#1
چو خورشید برزد سر از برج گاو
✦
ز هامون برآمد خروش چکاو
“When the sun raised its head from the constellation of Taurus, the cry of the lark arose over the plain.”
#2
تبیره برآمد ز هر دو سرای
✦
همان ناله بوق با کرنای
“Drums resounded from both encampments, along with the wail of trumpets and clarions.”
#3
ز گردان شمشیرزن سی هزار
✦
بیاورد جهن از در کارزار
“Jahan brought thirty thousand sword-wielding warriors into the field of battle.”
#4
چو خسرو بر آن گونه بر دیدشان
✦
بفرمود تا قارن کاویان
“When Khosrow beheld them in such array, he gave the command to Qaran of Kaveh's line.”
#5
ز قلب سپاه اندر آمد چو کوه
✦
از او گشت جهن دلاور ستوه
“From the heart of the army he came down like a mountain, causing brave Jahan to grow weary and distraught.”
#6
سوی راست گستهم نوذر چو گرد
✦
بیامد دمان با درفش نبرد
“To the right, Gostahm son of Nowzar arrived swiftly like dust, roaring with his war banner.”
#7
جهان شد ز گرد سواران بنفش
✦
زمین پر سپاه و هوا پر درفش
“The world turned violet from the dust of horsemen; the earth was filled with troops and the air with banners.”
#8
بجنبید خسرو ز قلب سپاه
✦
هم افراسیاب اندر آن رزمگاه
“Khosrow moved from the center of the host, as did Afrasiab in that battlefield.”
#9
بپیوست جنگی کزان سان نشان
✦
ندادند گردان گردنکشان
“A battle commenced such as proud champions had never seen the like of before.”
#10
بکشتند چندان ز توران سپاه
✦
که دریای خون گشت آوردگاه
“They slew so many of the Turanian army that the battlefield became a sea of blood.”
#11
چنین بود تا آسمان تیره گشت
✦
همان چشم جنگاوران خیره گشت
“Thus it continued until the sky grew dark, and the eyes of the warriors were blinded by fatigue.”
#12
چو پیروز شد قارن رزم زن
✦
به جهن دلیر اندر آمد شکن
“When war-loving Qaran emerged victorious, the heart of brave Jahan broke into despair.”
#13
چو بر دامن کوه بنشست ماه
✦
یلان بازگشتند ز آوردگاه
“When the moon sat upon the mountain’s edge, the champions returned from the field of battle.”
#14
از ایرانیان شاد شد شهریار
✦
که چیره شدند اندر آن کارزار
“The monarch rejoiced because of the Iranians, for they had prevailed in that fierce combat.”
#15
همه شب همی جنگ را ساختند
✦
به خواب و به خوردن نپرداختند
“All night they prepared for battle, giving no thought to sleep or food.”
#16
چو برزد سر از چنگ خرچنگ هور
✦
جهان شد پر از جنگ و آهنگ و شور
“As the sun raised its head from the claws of Cancer, the world filled with battle, fervor, and uproar.”
#17
سپاه دو لشکر کشیدند صف
✦
همه جنگ را بر لب آورده کف
“The armies of both sides drew up their ranks, foaming at the mouth in their eagerness for battle.”
#18
سپهدار ایران ز پشت سپاه
✦
بشد دور با کهتری نیک‌خواه
“The commander of Iran withdrew from behind the host, accompanied by a loyal and humble attendant.”
#19
چو لختی بیامد پیاده ببود
✦
جهان آفرین را فراوان ستود
“Having walked a short distance, he dismounted and offered abundant praise to the Creator of the World.”
#20
بمالید رخ را بر آن تیره خاک
✦
چنین گفت کای داور داد و پاک
“He rubbed his face upon the dark dust and prayed: 'O Just and Pure Judge!'”
#21
تو دانی کز او من ستم دیده‌ام
✦
بسی روز بد را پسندیده‌ام
“'Thou knowest that I have suffered tyranny from him, and have endured many a bitter day.'”
#22
مکافات کن بدکنش را به خون
✦
تو باشی ستم دیده را رهنمون
“'Requite the evil-doer in his own blood, for Thou art the guide to the oppressed.'”
#23
وز آن جایگه با دلی پر ز غم
✦
پر از کین سر از تخمه زادشم
“From that spot, with a heart laden with grief and filled with vengeance for the offspring of Zadasham,”
#24
بیامد خروشان به قلب سپاه
✦
به سر بر نهاد آن خجسته کلاه
“He returned shouting to the center of the host, placing that auspicious crown upon his head.”
