#1
بیامد به تخت کیی برنشست
✦
چنان چون بود شاه یزدان‌پرست
“He came and took his seat upon the Kayanian throne, just as a God-fearing monarch ought to do.”
#2
نخستین چنین گفت با مهتران
✦
که ای پرهنر پاکدل سروران
“He first spoke thus to the grandees: 'O noble, pure-hearted, and talented lords!'”
#3
همی‌خواهم از داور بی‌نیاز
✦
که باشد مرا زندگانی دراز
“'I ask of the self-sufficient Judge that my life may be long upon this earth,'”
#4
که که را به که دارم و مه به مه
✦
فراوان خرد باشدم روز به
“'That I may hold the humble with the humble and the great with the great, possessing abundant wisdom day by day.'”
#5
سر مردمی بردباری بود
✦
سبک سر همیشه به خواری بود
“'The crown of humanity is forbearance; the light-headed forever dwell in ignominy.'”
#6
ستون خرد داد و بخشایشست
✦
در بخشش او را چو آرایشست
“'The pillar of wisdom is justice and mercy, and generosity is its true adornment.'”
#7
زبان چرب و گویندگی فر اوست
✦
دلیری و مردانگی پر اوست
“'Soft speech and eloquence are its splendour; bravery and manhood fill its heart.'”
#8
هران نامور کو ندارد خرد
✦
ز تخت بزرگی کجا برخورد؟
“'Whichever renowned man lacks wisdom, how shall he ever enjoy the throne of greatness?'”
#9
خردمند هم نیز جاوید نیست
✦
فری برتر از فر جمشید نیست
“'Yet even the wise man is not immortal; no royal splendour surpassed the glory of Jamshid.'”
#10
چو تاجش به ماه اندر آمد بمرد
✦
نشست کیی دیگری را سپرد
“'When his crown reached to the moon, he died, leaving the royal throne to another.'”
#11
نماند برین خاک جاوید کس
✦
ز هر بد به یزدان پناهید و بس
“'None remains upon this earth forever; take refuge in God from every evil, and that is all.'”
#12
همی‌بود یک سال با داد و پند
✦
خردمند وز هر بدی بی‌گزند
“He ruled for a full year with justice and counsel, wise and unharmed by any ill.”
#13
دگر سال روی هوا خشک شد
✦
به جو اندرون آب چون مشک شد
“The second year, the face of the sky turned dry, and the water in the streams became dark like musk.”
#14
سه دیگر همان و چهارم همان
✦
ز خشکی نبد هیچکس شادمان
“The third and fourth years were the same; from such drought, no man found cause for joy.”
#15
هوا را دهان خشک چون خاک شد
✦
ز تنگی به جو آب تریاک شد
“The mouth of the sky became dry as dust; from scarcity, water in the riverbeds turned rare as antidote.”
#16
ز بس مردن مردم و چارپای
✦
پیی را ندیدند بر خاک جای
“So great was the dying of men and cattle that no vacant footprint could be seen upon the dust.”
#17
شهنشاه ایران چو دید آن شگفت
✦
خراج و گزیت از جهان برگرفت
“When the King of Kings of Iran beheld this wonder, he remitted taxes and tribute from all the world.”
#18
به هر سو که انبار بودش نهان
✦
ببخشید بر کهتران و مهان
“Wherever he had hidden granaries, he distributed them to the humble and the great alike.”
#19
خروشی برآمد ز درگاه شاه
✦
که ای نامداران با دستگاه
“A cry resounded from the king's threshold: 'O famous men of wealth and power!'”
#20
غله هرچ دارید پیدا کنید
✦
ز دینار پیروز گنج آگنید
“'Bring forth whatever grain you possess, and fill your treasuries with Piruz's dinars!'”
#21
هر آنکس که دارد نهانی غله
✦
وگر گاو و گر گوسفند و گله
“'Whoever holds hidden corn, or cattle, or sheep and herds,'”
#22
به نرخی فروشد که او را هواست
✦
که از خوردنی جانور بی‌نواست
“'Let him sell it at whatever price he wishes, for living souls are destitute of food.'”
#23
به هر کارداری و خودکامه‌ای
✦
فرستاد تازان یکی نامه‌ای
“To every governor and magistrate he dispatched a swift decree,”
#24
که انبارها برگشایند باز
✦
به گیتی برآنکس که هستش نیاز
“Ordering them to throw open the granaries to anyone in the world who was in need.”
