#1
بشد اهرن و هرچ گشتاسپ خواست
✦
بیاورد چون کارها گشت راست
“Ahran departed, bringing all that Gushtasp had requested once the preparations were made right.”
#2
ز دریا به زین اندر آورد پای
✦
برفتند یارانش با او ز جای
“From the sea shore he placed his foot in the stirrup, and his companions set forth alongside him.”
#3
چو هیشوی کوه سقیلا بدید
✦
به انگشت بنمود و خود را کشید
“When Hishvi caught sight of Mount Saqila, he pointed with his finger and drew himself back in fear.”
#4
خود و اهرن از جای گشتند باز
✦
چو خورشید برزد سنان از فراز
“He and Ahran turned back from that place just as the sun drew its spear above the horizon.”
#5
جهانجوی بر پیش آن کوه بود
✦
که آرام آن مار نستوه بود
“The world-seeker stood before that mountain, which was the lair of that fierce, untamable dragon.”
#6
چو آن اژدهابرز او را بدید
✦
به دم سوی خویشش همی درکشید
“When the giant dragon caught sight of him, it began pulling him toward itself with its tail.”
#7
چو از پیش زین اندر آویخت ترگ
✦
برو تیر بارید همچون تگرگ
“As the helmet hung forward from his saddle-bow, he rained arrows upon it like hail.”
#8
چو تنگ اندر آمد بران اژدها
✦
همی جست مرد جوان زو رها
“When he closed in tightly upon the dragon, the young hero sought release from its deadly grasp.”
#9
سبک خنجر اندر دهانش نهاد
✦
ز دادار نیکی دهش کرد یاد
“Swiftly he placed a sharp dagger into its mouth, calling upon the Creator, the Giver of All Goodness.”
#10
بزد تیز دندان بدان خنجرش
✦
همه تیغها شد به کام اندرش
“The dragon struck its sharp teeth against the dagger, and all the blades pierced deep into its throat.”
#11
به زهر و به خون کوه یکسر بشست
✦
همی ریخت زو زهر تا گشت سست
“With poison and blood it washed the entire mountain, pouring forth venom until it grew feeble and weak.”
#12
به شمشیر برد آن زمان دست شیر
✦
بزد بر سر اژدهای دلیر
“Then the lion-like hero reached for his sword and struck it upon the head of the fierce dragon.”
#13
همی ریخت مغزش بران سنگ سخت
✦
ز باره درآمد گو نیکبخت
“Its brains spilled upon the hard stone; the fortunate champion dismounted from his steed.”
#14
بکند از دهانش دو دندان نخست
✦
پس آنگه بیامد سر و تن بشست
“He extracted two teeth from its mouth first, then went and washed his head and body clean.”
#15
خروشان بغلتید بر خاک بر
✦
به پیش خداوند پیروزگر
“Wailing, he rolled upon the dust before the Victorious Lord of Heaven.”
#16
کجا داد آن دستگاه بزرگ
✦
بران گرگ و آن اژدهای سترگ
“Who had granted such immense strength against that monstrous wolf and giant dragon.”
#17
همی گفت لهراسپ و فرخ زریر
✦
شدند از تن و جان گشتاسپ سیر
“He said: 'Lohrasp and the noble Zarir have surely grown weary of Gushtasp's body and soul.”
#18
به روشن روان و دل و زور و تاب
✦
همانا نبینند ما را به خواب
“With bright minds, brave hearts, and full vigor, surely they do not even see me in their dreams.”
#19
بجز رنج و سختی نبینم ز دهر
✦
پراگنده بر جای تریاک زهر
“I see nothing from fortune except pain and hardship, poison scattered in place of antidote.”
#20
مگر زندگانی دهد کردگار
✦
که بینم یکی روی آن شهریار
“Unless the Creator grants me long life, that I may once more behold the face of that King.”
#21
دگر چهر فرخ برادر زریر
✦
بگویم که گشتم من از تاج سیر
“And tell my noble brother Zarir of fair countenance that I have grown weary of crowns.”
#22
بگویم که بر من چه آمد ز بخت
✦
همی تخت جستم که گم گشت تخت
“I will tell him what fate brought upon me; I sought a throne and lost even the ground beneath me.'”
#23
پر از آب رخ بارگی برنشست
✦
همان خنجر آب داده به دست
“With tears streaming down his face, he mounted his steed, holding the tempered dagger in hand.”
#24
چو نزدیک هیشوی و اهرن رسید
✦
همه یاد کرد آن شگفتی که دید
“When he reached Hishvi and Ahran, he recounted all the wonders he had witnessed.”
