بر و بوم را
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نمانم بننگ اختر شوم را
“Perchance I might regain my native land, and suffer no longer the shame of an ill-starred fate.”
#117
تو ای دخت رنج آزموده ز من
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فدا کرده جان و دل و چیز و تن
“O maiden who hast endured such agony for my sake, sacrificing thy soul, heart, possessions, and body!”
#118
بدین رنج کز من تو برداشتی
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زیان مرا سود پنداشتی
“For all this hardship thou hast borne on my account, deeming my loss to be thy gain,”
#119
بدادی بمن گنج و تاج و گهر
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جهاندار خویشان و مام و پدر
“Thou didst surrender for me thy treasure, crown, and jewels, thy kingly kin, thy mother, and thy father.”
#120
اگر یابم از چنگ این اژدها
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بدین روزگار جوانی رها
“If I should find deliverance in these days of my youth from the clutches of this dreadful dragon,”
#121
بکردار نیکان یزدان پرست
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بپویم بپای و بیازم بدست
“I shall strive with all my strength of foot and hand, walking in the ways of righteous, God-fearing men,”
#122
بسان پرستار پیش کیان
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بپاداش نیکیت بندم میان
“And like a humble servant before royal kings, I shall gird my loins to repay thy goodness.”
#123
منیژه به هیزم شتابید سخت
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چو مرغان برآمد بشاخ درخت
“Manijeh hastened swiftly to gather firewood, climbing the tree branches like a bird.”
#124
بخورشید بر چشم و هیزم ببر
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که تا کی برآرد شب از کوه سر
“With firewood embraced upon her breast, her eyes fixed on the sun, watching for night to raise its head above the mountain.”
#125
چو از چشم خورشید شد ناپدید
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شب تیره بر کوه دامن کشید
“When the sun vanished from sight, the dark night spread its skirt over the mountain peak.”
#126
بدانگه که آرام گیرد جهان
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شود آشکارای گیتی نهان
“At that hour when the world settles into tranquility, and all that was manifest becomes hidden,”
#127
که لشکر کشد تیره شب پیش روز
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بگردد سر هور گیتی فروز
“When dark night marches its host before the day, and the head of the world-illuminating sun turns low,”
#128
منیژه سبک آتشی برفروخت
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که چشم شب قیرگون را بسوخت
“Manijeh swiftly kindled a blazing fire that seared the eyes of the pitch-black night.”
#129
بدلش اندرون بانگ رویینه خم
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که آید ز ره رخش پولاد سم
“In her heart echoed the thunder of brass drums, hoping steel-hooved Rakhsh would arrive from the road.”