#1
پس آگاهی آمد به افراسیاب
✦
که شاه جهاندار بگذاشت آب
“Word came to Afrasiab that the world-ruling monarch had crossed the great waters.”
#2
شنیده همی داشت اندر نهفت
✦
بیامد شب تیره با کس نگفت
“He kept the news concealed, and under the cover of dark night, departed without telling a soul.”
#3
جهاندیدگان را هم آنجا بماند
✦
دلی پر ز تیمار تنها براند
“He left the experienced elders behind and rode off alone with a heart laden with grief.”
#4
چو کیخسرو آمد به گنگ اندرون
✦
سری پر ز تیمار دل پر ز خون
“When Kay Khosrow entered Gang-Dezh, his head was heavy with sorrow and his heart bled.”
#5
بدید آن دل افروز باغ بهشت
✦
شمرهای او چون چراغ بهشت
“He saw that heart-enlivening paradise-like garden, whose clear pools shone like heavenly lamps.”
#6
به هر گوشه‌ای چشمه و گلستان
✦
زمین سنبل و شاخ بلبلستان
“In every corner sprang a fountain and a rose garden; the earth bloomed with hyacinths and branches echoed with nightingales.”
#7
همی گفت هر کس که اینت نهاد
✦
هم ایدر بباشیم تا مرگ شاد
“Everyone said: 'Praise be to Him who built this; here let us remain in joy until death!'”
#8
وز آن پس بفرمود بیدار شاه
✦
طلب کردن شاه توران سپاه
“Thereafter, the watchful king ordered his forces to seek out the monarch of the Turanian host.”
#9
بجستند بر دشت و باغ و سرای
✦
گرفتند بر هر سوی رهنمای
“They searched the plains, gardens, and palaces, stationing guides and spotters in every direction.”
#10
همی رفت جوینده چون بیهشان
✦
مگر زو بیابند جایی نشان
“The seekers went about like men distracted, hoping to discover some trace of him somewhere.”
#11
چو بر جستنش تیز بشتافتند
✦
فراوان ز کسهای او یافتند
“As they pressed their search eagerly, they captured many of his followers.”
#12
بکشتند بسیار کس بیگناه
✦
نشانی نیامد ز بیداد شاه
“They put many innocent people to the sword, yet no clue came of the tyrannical king.”
#13
همی بود در گنگ دژ شهریار
✦
یکی سال با رامش و میگسار
“The king stayed in the fortress of Gang for a full year, indulging in feasting, ease, and wine.”
#14
جهان چون بهشتی دلاویز بود
✦
پر از گلشن و باغ و پالیز بود
“The realm was enchanting as paradise, filled with flower-gardens, orchards, and verdant fields.”
#15
برفتن همی شاه را دل نداد
✦
همی بود در گنگ پیروز و شاد
“The king's heart inclined not to depart; triumphant and cheerful, he lingered in Gang.”
#16
همه پهلوانان ایران سپاه
✦
برفتند یکسر به نزدیک شاه
“All the paladins of the Iranian army went in a body to the king's presence,”
#17
که گر شاه را دل نجنبد ز جای
✦
سوی شهر ایران نیایدش رای
“Saying: 'If the king's heart stirs not from here, and he forms no resolve to return to the land of Iran,”
#18
همانا بداندیش افراسیاب
✦
گذشته‌ست زان سو به دریای آب
“Surely the malevolent Afrasiab has crossed back over the sea to the other side.”
#19
چنان پیر بر گاه کاووس شاه
✦
نه اورنگ و فر و نه گنج و سپاه
“While King Kavus sits so old upon the throne, destitute of royal glory, treasure, and host,”
#20
گر او سوی ایران شود پر ز کین
✦
که باشد نگهبان ایران زمین
“If he should march toward Iran full of malice, who then will be the protector of the Iranian land?”
#21
گر او باز با تخت و افسر شود
✦
همه رنج ما پاک بی‌بر شود
“If he regains his throne and crown once more, all our labor will be utterly wasted!'”