#25
به اهرن چنین گفت کان اژدها
✦
بدین خنجر تیز شد بی‌بها
“He said to Ahran: 'That dragon was rendered worthless by this sharp dagger.”
#26
شما از دم اژدهای بزرگ
✦
پر از بیم گشتید از کار گرگ
“You were filled with dread at the dragon's breath, just as you feared the deed of the wolf.”
#27
مرا کارزار دلاور سران
✦
سرافراز با گرزهای گران
“For me, combat with valiant lords who hold heavy maces is daily strife.”
#28
بسی تیز آید ز جنگ نهنگ
✦
که از ژرف برآید به جنگ
“Many a sharp attack comes in battle with sea-monsters emerging from the deep ocean.”
#29
چنین اژدها من بسی دیده‌ام
✦
که از رزم او سر نپیچیده‌ام
“I have seen many such dragons, and never turned my head away from their combat.'”
#30
شنیدند هیشوی و اهرن سخن
✦
ازان نو به گفتار دانش کهن
“Hishvi and Ahran listened to his words—a ancient knowledge told in fresh speech.”
#31
چو آواز او آن دو گردن‌فراز
✦
شنیدند و بردند پیشش نماز
“When those two nobles heard his voice, they bowed low in reverence before him.”
#32
به گشتاسپ گفتند کی نره شیر
✦
که چون تو نزاید ز مادر دلیر
“They said to Gushtasp: 'O fierce lion, no brave mother has ever given birth to one like thee!'”
#33
بیاورد اهرن بسی خواسته
✦
گرانمایه اسپان آراسته
“Ahran brought forth abundance of treasures and noble, richly caparisoned horses.”
#34
یکی تیغ برداشت و یک باره جنگ
✦
کمانی و سه چوبه تیر خدنگ
“Gushtasp took a single sword, one war-steed, a bow, and three arrows of poplar wood.”
#35
به هیشوی داد آن دگر هرچ بود
✦
ز دینار وز جامهٔ نابسود
“All the rest—the gold coins and fine robes—he bestowed upon Hishvi.”
#36
چنین گفت گشتاسپ با سرکشان
✦
کزین کس نباید که دارد نشان
“Then Gushtasp spoke to those chiefs: 'Let no one know any sign of this affair.”
#37
نه از من که نر اژدها دیده‌ام
✦
گر آواز آن گرگ بشنیده‌ام
“Neither that I have slain a fierce dragon, nor that I heard the roar of that giant wolf.'”
#38
وزان جایگه شاد و خرم برفت
✦
به سوی کتایون خرامید تفت
“And from that place he departed joyful and glad, walking swiftly toward Katayun.”
#39
بشد اهرن و گاو گردون ببرد
✦
تن اژدها کهتران را سپرد
“Ahran went and brought oxen and a wagon, handing the dragon's carcass to his servants.”
#40
که این را به درگاه قیصر برید
✦
به پیش بزرگان لشگر برید
“Bidding them: 'Take this to Caesar's palace court, before the great nobles of the army.'”
#41
خود از پیش گاوان و گردون برفت
✦
به نزدیک قیصر خرامید تفت
“He himself rode ahead of the oxen and wagon, hastening swiftly to Caesar.”
#42
به روم اندرون آگهی یافتند
✦
جهاندیدگان پیش بشتافتند
“News spread throughout Rome, and experienced elders rushed forward to behold the sight.”
#43
چو گاو اندر آمد به هامون ز کوه
✦
خروشی بد اندر میان گروه
“When the oxen pulled the burden from the mountain into the plain, a loud cry rose among the crowd.”
#44
ازان زخم و آن اژدهای دژم
✦
کزان بود بر گاو گردون ستم
“At the sight of that sword-wound and that grim dragon, whose weight bore heavily upon the wagon's oxen.”
#45
همی آمد از چرخ بانگ چکاو
✦
تو گفتی ندارد تن گاو تاو
“The creaking of the wheels sounded like lark songs up to the heavens; as though the oxen could barely bear its weight.”
#46
هرانکس که آن زخم شمشیر دید
✦
خروشیدن گاو گردون شنید
“Whoever beheld the blow of that sword seemed to hear the roaring bellow of the celestial bull.”
#47
همی گفت کاین خنجر اهرنست
✦
وگر زخم شیراوژن آهرمنست
“They declared among themselves, 'This dagger belongs to Ahran, or else this lion-slaying blow is struck by Ahriman himself!'”
#48
همانگاه قیصر ز ایوان براند
✦
بزرگان و فرزانگان را بخواند
“At that very hour, the Caesar stepped out from his palace and summoned all the nobles and sages of the land.”
