#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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
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
✦
بر آخور چنان بود در زیر زین
“Two priceless steeds had been selected, saddled ready at the manger.”
#22
جهانجوی چون روی گلنار دید
✦
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
✦
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.”