In the realm of Rome, a proud and wealthy nobleman named Mirin sought the hand of Caesar's second daughter in marriage. Yet Caesar, still aggrieved by the unapproved union of his daughter Katayoun with an unknown wandering stranger, declared that no further alliances would be granted easily. He laid down a terrifying decree: whoever wished to wed his daughter must journey to the ominous Forest of Fasiqon and slay the terrible beast dwelling within. This creature was a wolf as dark as the Nile, with the body of a dragon, the strength of an elephant, and tusks like a wild boar—a monster so fierce that neither roaring lions nor armored champions dared enter its shadowed domain.
Knowing he possessed no physical strength to vanquish such a horror, Mirin returned to his palace and consulted the ancient astrological scrolls of Roman sages. There, he unraveled a cosmic prophecy: a legendary hero would arrive from Iran to accomplish three monumental deeds—he would wed Caesar's daughter, place the crown upon Caesar's head, and slay two ferocious beasts devastating the land. Realizing Katayoun's heroic husband (Goshtasp, dwelling incognito as Farrokhzad) matched this prophecy, Mirin rushed to Hishoy, the local noble who befriended Goshtasp.
Hishoy welcomed Mirin, and as Goshtasp returned from the hunt, they laid out a grand feast of ruby wine and music. Upon beholding Goshtasp’s majestic stature, towering shoulders, and warrior aura, Mirin was awestruck, recognizing his royal lineage. Hishoy explained Mirin's dilemma and Caesar's deadly challenge. Goshtasp accepted the quest without hesitation, asking only for a battle-tested steed and the ancient poisoned Sword of Salm—a heirloom forged in dragon's blood and venom. Elated, Mirin fetched a swift black charger, heavy mail armor, priceless jewels, and the diamond-sharp blade of Salm. Goshtasp donned the war armor, strung his bow, slung his lasso, and rode forth alongside Hishoy and Mirin toward the dread realm of the Forest of Fasiqon.
#1
یکی رومئی بود میرین به نام
✦
سرافراز و بارای و با گنج و کام
“There was a Roman nobleman named Mirin, exalted, wise, wealthy, and successful.”
#2
فرستاد نزدیک قیصر پیام
✦
که من سرفرازم به گنج و به نام
“He sent a message to Caesar, saying: 'I am distinguished by wealth and renown...'”
#3
به من ده دل‌آرام دخترت را
✦
به من تازه کن نام و افسرت را
“'Give me your beloved daughter in marriage, and renew thereby your name and crown.'”
#4
چنین گفت قیصر که من زین سپس
✦
نجویم بدین روی پیوند کس
“Caesar replied: 'From this day forth, I seek no marriage alliance of my own accord...'”
#5
کتایون و آن مرد ناسرفراز
✦
مرا داشتند از چنان کار باز
“'Katayoun and that disgraced man [Goshtasp] have deterred me from such matters.'”
#6
کنون هرک جویند خویشی من
✦
وگر سر فرازد به پیشی من
“'Now, whoever seeks kinship with me or wishes to rise in honor before me,'”
#7
یکی کار بایدش کردن بزرگ
✦
که خوانندش ایدر بزرگان سترگ
“'Must perform a heroic feat so grand that the high lords shall call him great.'”
#8
چنو در جهان نامداری بود
✦
مرا بر زمین نیز یاری بود
“'If such a renowned champion exists in the world, I shall gain a mighty ally on earth.'”
#9
شود تا سر بیشهٔ فاسقون
✦
بشوید دل و دست و مغزش به خون
“'He must go to the depths of the Forest of Fasiqon, and bathe his heart, hands, and brain in its blood.'”
#10
یکی گرگ بیند به کردار نیل
✦
تن اژدها دارد و زور پیل
“'He will encounter a wolf dark as the River Nile, with the body of a dragon and the strength of an elephant.'”
#11
سرو دارد و نیشتر چون گراز
✦
نیارد شدن پیل پیشش فراز
“'It bears horns and boar-like tusks; even an elephant dare not approach it.'”
#12
بران بیشه بر نگذرد نره شیر
✦
نه پیل و نه خونریز مرد دلیر
“'Neither a fierce lion, nor an elephant, nor a blood-thirsty warrior dares traverse that forest.'”
