In the realm of Rum, there lived a proud noble named Ahern, descended from an ancient line of bronze-bodied chieftains. Though younger than Mirin, Ahern believed himself superior in wealth, swordsmanship, and stature. Desiring the hand of Caesar's youngest daughter, he sent a message to the sovereign, offering his hand in marriage to bolster the empire's prestige and military might.
Caesar replied that he bound himself by an immutable decree: his daughters would wed none save those who proved their prowess through superhuman trials. Pointing to the dread Mount Saqila, where a venomous dragon—a veritable trap of Ahriman—plagued the sky by pulling vultures down and devastated the surrounding lands, Caesar declared that only the hero who delivered the dragon's head would win the princess, royal treasures, and lands.
Ahern left Caesar's court heavy-hearted and distraught, knowing in his heart that he lacked the strength to slay such a beast. Suspecting that Mirin could never have truly slain the formidable wolf of Vila without aid, Ahern rode swiftly to Mirin's grand palace. Mirin dismissed his courtiers, leaving the two lords alone. Ahern pressed Mirin to reveal how he had accomplished his legendary deed.
Bound by honor and realizing the value of securing Ahern as a powerful ally, Mirin extracted a binding, solemn oath from Ahern never to speak of the secret by day or night. Mirin then penned a letter to Hishway, the trusted guardian of the riverbank who harbored the exiled hero Gushtasp. Ahern journeyed to the shore and delivered the letter to Hishway, who received him with lavish hospitality, feasting under the light of candles by the waters.
At dawn, as the golden sun rose over the azure vault of heaven, a noble knight of majestic stature—Gushtasp—approached riding his steed. Hishway greeted the warrior, presented Ahern and his noble lineage, and explained the plight of the dragon of Mount Saqila. Without hesitation, the valiant Gushtasp agreed to undertake the deadly hunt, asking only that a uniquely serrated, long blade—bristling with thorn-like spikes, tempered in poison and blood, and sharp as diamond—be forged for him to slay the beast.
#1
ز میرین یکی بود کهتر به سال
✦
ز گردان رومی برآورده یال
“Younger in years than Mirin was a knight, among the Roman warriors raised in stature and might.”
#2
گوی بر منش نام او اهرنا
✦
ز تخم بزرگان رویین تنا
“A proud hero was he, named Ahern, descended from the line of noble, bronze-bodied lords.”
#3
فرستاد نزدیک قیصر پیام
✦
که دانی که ما را نژادست و نام
“He sent a message to Caesar, saying: 'Thou knowest well my noble blood and fame.'”
#4
ز میرین به هر گوهری بگذرم
✦
به تیغ و به گنج درم برترم
“'In nobility of birth I surpass Mirin, as well as in sword craft and store of treasure.'”
#5
به من ده کنون دختر کهترت
✦
به من تازه کن لشکر و افسرت
“'Give me now thy younger daughter in marriage, and refresh thereby thy army and thy crown.'”
#6
چنین داد پاسخ که پیمان من
✦
شنیدی مگر با جهانبان من
“Caesar answered: 'Hast thou not heard the solemn covenant I made before Almighty God?'”
#7
که داماد نگزیند این دخترم
✦
ز راه نیاکان خود نگذرم
“'That this daughter of mine shall choose no husband, nor shall I stray from the customs of my ancestors,'”
#8
چو میرین یکی کار بایدت کرد
✦
ازان پس تو باشی ورا هم نبرد
“'Unless thou performest a feat like Mirin's; only then shalt thou be deemed his equal in battle.'”
#9
به کوه سقیلا یکی اژدهاست
✦
که کشور همه پاک ازو در بلاست
“'Upon Mount Saqila there dwells a dragon, by whose terror the entire realm is plunged into misery.'”
#10
اگر کم کنی اژدها را ز روم
✦
سپارم ترا دختر و گنج و بوم
“'If thou ridst Rome of this dragon, I shall bestow upon thee my daughter, my treasure, and the land.'”
#11
که همتای آن گرگ شیراوژنست
✦
دمش زهر و او دام آهرمنست
“'For it is the rival of that lion-slaying wolf—its breath is poison, and it is a trap of Ahriman.'”
#12
چنین داد پاسخ که فرمان کنم
✦
بدین آرزو جان گروگان کنم
“Ahern replied: 'I obey thy command, and for this desire I pledge my very soul.'”
