As the night gave way to the first light of dawn, King Bahram Gur set out toward the hunting grounds with a grand army. Across paths and trackless wilderness the host traversed, remaining in the desert plain for a full month. Tents and pavilions were pitched, and the wild plain was cleared of game. Night after night, the camp burned bright with fires; no one slept as wine flowed, fresh meats roasted, and the sweet melodies of harps and lutes echoed across the sands. Townsfolk flocked to the desert to trade and seek their share of royal bounty, taking whole loads of game meat home to their children and guests.
When the month reached its close, Bahram felt the longing for rest and ordered his army to turn back. The dust raised by his mounted warriors obscured the roads until the azure face of day grew dark. As they neared a populous district, the King ordered his army and baggage train to move ahead, entering the town entirely alone to inspect the realm with his own eyes. There he came upon a ruined dwelling with a broken, gaping door. The owner of the house—an aged, miserable man—stepped forward and bowed before the monarch. Bahram asked why such a house stood ruined in the midst of a prosperous village. The old man, whose name was Farshidvard, lamented bitterly, cursing his evil fortune and claiming he possessed neither oxen, nor clothing, nor donkey, nor wisdom, nor strength. He showed the King a broken archway filled with sheep dung and rebuked him for entering a place devoid of bread, warning that such ruins served only as a lair for thieves and wild lions.
Bahram laughed at the old man's bitter outbursts and rode away. Outside the town, he came upon a thorn-gatherer swinging an axe in a patch of scrubland. Bahram asked the hardy woodsman who the chief of this realm was. The thorn-gatherer revealed a staggering secret: the miserable old man was Farshidvard, an ungrateful miser who owned over a hundred thousand sheep, vast herds of horses and mules, ten caravans of camels, and hollowed stores of silver, gold, and butter! Yet despite his unimaginable riches, the miser ate only coarse millet bread with dry cheese, wore ragged garments, and tormented his own soul with extreme avarice.
Astonished by the revelation, the King rewarded the woodcutter with gold, dubbed him 'Del-Afruz' (the Heart-Brightener), and provided him a swift steed. He dispatched a trusted commander named Bahram along with thirty chosen horsemen and a pious scribe to catalog the miser's hidden wealth. When they arrived at the mountains and plains, they found endless herds and boundless stores of treasures that defied enumeration. The scribe wrote to the King, declaring the vastness of the hoard.
When the letter was read to Bahram Gur, tears filled his royal eyes as he pondered the folly of greed and the fleeting nature of earthly kingdoms. He summoned his scribe and dictated a royal decree upon fine Chinese silk: 'This wealth was not gathered through theft or bloodshed, yet its owner was ungrateful to God. Kings such as Jamshid, Fereydun, Iraj, Salm, Tur, and Kavus have all departed this transient world, leaving everything behind. We shall not build our treasury upon the suffering of others.' Bahram then commanded that every single portion of Farshidvard's vast fortune be distributed among orphans, childless widows, impoverished elders, struggling merchants, and the destitute, ensuring that righteousness and royal benevolence illuminated the entire realm.
#1
بخفت آن شب و بامداد پگاه
✦
بیامد سوی دشت نخچیرگاه
“He slept that night, and at dawn's early light, he set forth toward the hunting plain.”
#2
همه راه و بی‌راه لشکر گذشت
✦
چنان شد که یک ماه ماند او به دشت
“Across paths and pathless wilderness the army passed; so it was that he remained a full month in the plain.”
#3
سراپرده و خیمه‌ها ساختند
✦
ز نخچیر دشتی بپرداختند
“They pitched pavilions and erected tents, clearing the vast plain of wild game.”
#4
کسی را نیامد بران دشت خواب
✦
می و گوشت نخچیر و چنگ و رباب
“Sleep came to no one on that plain; all was wine, roasted game, harps, and lutes.”
