#1
چو شد کار پیران ویسه به سر
✦
به جنگ دگر شاه پیروزگر
“When the fate of Piran son of Vaysah was sealed, the victorious King prepared for yet another war.”
#2
بیاراست از هر سوی مهتران
✦
برفتند با لشکری بی‌کران
“He marshaled the chieftains from every side, and they set forth accompanied by a limitless host.”
#3
برآمد خروشیدن کرنای
✦
به هامون کشیدند پرده‌سرای
“The roar of war-trumpets resounded on high, and upon the plain they pitched the royal pavilion.”
#4
به شهر اندرون جای خفتن نماند
✦
به دشت اندرون راه رفتن نماند
“Within the city, no room remained to sleep, nor was there space left to tread upon the plain.”
#5
یکی تخت پیروزه بر پشت پیل
✦
نهادند و شد روی گیتی چو نیل
“They placed a turquoise throne upon an elephant's back, and the earth's expanse grew dark as the Nile.”
#6
نشست از بر تخت با تاج شاه
✦
خروش آمد از دشت وز بارگاه
“Wearing his royal crown, he ascended the throne, and a clamorous shout arose from both plain and court.”
#7
چو بر پشت پیل آن شه نامور
✦
زدی مهره در جام و بستی کمر
“When that renowned King, atop the elephant, dropped the brass token in the goblet and girt his waist,”
#8
نبودی به هر پادشاهی روا
✦
نشستن مگر بر در پادشا
“It was not permitted for any minor king to sit, save at the threshold of the Supreme Sovereign.”
#9
از آن نامور خسرو سرکشان
✦
چنین بود در پادشاهی نشان
“Such was the emblem and majesty of kingship under that illustrious monarch of proud rulers.”
#10
به مرزی که لشکر فرستاده بود
✦
بسی پند و اندرزها داده بود
“To every march land where he had dispatched an army, he had delivered abundant advice and counsel.”
#11
چو لهراسب و چون اشکش تیز چنگ
✦
که از ژرف دریا ربودی نهنگ
“Commanders like Lohrasp and sharp-clawed Ashkash, who could snatch a crocodile from the deep sea—”
#12
دگر نامور رستم پهلوان
✦
پسندیده و راد و روشن روان
“And the famed Rostam, the champion—noble, generous, and bright of soul—”
#13
بفرمودشان بازگشتن به در
✦
هر آن کس که بد گرد و پرخاشخر
“He commanded them all to return to the royal court, every hero and fierce warrior among them.”
#14
در گنج بگشاد و روزی بداد
✦
بسی از روان پدر کرد یاد
“He opened wide the treasury, bestowed rewards, and commemorated his father's soul with reverence.”
#15
سه تن را گزین کرد زان انجمن
✦
سخن گوی و روشن دل و تیغ زن
“From that assembly he chose three preeminent men—eloquent, enlightened of heart, and formidable with the sword:”
#16
چو رستم که بد پهلوان بزرگ
✦
چو گودرز بینادل آن پیر گرگ
“Namely Rostam, who was the great Paladin, and Gudarz the clear-sighted, that wise old wolf,”
#17
دگر پهلوان طوس زرینه کفش
✦
کجا بود با کاویانی درفش
“And the hero Tus of the golden shoes, who bore the sacred Kavian Banner.”
#18
به هر نامداری و خودکامه‌ای
✦
نبشتند بر پهلوی نامه‌ای
“To every noble chieftain and sovereign prince, they dispatched royal letters written in Pahlavi.”
#19
فرستادگان خواست از انجمن
✦
زبان آور و بخرد و رای زن
“He selected envoys from the gathered host—eloquent, wise, and astute counselors—”
#20
که پیروز کیخسرو از پشت پیل
✦
بزد مهره و گشت گیتی چو نیل
“To convey: 'The victorious Kay Khosrow, from the elephant's back, has struck the token, turning the world dark as the Nile.”
#21
مه آرام بادا شما را مه خواب
✦
مگر ساختن رزم افراسیاب
“May neither rest nor sleep be yours, save in preparing for war against Afrasiab!'”
