#1
چو بنشست با سوگ ماهی بلاش
✦
سرش پر ز گرد و رخش پرخراش
“When Balash sat in mourning for a month, his head was covered in dust and his face scratched with grief.”
#2
سپاه آمد و موبد موبدان
✦
هر آنکس که بود از رد و بخردان
“The army gathered along with the Mobad of Mobads, and all those who were noble and wise.”
#3
فراوان بگفتند با او ز پند
✦
سخنها که بودی ورا سودمند
“They imparted much counsel to him, offering words of great wisdom and benefit.”
#4
بران تخت شاهیش بنشاندند
✦
بسی زر و گوهر برافشاندند
“They seated him upon the royal throne, showering upon him abundance of gold and jewels.”
#5
چو بنشست بر گاه گفت ای ردان
✦
بجویید رای و دل بخردان
“Seated upon the throne, he spoke: 'O nobles, seek the counsel and hearts of the wise.'”
#6
شما را بزرگیست نزدیک من
✦
چو روشن شود رای تاریک من
“'Great honor awaits you from me, whenever my own dark thoughts are illuminated by sound judgment.'”
#7
به گیتی هر آنکس که نیکی کند
✦
بکوشد که تا رای ما نشکند
“'Whoever does good in this world shall strive to keep our royal judgment upright and unshaken.'”
#8
هر آنکس کجا باشد او بدسگال
✦
که خواهد همی کار خود را همال
“'And whoever proves malevolent, seeking to equate their evil deeds with righteousness...'”
#9
نخستین به پندش توانگر کنم
✦
چو نپذیرد از خونش افسر کنم
“'First I shall enrich him with counsel; if he accepts it not, I shall make a crown from his blood.'”
#10
هرآنگه که زین لشکر دین‌پرست
✦
بنالد بر ما یکی زیردست
“'Whenever a humble subject cries out to us against this pious army...'”
#11
دل مرد بیدادگر بشکنم
✦
همه بیخ و شاخش ز بن برکنم
“'I shall break the heart of the oppressor, pulling up all his roots and branches from the soil.'”
#12
مباشید گستاخ با پادشا
✦
بویژه کسی کو بود پارسا
“'Be not overly bold with kings, especially one who walks in piety and righteousness.'”
#13
که او گاه زهرست و گه پای‌زهر
✦
مجویید از زهر تریاک بهر
“'For he is at times poison and at times antidote; seek not the portion of the antidote from poison itself.'”
#14
ز گیتی تو خوشنودی شاه‌جوی
✦
مشو پیش تختش مگر تازه‌روی
“'Seek the king's satisfaction in all earthly matters; never approach his throne except with a joyful face.'”
#15
چو خشم آورد شاه پوزش گزین
✦
همی خوان به بیداد و دادآفرین
“'When the king grows wrathful, choose apology, praising the Creator of justice through both harshness and fairness.'”
#16
هرآنگه که گویی که دانا شدم
✦
به هر دانشی بر توانا شدم
“'Whenever you say: I have become wise and capable in every branch of knowledge...'”
#17
چنان دان که نادان‌تری آن زمان
✦
مشو بر تن خویش بر بدگمان
“'Know that in that very moment you are at your most ignorant; be not proud or falsely self-assured.'”
#18
وگر کار بندید پند مرا
✦
سخن گفتن سودمند مرا
“'And if you put my advice into practice, taking heed of my beneficial speech...'”
#19
ز شاهان داننده یابید گنج
✦
کسی را ز دانش ندیدم به رنج
“'You shall acquire treasure from wise kings; for I have never seen anyone come to distress through knowledge.'”
#20
برو مهتران آفرین خواندند
✦
ز دانایی او فرو ماندند
“The nobles showered praise upon him, amazed by his profound wisdom.”
#21
برفتند خشنود ز ایوان اوی
✦
به یزدان سپرده تن و جان اوی
“They departed happy from his palace, entrusting his life and soul to God.”
#22
بدآنگه که پیروز شد سوی جنگ
✦
یکی پهلوان جست با رای و سنگ
“Now when Peroz had gone forth to battle, he had sought a champion of high counsel and gravity...”
#23
که باشد نگهبان تخت و کلاه
✦
بلاش جوان را بود نیکخواه
“To serve as guardian of throne and crown, and to act as well-wisher to the young Balash.”
#24
بدان کار شایسته بد سوفزای
✦
یکی نامور بود پاکیزه‌رای
“Worthy of that grand charge was Sufray, a renowned hero of pure and noble mind.”