#13
ز نزدیک قیصر بیامد برون
✦
دلش زان سخن کفته جان پر زخون
“He came forth from Caesar's presence, his heart shattered by those words, his soul filled with anguish.”
#14
به یاران چنین گفت کان زخم گرگ
✦
نبد جز به شمشیر مردی سترگ
“He said to his companions: 'That fatal wound upon the wolf was dealt only by the sword of a colossal hero.'”
#15
ز میرین کی آید چنین کارکرد
✦
نداند همی قیصر از مرد مرد
“'How could such a deed ever stem from Mirin? Caesar knoweth not one champion from another!'”
#16
شوم زو بپرسم بگوید مگر
✦
سخن با من از بی‌پی چاره‌گر
“'I shall go ask him; perchance he will reveal the truth to me of that secretive master of resource.'”
#17
بشد تا به ایوان میرین چوگرد
✦
پرستنده‌ای رفت و آواز کرد
“Swift as dust he rode to Mirin's palace; a servant entered and announced his arrival.”
#18
نشستنگهی داشت میرین که ماه
✦
به گردون ندارد چنان جایگاه
“Mirin possessed a courtly seat so grand, even the moon in the heavens held no such lofty place.”
#19
جهانجوی با گبر کنداوری
✦
یکی افسری بر سرش قیصری
“The world-seeker sat clad in heroic armor, wearing a royal crown upon his head.”
#20
پرستنده گفت اهرن پیلتن
✦
بیامد به در با یکی انجمن
“The attendant said: 'Ahern, of elephantine frame, hath arrived at the gate with a company of men.'”
#21
نشستنگهی ساخت شایسته‌تر
✦
برفت آنک بودند بایسته‌تر
“Mirin prepared a noble reception seat, and the dignitaries who were present departed.”
#22
به ایوان میرین نماندند کس
✦
دو مهتر نشستند بر تخت بس
“None remained in Mirin's hall; the two chieftains sat alone upon the throne.”
#23
چو میرین بدیدش به بر درگرفت
✦
بپرسیدن مهتر اندر گرفت
“When Mirin saw him, he embraced him warmly and began to inquire after his noble guest.”
#24
بدو گفت اهرن که با من بگوی
✦
ز هرچت بپرسم بهانه مجوی
“Ahern said to him: 'Tell me the truth of what I ask, and seek no excuses!'”
#25
مرا آرزو دختر قیصرست
✦
کجا روم را سربسر افسرست
“'I desire the daughter of Caesar, who is the supreme crown of all Rome.'”
#26
بگفتیم و پاسخ چنین داد باز
✦
که در کوه با اژدها رزم ساز
“'I spoke to him, and he answered that I must do battle with the dragon upon the mountain.'”
#27
اگر بازگویی تو آن کار گرگ
✦
بوی مر مرا رهنمای بزرگ
“'If thou wilt reveal to me how that wolf was slain, thou shalt be my great guide and savior.'”
#28
چو بشنید میرین ز اهرن سخن
✦
بپژمرد و اندیشه افگند بن
“When Mirin heard these words from Ahern, he grew troubled and cast his thoughts deep into reflection.”
#29
که گر کار آن نامدار جهان
✦
به اهرن بگویم نماند نهان
“He thought: 'If I reveal the deeds of that world-renowned warrior to Ahern, it will no longer remain hidden.'”
#30
سرمایهٔ مردمی راستیست
✦
ز تاری و کژی بباید گریست
“'Yet the core of humanity is truthfulness; one must weep over darkness and deceit.'”
#31
بگویم مگر کان نبرده سوار
✦
نهد اژدها را سر اندر کنار
“'Perhaps I shall tell him, so that battle-proven knight may bring down the dragon's head as well.'”
#32
چو اهرن بود مر مرا یار و پشت
✦
ندارد مگر باد دشمن به مشت
“'If Ahern becometh my ally and supporter, my enemy shall hold nothing but empty wind in his palm.'”
#33
برآریم گرد از سر آن سوار
✦
نهان ماند این کار یک روزگار
“'We shall draw power through that knight, and this secret shall remain hidden for a long age.'”
