#1
کنون از خردمندی اردشیر
✦
سخن بشنو و یک به یک یادگیر
“Now listen to the story of Ardashir's wisdom, and learn it step by step.”
#2
بکوشید و آیین نیکو نهاد
✦
بگسترد بر هر سوی مهر و داد
“He strived diligently and established fine laws, spreading affection and justice in every direction.”
#3
به درگاه چون خواست لشکر فزون
✦
فرستاد بر هر سوی رهنمون
“When he desired to expand his army at court, he dispatched heralds and guides to every region,”
#4
که تا هرکسی را که دارد پسر
✦
نماند که بالا کند بی‌هنر
“Decreeing that whoever had a son should not let him grow up unaccomplished or without skill.”
#5
سواری بیاموزد و رسم جنگ
✦
به گرز و کمان و به تیر خدنگ
“He must learn horsemanship and the arts of war, wielding the heavy mace, the bow, and the poplar arrow.”
#6
چو کودک ز کوشش به مردی شدی
✦
بهر بخششی در بی آهو بدی
“When the child reached manhood through diligence, faultless in every accomplishment,”
#7
ز کشور به درگاه شاه آمدند
✦
بدان نامور بارگاه آمدند
“They would come from the provinces to the King's court, presenting themselves at that renowned palace.”
#8
نوشتی عرض نام دیوان اوی
✦
بیاراستی کاخ و ایوان اوی
“The military chancery recorded his name, adorning the royal palace and courtly halls.”
#9
چو جنگ آمدی نورسیده جوان
✦
برفتی ز درگاه با پهلوان
“And when war arose, the newly trained youth would march forth from court alongside the champion.”
#10
یکی موبدان را ز کارآگهان
✦
که بودی خریدار کار جهان
“He appointed an experienced mobad, a man who truly understood the affairs of the world,”
#11
ابر هر هزاری یکی کارجوی
✦
برفتی نگه داشتی کار اوی
“Over every thousand warriors, to carefully observe and monitor their conduct.”
#12
هرانکس که در جنگ سست آمدی
✦
به آورد ناتن‌درست آمدی
“Whoever proved slack in battle, or entered the fray unfit and faltering,”
#13
شهنشاه را نامه کردی بران
✦
هم از بی‌هنر هم ز جنگ‌آوران
“The mobad wrote a dispatch to the King of Kings, detailing both the unskilled and the brave warriors.”
#14
جهاندار چون نامه برخواندی
✦
فرستاده را پیش بنشاندی
“When the ruler of the world read the letter, he seated the messenger before him,”
#15
هنرمند را خلعت آراستی
✦
ز گنج آنچ پرمایه‌تر خواستی
“Bestowing robes of honor upon the skillful warrior, and granting him the costliest treasures.”
#16
چو کردی نگاه اندران بی‌هنر
✦
نبستی میان جنگ را بیشتر
“And when he looked upon the unskilled, he allowed him no further part in war.”
#17
چنین تا سپاهش بدانجا رسید
✦
که پهنای ایشان ستاره ندید
“In this manner, his army grew so vast that the stars themselves could not behold its extent.”
#18
ازیشان کسی را که بد رای‌زن
✦
برافراختندی سرش ز انجمن
“Whosoever among them possessed sound judgment had his head raised high above the assembly,”
#19
که هرکس که خشنودی شاه جست
✦
زمین را به خوان دلیران بشست
“Saying, 'Whoever seeks the satisfaction of the King cleanses the earth for the banquet of heroes.'”
#20
بیابد ز من خلعت شهریار
✦
بود در جهان نام او یادگار
“'He shall receive royal robes of honor from me, and his name shall endure in the world as a legacy.'”
#21
به لشکر بیاراست گیتی همه
✦
شبان گشت و پرخاش‌جویان رمه
“Thus he adorned the entire world with his army, becoming the shepherd while the warriors were his flock.”
#22
به دیوانش کارآگهان داشتی
✦
به بی‌دانشی کار نگذاشتی
“He stationed knowledgeable officers in his chancery, never committing affairs to the ignorant.”
