#1
بفرمود تا پیش او شد دبیر
✦
بیاورد قرطاس و مشک و عبیر
“He commanded the royal scribe to come before him, bringing parchment, musk, and ambergris.”
#2
نبشتند نامه به کاووس شاه
✦
چنانچون سزا بود زان رزمگاه
“They penned a epistle to King Kavus, as was fitting after such a battlefield.”
#3
سر نامه کرد از نخست آفرین
✦
ستایش سزای جهان آفرین
“The heading of the letter began with praise, worthy adoration for the Creator of the World.”
#4
دگر گفت شاه جهانبان من
✦
پدروار لرزیده بر جان من
“Next he wrote: 'O Sovereign Lord of the realm, who hast trembled like a father for my very soul,'”
#5
بزرگیش با کوه پیوسته باد
✦
دل بدسگالان او خسته باد
“'May thy greatness be linked with the mountains, and may the hearts of thy ill-wishers be wounded!'”
#6
رسیدم ز ایران به ریگ فرب
✦
سه جنگ گران کرده شد در سه شب
“'I arrived from Iran at the sands of Farab; three heavy battles were fought across three nights.'”
#7
شمار سواران افراسیاب
✦
نبیند خردمند هرگز به خواب
“'The wise man never sees in his dreams the vast count of Afrasiab's horsemen.'”
#8
بریده چو سیصد سر نامدار
✦
فرستادم اینک بر شهریار
“'Having severed the heads of three hundred renowned leaders, I have now dispatched them unto the King.'”
#9
برادر بد و خویش و پیوند اوی
✦
گرامی بزرگان و فرزند اوی
“'Brothers, kinsmen, and close relatives of his—noble magnates and his own cherished offspring.'”
#10
وز آن نامداران بسته دویست
✦
که صد شیر با جنگ هر یک یکیست
“'And two hundred captive chieftains, each of whom matches a hundred lions in battle.'”
#11
همه رزم بر دشت خوارزم بود
✦
ز چرخ آفرین بر چنان رزم بود
“'All this battle was fought on the plain of Khwarazm; blessings of the heavens be upon such a battle!'”
#12
برفت او و ما از پس اندر دمان
✦
کشیدیم تا بر چه گردد زمان
“'He fled, and we pressed swiftly behind him, driving forward to see what fate will bring.'”
#13
بر این رزمگاه آفرین باد گفت
✦
همه ساله با اختر نیک جفت
“'Praise be upon this battlefield, and may you ever be paired with a favorable star!'”
#14
نهادند بر نامه مهری ز مشک
✦
از آن پس گذر کرد بر ریگ خشک
“They placed a seal of musk upon the letter, and after that he traversed the dry sands.”
#15
چو ز آن رود جیحون شد افراسیاب
✦
چو باد دمان تیز بگذشت آب
“When Afrasiab crossed the Jayhun river, he passed through the waters as swiftly as a tempestuous wind.”
#16
به پیش سپاه قراخان رسید
✦
همی گفت هر کس ز جنگ آنچه دید
“He arrived before the army of Qarakhan, where everyone recounted what they had witnessed of the war.”
#17
سپهدار ترکان چه مایه گریست
✦
بر آن کس که از تخمهٔ او بزیست
“The commander of the Turanians wept bitterly for those of his lineage who had perished,”
#18
ز بهر گرانمایه فرزند خویش
✦
بزرگان و خویشان و پیوند خویش
“For the sake of his precious children, his noble magnates, his kin, and his relatives.”
#19
خروشی بر آمد تو گفتی که ابر
✦
همی خون چکاند ز چشم هژبر
“A cry arose such that you would say the clouds were dripping blood from the eyes of lions.”
#20
همی بودش اندر بخارا درنگ
✦
همی خواست کایند شیران به جنگ
“He tarried for a while in Bukhara, desiring that his warlike lions might assemble for battle.”
#21
از آن پس چو گشت انجمن آنچه ماند
✦
بزرگان برتر منش را بخواند
“Thereafter, when those who remained had gathered, he summoned his high-minded nobles.”
#22
چو گشتند پر مایگان انجمن
✦
ز لشکر هر آن کس که بد رای زن
“When the grandees assembled, alongside all those of the host who were wise counselors,”
#23
زبان بر گشادند بر شهریار
✦
چو بیچاره شدشان دل از کارزار
“They opened their lips before the King, for their hearts were rendered helpless by the war:”
#24
که از لشکر ما بزرگان که بود
✦
گذشتند و ز ایشان دل ما شخود
“'Those who were the nobles of our army have passed away, and our hearts are flayed for them.'”
