#1
یکایک به شاه آمد این آگهی
✦
که سام آمد از کوه با فرّهی
“Word came directly to the King that Sam had descended from the mountain adorned with Divine Glory.”
#2
بدان آگهی شد منوچهر شاد
✦
بسی از جهان آفرین کرد یاد
“Upon hearing this tidings, Manuchehr rejoiced and praised the Creator of the World abundantly.”
#3
بفرمود تا نوذر نامدار
✦
شود تازیان پیش سام سوار
“He commanded the renowned Prince Nowzar to ride forth swiftly to meet Sam the champion.”
#4
کند آفرین کیانی بر اوی
✦
بدان شادمانی که بگشاد روی
“He instructed him to offer royal blessings, sharing in the joy that lit up their faces.”
#5
بفرمایدش تا سوی شهریار
✦
شود تا سخن‌ها کند خواستار
“He bade him request Sam to proceed straightway to the monarch to unfold his tale.”
#6
ببیند یکی روی دستان سام
✦
به دیدار ایشان شود شادکام
“Thus he might gaze upon Zal, the son of Sam, and rejoice in beholding their countenance.”
#7
و زین جا سوی زابلستان شود
✦
بر آیین خسرو پرستان شود
“And thence Sam might journey onward to Zabolistan after the customs of those who serve the crown.”
#8
چو نوذر بر سام نیرم رسید
✦
یکی نو جهان پهلوان را بدید
“When Nowzar reached Sam, son of Nariman, he beheld a new world-conquering champion.”
#9
فرود آمد از باره سام سوار
✦
گرفتند مر یک‌دگر را کنار
“Sam dismounted from his steed, and the two nobles embraced one another with affection.”
#10
ز شاه و ز گردان بپرسید سام
✦
از ایشان بدو داد نوذر پیام
“Sam inquired after the King and his warriors, and Nowzar delivered the royal message.”
#11
چو بشنید پیغام شاه بزرگ
✦
زمین را ببوسید سام سترگ
“Upon hearing the message of the great King, the mighty Sam kissed the earth in reverence.”
#12
دوان سوی درگاه بنهاد روی
✦
چنان کش بفرمود دیهیم جوی
“He set off hastily toward the court, precisely as the crown-seeking sovereign had commanded.”
#13
چو آمد به نزدیکی شهریار
✦
سپهبد پذیره شدش از کنار
“As he drew near to the monarch, the commander came out to receive him warmly.”
#14
درفش منوچهر چون دید سام
✦
پیاده شد از باره بگذارد گام
“When Sam caught sight of Manuchehr's royal banner, he dismounted and walked on foot.”
#15
منوچهر فرمود تا برنشست
✦
مر آن پاک‌دل گرد خسرو پرست
“Manuchehr commanded that pure-hearted king-worshipping warrior to mount his steed once more.”
#16
سوی تخت و ایوان نهادند روی
✦
چه دیهیم دار و چه دیهیم جوی
“Side by side, the crown-wearer and the loyal vassal turned their steps toward the throne and palace.”
#17
منوچهر برگاه بنشست شاد
✦
کلاه بزرگی به سر برنهاد
“Manuchehr sat joyfully upon his throne, placing the crown of greatness upon his head.”
#18
به یک دست قارن به یک دست سام
✦
نشستند روشن‌دل و شادکام
“With Qaren on one side and Sam on the other, they sat radiant in spirit and full of joy.”
#19
پس آراسته زال را پیش شاه
✦
به زرّین عمود و به رزّین کلاه
“Then Zal was brought before the King, adorned with a golden mace and a jeweled helmet.”
#20
گرازان بیاورد سالار بار
✦
شگفتی بماند اندر او شهریار
“The grand marshal led him forward gracefully, and the monarch marveled at his presence.”
#21
بر آن برز بالای آن خوب چهر
✦
تو گفتی که آرام جان است و مهر
“In that lofty stature and handsome face, you would say rested the very soul of love and affection.”
