#1
وز آن پس بیامد خرامان دبیر
✦
بیاورد قرطاس و مشک و عبیر
“Thereupon, the scribe arrived gracefully, bringing forth paper, musk, and ambergris.”
#2
نبشتند نامه که از کردگار
✦
به دادیم و خشنود از روزگار
“They wrote a letter: 'From the Creator, we are established in justice and well-pleased with fortune,”
#3
که فرزند ما گشت پیروزبخت
✦
سزای مهی وز در تاج و تخت
“'For our son hath become victorious, worthy of greatness, and fitted for the crown and throne.”
#4
بدی را که گیتی همی ننگ داشت
✦
جهان را پر از غارت و جنگ داشت
“'He who wrought evil, of whom the world was ashamed, and who filled the earth with plunder and strife,”
#5
ز دست تو آواره شد در جهان
✦
نگویند نامش جز اندر نهان
“'Hath been rendered a wanderer in the world by thy hand; none utter his name now save in secrecy.”
#6
همه ساله تا بود خونریز بود
✦
به بدنامی و زشتی آویز بود
“'Throughout his years, so long as he endured, he shed blood, ever cleaving to infamy and ugliness.”
#7
بزد گردن نوذر تاجدار
✦
ز شاهان وز راستان یادگار
“'He severed the neck of crowned Nowzar, that memory of righteous kings of old.”
#8
برادرکش و بدتن و شاه کش
✦
بداندیش و بدراه و آشفته هش
“'A fratricide, evil-bodied, a slayer of kings, malevolent, misguided, and of distraught mind.”
#9
پی او ممان تا نهد بر زمین
✦
به توران و مکران و دریای چین
“'Allow not his foot to rest upon the earth, whether in Turan, Makran, or the Sea of China.”
#10
جهان را مگر زو رهایی بود
✦
سر بی بهایش بهایی بود
“'Perchance the world may find deliverance from him, and a price be set upon his worthless head.”
#11
اگر داور دادگر یک خدای
✦
همی بود خواهد ترا رهنمای
“'If the just Judge, the One God, shall continue to be thy guide,”
#12
که گیتی بشویی ز رنج بدان
✦
ز گفتار و کردار نابخردان
“'Thou shalt cleanse the world from the torment of the wicked, and from the words and deeds of the foolish.”
#13
بداد جهان آفرین شاد باش
✦
جهان را یکی تازه بنیاد باش
“'Be joyful through the Creator of the world, and be thou a fresh foundation for the earth.”
#14
مگر باز بینم تو را شادمان
✦
پر از درد گردد دل بدگمان
“'May I see thee joyful once again, so that the heart of the suspicious enemy may be filled with pain.”
#15
وز این پس جز از پیش یزدان پاک
✦
نباشم کز اویست امید و باک
“'Henceforth, I shall stand nowhere save before the Pure God, for in Him reside all hope and awe.”
#16
بدان تا تو پیروز باشی و شاد
✦
سرت سبز باد و دلت پر ز داد
“'To the end that thou mayest remain victorious and glad; may thy head be green and thy heart full of justice.”
#17
جهان آفرین رهنمای تو باد
✦
همیشه سر تخت جای تو باد
“'May the Creator of the world be thy guide, and may the royal throne ever be thy abode.'”
#18
نهادند بر نامه بر مهر شاه
✦
بر ایوان شه گیو بگزید راه
“They set the King's seal upon the letter, and Giv took his way from the royal palace.”
#19
به ره بر نبودش به جایی درنگ
✦
به نزدیک کیخسرو آمد به گنگ
“He tarried nowhere upon the road, until he reached Keykhosrow in Gang-Dezh.”
#20
بر او آفرین کرد و نامه بداد
✦
پیام نیا پیش او کرد یاد
“He praised him, delivered the letter, and conveyed the verbal message of his grandfather.”
#21
ز گفتار او شاد شد شهریار
✦
می آورد و رامشگر و میگسار
“The King rejoiced at his words; he ordered wine, musicians, and cupbearers.”
#22
همی خورد پیروز و شادان سه روز
✦
چهارم چو بفروخت گیتی فروز
“Victorious and joyful, he feasted for three days; on the fourth, when the sun brightened the world,”
#23
سپه را همه ترک و جوشن بداد
✦
پیام نیا پیششان کرد یاد
“He bestowed helmets and coats of mail upon the host, and recounted to them his grandfather's message.”
