#1
به سلم و به تور آمد این آگهی
✦
که شد روشن آن تخت شاهنشهی
“Word reached Salm and Tur that the royal throne had been illuminated by Manuchehr's rise.”
#2
دل هر دو بیدادگر پر نهیب
✦
که اختر همی رفت سوی نشیب
“Fear filled the hearts of both oppressors, for their star of fortune was declining.”
#3
نشستند هر دو به اندیشگان
✦
شده تیره روز جفاپیشگان
“They sat together in deep anxiety, as the days grew dark for the cruel brothers.”
#4
یکایک بران رایشان شد درست
✦
کزان روی شان چاره بایست جست
“Together they resolved upon a plan, seeking a way to avert their impending doom.”
#5
که سوی فریدون فرستند کس
✦
به پوزش کجا چاره این بود بس
“To send an envoy unto Fereydun with apologies, for they saw no other remedy.”
#6
بجستند از آن انجمن هردوان
✦
یکی پاک دل مرد چیره‌زبان
“From among their assembly, both sought out an eloquent man of pure heart.”
#7
بدان مرد باهوش و با رای و شرم
✦
بگفتند با لابه بسیار گرم
“To that wise, prudent, and respectful messenger, they spoke with warm, earnest entreaties.”
#8
در گنج خاور گشادند باز
✦
بدیدند هول نشیب از فراز
“They unlocked the treasuries of the West, beholding with terror their steep fall from height.”
#9
ز گنج گهر تاج زر خواستند
✦
همی پشت پیلان بیاراستند
“From their jeweled stores they fetched golden crowns, and bedecked the backs of noble elephants.”
#10
به گردونه‌ها بر چه مشک و عبیر
✦
چه دیبا و دینار و خز و حریر
“Upon carriages they loaded musk and ambergris, silk, gold coins, brocade, and fine attire.”
#11
ابا پیل گردونکش و رنگ و بوی
✦
ز خاور به ایران نهادند روی
“With carriage-drawing elephants and treasures of scent and color, they set out from the West to Iran.”
#12
هر آنکس که بد بر در شهریار
✦
یکایک فرستادشان یادگار
“For every noble who stood at the King's court, they sent rich gifts one by one.”
#13
چو پردخته‌شان شد دل از خواسته
✦
فرستاده آمد برآراسته
“When their minds were satisfied with the treasures readied, the envoy prepared for departure.”
#14
بدادند نزد فریدون پیام
✦
نخست از جهاندار بردند نام
“They entrusted their message for Fereydun, first invoking the Lord of the World.”
#15
که جاوید باد آفریدون گرد
✦
همه فرهی ایزد او را سپرد
“Saying: 'May Fereydun the hero live forever, to whom God hath granted all divine glory!”
#16
سرش سبز باد و تنش ارجمند
✦
منش برگذشته ز چرخ بلند
“May his head flourish and his body remain revered, his soul exalted above the high heavens!”
#17
بدان کان دو بدخواه بیدادگر
✦
پر از آب دیده ز شرم پدر
“Know that those two ill-wishing wrongdoers are tearful with shame before their father.”
#18
پشیمان شده داغ دل بر گناه
✦
همی سوی پوزش نمایند راه
“Repentant and grieved in heart for their sin, they now turn toward the path of pardon.”
#19
چه گفتند دانندگان خرد
✦
که هر کس که بد کرد کیفر برد
“For what have the wise of mind said? Whosoever doeth evil shall suffer retribution.”
#20
بماند به تیمار و دل پر ز درد
✦
چو ما مانده‌ایم ای شه رادمرد
“He shall abide in sorrow, his heart full of anguish—even as we now abide, O noble King!”
#21
نوشته چنین بودمان از بوش
✦
به رسم بوش اندر آمد روش
“Such was the fate written for us from origin; our conduct followed the decree of destiny.”
#22
هژبر جهانسوز و نر اژدها
✦
ز دام قضا هم نیابد رها
“Neither the world-consuming lion nor the fierce dragon can escape the snare of Fate.”