#22
چنین گفت مر سام را شهریار
✦
که از من تو این را به زنهاردار
“The sovereign addressed Sam, saying: 'Keep this youth safe under your protection and care.'”
#23
به خیره میازارش از هیچ روی
✦
به کس شادمانه مشو جز بدوی
“'Do not distress him foolishly in any way, nor seek gladness in anyone more than in him.'”
#24
که فرّ کیان دارد و چنگ شیر
✦
دل هوشمندان و آهنگ شیر
“'For he possesses the Royal Glory, the claws of a lion, the mind of the wise, and the heart of a beast of prey.'”
#25
پس از کار سیمرغ و کوه بلند
✦
و زان تا چرا خوار شد ارجمند
“Then Sam recounted the tale of the Simorgh, the lofty mountain, and how the rejected child became noble.”
#26
یکایک همه سام با او بگفت
✦
هم از آشکارا هم اندر نهفت
“Sam revealed everything to him, detail by detail, both what was open and what was secret.”
#27
و ز افگندن زال بگشاد راز
✦
که چون گشت با او سپهر از فراز
“He unfolded the secret of casting Zal away, and how the turning heavens showed him favor.”
#28
سرانجام گیتی ز سیمرغ و زال
✦
پر از داستان شد به بسیار سال
“Until the world was filled for many years with tales of the Simorgh and Zal.”
#29
برفتم به فرمان گیهان خدای
✦
به البرز کوه اندر آن زشت جای
“Sam said: 'I went by God's command to Mount Alborz, into that harsh and desolate place.'”
#30
یکی کوه دیدم سر اندر سحاب
✦
سپهری است گفتی ز خارا بر آب
“'I saw a mountain whose head touched the clouds—a sphere, as it were, of flint above the waters.'”
#31
برو بر نشیمی چو کاخ بلند
✦
ز هر سوی بر او بسته راه گزند
“'Upon it sat a nest like a lofty palace, barred from harm on every side.'”
#32
بدو اندرون بچهٔ مرغ و زال
✦
تو گفتی که هستند هر دو همال
“'Within it were the bird's fledglings and Zal; you would say they were companions together.'”
#33
همی بوی مهر آمد از باد اوی
✦
به دل راحت آمد هم از یاد اوی
“'The scent of love came with the breeze, and memory of him brought solace to my heart.'”
#34
ابا داور راست گفتم به راز
✦
که ای آفرینندهٔ بی‌نیاز
“'I spoke in secret to the Righteous Judge: O Almighty, Independent Creator!'”
#35
رسیده به هر جای برهان تو
✦
نگردد فلک جز به فرمان تو
“'Thy proof reacheth unto every place, and the heavens turn only by Thy command.'”
#36
یکی بنده‌ام با تنی پر گناه
✦
به پیش خداوند خورشید و ماه
“'I am Thy servant, laden with sin, standing before the Master of the sun and moon.'”
#37
امیدم به بخشایش تو است بس
✦
به چیزی دگر نیستم دسترس
“'My hope rests solely upon Thy forgiveness; I have no resort to aught else.'”
#38
تو این بندهٔ مرغ پرورده را
✦
به خواری و زاری برآورده را
“'Forgive this servant raised by a bird, brought up in misery and distress.'”
#39
همی پرّ پوشد به جای حریر
✦
مزد گوشت هنگام پستان شیر
“'Whose clothes were feathers instead of silk, whose food was raw meat in place of milk.'”
#40
به بد مهری من روانم مسوز
✦
به من باز بخش و دلم بر فروز
“'Burn not my soul for my mercilessness; restore him to me and illuminate my heart!'”
#41
به فرمان یزدان چو این گفته شد
✦
نیایش همانگه پذیرفته شد
“By God's decree, as these words were uttered, the prayer was accepted instantly.”
#42
بزد پرّ سیمرغ و بر شد به ابر
✦
همی حلقه زد بر سر مرد گبر
“The Simorgh flapped its wings and ascended into the clouds, circling over the head of the armored warrior.”
