When tidings reached King Kay Khosrow that Rostam, the invincible champion, had shattered the Turanian forces and freed Bizhan from the dark pit of Afrasiab, the righteous monarch fell upon his face in gratitude to Yazdan. The news swept across the realm, and Goudarz and Giv set forth with a splendid army, warhorns sounding and royal banners fluttering, to welcome the Lion of Zabulistan. The clattering hooves of horses turned the earth dark, and the blare of brass trumpets filled the air. Rostam advanced victoriously, driving before him a thousand Turanian captives and the spoils of war.
Upon beholding the legendary champion, Goudarz and Giv dismounted and showered praise upon Rostam, who had banished sorrow from the house of Kashvad and returned the lost Bizhan to his father's arms. Rostam brought Bizhan forward and presented him to Giv and Kay Khosrow, unbowing the heavy grief that had bent Giv's back for so long. Kay Khosrow embraced Rostam with fatherly warmth, extolling the glory of Zal, the blessed soil of Zabulistan, and the cosmic fortune that blessed Iran with such a guardian. A grand royal banquet was convened, filled with flowing wine, sweet harp melodies, jeweled crowns, and silver platters of pure musk and rosewater.
On the morrow, Rostam sought leave to return to Sistan, and Kay Khosrow bestowed upon him priceless treasures—brocaded Greek robes woven with gems, a royal crown, a goblet filled with brilliant jewels, a hundred noble steeds, a hundred laden camels, and fifty handmaidens with collars of gold. After Rostam's departure, Kay Khosrow summoned Bizhan to recount the story of his agony in the subterranean pit and the magnificent devotion of Afrasiab's daughter, Princess Manizheh. Moved to compassion by her plight, the King bestowed a hundred jeweled brocade robes, ten bags of gold dinars, a royal crown, and numerous servants upon Manizheh. He commanded Bizhan to treat her with utmost honor and affection, bidding him ponder the inscrutable wheel of Fate—which elevates the suffering from deep pits to high thrones, and hurls those nurtured in luxury into the dust of affliction.
#1
چو آگاهی آمد بشاه دلیر
✦
که از بیشه پیروز برگشت شیر
“When tidings came unto the valiant King that the victorious lion had returned from the thicket,”
#2
چو بیژن شد از بند و زندان رها
✦
ز بند بداندیش نراژدها
“That Bizhan was delivered from chains and prison, free from the bonds of the malevolent dragon,”
#3
سپاهی ز توران بهم برشکست
✦
همه لشکر دشمنان کرد پست
“That he had shattered the army of Turan and laid low all the host of adversaries,”
#4
بشادی به پیش جهان‌آفرین
✦
بمالید روی و کله بر زمین
“In joyous thanks before the Creator of the world, he pressed his face and crown unto the earth.”
#5
چو گودرز و گیو آگهی یافتند
✦
سوی شاه پیروز بشتافتند
“When Goudarz and Giv received these glad tidings, they hastened towards the victorious King.”
#6
برآمد خروش و بیامد سپاه
✦
تبیره‌زنان برگرفتند راه
“A clamor arose as the army assembled; drum-beaters set out upon the way.”
#7
دمنده دمان گاودم بر درش
✦
برآمد خروشیدن از لشکرش
“The roaring cow-horn trumpets sounded at his gate, and mighty shouts rose from his troops.”
#8
سیه کرده میدانش اسبان بسم
✦
همه شهر آوای رویینه‌خم
“The hooves of horses blackened the field, and the sound of brass drums filled the entire city.”
#9
بیک دست بربسته شیر و پلنگ
✦
بزنجیر دیگر سواران جنگ
“With one hand bound lions and leopards, and with chains on the other held captive warrior knights.”
#10
گرازان سواران دمان و دنان
✦
بدندان زمین ژنده پیلان کنان
“Proud warriors advanced roaring and snorting, while huge war-elephants tore the earth with their tusks.”
#11
بپیش سپاه اندرون بوق و کوس
✦
درفش از پس پشت گودرز و طوس
“Before the vanguard sounded horns and kettledrums, while behind marched the royal banners of Goudarz and Tus.”
