#1
الا ای خریدار مغز سخن
✦
دلت برگسل زین سرای کهن
“O seeker of the true essence of speech, sever your heart from this ancient, transient abode.”
#2
کجا چون من و چون تو بسیار دید
✦
نخواهد همی با کسی آرمید
“For it has witnessed countless souls like you and me, and will never settle in loyalty with anyone.”
#3
اگر شهریاری و گر پیشکار
✦
تو ناپایداری و او پایدار
“Whether you are a mighty monarch or a humble servant, you are mortal and fleeting, while time alone endures.”
#4
چه با رنج باشی چه با تاج و تخت
✦
ببایدت بستن به فرجام رخت
“Whether your life is spent in toil or upon a crown and throne, in the end, you must pack your burden and depart.”
#5
اگر ز آهنی چرخ بگدازدت
✦
چو گشتی کهن نیز ننوازدت
“Though you were forged of solid iron, the turning heavens shall melt you down; once aged, it cherishes you no more.”
#6
چو سرو دلارای گردد به خم
✦
خروشان شود نرگسان دژم
“When the heart-alluring cypress-stature bends with age, and the melancholic narcissus-eyes begin to weep,”
#7
همان چهرهٔ ارغوان زعفران
✦
سبک مردم شاد گردد گران
“And the rose-tinted cheeks wither to saffron pale, the once blithe and light-hearted soul grows heavy with sorrow.”
#8
اگر شهریاری و گر زیردست
✦
بجز خاک تیره نیابی نشست
“Whether you rule as a sovereign or serve as a subject, you shall find no resting place save the dark earth.”
#9
کجا آن بزرگان با تاج و تخت
✦
کجا آن سواران پیروزبخت
“Where are those mighty nobles of crown and throne? Where are those triumphant, victorious horsemen of old?”
#10
کجا آن خردمند کندآوران
✦
کجا آن سرافراز و جنگی سران
“Where are those sagacious, formidable champions? Where are those exalted and warlike chieftains?”
#11
کجا آن گزیده نیاکان ما
✦
کجا آن دلیران و پاکان ما
“Where are our illustrious, chosen forebears? Where are our valiant and pure-hearted heroes?”
#12
همه خاک دارند بالین و خشت
✦
خنک آنک جز تخم نیکی نکشت
“The dust is now their pillow and clay brick their bed; blessed is he who sowed no seed but virtue.”
#13
نشان بس بود شهریار اردشیر
✦
چو از من سخن بشنوی یادگیر
“King Ardashir serves as a sufficient lesson for all; as you hear this counsel from me, treasure it in your heart.”