#43
ز کوه اندر آمد چو ابر بهار
✦
گرفته تن زال را بر کنار
“It descended from the mountain like a spring raincloud, carrying Zal in its embrace.”
#44
به پیش من آورد چون دایه‌ای
✦
که در مهر باشد ورا مایه‌ای
“It brought him before me like a loving nurse, overflowing with deep affection.”
#45
من آوردمش نزد شاه جهان
✦
همه آشکاراش کردم نهان
“I brought him before the King of the world, revealing all that had been hidden.”
#46
بفرمود پس شاه با موبدان
✦
ستاره‌شناسان و هم بخردان
“The king then gave command to the Mobads, the astrologers, and the wise men of his realm,”
#47
که جویند تا اختر زال چیست
✦
بر آن اختر از بخت سالار کیست
“To search out what the star of Zal foretold, and who, by fate, would rule alongside his fortune.”
#48
چو گیرد بلندی چه خواهد بدن
✦
همی داستان از چه خواهد زدن
“When he attains high stature, what shall become of him, and of what deeds shall his tales be told?”
#49
ستاره‌شناسان هم اندر زمان
✦
از اختر گرفتند پیدا نشان
“The astrologers thereupon straightway unlocked the secrets of the star and revealed its sign.”
#50
بگفتند با شاه دیهیم دار
✦
که شادان بزی تا بود روزگار
“They said unto the crowned monarch: 'May you live in joy so long as time endures!”
#51
که او پهلوانی بود نامدار
✦
سرافراز و هشیار و گرد و سوار
“For he shall be a hero of renown, exalted, prudent, brave, and a peerless knight.'”
#52
چو بشنید شاه این سخن شاد شد
✦
دل پهلوان از غم آزاد شد
“When the king heard these words, his heart rejoiced, and the champion's soul was freed from sorrow.”
#53
یکی خلعتی ساخت شاه زمین
✦
که کردند هر کس بدو آفرین
“The ruler of the earth prepared a robe of honor such that all who beheld it bestowed praise upon him.”
#54
از اسپان تازی به زرین ستام
✦
ز شمشیر هندی به زرّین نیام
“Arabian steeds with golden bridles, and Indian swords sheathed in scabbards of gold,”
#55
ز دینار و خز و ز یاقوت و زر
✦
ز گستردنی‌های بسیار مر
“With gold dinars, fine silk, rubies, and precious garments beyond measure,”
#56
غلامان رومی به دیبای روم
✦
همه گوهرش پیکر و زرش بوم
“Roman slaves clad in Byzantine silk brocades, inlaid with jewels upon a ground of pure gold,”
#57
زبرجد طبق‌ها و پیروزه جام
✦
چه از زرّ سرخ و چه از سیم خام
“Trays of chrysolite and cups of turquoise, crafted both of fine red gold and pure silver,”
#58
پر از مشک و کافور و پر زعفران
✦
همه پیش بردند فرمان بران
“Brimming with musk, camphor, and saffron—all were brought forward by obedient attendants.”
#59
همان جوشن و ترگ و برگستوان
✦
همان نیزه و تیر و گُرز گران
“Likewise coats of mail, helmets, war-horse armor, lances, arrows, and heavy maces,”
#60
همان تخت پیروزه و تاج زر
✦
همان مهر یاقوت و زرین کمر
“Together with a turquoise throne, a golden crown, a ruby signet ring, and a belt woven with gold.”
#61
و زان پس منوچهر عهدی نوشت
✦
سراسر ستایش به سان بهشت
“Thereafter Manuchehr penned a charter, full of praise from end to end like paradise itself,”
#62
همه کابل و زابل و مای و هند
✦
ز دریای چین تا به دریای سند
“Granting all Kabul, Zabul, May, and Hind, from the Sea of China to the River Indus.”
#63
ز زابلستان تا بدان روی بست
✦
به نوّی نوشتند عهدی درست
“From Zabulistan to the lands beyond Bost, they recorded afresh an unshakeable treaty.”