#12
پذیره شدن پیش پهلو سپاه
✦
بدین گونه فرمود بیدار شاه
“Thus commanded the vigilant King, that they go forth to welcome the champion host.”
#13
برفتند لشکر گروها گروه
✦
زمین شد ز گردان بکردار کوه
“Troop after troop of soldiers marched forth; the earth grew heavy with heroes like a massive mountain.”
#14
چو آمد پدیدار از انبوه نیو
✦
پیاده شد از باره گودرز و گیو
“When the brave champion appeared amidst the throngs, Goudarz and Giv dismounted from their steeds.”
#15
ز اسب اندرآمد جهان پهلوان
✦
بپرسیدش از رنج‌دیده گوان
“The World-Champion stepped down from his horse and inquired after the suffering heroes.”
#16
برو آفرین کرد گودرز و گیو
✦
که ای نامبردار و سالار نیو
“Goudarz and Giv praised him, saying: 'O renowned chieftain and valorous commander!”
#17
دلیر از تو گردد بهر جای شیر
✦
سپهر از تو هرگز مگرداد سیر
“Through thee the lion grows bold in every realm; may the heavens never tire of thy deeds!”
#18
ترا جاودان باد یزدان پناه
✦
بکام تو گرداد خورشید و ماه
“May God be thy refuge forever, and may sun and moon move according to thy desire!”
#19
همه بنده کردی تو این دوده را
✦
زتو یافتم پور گم‌بوده را
“Thou hast made our entire lineage thy servants, for through thee I have recovered my lost son.”
#20
ز درد و غمان رستگان تویم
✦
بایران کمربستگان تویم
“We are saved from grief and sorrow by thee, and we stand ever ready in service to Iran.'”
#21
بر اسبان نشستند یکسر مهان
✦
گرازان بنزدیک شاه جهان
“All the nobles mounted their horses once more, riding proudly toward the King of the World.”
#22
چو نزدیک شهر جهاندار شاه
✦
فرازآمد آن گرد لشکرپناه
“As that brave, army-protecting hero drew near the city of the Lord King,”
#23
پذیره شدش نامدار جهان
✦
نگهدار ایران و شاه مهان
“The famed monarch of the world, guardian of Iran and King of nobles, came forth to meet him.”
#24
چو رستم بفر جهاندار شاه
✦
نگه کرد کآمد پذیره براه
“When Rostam saw, by the King's royal fortune, that the monarch had come out onto the road,”
#25
پیاده شد و برد پیشش نماز
✦
غمی گشته از رنج و راه دراز
“He dismounted and bowed down in reverence, weary from the hardship and long journey.”
#26
جهاندار خسرو گرفتش ببر
✦
که ای دست مردی و جان هنر
“King Kay Khosrow clasped him to his breast, saying: 'O hand of valor and soul of virtue!'”
#27
تهمتن سبک دست بیژن گرفت
✦
چنانکش ز شاه و پدر بپذرفت
“Tahamtan swiftly took Bizhan by the hand, as he had promised the King and his father,”
#28
بیاورد و بسپرد و بر پای خاست
✦
چنان پشت خمیده را کرد راست
“He brought him forward and delivered him, straightening the bent back of Giv.”
#29
ازان پس اسیران توران هزار
✦
بیاورد بسته بر شهریار
“Thereafter he brought a thousand captive Turanians, bound before the King.”
#30
برو آفرین کرد خسرو بمهر
✦
که جاوید بادا بکامت سپهر
“Kay Khosrow blessed him with loving warmth, saying: 'May heaven ever turn according to thy desire!”
#31
خنک زال کش بگذرد روزگار
✦
بماند بگیتی ترا یادگار
“Blessed is Zal whose days pass with honor, leaving such a worthy memorial in the world as thee!”
#32
خجسته بر و بوم زابل که شیر
✦
همی پروراند گوان و دلیر
“Blessed is the soil and realm of Zabul, which ever fosters lions, heroes, and champions!”
#33
خنک شهر ایران و فرخ گوان
✦
که دارند چون تو یکی پهلوان
“Blessed is the realm of Iran and its noble warriors, to possess a knight such as thee!”
