Prince Goshtasp, consumed by anger and sorrow, galloped away from his father's court toward the lush realm of Kabul. Tears filled his eyes, and bitter resentment weighed upon his heart until he arrived at a verdant oasis near Kabul, framed by towering trees, fragrant blossoms, and streams that ran clear as milk and wine. There, amidst mountains teeming with game, the prince and his entourage rested. As night fell, they set torchlight beside the babbling brooks and drank fine wine, and with the break of dawn, they unleashed falcons and hunting leopards upon the wild prey.
Meanwhile, the noble commander Zarir, Goshtasp's devoted brother, rode relentlessly in pursuit, never halting to rest. Soon, the rhythmic thunder of approaching hooves echoed across the hills. Goshtasp listened intently and declared to his lords: "This can only be the roaring steed of Zarir, whose stride sounds like the fierce growل of a lion; he comes not alone, but backed by a formidable host." Before long, a cloud of violet dust arose on the horizon, revealing the iconic elephant-emblazoned banner of Iran. Zarir arrived like a rushing wind, dismounted with tears streaming down his face, offered praises to the Almighty, and fell upon his brother's neck in a warm embrace.
The chieftains sat together in the meadow to counsel. A renowned Iranian lord stepped forward and reminded Goshtasp that all the astrologers and sages of Iran predicted for him a destiny bright as Kay Khosrow's, bound for supreme kingship. He warned Goshtasp against seeking the crown of Hindustan, a land whose people did not worship Yazdan nor hold true honor. He urged the prince to put aside his grievance and return to his father. Goshtasp replied bitterly that he possessed no honor in his father's eyes, for King Lohrasp reserved all his majesty and affection exclusively for the Kavian dynasty—the memory of Kay Khosrow. Goshtasp declared that unless the crown of Iran were placed upon his head, he would vanish into lands where none could ever find him.
Yet, persuaded by Zarir's devotion, Goshtasp agreed to return. When news reached King Lohrasp, the monarch marched out with a magnificent army to welcome his son. Seeing his father, Goshtasp dismounted and bowed down. Lohrasp embraced him tightly, offering sincere apologies and declaring: "Mine is but the title of crown and throne, but the true majesty, command, and fortune belong to thee!" They entered the jewel-encrusted palace and held a glorious feast, so splendid that stars seemed to shower upon the hall. Yet, as the wine flowed, Lohrasp began once more to exalt the Kavians and mourn Kay Khosrow. Blood boiled anew within Goshtasp's heart; realizing his father's soul would ever belong to the old royal bloodline, the young prince quietly rekindled his resolve to carve out his own destiny.
#1
همی رفت گشتاسپ پرتاب و خشم
✦
دلی پر ز کین و پر از آب چشم
“Goshtasp departed in haste and fury, his heart heavy with malice and his eyes brimmed with tears.”
#2
همی تاخت تا پیش کابل رسید
✦
درخت و گل و سبزه و آب دید
“He rode hard until he reached the bounds of Kabul, where he beheld lush trees, blooming flowers, and flowing waters.”
#3
بدان جای خرم فرود آمدند
✦
ببودند یک روز و دم بر زدند
“They dismounted in that pleasant haven, dwelling there for a day to rest and draw breath.”
#4
همه کوهسارانش نخچیر بود
✦
به جوی آبها چون می و شیر بود
“All its mountain slopes were rich with game, and its running streams were pure as milk and wine.”
#5
شب تیره می خواست از میگسار
✦
ببردند شمع از بر جویبار
“As dark night fell, he called for the wine-bearer, and tapers were lit alongside the streaming brook.”
#6
چو بفروخت از کوه گیتی فروز
✦
برفتند ازآن بیشه با باز و یوز
“When the world-illuming sun flared above the mountains, they set out from the grove with falcons and hunting leopards.”
#7
همی تاخت اسپ از پی او زریر
✦
زمانی به جایی نیاسود دیر
“Meanwhile Zarir spurred his steed in pursuit, never resting anywhere for even a fleeting moment.”
#8
چو آواز اسپان برآمد ز راه
✦
برفتند گردان ز نخچیرگاه
“When the thunder of approaching horses echoed along the path, the brave warriors rode back from the hunting grounds.”
