When Keykhosrow's envoy returned from the King of Makran, a tempest of war noise enveloped that realm. The forces of Makran spread from mountain to mountain, deploying two hundred armored war-elephants that shook the earth. Dust rose so thick it blotted out the sun, turning midday into murky twilight. Vanguard scouts rushed to King Keykhosrow, warning that the horizon was dark with banners and beasts of war.
Keykhosrow ordered the Iranian ranks to form. Takhar, the fearless vanguard chieftain of Iran, charged straight into the enemy's front lines, slaying their commander like a raging lion and striking terror into the King of Makran's heart. The two armies crashed together like opposing mountain ranges. Tus, the supreme commander, raised the battle horns at the center, with the glorious Drafsh-e Kaviani unfurling before the brave warriors in golden footwear. Arrows darkened the air until the sky resembled a sea of pitch. In the heat of the clash, the King of Makran was struck down at the center of his host and perished.
When Iranian warriors sought to sever the fallen king's head, Keykhosrow stopped them, decreeing that the heads of monarchs must never be desecrated nor their corpses left bare. He commanded his men to build a grand tomb perfumed with musk and rosewater, draping the dead king's armor in Chinese silk. Though ten thousand fighters of Makran had fallen and many were captured, the cries of weeping women and children pierced Keykhosrow's noble heart. Enraged by the excess of war, he halted all looting, accepted the pleas of Makran's righteous elders, and threatened to slice in two any soldier who committed injustice. He then appointed the astute commander Ashkash as governor of Makran to maintain righteousness.
Keykhosrow then led his vast army through the desert toward the shores of the Sea of Zareh. By divine grace, the harsh desert transformed before them into lush green pastures filled with blossoms and sweet water. Upon reaching the great waters, expert mariners from China and Makran prepared a fleet, loading provisions for a year-long voyage. Keykhosrow prostrated himself on the sand, praying to Yazdan to guide his host safely across the treacherous deep.
For seven months, the vessels traversed the open sea, where warriors marveled at terrifying oceanic wonders: sea-bulls locking horns with aquatic lions, woolly humanoids with hair like ropes, and strange chimera beasts with heads of fish and bodies of leopards. By Yazdan's mercy, the winds remained favorable, bringing the fleet safely to land. Overjoyed, Keykhosrow fell to the earth in thanksgiving. He entrusted governance of the new territories to Giv, instructing him to rule with clemency, and sent envoys to local monarchs who promptly offered submission.
The army then pressed on toward Gangdez—the legendary citadel raised from the earth by Siyavash through divine farr. When Keykhosrow's eyes caught the towering ramparts built by his father, he dismounted, pressed his face into the dust, and wept bitterly for the innocent prince slain by treachery. Moved by his grief, the entire Iranian host joined their King, weeping hot tears over the memory of the pure-hearted Siyavash.
#1
فرستادهٔ شاه چون بازگشت
✦
همه شهر مکران پرآواز گشت
“When the king's envoy returned from his quest, the whole city of Makran resounded with clamor.”
#2
زمین کوه تا کوه لشکر گرفت
✦
همه تیز و مکران سپه برگرفت
“From mountain to mountain, an army took its stand; the troops of Makran swiftly gathered.”
#3
بیاورد پیلان جنگی دویست
✦
تو گفتی که اندر زمین جای نیست
“They brought two hundred war-elephants into the field; you would say there was no room left upon the earth.”
#4
از آواز اسبان و جوش سپاه
✦
همی ماه بر چرخ گم کرد راه
“From the neighing of steeds and the tumult of the host, the moon lost its path in the high heaven.”
#5
تو گفتی برآمد زمین بآسمان
✦
وگر گشت خورشید اندر نهان
“You would say the earth rose up to meet the sky, or that the sun had hidden itself away.”
#6
طلایه بیامد به نزدیک شاه
✦
که مکران سیه شد ز گرد سپاه
“The vanguard rode near to the King, reporting that Makran was blackened by the dust of troops.”