#23
بلاغت نگه داشتندی و خط
✦
کسی کو بدی چیره بر یک نقط
“They preserved eloquence and fine penmanship; whoever excelled even in placing a single dot,”
#24
چو برداشتی آن سخن رهنمون
✦
شهنشاه کردیش روزی فزون
“When his words provided true guidance, the King of Kings increased his daily stipend.”
#25
کسی را که کمتر بدی خط و ویر
✦
نرفتی به دیوان شاه اردشیر
“Whoever lacked skill in calligraphy and intellect could never enter King Ardashir's chancery.”
#26
سوی کارداران شدندی به کار
✦
قلم‌زن بماندی بر شهریار
“They were assigned to provincial administration, while master scribes remained beside the monarch.”
#27
شناسنده بد شهریار اردشیر
✦
چو دیدی به درگاه مرد دبیر
“King Ardashir was a keen judge of men; whenever he saw a scribe at court,”
#28
نویسنده گفتی که گنج آگنید
✦
هم از رای او رنج بپراگنید
“The writer would say, 'Treasuries are filled, and troubles dispersed, through his wise counsel.'”
#29
بدو باشد آباد شهر و سپاه
✦
همان زیردستان فریادخواه
“'Through him the city and army flourish, as well as the humble petitioners seeking justice.'”
#30
دبیران چو پیوند جان منند
✦
همه پادشا بر نهان منند
“'Scribes are bonded to my very soul; they hold mastery over my innermost thoughts.'”
#31
چو رفتی سوی کشور کاردار
✦
بدو شاه گفتی درم خوار دار
“When an official went forth to a province, the King would instruct him, 'Hold coin in small regard.'”
#32
نباید که مردم فروشی به گنج
✦
که برکس نماند سرای سپنج
“'You must not trade people for treasure, for this transient world remains with no one.'”
#33
همه راستی جوی و فرزانگی
✦
ز تو دور باد آز و دیوانگی
“'Seek only righteousness and wisdom; keep greed and madness far from yourself.'”
#34
ز پیوند و خویشان مبر هیچ‌کس
✦
سپاه آنچ من یار دادمت بس
“'Do not cut ties with kinsmen and relatives; the army I have granted you as aid is sufficient.'”
#35
درم بخش هر ماه درویش را
✦
مده چیز مرد بداندیش را
“'Distribute silver each month to the poor, and bestow nothing upon evil-minded men.'”
#36
اگر کشور آباد داری به داد
✦
بمانی تو آباد وز داد شاد
“'If you keep the realm prosperous through justice, you yourself shall remain prosperous and joyful in equity.'”
#37
و گر هیچ درویش خسپد به بیم
✦
همی جان فروشی به زر و به سیم
“'But if any poor man sleeps in fear, you are bartering your soul for gold and silver.'”
#38
هرانکس که رفتی به درگاه شاه
✦
به شایسته کاری و گر دادخواه
“Whosoever came to the King's court, whether for worthy business or to demand justice,”
#39
بدندی به سر استواران اوی
✦
بپرسیدن از کارداران اوی
“The King's trusted inspectors stood ready over them to inquire into the conduct of his officials:”
#40
که دادست ازیشان و بگرفت چیز
✦
وزیشان که خسپد به تیمار نیز
“'Who among them has given or taken bribes, and who among them sleeps in sorrow?'”
#41
دگر آنک در شهر دانا که‌اند
✦
گر از نیستی ناتوانا که‌اند
“'Furthermore, who are the wise in the city, and who are rendered helpless through poverty?'”
#42
دگر کیست آنک از در پادشاست
✦
جهاندیده پیرست و گر پارساست
“'Who is worthy of the royal presence—be he a world-experienced elder or a pious man?'”
#43
شهنشاه گوید که از رنج من
✦
مبادا کسی شاد بی‌گنج من
“The King of Kings would say, 'May no one enjoy my treasury without my labor,'”
#44
مگر مرد با دانش و یادگیر
✦
چه نیکوتر از مرد دانا و پیر
“'Save for the man of knowledge and learning, for what is finer than a wise and elder sage?'”
