The clash reached its dire zenith as deadly poplar arrows filled the firmament, blotting out the very light of the sun. Esfandiyar, impenetrable of body, drew his bow with devastating power, pinning steel armor directly to flesh. Under this relentless volley, Rostam’s matchless steed Rakhsh faltered, dripping with gore from innumerable wounds. Rostam himself, pierced through armor and bone, was forced to abandon his mount and drag his bleeding body up a steep rocky outcrop. Esfandiyar laughed in triumphant mockery, taunting the titan of Zabulistan—asking where his elephantine strength and demon-quelling cudgel had fled in his hour of peril. Zovareh, catching sight of Rakhsh limping away in agony, rode frantically to the battlefield, but Rostam commanded him to return post-haste to Zal to seek immediate healing and counsel. Displaying profound craft and composure despite his mortal pain, Rostam invoked the falling dark, requesting a night truce to bind his wounds and consider Esfandiyar’s demands by morning. Touched by Rostam’s legendary stature, the prince granted the reprieve. Severely wounded yet unbowed, Rostam waded through the treacherous river currents to reach his hall, leaving Esfandiyar marveling in awe at a titan who could bear such agony. Yet upon returning to his own royal pavilion, Esfandiyar was shattered by grief: his two cherished sons, Nush-Azar and Mehr-Nush, lay dead, slain in the flank battles. Covering his head in ashes, the broken prince sent their golden caskets back to King Goshtasp, accompanying them with bitter condemnation of his father's boundless greed and bloodthirsty ambition.
#1
کمان برگرفتند و تیر خدنگ
✦
ببردند از روی خورشید رنگ
“They raised their bows and shafts of hard poplar wood, wiping the radiant color from the face of the sun.”
#2
ز پیکان همی آتش افروختند
✦
به بر بر زره را همی دوختند
“Sparks ignited from their sharp arrowheads, pinning steel coats of mail directly to bodily armor.”
#3
دل شاه ایران بدان تنگ شد
✦
بروها و چهرش پر آژنگ شد
“The heart of Iran's royal prince grew constrained; his brow and countenance darkened with deep fury.”
#4
چو او دست بردی به سوی کمان
✦
نرستی کس از تیر او بی‌گمان
“Whenever his hand reached toward the bowstring, no soul could escape his deadly shaft.”
#5
به رنگ طبرخون شدی این جهان
✦
شدی آفتاب از نهیبش نهان
“The world turned red as dragon's blood, while the sun hid itself from the terror of his aim.”
#6
یکی چرخ را برکشید از شگاع
✦
تو گفتی که خورشید شد در شراع
“He drew his battle-bow so high and taut that you would say the sun had entered a dark veil.”
#7
به تیری که پیکانش الماس بود
✦
زره پیش او همچو قرطاس بود
“Before his diamond-tipped arrow, heavy mail was rendered fragile as thin paper.”
#8
چو او از کمان تیر بگشاد شست
✦
تن رستم و رخش جنگی بخست
“As he released the string of his bow, his shafts grievously wounded both Rostam and his warhorse Rakhsh.”
#9
بر رخش ازان تیرها گشت سست
✦
نبد باره و مرد جنگی درست
“Rakhsh grew feeble beneath those piercing shafts; neither horse nor warrior remained unhurt.”
#10
همی تاخت بر گردش اسفندیار
✦
نیامد برو تیر رستم به کار
“Esfandiyar continued to charge around them, while Rostam's arrows failed to harm him.”
#11
فرود آمد از رخش رستم چو باد
✦
سر نامور سوی بالا نهاد
“Rostam dismounted from Rakhsh swift as the wind and turned his illustrious head toward the high rocks.”
#12
همان رخش رخشان سوی خانه شد
✦
چنین با خداوند بیگانه شد
“The resplendent Rakhsh limped off toward home, forced into estrangement from his master.”
#13
به بالا ز رستم همی رفت خون
✦
بشد سست و لرزان که بیستون
“Blood poured continuously down from Rostam; he trembled and grew faint as Mount Bisotun shaking.”
#14
بخندید چون دیدش اسفندیار
✦
بدو گفت کای رستم نامدار
“Esfandiyar laughed out loud upon seeing him and taunted: 'O famous Rostam!'”
