In the wake of the tragic battle that claimed Esfandiyar, young Prince Bahman remained in Zabulistan under the devoted care of Rostam. The World Champion cherished the youth even above his own flesh and blood, instructing him diligently in horsemanship, courtly decorum, statecraft, and the grand arts of kingship. As Bahman grew in wisdom and noble bearing, Rostam sought to seal the wounds of blood-feud and close the gates of vengeance between his house and the Royal Throne.
Rostam penned a poignant, deeply respectful letter of apology to King Goshtasp. Invoking God Almighty as his witness and citing Peshotan as his truthful guide, Rostam recounted how desperately he had implored Esfandiyar to forgo war, offering his own realm and treasures to avert catastrophe. Yet, as fate and the turning heavens had so decreed, the tragedy unfolded beyond mortal control. Rostam assured the King that he had now raised Bahman into a worthy prince, trained in every royal virtue, and declared that if Goshtasp would forgive the tragedy of the fateful arrow, Rostam’s soul and sword would remain forever bound to the throne.
When the missive arrived at the royal court, Peshotan stepped forward to validate Rostam’s words, bearing testimony to the champion's heartfelt entreaties and innocence. Softened by Peshotan's testimony, Goshtasp’s heart was freed from wrath. He dispatched a warm reply, acknowledging that no man can escape cosmic destiny and reaffirming Rostam's supreme authority over his domains.
As time passed, the wise astrologer Jamasp advised Goshtasp that Bahman was destined to inherit the crown and ought to be summoned back from Zabulistan. Goshtasp accordingly dispatched letters recalling his grandson with affection and praising Rostam for his mentorship. Rostam rejoiced at the news and showered Bahman with unmatched royal gifts—tempered daggers, precious mail-coats, maces, musk, ambergris, jewels, gold-embroidered garments, and noble steeds with golden saddles. Escorting Bahman two days' journey on the road, Rostam bade him a grand farewell.
Upon Bahman's arrival, King Goshtasp wept as he beheld in the prince the living image of his fallen son Esfandiyar. Testing Bahman in hunting, polo, wisdom, and battle council, Goshtasp found him exceedingly brilliant and bestowed upon him the regal name 'Ardashir', establishing him as the primary heir to the throne of Iran.
#1
همی بود بهمن به زابلستان
✦
به نخچیر گر با می و گلستان
“Bahman remained in Zabulistan, spending his days in hunting, wine-drinking, and amidst blossoming gardens.”
#2
سواری و می خوردن و بارگاه
✦
بیاموخت رستم بدان پور شاه
“Rostam taught the prince horsemanship, royal etiquette, and the arts of the court.”
#3
به هر چیز پیش از پسر داشتش
✦
شب و روز خندان به بر داشتش
“He cherished Bahman even above his own son, holding him close with joy day and night.”
#4
چو گفتار و کردار پیوسته شد
✦
در کین به گشتاسپ بر بسته شد
“As Bahman's speech and deeds aligned with nobility, the door of vengeance against Goshtasp was closed.”
#5
یکی نامه بنوشت رستم به درد
✦
همه کار فرزند او یاد کرد
“Rostam penned a letter full of sorrow, detailing all that had passed with Goshtasp's noble son Esfandiyar.”
#6
سر نامه کرد آفرین از نخست
✦
بدانکس که کینه نبودش نجست
“He began the letter with praise to the Almighty, who seeks no malice nor harbors vengeance.”
#7
دگر گفت یزدان گوای منست
✦
پشوتن بدین رهنمای منست
“"God is my witness," wrote Rostam, "and Peshotan stands as my guide and testament."”
#8
که من چند گفتم به اسفندیار
✦
مگر کم کند کینه و کارزار
“"How often I implored Esfandiyar to relent from malice and forgo battle!"”
#9
سپردم بدو کشور و گنج خویش
✦
گزیدم ز هرگونه‌ای رنج خویش
“"I offered him my realm and treasures, taking upon myself every kind of distress to appease him."”
#10
زمانش چنین بود نگشاد چهر
✦
مرا دل پر از درد و سر پر ز مهر
“"Yet such was his destined hour that he did not smile; my heart was full of sorrow, while my head was filled with love."”
#11
بدین گونه بد گردش آسمان
✦
بسنده نباشد کسی با زمان
“"Thus was the turning of the heavens, for no mortal can contend against Fate."”
#12
کنون این جهانجوی نزد منست
✦
که فرخ نژاد اورمزد منست
“"Now this seeker of the world is with me, who is of the auspicious seed of Ormazd."”
#13
هنرهای شاهانش آموختم
✦
از اندرز فام خرد توختم
“"I have taught him the virtues of kings, fulfilling the debt of wisdom through sound counsel."”
#14
چو پیمان کند شاه پوزش پذیر
✦
کزین پس نیندیشد از کار تیر
“"If the forgiving king makes a covenant no longer to brood over the tragic matter of the arrow..."”