#25
کسی گر بمیرد بنایافت نان
✦
ز برنا و از پیر مرد و زنان
“'If anyone should die for lack of bread—be they young or old, man or woman—'”
#26
بریزم ز تن خون انباردار
✦
کجا کار یزدان گرفتست خوار
“'I shall spill the blood of that storekeeper who held God's command in light regard.'”
#27
بفرمود تا خانه بگذاشتند
✦
به دشت آمد و دست برداشتند
“He ordered the people to leave their homes; they came out to the plain and raised their hands in prayer.”
#28
همی به آسمان اندر آمد خروش
✦
ز بس مویه و درد و زاری و جوش
“Cries echoed into the heavens from the vast mourning, pain, weeping, and distress.”
#29
ز کوه و بیابان وز دشت و غار
✦
ز یزدان همی‌خواستی زینهار
“From mountain, desert, plain, and cave, they sought refuge from God.”
#30
برین گونه تا هفت سال از جهان
✦
ندیدند سبزی کهان و مهان
“In this manner, for seven years, neither great nor small beheld any greenery upon the earth.”
#31
به هشتُم بیامد مه فرودین
✦
برآمد یکی ابر با آفرین
“In the eighth year, in the month of Farvardin, a blessed cloud appeared in the sky.”
#32
همی درّ بارید بر خاک خشک
✦
همی‌آمد از بوستان بوی مشک
“It poured pearls upon the dry earth, and the scent of musk arose from the gardens.”
#33
شده ژاله بر گل چو مل در قدح
✦
همی‌تافت از ابر قوس قزح
“Dewdrops lay upon the roses like wine in a goblet, and the rainbow shone bright through the clouds.”
#34
زمانه برست از بد بدگمان
✦
به هرجای بر زه نهاده کمان
“The world was saved from evil ill-will, which had everywhere drawn its bow to string.”
#35
چو پیروز ازان روز تنگی برست
✦
بر آرام بر تخت شاهی نشست
“When Piruz escaped those days of hardship, he sat in tranquility upon the royal throne.”
#36
یکی شارستان کرد پیروز کام
✦
بفرمود کو را نهادند نام
“He founded a glorious city named Piruz-Kam (The Fulfillment of Piruz).”
#37
جهاندار گوینده گفت این رِی‌ست
✦
که آرام شاهان فرخ‌پی‌ست
“The worldly wise speaker says this is Rey, the resting place of auspicious kings.”
#38
دگر کرد بادان پیروز نام
✦
خنیده به هرجایش آرام و کام
“He built another city named Bad-an-Piruz, famous everywhere as a realm of ease and desire,”
#39
که اکنونش خوانی همی اردبیل
✦
که قیصر بدو دارد از داد میل
“Which today you call Ardebil, toward which Caesar leans with justice.”
#40
چو این بوم‌ها یکسر آباد کرد
✦
دل مردم پر خرد شاد کرد
“When he had made these realms entirely prosperous, he gladdened the hearts of the wise.”
#41
درم داد با لشکر نامدار
✦
سوی جنگ جستن برآراست کار
“He gave money to his renowned army and prepared to seek battle.”
#42
بدان جنگ هرمز بُدی پیش‌رو
✦
همی‌رفت با کارسازان نو
“In that war, Hormoz was the vanguard, marching ahead with new war-planners.”
#43
قباد از پس پشت پیروز شاه
✦
همی‌راند چون باد لشکر به راه
“Qobad marched behind King Piruz, driving the host like the swift wind.”
#44
که پیروز را پاک فرزند بود
✦
خردمند شاخی برومند بود
“For Piruz had a noble son, a wise and fruitful branch of royalty.”
#45
بلاش از بر تخت بنشست شاد
✦
که کهتر پسر بود با مهر و داد
“Balash sat gladly upon the throne, being his younger son filled with love and justice.”
#46
یکی پارسی بود بس نامدار
✦
ورا سوفرا خواندی شهریار
“There was a Persian noble of immense renown, whom the King called by the name of Sufray.”
#47
بفرمود پیروز کایدر بباش
✦
چو دستور شایسته نزد بلاش
“Piruz commanded him: 'Remain here and serve as a worthy counselor unto Balash.'”
#48
سپه را سوی جنگ ترکان کشید
✦
همی تاج و تخت کیی را سزید
“He led his army toward war against the Turks—he who was truly worthy of the Kayanid crown and throne.”
