#1
سپهدار توران از آن سوی جاج
✦
نشسته به آرام بر تخت عاج
“The commander of Turan sat beyond Jaj, resting at ease upon an ivory throne.”
#2
دوباره ز لشکر هزاران هزار
✦
سپه بود با آلت کارزار
“Once more, thousands upon thousands of soldiers gathered, fully equipped with weapons of war.”
#3
نشسته همه خلخ و سرکشان
✦
همی سرفرازان و گردنکشان
“All the chieftains of Khallakh and proud warlords sat assembled, elevated and defiant.”
#4
به مرز کروشان زمین هرچ بود
✦
ز برگ درخت و ز کشت و درود
“Whatever existed in the land of Korushan—leaves upon trees, crops, and harvests—”
#5
بخوردند یکسر همه بار و برگ
✦
جهان را همی آرزو کرد مرگ
“They consumed all fruit and foliage entirely, until the world itself longed for death.”
#6
سپهدار ترکان به بیکند بود
✦
بسی گرد او خویش و پیوند بود
“The commander of the Turks resided in Beykand, surrounded by many of his kin and clan.”
#7
همه نامداران ماچین و چین
✦
نشسته به مرز کروشان زمین
“All the renowned nobles of Machin and Chin sat stationed across the realm of Korushan.”
#8
جهان پر ز خرگاه و پرده سرای
✦
ز خیمه نبد نیز بر دشت جای
“The world was filled with pavilions and royal tents; no space remained empty on the plain.”
#9
جهانجوی پر دانش افراسیاب
✦
نشسته به کندز به خورد و به خواب
“Afrasiab, the ambitious and wise seeker of the world, sat in Kunduz at his feast and rest.”
#10
نشست اندر آن مرز زان کرده بود
✦
که کندز فریدون برآورده بود
“He had established his seat in that borderland because Fereydun of old had founded Kunduz.”
#11
برآورده در کندز آتشکده
✦
همه زند و استا به زر آژده
“In Kunduz he had erected a sacred fire-temple, gilding the texts of Zand and Avesta with gold.”
#12
ورا نام کندز بدی پهلوی
✦
اگر پهلوانی سخن بشنوی
“Its ancient name was Kunduz in the Pahlavi tongue, if you listen to the speech of the ancient heroic times.”
#13
کنون نام کندز به بیکند گشت
✦
زمانه پر از بند و ترفند گشت
“Now the name of Kunduz has turned to Beykand, as time became filled with stratagems and change.”
#14
نبیره فریدون بد افراسیاب
✦
ز کندز به رفتن نکردی شتاب
“Afrasiab was the descendant of Fereydun, and he made no haste to depart from Kunduz.”
#15
خود و ویژگانش نشسته به دشت
✦
سپهر از سپاهش همی خیره گشت
“He and his close confidants sat upon the plain, while the heavens stared amazed at his host.”
#16
ز دیبای چینی سراپرده بود
✦
فراوان به پرده درون برده بود
“His royal pavilion was forged of Chinese silk, housing many inner chambers within its draperies.”
#17
به پرده درون خیمه‌های پلنگ
✦
بر آیین سالار ترکان پشنگ
“Inside the enclosure stood leopard-skin tents, crafted after the tradition of Pashang, warlord of the Turks.”
#18
نهاده به خیمه درون تخت زر
✦
همه پیکر تخت یکسر گهر
“Within the tent was set a throne of gold, its entire frame studded with radiant jewels.”
#19
نشسته بر او شاه توران سپاه
✦
به چنگ اندرون گرز و بر سر کلاه
“Upon it sat the king of the Turanian army, holding a mace in his grip and a crown upon his head.”
#20
ز بیرون دهلیز پرده‌سرای
✦
فراوان درفش بزرگان به پای
“Outside the corridor of the main pavilion, numerous banners of the grandees were erected.”
#21
زده بر در خیمهٔ هر کسی
✦
که نزدیک او آب بودش بسی
“Each lord pitch his tent where water was abundantly at hand.”
