Having escaped his pursuers, Ardashir reached the turquoise shores of the sea. Kneeling upon the coastal sand, he raised his heart to God, offering praise for his salvation. Rested from the journey, he summoned an old, wise mariner. As the weathered sailor beheld Ardashir’s towering stature, radiant countenance, and unmistakable royal Far (Divine Glory), he recognized the prince as a descendant of ancient kings. Overjoyed, the mariner swiftly launched his boats onto the waters to spread the word.
News of Ardashir’s presence echoed across the lands, drawing crowds of warriors and nobles from every mountain pass and maritime border. From Istakhr came those of Babak’s noble line, alongside descendants of Dara from distant provinces. The hearts of elders turned young with hope as sagacious counselors and fierce swordsmen assembled around the young champion.
Ardashir addressed the glorious assembly: "Who among you has not heard of the villainy of Alexander, who in his wickedness slew our royal ancestors and seized the world through injustice? Today, while I carry the sacred blood of Esfandiyar, Ardavan still occupies the throne of our realm. It is unjust to suffer this dishonor any longer! If you bind your hearts to my cause, I shall leave no throne or high renown to any rival."
At these words, the nobles—warriors of Babak and the proud House of Sasan—rose as one, pledging absolute devotion: "Our bodies and souls belong to thee! To thee alone belong sovereignty and martial glory. At thy command, we shall level mountains and turn the oceans red with the blood of thy enemies!"
Exalted by their fierce loyalty, Ardashir’s head reached beyond the stars. On those very shores, he founded a splendid, thriving city that became a center of industry and prosperity. Soon after, a wise Mobad counseled the king: "To break the power of the tribal kings, thou must first secure Pars. Once Ardavan is overthrown, none shall stand against thee." Ardashir embraced this wisdom and, as the dawn light broke over the peaks, led his army toward Istakhr. Meanwhile, news reached Bahman, son of Ardavan; his soul grew dark with dread, and without hesitation, he mobilized a formidable host for the impending war.
#1
وزین سو به دریا رسید اردشیر
✦
به یزدان چنین گفت کای دستگیر
“And from this side, Ardashir reached the sea, and spoke to God, saying, 'O Deliverer!'”
#2
تو کردی مرا ایمن از بدکنش
✦
که هرگز مبیناد نیکی تنش
“'Thou hast preserved me safe from the malevolent villain; may his body never behold goodness!'”
#3
برآسود و ملاح را پیش خواند
✦
ز کار گذشته فراوان براند
“He rested there and called the mariner before him, speaking at length of past events.”
#4
نگه کرد فرزانه ملاح پیر
✦
به بالا و چهر و بر اردشیر
“The wise old mariner looked upon Ardashir's tall stature, his face, and his broad chest.”
#5
بدانست کو نیست جز کی نژاد
✦
ز فر و ز اورنگ او گشت شاد
“He realized that he was none other than of Kayanid lineage, and rejoiced in his Divine Glory and throne.”
#6
بیامد به دریا هم اندر شتاب
✦
به هر سو برافگند زورق به آب
“He came to the sea in great haste, launching boats into the water in every direction.”
#7
ز آگاهی نامدار اردشیر
✦
سپاه انجمن شد بران آبگیر
“Upon learning news of the renowned Ardashir, armies and people assembled beside that body of water.”
#8
هرانکس که بد بابکی در صطخر
✦
به آگاهی شاه کردند فخر
“Everyone who belonged to the line of Babak in Istakhr took pride in the news of the king.”
#9
دگر هرک از تخم دارا بدند
✦
به هر کشوری نامدارا بدند
“Likewise, all who were of the seed of Dara, renowned nobles across every country.”
#10
چو آگاهی آمد ز شاه اردشیر
✦
ز شادی جوان شد دل مرد پیر
“When news came of King Ardashir, the hearts of the elderly grew young with joy.”
#11
همی رفت مردم ز دریا و کوه
✦
به نزدیک برنا گروها گروه
“People poured in from sea and mountain, flocking in groups toward the young leader.”
#12
ز هر شهر فرزانه‌ای رای‌زن
✦
به نزد جهانجوی گشت انجمن
“From every city, wise counselors gathered around the world-seeking prince.”
#13
زبان برگشاد اردشیر جوان
✦
که ای نامداران روشن‌روان
“Young Ardashir opened his lips, saying, 'O illustrious and bright-souled nobles!'”
#14
کسی نیست زین نامدار انجمن
✦
ز فرزانه و مردم رای‌زن
“'There is none in this renowned assembly, among wise men and counselors,'”
#15
که نشنید کاسکندر بدگمان
✦
چه کرد از فرومایگی در جهان
“'Who has not heard what evil-minded Alexander did in the world out of lowliness.'”