#23
و دیگر که فرمان ناپاک دیو
✦
ببرد دل از ترس گیهان خدیو
“And moreover, the command of the foul Demon robbed our hearts of fear for the Lord of the Universe.”
#24
به ما بر چنین خیره شد رای بد
✦
که مغز دو فرزند شد جای بد
“Thus evil thoughts foolishly prevailed over us, and evil took root in the minds of thy two sons.”
#25
همی چشم داریم از آن تاجور
✦
که بخشایش آرد به ما بر مگر
“Yet we hope from that crowned Monarch that he may perchance bestow forgiveness upon us.”
#26
اگر چه بزرگست ما را گناه
✦
به بی‌دانشی برنهد پیشگاه
“Though our sin is immense, let the Royal Court attribute it to our ignorance.”
#27
و دیگر بهانه سپهر بلند
✦
که گاهی پناهست و گاهی گزند
“And another excuse is the high heaven, which brings at times protection and at times harm.”
#28
سوم دیو کاندر میان چون نوند
✦
میان بسته دارد ز بهر گزند
“And third, the Demon who, like a swift courier, stands ever girt to do harm between men.”
#29
اگر پادشا را سر از کین ما
✦
شود پاک و روشن شود دین ما
“If the King's mind be cleansed of vengeance toward us, our faith and spirit will be enlightened once more.”
#30
منوچهر را با سپاه گران
✦
فرستد به نزدیک خواهشگران
“Let him send Manuchehr with a mighty host unto these imploring supplicants.”
#31
بدان تا چو بنده به پیشش به پای
✦
بباشیم جاوید و اینست رای
“So that we may stand before him like servants forever, for such is our true desire.”
#32
مگر کان درختی کزین کین برست
✦
به آب دو دیده توانیم شست
“Perhaps that tree which sprouted from this hatred may be washed clean by the water of our tears.”
#33
بپوییم تا آب و رنجش دهیم
✦
چو تازه شود تاج و گنجش دهیم
“We shall strive to water and tend it, and when it flourishes anew, we shall bestow our crowns and treasures upon him.”
#34
فرستاده آمد دلی پر سخن
✦
سخن را نه سر بود پیدا نه بن
“The envoy arrived with a heart full of words—words having neither head nor tail, deceitful to the core.”
#35
ابا پیل و با گنج و با خواسته
✦
به درگاه شاه آمد آراسته
“With elephants, treasures, and rich wealth, he approached the King's court in grand array.”
#36
به شاه آفریدون رسید آگهی
✦
بفرمود تا تخت شاهنشهی
“News reached King Fereydun, who ordered that the royal throne be prepared.”
#37
به دیبای چینی بیاراستند
✦
کلاه کیانی بپیراستند
“They adorned it with Chinese brocade and polished the Kayanid crown.”
#38
نشست از بر تخت پیروزه شاه
✦
چو سرو سهی بر سرش گرد ماه
“The King sat upon the turquoise throne, like a straight cypress beneath the glowing moon.”
#39
ابا تاج و با طوق و باگوشوار
✦
چنان چون بود در خور شهریار
“Adorned with crown, necklace, and earrings, in full glory worthy of a great monarch.”
#40
خجسته منوچهر بر دست شاه
✦
نشسته نهاده به سر بر کلاه
“Auspicious Manuchehr sat at the King's right hand, wearing a royal crown upon his head.”
#41
به زرین عمود و به زرین کمر
✦
زمین کرده خورشیدگون سر به سر
“With golden maces and golden belts, the guards made the earth gleam bright as the sun.”
#42
دو رویه بزرگان کشیده رده
✦
سراپای یکسر به زر آژده
“Arrayed in lines on both sides stood the nobles, covered in gold from head to foot.”
#43
به یک دست بربسته شیر و پلنگ
✦
به دست دگر ژنده پیلان جنگ
“On one side were bound lions and leopards, and on the other, mighty war elephants.”
#44
برون شد ز درگاه شاپور گرد
✦
فرستادهٔ سلم را پیش برد
“Shapur the champion went forth from the court and brought Salm's messenger inside.”