#22
برادر بد و چند جنگی پسر
✦
ز خویشان شاه آنک بد نامور
“There were his brothers and several warrior sons—all renowned members of the royal kin.”
#23
همی خواست کآید به پشت سپاه
✦
به نزدیک پیران بدان رزمگاه
“He wished to march to the rear of the army, drawing near to Piran at the place of combat.”
#24
سحرگه سواری بیامد چو گرد
✦
سخنهای پیران همه یاد کرد
“At dawn, a messenger swift as dust arrived, recounting all the dire words and fate of Piran.”
#25
همه خستگان از پس یکدگر
✦
رسیدند گریان و خسته جگر
“All the wounded arrived one after another, weeping and broken-hearted.”
#26
همی هر کسی یاد کرد آنچ دید
✦
وزان بد کز ایران بدیشان رسید
“Every survivor recounted what he had witnessed, and the disaster that had struck them from Iran.”
#27
ز پیران و لهاک و فرشیدورد
✦
وزان نامداران روز نبرد
“They spoke of Piran, Lahhak, and Farshidvard, and those famous heroes of the day of battle,”
#28
کز ایشان چه آمد به روی سپاه
✦
چه زاری رسید اندر آن رزمگاه
“Telling what calamity had befallen the front of the army and what lamentation had reached the battlefield.”
#29
همان روز کیخسرو آنجا رسید
✦
زمین کوه تا کوه لشکر کشید
“On that very day, Kay Khosrow arrived there, drawing his forces from mountain to mountain.”
#30
به زنهار شد لشکر ما همه
✦
هراسان شد از بی‌شبانی رمه
“Our entire host sought quarter, fleeing like a shepherdless flock in utter terror.”
#31
چو بشنید شاه این سخن خیره گشت
✦
سیه گشت و چشم و دلش تیره گشت
“When the king heard these words, he was stunned; his eyes grew dark and his heart blackened with sorrow.”
#32
خروشان فرود آمد از تخت عاج
✦
به پیش بزرگان بینداخت تاج
“Wailing aloud, he stepped down from the ivory throne and cast his crown down before the chieftains.”
#33
خروشی ز لشکر بر آمد به درد
✦
رخ نامداران شد از درد زرد
“A cry of sorrow arose from the army, and the faces of the nobles turned yellow with grief.”
#34
ز بیگانه خیمه بپرداختند
✦
ز خویشان یکی انجمن ساختند
“They cleared the tent of strangers and gathered in a private council of kin.”
#35
از آن درد بگریست افراسیاب
✦
همی کند موی و همی ریخت آب
“Afrasiab wept bitterly from that pain; he tore his hair and shed torrential tears.”
#36
همی گفت زار این جهانبین من
✦
سوار سرافراز رویین من
“He lamented mournfully: 'Alas for my world-beholding hero, my proud and exalt-seated Ruyin!”
#37
جهانجوی لهاک و فرشیدورد
✦
سواران و گردان روز نبرد
“Alas for Lahhak and Farshidvard, those ambitious riders and champions of battle!”
#38
از این جنگ پور و برادر نماند
✦
بزرگان و سالار و لشکر نماند
“From this war neither son nor brother remains; no noble, commander, or army is left!'”
#39
بنالید و بر زد یکی باد سرد
✦
پس آنگه یکی سخت سوگند خورد
“He groaned and uttered a cold sigh, and thereupon swore a binding, terrible oath:”
#40
به یزدان که بیزارم از تخت و گاه
✦
اگر نیز بیند سر من کلاه
“'By God! I am disgusted with throne and reign if ever a crown should rest upon my head again!”
#41
قبا جوشن و اسب تخت منست
✦
کله خود و نیزه درخت منست
“The coat of mail shall be my robe and horse my throne; the helmet my crown and spear my tree!”
