When Fereydun’s glorious reign reached its fiftieth year, fortune granted him three noble sons—two born to the radiant Shahrnaz and one to the graceful Arnavaz. Like towering cypresses they grew, spring-like in countenance and regal in bearing, yet their father had not yet bestowed names upon them. Desiring worthy matches for his princes, King Fereydun summoned Jandal, his most faithful and silver-tongued courtier, a counselor renowned for wisdom and discretion. Fereydun commanded him to travel the world in secret and find three royal sisters born of the same father and mother—three maidens so matched in beauty, stature, and grace that none could distinguish one from the other, worthy of joining the royal lineage of Iran.
Jandal set forth across many lands, discreetly investigating every noble house, until he received word of King Sarv of Yemen, the ruler of the Arabs, who possessed three immaculate daughters fulfilling Fereydun’s exact desire. Traveling swiftly to Yemen, Jandal entered the royal court like a pheasant approaching a rose garden. Bowing low before King Sarv, he eloquently delivered Fereydun’s proposal: to unite the noble bloodlines of Iran and Yemen through the marriage of Fereydun’s three nameless sons with Sarv’s three veil-bound daughters.
Upon hearing the proposal, King Sarv felt his heart wither like a lotus severed from water. The thought of parting with his three beloved daughters—the three bright candles of his life—filled him with sorrow. Requesting time to deliberate, Sarv closed his royal gates and convened an urgent council with the chieftains and seasoned warriors of the Desert of the Spear-Wielders. The hot-headed commanders urged him to resist, boasting that they could defend their honour with daggers and spears. Yet King Sarv knew the folly of defying Fereydun, the monarch of the world who had overthrown Zahhak. Torn between the terrifying power of the Iranian king and his devotion to his daughters, King Sarv sought a cunning middle path: to demand impossible conditions that no mortal could easily fulfill.
#1
ز سالش چو یک پنجه اندر کشید
✦
سه فرزند‌ش آمد گرامی پدید
“When fifty years had passed of his reign, three cherished sons were born unto him.”
#2
به بخت جهاندار هر سه پسر
✦
سه خسرو نژاد از در تاج زر
“By the good fortune of the world-ruler, all three were royal heirs, worthy of the golden crown.”
#3
به بالا چو سرو و به رخ چون بهار
✦
به هر چیز مانندهٔ شهریار
“Tall as cypresses and fair as springtime, in every quality they resembled the king.”
#4
از این سه دو پاکیزه از شهرناز
✦
یکی کهتر از خوب چهر ارنواز
“Of these three, two pure-hearted sons were born of Shahrnaz, and the youngest of beautiful Arnavaz.”
#5
پدر نوز ناکرده از ناز نام
✦
همی پیش پیلان نهادند گام
“The father had not yet bestowed names upon them, while they walked boldly before war-elephants.”
#6
فریدون از آن نامداران خویش
✦
یکی را گرانمایه‌تر خواند پیش
“Fereydun summoned one of his noble nobles to step forward.”
#7
کجا نام او جندل پرهنر
✦
به هر کار دلسوز بر شاه بر
“His name was the highly accomplished Jandal, faithful and devoted to the king in every affair.”
#8
بدو گفت برگرد گرد جهان
✦
سه دختر گزین از نژاد مهان
“He said to him: 'Traverse the broad world and select three daughters from a grand lineage.'”
#9
سه خواهر ز یک مادر و یک پدر
✦
پری چهره و پاک و خسرو گهر
“'Three sisters from one father and mother, fairy-faced, chaste, and of royal origin.'”
#10
به خوبی سزای سه فرزند من
✦
چنان چون بشاید به پیوند من
“'Matching in beauty my three sons, as is fitting for union with my house.'”
#11
به بالا و دیدار هر سه یکی
✦
که این را ندانند ازان اندکی
“'Alike in stature and visage, so that none can distinguish one from the other.'”
#12
چو بشنید جندل ز خسرو سخن
✦
یکی رای پاکیزه افگند بن
“When Jandal heard the monarch's words, he conceived a wise and prudent plan.”
#13
که بیدار دل بود و پاکیزه مغز
✦
زبان چرب و شایستهٔ کار نغز
“For he was vigilant of heart, refined of mind, eloquent of tongue, and fit for delicate deeds.”
#14
ز پیش سپهبد برون شد به راه
✦
ابا چند تن مر ورا نیکخواه
“He departed from the ruler's presence upon the road, accompanied by a few well-wishing companions.”
#15
یکایک ز ایران سراندر کشید
✦
پژوهید و هرگونه گفت و شنید
“He set forth from Iran, inquiring everywhere and listening to all manner of reports.”
#16
به هر کشوری کز جهان مهتری
✦
به پرده درون داشتن دختری
“In every realm where a ruler kept a hidden daughter behind the royal curtain,”
#17
نهفته بجستی همه راز‌شان
✦
شنیدی همه نام و آواز‌شان
“He sought out all their secrets and heard all of their names and renown.”