#22
از آن پس به ایرانیان شاه گفت
✦
که این پند با سودمندیست جفت
“Then the king said to the Iranians: 'This counsel of yours is joined with wisdom and benefit.'”
#23
از آن شارستان پس مهان را بخواند
✦
وز آن رنج بردن فراوان براند
“Then he summoned the nobles of that city, and spoke at length of all the hardship endured.”
#24
از ایشان کسی را که شایسته‌تر
✦
گرامی‌تر از شهر و بایسته‌تر
“Whomever among them was most worthy, most revered, and best suited for the city,”
#25
تنش را به خلعت بیاراستند
✦
ز دژ بارهٔ مرزبان خواستند
“They invested him with a robe of honor, and designated him warden of the citadel walls.”
#26
چنین گفت کایدر به شادی بمان
✦
ز دل بر کن اندیشهٔ بدگمان
“He said to him: 'Dwell here in gladness, and uproot suspicious thoughts from your heart.'”
#27
ببخشید چندان که بد خواسته
✦
ز اسبان وز گنج آراسته
“He bestowed whatever was requested—noble horses and rich, decorated treasures.”
#28
همه شهر ز ایشان توانگر شدند
✦
چه با یاره و تخت و افسر شدند
“The whole city became wealthy through his gifts, adorned with armlets, thrones, and crowns.”
#29
بدانگه که بیدار گردد خروس
✦
ز درگاه برخاست آوای کوس
“At the hour when the cock awakens, the sound of war-drums arose from the royal court.”
#30
سپاهی شتابنده و راه‌جوی
✦
به سوی بیابان نهادند روی
“A swift, path-cleaving army set out, directing their march toward the desert expanse.”
#31
همه نامداران هر کشوری
✦
برفتند هر جا که بد مهتری
“All the chieftains of every region went forth wherever a lord held sway.”
#32
خورشها ببردند نزدیک شاه
✦
که بود از در شهریار و سپاه
“They brought provisions to the king, fit for the monarch and his army.”
#33
به راهی که لشکر همی برگذشت
✦
در و دشت یکسر چو بازار گشت
“Along the route where the army marched, mountain and plain became like a bustling marketplace.”
#34
به کوه و بیابان و جای نشست
✦
کسی را نبد کس که بگشاد دست
“Across mountains, wilderness, and camping grounds, no one suffered oppression or plunder.”
#35
بزرگان ابا هدیه و با نثار
✦
پذیره شدندی بر شهریار
“The nobles came forth to welcome the monarch with gifts and scattered offerings.”
#36
چو خلعت فراز آمدیشان ز گنج
✦
نهشتی که با او برفتی به رنج
“When robes of honor were brought to them from the treasury, he would not allow anyone to suffer hardship alongside him.”
#37
پذیره شدش گیو با لشکری
✦
و زآن شهر هر کس که بد مهتری
“Gev came out to welcome him with a vast army, together with all the notables of that city.”
#38
چو دید آن سر و فرهٔ سرفراز
✦
پیاده شد و برد پیشش نماز
“When he beheld that exalted crown and royal divine aura, he dismounted and paid homage before him.”
#39
جهاندار بسیار بنواختشان
✦
به رسم کیان جایگه ساختشان
“The sovereign of the world favored them greatly, and prepared their lodgings according to the royal tradition of the Kayanids.”
#40
چو خسرو به نزدیک کشتی رسید
✦
فرود آمد و بادبان برکشید
“When Khosrow drew near the ships, he dismounted and ordered the sails to be raised.”
#41
دو هفته بر آن روی دریا بماند
✦
ز گفتار با گیو چندی براند
“For two full weeks he remained upon the expanse of the sea, conversing lengthily with Gev.”
#42
چنین گفت هر کو ندیده‌ست گنگ
✦
نباید که خواهد به گیتی درنگ
“He declared, 'Whoever has not seen Gang-Dezh should not desire to linger long in this world.'”