#25
خروش آمد و نالهٔ گاودم
✦
دم نای رویین و رویینه خم
“Shouts arose with the roar of cow-horns, the sound of brass pipes and curved clarions.”
#26
وز آن روی لشکر به کردار کوه
✦
برفتند جوشان گروها گروه
“From the other side, the host moved forward like a mountain, boiling group by group.”
#27
سپاهی به کردار دریای آب
✦
به قلب اندرون جهن و افراسیاب
“An army like a vast sea of water, with Jahan and Afrasiab at its heart.”
#28
چو هر دو سپاه اندر آمد ز جای
✦
تو گفتی که دارد در و دشت پای
“When both armies surged forward, you would say neither mountain nor plain could hold their feet.”
#29
سیه شد ز گرد سپاه آفتاب
✦
ز پیکان الماس و پر عقاب
“The sun turned dark from the dust of the troops, the diamond arrowheads, and eagle feathers.”
#30
ز بس نالهٔ بوق و گرد سپاه
✦
ز بانگ سواران در آن رزمگاه
“From the wailing of trumpets, the thick dust, and the shouts of horsemen in that arena,”
#31
همی آب گشت آهن و کوه و سنگ
✦
به دریا نهنگ و به هامون پلنگ
“Iron, mountains, and stone seemed to melt; sea-monsters trembled in the waters and leopards on the plains.”
#32
زمین پر ز جوش و هوا پر خروش
✦
هژبر ژیان را بدرید گوش
“The earth boiled with movement and the air vibrated with roars, tearing the ears of the raging lions.”
#33
جهان سر به سر گفتی از آهن است
✦
وگر آسمان بر زمین دشمن است
“You would say the world from end to end was made of iron, or that heaven itself had turned hostile against earth.”
#34
به هر جای بر توده چون کوه کوه
✦
ز گردان ایران و توران گروه
“Everywhere lay mountain-like heaps of fallen warriors from the ranks of Iran and Turan.”
#35
همه ریگ ارمان سر و دست و پای
✦
زمین را همی دل برآمد ز جای
“All the sands of Arman were strewn with heads, hands, and feet; the very heart of the earth was displaced.”
#36
همه بوم شد زیر نعل اندرون
✦
چو کرباس آهار داده به خون
“All the soil beneath the hooves became like stiff canvas dyed crimson with blood.”
#37
وز آن پس دلیران افراسیاب
✦
برفتند بر سان کشتی بر آب
“Then the brave warriors of Afrasiab pressed forward like ships driving upon the waters.”
#38
به صندوق پیلان نهادند روی
✦
کجا ناوک‌انداز بود اندر اوی
“They made toward the howdahs atop the war elephants, where archers were stationed.”
#39
حصاری بد از پیل پیش سپاه
✦
برآورده بر قلب و بر بسته راه
“A fortress of elephants stood before the host, raised up at the center to block the path.”
#40
ز صندوق پیلان ببارید تیر
✦
برآمد خروشیدن دار و گیر
“From the elephant howdahs arrows rained down, and the roar of combat rose high.”
#41
برفتند گردان نیزه‌وران
✦
هم از قلب لشکر سپاهی گران
“Spear-bearing champions advanced, a formidable host from the heart of the army.”
#42
نگه کرد افراسیاب از دو میل
✦
بدان لشکر و جنگ صندوق و پیل
“Afrasiab looked from two miles away at that army, at the battle of howdahs and elephants.”
#43
همه ژنده پیلان و لشکر براند
✦
جهان تیره شد روشنایی نماند
“He drove forward all the giant elephants and troops; the world darkened and no light remained.”
#44
خروشید کای نامداران جنگ
✦
چه دارید بر خویش تن جای تنگ
“He shouted: 'O famous warriors of war, why do you constrain yourselves?'”
#45
ممانید بر پیش صندوق و پیل
✦
سپاهست بیکار بر چند میل
“'Do not remain halted before the elephant howdahs; the main host stands idle for miles!'”
#46
سوی میمنه میسره برکشید
✦
ز قلب و ز صندوق برتر کشید
“He extended the left wing toward the right, advancing beyond the center and the elephant-borne howdahs.”
#47
بفرمود تا جهن رزم آزمای
✦
رود با تگینان لشکر ز جای
“He commanded Jahana, the battle-tested champion, to move forth with the valiant officers of the army.”