#22
چو آن نامه برخواند هر مهتری
✦
کجا بود در پادشاهی سری
“When that letter was read by every chieftain who held authority in the realm,”
#23
ز گردان گیتی برآمد خروش
✦
زمین همچو دریا برآمد به جوش
“A roar arose from the warriors of the earth, and the ground surged like a boiling sea.”
#24
بزرگان هر کشوری با سپاه
✦
نهادند سر سوی درگاه شاه
“The magnates of every province, leading their hosts, set out towards the King's royal court.”
#25
چو شد ساخته جنگ را لشکری
✦
ز هر نامداری به هر کشوری
“When an army equipped for battle was assembled from every noble of every domain,”
#26
از آن پس بگردید گرد سپاه
✦
بیاراست بر هر سوی رزمگاه
“Thereafter, the King inspected the army and arranged the battlegrounds on every side.”
#27
گزین کرد زان لشکر نامدار
✦
سواران شمشیر زن سی هزار
“From that illustrious force he chose thirty thousand sword-wielding horsemen,”
#28
که باشند با او به قلب اندرون
✦
همه جنگ را دست شسته به خون
“To remain with him at the army's heart—all veterans who had washed their hands in blood for combat.”
#29
به یک دست مر طوس را کرد جای
✦
منوشان خوزان فرخنده رای
“On one flank he placed Tus, alongside auspicious Manushān of Khuzestan,”
#30
که بر کشور خوزیان بود شاه
✦
بسی نامداران زرین کلاه
“Who reigned over the land of Khuzestan, accompanied by many golden-helmeted lords.”
#31
دو تن نیز بودند هم رزم سوز
✦
چو گوران شه آن گرد لشگر فروز
“Two other battle-seasoned warriors stood there too, such as Gurān-Shāh, that host-animating hero,”
#32
وز او نیوتر آرش رزم زن
✦
به هر کار پیروز و لشکرشکن
“And even more valiant than he, Ārash the combatant—victorious in every deed and breaker of ranks.”
#33
یکی آنک بر کشوری شاه بود
✦
گه رزم با بخت همراه بود
“One was he who ruled as king over a country, whose fortune sided with him in battle,”
#34
دگر شاه کرمان که هنگام جنگ
✦
نکردی به دل یاد رای درنگ
“The other was the King of Kerman, who in the hour of war never entertained hesitation in his heart.”
#35
چو صیاع فرزانه شاه یمن
✦
دگر شیر دل ایرج پیل تن
“Along with Seyā' the wise, King of Yemen, and lion-hearted Iraj of elephantine strength.”
#36
که بر شهر کابل بد او پادشا
✦
جهاندار و بیدار و فرمان روا
“Who was the king over the city of Kabul, a world-holder, vigilant, and supreme ruler.”
#37
هر آنکس که از تخمهٔ کیقباد
✦
بزرگان بادانش و بانژاد
“Every noble of knowledge and high lineage who was descended from Kay Qobad,”
#38
چو شماخ سوری شه سوریان
✦
کجا رزم را بود بسته میان
“Like Shammakh of Sur, king of the Surians, who had girded his loins for battle;”
#39
فروتر از او گیوهٔ رزم زن
✦
به هر کار پیروز و لشکر شکن
“Below him stood Giv-eh the warrior, victorious in every deed and a breaker of hosts;”
#40
که بر شهر داور بد او پادشا
✦
جهانگیر و فرزانه و پارسا
“Who was the sovereign over the city of Dawar, a conqueror of the world, wise, and devout;”
#41
به دست چپ خویش بر پای کرد
✦
دلفروز را لشکر آرای کرد
“On his left hand he arrayed them, appointing Dolfaruz as the marshal of the host.”
