After overcoming the previous trials, Esfandiyar commanded that the Turanian captive Gurgsar be brought before him. The prince filled three goblet-fulls of sparkling red wine and offered them to Gurgsar to soften his speech and lighten his spirit. Esfandiyar then addressed him, saying: 'Look upon the handiwork of the Creator! By Divine grace, neither Simorgh, nor lion, nor wolf, nor sharp-clawed dragon could withstand me. Tell me now, what peril awaits us at the next station? Is there water and pasture for the steeds?'
Gurgsar raised his voice and answered: 'O renowned and glorious Esfandiyar, if you turn back now, it would be no surprise, for even fortune has its limits. God has been your ally until now, and your royal tree has borne fruit. But tomorrow lies an ordeal no warrior can fathom. Neither mace, nor bow, nor blade shall serve you. A blizzard a spear's height deep shall fall for two days, engulfing you and your mighty host in impenetrable snow. And beyond that desert lies thirty farsangs of scorching sand—a boiling earth where no bird, ant, or locust can pass, nor vulture fly in the air. For forty farsangs you must drive through shifting sands where horses collapse and men lose heart.'
Continuing his ominous prophecy, Gurgsar revealed the final destination: 'From there the army shall reach Ruyin-Dezh, the Brazen Fortress—a formidable realm whose ramparts whisper secrets to the moon and whose roofs cut through the rain-clouds. Beyond its walls, no fodder can be found for beasts, and even if a hundred thousand armored champions from Iran and Turan besiege it for a hundred years, raining arrows upon its stone, it will remain as impenetrable as a iron ring on the door of fate.'
When the Iranian warriors heard these horrifying words from Gurgsar, anguish gripped their hearts. Surrounding their prince, they implored: 'O noble king, walk not into the circle of calamity! We came here to win glory, not to perish uselessly. You have traversed terrifying paths and conquered the beasts of the Seven Stages; render thanks to the Creator and return victorious to King Goshtasp, or seek another path into Turan. Do not hold your precious life cheap!'
Hearing their desperate plea, Esfandiyar's radiant countenance darkened with anger. He shouted in stern rebuke: 'Did you march from Iran to offer me counsel, or to win exalted fame? Where are the royal robes, golden belts, and thrones bestowed upon you? Where are your sacred oaths sworn before God that your feet now falter and your resolve shatters? Turn back, then, victorious and glad! As for me, I desire nothing save battle. At the word of this hostile demon, you shrink from war! I ask for no Iranian soldier on this campaign—my brother Peshotan and my son are companion enough. Almighty God is my champion, and with the strength of my own arm I shall conquer this fortress!'
When the Iranians looked upon the prince's fire-flashing eyes and thunderous rage, they fell to their knees in terror. Weeping and begging forgiveness, they cried: 'May our souls be sacrificed for the king! Our pledge stands eternal—as long as one warrior lives among us, none shall turn his face from battle. We feared only for the prince's life, not for our own resolve!' Moved by their total submission, Esfandiyar's wrath subsided; he praised their loyalty and swore that their sacrifices would be rewarded with endless treasure.
#1
از آن پس بفرمود تا گرگسار
✦
بیامد بر نامور شهریار
“Thereafter he commanded that Gurgsar be brought before the renowned prince.”
#2
بدادش سه جام دمادم نبید
✦
می سرخ و جام از گل شنبلید
“He gave him three brimming goblets of red wine, sparkling like the fenugreek blossom.”
#3
بدو گفت کای بد تن بدنهان
✦
نگه کن بدین کردگار جهان
“He said to him: 'O evil-bodied, wicked-natured one! Look upon this work of the Creator of the world.'”
#4
نه سیمرغ پیدا نه شیر و نه گرگ
✦
نه آن تیز چنگ اژدهای بزرگ
“'Neither Simorgh remains visible, nor lion, nor wolf, nor that mighty dragon with sharp talons.'”
#5
به منزل که انگیزد این بار شور
✦
بود آب و جای گیای ستور
“'At the next stage that stirs turmoil, will there be water and pasture for the steeds?'”
#6
به آواز گفت آن زمان گرگسار
✦
که ای نامور فرخ اسفندیار
“Gurgsar then raised his voice and said: 'O renowned and glorious Esfandiyar!'”
#7
اگر باز گردی نباشد شگفت
✦
ز بخت تو اندازه باید گرفت
“'If you were to turn back now, it would be no marvel; you must measure the limits of your fortune.'”
