#1
دبیر خردمند را پیش خواند
✦
سخنهای بایسته با او براند
“He summoned the wise scribe before him and spoke the necessary words unto him.”
#2
چو آن نامه را زود پاسخ نوشت
✦
پدید آورید اندر او خوب و زشت
“As he swiftly wrote the reply to that letter, he set forth therein both the good and the ill.”
#3
نخست آفرین کرد بر کردگار
✦
کز او دید نیک و بد روزگار
“First he offered praise unto the Creator, from Whom he had seen both the good and evil of time.”
#4
دگر آفرین کرد بر پهلوان
✦
که جاوید بادی و روشن‌روان
“Next he offered praise unto the champion: 'May you live forever with an enlightened soul!'”
#5
خجسته سپهدار بسیار هوش
✦
همه رای و دانش همه جنگ و جوش
“'O auspicious commander of vast intellect, all wisdom, judgment, warcraft, and fervor!'”
#6
خداوند گوپال و تیغ بنفش
✦
فروزندهٔ کاویانی درفش
“'Lord of the heavy mace and the violet sword, illuminator of the Kavian banner!'”
#7
سپاس از جهاندار یزدان ما
✦
که پیروز بودند گردان ما
“'Thanks be to our Lord God, that our warriors were victorious.'”
#8
از اختر ترا روشنایی نمود
✦
ز دشمن برآورد ناگاه دود
“'The star showed you brilliance, and suddenly brought smoke out of the enemy.'”
#9
نخست آنک گفتی که مر گیو را
✦
بزرگان فرزانه و نیو را
“'First, what you said regarding sending Giv, with the wise and valiant elders,'”
#10
به نزدیک پیران فرستاده‌ام
✦
چه مایه ورا پندها داده‌ام
“'Unto Piran, and how much advice you bestowed upon him,'”
#11
نپذرفت از آن پس خود او پند من
✦
نجست اندر این کار پیوند من
“'Yet thereafter he accepted not my counsel, nor sought bond or peace in this affair.'”
#12
سپهبد یکی داستان زد بر این
✦
چو دستور پیشین برآورد کین
“The commander recited a tale on this, as when the minister of old sought vengeance:”
#13
که هر مهتری کو روان کاستست
✦
ز نیکی به بخت بد آراستست
“'That whichever leader whose spirit is diminished, is adorned with ill fortune instead of goodness.'”
#14
مرا زان سخن پیش بود آگهی
✦
که پیران دل از کین نخواهد تهی
“'I had prior knowledge of this matter, that Piran's heart would never be emptied of malice.'”
#15
ولیکن از آن خوب کردار او
✦
نجستم همی ژرف پیکار او
“'Yet because of his past good deeds, I did not seek a deep and bitter conflict with him.'”
#16
کنون آشکارا نمود این سپهر
✦
که پیران به توران گراید به مهر
“'Now this heavens hath made it manifest that Piran inclines with love toward Turan.'”
#17
کنون چون نبیند جز افراسیاب
✦
دلش را تو از مهر او برمتاب
“'Now since he beholds none but Afrasiab, turn not your heart away from his affection.'”
#18
گر او بر خرد برگزیند هوا
✦
به کوشش نروید ز خارا گیا
“'If he chooses desire over wisdom, no plant will grow from hard rock despite all effort.'”
#19
تو با دشمن ار خوب گویی رواست
✦
از آزادگان خوب گفتن سزاست
“'Though you speak kindly to an enemy, it is proper; for noble men ought to speak with grace.'”
#20
و دیگر ز پیکار جنگ‌آوران
✦
کجا یاد کردی به گرز گران
“'And secondly, regarding the battle of the warriors, whereof you made mention with the heavy mace,'”
#21
ز نیک‌اختر و گردش هور و ماه
✦
ز کوشش نمودن بر آن رزمگاه
“'Of favorable stars and the turning of sun and moon, and of demonstrating effort upon that battlefield,'”
#22
مرا این درست است کز کارکرد
✦
تو پیروز باشی به روز نبرد
“'It is certain to me that through your deeds, you shall be victorious on the day of battle.'”
#23
نبیره کجا چون تو دارد نیا
✦
به جنگ اندرون باشدش کیمیا
“'When a grandson has a grandsire like you, he finds an alchemy of power in battle.'”
