Beyond the threshold of Gang-Dezh, King Afrasiab knew neither rest by day nor slumber by night. He gathered his wisest counselors and grandees, declaring that with the Iranian host now at their bedchambers, lingering in Gang was impossible. The lords of Turan answered with unified resolve: battle was their sole path, for submission was unworthy of so vast an empire. All through the night, armor was fitted and weapons sharpened. At the first cockcrow, war drums thundered from the royal gates, spilling a force onto the plain so immense that even the paths of ants and flies were choked. For three days and nights the lines surged forward until the battlefront stretched seven leagues wide.
On the fourth day, the hosts clashed in divine fury. Afrasiab positioned himself at the center of the Turanian heartland alongside his bravest chieftains, while his son Jahan commanded the right wing. Opposing them, King Kay Khosrow stood firm as a mountain at the helm of Iran, flanked by legendary commanders—Goudarz, Tus, Manushan, Gurgin, Rohham, Hajir, Shidush, Fariburz, Manuchehr, and Giv guarding the rear. The earth hardened like iron beneath pounding hooves, and rivers turned ruby-red with blood. Dust rose like black thunderclouds as battle-axes shattered granite shields. Dismembered limbs covered the plain until even the wisest warlords despaired, realizing that another hour of such slaughter would leave no warrior alive in all the world.
Seeing the bitter stalemate, Kay Khosrow rode to the edge of the field, dismounted, and pressed his face into the dust, weeping in desperate prayer to Yazdan: 'O Sovereign Creator! If I am not the aggressor, deny victory to tyranny and grant triumph to justice!' In that instant, divine favor answered his cry. A howling gale swept across the plain, snapping tree branches and hurling blinding clouds of sand into the eyes of the Turanian army. Though Afrasiab strove to hold his lines by decapitating fleeing soldiers with his own blade, darkness enveloped the land, forcing both kings to withdraw. Kay Khosrow spent the night bathing the fallen Iranian heroes, shrouding them in silk, and erecting magnificent tombs.
Under cover of night, Gustaham executed a devastating ambush on the Turanian high command, wiping out their officers save for Qarakhan, who fled. At dawn, Rostam arrived like a mountain of iron, notched his bow, and severely wounded Qarakhan while devastating the Turanian rear. Realizing his vanguard was obliterated and Rostam was marching through Turan, Afrasiab launched a frantic midnight retreat, abandoning his camp and fleeing toward the mythic stronghold of Gang-Dezh—the Paradise of Gang. Kay Khosrow dispatched swift couriers to warn Rostam and pursued the tyrant.
Safe within Gang-Dezh—an impregnable ancient metropolis eight leagues long and four wide, renowned for its crystal fountains, towering palaces, and thornless gardens built by ancient sages—Afrasiab prepared for a siege. He mounted catapults, ballistas, and crossbows along the battlements, commissioned Roman engineers under the direction of the Jatheliq, fitted steel-clawed pikes to pull down scaling ladders, and showered his troops with gold and weapons. Simultaneously, he sent an urgent embassy bearing praise and gifts to the Faghfhur of China, requesting massive army reinforcements. Having fortified his fortress, Afrasiab drowned his terror in grand banquets within his golden halls, surrounded by harpers and beauty, drinking deep to erase the haunting shadow of Kay Khosrow.
#1
وز آن سوی گنگ اندر افراسیاب
✦
به رخشنده روز و به هنگام خواب
“And on the other side of Gang, Afrasiab spent bright days and hours of sleep in deep anxiety.”
#2
همی گفت با هرکه بد کاردان
✦
بزرگان بیدار و بسیاردان
“He spoke with every experienced counselor, the vigilant and knowledgeable elders of his realm,”
#3
که اکنون که دشمن به بالین رسید
✦
به گنگ اندرون چون توان آرمید
“Saying, 'Now that the enemy has reached our pillow, how can we rest inside Gang?'”
#4
همه برگشادند گویا زبان
✦
که اکنون که نزدیک شد بد گمان
“They all unlocked their eloquent tongues, saying, 'Now that ill fortune has drawn near,”
#5
جز از جنگ چیزی نبینیم راه
✦
زبونی نه خوبست چندین سپاه
“We see no path before us except war; weakness does not befit such a vast host.'”