#18
ز دهقان پر مایه کس را ندید
✦
که پیوستهٔ آفریدون سزید
“Among all the noble chieftains, he found none worthy of Fereydun's alliance,”
#19
خردمند و روشن‌دل و پاک‌تن
✦
بیامد بر سرو شاه یمن
“Until the wise, bright-hearted, and pure counselor came before Sarv, the King of Yemen.”
#20
نشان یافت جندل مر اورا درست
✦
سه دختر چنان چون فریدون بجست
“Jandal found true trace of him: three daughters, precisely as Fereydun had sought.”
#21
خرامان بیامد به نزدیک سرو
✦
چنان چون به پیش گل اندر تذرو
“He walked gracefully into the presence of Sarv, like a pheasant stepping toward a rose.”
#22
زمین را ببوسید و چربی نمود
✦
برآن کهتری آفرین برفزود
“He kissed the ground, showed sweetness of tongue, and poured praises upon the king.”
#23
به جندل چنین گفت شاه یمن
✦
که بی‌آفرینت مبادا دهن
“The King of Yemen spoke thus to Jandal: 'May thy tongue never lack praise!'”
#24
چه پیغام داری چه فرمان دهی
✦
فرستاده‌ای گر گرامی رهی
“'What message dost thou bring, and what command? Art thou an envoy from a cherished ruler?'”
#25
بدو گفت جندل که خرم بدی
✦
همیشه ز تو دور دست بدی
“Jandal replied: 'Mayest thou ever be joyful, and may the hand of evil remain far from thee!'”
#26
از ایران یکی کهترم چون شمن
✦
پیام آوریده به شاه یمن
“'I am a humble servant from Iran, like a priest, bearing a message to the King of Yemen.'”
#27
درود فریدون فرخ دهم
✦
سخن هر چه پرسند پاسخ دهم
“'I convey the greetings of glorious Fereydun, and will answer whatever thou mayest ask.'”
#28
ترا آفرین از فریدون گرد
✦
بزرگ آن‌کسی کو نداردش خرد
“'Praises be to thee from Fereydun the Valiant; grand is he who holds him not in high esteem!'”
#29
مرا گفت شاه یمن را بگوی
✦
که بر گاه تا مشک بوید ببوی
“'He commanded me to say to the King of Yemen: Mayest thou reign as long as musk perfumes the throne!'”
#30
بدان ای سر مایهٔ تازیان
✦
کز اختر بدی جاودان بی‌زیان
“'Know, O chieftain of the Arabs, may thy star ever shine free of misfortune!'”
#31
مرا پادشاهی آباد هست
✦
همان گنج و مردی و نیروی دست
“'I possess a prosperous kingdom, as well as treasures, valor, and strength of arm.'”
#32
سه فرزند شایستهٔ تاج و گاه
✦
اگر داستان را بود گاه ماه
“'Three sons worthy of crown and throne, if fate grants them time and glory.'”
#33
ز هر کام و هر خواسته بی‌نیاز
✦
به هر آرزو دست ایشان دراز
“'Free of need in every desire, their hands reach for whatever they wish.'”
#34
مر این سه گرانمایه را در نهفت
✦
بباید کنون شاهزاده سه جفت
“'Now these three noble princes in secret stand in need of three royal brides.'”
#35
ز کار آگهان آگهی یافتم
✦
بدین آگهی تیز بشتافتم
“'I learned from my informants, and upon this news I hastened swiftly forward:'”
#36
کجا از پس پرده پوشیده روی
✦
سه پاکیزه داری تو ای نامجوی
“'That behind thy curtain thou keepest veiled three immaculate maidens, O seeker of renown.'”
#37
مران هرسه را نوز ناکرده نام
✦
چو بشنیدم این دل شدم شادکام
“'Upon all three thou hast not yet bestowed names; when I heard this, my heart grew joyful.'”
#38
که ما نیز نام سه فرخ نژاد
✦
چو اندر خور آید نکردیم یاد
“'For we too have not uttered the names of our three fortune-favored sons, waiting for a fitting match.'”
#39
کنون این گرامی دو گونه گهر
✦
بباید برآمیخت با یکدگر
“'Now these two precious jewels ought to be blended together.'”
#40
سه پوشیده رخ را سه دیهیم جوی
✦
سزا را سزاوار بی‌گفت‌وگوی
“'Three veiled maidens for three crown-seekers: worthy for the worthy, beyond dispute.'”
#41
فریدون پیامم بدین گونه داد
✦
تو پاسخ گزار آنچه آیدت یاد
“'Fereydun delivered his message thus; do thou give such response as comes to thy mind.'”
#42
پیامش چو بشنید شاه یمن
✦
بپژمرد چون زاب کنده سمن
“When the King of Yemen heard his message, he withered like jasmine plucked from water.”
#43
همی‌گفت گر پیش بالین من
✦
نبیند سه ماه این جهان‌بین من
“He said to himself: 'If my world-beholding eyes see not these three moons by my bedside,'”
#44
مرا روز روشن بود تاره شب
✦
بباید گشادن به پاسخ دو لب
“'My bright day will turn into dark night; yet I must open my lips in answer.'”