#49
همی‌راند با لشکر و گنج و ساز
✦
که پیکار جویند با خوشنواز
“He marched onward with forces, wealth, and war-gear, seeking to join battle with Khushnavaz.”
#50
نشانی که بهرام یل کرده بود
✦
ز پستی بلندی برآورده بود
“He reached the boundary mark that valiant Bahram had erected, raising a pillar high above the lowlands.”
#51
نبشته یکی عهد شاهنشهان
✦
که از ترک و ایرانیان در جهان
“Upon it was inscribed a treaty of the King of Kings, establishing terms between the Turks and Iranians of the world:”
#52
کسی زین نشان هیچ برنگذرد
✦
کزان رود برتر زمین نشمرد
“'Let no man cross beyond this border landmark, nor claim the lands that lie past the river.'”
#53
چو پیروز شیراوژن آنجا رسید
✦
نشان کردن شاه ایران بدید
“When Piruz, the lion-overthrowing king, arrived there, he beheld the monument set up by Iran's monarch.”
#54
چنین گفت یکسر به گردنکشان
✦
که از پیش ترکان برین همنشان
“Thus he spoke to all his warlords: 'Facing the Turks, right at this boundary landmark,'”
#55
مناره برآرم به شمشیر و گنج
✦
ز هیتال تا کس نباشد به رنج
“'I shall raise another pillar through my sword and treasure, so that none shall suffer harm from Heptal.'”
#56
چو باشد مناره به پیش تَرَک
✦
بزرگان به پیش من آرند چک
“'When this pillar stands before the Turk, their chieftains shall present to me their deeds of submission.'”
#57
بگویم که آن کرد بهرام گور
✦
به مردی و دانایی و فر و زور
“'I shall proclaim that Bahram Gur raised his mark through valor, wisdom, royal splendor, and strength.'”
#58
نمانم به جایی پی خوشنواز
✦
به هیتال و ترک از نشیب و فراز
“'I will leave no trace of Khushnavaz anywhere across the heights and hollows of Heptal and the Turks!'”
#59
چو بشنید فرزند خاقان که شاه
✦
ز جیحون گذر کرد خود با سپاه
“When the Khaqan's son learned that the King of Iran had crossed the Oxus river with his host,”
#60
همی‌بشکند عهد بهرام گور
✦
بدان تازه شد کشتن و جنگ و شور
“And was violating the treaty of Bahram Gur, the flames of slaughter, war, and strife were rekindled.”
#61
دبیر جهاندیده را خوشنواز
✦
بفرمود تا شد بر او فراز
“Khushnavaz summoned a veteran scribe and bade him step forward into his presence.”
#62
یکی نامه بنوشت با آفرین
✦
ز دادار بر شهریار زمین
“He dictated a letter beginning with praise from the Creator unto the sovereign of the world.”
#63
چنین گفت کز عهد شاهان داد
✦
به گردی نخوانمت خسرونژاد
“He wrote: 'By the sacred oath of just monarchs, despite your royal blood, I cannot call you a true knight.'”
#64
نه این بود عهد نیاکان تو
✦
گزیده جهاندار و پاکان تو
“'Such was not the covenant of your forebears—those chosen, pure-hearted rulers of the world.'”
#65
چو پیمان آزادگان بشکنی
✦
نشان بزرگی به خاک افگنی
“'If you break the pledge of noble men, you cast down the seal of your own greatness into the dust.'”
#66
مرا با تو پیمان بباید شکست
✦
به ناچار بردن به شمشیر دست
“'Then I too must break my pact with you, and perforce lay my hand upon the sword.'”
#67
به نامه ز هر کارش آگاه کرد
✦
بسی هدیه با نامه همراه کرد
“Through the letter he made him aware of every matter, and sent many rich gifts along with the epistle.”
#68
سواری سراینده و سرفراز
✦
همی‌رفت با نامهٔ خوشنواز
“An eloquent and proud envoy set forth, bearing the letter of Khushnavaz.”
#69
چو آن نامه برخواند پیروز شاه
✦
برآشفت زان نامور پیشگاه
“When King Piruz read that missive, he grew deeply enraged before his illustrious court.”
#70
فرستاده را گفت برخیز و رو
✦
به نزدیک آن مرد دیوانه شو
“He commanded the messenger: 'Arise and begone! Return at once to that foolish, mad man!'”
#71
بگویش که تا پیش رود تَرَک
✦
شما را فرستاد بهرام چک
“'Tell him: Bahram granted you a treaty only up to the border river of the Turks.'”
