#1
پس آگاه شد شنگل از کار شاه
✦
ز دختر که شد شاه را پیش‌گاه
“Then Shangal received tidings of the Shah’s affairs, and how his daughter had entered the King’s exalted court.”
#2
به دیدار ایران بدش آرزوی
✦
بر دختر شاه آزاده‌خوی
“A deep desire awoke in him to behold Iran, and to visit his noble-natured daughter.”
#3
فرستاد هندی فرستاده‌ای
✦
سخن‌گوی مردی و آزاده‌ای
“He dispatched an Indian ambassador, an eloquent and noble man,”
#4
یکی عهد نو خواست از شهریار
✦
که دارد به خان اندرون یادگار
“Seeking a new covenant from the sovereign, to preserve as a treasured heirloom in his house.”
#5
به نوی جهاندار عهدی نوشت
✦
چو خورشید تابان به باغ بهشت
“The world-ruler wrote a fresh treaty, radiant as the shining sun in the garden of paradise.”
#6
یکی پهلوی نامه از خط شاه
✦
فرستاده آورد و بنمود راه
“The envoy brought the royal script in Pahlavi, revealing the open path.”
#7
فرستاده چون نزد شنگل رسید
✦
سپهدار قنوج خطش بدید
“When the messenger arrived before Shangal, the warlord of Kannauj beheld the Royal decree.”
#8
ز هندوستان ساز رفتن گرفت
✦
ز خویشان چینی نهفتن گرفت
“He made preparations to depart from Hindustan, keeping his journey secret from his Chinese kinsmen.”
#9
بیامد به درگاه او هفت شاه
✦
که آیند با رای شنگل به راه
“Seven kings assembled at his palace gate to ride alongside Shangal’s wise counsel.”
#10
یکی شاه کابل دگر هند شاه
✦
دگر شاه سندل بشد با سپاه
“The King of Kabul, the King of Hind, and the King of Sandal marched forth with their armies,”
#11
دگر شاه مندل که بد نامدار
✦
همان نیز جندل که بد کامگار
“Along with the renowned King of Mandal, and the prosperous King of Jandal.”
#12
ابا ژنده پیلان و زنگ و درای
✦
یکی چتر هندی به سر بر به پای
“With massive war-elephants, ringing bells, and Indian parasols held high over their heads.”
#13
همه نامجوی و همه نامدار
✦
همه پاک با طوق و با گوشوار
“All seekers of renown and glorious fame, pure-hearted, wearing neck-collars and golden earrings.”
#14
همه ویژه با گوهر و سیم و زر
✦
یکی چتر هندی ز طاوس نر
“All adorned with fine jewels, silver, and gold, beneath parasols fashioned from male peacocks.”
#15
به دیبا بیاراسته پشت پیل
✦
همی تافت آن لشکر از چند میل
“The backs of the elephants were draped in fine brocade; that host gleamed from miles away.”
#16
ابا هدیهٔ شاه و چندان نثار
✦
که دینار شد خوار بر شهریار
“Bearing such tribute and endless gifts for the King, that gold seemed of little worth to the monarch.”
#17
همی راند منزل به منزل سپاه
✦
چو زان آگهی یافت بهرامشاه
“Stage by stage the army pressed forward, until tidings reached King Bahram.”
#18
بزرگان ز هر شهر برخاستند
✦
پذیره شدن را بیاراستند
“The nobles of every city arose, preparing to go forth in grand reception.”
#19
بیامد شهنشاه تا نهروان
✦
خردمند و بیدار و روشن‌روان
“The King of Kings journeyed as far as Nahrawan, wise, alert, and luminous of soul.”
#20
دو شاه گرانمایه و نیک‌ساز
✦
رسیدند پس یک به دیگر فراز
“The two exalted and noble monarchs drew near and met each other.”
#21
به نزدیک اندر فرود آمدند
✦
که با پوزش و با درود آمدند
“They dismounted nearby, coming forward with warm greetings and polite courtliness.”
#22
گرفتند مر یکدگر را به بر
✦
دو شاه سرافراز با تاج و فر
“The two exalted kings embraced, crowned with majesty and divine glory.”
#23
پیاده شده لشکر از هر دو روی
✦
جهانی سراسر پر از گفت‌وگوی
“The armies on both sides dismounted; the whole world resounded with conversation.”
#24
دو شاه و دو لشکر رسیده بهم
✦
همی رفت هرگونه از بیش و کم
“The two kings and their hosts joined together, exchanging endless courtesies.”
#25
به زین بر نشستند هر دو سوار
✦
همان پرهنر لشکر نامدار
“Both monarchs mounted their steeds once more, accompanied by their accomplished, renowned armies.”
#26
به ایوانها تخت زرین نهاد
✦
برو جامهٔ خسرو آیین نهاد
“Golden thrones were set in the royal halls, spread with royal brocades according to imperial custom.”
#27
به ره بر بره مرغ بریان نهاد
✦
به یک تیر پرتاب بر خوان نهاد
“Roasted fowls were set along the paths, and banqueting tables spread as far as an arrow flies.”