#5
بیابان همی آتش افروختند
✦
تر و خشک هیزم بسی سوختند
“They kindled great fires across the desert, burning vast stores of wood both dry and green.”
#6
برفتند بسیار مردم ز شهر
✦
کسی کش ز دینار بایست بهر
“Many people went forth from the city, whoever sought a share of royal coin.”
#7
همی بود چندی خرید و فروخت
✦
بیابان ز لشکر همی برفروخت
“Buying and selling went on for days, and the desert glowed with the splendor of the host.”
#8
ز نخچیر دشت و ز مرغان آب
✦
همی یافت خواهنده چندان کباب
“From plain-game and water-fowl, any who asked obtained roasted meat in plenty,”
#9
که بردی به خروار تا خان خویش
✦
بر کودک خرد و مهمان خویش
“Which he carried by the cartload to his home, for his young children and his guests.”
#10
چو ماهی برآمد شتاب آمدش
✦
همی با بتان رای خواب آمدش
“When a month had passed, he felt a longing to return; he desired sleep beside his fair beauties.”
#11
بیاورد لشکر ز نخچیرگاه
✦
ز گرد سواران ندیدند راه
“He led the army back from the hunting grounds; from the dust of riders, the road was lost to sight.”
#12
همی رفت لشکر به کردار گرد
✦
چنین تا رخ روز شد لاژورد
“The host marched on like a swirling dust-cloud, until the face of day turned dark like lapis lazuli.”
#13
یکی شارستان پیشش آمد به راه
✦
پر از برزن و کوی و بازارگاه
“A great city appeared along his path, filled with districts, streets, and marketplaces.”
#14
بفرمود تا لشکرش با بنه
✦
گذارند و ماند خود او یک تنه
“He commanded his troops to pass by with their baggage, while he himself remained alone.”
#15
بپرسید تا مهتر ده کجاست
✦
سر اندر کشید و همی رفت راست
“He inquired where the chief of the village was, keeping his head low and walking straight ahead.”
#16
شکسته دری دید پهن و دراز
✦
بیامد خداوند و بردش نماز
“He saw a broken doorway, wide and long; the master came out and bowed low in homage.”
#17
بپرسید کاین خانه ویران کراست
✦
میان ده این جای ویران چراست
“The King asked, 'Whose ruined house is this? Why stands such a ruin in the midst of the village?'”
#18
خداوند گفت این سرای منست
✦
همین بخت بد رهنمای منست
“The owner said, 'This is my dwelling, and my own ill fortune is my sole guide.”
#19
نه گاو ستم ایدر نه پوشش نه خر
✦
نه دانش نه مردی نه پای و نه پر
“Here is no ox of labor, no clothing, no donkey, no knowledge, no manhood, no feet, nor wings.”
#20
مرا دیدی اکنون سرایم ببین
✦
بدین خانه نفرین به از آفرین
“You have seen me, now behold my house! Curse upon this dwelling is better than praise.'”
#21
ز اسپ اندر آمد بدید آن سرای
✦
جهاندار را سست شد دست و پای
“The ruler dismounted and saw the dwelling; the Lord of the World felt his hands and feet turn weak.”
#22
همه خانه سرگین بد از گوسفند
✦
یکی طاق بر پای و جای بلند
“The whole house was covered in sheep dung, with a single standing archway reaching high.”
#23
بدو گفت چیزی ز بهر نشست
✦
فراز آور ای مرد مهمان‌پرست
“He said to him, 'Bring something to sit upon, O hospitable man!'”
#24
چنین داد پاسخ که بر میزبان
✦
به خیره چرا خندی ای مرزبان
“He replied, 'Why do you mock your host in vain, O marchlord?”
#25
گر افگندنی هیچ بودی مرا
✦
مگر مرد مهمان ستودی مرا
“Had I any rug to spread, perhaps my guest would praise me!”
#26
نه افگندنی هست و نه خوردنی
✦
نه پوشیدنی و نه گستردنی
“There is nothing to spread, nothing to eat, nothing to wear, and nothing to lay upon.'”