#13
هر آنکس که بر وی بدرید پوست
✦
مرا باشد او یار و داماد و دوست
“'Whoever tears its hide open shall become my ally, son-in-law, and friend.'”
#14
چنین گفت میرین برین زادبوم
✦
جهان آفرین تا پی افگند روم
“Mirin said to himself: 'In this land, since the Creator founded Rome,'”
#15
نیاکان ما جز به گرز گران
✦
نکردند پیکار با مهتران
“'Our ancestors fought great leaders with heavy maces alone...'”
#16
کنون قیصر از من بجوید همی
✦
سخن با من از کینه گوید همی
“'Now Caesar demands this task of me and speaks out of lingering resentment.'”
#17
من این چاره اکنون بجای آورم
✦
ز هرگونه پاکیزه رای آورم
“'I must find a remedy for this and devise a clear, prudent strategy.'”
#18
چو آمد به ایوان پسندیده مرد
✦
ز هرگونه اندیشه‌ها یاد کرد
“When the noble man returned to his palace, he weighed many thoughts in his mind.”
#19
نوشته بیاورد و بنهاد پیش
✦
همان اختر و طالع و فال خویش
“He brought out texts of astrology and placed his horoscope and star-charts before him.”
#20
چنان دید کاندر فلان روزگار
✦
از ایران بیاید یکی نامدار
“He saw written there that in a certain era, a renowned champion would come from Iran.”
#21
به دستش برآید سه کار گران
✦
کزان باز گویند رومی سران
“By his hand, three monumental tasks would be accomplished, spoken of by all Roman chieftains.”
#22
یکی انک داماد قیصر شود
✦
همان بر سر قیصر افسر شود
“First, that he would become Caesar's son-in-law and place the crown upon Caesar's head.”
#23
پدید آید از روی کشور دو دد
✦
که هرکس رسد از بد دد به بد
“Second and third, two ferocious beasts would emerge in the land, bringing harm to all.”
#24
شود هردو بر دست او بر هلاک
✦
ز هر زورمندی نیایدش باک
“Both would be slain by his hand, for he fears no mighty foe on earth.”
#25
ز کار کتایون خود آگاه بود
✦
که با نیو گشتاسپ همراه بود
“Mirin was already aware of Katayoun's story and how she was wedded to the brave Goshtasp.”
#26
ز هیشوی و آن مهتر نامجوی
✦
که هر سه به روی اندر آرند روی
“He knew of Hishoy and that famed hero, and how the three of them had crossed paths.”
#27
بیامد به نزدیک هیشوی تفت
✦
سراسر بگفت آن سخنها که رفت
“He went swiftly to Hishoy and recounted all that had transpired.”
#28
وزان اختر فیلسوفان روم
✦
شگفتی که آید بدان مرز و بوم
“He spoke of the star-charts of Roman philosophers and the wonder destined for that land.”
#29
بدو گفت هیشوی کامروز شاد
✦
بر ما همی باش با مهر و داد
“Hishoy said to him: 'Stay with us today in joy, friendship, and fairness.'”
#30
که این مرد کز وی تو دادی نشان
✦
یکی نامداریست از سرکشان
“'For this man whom you described is indeed a glorious champion among fierce warriors.'”
#31
به نخچیر دارد همی روی و رای
✦
نیندیشد از تخت خاور خدای
“'His sole passion is the hunt, and he cares nothing for the throne of the Eastern Lord.'”
#32
یکی دی نیامد به نزدیک من
✦
که خرم شدی جان تاریک من
“'Just yesterday he came to my dwelling, bringing light and joy to my dark soul.'”
#33
بیاید هم‌اکنون ز نخچیرگاه
✦
بما بر بود بی‌گمانیش راه
“'He will return from the hunting ground at any moment, for his path leads straight to us.'”
#34
می و رود آورد با بوی و رنگ
✦
نشستند با جام زرین به چنگ
“Hishoy brought wine and harps full of scent and color, and they sat with golden goblets in hand.”
#35
هم انگه که شد جام می بر چهار
✦
پدید آمد از دشت گرد سوار
“Just as the fourth goblet of wine was drained, the dust of an approaching rider appeared from the plain.”
#36
چو هیشوی و میرین بدیدند گرد
✦
پذیره شدندش به دشت نبرد
“When Hishoy and Mirin saw the dust cloud, they went out to welcome him on the plain.”
