Esfandiyar, the bronze-bodied prince, commanded his swift black steed to be saddled with gold. Accompanied by a hundred illustrious cavaliers, he rode swiftly toward the banks of the Helmand River, his coiled lasso hanging from his saddlebow. Across the waters, the powerful neigh of Rakhsh resounded, answered immediately by the prince's charger. As both warriors neared the riverbed, Rostam dismounted from the dry bank and stepped into the shallow waters to offer a grand greeting.
Rostam offered praise to Almighty Yazdan for guiding the prince safely with his army. Looking upon Esfandiyar, Rostam declared that he saw the divine radiance of Prince Siyavash reflected in him. He blessed King Goshtasp for having such a majestic son and congratulated the realm of Iran. In response, Esfandiyar descended from his famous steed, embraced the elephant-bodied Rostam, and gave thanks to God for beholding the great World Champion. Esfandiyar remarked that standing before Rostam brought back the glorious memory of his late uncle, Zarir the lion-hearted.
With mutual reverence established, Rostam presented his warm invitation: he implored Esfandiyar to enter his hall as an honored guest and brighten his realm. However, Esfandiyar sorrowfully explained that he was bound by the absolute decree of King Goshtasp. The king had explicitly commanded him to put iron bonds upon Rostam's feet and bring him bound to the imperial court. Esfandiyar pledged that he would personally ensure Rostam suffered no indignity, keeping him chained for only a fleeting moment, and promising to bestow the entire empire upon Rostam once he ascended the throne.
Rostam passionately rejected the proposal, declaring that fetters were an indelible stain of shame. No living soul had ever seen Rostam in chains, nor would they ever. He warned Esfandiyar against letting demonic ambition or bad counsel corrupt his mind, urging him to set aside the foolish notion of chains and accept his hospitality. Esfandiyar replied that disobeying his king meant burning in the fires of the afterlife, leaving him torn between the sacred bond of host and guest and his royal duty. Nevertheless, he agreed to spend the day feasting together before fate unfolded tomorrow. Rostam returned to his palace to change his hunting attire, recounting to his ancient father Zal how Esfandiyar possessed a royal aura reminiscent of King Fereydun himself.
#1
بفرمود کاسپ سیه زین کنید
✦
به بالای او زین زرین کنید
“He commanded to saddle the black steed, and adorn its height with a golden saddle.”
#2
پس از لشکر نامور صدسوار
✦
برفتند با فرخ اسفندیار
“Then a hundred famous horsemen from the renowned army rode forth with auspicious Esfandiyar.”
#3
بیامد دمان تا لب هیرمند
✦
به فتراک بر گرد کرده کمند
“He came swiftly to the banks of the Helmand River, his coiled lasso fastened to his saddlebow.”
#4
ازین سو خروشی برآورد رخش
✦
وزان روی اسپ یل تاج‌بخش
“From this side Rakhsh let out a mighty roar, and from that side answered the steed of the crown-bestowing hero.”
#5
چنین تا رسیدند نزدیک آب
✦
به دیدار هر دو گرفته شتاب
“Thus they rode until they reached near the water, both hastening to behold one another.”
#6
تهمتن ز خشک اندر آمد به رود
✦
پیاده شد و داد یل را درود
“Tahamtan came into the riverbed from dry land, dismounted on foot, and greeted the hero.”
#7
پس از آفرین گفت کز یک خدای
✦
همی خواستم تا بود رهنمای
“After blessings he said: 'I sought from the One God that He be my guide,'”
#8
که با نامداران بدین جایگاه
✦
چنین تندرست آید و با سپاه
“'So that with famous warriors in this place, he may arrive healthy and with an army.'”
#9
نشینیم یکجای و پاسخ دهیم
✦
همی در سخن رای فرخ نهیم
“'Let us sit in one place and converse together, laying auspicious counsel in our speech.'”
#10
چنان دان که یزدان گوای منست
✦
خرد زین سخن رهنمای منست
“'Know that God is my witness, and Wisdom is my guide in these words.'”
#11
که من زین سخنها نجویم فروغ
✦
نگردم به هر کار گرد دروغ
“'For I seek no personal glory from these words, nor do I turn toward untruth in any deed.'”