#6
بگفتند وز پیش برخاستند
✦
همه شب همی لشکر آراستند
“They spoke thus and arose from his presence; all night long they arrayed the army.”
#7
سپیده دمان گاه بانگ خروس
✦
ز درگاه برخاست آوای کوس
“At dawn, when the cock crowed, the thunder of war drums echoed from the royal court.”
#8
سپاهی به هامون بیامد ز گنگ
✦
که بر مور و بر پشه شد راه تنگ
“An army marched out from Gang onto the plain, so dense that the path became tight for ant and gnat.”
#9
چو آمد به نزدیک گلزریون
✦
زمین شد به سان که بیستون
“When it drew near Golzariyun, the earth became as massive as Mount Bisotun.”
#10
همی لشکر آمد سه روز و سه شب
✦
جهان شد پرآشوب جنگ و جلب
“For three days and three nights the soldiers poured forth; the world filled with turmoil and the din of war.”
#11
کشیدند بر هفت فرسنگ نخ
✦
فزون گشت مردم ز مور و ملخ
“They stretched their line across seven leagues, their numbers exceeding locusts and ants.”
#12
چهارم سپه برکشیدند صف
✦
ز دریا برآمد به خورشید تف
“On the fourth day the troops drew up their battle lines; heat rose like vapor from the sea to the sun.”
#13
به قلب اندر افراسیاب و ردان
✦
سواران گردنکش و بخردان
“At the center stood Afrasiab and his noble lords, proud horsemen and wise chieftains.”
#14
سوی میمنه جهن افراسیاب
✦
همی نیزه بگذاشت از آفتاب
“Upon the right wing was Jahan son of Afrasiab, whose spears surpassed the rays of the sun.”
#15
وز این روی کیخسرو از قلبگاه
✦
همی داشت چون کوه پشت سپاه
“And on the other side, Kay Khosrow held the center, supporting his army like a firm mountain.”
#16
چو گودرز و چون طوس نوذر نژاد
✦
منوشان خوزان پیروز و داد
“Like Goudarz and Tus of the race of Nowzar, Manushan and Khozan of victorious and just intent,”
#17
چو گرگین میلاد و رهام شیر
✦
هجیر و چو شیدوش گرد دلیر
“Like Gurgin son of Milad and the lion-hearted Rohham, Hajir and brave Shidush,”
#18
فریبرز کاووس بر میمنه
✦
سپاهی همه یک‌دل و یک تنه
“Fariburz son of Kay Kavus commanded the right wing, a force united in heart and body.”
#19
منوچهر بر میسره جای داشت
✦
که با جنگ هر جنگیی پای داشت
“Manuchehr held the left wing, ready to withstand any warrior in combat.”
#20
به پشت سپه گیو گودرز بود
✦
که پشت و نگهبان هر مرز بود
“Behind the army stood Giv son of Goudarz, who was the shield and guardian of every border.”
#21
زمین کان آهن شد از میخ نعل
✦
همه آب دریا شد از خون لعل
“The ground became an iron mine from the horses' horseshoe nails, and sea waters turned ruby with blood.”
#22
به سر بر ز گرد سیاه ابر بست
✦
تبیره دل سنگ خارا بخست
“Dark clouds of dust formed above, and the roar of kettledrums pierced the hard flint heart of rocks.”
#23
زمین گشت چون چادر آبنوس
✦
ستاره غمی شد ز آوای کوس
“The earth became like a sheet of ebony; even the stars grieved at the thundering war drums.”
#24
زمین گشت جنبان چو ابر سیاه
✦
تو گفتی همی بر نتابد سپاه
“The earth trembled like a dark storm cloud; you would say the plain could no longer sustain the hosts.”
#25
همه دشت مغز و سر و پای بود
✦
همانا مگر بر زمین جای بود
“The entire plain was littered with brains, heads, and feet; hardly a bare spot remained upon the earth.”
#26
همی نعل اسبان سر کشته خست
✦
همه دشت بی‌تن سر و پای و دست
“The horses' shoes tore into the heads of the slain; the plain was covered in headless bodies, arms, and feet.”