#43
بفرمود تا کار برساختند
✦
دو زورق به آب اندر انداختند
“He commanded that all preparations be made, and two boats were launched into the water.”
#44
شناسای کشتی هر آنکس که بود
✦
که بر ژرف دریا دلیری نمود
“Every skilled mariner who was present displayed courage upon the deep waters.”
#45
بفرمود تا بادبان برکشید
✦
به دریای بی‌مایه اندر کشید
“He ordered the sails to be unfurled, and set forth into the boundless ocean.”
#46
همان راه دریا به یک ساله راه
✦
چنان تیز شد باد در هفت ماه
“That oceanic passage, usually a journey of a year, was traversed in seven months so swift blew the wind.”
#47
که آن شاه و لشکر بدین سو گذشت
✦
که از باد کژ آستی تر نگشت
“So smoothly did the king and his army cross over that not even a sleeve was dampened by stray winds or spray.”
#48
سپهدار لشکر به خشکی کشید
✦
ببستند کشتی و هامون بدید
“The commander of the host reached dry land; they anchored the ships and beheld the open plain.”
#49
خورش کرد و پوشش هم آنجا یله
✦
به ملاح و آن کس که کردی خله
“Food and vestments he left right there in abundance for the mariners and those who manned the oars.”
#50
بفرمود دینار و خلعت ز گنج
✦
ز گیتی کسی را که بردند رنج
“He ordered gold coins and royal robes from the treasury to be bestowed upon all who had endured toil in the world.”
#51
وز آن آب راه بیابان گرفت
✦
جهانی از او مانده اندر شگفت
“From that shore he took the desert route, leaving the whole world marveling at his deeds.”
#52
چو آگاه شد اشکش آمد به راه
✦
ابا لشکری ساخته پیش شاه
“When Ashkash received word, he rode forth with a fully equipped army to greet the king.”
#53
پیاده شد از اسب و روی زمین
✦
ببوسید و بر شاه کرد آفرین
“He dismounted from his horse, kissed the earth, and offered blessings upon the king.”
#54
همه تیز و مکران بیاراستند
✦
ز هر جای رامشگران خواستند
“They splendidly adorned all of Tiz and Makran, and summoned musicians from every corner.”
#55
همه راه و بی‌راه آوای رود
✦
تو گفتی هوا تار شد رود پود
“Along every road and path resounded the music of lutes; one would say the very air was woven of song.”
#56
به دیوار دیبا برآویختند
✦
درم با شکر زیر پی ریختند
“They draped the walls with fine silk and brocade, scattering silver coins mixed with sugar beneath his feet.”
#57
به مکران هر آن کس که بد مهتری
✦
وگر نامداری و کنداوری
“Every ruler, renowned chief, and brave knight that resided in Makran—”
#58
برفتند با هدیه و با نثار
✦
به نزدیک پیروزگر شهریار
“All went with gifts and tributes before the victorious sovereign.”
#59
و زآن مرز چندان که بد خواسته
✦
فراز آورید اشکش آراسته
“And whatever treasures existed in that domain, Ashkash gathered and presented in magnificent array.”
#60
ز اشکش پذیرفت شاه آنچه دید
✦
و زآن نامداران یکی برگزید
“The king accepted from Ashkash all that he offered, and chose one chieftain from among those nobles.”
#61
ورا کرد مهتر به مکران زمین
✦
بسی خلعتش داد و کرد آفرین
“He appointed him ruler over the land of Makran, granting him many robes of honor and praising him.”
#62
چو آمد ز مکران و توران به چین
✦
خود و سرفرازان ایران زمین
“When he returned from Makran and Turan to China, himself accompanied by the noble lords of Iran—”
#63
پذیره شدش رستم زال سام
✦
سپاهی گشاده دل و شاد کام
“Rustam, son of Zal, son of Sam, advanced to greet him at the head of a cheerful and triumphant host.”