#45
جهاندیدگان را همه خواستار
✦
جوان و پسندیده و بردبار
“He sought out all experienced elders who were youthful in spirit, commendable, and forbearing.”
#46
جوانان دانا و دانش‌پذیر
✦
سزد گر نشینند بر جای پیر
“It is fitting if wise and receptive youths take the places of the elders.”
#47
چو لشکرش رفتی به جایی به جنگ
✦
خرد یار کردی و رای و درنگ
“Whenever his army marched out to war, he made wisdom, counsel, and patience his companions.”
#48
فرستاده‌ای برگزیدی دبیر
✦
خردمند و با دانش و یادگیر
“He would choose a scribe as an envoy—wise, knowledgeable, and quick to learn.”
#49
پیامی به دادی به آیین و چرب
✦
بدان تا نباشد به بیداد حرب
“He would impart to him a graceful and diplomatic message, so that war might not break out through injustice.”
#50
فرستاده رفتی بر دشمنش
✦
که بشناختی راز پیراهنش
“The messenger would go to the enemy, discerning even the innermost secrets of their heart.”
#51
شنیدی سخن گر خرد داشتی
✦
غم و رنج بد را به بد داشتی
“If the enemy possessed wisdom, they would heed the words, warding off the grief and turmoil of evil.”
#52
بدان یافت او خلعت شهریار
✦
همان عهد و منشور با گوشوار
“Thereby he would receive the monarch's robe of honor, along with a covenant, royal decree, and earrings of status.”
#53
وگر تاب بودی به سرش اندرون
✦
به دل کین و اندر جگر جوش خون
“But if stubborn defiance filled his head, with malice in his heart and blood boiling in his veins,”
#54
سپه را بدادی سراسر درم
✦
بدان تا نباشند یک تن دژم
“Ardashir would bestow money upon all his troops, ensuring not a single soul remained gloomy or disheartened.”
#55
یکی پهلوان خواستی نامجوی
✦
خردمند و بیدار و آرامجوی
“He would summon a renowned champion—wise, vigilant, and seeking peace through justice.”
#56
دبیری به آیین و با دستگاه
✦
که دارد ز بیداد لشکر نگاه
“And a scribe of proper rank and competence, who would protect the army from committing oppression.”
#57
وزان پس یکی مرد بر پشت پیل
✦
نشستی که رفتی خروشش دو میل
“Thereupon, a herald would mount an elephant's back, his loud shout carrying two miles across the land:”
#58
زدی بانگ کای نامداران جنگ
✦
هرانکس که دارد دل و نام و ننگ
“Calling out: 'O illustrious warriors of battle, whoever possesses courage, honor, and pride!”
#59
نباید که بر هیچ درویش رنج
✦
رسد گر بر آنکس بود نام و گنج
“'No harm must fall upon any poor person, even if a warrior holds famous name and immense wealth.”
#60
به هر منزلی در خورید و دهید
✦
بران زیردستان سپاسی نهید
“'At every resting station, eat and share food, and be thankful and kind toward your subordinates.”
#61
به چیز کسان کس میازید دست
✦
هرانکس که او هست یزدان‌پرست
“'Let no one stretch out his hand to seize what belongs to others, if indeed he is a worshiper of God.”
#62
به دشمن هرانکس که بنمود پشت
✦
شود زان سپس روزگارش درشت
“'Whoever turns his back upon the enemy shall find his fate turned harsh and bitter thereafter;”
#63
اگر دخمه باشد به چنگال اوی
✦
وگر بند ساید بر و یال اوی
“'Whether a tomb becomes his claw-bound fate, or heavy chains grind against his chest and shoulders.”
#64
ز دیوان دگر نام او کرده پاک
✦
خورش خاک و رفتنش بر تیره خاک
“'His name shall be erased from the royal archives; his food shall be dust, and his end dark earth.'”
#65
به سالار گفتی که سستی مکن
✦
همان تیز و پیش دستی مکن
“The King would say to the commander: 'Display no slackness, yet do not be rash nor act precipitously.”
