When the veil of night fell over the realm and the earth turned pitch-black as tar, Golnar—the wise, moon-faced maiden of the palace—stole away to meet Ardashir. She revealed to him the secret prophecy of the court astrologers, which had shaken Ardavan: that a new sovereign endowed with the Divine Glory was destined to rise. Upon hearing this, Ardashir's heart churned like a tempestuous sea, knowing he could no longer endure even a single day under Ardavan's shadow.
Contemplating her words in quiet resolve, Ardashir looked upon the maiden with deep affection and proposed their flight: 'If I set out toward the heartland of Iran and the realm of heroes, will you join me on this perilous path, or remain near the king? Come with me, and you shall share in royal wealth and wear the crown of sovereignty.' With bitter tears and a cold sigh, Golnar vowed never to part from him as long as she lived, binding her fate entirely to his.
Ardashir declared that their escape must take place on the coming night. As twilight faded into a starry lapis-lazuli sky, Golnar courageously broke into the royal treasury, selecting the finest royal pearls, luminous rubies, and sacks of red dinars. Waiting until King Ardavan fell asleep and the grand hall grew silent, she darted like an arrow from the palace to Ardashir's side, laden with precious jewels.
Meanwhile, Ardashir had cunningly intoxicated the stable guards with drugged wine. Two magnificent, high-bred Arabian horses stood saddled and waiting. Donning his coat of mail and gripping a poisoned blade, Ardashir welcomed Golnar and her treasure. Without a moment's hesitation, they mounted the steeds and galloped away under the mantle of darkness, their hearts set joyfully on the long road to Pars.
#1
چو شد روی کشور به کردار قیر
✦
کنیزک بیامد بر اردشیر
“When the face of the land turned pitch-black as tar, the maiden came secretly to Ardashir.”
#2
چو دریا برآشفت مرد جوان
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که یک روز نشکیبی از اردوان
“The young man's heart churned like a tempest, realizing he could not endure another day under Ardavan.”
#3
کنیزک بگفت آنچ روشن‌روان
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همی گفت با نامدار اردوان
“The maiden recounted all that the enlightened astrologer had foretold to the renowned Ardavan.”
#4
سخن چون ز گلنار زان سان شنید
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شکیبایی و خامشی برگزید
“When Ardashir heard such news from Golnar, he chose patience and discreet silence.”
#5
دل مرد برنا شد از ماه تیز
✦
ازان پس همی جست راه گریز
“The young hero's heart burned with zeal for the moon-faced maiden, and henceforth he sought a means of escape.”
#6
بدو گفت گر من به ایران شوم
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ز ری سوی شهر دلیران شوم
“He said to her, 'If I set out for Iran, going from Ray toward the land of brave heroes...'”
#7
تو با من سگالی که آیی به راه
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گر ایدر بباشی به نزدیک شاه
“'Do you plan to accompany me on the road, or will you remain here in the service of the King?'”
#8
اگر با من آیی توانگر شوی
✦
همان بر سر کشور افسر شوی
“'If you come with me, you shall become wealthy, and a royal crown shall rest upon your head.'”
#9
چنین داد پاسخ که من بنده‌ام
✦
نباشم جدا از تو تا زنده‌ام
“She answered him, 'I am your servant; so long as I live, I shall never part from you.'”
#10
همی گفت با لب پر از باد سرد
✦
فرو ریخت از دیدگان آب زرد
“She spoke with cold sighs escaping her lips, as bitter yellow tears stream from her eyes.”
#11
چنین گفت با ماه‌روی اردشیر
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که فردا بباید شدن ناگزیر
“Ardashir said to the moon-faced beauty, 'Tomorrow night we must depart without fail.'”
#12
کنیزک بیامد به ایوان خویش
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به کف برنهاده تن و جان خویش
“The maiden returned to her palace quarters, placing her very body and soul in the palm of her hand.”
#13
چو شد روی گیتی ز خورشید زرد
✦
به خم اندر آمد شب لاژورد
“When the world's face turned yellow from the setting sun, night arched over like lapis lazuli.”
#14
کنیزک در گنجها باز کرد
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ز هر گوهری جستن آغاز کرد
“The maiden unlocked the treasury doors and began collecting all manner of precious jewels.”
#15
ز یاقوت وز گوهر شاهوار
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ز دینار چندانک بودش به کار
“She took rubies, noble royal pearls, and as many gold dinars as she could carry.”
#16
بیامد به جایی که بودش نشست
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بدان خانه بنهاد گوهر ز دست
“She came to her chamber where she resided, and set the treasures down inside.”
#17
همی بود تا شب برآمد ز کوه
✦
بخفت اردوان جای شد بی‌گروه
“She waited until night rose from the mountains, Ardavan went to sleep, and the palace emptied of people.”
#18
از ایوان بیامد به کردار تیر
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بیاورد گوهر بر اردشیر
“Swift as an arrow she sped from the palace, bearing the rich jewels to Ardashir.”
#19
جهانجوی را دید جامی به دست
✦
نگهبان اسپان همه خفته مست
“She found the world-seeker cup in hand, while all the stable guards lay fast asleep, intoxicated.”
#20
کجا مستشان کرده بود اردشیر
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که وی خواست رفتن همی ناگزیر
“For Ardashir had drugged them with wine, knowing his departure was now inevitable.”
#21
دو اسپ گرانمایه کرده گزین
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بر آخور چنان بود در زیر زین
“Two priceless steeds had been selected, saddled ready at the manger.”
#22
جهانجوی چون روی گلنار دید
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همان گوهر و سرخ دینار دید
“When the world-seeker saw Golnar's face, alongside the jewels and bright red dinars...”
#23
هم‌اندر زمان پیش بنهاد جام
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بزد بر سر تازی اسپان لگام
“He instantly set down his cup and bridled the heads of the swift Arabian horses.”
#24
بپوشید خفتان و خود بر نشست
✦
یکی تیغ زهر آب داده به دست
“He put on his mail-coat, mounted his horse, carrying a blade tempered in venom.”
#25
همان ماه‌رخ بر دگر بارگی
✦
نشستند و رفتند یکبارگی
“The moon-faced maiden likewise mounted the other charger, and together they galloped away.”
#26
از ایوان سوی پارس بنهاد روی
✦
همی رفت شادان دل و راه‌جوی
“From the royal hall he set his face toward Pars, riding with a joyful, ambitious heart.”