#64
چو این عهد و خلعت بیاراستند
✦
پس اسپ جهان پهلوان خواستند
“When this decree and the robes of honor were arrayed, they summoned the steed of the World-Champion.”
#65
چو این کرده شد سام بر پای خاست
✦
که ای مهربان مهتر داد و راست
“When all this was completed, Sam stood up and said: 'O loving monarch of justice and truth!”
#66
ز ماهی بر اندیشه تا چرخ ماه
✦
چو تو شاه ننهاد بر سر کلاه
“From the Fish beneath the earth to the sphere of the Moon, no king like unto thee hath ever donned the crown.”
#67
به مهر و به داد و به خوی و خرد
✦
زمانه همی از تو رامش برد
“Through thy affection, justice, nature, and wisdom, the world finds constant ease and joy.”
#68
همه گنج گیتی به چشم تو خوار
✦
مبادا ز تو نام تو یادگار
“All the treasures of the world are trivial in thy sight; may thy noble name remain thy everlasting legacy!'”
#69
فرود آمد و تخت را داد بوس
✦
ببستند بر کوههٔ پیل کوس
“He descended, kissed the throne, and they bound the war-drums onto the saddles of the elephants.”
#70
سوی زابلستان نهادند روی
✦
نظاره بر او بر همه شهر و کوی
“They set off toward Zabulistan, while crowds in every town and street watched them pass.”
#71
چو آمد به نزدیکی نیمروز
✦
خبر شد ز سالار گیتی فروز
“As he drew near Nimruz, tidings arrived of the approach of the world-illuminating commander.”
#72
بیاراسته سیستان چون بهشت
✦
گلش مشک سارا بُد و زرّ خشت
“Sistan was adorned like unto paradise; its dust was like pure musk and its bricks like gold.”
#73
بسی مشک و دینار بر ریختند
✦
بسی زعفران و درم بیختند
“Plentiful musk and dinars were showered down, and abundance of saffron and silver coins was scattered.”
#74
یکی شادمانی بُد اندر جهان
✦
سراسر میان کهان و مهان
“A great joy spread across the world, shared alike by the humble and the noble.”
#75
هر آن‌جا که بد مهتری نامجوی
✦
ز گیتی سوی سام بنهاد روی
“Wherever there was a renowned leader, he turned his face from afar toward Sam,”
#76
که فرخنده بادا پی این جوان
✦
بر این پاک دل نامور پهلوان
“Praying: 'May the footsteps of this youth bring fortune upon this pure-hearted, glorious chieftain!'”
#77
چو بر پهلوان آفرین خواندند
✦
ابر زال زر گوهر افشاندند
“When they had showered praises upon the champion, they sprinkled precious jewels over Zal of the Golden Hair.”
#78
نشست آنگهی سام با زیب و جام
✦
همی داد چیز و همی راند کام
“Then Sam sat in splendour with goblet in hand, bestowing gifts and fulfilling every desire.”
#79
کسی کو به خلعت سزاوار بود
✦
خردمند بود و جهاندار بود
“Whoever was worthy of a robe of honor—being wise and fit to rule the land—”
#80
براندازه‌شان خلعت آراستند
✦
همه پایهٔ برتری خواستند
“They fashioned robes according to their rank, as all sought the heights of exalted stature.”
#81
جهاندیدگان را ز کشور بخواند
✦
سخن‌های بایسته چندی براند
“He summoned the experienced elders of the realm and addressed them with fitting and necessary words.”
#82
چنین گفت با نامور بخردان
✦
که ای پاک و بیدار دل موبدان
“Thus he spoke to the renowned sages: 'O pure-hearted and vigilant priests!'”
#83
چنین است فرمان هشیار شاه
✦
که لشکر همی راند باید به راه
“'Such is the command of our wise King, that the army must now be marched upon the road.'”
#84
سوی گرگساران و مازندران
✦
همی راند خواهم سپاهی گران
“'Toward Gorgsaran and Mazandaran, I am about to lead a formidable host.'”