#12
که روی سیاوش گر دیدمی
✦
بدین تازه‌رویی نگردیدمی
“'Had I seen the face of Siyavash himself, I would not be refreshed with such a joyful countenance.'”
#13
نمانی همی جز سیاوخش را
✦
مر آن تاج‌دار جهان بخش را
“'You resemble none other than Siyavash, that world-bestowing bearer of the crown.'”
#14
خنک شاه کو چون تو دارد پسر
✦
به بالا و فرت بنازد پدر
“'Blessed is the King who possesses a son like you, whose father may pride in his stature and glory.'”
#15
خنک شهر ایران که تخت ترا
✦
پرستند بیدار بخت ترا
“'Blessed is the land of Iran whose throne worships your vigilant fortune.'”
#16
دژم بخت آنکس که با تو نبرد
✦
بجوید ز تخت اندر آید به گرد
“'Gloomy is the fate of him who seeks battle with you, falling from the throne into the dust.'”
#17
همه دشمنان از تو پر بیم باد
✦
دل بدسگالان به دو نیم باد
“'May all your enemies be filled with dread of you, and the heart of evil-wishers be cleaved in twain.'”
#18
همه ساله بخت تو پیروز باد
✦
شبان سیه بر تو نوروز باد
“'May your fortune be ever victorious throughout the year, and black nights turn to Nowruz for you.'”
#19
چو بشنید گفتارش اسفندیار
✦
فرود آمد از بارهٔ نامدار
“When Esfandiyar heard his noble words, he dismounted from his famous steed.”
#20
گو پیلتن را به بر در گرفت
✦
چو خشنود شد آفرین برگرفت
“He embraced the elephant-bodied hero, and when pleased, began to utter praises.”
#21
که یزدان سپاس ای جهان پهلوان
✦
که دیدم ترا شاد و روشن‌روان
“'Praise be to Yazdan, O World Champion, that I have seen you joyful and bright-souled.'”
#22
سزاوار باشد ستودن ترا
✦
یلان جهان خاک بودن ترا
“'It is worthy to praise you, and fitting for the world's heroes to be dust beneath your feet.'”
#23
خنک آنک چون تو پسر باشدش
✦
یکی شاخ بیند که بر باشدش
“'Blessed is he who has a son like you, beholding a branch that bears such fruit.'”
#24
خنک آنک او را بود چون تو پشت
✦
بود ایمن از روزگار درشت
“'Blessed is he who has a pillar like you to lean on, remaining safe from the harshness of fate.'”
#25
خنک زال کش بگذرد روزگار
✦
به گیتی بماند ترا یادگار
“'Blessed is Zal whose life passes, leaving you behind in the world as his enduring memory.'”
#26
بدیدم ترا یادم آمد زریر
✦
سپهدار اسپ‌افگن و نره شیر
“'Beholding you reminded me of Zarir, the horse-overthrowing commander and furious lion.'”
#27
بدو گفت رستم که ای پهلوان
✦
جهاندار و بیدار و روشن‌روان
“Rostam said to him: 'O champion, world-ruler, vigilant and enlightened of soul,'”
#28
یکی آرزو دارم از شهریار
✦
که باشم بران آرزو کامگار
“'I have one desire from the Prince, that I may be granted this wish:'”
#29
خرامان بیایی سوی خان من
✦
به دیدار روشن کنی جان من
“'Come gracefully to my hall, and brighten my soul with your presence.'”
#30
سزای تو گر نیست چیزی که هست
✦
بکوشیم و با آن بساییم دست
“'If what is prepared is unworthy of you, we shall strive and offer whatever we possess.'”
#31
چنین پاسخ آوردش اسفندیار
✦
که ای از یلان جهان یادگار
“Thus answered Esfandiyar: 'O glorious remembrance of the world's heroes,'”
#32
هرانکس کجا چون تو باشد به نام
✦
همه شهر ایران بدو شادکام
“'Whoever is like you in renown, all the land of Iran is joyful through him.'”