#24
مر آن را به گستهم نوذر سپرد
✦
یکی لشکری نامبردار و گرد
“He entrusted that task to Gostahm, son of Nowzar, along with a renowned and valiant army.”
#25
ز گنگ گزین راه چین برگرفت
✦
جهان را به شمشیر در بر گرفت
“From chosen Gang he took the road to China, encompassing the world with the power of his sword.”
#26
نبد روز بیکار و تیره شبان
✦
طلایه به روز و به شب پاسبان
“No day was left idle, nor any dark night; advance guards rode by day, and watchmen stood by night.”
#27
بدین گونه تا شارستان پدر
✦
همی رفت گریان و پر کینه سر
“In this manner he advanced unto his father's citadel, weeping, his head filled with vengeance.”
#28
همی گرد باغ سیاوش بگشت
✦
به جایی که بنهاد خونریز تشت
“He wandered around the garden of Siavash, at the very spot where the blood-shedding basin had been set.”
#29
همی گفت کز داور یک خدای
✦
بخواهم که باشد مرا رهنمای
“He kept saying: 'I pray to the One God, the Judge, that He may be my guide,”
#30
مگر همچنین خون افراسیاب
✦
هم ایدر بریزم به کردار آب
“'So that I may likewise spill the blood of Afrasiab here, pouring it forth even like water.'”
#31
و ز آن جایگه شد سوی تخت باز
✦
همی گفت با داور پاک راز
“And from that place he returned unto the throne, communing in secret prayer with the Holy Judge.”
#32
ز لشکر فرستادگان برگزید
✦
که گویند و دانند گفت و شنید
“From the army he selected envoys who were eloquent, wise, and versed in discourse.”
#33
فرستاد کس نزد خاقان چین
✦
به فغفور و سالار مکران زمین
“He dispatched envoys to the Khaqan of China, to the Faghfowr, and to the ruler of Makran's realm,”
#34
که گر داد گیرید و فرمان کنید
✦
ز کردار بد دل پشیمان کنید
“Saying: 'If ye embrace justice and obey my command, repenting in heart of past evil deeds,”
#35
خورشها فرستید نزد سپاه
✦
ببینید ناچار ما را به راه
“'Send provisions unto the host, and perforce behold us as we march along the way.'”
#36
کسی کو بتابد ز فرمان من
✦
و گر دور باشد ز پیمان من
“Whosoever turns away from my command, or strays far from my covenant,”
#37
بیاراست باید سپه را به رزم
✦
هر آن کس که بگریزد از راه بزم
“We must array the army for battle against anyone who flees from the path of peace and feast.”
#38
فرستاده آمد به هر کشوری
✦
به هر جا که بد نامور مهتری
“Envoys were dispatched to every realm, wherever a renowned chieftain held sway.”
#39
غمی گشت فغفور و خاقان چین
✦
بزرگان هر کشوری همچنین
“The Faghour and the Khaqan of China grew anxious, as did the nobles of every other land.”
#40
فرستاده را چند گفتند گرم
✦
سخنهای شیرین به آواز نرم
“Warmly they addressed the envoy, speaking sweet words in soft and soothing tones,”
#41
که ما شاه را سر به سر کهتریم
✦
زمین جز به فرمان او نسپریم
“Saying: "We are all subjects of the King; we tread not upon this earth save by his command.”
#42
گذرها که راه دلیران بدست
✦
ببینیم تا چند ویران شدست
“"We shall inspect the passes traversed by the brave, to see how ruined they have become,”
#43
کنیم از سر آباد با خوردنی
✦
بباشیم و آریمش آوردنی
“"We will rebuild them anew, supply provisions, and bring forth whatever tribute is required."”
#44
همی گفت هر کس که بودش خرد
✦
که گر بی زیان او به ما بگذرد
“Everyone possessed of wisdom said: "If he passes by us without causing us harm,”
#45
به درویش بخشیم بسیار چیز
✦
نثار و خورشها بسازیم نیز
“"We shall bestow much upon the poor, and prepare gifts and lavish banquets as well."”
