#1
چو یوز شکاری به کار آمدش
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بجنبید و رای شکار آمدش
“When his hunting leopard was trained for the chase, his heart was stirred with a desire for hunting.”
#2
یکی باره‌ای تیزرو بر نشست
✦
به هامون خرامید بازی به دست
“He mounted a swift warhorse and rode out onto the plain with a hunting falcon on his wrist.”
#3
یکی بیشه پیش آمدش پردرخت
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نشستنگه مردم نیک‌بخت
“He came upon a dense thicket full of trees, a sanctuary fit for fortunate souls.”
#4
بسان بهشتی یکی سبز جای
✦
ندید اندرو مردم و چارپای
“A verdant paradise it seemed, yet he saw neither human nor beast dwelling within it.”
#5
چنین گفت کاین جای شیران بود
✦
همان رزمگاه دلیران بود
“He said to himself, 'This must be the haunt of fierce lions and a battleground for valiant braves.'”
#6
کمان را به زه کرد مرد دلیر
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پدید آمد اندر زمان نره شیر
“The brave hero strung his bow, and instantly a mighty male lion appeared before him.”
#7
یکی نعره زد شیر چون در رسید
✦
بزد دست شاه و کمان درکشید
“The lion uttered a deafening roar as it charged, whereupon the king reached for his bow and drew back the string.”
#8
بزد تیر و پهلوش با دل بدوخت
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دل شیر ماده بدوبر بسوخت
“He loosed an arrow that pinned the lion's flank to its heart; seeing this, the female lion's heart burned with grief and fury.”
#9
همان ماده آهنگ بهرام کرد
✦
بغرید و چنگش به اندام کرد
“The lioness then launched herself at Bahram, roaring loudly and extending her sharp claws towards him.”
#10
یکی تیغ زد بر میانش سوار
✦
فروماند جنگی دران کارزار
“The royal rider struck her middle with his sword, cleaving her in two, leaving the beast spent in that battle.”
#11
برون آمد از بیشه مردی کهن
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زبانش گشاده به شیرین سخن
“Then from the thicket emerged an elderly man, his tongue filled with sweet and eloquent speech.”
#12
کجا نام او مهربنداد بود
✦
ازان زخم شمشیر او شاد بود
“His name was Mihr-Bandad, and he rejoiced greatly at the mortal stroke of that sword.”
#13
یکی مرد دهقان یزدان‌پرست
✦
بدان بیشه بودیش جای نشست
“He was a God-fearing landowner (Dehqan) who dwelt in that very thicket.”
#14
چو آمد بر شاه ایران فراز
✦
برو آفرین کرد و بردش نماز
“Coming before the King of Iran, he offered praises and bowed in veneration.”
#15
بدو گفت کای مهتر نامدار
✦
به کام تو باد اختر روزگار
“He addressed him: 'O renowned leader, may the stars of fortune align according to thy desire!'”
#16
یکی مرد دهقانم ای پاک‌رای
✦
خداوند این جا و کشت و سرای
“'I am a pure-hearted landowner, master of this place, its crops, and its dwellings.'”
#17
خداوند گاو و خر و گوسفند
✦
ز شیران شده بددل و مستمند
“'I own cattle, donkeys, and sheep, yet I was left heart-broken and impoverished by those fierce lions.'”
#18
کنون ایزد این کار بر دست تو
✦
برآورد بر قبضه و شست تو
“'Now God hath accomplished this deliverance through thy hand, thy bow-grip, and thy archer's thumb.'”
#19
زمانی درین بیشه آیی چنین
✦
بباشی به شیر و می و انگبین
“'Rest awhile in this thicket and partake of milk, wine, and honey.'”
#20
بره هست چندانک باید به کار
✦
درختان بارآور و سایه‌دار
“'There are fat lambs in abundance, as well as fruitful, shade-giving trees.'”
#21
فرود آمد از باره بهرامشاه
✦
همی کرد زان بیشه جایی نگاه
“King Bahram dismounted from his charger and looked about the thicket with pleasure.”
#22
که باشد زمین سبز و آب روان
✦
چنانچون بود جای مرد جوان
“He saw lush green soil and flowing waters, a place perfectly suited for a vibrant young hero.”
#23
بشد مهربنداد و رامشگران
✦
بیاورد چندی ز ده مهتران
“Mihr-Bandad departed and brought back musicians and several elders of the village.”
#24
بسی گوسفندان فربه بکشت
✦
بیامد یکی جام زرین به مشت
“They slaughtered many plump sheep, and he returned bearing a golden goblet in hand.”
#25
چو نان خورده شد جامهای نبید
✦
نهادند پیشش گل و شنبلید
“After the feast, as cups of wine were drained, they laid flowers and fenugreek blossoms before him.”
#26
چو شد مهربنداد شادان ز می
✦
به بهرام گفت ای گو نیک‌پی
“As Mihr-Bandad grew merry with wine, he said to Bahram, 'O hero of auspicious footstep,'”
#27
چنان دان که ماننده‌ای شاه را
✦
همان تخت زرین و هم‌گاه را
“'Know that thou bear'st a striking resemblance to the King, as well as to his golden throne and majesty!'”
#28
بدو گفت بهرام کآری رواست
✦
نگارنده بر چهرها پادشاست
“Bahram replied, 'Indeed it may be so, for the Creator is sovereign over all countenances.'”
#29
چنان آفریند که خواهد همی
✦
مر آن را گزیند که خواهد همی
“'He shapes as He wills and chooses whomsoever He pleases.'”
#30
اگر من همی نیک مانم به شاه
✦
ترا دادم این بیشه و جایگاه
“'If I indeed resemble the King so well, I bestow this thicket and domain upon thee!'”
#31
بگفت این و زان جایگه برنشست
✦
به ایوان خرم خرامید مست
“So speaking, he mounted his steed and returned pleasantly intoxicated to his grand palace.”
#32
بخفت آن شب تیره در بوستان
✦
همی یاد کرد از لب دوستان
“He slept that dark night in the garden, fondly remembering the lips of his beloved companions.”