#8
ترا یار بود ایزد ای نیکبخت
✦
به بار آمد آن خسروانی درخت
“'God was your helper, O fortunate prince, and that royal tree has borne fruit.'”
#9
یکی کار پیش است فردا که مرد
✦
نیندیشد از روزگار نبرد
“'Yet tomorrow lies a task ahead such as no warrior could ever conceive in the day of battle.'”
#10
نه گرز و کمان یادت آید نه تیغ
✦
نه بیند ره جنگ و راه گریغ
“'Neither mace, nor bow, nor blade will serve your memory; you shall see no path for fight nor flight.'”
#11
به بالای یک نیزه برف آیدت
✦
بدو روز شادی شگرف آیدت
“'Snow shall fall to the height of a spear; for two days a wondrous ordeal shall overcome you.'”
#12
بمانی تو با لشکر نامدار
✦
به برف اندر ای فرخ اسفندیار
“'You and your glorious army will remain trapped in the snow, O glorious Esfandiyar!'”
#13
اگر بازگردی نباشد شگفت
✦
ز گفتار من کین نباید گرفت
“'If you turn back, it would be no marvel; take no offense at my words.'”
#14
همی ویژه در خون لشکر شوی
✦
به تندی و بدرایی و بدخوی
“'Otherwise, through harshness, ill advice, and fierce temper, you will steep your army in blood.'”
#15
مرا این درستست کز باد سخت
✦
بریزد بر آن مرز بار درخت
“'To me it is certain that a fierce gale in that realm will strip the trees of all fruit.'”
#16
از آن پس که اندر بیابان رسی
✦
یکی منزل آید به فرسنگ سی
“'After that, when you reach the wilderness, there comes a stage thirty farsangs long.'”
#17
همه ریگ تفته است گر خاک و شخ
✦
بر او نگذرد مرغ و مور و ملخ
“'All is scorched sand and stony waste, where no bird, ant, or locust can pass.'”
#18
نبینی به جایی یکی قطره آب
✦
زمینش همی جوشد از آفتاب
“'You will see no single drop of water anywhere; its ground boils under the scorching sun.'”
#19
نه بر خاک او شیر یابد گذر
✦
نه اندر هوا کرگس تیزپر
“'Neither can a lion cross its soil, nor a swift-winged vulture fly in its sky.'”
#20
نه بر شخ و ریگش بروید گیا
✦
زمینش روان ریگ چون توتیا
“'No plant grows upon its stones and sand; its ground is moving sand fine as powdered collyrium.'”
#21
برانی بر این گونه فرسنگ چل
✦
نه با اسپ تاو و نه با مرد دل
“'You must march forty farsangs in this manner, with horses losing strength and men losing heart.'”
#22
وز آنجا به رویین‌دژ آید سپاه
✦
ببینی یکی مایه‌ور جایگاه
“'And from there the host shall reach Ruyin-Dezh, and you shall behold a fortress of immense power.'”
#23
زمینش به کام نیاز اندر است
✦
وگر باره با مه به راز اندر است
“'Its ground suffers beneath hardship, while its battlements hold secrets with the moon.'”
#24
بشد بامش از ابر بارنده‌تر
✦
که بد نامش از ابر برنده‌تر
“'Its roof is stormier than rain-bearing clouds, and its renown cuts deeper than storm-clouds.'”
#25
ز بیرون نیابد خورش چارپای
✦
ز لشکر نماند سواری به جای
“'Outside it, beasts find no forage, nor shall any rider from the army remain standing.'”
#26
از ایران و توران اگر صدهزار
✦
بیایند گردان خنجرگزار
“'Though a hundred thousand blade-wielding warriors from Iran and Turan should gather,'”
#27
نشینند صد سال گرد اندرش
✦
همی تیرباران کنند از برش
“'And sit in siege around it for a hundred years, showering arrows from above,'”
#28
فراوان همانست و کمتر همان
✦
چو حلقه‌ست بر در بد بدگمان
“'Much and little shall remain the same; it is like a ring upon the door of ill-omen.'”
#29
چو ایرانیان این بد از گرگسار
✦
شنیدند و گشتند با درد یار
“When the Iranians heard this ill prophecy from Gurgsar, anguish became their companion.”
#30
بگفتند کای شاه آزادمرد
✦
به گرد بلا تا توانی مگرد
“They said: 'O noble King! As far as you can, wander not around the circle of calamity.'”