#7
همه روی کشور درفشست و پیل
✦
ببیند کنون شهریار از دو میل
“'The entire realm is covered in banners and elephants; the Sovereign can behold them from two miles away.'”
#8
بفرمود تا برکشیدند صف
✦
گرفتند گوپال و خنجر به کف
“The King commanded his ranks to draw up, gripping heavy maces and sharp daggers in hand.”
#9
ز مکران طلایه بیامد به دشت
✦
همه شب همی گرد لشکر بگشت
“The vanguard of Makran entered the plain, circling the army throughout the dark night.”
#10
نگهبان لشکر از ایران تخوار
✦
که بودی به نزدیک او رزم خوار
“The commander of the Iranian watch was Takhar, to whom battle was a light and trivial thing.”
#11
بیامد برآویخت با او به هم
✦
چو پیل سرافراز و شیر دژم
“He rode forth and grappled with the foe, like an exalted elephant and a fierce lion.”
#12
بزد تیغ و او را به دو نیم کرد
✦
دل شاه مکران پر از بیم کرد
“He struck with his sword and cleaved him in twain, filling the King of Makran's heart with terror.”
#13
دو لشکر بر آن گونه صف برکشید
✦
که از گرد شد آسمان ناپدید
“Both armies drew up their ranks in such wise that the sky vanished beneath the rising dust.”
#14
سپاه اندر آمد دو رویه چو کوه
✦
رده برکشیدند هر دو گروه
“The host surged forward on both sides like mountains; both groups aligned their martial ranks.”
#15
به قلب اندر آمد سپهدار طوس
✦
جهان شد پر از نالهٔ بوق و کوس
“Tus, the army chief, entered the center; the world grew loud with the sound of trumpets and drums.”
#16
به پیش اندرون کاویانی درفش
✦
پس پشت گردان زرینه کفش
“Before them fluttered the Kaviani Banner, and behind it rode warriors shod in golden boots.”
#17
هوا پر ز پیکان شد و پر و تیر
✦
جهان شد به کردار دریای قیر
“The air filled with arrowheads and feathers; the world became dark like a sea of pitch.”
#18
به قلب اندرون شاه مکران بخست
✦
وزآن خستگی جان او هم برست
“In the center of the fray, the King of Makran was struck; from that heavy wound his soul departed.”
#19
یکی گفت شاها سرش را بریم
✦
بدو گفت شاه اندر او ننگریم
“One warrior said: 'O King, let us sever his head!' But the Sovereign answered: 'We shall not look upon him with scorn.'”
#20
سر شهریاران نبرد ز تن
✦
مگر نیز از تخمهٔ اهرمن
“'The heads of kings are not to be severed from their bodies, unless perchance they be of Ahriman's brood.'”
#21
برهنه نباید که گردد تنش
✦
بر آن هم نشان خسته در جوشنش
“'His body must not lie naked; leave him thus, wounded within his coat of mail.'”
#22
یکی دخمه سازید مشک و گلاب
✦
چنانچون بود شاه را جای خواب
“'Construct a tomb for him with musk and rosewater, as befits a resting place for a king.'”
#23
بپوشید رویش به دیبای چین
✦
که مرگ بزرگان بود همچنین
“'Cover his face with brocade of China, for such should be the death of the great.'”
#24
و زآن انجمن کشته شد ده هزار
✦
سواران و گردان خنجرگزار
“From that enemy host ten thousand were slain—warriors and sword-wielding champions.”
#25
هزار و صد و چل گرفتار شد
✦
سر زندگان پر ز تیمار شد
“Eleven hundred and forty were taken prisoner, their living heads heavy with sorrow.”
#26
ببردند پیلان و آن خواسته
✦
سراپرده و گاه آراسته
“They took away the elephants and riches, the royal pavilions and adorned thrones.”