#33
نشاید گذر کردن از رای تو
✦
گذشت از بر و بوم وز جای تو
“'It is not right to disregard your judgment, nor to pass by your land and home without pausing.'”
#34
ولیکن ز فرمان شاه جهان
✦
نپیچم روان آشکار و نهان
“'Yet from the command of the World's King I cannot turn, neither in spirit nor openly or in secret.'”
#35
به زابل نفرمود ما را درنگ
✦
نه با نامداران این بوم جنگ
“'He did not order us to tarry in Zabul, nor to wage war against the nobles of this land.'”
#36
تو آن کن که بر یابی از روزگار
✦
بران رو که فرمان دهد شهریار
“'Do that which yields good from time; walk upon the path the King commands.'”
#37
تو خود بند بر پای نه بی‌درنگ
✦
نباشد ز بند شهنشاه ننگ
“'Place chains upon your feet without delay; there is no disgrace in the fetters of the King of Kings.'”
#38
ترا چون برم بسته نزدیک شاه
✦
سراسر بدو بازگردد گناه
“'When I bring you bound before the King, all guilt will return entirely to him.'”
#39
وزین بستگی من جگر خسته‌ام
✦
به پیش تو اندر کمر بسته‌ام
“'And over this binding my own heart is wounded; I stand before you ready to serve.'”
#40
نمانم که تا شب بمانی به بند
✦
وگر بر تو آید ز چیزی گزند
“'I will not suffer you to remain bound until nightfall, nor let any harm come upon you.'”
#41
همه از من انگار ای پهلوان
✦
بدی ناید از شاه خود بیگمان
“'Consider it all from me, O champion; surely no evil shall come from your King.'”
#42
ازان پس که من تاج بر سر نهم
✦
جهان را به دست تو اندر نهم
“'Thereafter, when I place the crown upon my head, I shall place the world in your hands.'”
#43
نه نزدیک دادار باشد گناه
✦
نه شرم آیدم نیز از روی شاه
“'Neither shall it be a sin before the Creator, nor shall I feel shame before the King.'”
#44
چو تو بازگردی به زابلستان
✦
به هنگام بشکوفهٔ گلستان
“'When you return to Zabulistan in the season of rose blossoms,'”
#45
ز من نیز یابی بسی خواسته
✦
که گردد بر و بومت آراسته
“'You shall receive vast wealth from me, so that your land and realm shall be embellished.'”
#46
بدو گفت رستم که ای نامدار
✦
همی جستم از داور کردگار
“Rostam said to him, 'O renowned hero, I constantly prayed to the Lord God...'”
#47
که خرم کنم دل به دیدار تو
✦
کنون چون پسندم من آزار تو
“'...that I might gladden my heart by meeting you; how then could I now accept bringing you distress?'”
#48
دو گردن فرازیم پیر و جوان
✦
خردمند و بیدار دو پهلوان
“'We are two exalted champions, old and young—wise, vigilant, and noble warriors both.'”
#49
بترسم که چشم بد آید همی
✦
سر از خواب خوش برگراید همی
“'I fear lest the evil eye fall upon us, and awaken strife from its peaceful slumber.'”
#50
همی یابد اندر میان دیو راه
✦
دلت کژ کند از پی تاج و گاه
“'The Demon finds a path between us, seeking to pervert your heart for the sake of crown and throne.'”
#51
یکی ننگ باشد مرا زین سخن
✦
که تا جاودان آن نگردد کهن
“'This demand of yours brings me a shame that will never fade through all eternity.'”
#52
که چون تو سپهبد گزیده سری
✦
سرافراز شیری و گندآوری
“'That a supreme commander and noble prince like you—a proud lion and mighty warrior—'”
#53
نیایی زمانی تو در خان من
✦
نباشی بدین مرز مهمان من
“'Should not come even for a short while to my house, nor be my guest in this land.'”
#54
گر این تیزی از مغز بیرون کنی
✦
بکوشی و بر خسته افسون کنی
“'If you cast this harshness from your mind and strive to soothe my wounded heart,'”
#55
ز من هرچ خواهیت فرمان کنم
✦
ز دیدار تو رامش جان کنم
“'Whatever else you ask of me I shall obey, and find solace for my soul in seeing you.'”