#42
از این پس نخواهم چمید و چرید
✦
و گر خویشتن تاج را پرورید
“Henceforth I will not strut or feast, nor nurture my soul for the crown,”
#43
مگر کین آن نامداران خویش
✦
جهانجوی و خنجرگزاران خویش
“Unless I exact the revenge of my noble kin—those world-conquering, blade-wielding heroes—”
#44
بخواهم ز کیخسرو شوم‌زاد
✦
که تخم سیاوش به گیتی مباد
“Demanding vengeance from ill-omened Kay Khosrow, so that no seed of Siyavash remains on earth!'”
#45
خروشان همی بود ز این گفت و گوی
✦
ز کیخسرو آگاهی آمد بر اوی
“While he was lamenting in this speech, news reached him of Kay Khosrow's advance,”
#46
که لشکر به نزدیک جیحون رسید
✦
همه روی کشور سپه گسترید
“When the army drew near the Jayhun's banks, the host spread across the face of the land.”
#47
بدان درد و زاری سپه را بخواند
✦
ز پیران فراوان سخنها براند
“With profound grief and lamentation he summoned his host, and spoke at length of Piran's tragic fate.”
#48
ز خون برادرش فرشیدورد
✦
ز رویین و لهاک شیر نبرد
“He mourned the blood of Farshidvard, his brother, and of Ruin and Lahhak, those ferocious lion-warriors.”
#49
کنون گاه کینست و آویختن
✦
ابا گیو گودرز خون ریختن
“"Now is the hour for vengeance and violent clash, to spill the blood of Giv and Goudarz!"”
#50
همم رنج و مهرست و هم درد و کین
✦
از ایران و از شاه ایران زمین
“"I bear both turmoil and passion, both sorrow and deep malice toward Iran and the Shah of Iran's domain."”
#51
بزرگان ترکان افراسیاب
✦
ز گفتن بکردند مژگان پر آب
“Hearing his speech, the Turanian chieftains wept, their eyes brimming with tears.”
#52
که ما سر به سر مر تو را بنده‌ایم
✦
به فرمان و رایت سرافگنده‌ایم
“They cried, "We are all thy servants to a man, bowing our heads before thy command and thy banner!"”
#53
چو رویین و پیران ز مادر نزاد
✦
چو فرشیدورد گرامی نژاد
“"Never has a mother brought forth the likes of Ruin and Piran, nor noble-born Farshidvard!"”
#54
ز خون گر در و کوه و دریا شود
✦
درازای ما همچو پهنا شود
“"Though valley, mountain, and sea turn to blood, and our ranks be stretched to their absolute limits,"”
#55
یکی برنگردیم ز این رزمگاه
✦
اگر یار باشد خداوند ماه
“"Not one of us shall turn back from this battlefield, if the Lord of the Moon be our helper!"”
#56
دل شاه ترکان از آن تازه گشت
✦
از آن کار بر دیگر اندازه گشت
“At these words, the king of the Turanians took heart anew, and the course of affairs assumed a grander scale.”
#57
در گنج بگشاد و روزی بداد
✦
دلش پر ز کین و سرش پر ز باد
“He threw open the treasury and distributed riches, his heart full of malice and his head filled with fierce pride.”
#58
گله هرچ بودش به دشت و به کوه
✦
ببخشید بر لشکرش همگروه
“Every herd of horses he owned in plains and hills he bestowed upon his assembled host.”
#59
ز گردان شمشیرزن سی هزار
✦
گزین کرد شاه از در کارزار
“From his battle-proven warriors he selected thirty thousand swordsmen suited for war.”
#60
سوی بلخ بامی فرستادشان
✦
بسی پند و اندرزها دادشان
“He dispatched them toward glorious Balkh, bestowing upon them abundant counsel and instructions.”
#61
که گستهم نوذر بد آنجا به پای
✦
سواران روشن دل و رهنمای
“For Gustahm, son of Nowzar, was stationed there, leading enlightened and guidance-giving horsemen.”