#25
جهاندیده از شهر شیراز بود
✦
سپهبددل و گردن‌افراز بود
“A battle-tested veteran from Shiraz, lion-hearted and proud of stance.”
#26
هم او مرزبان بد بزابلستان
✦
ببست و بغزنین و کابلستان
“He was also the warden of the marches of Zabulistan, extending over Bast, Ghaznin, and Kabulistan.”
#27
چو آگاهی آمد سوی سوفزای
✦
ز پیروز بی‌رای و بی‌رهنمای
“When news reached Sufray of Peroz, who had acted unwisely and without guidance...”
#28
ز مژگان سرشکش به رخ برچکید
✦
همه جامهٔ پهلوی بردرید
“Tears flowed down his cheeks from his eyelashes, and he tore apart his royal Parthian garments.”
#29
ز سر برگرفتند گردان کلاه
✦
به ماتم نشستند با سوگ شاه
“The warriors removed their helmets, sitting in heavy mourning for the fallen king.”
#30
همی‌گفت بر کینهٔ شهریار
✦
بلاش جوان چون بود خواستار
“Sufray pondered the vengeance of the king, asking how young Balash would seek revenge.”
#31
بدانست کان کار بی‌سود شد
✦
سر تاج شاهی پر از دود شد
“He realized that the ill-advised campaign had brought disaster, clouding the crown with smoke.”
#32
سپاه پراگنده را گرد کرد
✦
بزد کوس وز دشت برخاست گرد
“He gathered the scattered troops, sounded the battle drums, and raised dust across the plain.”
#33
فراز آمدش تیغزن صد هزار
✦
همه جنگجوی از در کارزار
“One hundred thousand sword-wielders assembled before him, all eager warriors fit for battle.”
#34
درم داد و آن لشکر آباد کرد
✦
دل مردم کینه‌ور شاد کرد
“He distributed money, restored the strength of that host, and gladdened the revenge-seeking hearts.”
#35
فرستاده‌ای خواند شیرین‌زبان
✦
خردمند و بیدار و روشن‌روان
“He summoned a sweet-tongued envoy—wise, alert, and luminous of soul.”
#36
یکی نامه بنوشت پر داغ و درد
✦
دو دیده پر از آب و رخسار زرد
“He wrote a letter filled with anguish and pain, his eyes streaming with tears and his face pale.”
#37
به نامه درون پندها یاد داد
✦
ز جمشید و کیخسرو کیقباد
“Within the epistle he recalled wise counsels, invoking Jamshid, Kay Khosrow, and Kay Qobad.”
#38
وزان پس فرستاد نزد بلاش
✦
که شاها تو از مرگ غمگین مباش
“Then he dispatched it to Balash, saying: 'O King, grieve not excessively over death...'”
#39
که این مرگ هر کس بخواهد چشید
✦
شکیبایی و نام باید گزید
“'For everyone must taste this death; patience and an enduring good name are what one must choose.'”
#40
ز باد آمده باز گردد بدم
✦
یکی داد خواندش و دیگر ستم
“'What comes like the wind shall return to breath; one calls it justice, and another tyranny.'”
#41
کنون من به دستوری شهریار
✦
بسیجم برین گونه بر کارزار
“'Now, by the leave of the King, I shall prepare thus for battle...'”
#42
کزین کینه و خون پیروز شاه
✦
بنالد ز چرخ روان هور و ماه
“'So that over the revenge and blood of King Peroz, even the sun and moon in the revolving sky shall weep.'”
#43
فرستاده زین روی برداشت پای
✦
وزان سوی گریان بشد باز جای
“The messenger set forth from there and returned weeping to his sovereign.”
#44
بیاراست لشکر چو پر تذرو
✦
بیامد ز زاولستان سوی مرو
“Sufray arrayed his host like a pheasant's brilliant plumage and marched from Zabulistan toward Merv.”
#45
یکی مرد بگزید بیداردل
✦
که آهسته دارد به گفتار دل
“He selected an alert-minded man who possessed a calm heart in speech...”
#46
نویسندهٔ نامه را گفت خیز
✦
که آمد سر خامه را رستخیز
“He said to the scribe, 'Arise! For the time of the pen's resurrection has arrived.'”
#47
یکی نامه بنویس زی خوشنواز
✦
که ای بی‌خرد روبه دیوساز
“Write a letter unto Khushnavaz, saying: 'O foolish, demon-conjuring fox!'”
#48
گنهکار کردی به یزدان تنت
✦
شود مویه گر بر تو پیراهنت
“Thou hast filled thy soul with sin against God; now shall thy very garment mourn over thee!”