#9
چو بنهاد گشتاسپ گوش اندر آن
✦
چنین گفت با نامور مهتران
“As Goshtasp bent his ear to the sound, he turned and spoke thus to his renowned chieftains:”
#10
که این جز به آواز اسپ زریر
✦
نماند که او راست آواز شیر
“"This sound can be none other than Zarir's horse, for his steed roars with the might of a lion.”
#11
نه تنها بیامد گر او آمدست
✦
که با لشکری جنگجو آمدست
“He comes not alone if indeed he has arrived, but rides accompanied by a battle-eager host."”
#12
هنوز اندرین بد که گردی بنفش
✦
پدید آمد و پیل پیکر درفش
“Even as he spoke, a cloud of violet dust arose, and an elephant-emblazoned banner appeared.”
#13
زریر سپهبد به پیش سپاه
✦
چو باد دمان اندر آمد ز راه
“Commander Zarir rode at the head of the host, sweeping in swift as a roaring wind.”
#14
چو گشتاسپ را دید گریان برفت
✦
پیاده بدو روی بنهاد تفت
“When he beheld Goshtasp, he rushed toward him on foot weeping, filled with deep emotion.”
#15
جهان‌آفرین را ستایش گرفت
✦
به پیش برادر نیایش گرفت
“He offered praises to the Creator of the World, and bowed down in reverent love before his brother.”
#16
گرفتند مر یکدگر را کنار
✦
نشستند شادان در آن مرغزار
“They clasped one another in embrace and sat down joyfully in that lush meadow.”
#17
ز لشکر هر آنکس که بد پیشرو
✦
ورا خواندی شاه گشتاسپ گو
“Whosoever among the host was a leader and champion, Prince Goshtasp summoned to his side.”
#18
بخواندند و نزدیک بنشاندند
✦
ز هر جایگاهی سخن راندند
“They invited them to sit close by, and spoke of matters touching every land.”
#19
چنین گفت زیشان یکی نامور
✦
به گشتاسپ کای گرد زرین کمر
“Then spoke a famous warrior among them to Goshtasp: "O golden-girdled champion,”
#20
ستاره‌شناسان ایران گروه
✦
هرانکس که دانیم دانش پژوه
“The astrologers of Iran, every man of learning whom we know,”
#21
به اخترت گویند کیخسروی
✦
به شاهی به تخت مهی بر شوی
“Declare that thy horoscope matches Kay Khosrow's, destined for sovereign monarchy and high dominion.”
#22
کنون افسر شاه هندوستان
✦
بپوشی نباشیم همداستان
“Shouldst thou now wear the crown of the King of Hindustan, we shall not stand in agreement with thee.”
#23
ازیشان کسی نیست یزدان پرست
✦
یکی هم ندارند با شاه دست
“None among them worships God, nor can any match hands with our Shah.”
#24
نگر تا پسند آید اندر خرد
✦
کجا رای را شاه فرمان برد
“Consider well what wisdom approves, for a king must govern by sound judgment.”
#25
ترا از پدر سربسر نیکویست
✦
ندانم که آزردن از بهر چیست
“Thou hast received total goodness from thy father; I know not why this grievance burns within thee."”
#26
بدو گفت گشتاسپ کای نامجوی
✦
ندارم به پیش پدر آبروی
“Goshtasp answered him: "O noble seeker of renown! I possess no honor in my father's sight.”
#27
به کاوسیان خواهد او نیکوی
✦
بزرگی و هم افسر خسروی
“He desires every honor for the Kavian house—all grandeur and the royal diadem for them.”
#28
اگر تاج ایران سپارد به من
✦
پرستش کنم چون بتان را شمن
“If he entrusts the crown of Iran to me, I shall serve him as idolaters worship their idols.”
#29
وگرنه نباشم به درگاه اوی
✦
ندارم دل روشن از ماه اوی
“Otherwise I shall not abide at his court, nor is my heart bright beneath his moon.”
#30
به جایی شوم کم نیابند نیز
✦
به لهراسپ مانم همه مرز و چیز
“I shall go to a place where none can find me, leaving all lands and treasures to Lohrasp."”