#15
چرا گم شد آن نیروی پیل مست
✦
ز پیکان چرا پیل جنگی بخست
“'Where has the power of the mad elephant vanished? Why is the war-elephant broken by arrowheads?'”
#16
کجا رفت آن مردی و گرز تو
✦
به رزم اندرون فره و برز تو
“'Where is that manhood and heavy mace of yours? Where is your royal stature and divine light in battle?'”
#17
گریزان به بالا چرا برشدی
✦
چو آواز شیر ژیان بشندی
“'Why have you fled up the cliff, like one who hears the roared warning of a fierce lion?'”
#18
چرا پیل جنگی چو روباه گشت
✦
ز رزمت چنین دست کوتاه گشت
“'Why has the war-elephant turned into a sly fox? Why has your hand grown so short from combat?'”
#19
تو آنی که دیو از تو گریان شدی
✦
دد از تف تیغ تو بریان شدی
“'You are the one at whose sight demons wept, and wild beasts roasted from the glare of your blade!'”
#20
زواره پی رخش ناگه بدید
✦
کزان رود با خستگی در کشید
“Suddenly Zovareh saw Rakhsh's tracks, limping away from the river heavy with wounds.”
#21
سیه شد جهان پیش چشمش به رنگ
✦
خروشان همی تاخت تا جای جنگ
“The world turned black before his eyes; shouting, he galloped directly toward the battlefield.”
#22
تن مرد جنگی چنان خسته دید
✦
همه خستگیهاش نابسته دید
“He saw the war-hero so terribly wounded, all his injuries bleeding and unbound.”
#23
بدو گفت خیز اسپ من برنشین
✦
که پوشد ز بهر تو خفتان کین
“He said to Rostam: 'Mount my horse, so it may wear the battle-coat for your sake!'”
#24
بدو گفت رو پیش دستان بگوی
✦
کزین دودهٔ سام شد رنگ و بوی
“Rostam replied: 'Go before Dastan (Zal) and say that the glory of Sam’s line has faded today.'”
#25
نگه کن که تا چارهٔ کار چیست
✦
برین خستگیها بر آزار کیست
“'Consider what remedy can be found, and who can ease these painful wounds.'”
#26
که گر من ز پیکان اسفندیار
✦
شبی را سرآرم بدین روزگار
“'If I survive this night despite Esfandiyar's arrowheads into another day,'”
#27
چنان دانم ای زال کامروز من
✦
ز مادر بزادم بدین انجمن
“'Know, O Zal, that today I am reborn anew into this world.'”
#28
چو رفتی همی چارهٔ رخش ساز
✦
من آیم کنون گر بمانم دراز
“'Go now and tend to Rakhsh; I shall follow soon if I remain alive.'”
#29
زواره ز پیش برادر برفت
✦
دو دیده سوی رخش بنهاد تفت
“Zovareh departed from his brother, turning his tearful eyes hastily toward Rakhsh.”
#30
به پستی همی بود اسفندیار
✦
خروشید کای رستم نامدار
“Esfandiyar remained in the lowland and shouted: 'O glorious Rostam!'”
#31
به بالا چنین چند باشی به پای
✦
که خواهد بدن مر ترا رهنمای
“'How long will you stand upon that height? Who shall be your guide now?'”
#32
کمان بفگن از دست و ببر بیان
✦
برآهنج و بگشای تیغ از میان
“'Cast down your bow and tiger-skin cuirass; unbuckle and unsheathe your sword.'”
#33
پشیمان شو و دست را ده به بند
✦
کزین پس تو از من نیابی گزند
“'Repent and yield your hands to bonds, so that you suffer no further harm from me.'”
#34
بدین خستگی نزد شاهت برم
✦
ز کردارها بی‌گناهت برم
“'In this wounded state I will take you to the king, clearing your name of fault.'”
#35
وگر جنگ جویی تو اندرز کن
✦
یکی را نگهبان این مرز کن
“'Or if you still seek war, make your testament and appoint a guardian for this realm.'”
#36
گناهی که کردی ز یزدان بخواه
✦
سزد گر به پوزش ببخشد گناه
“'Pray to God for forgiveness for your transgression; it is fitting if He pardons your sins.'”
#37
مگر دادگر باشدت رهنمای
✦
چو بیرون شوی زین سپنجی سرای
“'May the Just Creator be your guide when you depart this transient abode.'”