#34
وزین هر سه برتر سر و بخت من
✦
که چون تو پرستد همی تخت من
“And higher than all three is my head and fortune, that one like thee serves my royal throne!”
#35
به خورشید ماند همی کار تو
✦
بگیتی پراگنده کردار تو
“Thy deeds resemble the radiant sun, scattered across the entire world!'”
#36
بگیو آنگهی گفت شاه جهان
✦
که نیکست با کردگارت نهان
“Then the King of the World said unto Giv: 'Thy inner heart is right with thy Creator,”
#37
که بر دست رستم جهان‌آفرین
✦
بتو داد پیروز پور گزین
“For by the hand of Rostam, the Creator of the world hath restored thy victorious son to thee.'”
#38
گرفت آفرین گیو بر شهریار
✦
که شادان بدی تا بود روزگار
“Giv offered blessings unto the King, saying: 'Mayest thou be joyful as long as time endures!”
#39
سر رستمت جاودان سبز باد
✦
دل زال فرخ بدو باد شاد
“May Rostam's head remain forever green, and may the heart of blessed Zal be glad through him!'”
#40
بفرمود خسرو که بنهید خوان
✦
بزرگان برترمنش را بخوان
“Kay Khosrow commanded a grand banquet table to be spread, inviting the high-minded nobles.”
#41
چو از خوان سالار برخاستند
✦
نشستنگه می بیاراستند
“When they arose from the King's banquet, they prepared the feast of wine.”
#42
فروزندهٔ مجلس و میگسار
✦
نوازندهٔ چنگ با پیشکار
“The hall was illuminated with cupbearers, harp-players, and attendants in service.”
#43
همه بر سران افسران گران
✦
بزر اندرون پیکر از گوهران
“All wore heavy crowns upon their heads, studded with golden figures and radiant gems.”
#44
همه رخ چو دیبای رومی برنگ
✦
خروشان ز چنگ و پریزاده چنگ
“Their faces were fair as Greek silk, while fairy-born maidens struck melodies upon the harps.”
#45
طبقهای سیمین پر از مشک ناب
✦
بپیش اندرون آبگیری گلاب
“Silver platters were laden with pure musk, and vessels filled with rosewater were set before them.”
#46
همی تافت ازفر شاهنشهی
✦
چو ماه دو هفته ز سرو سهی
“Splendor shone from the royal majesty, like the full moon atop a graceful cypress tree.”
#47
همه پهلوانان خسروپرست
✦
برفتند زایوان سالار مست
“All the heroes devoted to the King departed from the ruler's hall, joyful and intoxicated.”
#48
بشبگیر چون رستم آمد بدر
✦
گشاده‌دل و تنگ بسته کمر
“At dawn, when Rostam came to the royal court, glad at heart and firmly girded for travel,”
#49
بدستوری بازگشتن بجای
✦
همی زد هشیوار با شاه رای
“He prudently sought the King's leave to take his counsel and return to his own land.”
#50
یکی دست جامه بفرمود شاه
✦
گهر بافته با قبا و کلاه
“The King commanded a suit of royal raiment, woven with gems, along with a cloak and crown.”
#51
یکی جام پر گوهر شاهوار
✦
صد اسب و صد اشتر بزین و ببار
“A goblet filled with royal gems, a hundred horses saddled, and a hundred camels laden with treasure,”
#52
دو پنجه پری‌روی بسته کمر
✦
دو پنجه پرستار با طوق زر
“Twice fifty fairy-faced maidens girded for service, and twice fifty attendants wearing golden collars,”
#53
همه پیش شاه جهان کدخدای
✦
بیاورد و کردند یک سر بپای
“The steward brought before the monarch of the world, and all stood in respectful line.”
#54
همه رستم زابلی را سپرد
✦
زمین را ببوسید و برخاست گرد
“He bestowed them all upon Rostam of Zabol, who kissed the ground and prepared to ride.”
#55
بسربر نهاد آن کلاه کیان
✦
ببست آن کیانی کمر برمیان
“He set the Kayanid crown upon his head and bound the Kayanid belt around his waist.”