#27
به جای دگر خانه جویی رواست
✦
که ایدر همه کارها بی‌نواست
“'It is better that you seek a house elsewhere, for here all things are destitute.'”
#28
ورا گفت بالش نگه کن یکی
✦
که تا برنشینم برو اندکی
“The King said, 'Look for a single pillow, so that I may sit upon it for a moment.'”
#29
بدو گفت ایدر نه جای نکوست
✦
همانا ترا شیر مرغ آرزوست
“He answered, 'This is no pleasant place; surely you desire bird's milk here!'”
#30
پس‌انگاه گفتش که شیر آر گرم
✦
چنان چون بیابی یکی نان نرم
“Then the King said, 'Bring warm milk, together with a loaf of soft bread.'”
#31
چنین داد پاسخ که ایدو گمان
✦
که خوردی و گشتی ازو شادمان
“He replied, 'You assume that you have eaten here and departed joyful!”
#32
اگر نان بدی در تنم جان بدی
✦
اگر چند جانم به از نان بدی
“If there were bread, there would be life in my body—though my life is worth more than bread!'”
#33
بدو گفت گر نیستت گوسفند
✦
که آمد به خان تو سرگین فگند
“The King said, 'If you have no sheep, who came to your house to leave this dung?'”
#34
چنین داد پاسخ که شب تیره شد
✦
مرا سر ز گفتار تو خیره شد
“He replied, 'The night is dark, and my head grows dizzy from your talk!”
#35
یکی خانه بگزین که یابی پلاس
✦
خداوند آن خانه دارد سپاس
“Choose another home where you may find a coarse mat, and whose owner will be grateful.”
#36
چه باشی به نزدیکی شوربخت
✦
که بستر کند شب ز برگ درخت
“Why stay near an ill-fated wretch who makes his bed at night from tree leaves?”
#37
به زر تیغ داری به زربر رکیب
✦
نباید که آید ز دزدت نهیب
“You have a golden sword and golden stirrups; beware lest a thief strike terror into you!”
#38
ز یزدان بترس و ز من دور باش
✦
به هر کار چون من تو رنجور باش
“Fear God and get far from me! Be miserable in every affair, just as I am!”
#39
چو خانه برین‌گونه ویران بود
✦
گذرگاه دزدان و شیران بود
“When a home is ruined like this, it becomes a path for thieves and lions.'”
#40
بدو گفت اگر دزد شمشیر من
✦
ببردی کنون نیستی زیر من
“The King said, 'If a thief took my sword, you would not now be standing under me.'”
#41
کدیور بدو گفت زین در مرنج
✦
که در خان من کس نیابد سپنج
“The householder said, 'Grieve not at this door, for no one finds lodging in my house.'”
#42
بدو گفت شاه ای خردمند پیر
✦
چه باشی به پیشم همی خیره خیر
“The King said, 'O wise old man, why do you stand before me talking so foolishly?”
#43
چنانچون گمانم هم از آب سرد
✦
ببخشای ای مرد آزادمرد
“Give me at least cold water, as I expect—have mercy, O noble man!'”
#44
کدیور بدو گفت کان آبگیر
✦
به پیش است کمتر ز پرتاب تیر
“The householder replied, 'That water-pond lies ahead, less than an arrow's flight away.”
#45
بخور چند خواهی و بردار نیز
✦
چه جویی بدین بی‌نوا خانه چیز
“Drink as much as you wish and take some too! Why seek anything in this destitute house?'”
#46
همانا بدیدی تو درویش مرد
✦
ز پیری فرومانده از کارکرد
“Indeed, did you see that poor man, helpless and worn out with old age from hard labor?”
#47
چنین داد پاسخ که گر مهتری
✦
نداری مکن جنگ با لشکری
“He answered thus: "If thou art a great lord, yet hast no army, wage no war against a host."”