#37
چو میرین بدیدش به هیشوی گفت
✦
که این را به گیتی کسی نیست جفت
“When Mirin beheld him, he said to Hishoy: 'No one in all the world is this man's match!'”
#38
بدین شاخ و این یال و این دستبرد
✦
ز تخمی بود نامبردار و گرد
“'With such frame, shoulders, and martial power, he must spring from a legendary line of heroes.'”
#39
هنرها ز دیدار او بگذرد
✦
همان شرم و آزردگی و خرد
“'His stature overflows with prowess, dignity, noble modesty, and wisdom.'”
#40
چو گشتاسپ تنگ آمد این هر دو مرد
✦
پیاده ببودند ز اسپ نبرد
“As Goshtasp drew near, both men dismounted from their warhorses in reverence.”
#41
نشستی نو آراست بر پیش آب
✦
یکی خوان نو ساخت اندر شتاب
“They prepared a fresh feast beside the water and laid out a bountiful table in haste.”
#42
می آورد با میگساران نو
✦
نشستی نو آیین و یاران نو
“They served wine with new cupbearers, establishing a grand banquet with new companions.”
#43
چو رخ لعل گشت از می لعل فام
✦
به گشتاسپ هیشوی گفت ای همام
“When their cheeks flushed red with ruby wine, Hishoy addressed Goshtasp, saying: 'O noble prince!'”
#44
مرا بر زمین دوست خوانی همی
✦
جز از من کسی را ندانی همی
“'You call me your friend on this earth, and know no other protector here.'”
#45
کنون سوی من کرد میرین پناه
✦
یکی نامدارست با دستگاه
“'Now Mirin has sought my aid; he is an illustrious nobleman of great power and rank.'”
#46
دبیرست با دانش و ارجمند
✦
بگیرد شمار سپهر بلند
“He is a learned and esteemed scribe, skilled in calculating the movements of the high heavens.”
#47
سخن گوید از فیلسوفان روم
✦
ز آباد و ویران هر مرز و بوم
“He speaks of the philosophers of Rome, knowing well the prosperity and ruin of every land.”
#48
هم از گوهر سلم دارد نژاد
✦
پدر بر پدر نام دارد به یاد
“He traces his noble lineage directly from Salm, recalling the names of his forefathers generation after generation.”
#49
به نزدیک اویست شمشیر سلم
✦
که بودی همه ساله در زیر سلم
“In his possession is the famed sword of Salm, which remained continuously at Salm's side.”
#50
سواریست گردافکن و شیر گیر
✦
عقاب اندر آرد ز گردون به تیر
“He is a warrior who overthrows heroes and captures lions, able to shoot an eagle out of the sky with an arrow.”
#51
برین نیز خواهد که بیشی کند
✦
چو با قیصر روم خویشی کند
“Beyond this, he seeks to enhance his glory by forming a kinship with the Caesar of Rome.”
#52
به قیصر سخن گفت و پاسخ شنید
✦
ز پاسخ همانا دلش بردمید
“He spoke his wish to Caesar and received an answer that kindled fresh hope in his heart.”
#53
که او گفت در بیشهٔ فاسقون
✦
یکی گرگ باشد بسان هیون
“For Caesar said that in the forest of Fasiqon dwells a wolf as monstrous as a giant elephant.”
#54
اگر کشته آید به دست تو گرگ
✦
تو باشی به روم ایرمانی بزرگ
“'If that wolf be slain by your hand, you shall be honored as a great and revered guest throughout Rome.”
#55
جهاندار باشی و داماد من
✦
زمانه به خوبی دهد داد من
“You shall rule and become my son-in-law, and fate will grant me my full measure of justice.'”
#56
کنون گر تو این را کنی دست پیش
✦
منت بنده‌ام وین سرافراز خویش
“'Now if you step forward to accomplish this, I shall be your servant, and this noble friend shall gain his honor.'”
#57
بدو گفت گشتاسپ کری رواست
✦
چه گویند و این بیشه اکنون کجاست
“Goshtasp said to him, 'This is a worthy task; what do they say of this monster, and where is this forest located?'”
#58
چگونه ددی باشد اندر جهان
✦
که ترسند ازو کهتران و مهان
“'What manner of wild beast is it in the world, that high and low alike stand in terror of it?'”