#24
ز شیران چه زاید مگر نره شیر
✦
چنان چون بود نامدار و دلیر
“'What can be born of lions except a male lion, renowned and brave?'”
#25
به بیداد بر نیست این کار تو
✦
بسنده است یزدان نگهدار تو
“'This work of yours is not founded on injustice; God alone is your sufficient guardian.'”
#26
تو زور و دلیری ز یزدان شناس
✦
از او دار تا زنده باشی سپاس
“'Know that strength and courage come from God; render thanks unto Him as long as you live.'”
#27
سه دیگر که گفتی که افراسیاب
✦
سپه را همی بگذراند ز آب
“'Thirdly, where you said Afrasiab is ferrying his army across the waters,'”
#28
ز پیران فرستاده شد نزد اوی
✦
سپاهش به ایران نهادست روی
“'And that a messenger was sent to him by Piran, and his army is heading toward Iran,'”
#29
همان است یکسر که گفتی سخن
✦
کنون باز پاسخ فگندیم بن
“'All of what you said is true; now we have set down the answer to it.'”
#30
بدان ای پر اندیشه سالار من
✦
به هر کار شایستهٔ کار من
“'Know, O my thoughtful leader, worthy of my every cause,'”
#31
که او بر لب رود جیحون درنگ
✦
نه زان کرد کآید بر ما به جنگ
“'That his delay upon the bank of the Jayhun is not because he wishes to march to battle against us,'”
#32
که خاقان بر او لشکر آرد ز چین
✦
فراز آمدش از دو رویه کمین
“'For the Khagan brings an army against him from China, and a ambush from two sides hath beset him.'”
#33
و دیگر که از لشکران گران
✦
پراگنده بر گرد توران سران
“'And furthermore, from heavy armies, scattered chieftains surround Turan,'”
#34
بدو دشمن آمد ز هر سو پدید
✦
از آن بر لب رود جیحون کشید
“'Enemies appeared against him from every quarter; for that reason he pulled back to the bank of the Jayhun.'”
#35
به پنجم سخن که آگهی خواستی
✦
به مهر گوان دل بیاراستی
“'In the fifth point, where you sought tidings, and adorned your heart with love for the champions,'”
#36
چو لهراسب و چون اشکش تیزچنگ
✦
چو رستم سپهبد دمنده نهنگ
“'Concerning Lohrasp, Ashkash of swift claws, and commander Rostam, the roaring dragon,'”
#37
بدان ای سپهدار و آگاه باش
✦
به هر کار با بخت همراه باش
“'Know, O commander, and be aware, may good fortune accompany you in every affair:'”
#38
کزان سو که شد رستم شیرمرد
✦
ز کشمیر و کابل برآورد گرد
“'That from the side where Rostam the lion-hearted went, he raised dust from Kashmir and Kabul.'”
#39
وز آن سو که شد اشکش تیزهوش
✦
برآمد ز خوارزم یکسر خروش
“'And from that direction where swift-witted Ashkash went, a roar arose across all Khwarazm.'”
#40
به رزم اندرون شیده برگشت از اوی
✦
سوی شهر گرگان نهادست روی
“'In battle, Shideh turned back from him and set his face toward the city of Gorgan.'”
#41
وز آن سو که لهراسب شد با سپاه
✦
همه مهتران برگشادند راه
“'And from the side where Lohrasp went with the host, all chieftains opened up the road for him.'”
#42
الانان و غز گشت پرداخته
✦
شد آن پادشاهی همه ساخته
“'The land of Alans and the Ghuzz were cleared, and all that realm was subdued.'”
#43
گر افراسیاب اندر آید به راه
✦
ز جیحون بدین سو گذارد سپاه
“'If Afrasiab comes upon the road and passes his troops across the Jayhun unto this side,'”
#44
بگیرند گردان پس پشت اوی
✦
نماند به جز باد در مشت اوی
“'The champions shall seize his rear, and nothing but wind shall remain in his hand.'”
#45
تو بشناس کو شهر آباد خویش
✦
بر و بوم و فرخنده بنیاد خویش
“'Know this, that he will not surrender his prosperous realm, land, and auspicious foundation to the enemy through Piran's words.'”
#46
به گفتار پیران نماند بجای
✦
به دشمن سپارد نهد پیش پای
“Heed not the deceptive words of Piran; he will hand you over to the enemy and cast you down.”