#25
همانا که از صد نماندست بیست
✦
بر آن رفتگان بر بباید گریست
“'Truly, out of a hundred, not twenty remain; one must weep bitterly over those who are gone.'”
#26
کنون ما دل از گنج و فرزند خویش
✦
گسستیم چندی ز پیوند خویش
“'Now for a time we have severed our hearts from our treasures, our children, and our kin.'”
#27
بدان روی جیحون یکی رزمگاه
✦
بکردیم زان پس که فرمود شاه
“'Beyond the Jayhun we fought a battle, as the King had commanded us.'”
#28
ز بی دانشی آنچه آمد به روی
✦
تو دانی که شاهی و ما چاره‌جوی
“'Thou knowest what befell us out of unwisdom; thou art the King, and we seek a remedy.'”
#29
گر ایدون که روشن بود رای شاه
✦
از ایدر به چاچ اندر آرد سپاه
“'If it be the clear counsel of the King, let him lead the army from here toward Chach.'”
#30
چو کیخسرو آید به کین خواستن
✦
بباید تو را لشکر آراستن
“'When Kay Khosrow comes seeking vengeance, thou must array thy host against him.'”
#31
چو شاه اندر این کار فرمان برد
✦
ز گلزریون نیز هم بگذرد
“'If the King obeys this command, he shall also pass beyond Golzarion,'”
#32
بباشد به آرام به بهشت گنگ
✦
که هم جای جنگست و جای درنگ
“'And abide in comfort in Paradise-Gang, which is both a site for battle and a fortress for retreat.'”
#33
بر این بر نهادند یکسر سخن
✦
کسی رای دیگر نیفگند بن
“Upon this counsel all agreed in harmony; none offered a contrary judgment.”
#34
برفتند یکسر به گلزریون
✦
همه دیده پر آب و دل پر ز خون
“They all departed toward Golzarion, their eyes filled with tears and their hearts full of blood.”
#35
به گلزریون شاه توران سه روز
✦
ببود و برآسود با باز و یوز
“At Golzarion the King of Turan remained three days, relaxing with falcons and hunting-cheetahs.”
#36
برفتند زان جایگه سوی گنگ
✦
به جایی نبودش فراوان درنگ
“From that place they marched toward Gang, tarrying long nowhere else along the way.”
#37
یکی جای بود آن به سان بهشت
✦
گلش مشک سارا بد و زر خشت
“It was a dwelling like unto paradise; its soil was pure musk and its bricks were of gold.”
#38
بدان جایگه شاد و خندان بخفت
✦
تو گفتی که با ایمنی گشت جفت
“In that sanctuary he slept joyful and smiling; you would say he had wedded safety itself.”
#39
سپه خواند از هر سوی بی‌کران
✦
بزرگان گردنکش و مهتران
“He summoned countless armies from every quarter, along with lofty nobles and chief magnates.”
#40
می و گلشن و بانگ چنگ و رباب
✦
گل و سنبل و رطل و افراسیاب
“Wine, rose gardens, the sound of harp and lute, roses, hyacinths, goblets—and Afrasiab.”
#41
همی بود تا بر چه گردد جهان
✦
بدین آشکارا چه دارد نهان
“He waited to see how the world would turn, and what fate held concealed behind the revealed.”
#42
چو کیخسرو آمد بر این روی آب
✦
از او دور شد خورد و آرام و خواب
“When Kay Khosrow reached this side of the river, food, rest, and sleep fled from Afrasiab.”
#43
سپه چون گذر کرد زان سوی رود
✦
فرستاد زان پس به هر کس درود
“When the Iranian army crossed from that side of the river, he thereafter sent greetings unto all,”
#44
کز این آمدن کس مدارید باک
✦
بخواهید ما را ز یزدان پاک
“Saying: 'Have no fear of this coming; ask our victory from pure God Almighty!'”
#45
گرانمایه گنجی به درویش داد
✦
کسی را کز او شاد بد بیش داد
“He bestowed a priceless treasure upon the needy, giving even more to whoever was gladdened by him.”
