#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
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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
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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
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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.”