#42
بزرگان که از تخم پورست تیغ
✦
زدندی شب تیره بر باد میغ
“The chieftains born of Purast-Tigh, who would strike the wind and clouds even in the dark of night;”
#43
هر آنکس که بود او ز تخم زرسب
✦
پرستندهٔ فرخ آذر گشسب
“And whosoever was of the lineage of Zarasb, a worshipper of the auspicious Azar Goshasp;”
#44
دگر بیژن گیو و رهام گرد
✦
کجا شاهشان از بزرگان شمرد
“Likewise Bizhan son of Giv, and Rahham the hero, whom the King counted among his highest nobles;”
#45
چو گرگین میلاد و گردان ری
✦
برفتند یکسر به فرمان کی
“Such as Gurgin son of Milad, and the warriors of Ray, all marched in obedience to Kay Khosrow's command;”
#46
پس پشت او را نگه داشتند
✦
همه نیزه از ابر بگذاشتند
“They guarded his rear, raising their spears so high they pierced the clouds.”
#47
به رستم سپرد آن زمان میمنه
✦
که بود او سپاهی شکن یک تنه
“At that moment he entrusted the right wing to Rostam, who alone was a breaker of whole armies;”
#48
هر آنکس که از زابلستان بدند
✦
وگر کهتر و خویش دستان بدند
“Whosoever hailed from Zabolistan, whether of low degree or kin to Dastan;”
#49
بدیشان سپرد آن زمان دست راست
✦
همی نام و آرایش جنگ خواست
“To them he committed the right flank, seeking glory and order in battle.”
#50
سپاهی گزین کرد بر میسره
✦
چو خورشید تابان ز برج بره
“He chose an elite host for the left wing, bright as the radiant sun in the constellation of Aries.”
#51
سپهدار گودرز کشواد بود
✦
هجیر و چو شیدوش و فرهاد بود
“Gudarz, son of Kashvad, was the commander, along with Hajir, Shidush, and Farhad;”
#52
بزرگان که از بردع و اردبیل
✦
به پیش جهاندار بودند خیل
“The nobles who came from Barda' and Ardabil, assembled in cohorts before the King of the World;”
#53
سپهدار گودرز را خواستند
✦
چپ لشکرش را بیاراستند
“They summoned Commander Gudarz, and with them adorned the left flank of his army.”
#54
بفرمود تا پیش قلب سپاه
✦
به پیلان جنگی ببستند راه
“He ordered that before the center of the host, the way be blocked with war-elephants;”
#55
نهادند صندوق بر پشت پیل
✦
زمین شد به کردار دریای نیل
“They placed war-towers upon the elephants' backs; the earth turned like the River Nile.”
#56
هزار از دلیران روز نبرد
✦
به صندوق بر ناوک انداز کرد
“A thousand warriors, battle-tested and brave, were stationed in the towers to shoot heavy arrows;”
#57
نگهبان هر پیل سیصد سوار
✦
همه جنگ‌جوی و همه نیزه‌دار
“Three hundred horsemen guarded each elephant, all eager for battle and armed with spears;”
#58
ز بغداد گردان جنگاوران
✦
که بودند با زنگهٔ شاوران
“Warriors from Baghdad, valiant in combat, who stood alongside Zangah, son of Shavaran;”
#59
سپاهی گزیده ز گردان بلخ
✦
بفرمود تا با کمانهای چرخ
“An elite corps from the heroes of Balkh he ordered to take up heavy crossbows;”
#60
پیاده ببودند بر پیش پیل
✦
که گر کوه پیش آمدی بر دو میل
“They stood on foot ahead of the elephants, men so mighty that had a mountain barred their path for two leagues,”
#61
دل سنگ بگذاشتندی به تیر
✦
نبودی کس آن زخم را دستگیر
“They would pierce the heart of the rock with their arrows, and none could withstand their strikes;”
#62
پیاده پس پیل کرده به پای
✦
ابا نه رشی نیزهٔ سرگرای
“Foot-soldiers were marshaled behind the elephants, holding spears nine cubits long with heavy heads;”
#63
سپرهای گیلی به پیش اندرون
✦
همی از جگرشان بجوشید خون
“With Gili shields held in front, their hearts boiling with fiery blood;”
#64
پیاده صفی از پس نیزه‌دار
✦
سپردار با تیر جوشن‌گذار
“A line of infantry stood behind the spearmen, shield-bearers armed with armor-piercing arrows;”
#65
پس پشت ایشان سواران جنگ
✦
برآگنده ترکش ز تیر خدنگ
“Behind them came the mounted warriors, their quivers filled with arrows of poplar wood;”
#66
ز خاور سپاهی گزین کرد شاه
✦
سپردار با درع و رومی کلاه
“From the East the King chose an elite host, bearing shields, coats of mail, and Roman helmets;”
#67
ز گردان گردنکشان سی هزار
✦
فریبرز را داد جنگی سوار
“Thirty thousand proud and valiant horsemen he placed under the command of Fariborz;”
#68
ابا شاه شهر دهستان تخوار
✦
که جنگ بداندیش بودیش خوار
“Along with Takhor, the ruler of Dehestan, who held battle against enemies as a light matter;”
#69
ز بغداد و گردن فرازان کرخ
✦
بفرمود تا با کمانهای چرخ
“He commanded the nobles of Baghdad and Karkh, equipped with heavy crossbows,”
#70
به پیش اندرون تیرباران کنند
✦
هوا را چو ابر بهاران کنند
“To pour down a rain of arrows in front, making the air like a spring cloud.”