#47
نجنباند او داستان را دو لب
✦
که ناید خبر زو به من روز و شب
“He will not move his lips to speak, without news of it reaching me day and night.”
#48
بدان روز هرگز مبادا درود
✦
که او بگذراند سپه را ز رود
“May that day never be blessed, wherein he leads his army across the river!”
#49
به ما برکند پیشدستی به جنگ
✦
نبیند کس این روز تاریک و تنگ
“If he takes the initiative against us in battle, no one shall see anything but a dark and narrow day.”
#50
بفرمایم اکنون که بر پیل کوس
✦
ببندد دمنده سپهدار طوس
“Now I shall command Commander Tus to strap the roaring war-drums upon the elephants.”
#51
دهستان و گرگان و آن بوم و بر
✦
بگیرد برآرد به خورشید سر
“He shall seize Dehestan and Gorgan, raising his head to the very sun.”
#52
من اندر پی طوس با پیل و گاه
✦
به یاری بیایم به پشت سپاه
“And I, close behind Tus with elephants and throne, shall come to reinforce the rear of the host.”
#53
تو از جنگ پیران مبرتاب روی
✦
سپه را بیارای و زو کینه‌جوی
“Turn not your face from battling Piran; array the army and seek vengeance upon him.”
#54
چو هومان و نستیهن از پشت اوی
✦
جدا ماند شد باد در مشت اوی
“Once Houman and Nastihan are severed from his support, his hands shall hold nothing but empty wind.”
#55
گر از نامداران ایران نبرد
✦
بخواهد بفرما وز آن برمگرد
“Should he challenge Iran's renowned champions to single combat, grant his request and do not shrink back.”
#56
چو پیران نبرد تو جوید دلیر
✦
مکن بددلی پیش او شو چو شیر
“When Piran boldly seeks to fight you, show no weakness; face him like a roaring lion.”
#57
به پیکار مندیش ز افراسیاب
✦
به جای آر دل روی از او برمتاب
“Fear not fighting Afrasiab; resolve your heart and turn not your face from him.”
#58
چو آید به جنگ اندرون جنگجوی
✦
نباید که برتابی از جنگ روی
“When a warrior enters the battle, he must never turn his back on the fight.”
#59
بر ایشان تو پیروز باشی بجنگ
✦
نگر دل نداری بدین کار تنگ
“You shall emerge victorious over them in battle; take care not to harbor a troubled heart in this cause.”
#60
چنین دارم اومید از کردگار
✦
که پیروز باشی تو در کارزار
“Such is my hope from the Creator, that you will be victorious in the field of battle.”
#61
همیدون گمانم که چون من ز راه
✦
به پشت سپاه اندر آرم سپاه
“Likewise, I anticipate that when I arrive from the road, bringing troops behind your army,”
#62
بر ایشان شما رانده باشید کام
✦
به خورشید تابان برآورده نام
“You will have fulfilled your desire against them, raising your renown to the shining sun.”
#63
ز کاوس وز طوس نزد سپاه
✦
درود فراوان فرستاد شاه
“The King sent abundant greetings to the army on behalf of Kavus and Tus.”
#64
بر آن نامه بنهاد خسرو نگین
✦
فرستاده را داد و کرد آفرین
“Khosrow affixed his royal seal upon the letter, gave it to the messenger, and bestowed blessings upon him.”
#65
چو از پیش خسرو برون شد هجیر
✦
سپهبد همی رای زد با وزیر
“When Hojir departed from Khosrow's presence, the Commander began counseling with his minister.”
#66
ز بس مهربانی که بد بر سپاه
✦
سراسر همه رزم بد رای شاه
“Out of the deep affection he held for his army, the King's whole counsel was turned toward war.”
#67
همی گفت اگر لشکر افراسیاب
✦
بجنباند از جای و بگذارد آب
“He kept saying: 'If Afrasiab's army moves from its position and crosses the waters,”
#68
سپاه مرا بگسلاند ز جای
✦
مرا رفت باید همینست رای
“And forces my army to give ground, then I must march in person; this is my resolve.'”
#69
همانگه شه نوذران را بخواند
✦
بفرمود تا تیز لشکر براند
“At once he summoned the prince of Naudar's line and commanded him to march the army swiftly.”
#70
به سوی دهستان سپه برکشید
✦
همه دشت خوارزم لشکر کشید
“He drew his troops toward Dehestan and spread his army across the whole plain of Khwarazm.”