#49
بران اژدها بر یکی جشن کرد
✦
ز شبگیر تا شد جهان لاژورد
“He held a grand banquet over the dragon's death, feasting from early dawn until the night turned the world to lapis lazuli.”
#50
چو خورشید بنهاد بر چرخ تاج
✦
به کردار زر آب شد روی عاج
“When the sun placed its crown upon the sky, the ivory face of heaven melted into liquid gold.”
#51
فرستاده قیصر سقف را بخواند
✦
بپرسید و بر تخت زرین نشاند
“The Caesar's envoy called for the bishop, whom the monarch greeted warmly and seated upon a throne of gold.”
#52
ز بطریق وز جاثلیقان شهر
✦
هرانکس کش از مردمی بود بهر
“Every patriarch and catholicos of the city, whoever possessed a share of noble wisdom and virtue,”
#53
به پیش سکوبا شدند انجمن
✦
جهاندیده با قیصر و رای زن
“Assembled before the high prelate; experienced elders gathered alongside the Caesar and his counselors.”
#54
به اهرن سپردند پس دخترش
✦
به دستوری مهربان مادرش
“They then bestowed his daughter upon Ahran, with the joyful consent of her loving mother.”
#55
ز ایوان چو مردم پراکنده شد
✦
دل نامور زان سخن زنده شد
“When the crowds dispersed from the palace, the famed king's heart was revived with gladness.”
#56
چنین گفت کامروز روز منست
✦
بلند آسمان دلفروز منست
“He said: 'Today is truly my day of triumph; the high heavens now shine bright to gladden my soul!'”
#57
که کس چون دو داماد من در جهان
✦
نبینند بیش از کهان و مهان
“'For no one among high or low in all the world shall ever see two such magnificent sons-in-law!'”
#58
نوشتند نامه به هر مهتری
✦
کجا داشتی تخت گر افسری
“They dispatched letters to every prince and chieftain who held a throne or wore a crown,”
#59
که نر اژدها با سرافراز گرگ
✦
تبه شد به دست دو مرد سترگ
“Proclaiming that the male dragon and the mighty wolf had been slain by the hands of two formidable heroes.”
#60
یکی منظری پیش ایوان خویش
✦
برآورده چون تخت رخشان خویش
“The Caesar raised a lofty pavilion before his palace, splendid as his own gleaming throne.”
#61
به میدان شدندی دو داماد اوی
✦
بیاراستندی دل شاد اوی
“His two sons-in-law would ride into the arena and delight his happy heart with their martial display.”
#62
به تیر و به چوگان و زخم سنان
✦
بهر دانشی گرد کرده عنان
“In archery, polo, and the thrusting of lances, they showed supreme mastery while guiding their steeds.”
#63
همی تاختندی چپ و دست راست
✦
که گفتی سواری بدیشان سزاست
“They galloped to the left and to the right so gracefully that all agreed horsemanship was made for them alone.”
#64
چنین تا برآمد برین روزگار
✦
بیامد کتایون آموزگار
“Thus time passed in this manner, until Katayun, the wise counselor, approached Goshtasp.”
#65
به گشتاسپ گفت ای نشسته دژم
✦
چه داری ز اندیشه دل را به غم
“She said to Goshtasp: 'O sorrowful lord, why do you weigh down your heart with heavy grief and cares?'”
#66
به روم از بزرگان دو مهتر بدند
✦
که با تاج و با گنج و افسر بدند
“'In Rome there were two great chieftains who possessed crowns, treasure, and diadems.'”
#67
یکی آنک نر اژدها را بکشت
✦
فراوان بلا دید و ننمود پشت
“'One was he who slew the fierce male dragon, facing untold perils without ever turning back.'”
#68
دگر آنک بر گرگ بدرید پوست
✦
همه روم یکسر پرآواز اوست
“'The other was he who tore the hide off the wolf, and now all of Rome resounds with his renown.'”
#69
به میدان قیصر به ننگ و نبرد
✦
همی به آسمان اندر آرند گرد
“'In Caesar's arena, competing for pride and honor, they raise the dust of glory to the skies.'”
#70
نظاره شو انجا که قیصر بود
✦
مگر بر دلت رنج کمتر بود
“'Go as a spectator where the Caesar is; perhaps it will lighten the sorrow resting upon your heart.'”
#71
بدو گفت گشتاسپ کای خوب چهر
✦
ز قیصر مرا کی بود داد و مهر
“Goshtasp answered her, 'O fair-visaged lady, when has Caesar ever shown me justice or affection?'”
#72
ترا با من از شهر بیرون کند
✦
چو بیند مرا مردمی چون کند
“'He would drive you out of the city alongside me; if he beholds me, how could he show any kindness?'”
