#1
چو خورشید شد زرد لشکر براند
✦
کسی را که نابردنی بد بماند
“When the sun turned yellow, he drove the army forward, leaving behind whoever could not be taken.”
#2
چو شب نیم بگذشت و تاریک شد
✦
جهاندار با کرد نزدیک شد
“When midnight passed and pitch darkness fell, the Lord of the World drew close to the Kurds.”
#3
همه دشت زیشان پر از خفته دید
✦
یکایک دل لشکر آشفته دید
“He saw the entire plain filled with sleeping foes, the heart of their army completely oblivious.”
#4
چو آمد سپهبد به بالین کرد
✦
عنان بارهٔ تیزتگ را سپرد
“As the commander reached the bedside of the Kurds, he gave full rein to his swift-footed charger.”
#5
برآهخت شمشیر و اندرنهاد
✦
گیا را ز خون بر سر افسر نهاد
“He unsheathed his sword and set upon them, crowning the very grass with blood.”
#6
همه دشت زیشان سر و دست شد
✦
ز انبوه کشته زمین گست شد
“The entire plain became a heap of heads and hands, paved flat with the multitude of slain.”
#7
بی‌اندازه زیشان گرفتار شد
✦
سترگی و نابخردی خوار شد
“Countless among them were taken prisoner, and their arrogance and foolishness were brought low.”
#8
همه بومهاشان به تاراج داد
✦
سپه را همه بدره و تاج داد
“He gave all their lands to plunder, distributing purses of gold and crowns among his troops.”
#9
چنان شد که دینار بر سر به تشت
✦
اگر پیر مردی ببردی به دشت
“Such safety reigned that if an old man carried a basin of gold on his head through the desert,”
#10
به دینار او کس نکردی نگاه
✦
ز نیک‌اختر و بخت وز داد شاه
“No one would cast a glance at his gold, owing to the king's good fortune, auspicious star, and justice.”
#11
ز مردی نکردی بدان جنگ فخر
✦
گرازان بیامد به شهر صطخر
“He took no pride in his prowess for that battle, but marched triumphantly back to the city of Istakhr.”
#12
بفرمود کاسپان به نیرو کنید
✦
سلیح سواران بی‌آهو کنید
“He commanded that they strengthen the warhorses and repair any flaws in the riders' arms.”
#13
چو آسوده گردید یکسر به بزم
✦
که زود آید اندیشهٔ روز رزم
“For when you are completely at ease in feasting, know that thoughts of war will swiftly arrive.”
#14
دلیران به خوردن نهادند سر
✦
چو آسوده شد کردگاه و کمر
“The brave warriors gave themselves to feasting, now that the battlefield and armor were at rest.”
#15
پراندیشهٔ رزم شد اردشیر
✦
چو این داستان بشنوی یادگیر
“Ardashir became filled with thoughts of war; as you hear this tale, take heed.”