#27
بزرگان ایران توانگر شدند
✦
بسی نیز با تخت و افسر شدند
“The nobles of Iran grew wealthy; many attained thrones and crowns of their own.”
#28
از آن پس دلیران پرخاشجوی
✦
به تاراج مکران نهادند روی
“Thereafter, the battle-seeking warriors turned their faces toward plundering Makran.”
#29
خروش زنان خاست از دشت و شهر
✦
چشیدند زان رنج بسیار بهر
“The cries of women arose from plain and city; they suffered much affliction from that stroke.”
#30
به درهای شهر آتش اندر زدند
✦
همی آسمان بر زمین برزدند
“They set fire to the city gates, casting, as it were, heaven down upon the earth.”
#31
بخستند ز ایشان فراوان به تیر
✦
زن و کودک خرد کردند اسیر
“They wounded many with arrows, capturing women and small children.”
#32
چو کم شد از آن انجمن خشم شاه
✦
بفرمود تا باز گردد سپاه
“When the King's wrath subsided, he commanded the army to withdraw.”
#33
بفرمود تا اشکش تیز هوش
✦
بیارامد از غارت و جنگ و جوش
“He bade the sharp-witted Ashkash to restrain the troops from plunder, warfare, and tumult.”
#34
کسی را نماند که زشتی کند
✦
وگر با نژندی درشتی کند
“'Let no man commit any evil deed, nor deal harshly with the afflicted.'”
#35
از آن شهر هر کس که بد پارسا
✦
به پوزش بیامد بر پادشا
“Whoever was righteous in that city came before the King offering apologies:”
#36
که ما بیگناهیم و بیچاره‌ایم
✦
همیشه به رنج ستمکاره‌ایم
“'We are innocent and helpless, ever suffering under the oppression of tyrants.'”
#37
گر ایدون که بیند سر بیگناه
✦
ببخشد سزاوار باشد ز شاه
“'If the King behold the head of the innocent, it is worthy of a monarch to grant pardon.'”
#38
از ایشان چو بشنید فرخنده شاه
✦
بفرمود تا بانگ زد بر سپاه
“When the auspicious King heard their plea, he commanded a herald to cry out to the army.”
#39
خروشی برآمد ز پرده‌سرای
✦
که ای پهلوانان فرخنده رای
“A shout arose from the royal enclosure: 'O warriors of auspicious counsel!'”
#40
از این پس گر آید ز جایی خروش
✦
ز بیدادی و غارت و جنگ و جوش
“'Henceforth, if any outcry comes from any place regarding injustice, plunder, or strife,'”
#41
ستمکارگان را کنم به دو نیم
✦
کسی کو ندارد ز دادار بیم
“'I shall cleave the wrongdoers in twain—anyone who fears not the Creator!'”
#42
جهاندار سالی به مکران بماند
✦
ز هر جای کشتی گران را بخواند
“The Sovereign remained in Makran for a year, summoning great sea-captains from every shore.”
#43
چو آمد بهار و زمین گشت سبز
✦
همه کوه پر لاله و دشت سبز
“When spring arrived and the earth turned green, all the mountains blossomed with tulips and the plains bloomed.”
#44
چراگاه اسبان و جای شکار
✦
بیاراست باغ از گل و میوه‌دار
“Pastures for horses and hunting grounds were readied, and gardens grew beautiful with blossoms and fruit.”
#45
به اشکش بفرمود تا با سپاه
✦
به مکران بباشد یکی چندگاه
“He commanded Ashkash to remain for a time in Makran with a portion of the army,”
#46
نجوید جز از خوبی و راستی
✦
نیارد به کار اندرون کاستی
“He sought naught save goodness and righteousness, nor allowed any flaw or dishonesty in his deeds.”
#47
و زآن شهر راه بیابان گرفت
✦
همه رنجها بر دل آسان گرفت
“From that city he took the desert path, bearing every hardship light upon his heart.”
#48
چنان شد به فرمان یزدان پاک
✦
که اندر بیابان ندیدند خاک
“By the command of the pure God it came to pass that they saw no barren dust in the desert.”