#27
خردمند مردم به یکسو شدند
✦
دو لشکر بر این کار خستو شدند
“Wise men stood aside in fear, and both armies grew weary and despairing of this slaughter,”
#28
که گر یک زمان نیز لشکر چنین
✦
بماند بر این دشت با درد و کین
“Knowing that if the armies remained on this field in pain and vengeance for another moment,”
#29
نماند یکی ز این سواران به جای
✦
همانا سپهر اندر آید ز پای
“Not a single horseman would survive, and the very heavens would collapse.”
#30
ز بس چاک چاک تبرزین و خود
✦
روانها همی داد تن را درود
“From the ceaseless crashing of battle-axes and helmets, souls bade farewell to their bodies.”
#31
چو کیخسرو آن پیچش جنگ دید
✦
جهان بر دل خویشتن تنگ دید
“When Kay Khosrow saw the agonizing crisis of battle, the wide world turned dark and narrow to his heart.”
#32
بیامد به یکسو ز پشت سپاه
✦
به پیش خداوند شد دادخواه
“He moved to one side behind the army, turning in supplication to the Almighty Lord,”
#33
که ای برتر از دانش پارسا
✦
جهاندار و بر هر کسی پادشا
“Crying, 'O Thou who art beyond the knowledge of the devout, Lord of the world and Ruler over all!”
#34
اگر نیستم من ستم یافته
✦
چو آهن به کوره درون تافته
“If I am not the aggrieved party, glowing like iron inside a forge,”
#35
نخواهم که پیروز باشم به جنگ
✦
نه بر دادگر بر کنم جای تنگ
“I seek no victory in battle, nor do I wish to constrain the world against the Righteous One.'”
#36
بگفت این و بر خاک مالید روی
✦
جهان پر شد از نالهٔ زار اوی
“He spoke thus and rubbed his face in the dust; the world filled with his bitter lamentations.”
#37
همانگه برآمد یکی باد سخت
✦
که بشکست شاداب شاخ درخت
“At that very instant, a violent wind arose that broke the fresh branches of the trees.”
#38
همی خاک بر داشت از رزمگاه
✦
بزد بر رخ شاه توران سپاه
“It swept up dust from the battlefield and hurled it straight into the faces of the Turanian army.”
#39
کسی کو سر از جنگ برتافتی
✦
چو افراسیاب آگهی یافتی
“Whoever turned his head away from battle, if Afrasiab learned of him,”
#40
بریدی به خنجر سرش را ز تن
✦
جز از خاک و ریگش نبودی کفن
“He severed his head from his neck with a dagger; his shroud was nothing but soil and sand.”
#41
چنین تا سپهر و زمین تار شد
✦
فراوان ز ترکان گرفتار شد
“Thus it continued until earth and sky grew dark, and countless Turks were taken captive.”
#42
بر آمد شب و چادر مشک رنگ
✦
بپوشید تا کس نیاید به جنگ
“Night arrived and spread its musk-colored veil, covering the realm so none could fight.”
#43
سپه باز چیدند شاهان ز دشت
✦
چو روی زمین ز آسمان تیره گشت
“The kings withdrew their armies from the plain when the face of the earth darkened like the sky.”
#44
همه دامن کوه تا پیش رود
✦
سپه بود با جوشن و درع و خود
“From the mountain skirts to the riverbank, troops stood clad in coats of mail, armor, and helmets.”
#45
برافروختند آتش از هر سوی
✦
طلایه بیامد ز هر پهلوی
“They lit fires on every side, and advance guards moved out from every direction.”
#46
همی جنگ را ساخت افراسیاب
✦
همی بود تا چشمهٔ آفتاب
“Afrasiab prepared his host for war, lingering until the radiant fountain of the sun should rise.”
#47
بر آید رخ کوه رخشان کند
✦
زمین چون نگین بدخشان کند
“To illuminate the face of the mountains and turn the earth glowing like a Badakhshan ruby.”
#48
جهان آفرین را دگر بود رای
✦
به هر کار با رای او نیست پای
“Yet the World-Creator had ordained otherwise; against His divine will no mortal plan can stand.”
#49
شب تیره چون روی زنگی سیاه
✦
کس آمد ز گستهم نوذر به شاه
“When the dark night grew as pitch-black as an African's face, a messenger arrived to the King from Gostaham, son of Nozhar.”
#50
که شاه جهان جاودان زنده باد
✦
که ما بازگشتیم پیروز و شاد
“Saying: 'May the King of the world live forever! For we have returned victorious and full of joy.”