#15
نهان من و جان من پیش اوست
✦
اگر گنج و تاجست و گر مغز و پوست
“"My inner soul and life are at his service, whether it be treasure, crown, flesh, or skin."”
#16
چو آن نامه شد نزد شاه جهان
✦
پراگنده شد آن میان مهان
“When that missive reached the King of the World, its news spread among the nobles.”
#17
پشوتن بیامد گوایی بداد
✦
سخنهای رستم همه کرد یاد
“Peshotan stepped forward and bore witness, recounting all of Rostam's truthful words.”
#18
همان زاری و پند و اروند او
✦
سخن گفتن از مرز و پیوند او
“He spoke of Rostam's entreaties, wisdom, noble stature, and his loyalty to the border and ties of duty.”
#19
ازان نامور شاه خشنود گشت
✦
گراینده را آمدن سود گشت
“The illustrious king grew satisfied, and Peshotan's intercession proved fruitful.”
#20
ز رستم دل نامور گشت خوش
✦
نزد نیز بر دل ز تیمار تش
“The noble king's heart turned warm toward Rostam, extinguished of the fire of grief and wrath.”
#21
هم‌اندر زمان نامه پاسخ نوشت
✦
به باغ بزرگی درختی بکشت
“Straightway he wrote a response to the letter, planting, as it were, a fruitful tree in the garden of greatness.”
#22
چنین گفت کز جور چرخ بلند
✦
چو خواهد رسیدن کسی را گزند
“He wrote: "When injury is destined to strike someone through the decree of the high heavens,"”
#23
به پرهیز چون بازدارد کسی
✦
وگر سوی دانش گراید بسی
“"How can anyone avert it through caution, even if he leans heavily upon wisdom?"”
#24
پشوتن بگفت آنچ درخواستی
✦
دل من به خوبی بیاراستی
“"Peshotan conveyed all that you requested, and you have adorned my heart with goodness."”
#25
ز گردون گردان که یارد گذشت
✦
خردمند گرد گذشته نگشت
“"Who can surpass the turning sky? A wise man does not brood over what has already passed."”
#26
تو آنی که بودی وزان بهتری
✦
به هند و به قنوج بر مهتری
“"You remain as grand as you were, even greater; you are the supreme lord over Hind and Qannuj."”
#27
ز بیشی هرآنچت بباید بخواه
✦
ز تخت و ز مهر و ز تیغ و کلاه
“"Ask for whatever more you desire—be it throne, signet, sword, or royal crown."”
#28
فرستاده پاسخ بیاورد زود
✦
بدان سان که رستمش فرموده بود
“The messenger brought back the answer swiftly, exactly as Rostam had hoped and requested.”
#29
چنین تا برآمد برین گاه چند
✦
ببد شاهزاده به بالا بلند
“Thus some time passed, and the prince grew tall in stature and noble bearing.”
#30
خردمند و بادانش و دستگاه
✦
به شاهی برافراخت فرخ کلاه
“Wise, knowledgeable, and possessed of dignity, he raised high the glorious crown of royal worth.”
#31
بدانست جاماسپ آن نیک و بد
✦
که آن پادشاهی به بهمن رسد
“Jamasp, foreseeing good and evil through his wisdom, knew that the kingship would fall to Bahman.”
#32
به گشتاسپ گفت ای پسندیده شاه
✦
ترا کرد باید به بهمن نگاه
“He said to Goshtasp: "O approved King! You ought to turn your eyes toward Bahman."”
#33
ز دانش پدر هرچ جست اندر اوی
✦
به جای آمد و گشت با آب‌روی
“"Whatever wisdom his father sought in him has blossomed, making him honorable and bright."”
#34
به بیگانه شهری فراوان بماند
✦
کسی نامهٔ تو بروبر نخواند
“"He has stayed long in a foreign realm, where no letter of yours has been read to him."”
#35
به بهمن یکی نامه باید نوشت
✦
بسان درختی به باغ بهشت
“"A letter should be written to Bahman, flourishing like a tree in the gardens of Paradise,"”
#36
که داری به گیتی جز او یادگار
✦
گسارندهٔ درد اسفندیار
“"For who else do you have in the world as a legacy to soothe the pain of losing Esfandiyar?"”
#37
خوش آمد سخن شاه گشتاسپ را
✦
بفرمود فرخنده جاماسپ را
“King Goshtasp was pleased with these words and commanded the blessed Jamasp:”
#38
که بنویس یک نامه نزدیک اوی
✦
یکی سوی گردنکش کینه‌جوی
“"Write a missive to Bahman, and another to the brave and formidable champion (Rostam)."”
#39
که یزدان سپاس ای جهان پهلوان
✦
که ما از تو شادیم و روشن‌روان
“Saying: "Praise be to God, O World Champion, for we are joyful and enlightened because of you."”