#64
چو از دور کیخسرو آمد پدید
✦
سوار سرفراز چترش کشید
“When Kay Khosrow appeared from afar, an exalted rider unfurled the royal canopy over him.”
#65
پیاده شد از باره بردش نماز
✦
گرفتش به بر شاه گردن‌فراز
“Rustam dismounted from his charger and bowed low; the proud king clasped him to his breast.”
#66
بگفت آن شگفتی که دید اندر آب
✦
ز گم بودن جادو افراسیاب
“He related the wonders he had witnessed upon the waters, and how the sorcerer Afrasiab had vanished.”
#67
به چین نیز مهمان رستم بماند
✦
به یک هفته از چین به ماچین براند
“In China he lingered as Rustam's guest, and after one week he set forth from China toward Machin.”
#68
همی رفت سوی سیاووش گرد
✦
به ماه سفندار مذ روز ارد
“He journeyed toward Siyavash-Gerd on the day of Ord in the month of Esfandarmad.”
#69
چو آمد بدان شارستان پدر
✦
دو رخساره پر آب و خسته جگر
“When he entered the city founded by his father, his eyes brimmed with tears and his heart was grief-stricken.”
#70
به جایی که گرسیوز بدنشان
✦
گروی به نفرین مردم کشان
“To the very place where evil Garsivaz and Garoy—accursed by all mankind—had slain his noble father.”
#71
سر شاه ایران بریدند خوار
✦
بیامد بدان جایگه شهریار
“They wretchedly beheaded the Shah of Iran, and now the young Sovereign arrived at that very spot.”
#72
همی ریخت بر سر از آن تیره خاک
✦
همی کرد روی و بر خویش چاک
“He poured dark dust upon his head, tearing at his face and chest in bitter anguish.”
#73
بمالید رستم بر آن خاک روی
✦
بنفرید بر جان ناکس گروی
“Rostam too rubbed his face upon that dust, and cursed the soul of the vile Ghoruy.”
#74
همی گفت کیخسرو ای شهریار
✦
مرا ماندی در جهان یادگار
“Kay Khosrow cried: "O noble King, you have left me behind in this world to carry your legacy!”
#75
نماندم ز کین تو مانند چیز
✦
به رنج اندرم تا جهانست نیز
“I shall leave nothing undone to avenge you; I shall endure toil as long as the world endures.”
#76
بپرداختم تخت افراسیاب
✦
از این پس نه آرام جویم نه خواب
“I have wrested the throne of Afrasiab; henceforth I shall seek neither rest nor sleep,”
#77
بر امید آن کش به چنگ آورم
✦
جهان پیش او تار و تنگ آورم
“In the hope that I may catch him in my grasp, and make the world dark and narrow before his eyes."”
#78
از آن پس بدان گنج بنهاد سر
✦
که مادر بدو یاد کرد از پدر
“Thereafter he set out toward that treasure of which his mother had spoken on behalf of his father.”
#79
در گنج بگشاد و روزی بداد
✦
دو هفته در آن شارستان بود شاد
“He opened the doors of the treasury and distributed wealth; for two weeks he remained joyful in that city.”
#80
به رستم دو صد بدره دینار داد
✦
همان گیو را چیز بسیار داد
“He bestowed two hundred purses of gold dinars upon Rostam, and gave abundant treasures to Giv as well.”
#81
چو بشنید گستهم نوذر که شاه
✦
بدان شارستان پدر کرد راه
“When Gustahm, son of Naudar, heard that the Shah had made his way to his father's citadel,”
#82
پذیره شدش با سپاهی گران
✦
ز ایران بزرگان و کنداوران
“He went forth to welcome him with a mighty host, accompanied by Iran's nobles and valiant warriors.”
#83
چو از دور دید افسر و تاج شاه
✦
پیاده فراوان بپیمود راه
“When he beheld the Shah's crown and crest from afar, he dismounted and walked a great distance on foot.”
#84
همه یکسره خواندند آفرین
✦
بر آن دادگر شهریار زمین
“One and all voiced praise and blessings upon that just monarch of the earth.”
