#1
چو بر تخت بنشست فرخ قباد
✦
کلاه بزرگی به سر برنهاد
“When blessed Qobad sat upon the throne, he placed the crown of sovereignty upon his head.”
#2
سوی طیسفون شد ز شهر صطخر
✦
که آزادگان را بدو بود فخر
“He departed from Istakhr unto Ctesiphon, he in whom all noble men took pride.”
#3
چو بر تخت پیروز بنشست گفت
✦
که از من مدارید چیزی نهفت
“Sitting victorious upon the throne, he spoke: 'Conceal nothing from my sight.'”
#4
شما را سوی من گشادست راه
✦
به روز سپید و شبان سیاه
“'The path to my presence is open to you all, by bright daylight and in blackest night.'”
#5
بزرگ آن کسی کو به گفتار راست
✦
زبان را بیاراست و کژی نخواست
“'Great is he who adorns his tongue with truthful speech and seeks no crookedness.'”
#6
چو بخشایش آرد به خشم اندرون
✦
سر راستان خواندش رهنمون
“'When one brings forth mercy amidst anger, the righteous shall call him a true guide.'”
#7
نهد تخت خشنودی اندر جهان
✦
بیابد به داد آفرین مهان
“'He establishes the throne of contentment in the world and wins the praise of the great through justice.'”
#8
دل خویش را دور دارد ز کین
✦
مهان و کهانش کنند آفرین
“'He keeps his heart far from malice; both high and low shall sing his praise.'”
#9
هر آن گه که شد پادشا کژ گوی
✦
ز کژی شود شاه پیکارجوی
“'Whenever a king speaks deceitfully, through that very falsehood he becomes quarrelsome.'”
#10
سخن را بباید شنیدن نخست
✦
چو دانا شود پاسخ آید درست
“'Shorter words must be weighed first; when wisdom matures, the proper response arises.'”
#11
چو داننده مردم بود آزوِر
✦
همی دانش او نیاید به بر
“'When a learned man becomes consumed by greed, his wisdom bears no fruit.'”
#12
هر آن گه که دانا بود پرشتاب
✦
چه دانش مر او را چه در سر شراب
“'Whenever a wise person acts in haste, what difference lies between wisdom and wine in the head?'”
#13
چنان هم که باید دل لشکری
✦
همه در نکوهش کند کهتری
“'Likewise, if the heart of the army turns ill, lower status brings nothing but reproach.'”
#14
توانگر کجا سخت باشد به چیز
✦
فرومایه‌تر شد ز درویش نیز
“'Where a wealthy man clutches tightly to his goods, he becomes lower than the pauper.'”
#15
چو درویش نادان کند مهتری
✦
به دیوانگی ماند این داوری
“'When an ignorant beggar lays claim to greatness, such judgment resembles sheer madness.'”
#16
چو عیب تن خویش داند کسی
✦
ز عیب کسان برنخواند بسی
“'When one recognizes the flaws of his own body, he does not dwell upon the faults of others.'”
#17
ستون خرد بردباری بود
✦
چو تندی کند تن به خواری بود
“'Patience is the pillar of wisdom; when one turns hot-tempered, the body falls into shame.'”
#18
چو خرسند گشتی به داد خدای
✦
توانگر شدی یکدل و پاکرای
“'When you are contented with God's justice, you become wealthy, pure-minded, and single-hearted.'”
#19
گر آزاد داری تنت را ز رنج
✦
تن مرد بی‌رنج بهتر ز گنج
“'If you keep your body free from hardship, a painless body is worth far more than treasure.'”
#20
هر آن کس که بخشش کند با کسی
✦
بمیرد تنش نام ماند بسی
“'Whosoever bestows gifts upon another, though his body dies, his name shall long endure.'”
#21
همه سر به سر دست نیکی برید
✦
جهان جهان را به بد مسپرید
“'Stretch out your hands entirely unto goodness, and do not surrender this world to evil.'”
#22
همه مهتران آفرین خواندند
✦
زبرجد به تاجش برافشاندند
“'All the grandees sang praises unto him, and showered emeralds upon his crown.'”
#23
جوان بود سالش سه پنج و یکی
✦
ز شاهی ورا بهره بود اندکی
“His age was then three times five plus one year (sixteen); little was his actual share of kingship.”
#24
همی‌راند کار جهان سوفزای
✦
قباد اندر ایران نبد کدخدای
“Sofray governed the affairs of the world; Qobad was not the true master in Iran.”