#49
هوا پر ز ابر و زمین پر ز خوید
✦
جهانی پر از لاله و شنبلید
“The air was filled with gentle clouds and the earth with lush greenery; the realm blossomed with tulips and fenugreek.”
#50
خورشهای مردم ببردند پیش
✦
به گردون به زیر اندرون گاومیش
“Provisions for the men were brought forward, with buffaloes harnessed beneath the heavy supply wagons.”
#51
به دشت اندرون سبزه و جای خواب
✦
هوا پر ز ابر و زمین پر ز آب
“Across the plain lay verdant grass and pleasant places to rest; the sky overflowed with clouds and the earth with fresh water.”
#52
چو آمد به نزدیک آب زره
✦
گشادند گردان میان از گره
“When they arrived near the Sea of Zareh, the brave warriors unbuckled their belts to rest.”
#53
همه چاره سازان دریا به راه
✦
ز چین و ز مکران همی برد شاه
“All the skilled mariners of the sea were led along by the King, assembled from China and Makran.”
#54
به خشکی بکرد آنچه بایست کرد
✦
چو کشتی به آب اندر افگند مرد
“He completed all that was required on land, and then his men launched the ships into the water.”
#55
بفرمود تا توشه برداشتند
✦
به یک ساله ره راه بگذاشتند
“He commanded provisions to be loaded, equipping the fleet for a journey of a whole year.”
#56
جهاندار نیک اختر و راه‌جوی
✦
برفت از لب آب با آب روی
“The auspicious and path-seeking monarch set sail from the shore, honored and glorious.”
#57
بر آن بندگی بر نیایش گرفت
✦
جهان آفرین را ستایش گرفت
“In humble servitude he began his prayers, offering praise to the Creator of the World.”
#58
همی خواست از کردگار بلند
✦
کز آبش به خشکی برد بی‌گزند
“He besought the exalted Maker to convey him unharmed across the sea back to dry land,”
#59
همان ساز جنگ و سپاه ورا
✦
بزرگان ایران و گاه ورا
“And likewise to protect his war gear, his army, the noble lords of Iran, and his royal throne.”
#60
همی گفت کای کردگار جهان
✦
شناسندهٔ آشکار و نهان
“He prayed, 'O Creator of the universe, Knower of all that is hidden and revealed,”
#61
نگهدار خشکی و دریا توی
✦
خدای ثری و ثریا توی
“Thou art the Guardian of dry land and sea, God of the earth below and the Pleiades above.”
#62
نگهدار جان و سپاه مرا
✦
همان تخت و گنج و کلاه مرا
“Protect my life and my host, as well as my crown, treasure, and throne.'”
#63
پرآشوب دریا از آن گونه بود
✦
کز او کس نرستی بدان برشخود
“For that ocean was so turbulent and wild that none could escape if its fury flared.”
#64
به شش ماه کشتی برفتی به آب
✦
کز او ساختی هر کسی جای خواب
“For six months the ships sailed upon the waters, and each man made the vessel his dwelling.”
#65
به هفتم که نیمی گذشتی ز سال
✦
شدی کژ و بی راه باد شمال
“In the seventh month, when half the year had passed, the northern gale was wont to turn fierce and treacherous,”
#66
سر بادبان تیز برگاشتی
✦
چو برق درخشنده بگماشتی
“Twisting the edge of the sails violently, driving them swift as flashing lightning,”
#67
به راهی کشیدیش موج مدد
✦
که ملاح خواندش فم الاسد
“Dragging them into a surging current of waves that mariners call 'Famm al-Asad' (the Lion's Mouth).”
#68
چنان خواست یزدان که باد هوا
✦
نشد کژ با اختر پادشا
“Yet God so willed that the sea breezes blew not contrary to the auspicious star of the King.”