#85
به گستهم فرمود تا برنشست
✦
همه راه شادان و دستش به دست
“The King commanded Gustahm to mount again; all along the way they rode in joy, hand in hand.”
#86
کشیدند زان روی به بهشت گنگ
✦
سپه را به نزدیک شاه آب و رنگ
“From there they proceeded toward Gang-e Behesht; the army brought glory and luster to the King.”
#87
وفا چون درختی بود میوه‌دار
✦
همی هر زمانی نو آید به بار
“Loyalty is like a fruitful tree, bringing forth fresh fruit at every passing season.”
#88
نیاسود یک تن ز خورد و شکار
✦
همان یک سواره همان شهریار
“Not a single man desisted from feasting and the chase—from the lone rider to the Shah himself.”
#89
ز ترکان هر آن کس که بد سرفراز
✦
شدند از نوازش همه بی‌نیاز
“Whoever among the Turanian nobles submitted became fully enriched by his royal favors.”
#90
به رخشنده روز و به هنگام خواب
✦
همی آگهی جست ز افراسیاب
“By radiant day and at the hour of slumber, he incessantly sought news of Afrasiab.”
#91
از ایشان کسی زو نشانی نداد
✦
نکردند از او در جهان نیز یاد
“Yet no one could give any trace of him, nor did they even mention his name in the world.”
#92
جهاندار یک شب سر و تن بشست
✦
بشد دور با دفتر زند و است
“One night, the Lord of the World washed his head and body, and retired into seclusion with the scriptures of Zand and Avesta.”
#93
همه شب به پیش جهان آفرین
✦
همی بود گریان و سر بر زمین
“All night long before the Creator of the world, he remained weeping with his forehead pressed to the ground.”
#94
همی گفت کاین بنده ناتوان
✦
همیشه پر از درد دارد روان
“He kept saying: "This feeble servant of Yours keeps his soul forever filled with pain.”
#95
همه کوه و رود و بیابان و آب
✦
نبیند نشانی ز افراسیاب
“Across all mountains, rivers, deserts, and waters, no trace is found of Afrasiab.”
#96
همی گفت کای داور دادگر
✦
تو دادی مرا نازش و زور و فر
“He prayed: 'O Just Judge, it is You who gave me pride, power, and divine majesty!”
#97
که او راه تو دادگر نسپرد
✦
کسی را ز گیتی به کس نشمرد
“For he did not tread Your righteous path, O Just One, nor did he hold anyone in the world of any account.”
#98
تو دانی که او نیست بر داد و راه
✦
بسی ریخت خون سر بیگناه
“You know that he walks not in justice and truth, and has shed much blood of the innocent.”
#99
مگر باشدم دادگر یک خدای
✦
به نزدیک آن بدکنش رهنمای
“May the One Just God become my guide, leading me to that evil-doer!”
#100
تو دانی که من خود سراینده‌ام
✦
پرستنده آفریننده‌ام
“You know that I am but a singer of Your praise, a worshiper of the Creator.”
#101
به گیتی از او نام و آواز نیست
✦
ز من راز باشد ز تو راز نیست
“In all the world there is no name or sound of him; what is a secret to me is no secret to You.”
#102
اگر زو تو خشنودی ای دادگر
✦
مرا بازگردان ز پیکار سر
“If You are pleased with him, O Just Judge, then turn my head away from battle!”
#103
بکش در دل این آتش کین من
✦
به آیین خویش آور آیین من
“Extinguish in my heart this fire of vengeance, and bring my path into harmony with Your divine path.'”
#104
ز جای نیایش بیامد به تخت
✦
جوان سرافراز و پیروز بخت
“From the place of prayer he returned to the throne—that proud youth of victorious fortune.”
#105
همی بود یک سال در حصن گنگ
✦
برآسود از جنبش و ساز جنگ
“He remained for a full year in the fortress of Gang, resting from military moves and preparations of war.”