#31
بگفت این و برگشت زان مرغزار
✦
بیامد بر نامور شهریار
“Spaking thus, he turned away from that meadow and journeyed back toward the noble King.”
#32
چو بشنید لهراسپ با مهتران
✦
پذیره شدش با سپاهی گران
“When Lohrasp heard of his return, he rode out with his nobles and a grand army to welcome him.”
#33
جهانجوی روی پدر دید باز
✦
فرود آمد از باره بردش نماز
“When the world-seeking prince beheld his father's face, he dismounted from his steed and bowed down in homage.”
#34
ورا تنگ لهراسپ در برگرفت
✦
بدان پوزش آرایش اندر گرفت
“Lohrasp embraced him tightly, adorning his welcome with gracious apologies:”
#35
که تاج تو تاج سر ماه باد
✦
ز تو دیو را دست کوتاه باد
“"May thy crown be the crown upon the moon's head! Through thee, may the hand of demons be cut short!”
#36
که هرگز نیاموزدت راه بد
✦
چو دستور بد بر در شاه بد
“May no evil counsel ever teach thee wrong, like an evil minister at a king's court.”
#37
ز شاهی مرا نام تاجست و تخت
✦
ترا مهر و فرمان و پیمان و بخت
“From kingship, mine is but the name of throne and crown; to thee belong love, command, covenant, and fortune!"”
#38
ورا گفت گشتاسپ کای شهریار
✦
منم بر درت بر یکی پیشکار
“Goshtasp answered him: "O Sovereign! I am but a humble servant at thy gate.”
#39
اگر کم کنی جاه فرمان کنم
✦
به پیمان روان را گروگان کنم
“Shouldst thou lessen my rank, I shall still obey thy command and pledge my soul to thy covenant."”
#40
بزرگان برفتند با او به راه
✦
گرازان و پویان به ایوان شاه
“The nobles accompanied them along the road, proudly marching toward the royal palace.”
#41
بیاراست ایوان گوهرنگار
✦
نهادند خوان و می خوشگوار
“They adorned the jewel-embroidered palace, laying out rich tables and savory wine.”
#42
یکی جشن کردند کز چرخ ماه
✦
ستاره ببارید بر جشنگاه
“They held a celebration so splendid that stars seemed to shower from the lunar sphere upon the festivity.”
#43
چنان بد ز مستی که هر مهتری
✦
برفتند بر سر ز زر افسری
“Such was the merry drunkenness that every chieftain wore a golden crown upon his head.”
#44
به کاوسیان بود لهراسپ شاد
✦
همیشه ز کیخسروش بود یاد
“Yet Lohrasp's heart remained glad in the Kavians, and his memory forever lingered upon Kay Khosrow.”
#45
همی ریخت زان درد گشتاسپ خون
✦
همی گفت هرگونه با رهنمون
“Goshtasp shed bloody tears from that sorrow, conferring in secrecy with his confidants.”
#46
همی گفت هرچند کوشم به رای
✦
نیارم همی چارهٔ این به جای
“He pondered deeply, saying, "However much I strive in thought and counsel, I cannot find a fitting remedy for this plight."”
#47
اگر با سواران شوم مهتری
✦
فرستد پسم نیز با لشکری
“"If I depart as a leader with a band of horsemen, he will surely send a whole army in pursuit of me."”
#48
به چاره ز ره بازگرداندم
✦
بسی خواهش و پندها راندم
“"Through clever schemes he will turn me back from the road, pouring out endless entreaties and admonitions."”
#49
چو تنها شوم ننگ دارم همی
✦
ز لهراسپ دل تنگ دارم همی
“"Though I feel shame to journey utterly alone, my heart remains bitterly aggrieved by Lohrasp."”
#50
دل او به کاوسیانست شاد
✦
نیاید گذر مهر او بر نژاد
“"His heart rejoices only in the royal legacy of Kay Kavus; no trace of fatherly love reaches his own kin."”
#51
چو یک تن بود کم کند خواستار
✦
چه داند که من چون شدم شهریار
“"When I am just a single traveler, he will seek me less; how could he know that I shall yet become a sovereign king?"”