#45
فرستاده چون دید درگاه شاه
✦
پیاده دوان اندر آمد ز راه
“When the messenger beheld the King's court, he dismounted and ran forward on foot.”
#46
چو نزدیک شاه آفریدون رسید
✦
سر و تخت و تاج بلندش بدید
“When he drew near to King Fereydoun, he beheld his glorious head, his throne, and towering crown.”
#47
ز بالا فرو برد سر پیش اوی
✦
همی بر زمین بر بمالید روی
“He bowed his head down low before the monarch, and rubbed his face upon the dusty ground.”
#48
گرانمایه شاه جهان کدخدای
✦
به کرسی زرین ورا کرد جای
“The noble lord and ruler of the world granted him seat upon a golden throne.”
#49
فرستاده بر شاه کرد آفرین
✦
که ای نازش تاج و تخت و نگین
“The envoy praised the King and spoke: 'O glory of the crown, the throne, and royal signet ring!”
#50
زمین گلشن از پایهٔ تخت تست
✦
زمان روشن از مایهٔ بخت تست
“'The earth becomes a rose garden beneath your throne, and time shines bright from your high destiny.'”
#51
همه بندهٔ خاک پای توایم
✦
همه پاک زنده به رای توایم
“'We all are humble servants of the dust beneath your feet; we live in purity only by your sovereign grace.'”
#52
پیام دو خونی به گفتن گرفت
✦
همه راستیها نهفتن گرفت
“Then he began to state the message of the two murderous brothers, concealing all the truth behind deceitful phrases.”
#53
گشاده زبان مرد بسیار هوش
✦
بدو داده شاه جهاندار گوش
“The eloquent, sharp-witted messenger spoke on, while the lord of the world lent him an attentive ear.”
#54
ز کردار بد پوزش آراستن
✦
منوچهر را نزد خود خواستن
“He framed excuses for their wicked deeds, requesting that Manuchehr be sent unto them;”
#55
میان بستن او را بسان رهی
✦
سپردن بدو تاج و تخت مهی
“To serve him like devoted vassals, and surrender to him the throne and crown of sovereignty;”
#56
خریدن ازو باز خون پدر
✦
بدینار و دیبا و تاج و کمر
“And to pay the blood-money for his father's death with gold, fine silk, crowns, and jeweled girdles.”
#57
فرستاده گفت و سپهبد شنید
✦
مر آن بند را پاسخ آمد کلید
“The messenger delivered his words, and the leader listened; to that tangled knot, the King's reply became the key.”
#58
چو بشنید شاه جهان کدخدای
✦
پیام دو فرزند ناپاک رای
“When the king and lord of the earth heard the message of his two evil-minded sons,”
#59
یکایک بمرد گرانمایه گفت
✦
که خورشید را چون توانی نهفت
“He said straightway to that noble emissary: 'How canst thou hope to hide the glowing sun?”
#60
نهان دل آن دو مرد پلید
✦
ز خورشید روشن‌تر آمد پدید
“'The secret malice of those two vile men hath shone forth brighter than the sun itself.'”
#61
شنیدم همه هر چه گفتی سخن
✦
نگه کن که پاسخ چه یابی ز بن
“'I have heard all that thou hast uttered; now hear what answer thou shalt take from me.'”
#62
بگو آن دو بی‌شرم ناپاک را
✦
دو بیداد و بد مهر و ناباک را
“'Go tell those two shameless, foul-hearted brothers—those unjust, cruel, and reckless men—”
#63
که گفتار خیره نیرزد به چیز
✦
ازین در سخن خود نرانیم نیز
“'That empty words are worth nothing at all, and we shall speak no further of this matter.'”
#64
اگر بر منوچهرتان مهر خاست
✦
تن ایرج نامورتان کجاست
“'If love for Manuchehr hath truly blossomed in your hearts, where is the body of renowned Iraj?'”
#65
که کام دد و دام بودش نهفت
✦
سرش را یکی تنگ تابوت جفت
“'Whose corpse became the prey of beasts, whose severed head found rest within a narrow casket?'”