#56
مگر بند کز بند عاری بود
✦
شکستی بود زشت کاری بود
“'Save for bonds! For fetters bring disgrace, defeat, and ignoble shame.'”
#57
نبیند مرا زنده با بند کس
✦
که روشن روانم برینست و بس
“'None shall ever see me bound while I live; upon this my enlightened spirit stands firm, and nothing less.'”
#58
ز تو پیش بودند کنداوران
✦
نکردند پایم به بند گران
“'Mighty heroes came before your time, yet none put heavy bonds upon my feet.'”
#59
به پاسخ چنین گفتش اسفندیار
✦
که ای در جهان از گوان یادگار
“In answer, Esfandiyar spoke thus to him: 'O noble remnant of the world's great champions!'”
#60
همه راست گفتی نگفتی دروغ
✦
به کژی نگیرند مردان فروغ
“'All that you have said is true, you spoke no falsehood; true men do not gain glory through deceit.'”
#61
ولیکن پشوتن شناسد که شاه
✦
چه فرمود تا من برفتم به راه
“'Yet Peshotan knows well what command the King gave when I set out on this road.'”
#62
گر اکنون بیایم سوی خان تو
✦
بوم شاد و پیروز مهمان تو
“'If I now come to your house and become your joyful and victorious guest,'”
#63
تو گردن بپیچی ز فرمان شاه
✦
مرا تابش روز گردد سیاه
“'And you refuse to obey the King's command, the brightness of day will turn black to my eyes.'”
#64
دگر آنک گر با تو جنگ آورم
✦
به پرخاش خوی پلنگ آورم
“'Furthermore, if I wage battle against you and adopt the ferocious nature of a leopard in conflict,'”
#65
فرامش کنم مهر نان و نمک
✦
به من بر دگرگونه گردد فلک
“'I should be forgetting the sacred bond of bread and salt, and fate would turn against me in wrath.'”
#66
وگر سربپیچم ز فرمان شاه
✦
بدان گیتی آتش بود جایگاه
“'And if I disobey the King's order, my place in the world beyond shall be the Fire of Hell.'”
#67
ترا آرزو گر چنین آمدست
✦
یک امروز با می بساییم دست
“'If such is your desire, let us today reach out our hands to wine together.'”
#68
که داند که فردا چه شاید بدن
✦
بدین داستانی نباید زدن
“'For who knows what tomorrow may bring? We should not speak further on this matter now.'”
#69
بدو گفت رستم که ایدون کنم
✦
شوم جامهٔ راه بیرون کنم
“Rostam said to him, 'So shall I do; I will go and take off my traveling garments.'”
#70
به یک هفته نخچیر کردم همی
✦
به جای بره گور خوردم همی
“'For a whole week I have been hunting, eating wild ass instead of lamb.'”
#71
به هنگام خوردن مرا باز خوان
✦
چو با دوده بنشینی از پیش خوان
“'Summon me back when it is time to dine, when you sit with your family before the feast.'”
#72
ازان جایگه رخش را برنشست
✦
دل خسته را اندر اندیشه بست
“From that spot he mounted Rakhsh, his sorrowful heart bound up in deep contemplation.”
#73
بیامد دمان تا به ایوان رسید
✦
رخ زال سام نریمان بدید
“He rode swiftly until he reached his palace, where he beheld the face of Zal, son of Sam, son of Nariman.”
#74
بدو گفت کای مهتر نامدار
✦
رسیدم به نزدیک اسفندیار
“He said to him, 'O renowned leader, I have met with Esfandiyar.'”
#75
سواریش دیدم چو سرو سهی
✦
خردمند و با زیب و با فرهی
“'I saw a knight like a tall cypress—wise, gracious, and radiant with divine splendor.'”
#76
تو گفتی که شاه فریدون گرد
✦
بزرگی دانایی او را سپرد
“'You would say King Fereydoun the valiant had bestowed all greatness and wisdom upon him.'”
#77
به دیدن فزون آمد از آگهی
✦
همی تافت زو فر شاهنشهی
“'In person he far surpassed all renown; from him shone the true royal splendor of kingship.'”