#49
به شاه آنک تو کردی ای بیوفا
✦
ببینی کنون زور تیغ جفا
“What thou didst unto the King, O treacherous one—now shalt thou feel the force of the cruel blade!”
#50
به کشتی شهنشاه را بی‌گناه
✦
نبیره جهاندار بهرام شاه
“Thou didst slay the innocent King of Kings, the grandson of the world-ruler Bahram Shah!”
#51
یکی کین نو ساختی در جهان
✦
که آن کینه هرگز نگردد نهان
“Thou hast kindled a new hatred in the world, a vengeance that shall never remain hidden.”
#52
چرا پیش او چون یکی چاپلوس
✦
نرفتی چو برخاست آوای کوس
“Why didst thou not go before him like a flatterer when the roar of the war-drums arose?”
#53
نیای تو زین خاندان زنده بود
✦
پدر پیش بهرام پاینده بود
“Thy forefather drew his life from this royal house, and thy father stood loyal before Bahram.”
#54
من اینک به مرو آمدم کینه‌خواه
✦
نماند به هیتالیان تاج و گاه
“Lo, I have come to Marv seeking revenge; no crown nor throne shall remain to the Hephthalites!”
#55
اسیران و آن خواسته هرچ هست
✦
که از رزمگاه آمدستت بدست
“All the captives and wealth whatsoever that came into thy hands from the field of battle—”
#56
همه بازخواهم به شمشیر کین
✦
به مرو آورم خاک توران زمین
“I shall reclaim all with the sword of vengeance, and bring the very dust of Turan to Marv!”
#57
نمانم جهان را بفرزند تو
✦
نه بر دوده و خویش و پیوند تو
“I shall not leave the world to thy child, nor to thy lineage, thy kin, or thy blood!”
#58
بفرمان یزدان ببرم سرت
✦
ز خون همچو دریا کنم کشورت
“By God's decree shall I sever thy head, and turn thy realm into a sea of blood!”
#59
نه کین باشد این چند گویم دراز
✦
که از کین پیروز با خوشنواز
“I will speak no longer of this vengeance; yet concerning the feud of Peroz with Khushnavaz—”
#60
شود زیر خاک پی من تباه
✦
به یزدان روانش بود دادخواه
“He was destroyed beneath the dust of my footsteps; before God, his soul cries out for justice!”
#61
فرستاده با نامهٔ سوفزای
✦
بیامد چو شیر دلاور ز جای
“The messenger, bearing Sufray's letter, set forth like a valiant lion from his place.”
#62
چو آشفته آمد بر خوشنواز
✦
بشد پیش تخت و ببردش نماز
“When he arrived in fury before Khushnavaz, he approached the throne and paid homage.”
#63
بدو داد پس نامهٔ سوفزای
✦
همی‌بود یک چند پیشش بپای
“Then he delivered Sufray's missive to him, and stood for a while in his presence.”
#64
نویسندهٔ نامه را داد و گفت
✦
که پنهان بگوی آنچ نرمست و زفت
“He handed it to the scribe and said: 'Read softly in secret what is gentle and what is harsh.'”
#65
به مهتر چنین گفت مرد دبیر
✦
که این نامه پر گرز و تیغست و تیر
“The scribe spake thus unto the ruler: 'This letter is laden with maces, swords, and arrows!'”
#66
شکسته شد آن مرد جنگ‌آزمای
✦
ازان پر سخن نامهٔ سوفزای
“That battle-tested warrior was crestfallen by the fiery letter of Sufray.”
#67
هم اندر زمان زود پاسخ نبشت
✦
سخن هرچ بود اندرو خوب و زشت
“Forthwith he wrote a prompt response, containing all matters, both good and ill.”
#68
نخستین چنین گفت کز کردگار
✦
بترسیم وز گردش روزگار
“First he said: 'Let us fear the Creator and the turning wheel of Time!'”
#69
که هر کس که بودست یزدان‌پرست
✦
نیاورد در عهد شاهان شکست
“'For whoever was a true worshipper of God never broke a covenant made with kings.'”
#70
فرستادمش نامهٔ پندمند
✦
دگر عهد آن شهریار بلند
“'I sent him advice-filled letters, and held to the covenant of that exalted monarch.'”
#71
برو خوار بود آنچ گفتم سخن
✦
هم اندیشهٔ روزگار کهن
“'Yet my words were light in his eyes, as were the wise thoughts of times long past.'”