#51
بدان نامداران افراسیاب
✦
رسیدیم ناگه به هنگام خواب
“We fell unexpectedly upon Afrasiab’s famed commanders while they lay fast asleep.”
#52
از ایشان سواری طلایه نبود
✦
کسی را ز اندیشه مایه نبود
“Not a single vanguard horseman stood guard; not one of them possessed foresight or vigil.'”
#53
چو بیدار گشتند ز ایشان سران
✦
کشیدیم شمشیر و گرز گران
“As their leaders awoke in panic, we drew heavy maces and sharp blades upon them.”
#54
چو شب روز شد جز قراخان نماند
✦
ز مردان ایشان فراوان نماند
“When night turned to dawn, none remained except Qarakhan; few indeed survived of their warriors.”
#55
همه دشت ز ایشان سرون و سر است
✦
زمین بستر و خاکشان چادر است
“The entire plain is strewn with their trunks and heads; the earth is their bed and dust their tent canopy.”
#56
به مژده ز رستم هم اندر زمان
✦
هیونی بیامد سپیده‌دمان
“At early dawn, a swift courier arrived bearing glad tidings from Rostam.”
#57
که ما در بیابان خبر یافتیم
✦
بدان آگهی تیز بشتافتیم
“Announcing: 'We received tidings while in the desert, and at that news we rode with furious haste.”
#58
شب و روز رستم یکی داشتی
✦
چو تنها شدی راه بگذاشتی
“Rostam made night and day into one continuous charge; whenever left alone, he pressed forward relentlessly.”
#59
بدیشان رسیدیم هنگام روز
✦
چو بر زد سر از چرخ گیتی فروز
“We reached them by daytime, just as the world-illuminating sun rose above the heavens.”
#60
تهمتن کمان را به زه برنهاد
✦
چو نزدیک شد ترگ بر سر نهاد
“The Elephant-bodied champion strung his bow, and as he drew near, placed the helmet upon his head.”
#61
نخستین که از کلک بگشاد شست
✦
قراخان ز پیکان رستم بخست
“With the very first arrow he released from his thumb-ring, Qarakhan was wounded by Rostam’s deadly point.”
#62
به توران زمین شد کنون کینه‌خواه
✦
همانا که آگاهی آمد به شاه
“He has now entered the realm of Turan seeking vengeance; surely news of this has reached the King.'”
#63
به شادی به لشکر بر آمد خروش
✦
سپهدار ترکان همی داشت گوش
“Shouts of joy echoed through the Iranian army, while the Turanian commander listened with growing dread.”
#64
هر آن کس که بودند خسروپرست
✦
به شادی و رامش گشادند دست
“All who were devoted to King Khosrow gave themselves up to rejoicing and celebration.”
#65
سواری بیامد هم اندر شتاب
✦
خروشان به نزدیک افراسیاب
“Suddenly a horseman came galloping in speed, shouting in alarm as he neared Afrasiab:”
#66
که از لشکر ما قراخان برست
✦
رسیدست نزدیک ما مرد شست
“'Qarakhan barely escaped from our broken host; a master archer of mighty grip has reached us!”
#67
سپاهی به توران نهادند روی
✦
کز ایشان شود ناپدید آب جوی
“An army has set forth toward Turan so vast that the stream waters will vanish beneath their tread!'”
#68
چنین گفت با رایزن شهریار
✦
که پیکار سخت اندر آمد به کار
“The sovereign turned to his advisor and said: 'A dire and terrible conflict has come upon us.”
#69
چو رستم بگیرد سر گاه ما
✦
به یکبارگی گم شود راه ما
“If Rostam seizes our royal seat, our path of escape will be lost entirely.”
#70
کنونش گمان آن که ما نشنویم
✦
چنین کار در جنگ کیخسرویم
“He assumes we know nothing of his advance, believing us consumed in our battle against Kay Khosrow.”
#71
چو آتش بر ایشان شبیخون کنیم
✦
ز خون روی کشور چو جیحون کنیم
“Like fire we shall fall upon them in a night raid, making the land's surface turn to a River Jayhun of blood!”
#72
چو کیخسرو آید ز لشکر دو بهر
✦
نبیند مگر بام و دیوار و شهر
“When Khosrow arrives with two-thirds of his host, he shall find nothing but empty roofs, walls, and cities!'”