#72
کنون تا لب رود جیحون تو راست
✦
بلندی و پستی و هامون تو راست
“'Now, only up to the bank of the Oxus is yours—its high peaks, low grounds, and vast plains.'”
#73
من اینک بیارم سپاهی گران
✦
سرافراز گردان جنگ آوران
“'For I now advance with a mighty host of proud, battle-proven warriors.'”
#74
نمانم مگر سایهٔ خوشنواز
✦
که باشد بروی زمین بر دراز
“'I shall leave nothing of Khushnavaz upon the earth save his long, fallen shadow!'”
#75
فرستاده آمد به کردار گرد
✦
شنیده سخن‌ها همه یاد کرد
“The envoy returned swift as a swirling dust-cloud, remembering every word he had been told.”
#76
همی‌گفت یک چند با خوشنواز
✦
ازان شاه گردنکش و دیرساز
“He spoke at length with Khushnavaz, recounting the words of that stubborn and arrogant king.”
#77
چو گفتار بشنید و نامه بخواند
✦
سپاه پراگنده را برنشاند
“When Khushnavaz heard the message and read the letter, he rallied his scattered army and mounted them.”
#78
بیاورد لشکر به دشت نبرد
✦
همان عهد را بر سر نیزه کرد
“He brought his forces to the battlefield, fixing that very treaty upon the point of his spear,”
#79
که بستد نیایش ز بهرامشاه
✦
که جیحون میانجیست ما را به راه
“Which his forebear had obtained from King Bahram, declaring the Oxus river as their common boundary.”
#80
یکی مرد بینادل و چرب‌گوی
✦
ز لشکر گزین کرد با آبروی
“He chose from his army a man of wisdom, eloquent speech, and high reputation.”
#81
بدو گفت نزدیک پیروز رو
✦
به چربی سخن‌گوی و پاسخ شنو
“He said to him: "Go unto Peroz; speak with soft and gentle words, and listen to his reply."”
#82
بگویش که عهد نیای تو را
✦
بلند اختر و رهنمای تو را
“"Tell him: 'The treaty of thy grandfather, who was thy high star and guiding light,'"”
#83
همی بر سر نیزه پیش سپاه
✦
بیارم چو خورشید تابان به راه
“'I shall bring forth on the tip of a spear before the army, shining like the radiant sun upon the road,'”
#84
بدان تا هر آنکس که دارد خرد
✦
به منشور آن دادگر بنگرد
“'So that whoever possesseth wisdom may gaze upon the decree of that just ruler.'”
#85
مرا آفرین بر تو نفرین بود
✦
همان نام تو شاه بی‌دین بود
“'My praise unto thee shall turn to curse, and thy title shall become the unrighteous king.'”
#86
نه یزدان پسندد نه یزدان‌پرست
✦
نه اندر جهان مردم زیردست
“'Neither God nor the God-fearing, nor the humble subjects of the world shall approve,'”
#87
که بیداد جوید کسی در جهان
✦
بپیچد سر از عهد شاهنشهان
“'That anyone in the world should seek injustice, and turn his head from the treaties of the Kings of Kings.'”
#88
به داد و به مردی چو بهرام شاه
✦
کسی نیز ننهاد بر سر کلاه
“'In justice and valour, like King Bahram, no monarch ever set the crown upon his head.'”
#89
برین بر جهاندار یزدان گواست
✦
که او را گوا خواستن ناسزاست
“'God, the Ruler of the World, is witness to this—though calling Him to witness is beyond our measure.'”
#90
که بیداد جوید همی جنگ من
✦
چنین با سپه کردن آهنگ من
“'That it is he who unjust seeks war with me, advancing with his host against my realm.'”
#91
نباشی تو زین جنگ پیروزگر
✦
نیابی مگر ز اختر نیک بر
“'Thou shalt not emerge victorious from this war, nor reap fruit save from an auspicious star.'”
#92
ازین پس نخواهم فرستاد کس
✦
بدین جنگ یزدان مرا یار بس
“'Henceforth I shall send no envoy more; in this war, God alone is my sufficient helper.'”
#93
فرستاده با نامه آمد چو گرد
✦
سخن‌ها به پیروز بر یاد کرد
“The envoy returned swift as the wind with the letter, and recited all the words unto Peroz.”
#94
چو برخواند آن نامهٔ خوشنواز
✦
پر از خشم شد شاه گردن فراز
“When the proud King read the letter of Khushnawaz, his heart was filled with fiery wrath.”