#66
همیشه به پیش سپه دار پیل
✦
طلایه پراگنده بر چار میل
“'Keep elephants at the vanguard of the army, with scouts dispatched four miles ahead.”
#67
نخستین یکی گرد لشکر به گرد
✦
چو پیش آیدت روز ننگ و نبرد
“'First, ride around the army when the day of honor and battle arrives,”
#68
به لشکر چنین گوی کاین خود کیند
✦
بدین رزمگاه اندرون برچیند
“'And say to the soldiers: "Who are these foes that we should let them remain in this arena?”
#69
از ایشان صد اسپ افگن از ما یکی
✦
همان صد به پیش یکی اندکی
“'"A hundred of their horse-throwers equal one of ours; indeed, a hundred of them are as nothing before one of you!”
#70
شما را همه پاک برنا و پیر
✦
ستانم همه خلعت از اردشیر
“'"For all of you, young and old alike, I shall obtain robes of honor from Ardashir."'”
#71
چو اسپ افگند لشکر از هر دو روی
✦
نباید که گردان پرخاشجوی
“'When armies on both sides unseat warriors, let not the combative champions...”
#72
بیاید که ماند تهی قلب گاه
✦
وگر چند بسیار باشد سپاه
“'Leave the center of the army empty, no matter how vast the army may be.”
#73
چنان کن که با میمنه میسره
✦
بکوشند جنگ‌آوران یکسره
“'Arrange it so that the left flank fights in total unison with the right flank,”
#74
همان نیز با میسره میمنه
✦
بکوشند و دلها همه بر بنه
“'And likewise the right wing with the left, while keeping their hearts resolute upon the supply train.”
#75
بود لشکر قلب بر جای خویش
✦
کس از قلبگه نگسلد پای خویش
“'Let the forces of the center remain steadfast in their position; let no one abandon his post at the center.”
#76
وگر قلب ایشان بجنبد ز جای
✦
تو با لشکر از قلب‌گاه اندر آی
“'And if the enemy's center gives way, charge forth with your troops directly from the heart of the battlefield!”
#77
چو پیروز گردی ز کس خون مریز
✦
که شد دشمن بدکنش در گریز
“'When victorious, shed no one's blood once the evil enemy has turned to flight.”
#78
چو خواهد ز دشمن کسی زینهار
✦
تو زنهارده باش و کینه مدار
“'If any foe begs for quarter, grant him protection and hold no malice.”
#79
چو تو پشت دشمن ببینی به چیز
✦
مپرداز و مگذر هم از جای نیز
“'When you see the enemy fleeing, do not turn aside to plunder their spoils, nor abandon your position recklessly.”
#80
نباید که ایمن شوید از کمین
✦
سپه باشد اندر در و دشت کین
“'Never feel overly secure against ambushes; the army of vengeance may lurk in any pass or plain.'”
#81
هرآنگه که از دشمن ایمن شوی
✦
سخن گفتن کس همی نشنوی
“Whenever you become safe from the enemy, turn a deaf ear to any malicious talk or gossip.”
#82
غنیمت بدان بخش کو جنگ جست
✦
به مردی دل از جان شیرین بشست
“Bestow the spoils upon him who sought battle and courageously washed his heart clean of sweet life.”
#83
هرانکس که گردد به دستت اسیر
✦
بدین بارگاه آورش ناگزیر
“Whosoever falls captive into your hands, bring him without fail to this court.”
#84
من از بهر ایشان یکی شارستان
✦
برآرم به بومی که بد خارستان
“For their sake, I shall raise a prosperous city in a land that was once a wilderness of thorns.”
#85
ازین پندها هیچ گونه مگرد
✦
چو خواهی که مانی تو بی‌رنج و درد
“Turn not away from these counsels in any wise, if you desire to dwell free from sorrow and distress.”
#86
به پیروزی اندر به یزدان گرای
✦
که او باشدت بی‌گمان رهنمای
“In the hour of victory, turn your heart unto God, for He beyond doubt shall be your true guide.”