#25
همه کار او پهلوان راندی
✦
کسی را بر شاه ننشاندی
“The paladin performed every realmly task; he permitted no one to sit beside the king.”
#26
نه موبد بد او را نه فرمان روای
✦
جهان بد به دستوری سوفزای
“Neither priest nor commander held sway; the world was entirely under Sofray's counsel.”
#27
چنین بود تا بیست و سه ساله گشت
✦
به جام اندرون باده چون لاله گشت
“Things remained thus until he turned twenty-three, when wine gleamed like tulip petals in the goblet.”
#28
بیامد بر تاجور سوفزای
✦
به دستوری بازگشتن به جای
“Sofray came before the crowned monarch, seeking leave to return unto his own province.”
#29
سپهبد خود و لشکرش ساز کرد
✦
بزد کوس و آهنگ شیراز کرد
“The chieftain prepared himself and his army, sounded the war-drums, and made straight for Shiraz.”
#30
همی‌رفت شادان سوی شهر خویش
✦
ز هر کام برداشته بهر خویش
“He went joyfully toward his own city, having fulfilled every desire of his heart.”
#31
همه پارس او را شده چون رهی
✦
همی‌بود با تاج شاهنشهی
“All Fars became like a servant unto him; he dwelled there with royal majesty.”
#32
بدان بد که من شاه بنشاندم
✦
به شاهی بر او آفرین خواندم
“He thought within himself: 'It was I who seated the king upon the throne and blessed his reign.'”
#33
گر از من کسی زشت گوید بدوی
✦
ورا سرد گوید براند ز روی
“'If anyone speaks ill of me before him, the king will dismiss him coldly and drive him away.'”
#34
همی باژ جستی ز هر کشوری
✦
ز هر نامداری و هر مهتری
“He exacted tribute from every land, from every famous noble and potentate.”
#35
چو آگاهی آمد به سوی قباد
✦
ز شیراز وز کار بیداد و داد
“When reports reached Qobad regarding Shiraz, and of its justice and oppression...”
#36
همی‌گفت هر کس که جز نام شاه
✦
ندارد ز ایران ز گنج و سپاه
“Everyone was saying: 'The king possesses nothing in Iran except his title, lacking both treasury and army.'”
#37
نه فرمانش باشد به چیزی نه رای
✦
جهان شد همه بندهٔ سوفزای
“'Neither command nor judgment belongs to him; the entire world has become Sofray's slave.'”
#38
هر آن کس که بد رازدار قباد
✦
بر او بر سخنها همی‌کرد یاد
“Those who were confidants of Qobad reminded him repeatedly of these matters.”
#39
که از پادشاهی به نامی بسند
✦
چرا کردی ای شهریار بلند
“They said: 'O exalted monarch! Why have you contented yourself with merely the name of kingship?'”
#40
ز گنج تو آگنده‌تر گنج او
✦
بباید گسست از جهان رنج او
“'His treasury is far richer than yours; the world must be freed from his oppression.'”
#41
همه پارس چون بندهٔ او شدند
✦
بزرگان پرستندهٔ او شدند
“'All of Fars has become his servant, and the grandees have become his worshippers.'”
#42
ز گفتار بد شد دل کیقباد
✦
ز رنجش به دل برنکرد ایچ یاد
“By these ill words, Qobad's heart grew dark; yet he did not recall his past debts to him.”
#43
همی‌گفت گر من فرستم سپاه
✦
سر او بگردد شود رزمخواه
“Qobad said to himself: 'If I dispatch an army, he will turn rebel and seek battle.'”
#44
چو من دشمنی کرده باشم به گنج
✦
از او دید باید بسی درد و رنج
“'If I make an enemy of one possessed of such wealth, much pain and affliction will follow.'”
#45
کند هر کسی یاد کردار اوی
✦
نهانی ندانند بازار اوی
“'Everyone remembers his past deeds, and they do not know his inner motives.'”
#46
ندارم ز ایران یکی رزمخواه
✦
کز ایدر شود پیش او با سپاه
“I have no warrior in Iran who might march from here against him with an army.”
#47
بدو گفت فرزانه مندیش ز این
✦
که او شهریاری شود بآفرین
“The wise counselor said to him: "Fret not over this, for he shall become a praised sovereign."”
#48
تو را بندگانند و سالار هست
✦
که سایند بر چرخ گردنده دست
“"You possess servants and commanders so mighty that they touch the turning heavens with their hands."”