#95
فرستاده را گفت چندین سخن
✦
نگوید جهاندیده مرد کهن
“He said to the envoy: "Such talk as this no experienced, wise old man would ever utter,"”
#96
که از چاچ یک پی نهد نزد رود
✦
به نوک سنانش فرستم درود
“'That if he step one foot from Chach toward the river, I shall send him greetings upon the point of my lance!'”
#97
فرستاده آمد بر خوشنواز
✦
فراوان سخن گفت با او به راز
“The messenger returned to Khushnawaz, and spoke with him in secret of many things.”
#98
که نزدیک پیروز، ترسِ خدای
✦
ندیدم نبودش کسی رهنمای
“Saying: "In Peroz I saw no fear of God; he hath no guiding light to direct his path."”
#99
همه دیدمش جنگ جوید همی
✦
به فرمان یزدان نگوید همی
“'I saw him wholly bent on seeking war, taking no heed of the divine command.'”
#100
چو بشندی زو این سخن خوشنواز
✦
به یزدان پناهید و بردش نماز
“When Khushnawaz heard these words from him, he took refuge in God and fell in prayer.”
#101
چنین گفت کای داور داد و پاک
✦
تویی آفرینندهٔ هور و خاک
“He spake thus: "O pure and just Judge! Thou art the Creator of the sun and the earth."”
#102
تو دانی که پیروز بیدادگر
✦
ز بهرام بیشی ندارد هنر
“'Thou knowest that the unjust Peroz possesses no virtue greater than Bahram did.'”
#103
پی او ز روی زمین برگسل
✦
مه نیرو مه آهنگ جانش مه دل
“'Cut off his steps from the face of the earth! Grant him no strength, nor resolve for his soul and heart!'”
#104
سخن‌های بیداد گوید همی
✦
بزرگی به شمشیر جوید همی
“'For he uttereth words of tyranny, and seeketh greatness only through the sword!'”
#105
به گرد سپه بر یکی کنده کرد
✦
سرش را بپوشید و آگنده کرد
“Around his army he dug a great trench, covered its top and filled it with camouflaged traps.”
#106
کمندی فزون بود بالای اوی
✦
همان سی ارش کرده پهنای اوی
“Its depth exceeded the length of a lasso, and its width was fashioned to thirty cubits.”
#107
چو این کرده شد نام یزدان بخواند
✦
ز پیش سمرقند لشکر براند
“When this was completed, he invoked the name of God and marched his host forth from Samarqand.”
#108
وزان روی سرگشته پیروز شاه
✦
همی‌راند چون باد لشکر به راه
“On the other side, King Peroz, bewildered in heart, was driving his host along the road like the wind.”
#109
وزین روی پر بیم دل خوشنواز
✦
چنین تا برِ کنده آمد فراز
“And on this side, Khushnawaz with an anxious heart marched until he came near the edge of the trench.”
#110
برآمد ز هردو سپه بوق و کوس
✦
هوا شد ز گرد سپاه آبنوس
“Clarions and drums resounded from both armies, and the air turned black as ebony from the dust of the hosts.”
#111
چنان تیرباران بد از هر دو روی
✦
که چون آب خون اندر آمد به جوی
“Such a rain of arrows poured from both sides that blood flowed down the channels like running water.”
#112
چو نزدیکی کنده شد خوشنواز
✦
همی‌گفت با داور پاک راز
“When Khushnawaz came near the trench, he continued to speak his secret prayers to the pure Judge.”
#113
وزان روی چون باد پیروزشاه
✦
همی‌تاخت با خوارمایه سپاه
“And from the other side, King Peroz swept like the wind, charging ahead with a reckless, diminished host.”
#114
چو آمد به نزدیکی خوشنواز
✦
سپهدار ترکان ازو گشت باز
“When he drew near to Khushnawaz, the commander of the Turks turned back from him.”
#115
عنان را بپیچید و بنمود پشت
✦
پس او سپاه اندر آمد درشت
“He turned his reins and feigned retreat; whereupon the Persian host pressed fiercely behind him.”
#116
برانگیخت پس باره پیروزشاه
✦
همی‌راند با گرز و رومی کلاه
“King Pirooz then spurred his battle-steed, charging forward with his mace and Roman helmet.”
#117
به کنده در افتاد با چند مرد
✦
بزرگان و شیران روز نبرد
“Into the hidden trench he plunged alongside a company of men—noble lords and lions of the day of battle.”