#31
اگر گرگسار این سخنها که گفت
✦
چنین است این خود نماند نهفت
“'If Gurgsar's words be true, this peril shall not remain hidden.'”
#32
بدین جایگه مرگ را آمدیم
✦
نه فرسودن ترگ را آمدیم
“'We came to this place for death, not to wear out our helmets in vain.'”
#33
چنین راه دشوار بگذاشتی
✦
بلای دد و دام برداشتی
“'You have traversed such arduous paths and endured the ordeal of beasts and monsters.'”
#34
کس از نامداران و شاهان گرد
✦
چنین رنجها برنیارد شمرد
“'No noble champion or warlord could recount such suffering as you have borne.'”
#35
که پیش تو آمد بدین هفتخوان
✦
بر این بر جهان آفرین را بخوان
“'Which befell you in these Seven Stages; now call upon the Creator of the world.'”
#36
چو پیروزگر بازگردی به راه
✦
به دل شاد و خرم شوی نزد شاه
“'Return victorious on your path, glad of heart and joyful unto the King.'”
#37
به راهی دگر گر شوی کینه‌ساز
✦
همه شهر توران برندت نماز
“'Or if you take another road to vengeance, all the land of Turan shall bow down to you.'”
#38
بدین سان که گوید همی گرگسار
✦
تن خویش را خوارمایه مدار
“'Do not hold your life cheap because of what Gurgsar says.'”
#39
از آن پس که پیروز گشتیم و شاد
✦
نباید سر خویش دادن به باد
“'Now that we have emerged victorious and glad, we must not give our lives to the wind.'”
#40
چو بشنید این‌گونه ز ایشان سخن
✦
شد آن تازه رویش ز گردان کهن
“When Esfandiyar heard such words from them, his fresh face darkened with anger before the veteran warriors.”
#41
شما گفت از ایران به پند آمدید
✦
نه از بهر نام بلند آمدید
“He said: 'Did you come from Iran to offer counsel, or for the sake of exalted renown?'”
#42
کجا آن همه خلعت و پند شاه
✦
کمرهای زرین و تخت و کلاه
“'Where are all those robes of honor and counsels of the King, the golden belts, thrones, and crowns?'”
#43
کجا آن همه عهد و سوگند و بند
✦
به یزدان و آن اختر سودمند
“'Where are all those covenants, oaths, and bonds sworn by God and the auspicious stars?'”
#44
که اکنون چنین سست شد پایتان
✦
به ره بر پراگنده شد رایتان
“'That now your feet have grown so weak, and your resolve lies scattered upon the road?'”
#45
شما بازگردید پیروز و شاد
✦
مرا کام جز رزم جستن مباد
“'Return victorious and glad if you will! For me, I desire nothing save battle!'”
#46
به گفتار این دیو ناسازگار
✦
چنین سرکشیدید از کارزار
“Because of the words of this treacherous demon, do you thus turn your backs on the battle?”
#47
از ایران نخواهم بر این رزم کس
✦
پسر با برادر مرا یار بس
“From all of Iran I require no one for this fight; my son and brother are companion enough for me.”
#48
جهاندار پیروز یار منست
✦
سر اختر اندر کنار منست
“The victorious Ruler of the World is my ally, and the head of good fortune rests in my embrace.”
#49
به مردی نباید کسی همرهم
✦
اگر جان ستانم وگر جان دهم
“In valor I need no one to walk beside me, whether I take life or yield my own.”
#50
به دشمن نمایم هنر هرچه هست
✦
ز مردی و پیروزی و زور دست
“I shall show the enemy all the skill I possess—of manhood, victory, and the strength of my arm.”
#51
بیابید هم بی‌گمان آگهی
✦
از این نامور فر شاهنشهی
“You too shall surely receive tidings of this renowned royal glory.”
#52
که با دژ چه کردم به دستان و زور
✦
به نام خداوند کیوان و هور
“Of what I wrought upon that fortress through cunning and force, in the name of the Lord of Saturn and the Sun.”
#53
چو ایرانیان برگشادند چشم
✦
بدیدند چهر ورا پر ز خشم
“When the Iranians opened their eyes, they saw his countenance ablaze with wrath.”
#54
برفتند پوزش‌کنان نزد شاه
✦
که گر شاه بیند ببخشد گناه
“They came before the prince seeking pardon, saying: 'If the king deems fit, may he forgive our offense.'”
#55
فدای تو بادا تن و جان ما
✦
بر این بود تا بود پیمان ما
“'May our bodies and souls be sacrificed for thee; such has ever been our solemn covenant.'”