#73
سراسر همه لشکر این دید رای
✦
همان مرد فرزانه و رهنمای
“The whole army assented to this counsel, as did the wise and guiding minister.”
#74
بنه هرچه بودش هم آنجا بماند
✦
چو آتش از آن دشت لشکر براند
“Leaving all baggage behind on the spot, Afrasiab drove his army off that plain like a swift flame.”
#75
همانگه طلایه بیامد ز دشت
✦
که گرد سپاه از هوا برگذشت
“At that instant, vanguards returned from the plain reporting that a cloud of army dust had risen sky-high.”
#76
همه دشت خرگاه و خیمه است و بس
✦
از ایشان به خیمه درون نیست کس
“'The whole plain is filled with pavilions and tents, yet not a single soul remains inside them!'”
#77
بدانست خسرو که سالار چین
✦
چرا رفت بیگاه زان دشت کین
“Khosrow understood why the ruler of China had departed so abruptly from that field of strife.”
#78
ز گستهم و رستم خبر یافتست
✦
بدان آگهی تیز بشتافتست
“He realized Afrasiab must have heard news of Gostaham and Rostam, and rushed away upon receiving those tidings.”
#79
نوندی برافگند هم در زمان
✦
فرستاد نزدیک رستم دمان
“Khosrow immediately dispatched a swift courier, sending him post-haste toward Rostam,”
#80
که برگشت ز این کینه افراسیاب
✦
همانا به جنگ تو دارد شتاب
“To warn him: 'Afrasiab has turned back from this conflict, and surely hastens to engage you in battle!'”
#81
سپه را بیارای و بیدار باش
✦
برو خویشتن زو نگهدار باش
“Array your troops and stay vigilant; go forth and guard yourself well against him.”
#82
نوند جهاندیده شایسته بود
✦
بدان راه بی‌راه بایسته بود
“The experienced courier was capable and fit for that difficult, trackless path.”
#83
همی رفت چون پیش رستم رسید
✦
گو شیردل را میان بسته دید
“He traveled until he reached Rostam, and found the lion-hearted hero fully girded for battle.”
#84
سپه گرزها بر نهاده به دوش
✦
یکایک نهاده به آواز گوش
“The army rested their maces upon their shoulders, listening intently to every command.”
#85
به رستم بگفت آنچه پیغام بود
✦
که فرجام پیغامش آرام بود
“He delivered the entire message to Rostam, a message whose ultimate end brought solace.”
#86
وز این روی کیخسرو کینه‌جوی
✦
نشسته به آرام بی‌گفت و گوی
“Meanwhile, the vengeance-seeking Keykhosrow sat in calm tranquility, free of speech or strife.”
#87
همی کرد بخشش همه بر سپاه
✦
سراپرده و خیمه و تاج و گاه
“He distributed gifts generously among his army, bestowing pavilions, tents, crowns, and thrones.”
#88
از ایرانیان کشتگان را بجست
✦
کفن کرد وز خون و گلشان بشست
“He sought out the fallen among the Iranians, shrouded them, and cleansed their bodies of blood and dirt.”
#89
به رسم مهان کشته را دخمه کرد
✦
چو برداشت زان خاک و خون نبرد
“After raising them from the dust and blood of battle, he entombed the slain in the noble custom of the great.”
#90
بنه بر نهاد و سپه بر نشاند
✦
دمان از پس شاه ترکان براند
“He loaded the baggage, mounted his hosts, and rode fiercely in pursuit of the Turanian king.”
#91
چو نزدیک شهر آمد افراسیاب
✦
بر آن بد که رستم شود سیرخواب
“As Afrasiab drew near his city, he hoped that Rostam would fall into a heavy slumber.”
#92
کنون من شبیخون کنم بر سرش
✦
برآریم گرد از سر لشکرش
“He thought: "Now I shall launch a night attack upon him and crush his army to dust."”
#93
به تاریکی اندر طلایه بدید
✦
به شهر اندر آواز ایشان شنید
“But in the darkness he spotted the advance vanguard, and heard their voices echoing within the city.”
#94
فروماند ز آن کار رستم شگفت
✦
همی راند و اندیشه اندر گرفت
“Afrasiab was astonished by Rostam's readiness; he rode on, plunged into deep anxiety.”