#49
چو شاپور رازی بیاید ز جای
✦
به درد دل بدکنش سوفزای
“"When Shapur of Ray steps forth, he shall bring pain to the heart of the evil-doing Sufray."”
#50
شنید این سخن شاه و نیرو گرفت
✦
هنرها بشست از دل آهو گرفت
“Upon hearing these words, the king gathered strength; he cleansed all faults from his heart and embraced virtues.”
#51
همانگه جهاندیده‌ای کیقباد
✦
بفرمود تا برنشیند چو باد
“At once, Kay Qobad commanded an experienced, world-seasoned messenger to mount swift as the wind,”
#52
به نزدیک شاپور رازی شود
✦
بر آواز نخچیر و بازی شود
“To go unto Shapur of Ray, under the pretext of hunting and hawking.”
#53
هم اندر زمان برنشاند ورا
✦
ز ری سوی درگاه خواند ورا
“He dispatched him immediately on horseback, summoning Shapur from Ray to his royal court.”
#54
دو اسبه فرستاده آمد به ری
✦
چو باد خزانی به هنگام دی
“Riding with relay horses, the envoy came to Ray like the autumn wind in the month of Dey.”
#55
چو دیدش بپرسید سالار بار
✦
وز او بستد آن نامهٔ شهریار
“When the chamberlain saw him, he inquired of his health and took the King's letter from him.”
#56
بیامد به شاپور رازی سپرد
✦
سوار سرافراز را پیش برد
“He came and delivered it to Shapur of Ray, escorting the proud rider before him.”
#57
بر او خواند آن نامهٔ کیقباد
✦
بخندید شاپور مهرک‌نژاد
“He read Kay Qobad's letter to him, and Shapur of Mehrak's line smiled,”
#58
که جز سوفزا دشمن اندر جهان
✦
ورا نیست در آشکار و نهان
“Saying: "In all the world, openly or in secret, he has no enemy save Sufray."”
#59
ز هر جای فرمانبران را بخواند
✦
سوی طیسفون تیز لشکر براند
“From all sides he summoned those obedient to him, and swiftly marched his host toward Ctesiphon.”
#60
چو آورد لشکر به نزدیک شاه
✦
هم اندر زمان برگشادند راه
“When he brought the army near the king, they opened the gates to him without delay.”
#61
چو دیدش جهاندار بنواختش
✦
بر تخت پیروزه بنشاختش
“When the world's ruler saw him, he honored him warmly and seated him upon a turquoise throne.”
#62
بدو گفت ز این تاج بی‌بهره‌ام
✦
به بی‌بهرگی در جهان شهره‌ام
“The king said to him: "I have no real share in this crown; I am renowned in the world for my powerlessness.”
#63
همه سوفزا راست بهر از مهی
✦
همی نام بینم ز شاهنشهی
“"Sufray possesses every share of greatness, while I hold nothing of kingship but the empty title.”
#64
از این داد و بیداد در گردنم
✦
به فرجام روزی بپیچد تنم
“"From all this justice and injustice resting upon my neck, my body will at last be broken one day.”
#65
به ایران برادر بدی کدخدای
✦
به هستی ز بیدادگر سوفزای
“"My brother was ruler in Iran, yet in truth his downfall came from the oppressive Sufray."”
#66
بدو گفت شاپور کای شهریار
✦
دلت را بدین کار رنجه مدار
“Shapur said to him: "O King, do not distress your heart over this matter.”
#67
یکی نامه باید نوشتن درشت
✦
تو را نام و فر و نژادست و پشت
“"A stern letter must be written; for you possess fame, divine glory, noble lineage, and strength.”
#68
بگویی که از تخت شاهنشاهی
✦
مرا بهره رنجست و گنج تهی
“"You shall write: 'From the imperial throne, my only portion is sorrow and an empty treasury.”
#69
تویی باژخواه و منم با گناه
✦
نخواهم که خوانی مرا نیز شاه
“'You are the collector of tribute while I am blamed; I desire no longer that you even call me king.”
#70
فرستادم اینک یکی پهلوان
✦
ز کردار تو چند باشم نوان
“'I have now sent a champion to you; how long must I weep and suffer because of your deeds?'"”
#71
چو نامه بدین‌گونه باشد بدوی
✦
چو من دشمن و لشکری جنگجوی
“"When such a letter reaches him, accompanied by an enemy like me and a warlike host,”
#72
نمانم که بر هم زند نیز چشم
✦
نگویم سخن پیش او جز به خشم
“"I shall not grant him leave to close an eye, nor shall I speak to him except in wrath."”