#66
کنون چون ز ایرج بپرداختید
✦
به کین منوچهر بر ساختید
“'Now having finished off Iraj, have ye set your hearts to seek the blood of Manuchehr?'”
#67
نبینید رویش مگر با سپاه
✦
ز پولاد بر سر نهاده کلاه
“'Ye shall not behold his face save at the head of a mighty host, with a helmet of steel upon his head,'”
#68
ابا گرز و با کاویانی درفش
✦
زمین کرده از سم اسپان بنفش
“'Armed with his heavy mace, bearing the Kavian banner, turning the earth violet with the trampling hooves of horses;'”
#69
سپهدار چون قارن رزم زن
✦
چو شاپور و نستوه شمشیر زن
“'Led by battle-seasoned commanders like Qaren, and brave swordsmen such as Shapur and Nastuh;'”
#70
به یک دست شیدوش جنگی به پای
✦
چو شیروی شیراوژن رهنمای
“'Flanked on one side by warrior Shidoush, and the lion-hurling guide Shirouy;'”
#71
چو سام نریمان و سرو یمن
✦
به پیش سپاه اندرون رای زن
“'With Sam, son of Nariman, and Sarv of Yemen as counselors at the head of the host.'”
#72
درختی که از کین ایرج برست
✦
به خون برگ و بارش بخواهیم شست
“'The tree that blossomed from the vengeance of Iraj shall be washed with blood upon its leaves and fruit.'”
#73
از آن تاکنون کین او کس نخواست
✦
که پشت زمانه ندیدیم راست
“'If none until now hath sought vengeance for him, it is because we saw not the back of Time straightened.'”
#74
نه خوب آمدی با دو فرزند خویش
✦
کجا جنگ را کردمی دست پیش
“'It was not fitting for me to battle against my own two sons, to be the first to raise the hand of war.'”
#75
کنون زان درختی که دشمن بکند
✦
برومند شاخی برآمد بلند
“'Now from that tree which the enemy uprooted, a fruitful branch hath grown up tall and strong.'”
#76
بیاید کنون چون هژبر ژیان
✦
به کین پدر تنگ بسته میان
“'He shall advance now like a fierce lion, his loin tightly girt for vengeance for his father.'”
#77
فرستاده آن هول گفتار دید
✦
نشست منوچهر سالار دید
“The messenger beheld that dreadful speech and observed the majesty of Commander Manuchehr.”
#78
بپژمرد و برخاست لرزان ز جای
✦
هم آنگه به زین اندر آورد پای
“Withered with fear, he arose trembling from his place, and forthwith put his foot into the stirrup.”
#79
همه بودنیها به روشن روان
✦
بدید آن گرانمایه مرد جوان
“With an enlightened mind, that noble young envoy foresaw all the events that were yet to come:”
#80
که با سلم و با تور گردان سپهر
✦
نه بس دیر چین اندر آرد بچهر
“That before long, the turning heavens would cast deep wrinkles of woe upon the brows of Salm and Tur.”
#81
بیامد به کردار باد دمان
✦
سری پر ز پاسخ دلی پرگمان
“He arrived like a swift, roaring wind, his head filled with answers and his heart with doubts.”
#82
ز دیدار چون خاور آمد پدید
✦
به هامون کشیده سراپرده دید
“When the realm of Khavar appeared in his sight, he saw royal pavilions pitched across the plain.”
#83
بیامد به درگاه پرده سرای
✦
به پرده درون بود خاور خدای
“He arrived at the portal of the grand pavilion, inside which resided the Lord of Khavar.”
#84
یکی خیمهٔ پرنیان ساخته
✦
ستاره زده جای پرداخته
“A pavilion crafted of fine silk was pitched, adorned like stars in a grandly prepared space.”
#85
دو شاه دو کشور نشسته به راز
✦
بگفتند کامد فرستاده باز
“The two kings of the two realms sat in secret counsel, and were told that the envoy had returned.”