#28
می آورد و برخواند رامشگران
✦
همه جام پر از کران تا کران
“Wine was served and musicians summoned, while goblets were filled brimming to the edge.”
#29
چو نان خورده شد مجلس شاهوار
✦
بیاراست پر بوی و رنگ و نگار
“When the feast ended, the royal assembly was adorned with sweet scents, vibrant colors, and artistry.”
#30
پرستندگان ایستاده به پای
✦
بهشتی شده کاخ و گاه و سرای
“Attendants stood in service; the palace, throne, and court became like paradise itself.”
#31
همه آلت می سراسر بلور
✦
طبقهای زرین ز مشک و بخور
“All the wine vessels were made of pure crystal, with golden trays of musk and burning incense.”
#32
ز زر افسری بر سر میگسار
✦
به پای اندرون کفش گوهرنگار
“Golden crowns adorned the cupbearers' heads, and shoes glittering with gems were upon their feet.”
#33
فروماند زان کاخ شنگل شگفت
✦
به می خوردن اندیشه اندر گرفت
“Shangal was filled with wonder at that palace, turning deep thoughts in his mind as he drank.”
#34
که تا این بهشتست یا بوستان
✦
همی بوی مشک آید از دوستان
“Thinking: "Is this a garden or paradise itself? The scent of musk wafts from these friends!"”
#35
چنین گفت با شاه ایران به راز
✦
که با دخترم راه دیدار ساز
“He whispered in secret to the Shah of Iran: "Grant me a way to see my daughter."”
#36
بفرمود تا خادمان سپاه
✦
پدر را گذراند نزدیک ماه
“The Shah ordered the court attendants to guide the father to his moon-faced bride.”
#37
همی رفت با خادمان نامدار
✦
سرای دگر دید چون نوبهار
“The renowned father walked alongside the attendants, beholding another palace like fresh spring.”
#38
چو دخترش را دید بر تخت عاج
✦
نشسته به آرام با فر و تاج
“When he saw his daughter seated upon an ivory throne, resting peacefully in crown and divine glory,”
#39
بیامد پدر بر سرش بوسه داد
✦
رخان را به رخسار او برنهاد
“The father approached, kissed her forehead, and pressed his cheeks against hers.”
#40
پدر زار بگریست از مهر اوی
✦
همان بر پدر دختر ماه‌روی
“The father wept bitterly out of deep affection, and likewise wept his moon-faced daughter.”
#41
همی دست بر سود شنگل به دست
✦
ازان کاخ و ایوان و جای نشست
“Shangal stroked the halls with his hands, in awe of that palace and imperial residence.”
#42
سپینود را گفت اینت بهشت
✦
برستی ز کاخ بت‌آرای زشت
“He said to Sapinud: "This is true paradise! You have escaped the ugly idol-temples of Hind."”
#43
همان هدیه‌ها را که آورده بود
✦
اگر بدره و تاج و گر برده بود
“All the gifts he had brought—whether purses of gold, crowns, or rich fabrics—”
#44
بدو داد با هدیهٔ شهریار
✦
شد آن خرم ایوان چو باغ بهار
“He bestowed upon her alongside the Shah’s gifts, turning that cheerful hall into a spring garden.”
#45
وزان جایگه شد به نزدیک شاه
✦
همی کرد مرد اندر ایوان نگاه
“Thence he returned to the Shah’s presence, gazing in marvel around the royal assembly.”
#46
بزرگان چو خرم شدند از نبید
✦
پرستار او خوابگاهی گزید
“When the nobles grew merry with wine, the royal attendant prepared a comfortable bedchamber.”
#47
سوی خوابگه رفتن آراستند
✦
ز هرگونه‌ای جامه‌ها خواستند
“They made ready to retire to the bedchamber, calling for garments of every fine variety.”
#48
چو پیدا شد این چادر مشک‌رنگ
✦
ستاره بروبر چو پشت پلنگ
“When night spread its musk-hued veil, studded with stars like the spotted back of a leopard,”
#49
بکردند میخوارگان خواب خوش
✦
همه ناز را دست کرده بکش
“The revellers sank into a sweet sleep, embracing ease and luxury to their hearts' content.”
#50
چنین تا پدید آمد آن زرد جام
✦
که خورشید خوانی مر او را به نام
“So it remained until that golden goblet shone forth, which men call by the name of the Sun.”
#51
بینداخت آن چادر لاژورد
✦
بگسترد بر دشت یاقوت زرد
“It cast off the azure mantle of night and scattered yellow rubies of sunlight across the plain.”
#52
به نخچیر شد شاه بهرام گرد
✦
شهنشاه هندوستان را ببرد
“Then the heroic King Bahram went out to hunt, taking the Emperor of Hindustan along with him.”
#53
چو از دشت نخچیر باز آمدند
✦
خجسته پی و بزمساز آمدند
“When they returned from the hunting ground, they came with blessed steps to set up a new banquet.”
#54
چنین هم بگوی و به نخچیر و سور
✦
زمانی نبودی ز بهرام دور
“Thus in speech, hunting, and joyful feasting, he remained not a moment apart from Bahram.”