#87
ز جایی که آمد فرستاده‌ای
✦
ز ترکی و رومی و آزاده‌ای
“Whenever an envoy arrived from afar—whether from the Turks, the Romans, or noble blood—”
#88
ازو مرزبان آگهی داشتی
✦
چنین کارها خوار نگذاشتی
“The border warden kept informed of his coming, for such affairs were never held in light esteem.”
#89
بره بر بدی خان او ساخته
✦
کنارنگ زان کار پرداخته
“A royal station was prepared for him on the road, furnished thoughtfully by the governor of the marches.”
#90
ز پوشیدنیها و از خوردنی
✦
نیازش نبودی به گستردنی
“In apparel, food, and soft bedding, he felt no lack nor unsupplied need.”
#91
چو آگه شدی زان سخن کاردار
✦
که او بر چه آمد بر شهریار
“When the royal official learned the envoy’s message and the purpose of his mission to the king,”
#92
هیونی سرافراز و مردی دبیر
✦
برفتی به نزدیک شاه اردشیر
“A swift rider upon a noble camel, along with an accomplished scribe, sped forth to King Ardashir.”
#93
بدان تا پذیره شدندی سپاه
✦
بیاراستی تخت پیروز شاه
“So that the hosts might go out to welcome him, and the victorious king’s throne would be adorned.”
#94
کشیدی پرستنده هر سو رده
✦
همه جامه‌هاشان به زر آژده
“Attendants stood in long rows on every side, their garments heavily brocaded with gold.”
#95
فرستاده را پیش خود خواندی
✦
به نزدیکی تخت بنشاندی
“He would summon the ambassador to his presence and grant him a seat beside the throne.”
#96
به پرسش گرفتی همه راز اوی
✦
ز نیک و بد و نام و آواز اوی
“He inquired into all his secrets, asking of good and ill, his name, and his renown.”
#97
ز داد و ز بیداد وز کشورش
✦
ز آیین وز شاه وز لشکرش
“He asked of the justice and tyranny of his realm, its customs, its monarch, and its host.”
#98
به ایوانش بردی فرستاده‌وار
✦
بیاراستی هرچ بودی به کار
“They conducted him to the palace with diplomatic honor, preparing all that was fitting for his state.”
#99
وزان پس به خوان و میش خواندی
✦
بر تخت زرینش بنشاندی
“Thereafter, he bade him to royal feasts and wine, seating him upon a throne of gold.”
#100
به نخچیر بردیش با خویشتن
✦
شدی لشکر بیشمار انجمن
“He would take him along to the hunt, where an endless host gathered in grand assembly.”
#101
کسی کردنش را فرستاده‌وار
✦
بیاراستی خلعت شهریار
“And when the time came to bid him farewell like an envoy, he adorned him with robes of royal honor.”
#102
به هر سو فرستاد پس موبدان
✦
بی‌آزار و بیداردل بخردان
“Then he sent forth wise, vigilant, and gentle priests (mobads) to every corner of the realm,”
#103
که تا هر سوی شهرها ساختند
✦
بدین نیز گنجی بپرداختند
“So that they built towns on every hand, spending vast treasures for this noble cause.”
#104
بدان تا کسی را که بی‌خانه بود
✦
نبودش نوا بخت بیگانه بود
“So that none who was homeless should remain destitute or abandoned by fortune.”
#105
همان تا فراوان شود زیردست
✦
خورش ساخت با جایگاه نشست
“And that the common folk might multiply in comfort, he provided them with sustenance and dwellings.”
#106
ازو نام نیکی بود در جهان
✦
چه بر آشکار و چه اندر نهان
“Thus a glorious name remained of him in the world, both in public and in secret.”
#107
چو او در جهان شهریاری نبود
✦
پس از مرگ او یادگاری نبود
“There was no sovereign like him in all the world; after his death, no equal monument was left.”
#108
منم ویژه زنده کن نام اوی
✦
مبادا جز از نیکی انجام اوی
“It is I who revive his glorious memory; may his destiny meet with nothing but goodness!”