#62
گزین کرد دیگر سپه سی هزار
✦
سواران گرد از در کارزار
“He chose another army of thirty thousand hero-cavaliers tailored for battle.”
#63
به جیحون فرستاد تا بگذرند
✦
به کشتی رخ آب را بسپرند
“He sent them to the Jayhun to cross over, treading the river's face in boats.”
#64
بدان تا شب تیره بی ساختن
✦
ز ایران نیاید یکی تاختن
“So that in the dark of night, no surprise assault might come unprepared from the side of Iran.”
#65
فرستاد بر هر سوی لشکری
✦
بسی چاره‌ها ساخت از هر دری
“He dispatched forces in every direction, devising all manner of stratagems on every front.”
#66
چنین بود فرمان یزدان پاک
✦
که بیدادگر شاه گردد هلاک
“Yet such was the decree of Holy God that the tyrannical king should ultimately perish.”
#67
شب تیره بنشست با بخردان
✦
جهاندیده و رای زن موبدان
“In the dark night he sat in counsel with wise men, experienced elders, and deliberating priests.”
#68
ز هرگونه با او سخن ساختند
✦
جهان را چپ و راست انداختند
“They discussed matters of every kind with him, weighing every aspect of the world back and forth.”
#69
بر آن برنهادند یکسر که شاه
✦
ز جیحون بر آن سو گذارد سپاه
“They agreed unanimously that the king should move his army across the Jayhun to the other shore.”
#70
قراخان که او بود مهتر پسر
✦
بفرمود تا رفت پیش پدر
“He commanded Qarakhan, his eldest son, to come forward into his father's presence.”
#71
پدر بود گفتی به مردی به جای
✦
به بالا و دیدار و فرهنگ و رای
“He was, as they say, his father's match in valor, in height, appearance, wisdom, and judgment.”
#72
ز چندان سپه نیمه او را سپرد
✦
جهاندیده و نامداران گرد
“Out of that vast army, he entrusted half to him—experienced warriors and renowned heroes.”
#73
بفرمودتا در بخارا بود
✦
به پشت پدر کوه خارا بود
“He commanded him to remain in Bukhara, standing behind his father like a mountain of granite.”
#74
دمادم فرستد سلیح و سپاه
✦
خورش را شتر نگسلاند ز راه
“To continuously send weapons and troops, and let not the caravan of camels carrying provisions ever stop.”
#75
سپه را ز بیکند بیرون کشید
✦
دمان تا لب رود جیحون کشید
“He led the army out of Bikand, driving forward swiftly to the bank of the Jayhun river.”
#76
سپه بود سرتاسر رودبار
✦
بیاورد کشتی و زورق هزار
“Troops lined the riverbank from end to end, as he assembled a thousand ships and boats.”
#77
به یک هفته بر آب کشتی گذشت
✦
سپه بود یکسر همه کوه و دشت
“In one week the ships crossed the water, while the whole host covered mountains and plains.”
#78
به خرطوم پیلان و شیران به دم
✦
گذرهای جیحون پر از باد و دم
“With the trunks of war-elephants and tails of roaring lions, the Jayhun's crossings echoed with tumult and breath.”
#79
ز کشتی همه آب شد ناپدید
✦
بیابان آموی لشکر کشید
“The water vanished beneath the dense fleet of ships as the army crossed into the desert of Amuy.”
#80
بیامد پس لشکر افراسیاب
✦
بر اندیشهٔ رزم بگذاشت آب
“Afrasiab himself followed behind his host, crossing the river with his mind set solely on battle.”
#81
پراگند هر سو هیونی دوان
✦
یکی مرد هشیار روشن روان
“He dispatched swift riders in every direction, led by a wise and enlightened scout.”
#82
ببینید گفت از چپ و دست راست
✦
که بالا و پهنای لشکر کجاست
“"Observe from left to right," he instructed, "and survey the full breadth and length of our army's field."”