#71
به دست فریبرز نستوه بود
✦
که نزدیک او لشکر انبوه بود
“Nastuh stood at the side of Fariburz, and near him was assembled a dense and mighty host.”
#72
بزرگان رزم آزموده سران
✦
ز دشت سواران نیزه وران
“There were battle-tested chieftains and leaders from the plain of spear-wielding horsemen.”
#73
سر مایه و پیشروشان زهیر
✦
که آهو ربودی ز چنگال شیر
“Their leader and vanguard was Zohayr, a hero who could snatch a gazelle from the very claws of a lion.”
#74
بفرمود تا نزد نستوه شد
✦
چپ لشکر شاه چون کوه شد
“He commanded him to join Nastuh, so that the left flank of the king's army stood firm like a mountain.”
#75
سپاهی بد از روم و بربرستان
✦
گوی پیشرو نام لشکرستان
“There was also a host from Rome and Barbaristan, led by a renowned warrior named Lashkarstan.”
#76
سوار و پیاده بدی سی هزار
✦
برفتند با ساقهٔ شهریار
“Thirty thousand horsemen and foot-soldiers marched along with the monarch's rearguard.”
#77
دگر لشکری کز خراسان بدند
✦
جهانجوی و مردم شناسان بدند
“Another army came from Khorasan—world-conquering heroes and shrewd judges of men.”
#78
منوچهر آرش نگهدارشان
✦
گه نام جستن سپهدارشان
“Manuchehr-e Arash was their guardian and their commander in the hour of seeking glory.”
#79
دگر نامداری گروخان نژاد
✦
جهاندار وز تخمهٔ کیقباد
“Another famous chieftain was of Gorukhan's lineage, a ruler descended from Kay Qobad.”
#80
کجا نام آن شاه پیروز بود
✦
سپهبد دل و لشکر افروز بود
“Whose victorious kingly name was Piruz, a brave-hearted general who inspired the troops.”
#81
شه غرچگان بود بر سان شیر
✦
کجا ژنده پیل آوریدی به زیر
“He was the King of Gharchgan, fierce as a lion, capable of felling even a huge war-elephant.”
#82
به دست منوچهرشان جای کرد
✦
سر تخمه را لشکر آرای کرد
“The King placed them under Manuchehr's command, tasking that noble leader with arranging the army.”
#83
بزرگان که از کوه قاف آمدند
✦
ابا نیزه و تیغ لاف آمدند
“The nobles who came from Mount Qaf arrived proudly bearing spears and swords.”
#84
سپاهی ز تخم فریدون و جم
✦
پر از خون دل از تخمهٔ زادشم
“An army descended from Fereydun and Jam, their hearts aching with vengeance against the line of Zadsham.”
#85
از این دست شمشیرزن سی هزار
✦
جهاندار وز تخمهٔ شهریار
“Thirty thousand sword-wielders of this lineage stood ready, all world-ruling princes of noble birth.”
#86
سپرد این سپه گیو گودرز را
✦
بدو تازه شد دل همه مرز را
“He entrusted this army to Giv, son of Goudarz, by whose presence the spirits of the whole realm were revived.”