#72
چو او کینه‌ور گشت و من چاره‌جوی
✦
سپه را چو روی اندر آمد به روی
“'When he grew vengeful and I sought a remedy, the two armies came face to face.'”
#73
به پیروز بر اختر آشفته شد
✦
نه برکام من شاه تو کشته شد
“'Peroz's star turned dark and ill-omened; thy king was not slain by my own desire.'”
#74
چو بشکست پیمان شاهان داد
✦
نبود از جوانیش یک روز شاد
“'When he broke the covenant of just kings, he enjoyed not a single day of happiness in his youth.'”
#75
نیامد پسند جهان‌آفرین
✦
تو گویی که بگرفت پایش زمین
“'It pleased not the Creator of the World; it seemed as though the earth itself seized his feet!'”
#76
هر آنکس که عهد نیا بشکند
✦
سر راستی را بپای افگند
“'Whoever breaks the pledge of his forefathers tramples the head of righteousness underfoot!'”
#77
چو پیروز باشد به دشت نبرد
✦
شکسته بکنده درون پر ز گرد
“'He shall become like Peroz upon the battlefield—broken and fallen in a trench filled with dust!'”
#78
گر آیی تو ایدر هم آراستست
✦
نه جنگ و نه جنگ‌آوران کاستست
“'If thou comest hither, all is prepared; neither war nor warlike heroes are lacking!'”
#79
فرستاده با نامه تازان ز جای
✦
به یک هفته آمد سوی سوفزای
“The envoy rode swiftly with the letter, and reached Sufray within a week.”
#80
چو برخواند آن نامه را پهلوان
✦
به دشنام بگشاد گویا زبان
“When the hero read that missive, he opened his eloquent tongue in curse and scorn.”
#81
ز میدان خروشیدن گاودم
✦
شنیدند و آوای رویینه خم
“From the battlefield they heard the roar of ox-horn trumpets and the resonant clang of brass drums.”
#82
به کشمیهن آورد چندان سپاه
✦
که بر چرخ خورشید گم کرد راه
“He brought so vast an army to Keshmihan that the sun lost its way in the heavens above the dust.”
#83
برین همنشان روز بگذاشتند
✦
همی راه را خانه پنداشتند
“In this manner they passed the day, considering the march as their very home.”
#84
چو آگاهی آمد سوی خوشنواز
✦
به دشت آمد و جنگ را کرد ساز
“When news reached Khushnawaz, he marched into the plain and prepared for war.”
#85
به پیکند شد رزمگاهی گزید
✦
که چرخ روان روی هامون ندید
“He went to Piekand and chose a battlefield so concealed that the moving heavens could not see the plain.”
#86
وزین روی پر کینه دل سوفزای
✦
به کردار باد اندر آمد ز جای
“Meanwhile, Sufzay, his heart filled with vengeance, charged forth swift as the wind.”
#87
چو شب تیره شد پهلوان سپاه
✦
به پیلان آسوده بربست راه
“As dark night fell, the commander of the army blocked the road with rested war-elephants.”
#88
طلایه همی‌گشت بر هر دو سوی
✦
جهان شد پر آواز پرخاشجوی
“Night-patrols circled on both sides, and the world grew loud with the clamor of warriors.”
#89
غو پاسبانان و بانگ جرس
✦
همی‌آمد از دور بر پیش و پس
“The shouts of guards and the ringing of bells echoed from afar, both in front and behind.”
#90
چنین تا پدید آمد از میغ شید
✦
در و دشت شد چون بلور سپید
“Thus it continued until the sun shone through the clouds, lighting the valley and plain like clear crystal.”
#91
دو لشکر همی جنگ را ساختند
✦
درفش بزرگی برافراختند
“Both armies readied themselves for battle, raising high their noble banners.”
#92
از آواز گردان پرخاشخر
✦
بدرید مر اژدها را جگر
“From the roaring of the fierce warriors, the very heart of the dragon was rent asunder.”
#93
هوا دام کرکس شد از پر تیر
✦
زمین شد ز خون سران آبگیر
“The sky became a trap for vultures with flying arrows, and the earth turned to a pool with the blood of leaders.”
#94
ز هر سو ز مردان تلی کشته بود
✦
کرا از جهان روز برگشته بود
“On every side lay mounds of slain warriors—those whose fortune in this world had turned to doom.”
#95
بجنبید بر قلبگه سوفزای
✦
یکایک سپاه اندر آمد ز جای
“Sufzay charged at the heart of the army, and all the troops advanced as one.”