#48
چه نامی بدو گفت فرشیدورد
✦
نه بوم و نه پوشش نه خواب و نه خورد
“"What name is he called?" Bahram asked Farshidvard. "He has no land, no raiment, no rest, and no food."”
#49
بدو گفت بهرام با کام خویش
✦
چرا نان نجویی بدین نام خویش
“Bahram said to him in his own mood: "Why do you not seek bread with such a name as yours?"”
#50
کدیور بدو گفت کز کردگار
✦
سرآید مگر بر من این روزگار
“The peasant answered him: "May God Almighty bring these bitter days of mine to an end."”
#51
نیایش کنم پیش یزدان خویش
✦
ببینم مگر بی‌تو ویران خویش
“"I pray before my God that I may see my ruined home free of your presence."”
#52
چرا آمدی در سرای تهی
✦
که هرگز نبینی مهی و بهی
“"Why have you entered a desolate home where you will never witness greatness or prosperity?"”
#53
بگفت این و بگریست چندان به زار
✦
که بگریخت ز آواز او شهریار
“Having spoken thus, he wept so bitterly that the King fled from the sound of his weeping.”
#54
بخندید زان پیر و آمد به راه
✦
دمادم بیامد پس او سپاه
“The King laughed at that old man and took to the road, while his army followed close behind.”
#55
چو بیرون شد از نامور شارستان
✦
به پیش اندر آمد یکی خارستان
“When he departed from the famous city, a thistly bramble-field appeared before him.”
#56
تبر داشت مردی همی کند خار
✦
ز لشکر بشد پیش او شهریار
“A man was there holding an axe, cutting thorns; leaving his army, the Sovereign rode up to him.”
#57
بدو گفت مهتر بدین شارستان
✦
کرا دانی ای دشمن خارستان
“The monarch asked him: "O foe of the bramble-bush, whom do you know of note in this city?"”
#58
چنین داد پاسخ که فرشیدورد
✦
بماند همه ساله بی‌خواب و خورد
“He answered thus: "It is Farshidvard, who remains all year round without sleep or proper food."”
#59
مگر گوسفندش بود صدهزار
✦
همان اسپ و استر بود زین شمار
“"He owns perhaps a hundred thousand sheep, and just as many horses and mules."”
#60
زمین پر ز آگنده دینار اوست
✦
که مه مغز بادش بتن‌بر مه پوست
“"The ground is full of his buried dinars—may he have neither brain nor flesh upon his bones!"”
#61
شکم گرسنه مانده تن برهنه
✦
نه فرزند و خویش نه‌بار و بنه
“"His stomach remains empty and his body bare; he has neither child, nor kin, nor household treasure."”
#62
اگر کشتمندش فروشد به زر
✦
یکی خانه بومش کند پر گهر
“"If he were to sell his crops for gold, he could fill an entire estate with precious gems."”
#63
شبانش همی گوشت جوشد به شیر
✦
خود او نان ارزن خورد با پنیر
“"His shepherd boils meat in milk, while he himself eats millet bread with cheese!"”
#64
دو جامه ندیدست هرگز به هم
✦
ازویست هم بر تن او ستم
“"He has never owned two suits of clothes at once; he inflicts oppression upon his own body."”
#65
چنین گفت با خارزن شهریار
✦
که گر گوسفندش ندانی شمار
“The King said to the thorn-cutter: "Though you may not know the exact tally of his sheep,"”
#66
بدانی همانا کجا دارد اوی
✦
شمارش بتو گفت کی یارد اوی
“"Surely you know where he keeps them; who would dare tell you the full count?"”
#67
چنین گفت کای رزم دیده سوار
✦
ازان خواسته کس نداند شمار
“He replied: "O battle-tested horseman, no man knows the measure of that wealth!"”
#68
بدان خارزن داد دینار چند
✦
بدو گفت کاکنون شدی ارجمند
“The King gave several dinars to that thorn-cutter and said: "Now you have become honorable and wealthy."”