#95
همه کوفته لشکر و ریخته
✦
به شیرین روان اندر آویخته
“His troops were battered, scattered, and desperately clinging to their precious lives.”
#96
به پیش اندرون رستم تیزچنگ
✦
پس پشت شاه و سواران جنگ
“Ahead moved the fierce-clawed Rostam, while behind him rode the king and the warrior knights.”
#97
کسی را که نزدیک بد پیش خواند
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وز ایشان فراوان سخنها براند
“Afrasiab summoned those who were close to him, and held lengthy council with them.”
#98
بپرسید کاین را چه بینید روی
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چنین گفت با نامور چاره‌جوی
“He asked: "What remedy do you see for this situation?" And a renowned counselor replied to him:”
#99
که در گنگ دژ آن همه گنج شاه
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چه بایست اکنون همه رنج راه
“"With all the king's vast treasures inside Gang-Dezh, why endure all this agony of the road now?"”
#100
زمین هشت فرسنگ بالای اوی
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همانا که چارست پهنای اوی
“"That fortress towers eight leagues above the ground, and its width surely spans four leagues."”
#101
زن و کودک و گنج و چندان سپاه
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بزرگی و فرمان و تخت و کلاه
“"There lie wives, children, treasures, and a mighty host, along with grandeur, authority, throne, and crown."”
#102
بر آن بارهٔ دژ نپرد عقاب
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نبیند کسی آن بلندی به خواب
“"Even an eagle cannot fly over its ramparts; no one has ever dreamed of such immense height."”
#103
خورش هست و ایوان و گنج و سپاه
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ترا رنج بدخواه را تاج و گاه
“"Provisions, palaces, treasure, and troops are all there; for you it offers rest, while for the enemy, your crown and throne remain intact."”
#104
همان بوم کو را بهشت است نام
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همه جای شادی و آرام و کام
“"That very land is named Paradise (Behesht-e Gang), a place of utter joy, tranquility, and desire."”
#105
به هر گوشه‌ای چشمهٔ آبگیر
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به بالا و پهنای پرتاب تیر
“"In every corner lies a spring and reservoir, wide and long as the flight of an arrow."”
#106
همی موبد آورد از هند و روم
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بهشتی بر آورده آباد بوم
“"Priests and sages brought materials from India and Rome, fashioning a paradise upon a prosperous soil."”
#107
همانا کزان باره فرسنگ بیست
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ببینند آسان که بر دشت کیست
“"From those ramparts, one can easily see across twenty leagues to discern who moves upon the plain."”
#108
ترا ز این جهان بهره جنگست و بس
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به فرجام گیتی نماند به کس
“"Your share of this world has been nothing but battle; yet in the end, the world abides with no man."”
#109
چو بشنید گفتارها شهریار
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خوش آمدش و ایمن شد از روزگار
“When the king heard these words, they pleased him greatly, and he felt secure from the turns of fate.”
#110
بیامد به دلشاد به بهشت گنگ
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ابا آلت لشکر و ساز جنگ
“With a joyful heart, he came to Gang-e Behesht, bringing along his military arms and equipment of war.”
#111
همی گشت بر گرد آن شارستان
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به دستی ندید اندر او خارستان
“He walked around that fortified city, and nowhere in it could he find a single spot of thorns or waste.”
#112
یکی کاخ بودش سر اندر هوا
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برآوردهٔ شاه فرمان روا
“He possessed a palace reaching up into the heavens, erected by the commanding ruler himself.”
#113
به ایوان فرود آمد و بار داد
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سپه را درم داد و دینار داد
“He descended into the hall, held open court, and bestowed silver and gold coins upon his army.”
#114
فرستاد بر هر سوی لشکری
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نگهبان هر لشکری مهتری
“He dispatched armies in every direction, appointing a chieftain to command each force.”
#115
پیاده بر آن باره بر دیده‌بان
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نگهبان به روز و به شب پاسبان
“Foot soldiers stood watch on those fortress walls, with sentinels guarding by day and night.”
#116
رد و موبدش بود بر دست راست
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نویسندهٔ نامه را پیش خواست
“With his wise counselor and Mobad seated at his right hand, he summoned the scribe to write the letter.”