#96
وزان روی با تیغ کین خوشنواز
✦
بپیچید و آمد به تنگی فراز
“On the other side, Khushnawaz, bearing the sword of vengeance, turned and closed in upon the pass.”
#97
یکی تیغ زد بر سرش سوفزای
✦
سپاه اندر آمد به تندی ز جای
“Sufzay struck a blow upon his head with his blade, and his army rushed forward with fierce intensity.”
#98
بجست از کف تیغزن خوشنواز
✦
به شیب اندر انداخت اسب از فراز
“Khushnawaz escaped from the swordsman's grasp, spurring his steed down from the height into the slope.”
#99
بدید آنک شد روزگارش درشت
✦
عنان را بپیچید و بنمود پشت
“Seeing that his fortune had turned harsh, he pulled his reins and turned his back in retreat.”
#100
چو باد دمان از پسش سوفزای
✦
همی‌تاخت با نیزهٔ سرگزای
“Like a roaring wind, Sufzay pursued him, galloping with a deadly, head-severing lance.”
#101
بسی کرد زان نامداران اسیر
✦
بسی کشته شد هم بپیکان و تیر
“He captured many of those renowned champions, and many were slain by arrow-point and shaft.”
#102
همی‌تاخت تا پیش لشکر رسید
✦
بره بر بسی کشته و خسته دید
“He galloped on until he reached the front of the army, seeing many slain and wounded along the path.”
#103
ز بالا نگه کرد پس خوشنواز
✦
سپه را به هامون نشیب و فراز
“Then Khushnawaz looked down from the height at the army scattered across the plain's slopes and crests.”
#104
همه دشت پرکشته و خواسته
✦
شده دشت چون چرخ آراسته
“The entire plain was filled with dead bodies and spoils, adorned like the starry heavens with riches.”
#105
سلیح و کمرها و اسب و رهی
✦
ستام و سنان و کلاه مهی
“Weapons, belts, steeds, captives, horse-trappings, spear-heads, and royal crowns lay scattered.”
#106
همی‌برد هر کس بر سوفزای
✦
تلی گشته چون کوه البرز جای
“Everyone brought spoils before Sufzay, until a mound high as Mount Alborz formed at that place.”
#107
ببخشید یکسر همه بر سپاه
✦
نکرد اندر آن چیز ترکان نگاه
“He bestowed it all upon his army, not even deigning to look upon the spoils taken from the Turks.”
#108
به لشکر چنین گفت کامروز کار
✦
به کام ما بد از روزگار
“He spoke thus to the army: 'Today, fortune has yielded to our heart's desire!”
#109
چو خورشید بنماید از چرخ دست
✦
برین دشت خیره نباید نشست
“When the sun raises its hand from the heavens tomorrow, we must not linger idle in this plain.”
#110
به کین شهنشاه ایران شویم
✦
برین دز به کردار شیران شویم
“We shall march to avenge the King of Kings of Iran, and attack this fortress like lions!'”
#111
همه لشکرش دست بر برزدند
✦
همی هر کسی رای دیگر زدند
“All his army placed hands upon their chests, and each offered different counsel.”
#112
برین همنشان تا ز خم سپهر
✦
پدید آمد آن زیور تاج مهر
“In this manner they passed the hours until from the vault of heaven appeared that jewel of the sun's crown.”
#113
تبیره برآمد ز پرده‌سرای
✦
نشست از بر باره بر سوفزای
“Drums resounded from the pavilion, and Sufzay mounted upon his warhorse.”
#114
فرستاده‌ای آمد از خوشنواز
✦
به نزدیک سالار گردن‌فراز
“An envoy arrived from Khushnawaz before the noble and exalted commander.”
#115
که از جنگ و پیکار و خون ریختن
✦
نباشد جز از رنج و آویختن
“Bearing the message: 'From war, strife, and bloodshed comes nothing but toil and affliction.'”
#116
دو مرد خردمند نیکو گمان
✦
به دوزخ فرستیم هر دو روان
“Shall we send the souls of two wise and well-disposed men to hell?”
#117
اگر بازجویی ز راه ردی
✦
بدانی که آن کار بد ایزدی
“If thou seekest out the path of wisdom, thou wilt know that this tragic fate was ordained by God.”
#118
نه بر باد شد کشته پیروزشاه
✦
کز اختر سرآمد بدو سال و ماه
“King Peroz was not slain in vain; rather, by the decree of the stars, his appointed years and months had reached their end.”