#48
برد دو هزار آزموده سوار
✦
همه نیزه‌دار از در کارزار
“To lead two thousand battle-proven horsemen, all spear-bearing warriors fit for the fury of fight.”
#49
بر میسره شیر جنگی طبرد
✦
بشد تیز با نامداران گرد
“Upon the left flank, Tabard, that warlike lion, advanced swiftly alongside famous heroes.”
#50
چو کیخسرو آن رزم ترکان بدید
✦
که خورشید گشت از جهان ناپدید
“When Kay Khosrow beheld the battle-array of the Turks, which hid the sun from the world in dust,”
#51
سوی آوه و سمکنان کرد روی
✦
که بودند شیران پرخاشجوی
“He turned to Aveh and Samkanan, who were combative, fierce lions of war,”
#52
بفرمود تا بر سوی میسره
✦
بتابند چون آفتاب از بره
“And bade them turn toward the left wing, radiant as the sun rising in Aries.”
#53
برفتند با نامور ده هزار
✦
زره‌دار با گُرزهٔ گاوسار
“They marched forth with ten thousand famed warriors, all coat-of-mailed and wielding ox-headed maces.”
#54
به شماخ سوری بفرمود شاه
✦
که از نامداران ایران سپاه
“The king then commanded Shammakh of Sur to choose from among Iran's glorious host,”
#55
گزین کن ز جنگ آوران ده‌هزار
✦
سواران گرد از در کارزار
“Ten thousand chosen combatants, valiant horsemen suited for the pitch of battle.”
#56
میان دو صف تیغها بر کشید
✦
مبینید کس را سر اندر کشید
“"Unsheathe your swords between the two ranks, and let no man shrink his head in fear!"”
#57
دو لشکر بر این سان بر آویختند
✦
چنان شد که گفتی برآمیختند
“Thus the two armies clashed together, mingling so fiercely they seemed as one.”
#58
چکاچاک برخاست از هر دو روی
✦
ز پرخاش خون اندر آمد به جوی
“The clatter of weapons echoed from both sides, and from the fury of battle, blood flowed in streams.”
#59
چو برخاست گرد از چپ و دست راست
✦
جهاندار خفتان رومی بخواست
“When dust billowed from left and right, the ruler of the world called for his Roman mail.”
#60
به یک سو کشیدند صندوق پیل
✦
جهان شد به کردار دریای نیل
“They drew the elephant-howdahs to one side, while the world turned dark like the swollen River Nile.”
#61
بجنبید با رستم از قلبگاه
✦
منوشان خوزان لشکر پناه
“From the center advanced Manushan of Khuz, the shelter of the host, alongside Rostam.”
#62
برآمد خروشیدن بوق و کوس
✦
به یک دست خسرو سپهدار طوس
“The sound of clarions and drums resounded, while Tus the commander stood at one hand of Khosrow.”
#63
بیاراسته کاویانی درفش
✦
همه پهلوانان زرینه کفش
“The Kavian banner was unfurled in splendor, surrounded by paladins in golden boots.”
#64
به درد دل از جای برخاستند
✦
چپ شاه لشکر بیاراستند
“With grieved and vengeful hearts they arose, arraying the king's host upon the left.”
#65
سوی راستش رستم کینه جوی
✦
زواره برادرش بنهاد روی
“Upon his right stood vengeance-seeking Rostam, and beside him his brother Zourareh.”
#66
جهاندیده گودرز کشوادگان
✦
بزرگان بسیار و آزادگان
“Battle-tested Goudarz, son of Kashvad, alongside many chieftains and noblemen,”
#67
ببودند بر دست رستم به پای
✦
زرسب و منوشان فرخنده رای
“Stood ready by Rostam's side, as did Zarasb and wise Manushan.”
#68
برآمد ز آوردگاه گیر و دار
✦
ندیدند ز آنگونه کس کارزار
“A tremendous roar of strife arose from the battleground; none had ever seen such warfare.”
#69
همه ریگ پر خسته و کشته بود
✦
کسی را کجا روز برگشته بود
“All the sands were covered with wounded and slain, wherever fortune had turned against a warrior.”
#70
ز بس کشته بر دشت آوردگاه
✦
همی راندند اسب بر کشته گاه
“So thick lay the fallen upon the field of battle that chargers were driven over corpses.”
#71
بیابان به کردار جیحون ز خون
✦
یکی بی سر و دیگری سرنگون
“The desert ran red with blood like the River Jayhun, strewn with headless torsos and fallen men.”