#46
فرستاده را بی‌کران هدیه داد
✦
بیامد به درگاه پیروز و شاد
“They showered the envoy with boundless gifts, and he returned to the royal court victorious and joyful.”
#47
دگر نامور چون به مکران رسید
✦
دل شاه مکران دگرگونه دید
“When another noble envoy reached Makran, he found the King of Makran’s heart to be of a different disposition.”
#48
بر تخت او رفت و نامه بداد
✦
بگفت از پیام آنچه بودش بیاد
“He approached his throne and delivered the letter, conveying all the royal message he remembered.”
#49
سبک مر فرستاده را خوار کرد
✦
دل انجمن پر ز تیمار کرد
“Straightway he humiliated the envoy, filling the hearts of the assembly with grief and trouble.”
#50
بدو گفت با شاه ایران بگوی
✦
که نادیده بر ما فزونی مجوی
“He said to him: "Tell the King of Iran: seek not superiority over us without having tested us!”
#51
زمانه همه زیر تخت منست
✦
جهان روشن از فر بخت منست
“"The age itself is beneath my throne, and the world is illuminated by the glory of my fortune!”
#52
چو خورشید تابان شود بر سپهر
✦
نخستین بر این بوم تابد به مهر
“"When the radiant sun shines in the heavens, it first sheds its loving light upon this land of mine!”
#53
همم دانش و گنج آباد هست
✦
بزرگی و مردی و نیروی دست
“"I possess wisdom and rich treasures, along with grandeur, valor, and strength of arm.”
#54
گر از من همی راه جوید رواست
✦
که هر جانور بر زمین پادشاست
“"If he seeks safe passage from me, that is fair; for every living lord is a king in his own realm.”
#55
نبندیم اگر بگذری بر تو راه
✦
زیانی مکن بر گذر با سپاه
“"We shall not block your way if you pass through; but cause no harm on your passage with your host.”
#56
ور ایدون که با لشکر آیی به شهر
✦
بر این پادشاهی ترا نیست بهر
“"But if you march into our city with an army, you shall have no share or hold in this kingdom.”
#57
نمانم که بر بوم من بگذری
✦
وز این مرز جایی به پی بسپری
“"I will not suffer you to step upon my soil, nor tread a single span of this border!”
#58
نمانم که مانی تو پیروزگر
✦
وگر یابی از اختر نیک بر
“"I will not let you remain victorious, even if you draw good fortune from the stars!"”
#59
بر این گونه چون شاه پاسخ شنید
✦
از آن جایگه لشکر اندر کشید
“When the King heard such a response, he led forth his army from that place.”
#60
بیامد گرازان به سوی ختن
✦
جهاندار با نامدار انجمن
“Swiftly and proudly he advanced toward Khotan—the ruler of the world alongside his renowned assembly.”
#61
برفتند فغفور و خاقان چین
✦
بر شاه با پوزش و آفرین
“The Faghour and the Khaqan of China came forth to meet the King, offering apologies and praise.”
#62
سه منزل ز چین پیش شاه آمدند
✦
خود و نامداران به راه آمدند
“Three stages out from China they marched to meet the King, accompanied by their illustrious nobles.”
#63
همه راه آباد کرده چو دست
✦
در و دشت چون جایگاه نشست
“The entire road was made as smooth and neat as a hand, the valleys and plains arrayed like royal banqueting halls.”
#64
همه بوم و بر پوشش و خوردنی
✦
از آرایش بزم و گستردنی
“The whole realm was filled with garments and food, splendidly adorned for feasts with fine carpets spread.”
#65
چو نزدیک شاه اندر آمد سپاه
✦
ببستند آذین به بیراه و راه
“As the army drew near the King, they decorated both the highways and byways with festive arches.”
#66
به دیوار دیبا برآویختند
✦
ز بر زعفران و درم ریختند
“They hung rich silks upon the walls, and showered saffron and coins from above.”
#67
چو با شاه فغفور گستاخ شد
✦
به پیش اندر آمد سوی کاخ شد
“When the Faghour grew familiar and comfortable with the King, he led the way and proceeded toward the palace.”
#68
بدو گفت ما شاه را کهتریم
✦
اگر کهتری را خود اندر خوریم
“He said to him: "We are the humble subjects of the King, if indeed we are worthy of such service!"”