#38
چنین گفت رستم که بیگاه شد
✦
ز رزم و ز بد دست کوتاه شد
“Rostam replied: 'The hour has grown late; the hand is stayed from battle and ill deeds.'”
#39
شب تیره هرگز که جوید نبرد
✦
تو اکنون بدین رامشی بازگرد
“'No one seeks battle in the dark night; return now to your rest.'”
#40
من اکنون چنین سوی ایوان شوم
✦
بیاسایم و یک زمان بغنوم
“'I shall go to my palace to rest and sleep for a short space.'”
#41
ببندم همه خستگیهای خویش
✦
بخوانم کسی را که دارم به پیش
“I shall bind all my wounds, and summon those who stand before me.”
#42
زواره فرامرز و دستان سام
✦
کسی را ز خویشان که دارند نام
“Zavareh, Faramarz, and Dastan-e Sam, along with every renowned relative I have.”
#43
بسازم کنون هرچ فرمان تست
✦
همه راستی زیر پیمان تست
“I shall now prepare whatever you command; all honesty shall abide beneath your pledge.”
#44
بدو گفت رویین تن اسفندیار
✦
که ای برمنش پیر ناسازگار
“The brazen-bodied Esfandiyar said to him: 'O proud, unyielding elder!'”
#45
تو مردی بزرگی و زور آزمای
✦
بسی چاره دانی و نیرنگ و رای
“'You are a great warrior of tested strength, full of stratagem, cunning, and counsel.'”
#46
بدیدم همه فر و زیب ترا
✦
نخواهم که بینم نشیب ترا
“'I have witnessed all your glory and splendour, and I do not wish to see your downfall.'”
#47
به جان امشبی دادمت زینهار
✦
به ایوان رسی کام کژی مخار
“'For tonight, I grant you quarter for your life; go to your palace and do not seek deceit.'”
#48
سخن هرچ پذرفتی آن را بکن
✦
ازین پس مپیمای با من سخن
“'Fulfill whatever promise you accepted, and speak no further words with me from now on.'”
#49
بدو گفت رستم که ایدون کنم
✦
چو بر خستگیها بر افسون کنم
“Rustam said to him: 'So shall I do, once I apply spell and remedy unto my wounds.'”
#50
چو برگشت از رستم اسفندیار
✦
نگه کرد تا چون رود نامدار
“As Esfandiyar turned back from Rustam, he watched to see how the famous hero would depart.”
#51
چو بگذشت مانند کشتی به رود
✦
همی داد تن را ز یزدان درود
“As he crossed the river like a ship, he gave praise and blessings to God for his life.”
#52
همی گفت کای داور داد و پاک
✦
گر از خستگیها شوم من هلاک
“He kept saying: 'O just and pure Judge! If I should perish from these wounds,'”
#53
که خواهد ز گردنکشان کین من
✦
که گیرد دل و راه و آیین من
“'Who among the proud chiefs shall avenge me? Who shall uphold my spirit, path, and tradition?'”
#54
چو اسفندیار از پسش بنگرید
✦
بران روی رودش به خشکی بدید
“When Esfandiyar looked after him, he saw him safely on dry land on the other side of the river.”
#55
همی گفت کین را مخوانید مرد
✦
یکی ژنده پیلست با دار و برد
“He said: 'Do not call this one a mere man; he is a huge elephant of mighty power and stamina!'”
#56
گذر کرد پر خستگیها بر آب
✦
ازان زخم پیکان شده پرشتاب
“'Severely wounded, he crossed the waters, driven swiftly by the pain of arrow wounds.'”
#57
شگفتی بمانده بد اسفندیار
✦
همی گفت کای داور کامگار
“Esfandiyar remained in utter astonishment and prayed: 'O Almighty Lord!'”
#58
چنان آفریدی که خود خواستی
✦
زمان و زمین را بیاراستی
“'You created as You willed, and adorned both time and the earth.'”
#59
بدانگه که شد نامور باز جای
✦
پشوتن بیامد ز پرده‌سرای
“When the renowned hero returned to his quarters, Peshotan came forth from the royal pavilion.”
#60
ز نوش‌آذر گرد وز مهر نوش
✦
خروشیدنی بود با درد و جوش
“For the brave Nush-Azhar and Mehr-Nush, there arose a wailing filled with grief and passion.”
