#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.”