#45
سراینده را گفت کای نامجوی
✦
زمان باید اندر چنین گفت‌گوی
“He said to the speaker: 'O seeker of fame, time is required for such a discourse.'”
#46
شتابت نباید به پاسخ کنون
✦
مرا چند راز‌ست با رهنمون
“Thou must not hasten to respond just now; I have several secrets to weigh with my counselors.”
#47
فرستاده را زود جایی گزید
✦
پس آنگه به کار اندرون بنگرید
“He swiftly provided quarters for the envoy, and thereafter turned his full attention to the matter at hand.”
#48
بیامد در بار دادن ببست
✦
به انبوه اندیشگان در نشست
“He closed the doors of his audience hall and sat immersed in a tide of profound thoughts.”
#49
فراوان کس از دشت نیزه‌وران
✦
بر خویش خواند آزموده سران
“From the Plain of the Spearmen, he summoned to his presence many experienced chieftains.”
#50
نهفته برون آورید از نهفت
✦
همه راز‌ها پیش ایشان بگفت
“He revealed all that was concealed within his heart and laid every secret open before them.”
#51
که ما را به گیتی ز پیوند خویش
✦
سه شمع‌ست روشن به دیدار پیش
“He said: 'In this world, from our own lineage, we possess three luminous candles before our eyes.'”
#52
فریدون فرستاد زی من پیام
✦
بگسترد پیشم یکی خوب دام
“'Fereydoun hath dispatched a message unto me, laying before me a well-wrought snare.'”
#53
همی‌کرد خواهد ز چشمم جدا
✦
یکی رای باید زدن با شما
“'He seeks to separate them from my sight; wherefore I must counsel with you all.'”
#54
فرستاده گوید چنین گفت شاه
✦
که ما را سه شاه‌ست زیبای گاه
“'The emissary saith that the King declared: We have three noble princes worthy of the throne,'”
#55
گراینده هر سه به پیوند من
✦
به سه روی پوشیده فرزند من
“'All three seeking alliance with me, through thy three veiled and maiden daughters.'”
#56
اگر گویم آری و دل زان تهی
✦
دروغم نه اندر خورد با مهی
“'If I say yes while my heart is unwilling, a falsehood ill-befits royal greatness.'”
#57
وگر آرزو‌ها سپارم بدوی
✦
شود دل پر آتش پر از آب روی
“'Yet if I yield my heart's treasures to him, my heart will burn with grief and tears will flood my face.'”
#58
وگر سر بپیچم ز فرمان او
✦
به یک سو گرایم ز پیمان او
“'And if I disobey his sovereign command and turn aside from his covenant,'”
#59
کسی کو بود شهریار زمین
✦
نه بازی‌ست با او سگالید کین
“'To challenge him who is the emperor of the earth—such hostility is no child's play.'”
#60
شنیدستم از مردم راه‌جوی
✦
که ضحاک را زو چه آمد بروی
“'For I have heard from wise travelers what fate befell Zahhak at his hands!'”
#61
ازین در سخن هر چه دارید یاد
✦
سراسر به من بر بباید گشاد
“'Whatever advice or thoughts ye hold regarding this matter, ye must now fully disclose to me.'”
#62
جهان آزموده دلاور سران
✦
گشادند یک‌یک به پاسخ زبان
“The world-seasoned, valiant chieftains began one by one to speak in reply:”
#63
که ما همگنان آن نبینیم رای
✦
که هر باد را تو بجنبی ز جای
“'We all agree that it is unworthy for thee to be shaken from thy stance by every passing wind.'”
#64
اگر شد فریدون جهان شهریار
✦
نه ما بندگانیم با گوشوار
“'Though Fereydoun hath become the monarch of the world, we are not ring-eared slaves bound to his command!'”
#65
سخن‌گفتن و کوشش آیین ماست
✦
عنان و سنان تافتن دین ماست
“'To speak boldly and to strive is our custom; to turn the rein and thrust the spear is our faith.'”
#66
به خنجر زمین را میستان کنیم
✦
به نیزه هوا را نیستان کنیم
“'With our daggers we shall turn the earth into a reed bed, and with our spears fill the air with thickets!'”
#67
سه فرزند اگر بر تو هست ارجمند
✦
سر بدره بگشای و لب را ببند
“'If thy three daughters are dear to thy heart, open thy treasure purses and seal thy lips.'”
#68
و گر چارهٔ کار خواهی همی
✦
بترسی ازین پادشاهی همی
“'Yet if thou seekest a remedy for this plight, fearing the power of his kingdom,'”
#69
ازو آرزو‌های پرمایه جوی
✦
که کردار آنرا نبینند روی
“'Demand from him exorbitant and impossible conditions, such as no man could ever fulfill!'”
#70
چو بشنید از آن نامداران سخن
✦
نه سر دید آن را به گیتی نه بن
“When he heard the words of those chieftains, he found their counsel devoid of wisdom or sound logic.”