#69
شگفت اندر آن آب مانده سپاه
✦
نمودی به انگشت هر یک به شاه
“The army remained in wonder at the ocean's marvels, each soldier pointing them out to the King.”
#70
به آب اندرون شیر دیدند و گاو
✦
همی داشتی گاو با شیر تاو
“Within the waters they beheld sea-lions and sea-bulls, where the bull stood firm in combat against the lion.”
#71
همان مردم و مویها چون کمند
✦
همه تن پر از پشم چون گوسفند
“They saw creatures with human features and hair long as lassos, their bodies covered in wool like sheep.”
#72
گروهی سران چون سر گاومیش
✦
دو دست از پس مردم و پای پیش
“A group had heads like wild buffaloes, with hands set behind like humans and feet in front.”
#73
یکی سر چو ماهی و تن چون نهنگ
✦
یکی پای چون گور و تن چون پلنگ
“One had a head like a fish and body like a crocodile; another had feet like a wild ass and a body like a leopard.”
#74
نمودی همی این بدان آن بدین
✦
به دادار بر خواندند آفرین
“They pointed out these wonders to one another, uttering praises unto the Almighty Lord.”
#75
به بخشایش کردگار سپهر
✦
هوا شد خوش و باد ننمود چهر
“By the grace of the Heavenly Creator, the air turned fair and no destructive wind raised its face.”
#76
گذشتند بر آب بر هفت ماه
✦
که بادی نکرد اندر ایشان نگاه
“They navigated upon the sea for seven full months, without a single hostile gale assailing them.”
#77
چو خسرو ز دریا به خشکی رسید
✦
نگه کرد هامون جهان را بدید
“When Khosrow reached dry land from the sea, he looked upon the open plain and beheld the world anew.”
#78
بیامد به پیش جهان آفرین
✦
بمالید بر خاک رخ بر زمین
“He stepped forward before the Creator of the World, rubbing his cheeks upon the dust of the earth in gratitude.”
#79
برآورد کشتی و زورق ز آب
✦
شتاب آمدش بود جای شتاب
“He drew the ships and boats out of the water, for haste was now required in his quest.”
#80
بیابانش پیش آمد و ریگ و دشت
✦
تن‌آسان به ریگ روان برگذشت
“Before him lay a desert, loose sands, and vast plains; easefully he traversed the shifting dunes.”
#81
همه شهرها دید بر سان چین
✦
زبانها به کردار مکران زمین
“He found all those cities akin to the lands of Chin, and their tongues like the language of Makran.”
#82
بدان شهرها در بیاسود شاه
✦
خورش خواست چندی ز بهر سپاه
“In those cities, the King took rest and sought provisions for his army for a time.”
#83
سپرد آن زمین گیو را شهریار
✦
بدو گفت بر خوردی از روزگار
“The sovereign entrusted that land to Giv, saying to him: "May you reap the fruits of fortune!"”
#84
درشتی مکن با گنهکار نیز
✦
که بی رنج شد مردم از گنج و چیز
“"Treat not even the transgressor with harshness, for people have already been spared suffering through wealth and riches."”
#85
از این پس ندارم کسی را به کس
✦
پرستش کنم پیش فریادرس
“"Henceforth, I hold no mortal higher than another; I shall worship only before the Almighty Succor."”
#86
ز لشکر یکی نامور برگزید
✦
که گفتار هر کس بداند شنید
“From his army he chose a renowned envoy who could comprehend and listen to the speech of all men.”
#87
فرستاد نزدیک شاهان پیام
✦
که هر کس که او جوید آرام و کام
“He sent a message to the regional kings, declaring: "Whoever among you seeks peace and prosperity,"”
#88
بیایند خرم بدین بارگاه
✦
برفتند یکسر به فرمان شاه
“"Let them come joyful to this court." And they all proceeded at once by order of the King.”
#89
یکی سر نپیچید زان مهتران
✦
به درگاه رفتند چون کهتران
“Not one of those rulers turned away; they went to his court with humble submission like vassals.”