#56
ابر شاه کرد آفرین و برفت
✦
ره سیستان را بسیچید تفت
“He praised the King, took his leave, and swiftly set out on the road to Sistan.”
#57
بزرگان که بودند با او بهم
✦
برزم و ببزم و بشادی و غم
“The nobles who had accompanied him through battle and feast, through sorrow and joy,”
#58
براندازه‌شان یک بیک هدیه داد
✦
از ایوان خسرو برفتند شاد
“Received gifts from him according to their rank, and left the King's hall with joyful hearts.”
#59
چو از کار کردن بپردخت شاه
✦
برامش بنشست بر پیشگاه
“When the King had finished all affairs of state, he sat in ease upon his throne.”
#60
بفرمود تا بیژن آمدش پیش
✦
سخن گفت زان رنج و تیمار خویش
“He summoned Bizhan into his presence, and the young hero recounted his suffering and sorrow.”
#61
ازان تنگ زندان و رنج زوار
✦
فراوان سخن گفت با شهریار
“He spoke at length to the King of that narrow dungeon and the torment of heavy chains.”
#62
وزان گردش روزگاران بد
✦
همه داستان پیش خسرو بزد
“And of the harsh turns of fate, he recounted the whole tale before Kay Khosrow.”
#63
بپیچید و بخشایش آورد سخت
✦
ز درد و غم دخت گم بوده بخت
“The King was deeply moved with pity for the grief and pain of the ill-fated princess Manizheh.”
#64
بفرمود صد جامه دیبای روم
✦
همه پیکرش گوهر و زر و بوم
“He ordered a hundred garments of Roman brocade, all woven with gold and studded with gems,”
#65
یکی تاج و ده بدره دینار نیز
✦
پرستنده و فرش و هرگونه چیز
“Along with a crown, ten bags of gold dinars, servants, fine carpets, and all manner of treasures.”
#66
به بیژن بفرمود کاین خواسته
✦
ببر سوی ترک روان‌کاسته
“He commanded Bizhan, "Take wealth and gifts to that weary-hearted Turanian maiden."”
#67
برنجش مفرسا و سردش مگوی
✦
نگر تا چه آوردی او را بروی
“"Trouble her not, nor address her with cold words; remember all she endured for your sake."”
#68
تو با او جهان را بشادی گذار
✦
نگه کن بدین گردش روزگار
“"Pass your life with her in joy, and ponder well the revolutions of fate."”
#69
یکی را برآرد بچرخ بلند
✦
ز تیمار و دردش کند بی‌گزند
“"It raises one to the high heavens, freeing them from sorrow and all pain,"”
#70
وزانجاش گردان برد سوی خاک
✦
همه جای بیمست و تیمار و باک
“"And from that height casts them down to the dust—for all the world is full of fear and peril."”
#71
هم آن را که پرورده باشد بناز
✦
بیفگند خیره بچاه نیاز
“"Even one whom it has nurtured in luxury, it may suddenly plunge into the pit of misery."”
#72
یکی را ز چاه آورد سوی گاه
✦
نهد بر سرش بر ز گوهر کلاه
“"While another it lifts from a deep pit unto a throne, placing a gem-studded crown upon his head."”
#73
جهان را ز کردار بد شرم نیست
✦
کسی را برش آب و آزرم نیست
“"The world feels no shame for its evil deeds, nor has it reverence or compassion for anyone."”
#74
همیشه بهر نیک و بد دسترس
✦
ولیکن نجوید خود آزرم کس
“"It touches all with good and ill alike, yet shows respect to no one."”
#75
چنینست کار سرای سپنج
✦
گهی ناز و نوش و گهی درد و رنج
“"Such is the nature of this transient world: at times delight and ease, at times sorrow and hardship."”
#76
ز بهر درم تا نباشی بدرد
✦
بی‌آزار بهتر دل رادمرد
“"Suffer not your heart to ache for mere coin; the heart of a noble man is best kept free of harm."”
#77
بدین کار بیژن سخن ساختم
✦
بپیران و گودرز پرداختم
“Thus I have completed the story of Bizhan, and now turn my tale to Piran and Goudarz.”