#16
نیاکان ما را یکایک بکشت
✦
به بیدادی آورد گیتی به مشت
“'He slew our ancestors one by one, and brought the realm under his grasp through injustice.'”
#17
چو من باشم از تخم اسفندیار
✦
به مرز اندرون اردوان شهریار
“'While I am of the lineage of Esfandiyar, yet in this land Ardavan reigns as king!'”
#18
سزد گر مر این را نخوانیم داد
✦
وزین داستان کس نگیریم یاد
“'It is not fitting to call this justice, nor should anyone treasure such a tale.'”
#19
چو باشید با من بدین یارمند
✦
نمانم به کس نام و تخت بلند
“'If you stand as my companions in this, I will leave no high name or throne to anyone else.'”
#20
چه گویید و این را چه پاسخ دهید
✦
که پاسخ به آواز فرخ نهید
“'What say you, and how do you answer this? Give your response in a joyous voice!'”
#21
هرانکس که بود اندر آن انجمن
✦
ز شمشیر زن مرد و از رای‌زن
“Everyone present in that assembly, both warriors with swords and wise counselors,”
#22
چو آواز بشنید بر پای خاست
✦
همه راز دل بازگفتند راست
“When they heard his voice, stood to their feet and revealed the true secrets of their hearts,”
#23
که هرکس که هستیم بابک‌نژاد
✦
به دیدار و چهر تو گشتیم شاد
“Saying, 'All of us who are of Babak's blood are gladdened by thy sight and face.'”
#24
و دیگر که هستیم ساسانیان
✦
ببندیم کین را کمر بر میان
“'And furthermore, we who are Sasanians will gird our loins for vengeance!'”
#25
تن و جان ما سربسر پیش تست
✦
غم و شادمانی به کم بیش تست
“'Our bodies and souls are wholly at thy disposal; our sorrow and joy depend on thy will.'”
#26
به دو گوهر از هرکسی برتری
✦
سزد بر تو شاهی و کنداوری
“'By dual noble lineage thou art superior to all; royalty and heroism are truly fitting for thee.'”
#27
به فرمان تو کوه هامون کنیم
✦
به تیغ آب دریا همه خون کنیم
“'At thy command we shall level mountains, and with our swords turn the ocean's water into blood!'”
#28
چو پاسخ بدان گونه دید اردشیر
✦
سرش برتر آمد ز ناهید و تیر
“When Ardashir heard such an answer, his head rose higher than Venus and Mercury.”
#29
بران مهتران آفرین گسترید
✦
به دل در ز اندیشه کین گسترید
“He poured blessings upon those nobles, while nourishing thoughts of vengeance within his heart.”
#30
به نزدیک دریا یکی شارستان
✦
پی‌افگند و شد شارستان کارستان
“Near the sea he laid the foundation of a city, and that city became a hub of glorious endeavor.”
#31
یکی موبدی گفت با اردشیر
✦
که ای شاه نیک‌اختر و دلپذیر
“A Zoroastrian Mobad spoke to Ardashir, saying, 'O fortunate and heart-pleasing King!'”
#32
سر شهریاری همی نو کنی
✦
بر پارس باید که بی‌خو کنی
“'Thou art renewing the crown of sovereignty; thou must first secure the land of Pars.'”
#33
ازان پس کنی رزم با اردوان
✦
که اختر جوانست و خسرو جوان
“'Only after that shouldst thou battle Ardavan, while thy star is young and thou, O King, art youthful.'”
#34
که او از ملوک طوایف به گنج
✦
فزونست و زو دیدی آزار و رنج
“'For among the regional kings he has the greatest treasure, and thou hast suffered pain and grief from him.'”
#35
چو برداشتی گاه او را ز جای
✦
ندارد کسی زین سپس با تو پای
“'Once thou hast removed him from his throne, no one hereafter will be able to withstand thee.'”
#36
چو بشنید گردن فراز اردشیر
✦
سخنهای بایسته و دلپذیر
“When exalted Ardashir heard those worthy and pleasing words,”
#37
چو برزد سر از تیغ کوه آفتاب
✦
به سوی صطخر آمد از پیش آب
“As the sun raised its head over the mountain peak, he marched from the waters toward Istakhr.”
#38
خبر شد بر بهمن اردوان
✦
دلش گشت پردرد و تیره‌روان
“News reached Bahman, son of Ardavan; his heart became full of grief and his spirit grew dark.”
#39
نکرد ایچ بر تخت شاهی درنگ
✦
سپاهی بیاورد با ساز جنگ
“He did not delay upon the throne of royalty, but brought forth an army equipped for war.”