#40
نبیره که از جان گرامی‌تر است
✦
به دانش ز جاماسپ نامی‌تر است
“"Our grandson, who is dearer to us than life, has surpassed even Jamasp in wisdom."”
#41
به بخت تو آموخت فرهنگ و رای
✦
سزد گر فرستی کنون باز جای
“"Through your good fortune he has acquired culture and judgment; it is fitting now that you send him back home."”
#42
یکی سوی بهمن که اندر زمان
✦
چو نامه بخوانی به زابل ممان
“And to Bahman he wrote: "The moment you read this letter, tarry no longer in Zabul."”
#43
که ما را به دیدارت آمد نیاز
✦
برآرای کار و درنگی مساز
“"For we yearn to see your face; prepare your journey and make no delay."”
#44
به رستم چو برخواند نامه دبیر
✦
بدان شاد شد مرد دانش‌پذیر
“When the scribe read the letter to Rostam, that wise champion's heart was filled with joy.”
#45
ز چیزی که بودش به گنج اندرون
✦
ز خفتان وز خنجر آبگون
“From all that he possessed in his treasury—from mail-coats and tempered daggers,”
#46
ز برگستوان و ز تیر و کمان
✦
ز گوپال و ز خنجر هندوان
“Of barded armor, arrows, and bows, of heavy maces, and Indian daggers,”
#47
ز کافور وز مشک وز عود تر
✦
هم از عنبر و گوهر و سیم و زر
“Of camphor, musk, and moist aloeswood, as well as ambergris, jewels, silver, and gold,”
#48
ز بالا و از جامهٔ نابرید
✦
پرستار وز کودکان نارسید
“Of fine fabrics, uncut bolts of cloth, alongside serving maidens and young youths,”
#49
کمرهای زرین و زرین ستام
✦
ز یاقوت با زنگ زرین دو جام
“Golden belts, golden harnesses, and two ruby-adorned goblets with golden bells,”
#50
همه پاک رستم به بهمن سپرد
✦
برنده به گنجور او بر شمرد
“Rustam handed all of these entirely over to Bahman, and the bearer counted them before his treasurer.”
#51
تهمتن بیامد دو منزل به راه
✦
پس او را فرستاد نزدیک شاه
“The Tahamtan accompanied him two days' march along the way, then sent him onward to the King.”
#52
چو گشتاسپ روی نبیره بدید
✦
شد از آب دیده رخش ناپدید
“When Goshtasp beheld his grandson's face, his tears welled up and hid his sight in grief.”
#53
بدو گفت اسفندیاری تو بس
✦
نمانی به گیتی جز او را به کس
“He said to him, "You are Esfandiyar resurrected; in all the world, you resemble none but him!"”
#54
ورا یافت روشن‌دل و یادگیر
✦
ازان پس همی خواندش اردشیر
“Finding him enlightened of mind and quick to learn, he henceforth bestowed upon him the name Ardashir.”
#55
گوی بود با زور و گیرنده دست
✦
خردمند و دانا و یزدان پرست
“He was a hero of great strength and mighty grasp, wise, knowledgeable, and a devout worshiper of God.”
#56
چو بر پای بودی سرانگشت اوی
✦
ز زانو فزونتر بدی مشت اوی
“When he stood erect, his fingertips reached lower than his knees.”
#57
همی آزمودش به یک چندگاه
✦
به بزم و به رزم و به نخجیرگاه
“Goshtasp tested him over a period of time—in feasts, in battles, and upon the hunting grounds.”
#58
به میدان چوگان و بزم و شکار
✦
گوی بود مانند اسفندیار
“On the polo field, at banquets, and in the hunt, he was a champion truly worthy of Esfandiyar.”
#59
ازو هیچ گشتاسپ نشکیفتی
✦
به می خوردن اندرش بفریفتی
“Goshtasp could not endure a moment without him, and found comfort while drinking wine in his presence.”
#60
همی گفت کاینم جهاندار داد
✦
غمی بودم از بهر تیمار داد
“He would say, "The World-Lord gave me this son to comfort me when I was consumed by grief."”
#61
بماناد تا جاودان بهمنم
✦
چو گم شد سرافراز رویین تنم
“"May my Bahman live eternally, now that my proud, bronze-bodied hero has been lost!"”
#62
سرآمد همه کار اسفندیار
✦
که جاوید بادا سر شهریار
“Thus ended all the tale of Esfandiyar; may the life of the King endure forever!”
#63
همیشه دل از رنج پرداخته
✦
زمانه به فرمان او ساخته
“May his heart forever be free of sorrow, and may fate remain submissive to his command!”
#64
دلش باد شادان و تاجش بلند
✦
به گردن بداندیش او را کمند
“May his heart be joyful, his crown exalted, and may the lasso of destiny bind his foes!”