#73
نویسندهٔ نامه را خواندند
✦
به نزدیک شاپور بنشاندند
“They summoned the scribe of the letter and seated him beside Shapur.”
#74
بگفت آن سخنها که با شاه گفت
✦
شد آن کلک بیجاده با قار جفت
“He dictated the words he had spoken to the king, and the pen's tip was wedded with black ink.”
#75
چو بر نامه بر مهر بنهاد شاه
✦
بیاورد شاپور لشکر به راه
“When the king set his royal seal upon the missive, Shapur set his army on the march.”
#76
گزین کرد پس هرکه بد نامدار
✦
پراگنده از لشکر شهریار
“He then handpicked every renowned warrior who had been scattered from the monarch's host.”
#77
خود و نامداران پرخاشجوی
✦
سوی شهر شیراز بنهاد روی
“He himself and those valiant warriors set their course toward the city of Shiraz.”
#78
چو آگاه شد زآن سخن سوفزای
✦
همانگه بیاورد لشکر ز جای
“When Sufray was informed of this news, he instantly mobilized his army.”
#79
پذیره شدش با سپاهی گران
✦
گزیده سواران و جوشنوران
“He went out to meet him with a formidable force of chosen horsemen and mailed warriors.”
#80
رسیدند پس یک به دیگر فراز
✦
فرود آمدند آن دو گردن‌فراز
“Then the two forces drew near one another, and those two proud chieftains dismounted.”
#81
چو بنشست شاپور با سوفزای
✦
فراوان زدند از بد و نیک رای
“When Shapur sat with Sukhra, they spoke at length, discussing all matters good and ill.”
#82
بدو داد پس نامهٔ شهریار
✦
سخن رفت هرگونه دشوار و خوار
“He then delivered to him the King's letter, and words of every kind, both harsh and mild, passed between them.”
#83
چو برخواند آن نامه را پهلوان
✦
بپژمرد و شد کند و تیره‌روان
“When the hero read the letter, he withered; his spirit grew heavy and his heart darkened.”
#84
چو آن نامه برخواند شاپور گفت
✦
که اکنون سخن را نباید نهفت
“Having read the letter, Shapur spoke, 'Now the truth must no longer be concealed.'”
#85
تو را بند فرمود شاه جهان
✦
فراوان بنالید پیش مهان
“'The King of the world has ordered that you be bound, complaining bitterly about you before the nobles.'”
#86
بر آن سان که برخوانده‌ای نامه را
✦
تو دانی شهنشاه خودکامه را
“'Just as you have read in the letter, you know full well how self-willed the King of Kings can be.'”
#87
چنین داد پاسخ بدو پهلوان
✦
که داند مرا شهریار جهان
“The hero answered him thus: 'The King of the world knows me well,'”
#88
بدان رنج و سختی که بردم ز شاه
✦
برفتم ز زابلستان با سپاه
“'Despite all the hardship I endured for his sake, when I marched with my army from Zabolestan.'”
#89
به مردی رهانیدم او را ز بند
✦
نماندم که آید به رویش گزند
“'Through courage I rescued him from captivity, and suffered no harm to come upon him.'”
#90
مرا داستان بود نزدیک شاه
✦
همان نزد گردان ایران سپاه
“'My deeds were legendary in the eyes of the King, as well as before the valiant warriors of Iran's host.'”
#91
گر ایدون که بندست پاداش من
✦
تو را چنگ دادن به پرخاش من
“'If chains are now my reward, and you are bid to lay hands on me in strife,'”
#92
نخواهم زمان از تو پایم ببند
✦
بدارد مرا بند او سودمند
“'I ask no respite from you; bind my feet! May his fetters serve me well.'”
#93
ز یزدان وز لشکرم نیست شرم
✦
که من چند پالوده‌ام خون گرم
“'I have no shame before God or my army, for how much warm blood have I shed in their cause!'”
#94
بدانگه کجا شاه در بند بود
✦
به یزدان مرا سخت سوگند بود
“'Back when the King was held in captivity, I swore a solemn oath to God,'”
#95
که دستم نبیند مگر دست تیغ
✦
به جنگ آفتاب اندر آرم به میغ
“'That my hand should grip nothing save the sword's hilt, until I cast a cloud over the sun in battle,'”
#96
مگر سر دهم گر سر خوشنواز
✦
به مردی ز تخت اندر آرم به گاز
“'Unless I gave my life, or bravely pulled Khushnavaz's head down from his throne into the shears!'”