#71
نگهبان لشکر بود روز جنگ
✦
به جنگ اندر آید به سان پلنگ
“He was the guardian of the army on the day of battle, striking into combat like a fierce leopard.”
#72
تبیره برآمد ز درگاه طوس
✦
خروشیدن نای رویین و کوس
“Drums resounded from the court of Tus, along with the clamor of brass pipes and war-drums.”
#73
سپاه و سپهبد برفتن گرفت
✦
زمین سم اسبان نهفتن گرفت
“The army and its commander began to march; the hooves of horses completely hid the earth.”
#74
تو گفتی که خورشید تابان به جای
✦
بماند از نهیب سواران به پای
“You would have said the radiant sun stood still in terror of the mounted warriors.”
#75
دو هفته همی رفت ز آن سان سپاه
✦
بشد روشنایی ز خورشید و ماه
“For two weeks the army marched in such fashion, until the brightness vanished from sun and moon.”
#76
پراگنده بر گرد کشور خبر
✦
ز جنبیدن شاه پیروزگر
“Word spread throughout the realm of the victorious King's advance.”
#77
چو طوس از در شاه ایران برفت
✦
سبک شاه رفتن بسیچید تفت
“When Tus departed from the King of Iran's court, the King swiftly prepared his own departure.”
#78
ابا ده هزار از گزیده سران
✦
همه نامداران و کنداوران
“With ten thousand chosen chieftains, all renowned heroes and valiant warriors,”
#79
به نزدیک گودرز بنهاد روی
✦
ابا نامداران پرخاشجوی
“He set forth toward Goudarz, accompanied by battle-seeking nobles,”
#80
ابا پیل و با کوس و با فرهی
✦
ابا تخت و با تاج شاهنشهی
“With war-elephants, drums, royal splendor, and the throne and crown of empire.”
#81
هجیر آمد از پیش خسرو دمان
✦
گرازان و خندان و دل شادمان
“Hajir returned swiftly from King Khosrow's presence, proud in posture, smiling, and full of joyful cheer.”
#82
ابا خلعت و خوبی و خرمی
✦
تو گفتی همی برنوردد زمی
“Adorned with royal robes of honor, beauty, and delight, one would say he barely touched the earth as he sped along.”
#83
چو آمد به نزدیک پرده‌سرای
✦
برآمد خروشیدن کرنای
“As he approached the grand royal pavilion, the loud roar of clarions echoed through the camp.”
#84
پذیره شدندش سران سر به سر
✦
زمین پر ز آهن هوا پر ز زر
“The chieftains all went forth together to welcome him; the ground glittered with iron armor and the air shimmered like gold.”
#85
چو خیزد به چرخ اندرون داوری
✦
ز ماه و ز ناهید وز مشتری
“As though a splendorous commotion had arisen in the heavens among the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter,”
#86
بیاراست لشکر چو چشم خروس
✦
ابا زنگ زرین و پیلان و کوس
“The host was arrayed like the radiant eye of a rooster, complete with golden bells, war elephants, and kettle-drums.”
#87
چو آمد بر نامور پهلوان
✦
بگفت آنچ دید از شه خسروان
“When he reached the illustrious paladin, he recounted all he had seen of the King of Kings.”
#88
نوازیدن شاه و پیوند اوی
✦
همی گفت از رادی و پند اوی
“He spoke of the sovereign’s gracious favor, his kinship, his bountiful generous spirit, and his wise counsel.”
#89
که چون بر سپه گستریده است مهر
✦
چگونه ز پیغام بگشاد چهر
“He told how the king had showered affection upon the army, and how joyously his countenance brightened upon reading the letter.”
#90
پس آن نامهٔ شهریار جهان
✦
به گودرز داد و درود مهان
“Then he delivered the epistle of the world's monarch to Goudarz, along with greetings from the great nobles.”
#91
نوازیدن شاه بشنید ازوی
✦
بمالید بر نامه بر چشم و روی
“When Goudarz heard of the King’s loving kindness, he pressed the letter reverently to his eyes and face.”
#92
چو بگشاد مهرش به خواننده داد
✦
سخنها بر او کرد خواننده یاد
“When he broke the seal, he handed it to the scribe, who recited its message aloud before him.”
#93
سپهدار بر شاه کرد آفرین
✦
به فرمان ببوسید روی زمین
“The army commander offered praise upon the King, and obediently kissed the ground in submission.”