#85
بماند به نزد شما این پسر
✦
که همتای جان است و جفت جگر
“'This son shall remain in your charge—he who is as precious as my soul and bound to my very core.'”
#86
دل و جانم ایدر بماند همی
✦
مژه خون دل برفشاند همی
“'My heart and soul remain behind here with him, while my lashes shed tears of my heart's blood.'”
#87
به گاه جوانی و کند آوری
✦
یکی بیهده ساختم داوری
“'In the days of my youth and fiery valour, I rendered an unwarranted, foolish judgment.'”
#88
پسر داد یزدان بیانداختم
✦
ز بی‌دانشی ارج نشناختم
“'God granted me a son, yet I cast him away; through ignorance, I failed to appreciate his worth.'”
#89
گرانمایه سیمرغ برداشتش
✦
همان آفریننده بگماشتش
“'The noble Simurgh raised him up, for the Creator Himself had appointed his keeping.'”
#90
بپرورد او را چو سرو بلند
✦
مرا خوار بد مرغ را ارجمند
“'She nurtured him until he grew tall as a cypress; he was despised by me, yet held dear by the bird.'”
#91
چو هنگام بخشایش آمد فراز
✦
جهاندار یزدان به من داد باز
“'When the hour of divine mercy drew near, the Lord of the World restored him to my arms.'”
#92
بدانید کاین زینهار من است
✦
به نزد شما یادگار من است
“'Know that he is my sacred trust to you, a cherished memorial of mine left in your care.'”
#93
گرامیش دارید و پندش دهید
✦
همه راه و رای بلندش دهید
“'Hold him dear and offer him counsel; guide him toward noble paths and lofty wisdom.'”
#94
سوی زال کرد آنگهی سام روی
✦
که داد و دهش گیر و آرام جوی
“Then Sam turned his face toward Zal and said: 'Embrace justice and generosity, and seek tranquility.'”
#95
چنان دان که زابلستان خان تست
✦
جهان سر به سر زیر فرمان تست
“'Know that Zabolistan is your rightful home, and the realm entirely lies beneath your command.'”
#96
تو را خان و مان باید آبادتر
✦
دل دوستداران تو شادتر
“'May your home and hearth flourish even more, and the hearts of your devoted friends rejoice.'”
#97
کلید در گنج‌ها پیش تو است
✦
دلم شاد و غمگین به کم بیش تو است
“'The keys to all treasuries lie before you; my heart rejoices or grieves according to your fortunes.'”
#98
به سام آنگهی گفت زال جوان
✦
که چون زیست خواهم من ایدر نوان
“Then young Zal spoke unto Sam: 'How am I to live here in sorrow and distress?'”
#99
جدا پیش‌تر زین کجا داشتی
✦
مدارم که آمد گه آشتی
“'You who kept me parted from you before—do not keep me away now, when the time for peace has come!'”
#100
کسی کو ز مادر گنه کار زاد
✦
من آنم سزد گر بنالم ز داد
“'If ever one was born a sinner from his mother, I am he; it is fitting that I lament for justice!'”
#101
گهی زیر چنگال مرغ اندرون
✦
چمیدن به خاک و چریدن ز خون
“'Once trapped beneath the talons of a bird, walking upon the dust and feeding upon blood...'”
#102
کنون دور ماندم ز پروردگار
✦
چنین پروراند مرا روزگار
“'Now I am kept far from my nurturer; in such fashion does destiny foster me.'”
#103
ز گل بهرهٔ من به جز خار نیست
✦
بدین با جهاندار پیگار نیست
“'My portion from the rose is naught but thorns, yet one cannot contend against the Ruler of the World.'”
#104
بدو گفت پرداختن دل سزاست
✦
بپرداز و بر گوی هرچت هواست
“Sam said to him: 'It is right to unburden your heart; speak freely all that your soul desires.'”
#105
ستاره شمر مرد اخترگرای
✦
چنین زد تو را ز اختر نیک رای
“'The astrologer who reads the stars cast your horoscope favorably from auspicious omens...'”