#46
وز آنجا بیامد سوی شهر سغد
✦
یکی نو جهان دید رسته ز چغد
“From there he proceeded toward the city of Sogd, beholding a world renewed, delivered from the owl of desolation.”
#47
ببخشید گنجی بر آن شهر نیز
✦
همی خواست کآباد گردد به چیز
“He bestowed vast treasures upon that city as well, desiring that it might flourish through his bounty.”
#48
به هر منزلی زینهاری سوار
✦
همی آمدندی بر شهریار
“At every stage along the journey, horsemen seeking quarter came before the King.”
#49
از آن پس چو آگاهی آمد به شاه
✦
ز گنگ و ز افراسیاب و سپاه
“Thereafter, when tidings reached the King regarding Gang, Afrasiab, and his massive army,”
#50
که آمد به نزدیک او گلگله
✦
ابا لشکری چون هژبر یله
“That Gulgula had arrived to join him, leading a force as fierce as unleashed lions,”
#51
که از تخم تورست پرکین و درد
✦
بجوید همی روزگار نبرد
“Born of the lineage of Tur, filled with hatred and angst, seeking only the day of war;”
#52
فرستاد بهری ز گردان به چاج
✦
که جوید همی تخت ترکان و تاج
“And that he had dispatched a division of warriors to Chaj, seeking to defend the throne and crown of the Turks;”
#53
سپاهی به سوی بیابان سترگ
✦
فرستاد سالار ایشان طورگ
“And sent another host toward the vast wilderness, appointing Turag as their commander;”
#54
پذیرفت ز این هر یکی جنگ شاه
✦
که بر نامداران ببندند راه
“Each of these hosts had pledged battle to the Turanian king to block the advance of the Iranian nobles.”
#55
جهاندار کیخسرو آن خوار داشت
✦
خرد را به اندیشه سالار داشت
“Yet the world-ruler Keykhosrow held those threats in contempt, keeping wisdom as the sovereign over his thoughts.”
#56
سپاهی که از بردع و اردبیل
✦
بیامد بفرمود تا خیل خیل
“He commanded the army that had gathered from Bardaa and Ardabil to assemble troop by troop,”
#57
بیایند و بر پیش او بگذرند
✦
رد و موبد و مرزبان بشمرند
“To advance and parade before him, while chieftains, priests, and march-wardens took their count.”
#58
برفتند و سالارشان گستهم
✦
که در جنگ شیران نبودی دژم
“They marched past under the command of Gustaham, whose spirit in combat with lions was never dismayed.”
#59
همان گفت تا لشکر نیمروز
✦
برفتند با رستم نیوسوز
“He likewise ordered the host of Nimruz to march forth alongside Rostam, the queller of foes.”
#60
بفرمود تا بر هیونان مست
✦
نشینند و گیرند اسبان به دست
“He bade them mount the powerful, swift dromedaries and lead their warhorses by the rein.”
#61
به سغد اندرون بود یک ماه شاه
✦
همه سغد شد شاه را نیک‌خواه
“For a full month the King remained in Sogd, until all of Sogd became well-wishers to his throne.”
#62
سپه را درم داد و آسوده کرد
✦
همی جست هنگام روز نبرد
“He distributed coin to the army and rested them, awaiting the opportune hour for the day of battle.”
#63
هر آن کس که بود از در کارزار
✦
بدانست نیرنگ و بند حصار
“Whosoever was skilled in the art of war and knew the stratagems and defenses of fortresses,”
#64
بیاورد و با خویشتن یار کرد
✦
سر بدکنش پر ز تیمار کرد
“He summoned and allied to himself, filling the heart of his malevolent foe with anguish.”
#65
وز آن جایگه گردن افراخته
✦
کمر بسته و جنگ را ساخته
“And from that place he departed with exalted pride, girding his loins and preparing for combat.”
#66
ز سغد کشانی سپه بر گرفت
✦
جهانی در او مانده اندر شگفت
“From Sogd of the Kushans he led his host, leaving the whole world spellbound in utter amaze.”
#67
خبر شد به ترکان که آمد سپاه
✦
جهانجوی کیخسرو کینه‌خواه
“News reached the Turks that the army had arrived, led by world-conquering Keykhosrow, intent on vengeance.”
#68
همه سوی دژها نهادند روی
✦
جهان شد پر از جنبش و گفت و گوی
“They all turned their faces toward the fortresses, and the world became filled with turmoil and clamor.”