#83
چو بازآمد از هر سوی رزمساز
✦
چنین گفت با شاه گردن فراز
“When the warrior-scout returned from every quarter, he spoke thus to the exalted king:”
#84
که چندین سپه را بر این دشت جنگ
✦
علف باید و ساز و جای درنگ
“"For so vast an army upon this battlefield, abundant fodder, equipment, and a place to halt are required."”
#85
ز یک سو به دریای گیلان رهست
✦
چراگاه اسبان و جای نشست
“"On one flank lies the path to the Caspian Sea, a fertile pasture for horses and an ideal camping ground."”
#86
بدین روی جیحون و آب روان
✦
خورش آورد مرد روشن روان
“"On this side flows the swift Jayhun River, where a prudent leader can readily procure provisions."”
#87
میان اندرون ریگ و دشت فراخ
✦
سراپرده و خیمه بر سوی کاخ
“"Between them lies a vast sandy plain, perfect for pitching royal pavilions and tents facing the palace."”
#88
دلش تازه‌تر گشت زان آگهی
✦
بیامد به درگاه شاهنشهی
“Heartened by these glad tidings, the messenger returned to the court of the King of Kings.”
#89
سپهدار خود دیده بد روزگار
✦
نرفتی به گفتار آموزگار
“The warlord himself was battle-tested and wise, relying not solely on the counsel of advisors.”
#90
بیاراست قلب و جناح سپاه
✦
طلایه که دارد ز دشمن نگاه
“He arrayed the center and wings of his host, and posted vanguards to watch for the enemy.”
#91
همان ساقه و جایگاه بنه
✦
همان میسره راست با میمنه
“He organized the rearguard and the baggage train, balancing the left wing in perfect accord with the right.”
#92
بیاراست لشکرگهی شاهوار
✦
به قلب اندرون تیغ زن سی هزار
“He set up a regal camp fit for a king, placing thirty thousand valiant swordsmen in the center.”
#93
نگه کرد بر قلبگه جای خویش
✦
سپهبد بد و لشکرآرای خویش
“He surveyed his station in the heart of the host, acting as both commander and strategist of his army.”
#94
بفرمود تا پیش او شد پشنگ
✦
که او داشتی چنگ و زور نهنگ
“He summoned Pashang to step before him—a warrior possessing the grasp and power of a sea monster.”
#95
به لشکر چون او نامداری نبود
✦
به هر کار چون او سواری نبود
“Throughout the host there was no renowned champion like him, nor any horseman so skilled in every feat.”
#96
برانگیختی اسب و دم پلنگ
✦
گرفتی بکندی ز نیروی جنگ
“He would charge his steed, seize a leopard by its tail, and rip it away with martial strength.”
#97
همان نیزهٔ آهنین داشتی
✦
به آورد بر کوه بگذاشتی
“He wielded a mighty iron lance, which in battle could pierce through solid rock.”
#98
پشنگست نامش پدر شیده خواند
✦
که شیده به خورشید تابنده ماند
“His name was Pashang, so named by his father Sheedeh—for Sheedeh shone like the radiant sun.”
#99
ز گردان گردنکشان صد هزار
✦
بدو داد شاه از در کارزار
“To him the king entrusted one hundred thousand proud champions, proven in the heat of battle.”
#100
همان میسره جهن را داد و گفت
✦
که نیک اخترت باد هر جای جفت
“He assigned the left wing to Jahan, saying: "May good fortune be your constant companion!"”
#101
که باشد نگهبان پشت پشنگ
✦
نپیچد سر ار بارد از ابر سنگ
“"Guard the rear of Pashang, and never flinch even if stones rain down from the sky."”
#102
سپاهی به جنگ کهیلا سپرد
✦
یکی تیزتر بود ایلای گرد
“He placed a division under Kahila's command; another swift warrior was Eelay the brave.”
#103
نبیره جهاندار فراسیاب
✦
که از پشت شیران ربودی کباب
“Grandson of world-conquering Afrasiab, who could snatch fresh meat directly from the lions' backs.”