#61
سراپردهٔ شاه پر خاک بود
✦
همه جامهٔ مهتران چاک بود
“The king's grand pavilion was filled with dust, and the garments of all the nobles were rent in mourning.”
#62
فرود آمد از باره اسفندیار
✦
نهاد آن سر سرکشان برکنار
“Esfandiyar dismounted from his steed and held the heads of those noble slain warriors in his lap.”
#63
همی گفت زارا دو گرد جوان
✦
که جانتان شد از کالبد با توان
“Mournfully he cried: 'O two young heroes! Your vigorous souls have departed from your bodies!'”
#64
چنین گفت پس با پشوتن که خیز
✦
برین کشتگان آب چندین مریز
“Then he said to Peshotan: 'Arise, and shed no more tears over these slain heroes.'”
#65
که سودی نبینم ز خون ریختن
✦
نشاید به مرگ اندر آویختن
“'For I see no gain in weeping blood; one cannot grapple or fight with death.'”
#66
همه مرگ راایم برنا و پیر
✦
به رفتن خرد بادمان دستگیر
“'We are all bound for death, young and old alike; may wisdom be our guide upon this departure.'”
#67
به تابوت زرین و در مهد ساج
✦
فرستادشان زی خداوند تاج
“In golden coffins and litter beds of teak, he dispatched them to the possessor of the crown.”
#68
پیامی فرستاد نزد پدر
✦
که آن شاخ رای تو آمد به بر
“He sent a message to his father: 'That branch of your counsel has now borne its fruit!'”
#69
تو کشتی به آب اندر انداختی
✦
ز رستم همی چاکری ساختی
“'You launched the ship upon the waters, intending to make a servant out of Rustam.'”
#70
چو تابوت نوش‌آذر و مهرنوش
✦
ببینی تو در آز چندین مکوش
“'When you behold the coffins of Nush-Azhar and Mehr-Nush, strive no longer in such greed!'”
#71
به چرم اندر است گاو اسفندیار
✦
ندانم چه راند بدو روزگار
“'The bull of Esfandiyar is still tied in leather; I know not what destiny time will drive upon him.'”
#72
نشست از بر تخت با سوک و درد
✦
سخنهای رستم همه یادکرد
“He sat upon his throne in grief and anguish, recalling all the words of Rustam.”
#73
چنین گفت پس با پشوتن که شیر
✦
بپیچد ز چنگال مرد دلیر
“Then he said to Peshotan: 'Even a lion turns away from the claws of a courageous man!'”
#74
به رستم نگه کردم امروز من
✦
بران برز بالای آن پیلتن
“'I looked upon Rustam today, at that towering stature of that elephant-bodied hero.'”
#75
ستایش گرفتم به یزدان پاک
✦
کزویست امید و زو بیم و باک
“'I began to offer praise to the Pure God, from Whom alone come hope, awe, and fear.'”
#76
که پروردگار آن چنان آفرید
✦
بران آفرین کو جهان آفرید
“The Lord Almighty created him in such grand fashion; praise be upon the Creator who brought forth the universe!”
#77
چنین کارها رفت بر دست او
✦
که دریای چین بود تا شست او
“Such immense deeds were wrought by his hand that the vast Sea of China reached only to his wrist.”
#78
همی برکشیدی ز دریا نهنگ
✦
به دم در کشیدی ز هامون پلنگ
“He would haul monstrous crocodiles out of the sea, and draw leopards from the plains with his very breath.”
#79
بران سان بخستم تنش را به تیر
✦
که از خون او خاک شد آبگیر
“Yet I pierced his body so fiercely with arrows that the soil beneath him turned into a reservoir of blood.”
#80
ز بالا پیاده به پیمان برفت
✦
سوی رود با گبر و شمشیر تفت
“Down from the hill he retreated on foot as agreed, wearing his mail and carrying his swift sword toward the river.”
#81
برآمد چنان خسته زان آبگیر
✦
سراسر تنش پر ز پیکان تیر
“Grievously wounded he ascended from that stream, his entire body riddled with arrowheads.”
#82
برآنم که چون او به ایوان رسد
✦
روانش ز ایوان به کیوان رسد
“I hold that when he arrives at his grand hall, his soul will fly from the palace to Saturn’s high sphere.”