#73
ولیکن ترا گر چنین است رای
✦
نپیچم ز رای تو ای رهنمای
“'Yet, if this is your desire, O my wise guide, I shall not turn away from your counsel.'”
#74
بیامد به میدان قیصر رسید
✦
همی بود تا زخم چوگان بدید
“He went forth and arrived at Caesar's arena, standing by to watch the strike of the polo mallet.”
#75
ازیشان یکی گوی و چوگان بخواست
✦
میان سواران برافگند راست
“He requested a ball and a mallet from them, and charged straight into the midst of the riders.”
#76
برانگیخت آن بارگی را ز جای
✦
یلان را همه کند شد دست و پای
“He urged his charger forward so fiercely that the hands and feet of all the warriors froze in amazement.”
#77
به میدان کسی نیز گویی ندید
✦
شد از زخم او در جهان ناپدید
“No one in the arena could even catch sight of the ball; under the force of his blow, it vanished from the world.”
#78
سواران کجا گوی او یافتند
✦
به چوگان زدن نیز نشتافتند
“Wherever the horsemen managed to locate his ball, they did not even dare to strike it with their mallets.”
#79
شدند آن زمان رومیان زردروی
✦
همه پاک با غلغل و گفت و گوی
“At that moment, the Romans grew pale with astonishment, all raising a clamor of amazed commotion.”
#80
کمان برگرفتند و تیر خدنگ
✦
برفتند چندی سواران جنگ
“Then several warrior horsemen took up their bows and poplar arrows, stepping forward to display their skill.”
#81
چو آن دید گشتاسپ برخاست و گفت
✦
که اکنون هنرها نشاید نهفت
“When Goshtasp saw this, he arose and said: 'Now it is no longer fitting to conceal one's prowess.'”
#82
بیفگند چوگان کمان برگرفت
✦
زه و توز ازو دست بر سر گرفت
“He cast aside the polo-mallet and grasped the bow; at his mastery of string and birch-wrapped frame, all marvelled in amazement.”
#83
نگه کرد قیصر بران سرفراز
✦
بدان چنگ و یال و رکیب دراز
“The Caesar gazed upon that exalted rider, at his mighty grip, proud shoulders, and long stirrups.”
#84
بپرسید و گفت این سوار از کجاست
✦
که چندین بپیچد چپ و دست راست
“He asked, saying: 'From whence comes this warrior, who maneuvers so skillfully to the left and right?'”
#85
سرافراز گردان بسی دیده‌ام
✦
سواری بدین گونه نشنیده‌ام
“'I have seen many exalted heroes, yet never have I heard of a knight such as this!'”
#86
بخوانید تا زو بپرسم که کیست
✦
فرشتست گر همچو ما آدمیست
“'Summon him, that I may ask who he is—whether he be an angel or a mortal man like us.'”
#87
بخواندند گشتاسپ را پیش اوی
✦
بپیچید جان بداندیش اوی
“They summoned Goshtasp to his presence; and the soul of his ill-wishing rival withered within him.”
#88
به گشتاسپ گفت ای نبرده سوار
✦
سر سرکشان افسر کارزار
“Caesar said to Goshtasp: 'O valiant knight, chief of champions and crown of the battleground!'”
#89
چه نامی بمن گوی شهر و نژاد
✦
ورا زین سخن هیچ پاسخ نداد
“'Tell me thy name, thy city, and thy lineage!' But Goshtasp offered him no answer to these words.”
#90
چنین گفت کان خوار بیگانه مرد
✦
که از شهرقیصر ورا دور کرد
“Goshtasp spoke thus: 'I am that wretched, foreign man whom Caesar drove away from his city.'”
#91
چو داماد گشتم ز شهرم براند
✦
کس از دفترش نام من بر نخواند
“'When I became his son-in-law, he banished me from the city, and no one read my name from his royal register.'”
#92
ز قیصر ستم بر کتایون رسید
✦
که مردی غریب از میان برگزید
“'From Caesar injustice fell upon Katayoun, merely because she chose a stranger from among the crowd.'”
#93
نرفت اندرین جز به آیین شهر
✦
ازان راستی خواری آمدش بهر
“'She acted solely according to the custom of the city, yet for that truthfulness, humiliation became her lot.'”
#94
به بیشه درون آن زیانکار گرگ
✦
به کوه بزرگ اژدهای سترگ
“'Within the thicket, that destructive wolf; and upon the great mountain, that mighty dragon—'”
#95
سرانشان به زخم من آمد به پای
✦
بران کار هیشوی بد رهنمای
“'Their heads fell beneath my blows, while Hishoy acted as the guide to those deeds.'”