#117
یکی نامه نزدیک فغفور چین
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نبشتند با صد هزار آفرین
“They wrote a letter addressed to the Faghfur of China, filled with a hundred thousand praises and blessings.”
#118
چنین گفت کز گردش روزگار
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نیامد مرا بهره جز کارزار
“Thus he wrote: "From the turning of time, no share has fallen to me save endless warfare.”
#119
بپروردم آن را که بایست کشت
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کنون شد از او روزگارم درشت
“"I nourished the very one who deserved to be slain, and now because of him my fate has turned harsh and grim.”
#120
چو فغفور چین گر بیاید رواست
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که بر مهر او بر روانم گواست
“"If the Faghfur of China comes in person, it is most fitting, for my soul bears witness to his friendship.”
#121
وگر خود نیاید فرستد سپاه
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کز این سو خرامد همی کینه خواه
“"And if he cannot come himself, let him send an army, for from this side the seeker of vengeance advances."”
#122
فرستاده از نزد افراسیاب
✦
به چین اندر آمد به هنگام خواب
“Meanwhile, the messenger sent from Afrasiyab arrived in China during the peaceful hours of rest.”
#123
سرافراز فغفور بنواختش
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یکی خرم ایوان بپرداختش
“The exalted Faghfur welcomed him with warmth and set aside a magnificent, cheerful palace for his lodge.”
#124
وز آن سو به گنگ اندر افراسیاب
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نه آرام بودش نه خورد و نه خواب
“On the other side, within Gang-Dizh, Afrasiyab knew neither peace, nor food, nor sleep.”
#125
به دیوار عراده بر پای کرد
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به برج اندرون رزم را جای کرد
“Upon the fortress walls he mounted siege engines, preparing battle stations inside every tower.”
#126
بفرمود تا سنگهای گران
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کشیدند بر باره افسونگران
“He commanded sorcerers to haul heavy, massive stones up onto the ramparts.”
#127
بسی کاردانان رومی بخواند
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سپاهی به دیوار دژ برنشاند
“He summoned many skilled Roman artisans and stationed a formidable garrison along the citadel's walls.”
#128
برآورد بیدار دل جاثلیق
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بر آن باره عراده و منجنیق
“The vigilant Catholicos set up ballistas and catapults atop the high fortifications.”
#129
کمانهای چرخ و سپرهای کرگ
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همه برجها پر ز خفتان و ترگ
“Crossbows and rhino-hide shields were prepared; every tower overflowed with coats of mail and helmets.”
#130
گروهی ز آهنگران رنجه کرد
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ز پولاد بر هر سوی پنجه کرد
“He tasked a group of blacksmiths to forge steel grappling hooks facing every direction.”
#131
ببستند بر نیزه‌های دراز
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که هر کس که رفتی بر دژ فراز
“They bound them onto long spears, so that anyone who attempted to scale the fortress walls—”
#132
بدان چنگ تیز اندر آویختی
✦
و گرنه ز دژ زود بگریختی
“Would be ensnared by those sharp talons, or else be forced to flee hastily from the ramparts.”
#133
سپه را درم داد و آباد کرد
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به هر کار با هر کسی داد کرد
“He distributed silver to his army and enriched them, dealing generously and justly with all in every task.”
#134
همان خود و شمشیر و برگستوان
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سپرهای چینی و تیر و کمان
“Likewise, helmets, swords, horse armor, Chinese shields, arrows, and bows—”
#135
ببخشید بر لشکرش بی‌شمار
✦
به ویژه کسی کو کند کارزار
“He lavished endlessly upon his troops, especially upon those who were ready for battle.”
#136
چو آسوده شد ز این به شادی نشست
✦
خود و جنگسازان خسرو پرست
“Once relieved of these preparations, he sat in feast and revelry alongside his loyal, king-adoring warriors.”
#137
پری چهره هر روز صد چنگ‌زن
✦
شدندی به درگاه شاه انجمن
“Every day, a hundred fairy-faced harpists gathered together at the King's court.”
#138
شب و روز چون مجلس آراستی
✦
سرود از لب ترک و می خواستی
“Night and day, as he adorned his banquets, he called for song from the lips of Turkic beauties and demanded wine.”
#139
همی داد هر روز گنجی به باد
✦
بر امروز و فردا نیامدش یاد
“Daily he cast whole treasures to the wind, giving no thought to today or to tomorrow.”