#72
خروش سواران و اسبان ز دشت
✦
ز بانگ تبیره همی برگذشت
“The cries of horsemen and the neighing of steeds from the field drowned out the thunder of drums.”
#73
دل کوه گفتی بدرد همی
✦
زمین با سواران بپرد همی
“You would say the heart of the mountain was rending, and the earth itself flew with the riders.”
#74
سر بی تنان و تن بی سران
✦
چرنگیدن گُرزهای گران
“Heads without bodies and bodies without heads, amidst the relentless clashing of heavy maces.”
#75
درخشیدن خنجر و تیغ تیز
✦
همی جست خورشید راه گریز
“So brightly flashed the daggers and sharp blades that even the sun seemed seeking a route to flee.”
#76
به دست منوچهر بر میمنه
✦
کهیلا که صد شیر بد یک تنه
“On the right wing, Kahila—who alone equaled a hundred lions—was slain by Manuchehr's hand.”
#77
جرنجاش بر میسره شد تباه
✦
به دست فریبرز کاووس شاه
“On the left wing, Jaranjash was laid waste by Fariburz, son of King Kay Kavus.”
#78
یکی باد و ابری سوی نیمروز
✦
برآمد رخ هور گیتی فروز
“A dark wind and cloud arose from the south, veiling the face of the world-illuminating sun.”
#79
تو گفتی که ابری برآمد سیاه
✦
ببارید خون اندر آوردگاه
“You would say a pitch-black cloud had gathered, raining torrents of blood upon the battlefield.”
#80
بپوشید و روی زمین تیره گشت
✦
همی دیده از تیرگی خیره گشت
“It shrouded all, and the face of the earth grew dark, until eyes were dazzled by the gloom.”
#81
بدآنگه که شد چشمه سوی نشیب
✦
دل شاه ترکان بجست از نهیب
“As the sun's glowing spring sank toward the west, terror struck the heart of the King of Turan.”
#82
ز جوش سواران هر کشوری
✦
ز هر مرز و هر بوم و هر مهتری
“From the wild uproar of horsemen from every realm, from every border, land, and commander.”
#83
سواران شمشیر زن سی هزار
✦
گزیده سوارن خنجر گزار
“Thirty thousand sword-wielding horsemen, elite cavalry adept with the dagger.”
#84
دگرگونه جوشن دگرگون درفش
✦
جهانی شده سرخ و زرد و بنفش
“With armors of varied steel and diverse banners, the whole world turned red, yellow, and violet.”
#85
نگه کرد گرسیوز از پشت شاه
✦
به جنگ اندر آورد یکسر سپاه
“Garsivaz looked on from behind the king, and mobilized the entire army into battle.”
#86
سپاهی فرستاد بر میمنه
✦
گرانمایگان یک‌دل و یک تنه
“He dispatched a host unto the right wing, noble warriors, single of heart and mind.”
#87
سوی میسره همچنین لشکری
✦
پراگنده بر هر سویی مهتری
“Likewise an army to the left wing, with chieftains deployed in every direction.”
#88
سواران جنگاوران سی هزار
✦
گزیده همه از در کارزار
“Thirty thousand battle-tested horsemen, all chosen for the harshness of war.”
#89
چو گرسیوز از پشت لشکر برفت
✦
به پیش برادر خرامید تفت
“When Garsivaz departed from the rear of the host, he swiftly hastened to his brother's side.”
#90
برادر چو روی برادر بدید
✦
به نیرو شد و لشکر اندر کشید
“Beholding his brother's face, the King took heart and drew his army forward into battle.”
#91
برآمد ز لشکر ده و دار و گیر
✦
بپوشید روی هوا را به تیر
“Clamour and shouts of battle arose from the host, as a flight of arrows veiled the sky.”
#92
چو خورشید را پشت باریک شد
✦
ز دیدار شب روز تاریک شد
“As the sun's bright spine grew faint, the day grew dark with the approach of night.”
#93
فریبنده گرسیوز پهلوان
✦
بیامد به پیش برادر نوان
“The cunning paladin Garsivaz came lamenting before his brother.”
#94
که اکنون ز گردان که جوید نبرد
✦
زمین پر ز خون آسمان پر ز گرد
“He said, "Which hero can now seek battle, when the earth bleeds and the sky is filled with dust?"”
#95
سپه بازکش چون شب آمد مکوش
✦
که اکنون برآید ز ترکان خروش
“"Withdraw the host, for night has arrived; fight no more, lest a cry of lament rise from the Turanians."”