#119
گنهکار شد زانک بشکست عهد
✦
گزین کرد حنظل بینداخت شهد
“He fell into sin because he broke his covenant; he chose bitter colocynth and cast away sweet honey.”
#120
کنون بودنی بود و بر ما گذشت
✦
خنک آنک گرد گذشته نگشت
“Now what was fated has come to pass; happy is he who does not dwell upon the bygone past.”
#121
اسیران وز خواسته هرچ بود
✦
ز سیم و زر و گوهر نابسود
“The captives, along with all the treasures—silver, gold, and priceless jewels,”
#122
ز اسب و سلیح و ز تاج و ز تخت
✦
که آن روز بگذاشت پیروزبخت
“Together with horses, arms, crown, and throne, which Peroz left behind on that fatal day,”
#123
فرستم همه نزد سالار شاه
✦
سراپرده و گنج و پیل و سپاه
“I shall send all unto the king's commander—royal pavilion, treasure, elephants, and host.”
#124
چو پیروزگر سوی ایران شوی
✦
به نزدیک شاه دلیران شوی
“When thou returnest victorious unto Iran and enterest the presence of the King of Heroes,”
#125
نباشد مرا سوی ایران بسیچ
✦
تو از عهد بهرام گردن مپیچ
“I have no intent of marching against Iran; do not thou, on thy part, turn away from the covenant of Bahram.”
#126
شهنشاه گیتی ببخشید راست
✦
مرا ترک و چین است و ایران تو راست
“The King of kings of the world divided the earth in justice: Turan and China are mine, and Iran is thine.”
#127
چو بشنید پیغام او سوفزای
✦
بیاورد لشکر به پرده‌سرای
“When Sufray heard his message, he brought the army near to the pavilion.”
#128
فرستاده را گفت پیش سپاه
✦
بگوی آنچ بشنیدی از رزمخواه
“He said to the envoy before the host: 'Relate all that thou hast heard from the warrior-king.'”
#129
بیامد فرستادهٔ خوشنواز
✦
بگفت آنچ بود آشکارا و راز
“The eloquent messenger of Khushnavaz came forward and recounted all that was open and concealed.”
#130
چنین گفت لشکر که فرمان تو راست
✦
بدین آشتی رای و پیمان تو راست
“The army declared: 'The command is thine; thy judgment for peace and thy covenant are true.'”
#131
به ایران نداند کسی از تو به
✦
بما بر تویی شاه و سالار و مه
“'In Iran, none is deemed greater than thee; over us, thou art king, leader, and chief.'”
#132
چنین گفت با سرکشان سوفزای
✦
که امروز ما را جزین نیست رای
“Sufray spoke to the chieftains thus: 'Today we have no counsel other than this,'”
#133
کزیشان ازین پس نجوییم جنگ
✦
به ایران بریم این سپه بی‌درنگ
“'That we seek no further war with them, but lead this army back to Iran without delay.'”
#134
که در دست ایشان بود کیقباد
✦
چو فرزند پیروز خسرو نژاد
“'For Kay Qubad is held in their hands, the royal son of King Peroz of Khosrow's lineage,'”
#135
همان موبد موبدان اردشیر
✦
ز لشکر بزرگان برنا و پیر
“'As well as Ardashir, the High Priest of Priests, and the nobles of the host, both young and old.'”
#136
اگر جنگ سازیم با خوشنواز
✦
شودکار بی‌سود بر ما دراز
“'If we wage war against Khushnavaz, a futile struggle will be prolonged for us,'”
#137
کشد آنک دارد ز ایران اسیر
✦
قباد جهانجوی چون اردشیر
“'He will slay those captives he holds from Iran—Qubad the world-seeker, as well as Ardashir.'”
#138
اگر نیستی در میانه قباد
✦
ز موبد نکردی دل و مغز یاد
“'Were Qubad not among them, my heart and mind would not be troubled even for the High Priest.'”
#139
گر او را ز ترکان بد آید بروی
✦
نماند به ایران جز از گفت و گوی
“'If harm should befall him at the hands of the Turks, naught would remain for Iran but empty words.'”
#140
یکی ننگ باشد که تا رستخیز
✦
بماند میان دلیران ستیز
“'It would be a lasting disgrace that strife should linger among brave men until the Resurrection.'”
#141
فرستاده را نغز پاسخ دهیم
✦
درین آشتی رای فرخ نهیم
“'Let us give a fine answer to the messenger, and give our auspicious assent to this peace.'”
#142
مگر باز بینیم روی قباد
✦
که بی او سر پادشاهی مباد
“'So that perchance we may behold Qubad's face again, for may the throne never endure without him!'”