#104
دو جنگی ز توران سواران بدند
✦
به دل یک به یک کوه ساران بدند
“These were two fierce riders of Turan, whose hearts were as unyielding as mountain peaks.”
#105
سوی میمنه لشکری برگزید
✦
که خورسید گشت از جهان ناپدید
“For the right wing he selected such a vast host that the sun was blotted out by their dust.”
#106
قراخان سالار چارم پسر
✦
کمر بست و آمد به پیش پدر
“Qarakhan, the fourth son and commander, girded his loins and stood before his father.”
#107
بدو داد ترک چگل سی هزار
✦
سواران و شایستهٔ کارزار
“To him he entrusted thirty thousand battle-worthy horsemen from the Turks of Chigil.”
#108
طرازی و غزی و خلخ سوار
✦
همان سی هزار آزموده سوار
“Riders from Taraz, Ghuzz, and Khallukh—another thirty thousand battle-tested horsemen.”
#109
که سالارشان بود پنجم پسر
✦
یکی نامور گرد پرخاشخر
“Their leader was his fifth son, a renowned and warlike warrior.”
#110
ورا خواندندی گو گردگیر
✦
که بر کوه بگذاشتی تیغ و تیر
“They called him the warrior-captor, whose sword and arrow could pierce through solid rock.”
#111
دمور و جرنجاش با او برفت
✦
به یاری جهن سرافراز تفت
“Damur and Jaranjash marched alongside him, hastening to reinforce the proud Jahan.”
#112
ز گردان و جنگ آوران سی هزار
✦
برفتند با خنجر کارزار
“Thirty thousand warriors and combatants advanced, bearing daggers forged for battle.”
#113
جهاندیده نستوه سالارشان
✦
پشنگ دلاور نگهدارشان
“The veteran Nastooh was their chief, and the valiant Pashang was their protector.”
#114
همان سی هزار از یلان ترکمان
✦
برفتند با گرز و تیر و کمان
“Another thirty thousand Turkmen warriors marched forth, armed with maces, bows, and arrows.”
#115
سپهبد چو اغریرث جنگجوی
✦
که با خون یکی داشتی آب جوی
“Led by a warlike commander like Aghriras, who would stain the river waters red with blood.”
#116
وز آن نامور تیغ زن سی هزار
✦
گزین کرد شاه از در کارزار
“Out of those renowned warriors, the king chose thirty thousand swordsmen, fully seasoned and fit for the strife of battle.”
#117
سپهبد چو گرسیوز پیلتن
✦
جهانجوی و سالار آن انجمن
“He appointed Garsivaz, the elephant-bodied commander, a seeker of dominion and chief of that formidable host.”
#118
بدو داد پیلان و سالارگاه
✦
سر نامداران و پشت سپاه
“To him he entrusted the war-elephants and the high seat of command, making him chief of the nobles and the mainstay of the host.”
#119
از آن پس گزید از یلان ده هزار
✦
که سیری نداند کس از کارزار
“Thereafter he picked ten thousand heroes, relentless warriors whose thirst for combat could never be slaked.”
#120
بفرمود تا در میان دو صف
✦
به آوردگه بر لب آورده کف
“He commanded them to stand foaming with rage upon the battlefield, posted squarely between the opposing lines.”
#121
پراگنده بر لشکر اسب افگنند
✦
دل و پشت ایرانیان بشکنند
“They were to charge out against the enemy host, to shatter the spirit and crush the backbone of the Iranians.”
#122
سوی باختر بود پشت سپاه
✦
شب آمد به پیلان ببستند راه
“The army’s rear was backed toward the west; and when night descended, they barricaded the pass with battle-elephants.”
#123
چنین گفت سالار گیتی فروز
✦
که دارد سپه چشم بر نیمروز
“Thus spoke the world-brightening leader: 'Let the army keep a watchful eye toward Nimruz.'”