#118
چو نرسی برادرش و فرخ قباد
✦
بزرگان و شاهان فرخ نژاد
“As did his brother Narseh and auspicious Qobad, along with nobles and princes of illustrious lineage.”
#119
برین سان نگون شد سر هفت شاه
✦
همه نامداران زرین کلاه
“In this tragic manner fell headlong seven kings, all renowned chieftains wearing golden crowns.”
#120
وزان جایگه شاددل خوشنواز
✦
به نزدیکی کنده آمد فراز
“Then from his station, Khushnavaz, joyful of heart, approached the edge of the pit.”
#121
برآورد زان کنده هر کس که زیست
✦
همان خاک بر بخت ایشان گریست
“He drew out from the trench whoever still drew breath, while the very earth wept over their bitter fortune.”
#122
بزرگان و پیکارجویان هران
✦
کسی را که در کنده آمد زمان
“Among the nobles and warriors, whoever's appointed hour had come perished within the trench.”
#123
شکسته سر و پشت پیروزشاه
✦
شه نامداران با تاج و گاه
“Shattered in head and spine lay King Pirooz, sovereign of renowned heroes, possessed of crown and throne.”
#124
ز شاهان نبد زنده جز کیقباد
✦
شد آن لشکر و پادشاهی به باد
“Of all the princes none survived save Kay Qobad; that vast host and kingdom were scattered to the wind.”
#125
همی‌راند با کام دل خوشنواز
✦
سرافراز با لشکر رزمساز
“Khushnavaz rode in full triumph, exalted at the head of his battle-ready army.”
#126
به تاراج داده سپاه و بنه
✦
نه کس میسره دید و نه میمنه
“The Persian army and their baggage were given over to plunder; neither left wing nor right wing remained.”
#127
ز ایرانیان چند بردند اسیر
✦
چه افگنده بر خاک و خسته به تیر
“Many of the Iranians were dragged away as captives, while others lay prostrate on the soil or wounded by arrows.”
#128
نباید که باشد جهانجوی زفت
✦
دل زفت با خاک تیره‌ست جفت
“A seeker of the world ought never to be miserly, for a stingy heart is destined to wed the dark dust.”
#129
چنین آمد این چرخ ناپایدار
✦
چه با زیردست و چه با شهریار
“Such is the manner of this fickle sphere, whether dealing with a humble subject or a mighty monarch.”
#130
بپیچاند آن را که خود پرورد
✦
اگر تو شوی پاسبان خرد
“It brings ruin to the very one it nurtured, even should you stand as a guardian of wisdom.”
#131
نماند برین خاک جاوید کس
✦
تو را توشه از راستی باد و بس
“No man remains forever upon this dust; let truth alone be your provision for the road.”
#132
چو بگذشت بر کنده بر خوشنواز
✦
سپاهش شد از خواسته بی‌نیاز
“When Khushnavaz crossed beyond the trench, his army became enriched beyond all desire.”
#133
به آهن ببستند پای قباد
✦
ز تخت و نژادش نکردند یاد
“They bound the feet of Qobad in iron fetters, paying no heed to his throne or royal lineage.”
#134
چو آگاهی آمد به ایران سپاه
✦
ازان کنده و رزم پیروز شاه
“When word reached the army of Iran concerning the pit and the disaster of King Pirooz,”
#135
خروشی برآمد ز کشور به درد
✦
ازان شهریاران آزادمرد
“A wail of anguish arose throughout the land for those noble and high-minded sovereigns.”
#136
چو اندر جهان این سخن گشت فاش
✦
فرود آمد از تخت زرین بلاش
“When this news spread openly across the world, Balash stepped down in grief from his golden throne.”
#137
همه گوشت بازو به دندان بکند
✦
همی‌ریخت بر تخت خاک نژند
“In agony he bit the flesh of his own arms and cast dark dust upon the royal throne.”
#138
سپاهی و شهری ز ایران به درد
✦
زن و مرد و کودک همی مویه کرد
“Soldiers and citizens throughout Iran mourned in sorrow—men, women, and children alike wept bitterly.”
#139
همه کنده‌موی و همه خسته‌روی
✦
همه شاه‌جوی و همه راه‌جوی
“All tore their hair and scratched their faces, lamenting their lost king and seeking a path of salvation,”
#140
که تا چون گریزند ز ایران زمین
✦
گر آیند لشکر ازان دشت کین
“Pondering how they might flee from the land of Iran should the enemy's host advance from that field of vengeance.”