#87
به یاری به پشت سپهدار گیو
✦
برفتند گردان بیدار و نیو
“To aid and reinforce Commander Giv, vigilant and valiant heroes stepped forward.”
#88
فرستاد بر میمنه ده هزار
✦
دلاور سواران خنجر گزار
“He dispatched ten thousand courageous, dagger-wielding horsemen to the right wing.”
#89
سپه ده هزار از دلیران گرد
✦
پس پشت گودرز کشواد برد
“He brought ten thousand brave warriors to support Goudarz, son of Kashvad.”
#90
دمادم بشد برتهٔ تیغ زن
✦
ابا کوهیار اندر آن انجمن
“Following immediately came Bartah the sword-striker, along with Kuhyar, into that gathering.”
#91
به مردی شود جنگ را یار گیو
✦
سپاهی سرافراز و گردان نیو
“They joined Giv in battle with manly courage—a proud army led by brave champions.”
#92
زواره بد این جنگ را پیشرو
✦
سپاهی همه جنگ سازان نو
“Zovareh was the vanguard of this force, leading a host of newly equipped warriors.”
#93
به پیش اندرون قارن رزم زن
✦
سر نامداران آن انجمن
“In the front line marched Qaren the warrior, chief of all the nobles in that assembly.”
#94
بدان تا میان دو رویه سپاه
✦
بود گرد اسب افگن و رزمخواه
“So that between the two facing armies stood horse-unseating, battle-seeking champions.”
#95
از آن پس به گستهم گژدهم گفت
✦
که با قارن رزم زن باش جفت
“Then he instructed Gostahm, son of Gazhdaham, to pair up with Qaren the warrior.”
#96
بفرمود تا اندمان پور طوس
✦
بگردد به هر جای با پیل و کوس
“He ordered Andaman, son of Tus, to patrol everywhere with war-elephants and drums.”
#97
بدان تا ببندد ز بیداد دست
✦
کسی را کجا نیست یزدان پرست
“To restrain the hands of injustice of anyone who does not worship God.”
#98
نباشد کس از خوردنی بی‌نوا
✦
ستم نیز بر کس ندارد روا
“Ensuring that no one remains without food, nor is oppression permitted against anyone.”
#99
جهان پر ز گردون بد و گاومیش
✦
ز بهر خورش را همی راند پیش
“The land was filled with supply-carts and oxen, driven forward to provide provisions for the host.”
#100
بخواهد همی هرچ باید ز شاه
✦
به هر کار باشد زبان سپاه
“He requested whatever the army needed from the king, serving as the voice of the troops in all matters.”
#101
بهر سو طلایه پدیدار کرد
✦
سر خفته از خواب بیدار کرد
“He stationed advance scouts in every direction, awakening the unaware from slumber.”
#102
به هر سو برفتند کارآگهان
✦
همی جست بیدار کار جهان
“Scouts set out in all directions, as the vigilant ruler inquired into all affairs of the world.”
#103
کجا کوه بد دیده‌بان داشتی
✦
سپه را پراگنده نگذاشتی
“Wherever there was a mountain, he posted a lookout, keeping the army tightly organized.”
#104
همه کوه و غار و بیابان و دشت
✦
به هر سو همی گرد لشکر بگشت
“Across mountain, cave, wilderness, and plain, army patrols ranged everywhere.”
#105
عنانها یک اندر دگر ساخته
✦
همه جنگ را گردن افراخته
“With reins linked together in readiness, they stood with heads held high, eager for battle.”
#106
از ایشان کسی را نبد بیم و رنج
✦
همی راند با خویشتن شاه گنج
“None among the host knew hardship or dread, / For the King marched onward with royal treasure spread.”
#107
بر این گونه چون شاه لشکر بساخت
✦
به گردون کلاه کیی برفراخت
“When thus the sovereign marshaled his vast host, / To high heaven he raised the Kayanid crest.”
#108
دل مرد بدساز با نیک خوی
✦
جز از جنگ جستن نکرد آرزوی
“The hearts of both the fierce and the noble-souled / Craved for naught but battle, fearless and bold.”