#143
همان موبد پاکدل اردشیر
✦
کسی را که بینید برنا و پیر
“'And likewise Ardashir, the pure-hearted priest, and whoever else of young and old ye see.'”
#144
فرستاده را خواند پس پهلوان
✦
سخن گفت با او به شیرین زبان
“Then the hero summoned the envoy and addressed him with sweet words.”
#145
چنین گفت کاین ایزدی بود و بس
✦
جهان بد سگالد نگوید بکس
“He spoke thus: 'This outcome was solely by Divine decree; the world harbors ill, yet reveals its secret to none.'”
#146
بزرگان ایران که هستند اسیر
✦
قبادست با نامدار اردشیر
“'The nobles of Iran who are captive—Qubad and the renowned Ardashir,'”
#147
دگر هر که دارید بر نای بند
✦
فرستید سوی منش ارجمند
“'And whoever else ye hold in fetters, send them unto me with honor and high esteem.'”
#148
دگر خواسته هرچ دارید نیز
✦
ز دینار وز تاج و هرگونه چیز
“'And all the wealth that ye possess besides—dinars, crowns, and goods of every kind—'”
#149
یکایک فرستید نزدیک من
✦
به پیش بزرگان این انجمن
“'Send them all to me, one by one, before the presence of the nobles of this assembly.'”
#150
به تاراج و کشتن نیازیم دست
✦
که ما بی‌نیازیم و یزدان‌پرست
“'We shall not stretch forth our hands to plunder and slaughter, for we are self-sufficient and worshippers of God.'”
#151
ز جیحون به روز دهم بگذریم
✦
وزان پس پیی خاک را نسپریم
“"On the tenth day we shall cross the Jayhun, and thereafter we shall step no further upon this land."”
#152
همه هرچ گفتم تو را گوش‌دار
✦
چو رفتی یکایک برو برشمار
“"Keep in mind all that I have told thee; when thou departest, recount it unto him word for word."”
#153
فرستاده هم در زمان گشت باز
✦
بیامد گرازان بر خوشنواز
“The messenger turned back without delay and proudly approached Khushnawaz.”
#154
بگفت آنچ بشنید وزو گشت شاد
✦
همانگاه برداشت بند قباد
“He reported all he had heard, which gladdened Khushnawaz; forthwith, he removed the bonds from Qobad.”
#155
همان خواسته سر به سر گرد کرد
✦
کجا یافت از خاک و دشت نبرد
“Likewise, he gathered up all the spoils and wealth that he had acquired from the battlefield.”
#156
همان تخت با تاج پیروز شاه
✦
چو چیز پراگندهٔ آن سپاه
“As well as the throne and crown of King Piruz, and all the scattered goods belonging to that army.”
#157
فرستاد یکسر سوی سوفزای
✦
به دست یکی مرد پاکیزه‌رای
“He dispatched them all unto Sufray, entrusted to a man of noble judgment.”
#158
چو لشکر بدیدند روی قباد
✦
ز دیدار او انجمن گشت شاد
“When the army beheld the face of Qobad, the whole assembly rejoiced at the sight of him.”
#159
بزرگان همه خیمه بگذاشتند
✦
همه دست بر آسمان داشتند
“The nobles all left their tents, lifting their hands in thanksgiving toward the heavens.”
#160
که پور شهنشاه را بی‌گزند
✦
بدیدند با هرک بد ارجمند
“For they saw the son of the King of Kings unharmed, alongside all those who held high esteem.”
#161
همانگه فروهشت پرده‌سرای
✦
سپهبد باسب اندر آورد پای
“Thereupon the general lowered his pavilion and set his foot into the stirrup.”
#162
ز جیحون گذر کرد پیروز و شاد
✦
ابا نامور موبد و کیقباد
“Victorious and triumphant, he crossed the Jayhun, accompanied by the renowned Mobad and Key-Qobad.”
#163
چو آگاهی آمد به ایران زمین
✦
ازان نیک‌پی مهتر بفرین
“When news reached the land of Iran concerning that blessed and praised commander,”
#164
همان جنگ و پیکار با خوشنواز
✦
ز رای چنان مرد نیرنگ‌ساز
“And of the battle fought with Khushnawaz, and the wise counsel of that resourceful leader,”
#165
همان موبد موبدان اردشیر
✦
اسیران که بودند برنا و پیر
“As well as Ardashir, the High Priest, and all the captives, both young and old,”
#166
که از جنگ برگشت پیروز و شاد
✦
گشاده شد از بند پای قباد
“That he had returned victorious and joyful from battle, and that Qobad’s feet were unbound,”
#167
بیاورد و اکنون ز جیحون گذشت
✦
ز ایران سپاهست بر کوه و دشت
“And that he had brought them back and crossed the Jayhun, while the army of Iran covered the mountains and plains,”
#168
خروشی ز ایران برآمد که گوش
✦
تو گفتی همی کر شود زان خروش
“A mighty shout arose from Iran, so deafening thou wouldst say the very ear grew deaf from the clamor.”