#86
بیامد هم آنگاه سالار بار
✦
فرستاده را برد زی شهریار
“Forthwith came the master of ceremonies, and led the messenger before the king.”
#87
نشستنگهی نو بیاراستند
✦
ز شاه نو آیین خبر خواستند
“They prepared a new seat of honor for him, and demanded news of the newly enthroned king.”
#88
بجستند هر گونه‌ای آگهی
✦
ز دیهیم و از تخت شاهنشهی
“They sought every manner of intelligence regarding his crown and the imperial throne.”
#89
ز شاه آفریدون و از لشکرش
✦
ز گردان جنگی و از کشورش
“Of King Fereydoun and his army, of his valiant warriors and his realm.”
#90
و دیگر ز کردار گردان سپهر
✦
که دارد همی بر منوچهر مهر
“And further of the deeds of the revolving heavens, which hold such love for Manuchehr.”
#91
بزرگان کدامند و دستور کیست
✦
چه مایستشان گنج و گنجور کیست
“"Who are the nobles, and who is the vizier? How vast is their treasure, and who guards the treasury?"”
#92
فرستاده گفت آنکه روشن بهار
✦
بدید و ببیند در شهریار
“The envoy replied: "He who has seen a radiant spring has seen the court of the king."”
#93
بهاری ست خرم در اردیبهشت
✦
همه خاک عنبر همه زر خشت
“'Tis like a lush spring in Ordibehesht: its soil is all ambergris, its bricks all gold.”
#94
سپهر برین کاخ و میدان اوست
✦
بهشت برین روی خندان اوست
“The sublime sky is but his palace and arena; high paradise is in his smiling countenance.”
#95
به بالای ایوان او راغ نیست
✦
به پهنای میدان او باغ نیست
“No mountain meadow equals the height of his palace; no garden matches the expanse of his square.”
#96
چو رفتم به نزدیک ایوان فراز
✦
سرش با ستاره همی گفت راز
“As I drew near to the grand palace, its lofty head was whispering secrets with the stars.”
#97
به یک دست پیل و به یک دست شیر
✦
جهان را به تخت اندر آورده زیر
“On one side elephants, on the other lions; he had brought the entire world beneath his throne.”
#98
ابر پشت پیلانش بر تخت زر
✦
ز گوهر همه طوق شیران نر
“Upon the elephants' backs were golden thrones; all the fierce lions wore collars of gems.”
#99
تبیره زنان پیش پیلان به پای
✦
ز هر سو خروشیدن کره نای
“Drum-beaters stood in front of the elephants; from every side echoed the clamor of clarions.”
#100
تو گفتی که میدان بجوشد همی
✦
زمین به آسمان بر خروشد همی
“You would say the parade ground was boiling over; the earth roared up against the sky.”
#101
خرامان شدم پیش آن ارجمند
✦
یکی تخت پیروزه دیدم بلند
“I walked gracefully into the presence of that noble king; I beheld a high throne of turquoise.”
#102
نشسته برو شهریاری چو ماه
✦
ز یاقوت رخشان به سر بر کلاه
“Seated upon it was a monarch bright as the moon, wearing a crown radiant with rubies.”
#103
چو کافور موی و چو گلبرگ روی
✦
دل آزرم جوی و زبان چرب‌گوی
“Hair like camphor and face like rose petals; his heart seeking compassion, his tongue speaking smoothly.”
#104
جهان را ازو دل به بیم و امید
✦
تو گفتی مگر زنده شد جمشید
“The world's heart held both fear and hope of him; you would say that Jamshid had come alive again.”
#105
منوچهر چون زاد سرو بلند
✦
به کردار طهمورث دیوبند
“Manuchehr stood like a tall cypress, in majesty like Tahmuras the binder of demons.”
#106
نشسته بر شاه بر دست راست
✦
تو گویی زبان و دل پادشاست
“He sat on the right hand of the King; you would say he was the monarch's heart and tongue.”
#107
به پیش اندرون قارن رزم زن
✦
به دست چپش سرو شاه یمن
“Before them stood Karen the warrior, and on his left was Sarv, the King of Yemen.”