#96
تو در جنگ باشی سپه در گریز
✦
مکن با تن خویش چندین ستیز
“"Should you remain in battle while the army flees? Do not fight so obstinately against your own fate."”
#97
دل شاه ترکان پر از خشم و جوش
✦
ز تندی نبودش به گفتار گوش
“The heart of Turan's king boiled with rage; in his fury, he gave no ear to these words.”
#98
برانگیخت اسب از میان سپاه
✦
بیامد دمان با درفش سیاه
“Spurring his steed from the midst of the troops, he charged furiously beneath his black banner.”
#99
از ایرانیان چند نامی بکشت
✦
چو خسرو بدید اندر آمد به پشت
“He slew several famous heroes of Iran; seeing this, Khusrow charged up behind him.”
#100
دو شاه دو کشور چنین کینه دار
✦
برفتند با خوار مایه سوار
“Thus the two vengeful kings of two realms advanced, accompanied by only a few riders.”
#101
ندیدند گرسیوز و جهن روی
✦
که او پیش خسرو شود رزمجوی
“Garsivaz and Jahan deemed it ill that their king should face Khusrow in battle.”
#102
عنانش گرفتند و بر تافتند
✦
سوی ریگ آموی بشتافتند
“Seizing his reins, they turned him back and fled swiftly toward the sands of the Amuy.”
#103
چون او بازگشت استقیلا چو گرد
✦
بیامد که با شاه جوید نبرد
“When he turned back, Astaqila rode swift as dust to seek battle with the King.”
#104
دمان شاه ایلا به پیش سپاه
✦
یکی نیزه زد بر کمرگاه شاه
“Charging at the head of the host, the King of Ila struck a spear right at the Shah's waist.”
#105
نبد کارگر نیزه بر جوشنش
✦
نه ترس آمد اندر دل روشنش
“The spear could not pierce his mail coat, nor did fear touch his radiant heart.”
#106
چو خسرو دل و زور او را بدید
✦
سبک تیغ تیز از میان برکشید
“When Khusrow perceived his strength and courage, he swiftly drew his sharp sword from its sheath.”
#107
بزد بر میانش بدو نیم کرد
✦
دل برز ایلا پر از بیم کرد
“He struck him through the waist, cleaving him in twain, filling the heart of Barz Ila with terror.”
#108
سبک برز ایلا چو آن زخم شاه
✦
بدید آن دل و زور و آن دستگاه
“As soon as Barz Ila witnessed the King's stroke, his mighty strength, and royal power—”
#109
به تاریکی اندر گریزان برفت
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همی پوست بر تنش گفتی بکفت
“He fled into the darkness, his skin nearly bursting with fear upon his body.”
#110
سپه چون بدیدند ز او دستبرد
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به آوردگه بر نماند ایچ گرد
“When the army witnessed Khusrow's prowess, not a single warrior remained on the battlefield.”
#111
بر افراسیاب آن سخن مرگ بود
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کجا پشت خود را بدیشان نمود
“To Afrasiab, turning his back upon the foe was bitterer than death itself.”
#112
ز تورانیان او چو آگاه شد
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تو گفتی بر او روز کوتاه شد
“When he realized the rout of the Turanians, you would say the daylight of his fortune had closed.”
#113
چو آوردگه خوار بگذاشتند
✦
بفرمود تا بانگ برداشتند
“As they abandoned the battlefield in chaos, he ordered the horns of retreat to sound.”
#114
که این شیر مردی ز زنگ شب است
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مرا باز گشتن ز تنگ شب است
“Saying, "This valor is born of the darkness of night; my retreat is forced by the shadow's constriction."”
#115
گر ایدون که امروز یکبار باد
✦
ترا جست و شادی ترا در گشاد
“"If today fortune favored you like the wind and opened the doors of joy unto you—"”
#116
چو روشن کند روز روی زمین
✦
درفش دل افروز ما را ببین
“When dawn illumines all the face of earth, behold our heart-exalting banner bright!”
#117
همه روی ایران چو دریا کنیم
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ز خورشید تابان ثریا کنیم
“We shall transform all Iran into a surging sea of troops, and reach from the radiant sun unto the Pleiades!”
#118
دو شاه و دو کشور چنان رزمساز
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به لشکرگه خویش رفتند باز
“The two sovereigns and two realms, thus eager for battle, returned to their respective army camps.”