#69
به لشکر چنین گفت پس شهریار
✦
که امروز به گونه شد کارزار
“Then the Sovereign spoke thus to his army: 'Today the nature of our warfare has changed.”
#70
ز ترکان هر آن کس که فرمان کند
✦
دل از جنگ جستن پشیمان کند
“Whosoever among the Turks submits and obeys, repenting in his heart of seeking strife,”
#71
مسازید جنگ و مریزید خون
✦
مباشید کس را به بد رهنمون
“Wage no war upon him, shed not his blood, and lead no man into evil ways!”
#72
وگر جنگ جوید کسی با سپاه
✦
دل کینه دارش نیاید به راه
“But if any man seeks war against our army, his vengeful heart refusing to walk the right path,”
#73
شما را حلال است خون ریختن
✦
به هر جای تاراج و آویختن
“It is lawful for you to spill his blood, to plunder his holdings, and to engage him anywhere.'”
#74
به ره بر خورشها مدارید تنگ
✦
مدارید کین و مسازید جنگ
“'Along the way, deny not provisions to the peaceful, harbor no malice, and initiate no strife.'”
#75
خروشی بر آمد ز پیش سپاه
✦
که گفتی بدرد همی چرخ و ماه
“A mighty shout arose from the front of the army, as though it would tear the very heavens and the moon.”
#76
سواران به دژها نهادند روی
✦
جهان شد پر از غلغل و گفتگوی
“The horsemen rode toward the fortresses, and the world echoed with sound and tumult.”
#77
هر آن کس که فرمان به جا آورید
✦
سپاه شهنشه بدو ننگرید
“Whosoever fulfilled the King's command, the imperial army cast no ill glance upon him.”
#78
هر آن کو برون شد ز فرمان شاه
✦
سرانشان بریدند یکسر سپاه
“But as for those who transgressed the royal order, the host severed their heads without exception.”
#79
ز ترکان کس از بیم افراسیاب
✦
لب تشنه نگذاشتندی بر آب
“Yet among the Turks, out of sheer dread of Afrasiab, none dared put their thirsty lips to water.”
#80
وگر باز ماندی کسی ز این سپاه
✦
تن بی سرش یافتندی به راه
“And if anyone fell behind from this army, his headless body would soon be found along the road.”
#81
دلیران به دژها نهادند روی
✦
به هر دژ که بودی یکی جنگجوی
“The brave warriors advanced toward every fortress where even a single defender remained.”
#82
شدی بارهٔ دژ هم آنگاه پست
✦
نماندی در و بام وجای نشست
“Instantly, the walls of the fortress were leveled, leaving neither gate, roof, nor dwelling place intact.”
#83
غلام و پرستنده و چارپای
✦
نماندی بد و نیک چیزی به جای
“Neither bondman, servant, nor livestock—nothing good or bad—was spared or left behind.”
#84
بر این گونه فرسنگ بر صد گذشت
✦
نه دژ ماند آباد جایی نه دشت
“In this manner, they swept through more than a hundred leagues, leaving no fortress or plain flourishing.”
#85
چو آورد لشکر به گلزریون
✦
به هر سو بگردید با رهنمون
“When he brought his army to Gulzarion, he rode in every direction alongside a knowledgeable guide.”
#86
جهان دید بر سان باغ بهار
✦
در و دشت و کوه و زمین پرنگار
“He beheld a world resembling a lush spring garden, its plains, mountains, and soil filled with vibrant colors.”
#87
همه کوه نخچیر و هامون درخت
✦
جهان از در مردم نیک بخت
“Every mountain teemed with game and every plain with trees—a realm truly fit for fortunate souls.”
#88
طلایه فرستاد و کارآگهان
✦
بدان تا نماند بدی در نهان
“He dispatched advance guards and scouts so that no hidden threat might remain in secret.”
#89
سراپردهٔ شهریار جهان
✦
کشیدند بر پیش آب روان
“They pitched the royal pavilion of the ruler of the world beside the flowing waters.”
#90
جهاندار بر تخت زرین نشست
✦
خود و نامداران خسروپرست
“The sovereign took his place upon the golden throne, flanked by his loyal and noble chieftains.”
#91
شبی کرد جشنی که تا روز پاک
✦
همی مرده برخاست از تیره خاک
“He held a glorious feast through the night until daybreak, so joyous that even the dead seemed to rise from the dark soil.”