#97
کنونم که فرمود بندم سزاست
✦
سخنهای ناسودمندم سزاست
“'Now that he has decreed my imprisonment, it is fit for me; these useless words are all I deserve.'”
#98
ز فرمان او هیچ گونه مگرد
✦
چو پیرایه دان بند بر پای مرد
“'Do not deviate from his command in any way; consider chains upon a brave man's feet as his finest ornament.'”
#99
چو بنشست شاپور پایش ببست
✦
بزد نای رویین و خود برنشست
“As Shapur took his seat, he bound his feet; then sounding the brass horns, he mounted his steed.”
#100
بیاوردش از پارس پیش قباد
✦
قباد از گذشته نکرد ایچ یاد
“He brought him from Pars before Qobad, yet Qobad made no mention at all of the past.”
#101
بفرمود کو را به زندان برند
✦
به نزدیک ناهوشمندان برند
“He commanded that he be taken to prison, and placed among foolish, vile men.”
#102
به شیراز فرمود تا هرچه بود
✦
ز مردان و گنج و ز کشت و درود
“In Shiraz, he commanded that all his possessions—his retainers, treasures, crops, and harvests—”
#103
بیاورد یک سر سوی طیسفون
✦
سپردش به گنجور او رهنمون
“Be brought entirely to Ctesiphon, and entrusted to his treasurer who guided the realm.”
#104
چو یک هفته بگذشت هرگونه رای
✦
همی‌راند با موبد از سوفزای
“When a week had passed, the King consulted constantly with his Mobad regarding Sukhra.”
#105
چنین گفت پس شاه را رهنمون
✦
که یارند با او همه طیسفون
“Then the advisor said to the King, 'All of Ctesiphon is aligned with him!'”
#106
همه لشکر و زیردستان ما
✦
ز دهقان وز در پرستان ما
“'All our army and subjects, from the landowning nobles to the court attendants.'”
#107
گر او اندر ایران بماند درست
✦
ز شاهی بباید تو را دست شست
“'If he remains alive and unharmed in Iran, you must wash your hands of the kingship!'”
#108
بداندیش شاه جهان کشته به
✦
سر بخت بدخواه برگشته به
“'It is better that an ill-wisher of the world's King be slain; better that the fortune of your adversary be inverted.'”
#109
چو بشنید مهتر ز موبد سخن
✦
بنو تاخت و بیزار شد از کهن
“When the ruler heard the Mobad's words, he rushed toward the new course and abandoned the old loyalty.”
#110
بفرمود پس تاش بیجان کنند
✦
بر او بر دل و دیده پیچان کنند
“He then gave orders to deprive him of life, causing hearts and eyes to twist with grief for him.”
#111
بکردند پس پهلوان را تباه
✦
شد آن گرد فرزانه و نیکخواه
“Thus they executed the hero; so perished that wise and benevolent paladin.”
#112
چو آگاهی آمد به ایرانیان
✦
که آن پیلتن را سرآمد زمان
“When news reached the people of Iran that the time of that elephant-bodied hero had come to an end,”
#113
خروشی برآمد ز ایران به درد
✦
زن و مرد و کودک همی مویه کرد
“A cry of sorrow echoed throughout Iran; men, women, and children alike began to lament.”
#114
برآشفت ایران و برخاست گرد
✦
همی هر کسی کرد ساز نبرد
“Iran erupted in turmoil and dust arose; everyone prepared for war and strife.”
#115
همی‌گفت هرکس که تخت قباد
✦
اگر سوفزا شد به ایران مباد
“Everyone declared: 'If Sukhra is gone, may the throne of Qobad no longer remain in Iran!'”
#116
سپاهی و شهری همه شد یکی
✦
نبردند نام قباد اندکی
“The military and the townsfolk became united as one; they spoke not a word of Qobad's name any longer.”
#117
برفتند یکسر به ایوان شاه
✦
ز بدگوی پردرد و فریادخواه
“They all marched together to the King's palace, grieving and crying out against the slanderer.”
#118
کسی را که بر شاه بدگوی بود
✦
بداندیش او و بلاجوی بود
“Whoever had spoken ill of the King, harboring malice and seeking trouble against him...”
#119
بکشتند و بردند ز ایوان کشان
✦
ز جاماسب جستند چندی نشان
“...they slew and dragged away from the palace; then they sought out Jamasp for a time.”