#69
جهانی به بخت تو آباد گشت
✦
دل دوستداران تو شاد گشت
“"The world has flourished through your good fortune, and the hearts of your well-wishers are filled with joy!"”
#70
گر ایوان ما در خور شاه نیست
✦
گمانم که هم بدتر از راه نیست
“"Though our palace may not be fitting for the King, I deem it no worse, at least, than the open road!"”
#71
به کاخ اندر آمد سرافراز شاه
✦
نشست از بر نامور پیشگاه
“The exalted king entered the royal palace and sat upon the renowned throne.”
#72
ز دینار چینی ز بهر نثار
✦
بیاورد فغفور چین صد هزار
“As an offering of homage, the Faghor of China presented one hundred thousand Chinese dinars.”
#73
همی بود بر پیش او بر به پای
✦
ابا مرزبانان فرخنده رای
“He remained standing respectfully in his presence, accompanied by wise and auspicious marchlords.”
#74
به چین اندرون بود خسرو سه ماه
✦
ابا نامداران ایران سپاه
“Khosrow remained in China for three months, together with the famous paladins of the Iranian army.”
#75
پرستنده فغفور هر بامداد
✦
همی نو به نو شاه را هدیه داد
“Every morning, the devoted Faghor bestowed fresh gifts upon the Shah.”
#76
چهارم ز چین شاه ایران براند
✦
به مکران شد و رستم آنجا بماند
“In the fourth month, the King of Iran departed China for Makran, while Rostam stayed behind.”
#77
بیامد چو نزدیک مکران رسید
✦
ز لشکر جهاندیده‌ای برگزید
“When he drew near Makran, he chose a battle-seasoned envoy from among his army.”
#78
بر شاه مکران فرستاد و گفت
✦
که با شهریاران خرد باد جفت
“He dispatched him to the King of Makran, saying: 'May wisdom be the companion of sovereigns!'”
#79
خورش ساز راه سپاه مرا
✦
به خوبی بیارای گاه مرا
“'Prepare provisions for the journey of my host, and honorably welcome my royal dignity.'”
#80
نگه کن که ما از کجا رفته‌ایم
✦
نه مستیم و بیراه و نه خفته‌ایم
“'Consider the vast distance we have marched; we are neither drunk, nor straying, nor asleep.'”
#81
جهان روشن از تاج و بخت منست
✦
سر مهتران زیر تخت منست
“'The world is illuminated by my crown and fortune; the heads of great lords lie beneath my throne.'”
#82
برند آنگهی دست چیز کسان
✦
مگر من نباشم به هر کس رسان
“'My soldiers lay hands on others' goods only if I fail to provide for each of them.'”
#83
علف چون نیابند جنگ آورند
✦
جهان بر بداندیش تنگ آورند
“'If they find no provender, they will wage war and constrain the world for the ill-disposed.'”
#84
ور ایدون که گفتار من نشنوی
✦
به خون فراوان کس اندر شوی
“'If you do not heed my counsel, you will become responsible for the blood of many men.'”
#85
همه شهر مکران تو ویران کنی
✦
چو بر کینه آهنگ شیران کنی
“'You will lay waste to all the city of Makran if you seek to arouse the wrath of lions.'”
#86
فرستاده آمد پیامش بداد
✦
نبد بر دلش جای پیغام و داد
“The envoy arrived and delivered his message, but in the king's heart there was no place for counsel or justice.”
#87
سر بی خرد زان سخن خیره شد
✦
بجوشید و مغزش از آن تیره شد
“His foolish head grew arrogant at those words; his blood boiled and his mind grew dark.”
#88
پراگنده لشکر همه گرد کرد
✦
بیاراست بر دشت جای نبرد
“He gathered all his scattered forces and arrayed the battlefield upon the plain.”
#89
فرستاده را گفت برگرد و رو
✦
به نزدیک آن بدگمان باز شو
“He said to the envoy: 'Turn back and go; return unto that mistrustful king!'”
#90
بگویش که از گردش تیره روز
✦
تو گشتی چنین شاد و گیتی فروز
“'Tell him: "It is only by the turn of dark Fortune that you have become so joyful and world-illuminating."'”
#91
ببینی چو آیی ز ما دستبرد
✦
بدانی که مردان کدامند و گرد
“'When you arrive, you shall witness our prowess, and learn who true men and heroes are!'”