#56
ز بهر تن شاه غمخواره‌ایم
✦
نه از کوشش و جنگ بیچاره‌ایم
“'We are but anxious for the King's safety, not rendered helpless before struggle and strife.'”
#57
ز ما تا بود زنده یک نامدار
✦
نپیچیم یک تن سر از کارزار
“'So long as one renowned hero amongst us lives, not a single one shall turn away from the field of battle.'”
#58
سپهبد چو بشنید ز ایشان سخن
✦
بپیچید زان گفته های کهن
“When the commander heard their words, he relented from his former anger.”
#59
به ایرانیان آفرین کرد و گفت
✦
که هرگز نماند هنر در نهفت
“He praised the Iranians and said: 'Virtue and merit shall never remain concealed.'”
#60
گر ایدون که گردیم پیروزگر
✦
ز رنج گذشته بیابیم بر
“'If it so be that we emerge victorious, we shall reap the fruit of past hardships.'”
#61
نگردد فرامش به دل رنجتان
✦
نماند تهی بی‌گمان گنجتان
“'Your toil shall not be forgotten in my heart, and your treasuries shall surely not remain empty.'”
#62
همی رای زد تا جهان شد خنک
✦
برفت از بر کوه باد سبک
“He deliberated thus until the world grew cool, and a gentle breeze drifted from the mountain.”
#63
برآمد ز درگاه شیپور و نای
✦
سپه برگرفتند یکسر ز جای
“From the royal court sounded the clarions and flutes, and the army moved out as one.”
#64
به کردار آتش همی راندند
✦
جهان‌آفرین را بسی خواندند
“They rode swiftly like fire, repeatedly calling upon the Creator of the World.”
#65
سپیده چو از کوه سر برکشید
✦
شب آن چادر شعر در سرکشید
“When dawn raised its head above the mountain, night pulled its veil of dark silk over its head.”
#66
چو خورشید تابان نهان کرد روی
✦
همی رفت خون در پس پشت اوی
“When the radiant sun hid its face, a stream like blood trailed in its wake.”
#67
به منزل رسید آن سپاه گران
✦
همه گرزداران و نیزه‌وران
“The formidable army reached its staging post, a host all clad with maces and spears.”
#68
بهاری یکی خوش‌منش روز بود
✦
دل‌افروز یا گیتی‌افروز بود
“It was a pleasant spring day, heart-cheering and illuminating the world.”
#69
سراپرده و خیمه فرمود کی
✦
بیاراست خوان و بیاورد می
“The prince ordered the pavilions and tents to be pitched, set out a feast, and brought forth wine.”
#70
هم‌اندر زمان تندبادی ز کوه
✦
برآمد که شد نامور زان ستوه
“At that very moment, a violent wind swept down from the mountain, leaving the famed leader sore distressed.”
#71
جهان سربسر گشت چون پر زاغ
✦
ندانست کس باز هامون ز زاغ
“The entire world turned pitch-black like a raven's wing, so that none could tell the plain from the crow.”
#72
ببارید از ابر تاریک برف
✦
زمینی پر از برف و بادی شگرف
“Snow showered down from the dark cloud; the earth was filled with snow amidst a wondrous wind.”
#73
سه روز و سه شب هم بدان سان به دشت
✦
دم باد ز اندازه اندر گذشت
“For three days and three nights in that plain, the howling wind surpassed all bounds.”
#74
هوا پود گشت ابر چون تار شد
✦
سپهبد از آن کار بیچار شد
“The air became the woof and clouds the warp; the commander was driven to despair by this plight.”
#75
به آواز پیش پشوتن بگفت
✦
که این کار ما گشت با درد جفت
“In a loud voice he spoke to Peshotan: 'Our endeavor has now become wedded to distress.'”
#76
به مردی شدم در دم اژدها
✦
کنون زور کردن نیارد بها
“'By my valor I entered the dragon's breath; but now, exerting force avails us nothing.'”
#77
همه پیش یزدان نیایش کنید
✦
بخوانید و او را ستایش کنید
“'Pray all of you before God, invoke Him, and offer Him your praise!'”
#78
مگر کاین بلاها ز ما بگذرد
✦
کز این پس کسی مان به کس نشمرد
“'Perchance these calamities may pass from us; for after this, none shall count us as anything.'”
#79
پشوتن بیامد به پیش خدای
✦
که او بود بر نیکویی رهنمای
“Peshotan came before God, for he was ever a guide unto goodness.”