#34
به اهرن چنین گفت کز کار گرگ
✦
بگویم چو سوگند یابم بزرگ
“He said to Ahern: 'I shall tell thee of the wolf's slaying, provided I receive a solemn oath from thee,'”
#35
که این کار هرگز به روز و به شب
✦
نگویی نداری گشاده دو لب
“'That neither by day nor by night shalt thou ever speak of this matter, nor open thy lips to anyone.'”
#36
بخورد اهرن آن سخت سوگند اوی
✦
بپذرفت سرتاسر آن بند اوی
“Ahern swore that binding oath, accepting every condition set upon him.”
#37
چو قرطاس را جامهٔ خامه کرد
✦
به هیشوی میرین یکی نامه کرد
“When paper was clothed in penmanship, Mirin penned a letter to Hishway,”
#38
که اهرن که دارد ز قیصر نژاد
✦
جهانجوی با گنج و با تخت و داد
“Stating: 'Ahern, who is of Caesar's blood, a noble seeker with wealth, throne, and justice,'”
#39
بخواهد ز قیصر همی دختری
✦
که ماندست از دختران کهتری
“'Desireth to wed Caesar's youngest daughter who yet remaineth unwed.'”
#40
همی اژدها دام اهرن کند
✦
بکوشد کزان بدنشان تن کند
“'And the dragon is to be Ahern's trap, as he seeketh to rid himself of that evil omen.'”
#41
بیامد به نزدیک من چاره‌جوی
✦
گذشته سخنها گشادم بدوی
“'He came seeking a solution, and I revealed to him the past events.'”
#42
ازان گرگ و آن رزم دیده‌سوار
✦
بگفتم همه هرچ آمد به کار
“'I recounted all concerning that wolf and the battle-seasoned knight, whatever was necessary.'”
#43
چنان هم که کار مرا کرد خوب
✦
کند بی‌گمان کار این مرد خوب
“'Just as he accomplished my task so well, he will surely fulfill this man's deed with excellence.'”
#44
دو تن را بدین مرز مهتر کند
✦
چو خورشید را بر سر افسر کند
“'He shall elevate two nobles in this realm, placing a crown upon their heads bright as the sun.'”
#45
بیامد دوان اهرن چاره‌جوی
✦
به نزدیک هیشوی بنهاد روی
“Then Ahern ran swiftly seeking his solution, setting his face toward Hishway.”
#46
چو اهرن به نزدیک دریا رسید
✦
جهانجوی هیشوی پیشین دوید
“When Ahran reached the edge of the sea, the world-seeking Hishuy ran forward to meet him.”
#47
ازو بستد آن نامهٔ دلپسند
✦
برو آفرین کرد و بگشاد بند
“He took from him that pleasing letter, praised him warmly, and unsealed its binding.”
#48
بدو گفت هیشوی کای راد مرد
✦
بیاید کنون او به کردار گرد
“Hishuy said to him: 'O noble man! He shall presently arrive here like a brave champion.'”
#49
یکی نامداری غریب و جوان
✦
فدی کرد بر پیش میرین روان
“'A renowned, young, and stranger knight sacrificed his soul before Mirin.'”
#50
کنون چون کند رزم نر اژدها
✦
به چاره نیابد مگر زو رها
“'Now when he goes to battle the fierce dragon, none but he can find a remedy to free him.'”
#51
مرا گفتن و کار بر دست اوست
✦
سخن گفتن نیک هرجا نکوست
“'Mine is but to speak, but the deed rests in his hands; indeed, speaking good words is commendable anywhere.'”
#52
تو امشب بدین میزبان رای کن
✦
بنه شمع و دریا دل‌آرای کن
“'Tonight, rest with this host; set out candles and illuminate the sea's edge for your heart's delight.'”
#53
که فردا بیاید گو نامجوی
✦
بگویم بدو هرچ گویی بگوی
“'For tomorrow that fame-seeking hero will arrive; I shall convey to him whatever you tell me.'”
#54
به شمع آب دریا بیاراستند
✦
خورشها بخوردند و می خواستند
“With candles they adorned the waters of the sea, partook of foods, and called for wine.”
#55
چنین تا سپیده ز یاقوت زرد
✦
بزد شید بر شیشهٔ لاژورد
“Thus they made merry until dawn, when the sun of yellow ruby struck its beam upon the lapis lazuli goblet of the sky.”