#90
چو دیدار بد شاه بنواختشان
✦
به خورشید گردن برافراختشان
“When they were received, the King welcomed them with favor and raised their honor unto the sun.”
#91
پس از گنگ دژ باز جست آگهی
✦
ز افراسیاب و ز تخت مهی
“He then sought tidings of Gang-Dezh, inquiring of Afrasiab and his royal throne.”
#92
چنین گفت گوینده‌ای زان گروه
✦
که ایدر نه آبست پیشت نه کوه
“A speaker among that group spoke thus: "Before thee here lies neither impassable water nor mountain;"”
#93
اگر بشمری سر به سر نیک و بد
✦
فزون نیست تا گنگ فرسنگ صد
“"If thou calculate all matters thoroughly, it is no more than a hundred leagues to Gang."”
#94
کنون تا برآمد ز دریای آب
✦
به گنگست با مردم افراسیاب
“"Now that Afrasiab hath emerged from the sea, he resides in Gang alongside his people."”
#95
از آن آگهی شاد شد شهریار
✦
شد آن رنجها بر دلش نیز خوار
“At these tidings the monarch rejoiced, and all his past hardships grew light upon his heart.”
#96
در آن مرزها خلعت آراستند
✦
پس اسب جهاندیدگان خواستند
“Robes of honor were prepared in those realms, and swift steeds were gathered for the seasoned warriors.”
#97
بفرمود تا بازگشتند شاه
✦
سوی گنگ دژ رفت با آن سپاه
“He commanded the vassal kings to return home, while he advanced toward Gang-Dezh with his host.”
#98
بر آن سو که پور سیاوش براند
✦
ز بیداد مردم فراوان نماند
“Whichever way the son of Siyavash marched, no injustice or suffering was left among the people.”
#99
سپه را بیاراست و روزی بداد
✦
ز یزدان نیکی دهش کرد یاد
“He arrayed the army, granted them their rations, and remembered God, the Giver of all goodness.”
#100
همی گفت هر کس که جوید بدی
✦
بپیچد ز باد افره ایزدی
“He would say: "Whosoever seeks evil shall writhe beneath the stroke of divine retribution."”
#101
نباید که باشید یک تن به شهر
✦
گر از رنج یابد پی مور بهر
“"Let not a single one among you remain in the city if even an ant's foot suffers harm through your work."”
#102
چهانجوی چون گنگ دژ را بدید
✦
شد از آب دیده رخش ناپدید
“When the World-Seeker beheld Gang-Dezh, his face vanished beneath a flood of tears.”
#103
پیاده شد از اسب و رخ بر زمین
✦
همی کرد بر کردگار آفرین
“He dismounted from his steed, pressed his face to the earth, and offered praise unto the Creator.”
#104
همی گفت کای داور داد و پاک
✦
یکی بنده‌ام دل پر از ترس و باک
“He cried: "O pure and just Judge, I am but a servant whose heart is filled with awe and dread!"”
#105
که این بارهٔ شارستان پدر
✦
بدیدم برآورده از ماه سر
“"For I have beheld the fortress of my father's city, its ramparts reaching higher than the moon."”
#106
سیاوش که از فر یزدان پاک
✦
چنین باره‌ای برکشید از مغاک
“"Siyavash, who through the Divine Grace of the Almighty God, raised such a fortress from the deep abyss,"”
#107
ستمگر بد آن کو به بد آخت دست
✦
دل هر کس از کشتن او بخست
“"Oppressive was he who raised his hand in evil, and every heart was wounded by his slaying!"”
#108
بر آن باره بگریست یکسر سپاه
✦
ز خون سیاوش که بد بیگناه
“Upon those ramparts the whole host wept bitterly for the innocent blood of Siyavash.”
#109
به دست بداندیش بر کشته شد
✦
چنین تخم کین در جهان کشته شد
“By the hand of an evil-minded foe he was slain, and thus was the seed of vengeance sown throughout the world.”