#96
که دندانهاشان بخان منست
✦
همان زخم خنجر نشان منست
“'Their fangs now rest in my home, and the dagger wounds upon them bear my own mark.'”
#97
ز هیشوی قیصر بپرسد سخن
✦
نوست این نگشتست باری کهن
“'Let Caesar inquire of Hishoy regarding this matter; this is a recent event, not an ancient tale.'”
#98
چو هیشوی شد پیش دندان ببرد
✦
گذشته سخنها برو بر شمرد
“When Hishoy stepped forward, he presented the fangs and recounted all that had transpired before.”
#99
به پوزش بیاراست قیصر زبان
✦
بدو گفت بیداد رفت ای جوان
“Caesar adorned his tongue with apologies and said to him: 'O noble youth, great injustice has indeed been done.'”
#100
کنون آن گرامی کتایون کجاست
✦
مرا گر ستمگاره خواند رواست
“'Where now is beloved Katayoun? If she brands me a tyrant, she is truly justified.'”
#101
ز میرین و اهرن برآشفت و گفت
✦
که هرگز نماند سخن در نهفت
“He burned with rage at Mirin and Ahran, exclaiming: 'Never shall the truth remain hidden!'”
#102
همانگه نشست از بر بادپای
✦
به پوزش بیامد بر پاک رای
“Forthwith he mounted his swift steed and came to offer apologies to that pure-minded prince.”
#103
بسی آفرین کرد فرزند را
✦
مران پاک دامن خردمند را
“He bestowed countless blessings upon his daughter—that virtuous, wise lady.”
#104
بدو گفت قیصر که ای ماهروی
✦
گزیدی تو اندر خور خویش شوی
“Caesar said to her: 'O moon-faced beauty, thou hast chosen a husband truly worthy of thee.'”
#105
همه دوده را سر برافراختی
✦
برین نیکبختی که تو ساختی
“'Thou hast raised the head of our entire lineage with this good fortune that thou hast forged.'”
#106
به پرسش بدو گفت ز انباز خویش
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مگر بر تو پیدا کند راز خویش
“In his questioning, he said to her: 'Ask of thy companion; perchance he will reveal his secret unto thee,'”
#107
که آرام و شهر و نژادش کجاست
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بگوید مگر مر ترا گفت راست
“'As to where his abode, his city, and his lineage lie—mayhap he will speak the truth to thee.'”
#108
چنین داد پاسخ که پرسیدمش
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نه بر دامن راستی دیدمش
“She answered thus: 'I have questioned him, yet I found him not walking upon the path of openness.'”
#109
نگوید همی پیش من راز خویش
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نهان دارد از هرکس آواز خویش
“'He will not reveal his secrets before me, and keeps his true identity hidden from everyone.'”
#110
گمانم که هست از نژاد بزرگ
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که پرخاش جویست و گرد و سترگ
“'My deeming is that he springs from a noble race, for he is warlike, heroic, and mighty.'”
#111
ز هرچش بپرسم نگوید تمام
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فرخ‌زاد گوید که هستم به نام
“'Whatever I ask him, he speaks not in full; he merely says: "Farrokhzad is my name."'”
#112
وزان جایگه سوی ایوان گذشت
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سپهر اندرین نیز چندی بگشت
“From that place he passed on toward the palace, while time and the heavens revolved for a space.”
#113
چو گشتاسپ برخاست از بامداد
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سر پرخرد سوی قیصر نهاد
“When morning came and Goshtasp arose, he turned his wise mind toward Caesar's court.”
#114
چو قیصر ورا دید خامش بماند
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بران نامور پیشگاهش نشاند
“When Caesar beheld him, he fell silent with awe, and seated him in the highest place of honor.”
#115
کمر خواست از گنج و انگشتری
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یکی نامور افسری مهتری
“He called for a belt from the royal treasury, a signet ring, and a glorious crown of sovereignty.”
#116
ببوسید و پس بر سر او نهاد
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ز کار گذشته بسی کرد یاد
“He kissed the royal crown and set it on his head, recalling much of all that had transpired in the past.”
#117
چنین گفت با هرک بد یادگیر
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که بیدار باشید برنا و پیر
“Thus spoke he unto all who listened well: 'Remain alert and vigilant, both young and old!'”
#118
فرخ‌زاد را جمله فرمان برید
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ز گفتار و کردار او مگذرید
“'Obey Farrokhzad in every matter, and stray not from his counsel or his deeds.'”
#119
ازان آگهی شد به هر کشوری
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به هر پادشاهی و هر مهتری
“Word of these events spread swiftly to every land, reaching every king and every noble lord.”