#69
بفرمود تا از میان سپاه
✦
بیاید یکی مرد دانا به راه
“He commanded that a wise man from among the army step forward onto the road.”
#70
کجا نام آن مرد بهرام بود
✦
سواری دلیر و دلارام بود
“The name of that man was Bahram, a brave knight and a comforting companion.”
#71
فرستاد با نامور سی سوار
✦
گزین کرده شایسته مردان کار
“The King sent thirty renowned horsemen with him—chosen and capable men of action.”
#72
دبیری گزین کرد پرهیزگار
✦
بدان‌سان که دانست کردن شمار
“He selected a pious scribe who was well versed in taking inventory and counts.”
#73
بدان خارزن گفت ز ایدر برو
✦
همی خارکندی کنون زر درو
“He said to the thorn-cutter: "Go forth from here; hitherto you cut thorns, now reap gold!"”
#74
ازان خواسته ده یکی مر تراست
✦
بدین مردمان راه بنمای راست
“"A tenth of that treasure shall be thine; show the right path to these men."”
#75
دل افرزو بد نام آن خارزن
✦
گرازنده مردی به نیروی تن
“The name of that thorn-cutter was Del-Afruz, a vigorous man of bodily strength.”
#76
گرانمایه اسپی بدو داد و گفت
✦
که با باد باید که گردی تو جفت
“The King gave him a precious horse and said: "You must now become a companion to the wind!"”
#77
دل‌افروز بد گیتی افروز شد
✦
چو آمد به درگاه پیروز شد
“Del-Afruz became Giti-Afruz; when he arrived at court, he became victorious.”
#78
بیاورد لشکر به کوه و به دشت
✦
همی گوسفند از عدد برگذشت
“He led the troop to mountain and plain, where the sheep surpassed all count.”
#79
شتر بود بر کوه ده کاروان
✦
به هر کاروان بر یکی ساروان
“There were ten caravans of camels upon the mountain, with a camel-driver to each caravan.”
#80
ز گاوان ورز و ز گاوان شیر
✦
ز پشم و ز روغن ز کشک و پنیر
“There were plow oxen and dairy cows, along with heaps of wool, oil, dried whey, and cheese.”
#81
همه دشت و کوه و بیابان کنام
✦
کس او را به گیتی ندانست نام
“All the plains, mountains, and deserts were filled with herds, yet no one in the world knew his name.”
#82
بیابان سراسر همه کنده سم
✦
همان روغن گاو در سم به خم
“The entire desert was furrowed by hooves, and ox-butter filled large jars made of hooves.”
#83
ز شیراز وز ترف سیصدهراز
✦
شتروار بد بر لب جویبار
“Of cheese and dried whey, three hundred thousand camel-loads stood stacked along the stream's banks.”
#84
یکی نامه بنوشت بهرام هور
✦
به نزد شهنشاه بهرام گور
“Then Bahram-e Hur wrote a letter to the Shahanshah, Bahram Gur.”
#85
نخست آفرین کرد بر کردگار
✦
که اویست پیروز و پروردگار
“First he offered praise to the Creator, who is victorious and the Sustainer of all.”
#86
دگر آفرین بر شهنشاه کرد
✦
که کیش بدی (را) نگونسار کرد
“Next, he praised the King of kings, who overturned the ways of evil.”
#87
چنین گفت کای شهریار جهان
✦
ز تو شاد یکسر کهان و مهان
“He wrote: 'O Sovereign of the world, both high and low are overjoyed through thee.'”
#88
کز اندازه دادت همی بگذرد
✦
ازین خامشی گنج کیفر برد
“'Yet thy justice exceeds all measure; if we remain silent, this hoard may suffer harm or cause distress.'”
#89
همه کار گیتی به اندازه به
✦
دل شاه ز اندیشه‌ها تازه به
“'All affairs of the world are best kept in balance; the king's heart is best refreshed when freed from anxiety.'”