#80
نیایش ز اندازه بگذاشتند
✦
همه در زمان دست برداشتند
“They offered prayers beyond measure, all raising their hands to heaven at once.”
#81
همانگه بیامد یکی باد خوش
✦
ببرد ابر و روی هوا گشت گَش
“At that very moment, a pleasant breeze began to blow; it swept away the clouds, and the face of the sky grew fair and clear.”
#82
چو ایرانیان را دل آمد به جای
✦
ببودند بر پیش یزدان به پای
“When the Iranians regained their courage and spirits, they stood tall in prayer before God Almighty.”
#83
سراپرده و خیمه‌ها گشته تر
✦
ز سرما کسی را نبد پای و پر
“The pavilions and tents were thoroughly soaked; from the intense cold, no one had any strength left to move.”
#84
همانجا ببودند گردان سه روز
✦
چهارم چو بفروخت گیتی فروز
“The champions remained in that place for three days; on the fourth day, when the world-illuminating sun blazed forth...”
#85
سپهبد گرانمایگان را بخواند
✦
بسی داستانهای نیکو براند
“The commander summoned the noble chieftains and delivered many wise and noble speeches.”
#86
چنین گفت کایدر بمانید بار
✦
مدارید جز آلت کارزار
“He spoke thus: "Leave your heavy baggage here; retain nothing save the implements of battle.”
#87
هرانکس که هستند سرهنگ‌فش
✦
که باشد ورا باره صد آب کش
“Whoever among you is a leader of men, owning a charger capable of crossing a hundred waters...”
#88
به پنجاه آب و خورش برنهید
✦
دگر آلت گسترش بر نهید
“Load provisions and water for fifty days, and pack only the essential gear required for the journey.”
#89
فزونی هم ایدر بمانید بار
✦
مگر آنچه باید بدان کارزار
“Leave all excess baggage behind in this spot, except for whatever is strictly necessary for battle.”
#90
به نیروی یزدان بیابیم دست
✦
بدان بدکنش مردم بت‌پرست
“By the strength of the Lord, we shall prevail over those evil-doing, idol-worshipping people.”
#91
چو نومید گردد ز یزدان کسی
✦
از او نیک‌بختی نیاید بسی
“For whenever someone despairs of God, no good fortune shall ever come to him again."”
#92
از آن دژ یکایک توانگر شوید
✦
همه پاک با گنج و افسر شوید
“"From that fortress, every one of you shall become wealthy; all of you shall possess treasure and crowns."”
#93
چو خور چادر زرد بر سرکشید
✦
ببد باختر چون گل شنبلید
“As the sun drew its golden veil over its head, the western sky glowed like the yellow fenugreek flower.”
#94
بنه برنهادند گردان همه
✦
برفتند با شهریار رمه
“All the warriors loaded their packs and marched onward alongside the king of the flock.”
#95
چو بگذشت از تیره شب یک زمان
✦
خروش کلنگ آمد از آسمان
“When a small part of the dark night had passed, the cry of a crane came echoing from the sky.”
#96
برآشفت ز آوازش اسفندیار
✦
پیامی فرستاد زی گرگسار
“Esfandiyar grew agitated at its call, and sent a sharp message unto Gurgsar:”
#97
که گفتی بدین منزلت آب نیست
✦
همان جای آرامش و خواب نیست
“"Saying: 'Thou didst assert that in this stage there is no water, nor any place for rest and sleep!”
#98
کنون ز آسمان خاست بانگ کلنگ
✦
دل ما چرا کردی از آب تنگ
“Now the cry of cranes rises from the sky! Why didst thou distress our hearts regarding water?'"”
#99
چنین داد پاسخ کز ایدر ستور
✦
نیابد مگر چشمهٔ آب شور
“Gurgsar answered thus: "From this place, the beasts shall find nothing except a spring of salty water;”
#100
دگر چشمهٔ آب‌یابی چو زهر
✦
کزان آب مرغ و ددان راست بهر
“Or another spring of water bitter as poison, from which only birds and wild beasts may drink!"”
#101
چنین گفت سالار کز گرگسار
✦
یکی راهبر ساختم کینه‌دار
“The leader said: "Out of Gurgsar I have made a guide full of hatred and deceit!"”
#102
ز گفتار او تیز لشکر براند
✦
جهاندار نیکی دهش را بخواند
“Despite his words, he swiftly drove the army onward, calling upon the World-Lord, the Bestower of Good.”