#108
چو شاه یمن سرو دستورشان
✦
چو پیروز گرشاسپ گنجورشان
“Sarv, King of Yemen, was their vizier; and victorious Garshasp was their treasurer.”
#109
شمار در گنجها ناپدید
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کس اندر جهان آن بزرگی ندید
“The count of their treasures was beyond measure; no one in the world had ever seen such magnificence.”
#110
همه گرد ایوان دو رویه سپاه
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به زرین عمود و به زرین کلاه
“All around the palace, armies lined up in two ranks, bearing golden maces and golden helmets.”
#111
سپهدار چون قارن کاوگان
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به پیش سپاه اندرون آوگان
“A commander like Karen son of Kaveh, with fierce warriors like Avgan leading the troops.”
#112
مبارز چو شیروی درنده شیر
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چو شاپور یل ژنده پیل دلیر
“Champions like Shiruy, swift as a tearing lion, and Shapur the hero, brave as a raging elephant.”
#113
چنو بست بر کوههٔ پیل کوس
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هوا گردد از گرد چون آبنوس
“When he binds the war-drum upon the elephant saddle, the air turns black as ebony from the dust.”
#114
گر آیند زی ما به جنگ آن گروه
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شود کوه هامون و هامون کوه
“If that host should march against us in war, mountains will turn to plains and plains to mountains!”
#115
همه دل پر از کین و پرچین بروی
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به جز جنگشان نیست چیز آرزوی
“Their hearts are full of vengeance and their brows furrowed with anger; they desire nothing under heaven save battle.”
#116
بریشان همه برشمرد آنچه دید
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سخن نیز کز آفریدون شنید
“He recounted to them all that he had witnessed, and repeated every word he had heard from Fereydun.”
#117
دو مرد جفا پیشه را دل ز درد
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بپیچید و شد رویشان لاژورد
“The hearts of those two cruel men writhed in anguish, and their faces turned dark as lapis lazuli with dread.”
#118
نشستند و جستند هرگونه رای
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سخن را نه سر بود پیدا نه پای
“They sat together and sought every kind of counsel, yet their discourse seemed to have neither head nor tail.”
#119
به سلم بزرگ آنگهی تور گفت
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که آرام و شادی بباید نهفت
“Then Tur spoke to the elder Salm: 'We must now conceal all peace and joy.'”
#120
نباید که آن بچهٔ نره‌شیر
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شود تیزدندان و گردد دلیر
“'We must not allow that cub of a fierce lion to grow sharp-toothed and bold.'”
#121
چنان نامور بی‌هنر چون بود
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کش آموزگار آفریدون بود
“'How could such a renowned prince lack skill and virtue, when Fereydun himself is his mentor?'”
#122
نبیره چو شد رای زن با نیا
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ازان جایگه بردمد کیمیا
“'When the grandson takes counsel with his grandfather, alchemy itself blossoms from that ground.'”
#123
بباید بسیچید ما را بجنگ
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شتاب آوریدن به جای درنگ
“'We must prepare ourselves for war, and bring swift haste where delay would be fatal.'”
#124
ز لشکر سواران برون تاختند
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ز چین و ز خاور سپه ساختند
“Riders galloped forth from the host, assembling a vast army from China and the West.”
#125
فتاد اندران بوم و بر گفت‌گوی
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جهانی بدیشان نهادند روی
“Rumors and commotion spread throughout those lands, and a world of warriors turned their faces toward them.”
#126
سپاهی که آن را کرانه نبود
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بدان بد که اختر جوانه نبود
“An army without end was gathered, yet their fortune was ill-fated, for their star was no longer young.”
#127
ز خاور دو لشکر به ایران کشید
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بخفتان و خود اندرون ناپدید
“From the West, two vast armies marched toward Iran, clad completely in mail and iron helmets.”
#128
ابا ژنده پیلان و با خواسته
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دو خونی به کینه دل آراسته
“With massive war-elephants and boundless wealth, the two murderous brothers marched, their hearts consuming with vengeance.”