#109
فراوان سخن در نهان داشتی
✦
به هر جای کارآگهان داشتی
“He kept many matters concealed in secret, stationing intelligence agents in every place.”
#110
چو بی‌مایه گشتی یکی مایه‌دار
✦
ازان آگهی یافتی شهریار
“If a man of wealth fell into poverty, the monarch would swiftly receive news of it.”
#111
چو بایست برساختی کار اوی
✦
نماندی چنان تیره بازار اوی
“He would restore his affairs as was fitting, so that his state would not remain in dark despair.”
#112
زمین برومند و جای نشست
✦
پرستیدن مردم زیردست
“Bestowing upon him fertile land and a dwelling, he lovingly cared for his humble subjects.”
#113
بیاراستی چون ببایست کار
✦
نگشتی نهانش به کس آشکار
“He ordered all affairs as was right, while his hidden network remained unrevealed to anyone.”
#114
تهی‌دست را مایه دادی بسی
✦
بدو شاد کردی دل هرکسی
“He bestowed ample capital upon the empty-handed, filling the heart of every soul with joy.”
#115
همان کودکان را به فرهنگیان
✦
سپردی چو بودی ورا هنگ آن
“Likewise, he entrusted children to scholars and tutors whenever he found the opportunity and means.”
#116
به هر برزنی در دبستان بدی
✦
همان جای آتش‌پرستان بدی
“In every neighborhood a school was raised, and places of worship for the faithful were established.”
#117
نماندی که بودی کسی را نیاز
✦
نگه داشتی سختی خویش راز
“He suffered no man to remain in hardship, and shielded the dignity of those who suffered in secret.”
#118
به میدان شدی بامداد پگاه
✦
برفتی کسی کو بدی دادخواه
“Early at the break of dawn he would repair to the public square, so that any seeker of justice might approach him.”
#119
نچستی بداد اندر آزرم کس
✦
چه کهتر چه فرزند فریادرس
“In dispensing justice he showed favor to none—neither to the humblest subject nor to his own helpful child.”
#120
چه کهتر چه مهتر به نزدیک اوی
✦
نجستی همی رای تاریک اوی
“Whether high or low, none in his presence ever feared or sought a dark, malicious design from him.”
#121
ز دادش جهان یکسر آباد کرد
✦
دل زیردستان به خود شاد کرد
“Through his equity he restored prosperity to the realm, bringing joy to the hearts of all his subjects.”
#122
جهاندار چون گشت با داد جفت
✦
زمانه پی او نیارد نهفت
“When the ruler wedded his soul to justice, Time itself could no longer obscure the traces of his deeds.”
#123
فرستاده بودی به گرد جهان
✦
خردمند و بیدار کارآگهان
“He dispatched wise and vigilant emissaries throughout the kingdom to observe all affairs.”
#124
به جایی که بودی زمینی خراب
✦
وگر تنگ بودی به رود اندر آب
“Wherever a tract of land lay desolate, or wherever the waters ran low in the riverbed,”
#125
خراج اندر آن بوم برداشتی
✦
زمین کسان خوار نگذاشتی
“He remitted the taxes of that domain, suffering no man's soil to fall into neglect.”
#126
گر ایدونک دهقان بدی تنگ دست
✦
سوی نیستی گشته کارش ز هست
“And if a farmer fell into dire poverty, his prosperous estate turning to ruin,”
#127
بدادی ز گنج آلت و چارپای
✦
نماندی که پایش برفتی ز جای
“He granted him tools and livestock from the royal treasury, never suffering his footing to fail.”
#128
ز دانا سخن بشنو ای شهریار
✦
جهان را برین گونه آباد دار
“Hearken to the wisdom of the sage, O Sovereign, and keep the world prosperous in this wise!”
#129
چو خواهی که آزاد باشی ز رنج
✦
بی‌آزار و بی‌رنج آگنده گنج
“If you desire to dwell free from sorrow, accumulating wealth without causing harm or pain,”
#130
بی‌آزاری زیردستان گزین
✦
بیابی ز هرکس به داد آفرین
“Choose to harm no subject under your rule, and from every soul you shall reap praises for your justice.”