#106
که ایدر تو را باشد آرامگاه
✦
هم ایدر سپاه و هم ایدر کلاه
“'That here shall be your home, and here your army, and here your crown of sovereignty.'”
#107
گذر نیست بر حکم گردان سپهر
✦
هم ایدر بگسترد بایدت مهر
“'There is no escaping the decree of the turning heavens; here too you must shower your affection.'”
#108
کنون گرد خویش اندر آور گروه
✦
سواران و مردان دانش پژوه
“'Now assemble around yourself a circle of noble horsemen and men devoted to knowledge.'”
#109
بیاموز و بشنو ز هر دانشی
✦
که یابی ز هر دانشی رامشی
“'Learn and listen to every art and science, for from all knowledge you shall gain peace of mind.'”
#110
ز خورد و ز بخشش میاسای هیچ
✦
همه دانش و داد دادن بسیچ
“'Cease not from feasting and generosity; make all your endeavor the pursuit of knowledge and justice.'”
#111
بگفت این و برخاست آوای کوس
✦
هوا قیرگون شد زمین آبنوس
“He spoke these words, and the roar of the war-drum arose; the air grew pitch-black and the earth turned to ebony.”
#112
خروشیدن زنگ و هندی درای
✦
برآمد ز دهلیز پرده سرای
“The clamor of bells and Indian chimes arose from the corridor of the royal pavilion.”
#113
سپهبد سوی جنگ بنهاد روی
✦
یکی لشکری ساخته جنگجوی
“The warlord set out toward battle, leading an army fully equipped for war.”
#114
بشد زال با او دو منزل به راه
✦
بدان تا پدر چون گذارد سپاه
“Zal rode with him for two stages of the journey, to see how his father led the army forth.”
#115
پدر زال را تنگ در برگرفت
✦
شگفتی خروشیدن اندر گرفت
“The father embraced Zal tightly in his arms, and a wondrous weeping and clamor arose.”
#116
بفرمود تا بازگردد ز راه
✦
شود شادمان سوی تخت و کلاه
“Sam commanded him to turn back from his journey, and return joyfully toward the throne and crown of command.”
#117
بیامد پر اندیشه دستان سام
✦
که تا چون زید تا بود نیک نام
“Dastan, son of Sam, arrived filled with profound reflection, considering how he might live so as to leave behind a good name.”
#118
نشست از بر نامور تخت عاج
✦
به سر بر نهاد آن فروزنده تاج
“He took his seat upon the renowned ivory throne, and placed upon his head that radiant crown.”
#119
ابا یاره و گُرزهٔ گاو سر
✦
ابا طوق زرّین و زرّین کمر
“Adorned with golden armlets and holding the bull-headed mace, wearing a neck-ring of gold and a golden girdle.”
#120
ز هر کشوری موبدان را بخواند
✦
پژوهید هر کار و هر چیز راند
“He summoned the wise Mobads from every realm, carefully examining all matters and directing every affair.”
#121
ستاره‌شناسان و دین آوران
✦
سواران جنگی و کین‌آوران
“Astrologers, priests of the faith, valiant warriors, and vengeful champions all assembled before him.”
#122
شب و روز بودند با او به هم
✦
زدندی همی رای بر بیش و کم
“Day and night they remained in his presence, continuously conferring upon affairs great and small.”
#123
چنان گشت زال از بس آموختن
✦
تو گفتی ستاره است از افروختن
“Through such relentless devotion to learning, Zal became so enlightened that you would say he was a star in its radiance.”
#124
به رای و به دانش به جایی رسید
✦
که چون خویشتن در جهان کس ندید
“In judgment and in wisdom he attained such heights that he saw no peer to himself in all the world.”
#125
بدین سان همی گشت گردان سپهر
✦
ابر سام و بر زال گسترده مهر
“In this manner the revolving heavens turned, bestowing grace and affection upon Sam and upon Zal.”