#59
چنین گفت هیشوی کاین پیر گرگ
✦
همی برتر است از هیونی سترگ
“Hishoy replied, 'This ancient wolf is even larger than a gigantic elephant.'”
#60
دو دندان او چون دو دندان پیل
✦
دو چشمش طبرخون و چرمش چو نیل
“'Its two tusks are like those of an elephant, its eyes red as blood, and its hide dark as indigo.'”
#61
سروهاش چو آبنوسی فرسپ
✦
چو خشم آورد بگذرد بر دو اسپ
“'Its horns are like ebony beams; when enraged, its stature towers beyond the height of two horses.'”
#62
از ایدر بسی نامور قیصران
✦
برفتند با گرزهای گران
“'From here, many renowned nobles of Caesar went forth armed with heavy maces.'”
#63
ازان بیشه ناکام باز آمدند
✦
پر از ننگ و تن پر گداز آمدند
“'Yet they returned from that woods defeated, covered in shame and their bodies worn with grief.'”
#64
بدو گفت گشتاسپ کان تیغ سلم
✦
بیارید و اسپی سرافراز گرم
“Goshtasp said to him, 'Bring me that sword of Salm and a proud, swift battle-steed.'”
#65
همی اژدها خوانم این را نه گرگ
✦
تو گرگی مدان از هیونی بزرگ
“'I deem such a creature a dragon, not a wolf; do not mistake a beast larger than an elephant for a mere wolf.'”
#66
چو بشنید میرین زانجا برفت
✦
سوی خانهٔ خویش تازید تفت
“When Mirin heard this, he departed from the spot and galloped swiftly back to his house.”
#67
ز آخر گزین کرد اسپی سیاه
✦
گرانمایه خفتان و رومی کلاه
“From his stable he selected a fine black steed, a precious coat of mail, and a Roman helmet.”
#68
همان مایه‌ور تیغ الماس گون
✦
که سلم آب دادش به زهر و به خون
“Likewise, he brought that magnificent diamond-like sword which Salm had tempered in venom and blood.”
#69
بسی هدیه بگزید با آن ز گنج
✦
ز یاقوت و گوهر همه پنج‌پنج
“He selected many gifts from his treasure along with them, choosing rubies and gems in sets of five.”
#70
چو خورشید پیراهن قیرگون
✦
بدرید و آمد ز پرده برون
“When the sun tore open its pitch-black robe and emerged from behind the veil of night,”
#71
جهانجوی میرین ز ایوان برفت
✦
بیامد به نزدیک هیشوی تفت
“The ambitious Mirin left his palace and came swiftly to Hishoy.”
#72
ز نخچیر گشتاسپ زانسو کشید
✦
نگه کرد هیشوی و اورا بدید
“Goshtasp was returning from the hunt on the other side; Hishoy looked and spotted him.”
#73
ازان اسپ و شمشیر خیره شدند
✦
چو نزدیک‌تر شد پذیره شدند
“They were dazzled by the sight of the steed and sword, and as he drew near, they stepped forward to welcome him.”
#74
چو گشتاسپ آن هدیه‌ها بنگرید
✦
همان اسپ و تیغ از میان برگزید
“When Goshtasp surveyed the gifts, he chose only the horse and the sword from among them.”
#75
دگر چیز بخشید هیشوی را
✦
بیاراست جان جهانجوی را
“The remaining treasures he granted to Hishoy, brightening the heart of the ambitious prince.”
#76
بپوشید گشتاسپ خفتان چو گرد
✦
به زیر اندر آورد اسپ نبرد
“Goshtasp donned his coat of mail like a warrior and mounted the charger of war.”
#77
به زه بر کمان و به بازو کمند
✦
سواری سرافراز و اسپی بلند
“With bow strung in hand and lasso on his arm, he stood a proud champion upon a majestic steed.”
#78
همی رفت هیشوی با او به راه
✦
جهانجوی میرین فریاد خواه
“Hishoy rode beside him on the path, while the ambitious Mirin followed, pleading for aid.”
#79
چنین تا لب بیشهٔ فاسقون
✦
برفتند پیچان و دل پر ز خون
“Thus they traveled to the edge of the forest of Fasiqon, advancing nervously with anxious hearts.”