#90
یکی گم شده نام فرشیدورد
✦
نه در بزمگاه و نه اندر نبرد
“'There was a man named Farshidvard, obscure and unknown, neither seen at feasts nor in battle.'”
#91
ندانست کس نام او در جهان
✦
میان کهان و میان مهان
“'No one in the world knew his name, neither among the common folk nor among the nobles.'”
#92
نه خسروپرست و نه یزدان‌شناس
✦
ندانست کردن به چیزی سپاس
“'He neither served the king nor knew God, nor did he ever show gratitude for any blessing.'”
#93
چنین خواسته گسترد در جهان
✦
تهی‌دست و پر غم نشسته نهان
“'Though he spread such immense wealth across the land, he lived secretly in poverty and full of sorrow.'”
#94
به بیداد ماند همی داد شاه
✦
منه پند گفتار من بر گناه
“'The king's excessive mercy begins to resemble injustice; do not count my counsel as a fault.'”
#95
پی افگن یکی گنج زین خواسته
✦
سیوم سال را گردد آراسته
“'Lay the foundation of a royal treasure from this wealth, and within three years it shall be fully established.'”
#96
دبیران داننده را خواندم
✦
برین کوه آباد بنشاندم
“'I have summoned wise scribes and set them upon this prosperous mountain peak.'”
#97
شمارش پدیدار نامد هنوز
✦
نویسنده را پشت برگشت کوز
“'The tally is not yet complete, though the scribe's back has grown bent with writing.'”
#98
چنین گفت گوینده کاندر زمین
✦
ورا زر و گوهر فزونست زین
“'The informant said that buried beneath this earth, he has even more gold and gems than this.'”
#99
برین کوهسارم دو دیده به راه
✦
بدان تا چه فرمان دهد پیشگاه
“'Upon this mountain ridge I keep my eyes fixed on the road, awaiting whatever command comes from the throne.'”
#100
ز من باد بر شاه ایران درود
✦
بمان زنده تا نام تارست و پود
“'May my blessings rest upon the King of Iran; live forever, as long as warp and weft endure!'”
#101
هیونی برافگند پویان به راه
✦
بدان تا برد نامه نزدیک شاه
“He dispatched a swift dromedary rider along the road to convey the letter to the King.”
#102
چو آن نامه برخواند بهرام‌گور
✦
به دلش اندر افتارد زان کار شور
“When Bahram Gur read that letter, a turmoil of emotion arose within his heart.”
#103
دژم گشت و دیده پر از آب کرد
✦
بروهای جنگی پر از تاب کرد
“He grew sorrowful, his eyes filled with tears, and his warlike brows knitted in grief.”
#104
بفرمود تا پیش او شد دبیر
✦
قلم خواست رومی و چینی حریر
“He commanded the royal scribe to appear, asking for a Roman reed-pen and Chinese silk.”
#105
نخست آفرین کرد بر کردگار
✦
خداوند پیروز و به روزگار
“First he rendered praise unto the Creator, the victorious Lord of prosperous times.”
#106
خداوند دانایی و فرهی
✦
خداوند دیهیم شاهنشهی
“The Lord of wisdom and divine glory, the Master of the imperial crown and realm.”
#107
نبشت آن که گر دادگر بودمی
✦
همین مرد را رنج ننمودمی
“He wrote: 'If I were truly a just sovereign, I would not have inflicted distress upon this man.'”
#108
نیاورد گرد این ز دزدی و خون
✦
نبد هم کسی را به بد رهنمون
“'He did not amass this wealth through theft or bloodshed, nor did he lead anyone toward evil.'”
#109
همی بد که این مرد بد ناسپاس
✦
ز یزدان نبودش به دل در هراس
“'His only fault was being ungrateful, having no fear of God within his heart.'”
#110
یکی پاسبان بد برین خواسته
✦
دل و جان ز افزون شدن کاسته
“'He was merely a guardian over this wealth, diminishing his heart and soul just to hoard more.'”