#106
چو بودن به گنگ اندرون شد دراز
✦
به دیدار کاووسش آمد نیاز
“When his sojourn in Gang grew overly long, he yearned once more to behold Kay Kavus.”
#107
به گستهم نوذر سپرد آن زمین
✦
ز قچغار تا پیش دریای چین
“He entrusted that domain, from Qachghar unto the borders of the Sea of China, to Gustahm, son of Nowzar.”
#108
بی‌اندازه لشکر به گستهم داد
✦
بدو گفت بیدار دل باش و شاد
“He committed an army beyond measure to Gustahm, bidding him to remain vigilant of heart and joyful.”
#109
به چین و به مکران زمین دست یاز
✦
به هر سو فرستاده و نامه ساز
“He urged him to extend his sway over China and Makran, and to dispatch envoys and letters to every quarter.”
#110
همی جوی ز افراسیاب آگهی
✦
مگر زو شود روی گیتی تهی
“'Seek ever for news of Afrasiab,' he said, 'that perchance the face of the earth may be rid of him forever.'”
#111
و زآن جایگه خواسته هرچه بود
✦
ز دینار وز گوهر نابسود
“And from that place he gathered all manner of treasure—dinar upon dinar and unblemished gems.”
#112
ز مشک و پرستار و زرین ستام
✦
همان جامه و اسب و تخت و غلام
“Musk, maidservants, and golden bridles, together with fine garments, steeds, thrones, and attendants.”
#113
ز گستردنیها و آلات چین
✦
ز چیزی که خیزد ز مکران زمین
“Rich carpets, fine wares of China, and everything of worth that sprang from the land of Makran.”
#114
ز گاوان گردونکشان چل هزار
✦
همی راند پیش اندرون شهریار
“Forty thousand oxen harnessed to wains did the sovereign drive ahead of his host.”
#115
همی گفت هرگز کسی پیش از این
✦
ندید و نبد خواسته بیش از این
“Men declared that never before had anyone seen or possessed a treasure so vast.”
#116
سپه بود چندان که بر کوه و دشت
✦
همی ده شب و روز لشکر گذشت
“So immense was the army across mountain and plain that ten full days and nights elapsed as the forces marched by.”
#117
چو دمدار برداشتی پیشرو
✦
به منزل رسیدی همی نو به نو
“By the time the rearguard took up the march, the vanguard had already reached a fresh staging post.”
#118
بیامد بر آن هم نشان تا به چاج
✦
بیاویخت تاج از بر تخت عاج
“In such grandeur he advanced unto Chaj, where he suspended his crown above an ivory throne.”
#119
به سغد اندرون بود یک هفته شاه
✦
همه سغد شد شاه را نیک خواه
“For a week the king abode in Sogdia, and the entire land of Sogdia became his loyal well-wishers.”
#120
وز آنجا به شهر بخارا رسید
✦
ز لشکر هوا را همی کس ندید
“From there he reached the city of Bukhara; so vast was the host that none could behold the open sky.”
#121
بخورد و بیاسود و یک هفته بود
✦
دوم هفته با جامه نابسود
“He feasted and rested there for one week, and spent the second week attired in pristine, sumptuous robes.”
#122
بیامد خروشان به آتشکده
✦
غمی بود زآن اژدهای شده
“Lamenting and crying out, he repaired to the fire temple, aggrieved by the escape of that monstrous dragon.”
#123
که تور فریدون برآورده بود
✦
بدو اندرون کاخها کرده بود
“That sanctuary which Tur, son of Fereydun, had established, raising splendid palaces within its bounds.”
#124
بگسترد بر موبدان سیم و زر
✦
بر آتش پراگند چندی گهر
“He lavished silver and gold upon the priests and scattered jewels into the sacred flame.”
#125
و زآن جایگه سر به رفتن نهاد
✦
همی رفت با کام دل شاه شاد
“And setting forth from that place, the happy king proceeded onward according to his heart's desire.”