#169
بزرگان فرزانه برخاستند
✦
پذیره شدن را بیاراستند
“The wise chieftains arose and made grand preparations to go out and welcome them.”
#170
بلاش آن زمان تخت زرین نهاد
✦
که تا برنشیند برو کیقباد
“At that time Balash set up a golden throne, so that Key-Qobad might be seated upon it.”
#171
چو آمد به شهر اندرون سوفزای
✦
بزرگان برفتند یک سر ز جای
“When Sufray entered the city, the noblemen rose up as one to meet him.”
#172
پذیره شدن را بیاراست شاه
✦
همی‌رفت با آنک بودش سپاه
“The King prepared a welcoming procession and rode forth with all his army.”
#173
بلاش آن زمان دید روی قباد
✦
رها گشته از بند پیروز و شاد
“Balash then set eyes upon Qobad, freed from captivity, safe, victorious, and glad.”
#174
مر او را سبک شاه در برگرفت
✦
ز هیتال و چین دست بر سر گرفت
“Swiftly the King embraced him tightly, marveling in awe at the triumphs over Heptal and China.”
#175
ز راه اندر ایوان شاه آمدند
✦
گشاده‌دل و نیکخواه آمدند
“From the road they proceeded into the royal palace, joyful of heart and well-disposed.”
#176
بفرمود تا خوان بیاراستند
✦
می و رود و رامشگران خواستند
“He commanded that a feast be spread, summoning wine, harps, and musicians.”
#177
همی‌بود جشنی نه بر آرزوی
✦
ز تیمار پیروز آزاده‌خوی
“Yet it was a celebration muted and sombre, shadowed by grief for the noble Piruz.”
#178
همه چامه گر سوفزا را ستود
✦
ببربط همی رزم ترکان سرود
“Every minstrel sang praises of Sufray, singing to the lute of his battle against the Turks.”
#179
مهان را همه چشم بر سوفزای
✦
ازو گشته شاد و بدو داده رای
“All the grandees fixed their eyes upon Sufray, rejoicing in him and entrusting their counsel to his guidance.”
#180
همه شهر ایران بدو گشت باز
✦
کسی را که بد کینهٔ خوشنواز
“The entire land of Iran turned to him, as well as all who held enmity toward Khushnawaz.”
#181
بدان پهلوان دل همی شاد کرد
✦
روان را ز اندیشه آزاد کرد
“By that champion their heart grew glad, and they freed their spirit from worry and grief.”
#182
ببد سوفزای از جهان بی‌همال
✦
همی‌رفت زین گونه تا چار سال
“Thus Sufray remained matchless in the world, and matters proceeded in this manner for four full years.”
#183
نبودی جز آن چیز کو خواستی
✦
جهان را به رای خود آراستی
“Naught came to pass save that which he desired; he adorned the world according to his own judgment.”
#184
چو فرمان او گشت در شهر فاش
✦
به خوبی بپرداخت گاه از بلاش
“When his command became supreme throughout the realm, he virtually relieved Balash of the throne in a goodly manner.”
#185
بدو گفت شاهی نرانی همی
✦
بدان را ز نیکان ندانی همی
“They said unto Balash: "Thou reignest not in truth, nor dost thou distinguish the evil from the good."”
#186
همی پادشاهی به بازی کنی
✦
ز پری وز بی‌نیازی کنی
“You treat the kingship as though it were a game, born of your fullness and utter indifference.”
#187
قباد از تو در کار داناترست
✦
بدین پادشاهی تواناترست
“Qobad is far wiser than you in matters of state, and far more capable of ruling this realm.”
#188
به ایوان خویش اندر آمد بلاش
✦
نیارست گفتن که ایدر مباش
“Balash entered his own royal palace, yet lacked the courage to say, 'Do not remain here!'”
#189
همی‌گفت بی‌رنج تخت این بود
✦
که بی‌کوشش و درد و نفرین بود
“He mused to himself, 'Such is a throne gained without toil—one acquired without effort, pain, or malediction.'”