#94
ببود آن شب و رای زد با پسر
✦
به شبگیر بنشست و بگشاد در
“He spent that night taking counsel with his son; at dawn he sat in state and threw open his doors.”
#95
همه نامداران لشگر پگاه
✦
برفتند بر سر نهاده کلاه
“At early dawn, all the renowned warriors of the host arrived, helmets placed upon their heads.”
#96
پس آن نامهٔ شاه، فرخ هجیر
✦
بیاورد و بنهاد پیش دبیر
“Then auspicious Hajir brought forth the monarch's letter and laid it before the scribe.”
#97
دبیر آن زمان پند و فرمان شاه
✦
ز نامه همی خواند پیش سپاه
“The scribe then read aloud the king’s advice and royal command from the letter to all the troops.”
#98
سپهدار روزی‌دهان را بخواند
✦
بدیوان دینار دادن نشاند
“The general summoned the paymasters and set them to work in the treasury to distribute gold.”
#99
ز اسبان گله هرچ بودش به کوه
✦
به لشکرگه آورد یکسر گروه
“Whatever herds of horses he possessed upon the mountains, he brought them all down to the camp.”
#100
در گنج دینار و تیغ و کمر
✦
همان مایه‌ور جوشن و خود زر
“He unlocked the treasure stores of gold coins, swords, and girdles, along with valuable chainmail and golden helmets.”
#101
به روزی‌دهان داد یکسر کلید
✦
چو آمد گه نام جستن پدید
“He gave all the keys to the paymasters, now that the hour for seeking renown had clearly arrived.”
#102
برافشاند بر لشکر آن خواسته
✦
سوار و پیاده شد آراسته
“He distributed that wealth abundantly among the army, until both horsemen and foot-soldiers were fully equipped.”
#103
یکی لشکری گشن بر سان کوه
✦
زمین از پی بادپایان ستوه
“A vast and mighty army assembled, massive as a mountain, making the earth groan beneath the hooves of swift steeds.”
#104
دل شیر غران از ایشان به بیم
✦
همه غرقه در آهن و زر و سیم
“Even the heart of a roaring lion would quail at their sight, as all were clad in iron, gold, and silver.”
#105
بفرمودشان جنگ را ساختن
✦
دل و گوش دادن به کین آختن
“He commanded them to prepare for battle, to set their hearts and ears intently upon taking vengeance.”
#106
برفتند پیش سپهبد گروه
✦
بر انبوه لشکر به کردار کوه
“They marched before the general in formation, an immense host moving like a towering mountain.”
#107
بر ایشان نگه کرد سالار مرد
✦
زمین تیره دید آسمان لاژورد
“The brave commander looked upon them; he saw the earth darkened with dust and the sky turned lazuli.”
#108
چنین گفت کز گاه رزم پشین
✦
نیاراست کس رزمگاهی چنین
“He spoke thus: "Since the ancient days of Pashin, no ruler has ever arrayed such a battlefield!”
#109
به اسب و سلیح و به سیم و به زر
✦
به پیلان جنگی و شیران نر
“"With such magnificent horses, armor, silver, and gold, with fierce war-elephants and valiant lions!"”
#110
اگر یار باشد جهان‌آفرین
✦
نپیچیم از ایدر عنان تا به چین
“"If the Creator of the World is our aid, we shall not turn our reins back until we reach China!"”
#111
چو بنشست فرزانگان را بخواند
✦
ابا نامداران به رامش نشاند
“When he sat down, he called for sages and seated himself in feast with his illustrious lords.”
#112
همی خورد شادی‌کنان دل به جای
✦
همی با یلان جنگ را کرد رای
“In joyous cheer they raised their goblets, while taking counsel with the heroes regarding the impending war.”
#113
به پیران رسید آگهی ز این سخن
✦
که سالار ایران چه افگند بن
“Word reached Piran of these doings—what massive foundation the general of Iran had laid.”
#114
از آن آگهی شد دلش پرنهیب
✦
سوی چاره برگشت و بند و فریب
“At that news, his heart filled with dread, and he turned his mind toward stratagems, traps, and deception.”
#115
ز دستور فرخنده رای آنگهی
✦
بجست اندر آن کینه جستن رهی
“He then sought counsel from his auspicious vizier to find a way forward in this bitter blood-feud.”