#111
بدین دشت چه گرگ و چه گوسفند
✦
چو باشد به پیکار و ناسودمند
“'In this plain, what difference lies between wolf and sheep, when life is but a futile struggle?'”
#112
به زیر زمین در چه گوهر چه سنگ
✦
کزو خورد و پوشش نیاید به چنگ
“'Beneath the earth, what matter gems or stones, if they yield neither food nor raiment?'”
#113
نسازیم ازان رنج بنیاد گنج
✦
نبندیم دل در سرای سپنج
“'We shall not build a foundation of treasure out of others' suffering, nor set our hearts upon this fleeting inn.'”
#114
فریدون نه پیداست اندر جهان
✦
همان ایرج و سلم و تور از مهان
“Feraydun is no longer seen in the world, nor are Iraj, Salm, and Tur among the great.”
#115
همان جم و کاوس با کیقباد
✦
جزین نامداران که داریم یاد
“Likewise Jamshid, Kay Kavus, and Kay Qobad, alongside all the famed kings whom we remember.”
#116
پدرم آنک زو دل پر از درد بود
✦
نبد دادگر ناجوانمرد بود
“My father, whose harshness filled all hearts with pain, was neither just nor generous.”
#117
کسی زین بزرگان پدیدار نیست
✦
بدین با خداوند پیکار نیست
“None of those great figures of the past remain; against the Almighty Lord, no one can contend.”
#118
تو آن خواسته گرد کن هرچ هست
✦
ببخش و مبر زان به یک چیز دست
“Gather all of that wealth, whatever it may be, bestow it on the needy, and take not a single piece for yourself.”
#119
کسی را که پوشیده دارد نیاز
✦
که از بد همی دیر یابد جواز
“Bestow it on those who conceal their dire need, who late find relief from adversity.”
#120
همان نیز پیری که بیکار گشت
✦
به چشم گرانمایگان خوار گشت
“Give also to the elderly who have grown helpless and lost respect in the eyes of the wealthy.”
#121
دگر هرک چیزیش بود و بخورد
✦
کنون ماند با درد و با بادسرد
“And to any who once had riches and spent them, but now remain in sorrow and cold sighs.”
#122
کسی را که نامست و دینار نیست
✦
به بازارگانی کسش یار نیست
“To him who possesses an honorable name but no gold, whom no merchant will accept as a partner.”
#123
دگر کودکانی که بینی یتیم
✦
پدر مرده و مانده بی زر و سیم
“And to the orphan children whom you see fatherless, left behind without gold or silver.”
#124
زنانی که بی‌شوی و بی‌پوشش‌اند
✦
که کاری ندانند و بی‌کوشش‌اند
“To women left without husbands or clothing, who know no trade and lack the power to strive.”
#125
بریشان ببخش این همه خواسته
✦
برافروز جان و روان کاسته
“Bestow all this wealth upon them, and revive their weary souls and diminished spirits.”
#126
تو با آنک رفتی سوی گنج باد
✦
همه داد و پرهیزگاریت باد
“As for you who went toward this windfall treasure, let justice and righteousness be your only guide.”
#127
نهان کرده دینار فرشیدورد
✦
بدو مان همی تا نماند به درد
“Leave enough of Farshidvard's hidden gold for him, so that he does not remain in misery.”
#128
مر او را چه دینار و گوهر چه خاک
✦
چو بایست کردن همی در مغاک
“What difference to him is gold, jewels, or dust, when in the end he must be laid in the grave?”
#129
سپهر گراینده یار تو باد
✦
همان داد و پرهیز کار تو باد
“May the revolving sphere be your ally, and may justice and piety ever be your practice.”
#130
نهادند بر نامه‌بر مهر شاه
✦
فرستاده برگشت و آمد به راه
“They placed the king's seal upon the letter; the messenger turned back and set off on his journey.”