#56
پدید آمد از دشت گرد سوار
✦
ز دورش بدید اهرن نامدار
“A cloud of dust from a horseman appeared from the plain; from afar, the renowned Ahran espied him.”
#57
چو تنگ اندر آمد پیاده دوان
✦
پذیره شدش مرد روشن روان
“As he drew near, running on foot, the wise and bright-souled man went forth to welcome him.”
#58
فرود آمد از باره جنگی سوار
✦
می و خوردنی خواست از نامدار
“The warrior horseman dismounted from his steed and asked the chieftain for wine and nourishment.”
#59
یکی تیز بگشاد هیشوی لب
✦
که شادان بدی نامور روز و شب
“Hishuy quickly opened his mouth to speak, wishing that famous warrior joy by day and night.”
#60
نگه کن بدین مرد قیصر نژاد
✦
که گردون گردان بدو گشت شاد
“'Look upon this noble man of Caesar's lineage, over whom the turning sky rejoices!'”
#61
هم از تخمهٔ قیصرانست نیز
✦
همش فر و نام و همش گنج و چیز
“'He too stems from the stock of Caesars, possessing splendor, fame, treasure, and noble goods.'”
#62
به دامادی قیصر آمدش رای
✦
همی خواهد اندر سخن رهنمای
“'He seeks to become Caesar's son-in-law, and desires a guide to aid him in this matter.'”
#63
چنو نیست مر قیصران را همال
✦
جوانیست با فر و با برز و یال
“'No peer to him exists among the Caesars—a youth endowed with splendor, stature, and mighty chest.'”
#64
ازو خواست یک‌بار و پاسخ شنید
✦
کنون چارهٔ دیگر آمد پدید
“'He sought the hand once and received an answer; now a new trial and remedy has appeared.'”
#65
همی گویدش اژدهاگیر باش
✦
گر از خویشی قیصر آژیر باش
“'Caesar tells him: Slay the dragon, if thou art eager for kinship with Caesar!'”
#66
به پیش گرانمایگان روز و شب
✦
بجز نام میرین نراند به لب
“'Before the noble nobles, day and night, Caesar utters no name other than Mirin's.'”
#67
هرانکس که باشند زیبای بخت
✦
بخواهد که ماند بدو تاج و تخت
“'Whoever is blessed with fitting fortune desires that crown and throne remain to him.'”
#68
یکی برز کوهست از ایدر نه دور
✦
همه جای خوردن گه کام و سور
“'There is a lofty mountain not far from here, once a place of banquets, pleasure, and feasts.'”
#69
یکی اژدها بر سر تیغ کوه
✦
شده مردم روم زو در ستوه
“'Now a fierce dragon dwells atop its peak, and the people of Rome are tormented by it.'”
#70
همی ز آسمان کرگس اندر کشد
✦
ز دریا نهنگ دژم برکشد
“'It drags down vultures from the sky and pulls up grim sea-monsters from the deep.'”
#71
همی دود زهرش بسوزد زمین
✦
نخواند برین مرز و بوم آفرین
“'The smoke of its venom scorches the earth, leaving no praise upon this land and realm.'”
#72
گر آن کشته آید به دست تو بر
✦
شگفتی شوی در جهان سربسر
“'If that beast be slain by thy hand, thou shalt become a wonder across the whole world!'”
#73
ازو یاورت پاک یزدان بود
✦
به کام تو خورشید گردان بود
“'The pure God shall be thy helper, and the turning sun shall yield to thy desire.'”
#74
بدین زور و بالا و این دستبرد
✦
ندانیم همتای تو هیچ گرد
“'With such strength, stature, and prowess, we know of no champion to equal thee.'”
#75
بدو گفت رو خنجری کن دراز
✦
ازو دسته بالاش چون پنج باز
“He replied: 'Go, forge a long dagger for me, its hilt five fathoms in length.'”
#76
ز هر سوش برسان دندان مار
✦
سنانی برو بسته برسان خار
“'Set with snake-like teeth on every side, and fixed with spearheads sharp as thorns!'”
#77
همی آب داده به زهر و به خون
✦
به تیزی چو الماس و رنگ آب‌گون
“'Tempered in poison and blood, sharp as diamond, and gleaming with the hue of water!'”
#78
به فرمان یزدان پیروزبخت
✦
نگون اندر آویزمش بر درخت
“'By the command of victorious God, I shall hang that dragon upside down from a tree!'”