#120
که کهتر برادر بد و سرفراز
✦
قبادش همی‌پروریدی به ناز
“For he was the younger brother, proud and noble, whom Qobad had raised in comfort and affection.”
#121
ورا برگزیدند و بنشاندند
✦
به شاهی بر او آفرین خواندند
“They chose him and seated him upon the throne, praising him as their rightful king.”
#122
به آهن ببستند پای قباد
✦
ز فر و نژادش نکردند یاد
“They bound Qobad's feet in iron fetters, paying no heed to his royal glory or high lineage.”
#123
چنینست رسم سرای کهن
✦
سرش هیچ پیدا نبینی ز بن
“Such is the way of this ancient world: you can never discern its beginning from its end.”
#124
یکی پور بد سوفزا را گزین
✦
خردمند و پاکیزه و بآفرین
“Sufza had an elite son, wise, pure-hearted, and praised by all.”
#125
جوانی بی‌آزار و زرمهر نام
✦
که از مهر او بد پدر شادکام
“A harmless youth named Zarmehr, in whose love his father had taken great joy.”
#126
سپردند بسته بدو شاه را
✦
بدان گونه بد رای بدخواه را
“They handed over the bound King to him; such was the scheme of his enemies,”
#127
که آن مهربان کینهٔ سوفزای
✦
بخواهد به درد از جهان کدخدای
“Believing that this loyal son would painfully exact vengeance for Sufza from the ruler of the world.”
#128
بی‌آزار زرمهر یزدان‌پرست
✦
نسودی به بد با جهاندار دست
“Yet the gentle, God-fearing Zarmehr did not raise a harmful hand against the monarch.”
#129
پرستش همی‌کرد پیش قباد
✦
وز آن بد نکرد ایچ بر شاه یاد
“He served before Qobad with devotion, and never reminded the King of that former ill treatment.”
#130
جهاندار ز او ماند اندر شگفت
✦
ز کردار او مردمی برگرفت
“The monarch was marveled by him, and took heart from his noble and humane deeds.”
#131
همی‌کرد پوزش که بدخواه من
✦
پرآشوب کرد اختر و ماه من
“He offered apologies, saying, 'My ill-wisher threw my star and moon into turmoil.'”
#132
گر ایدون که یابم رهایی ز بند
✦
تو را باشد از هر بدی سودمند
“'If I indeed find release from these bonds, it will bring you great benefit against every harm.'”
#133
ز دل پاک بردارم آزار تو
✦
کنم چشم روشن به دیدار تو
“'I shall completely erase any malice toward you from my heart, and brighten my eyes by the sight of you.'”
#134
بدو گفت زرمهر کای شهریار
✦
زبان را بدین باز رنجه مدار
“Zarmehr said to him, 'O King, distress not your tongue with such assurances.'”
#135
پدر گر نکرد آنچه بایست کرد
✦
ز مرگش پسر گرم و تیمار خورد
“'If my father did not do what ought to have been done, his son suffered greatly and grieved over his death.'”
#136
تو را من به سان یکی بنده‌ام
✦
به پیش تو اندر پرستنده‌ام
“'I am unto you like a humble servant; before you, I stand as a devoted worshiper.'”
#137
چو گویی به سوگند پیمان کنم
✦
که هرگز وفای تو را نشکنم
“'If you command, I shall swear a solemn covenant never to break my loyalty to you.'”
#138
از او ایمنی یافت جان قباد
✦
ز گفتار آن پر خرد گشت شاد
“Qobad's soul found security in him, and he grew joyful from the words of that wise youth.”
#139
وز آن پس بدو راز بگشاد و گفت
✦
که اندیشه از تو تخواهم نهفت
“Thereafter he disclosed his secret to him, saying, 'I shall conceal no thought from you.'”
#140
گشادست بر پنج تن راز من
✦
جز این نشنود یک تن آواز من
“'My secret is revealed to five trusted men; beyond them, no single soul shall hear my voice.'”
#141
همین تاج و تخت از تو دارم سپاس
✦
بوم جاودانه تو را حق‌شناس
“'I credit you for this crown and throne, and shall forever remain grateful to you.'”
#142
چو بشنید زر مهر پاکیزه‌رای
✦
سبک بند را برگشادش ز پای
“When the pure-minded Zarmehr heard this, he swiftly released the bonds from Qobad's feet.”
#143
فرستاد و آن پنج تن را بخواند
✦
همه رازها پیش ایشان براند
“He sent for those five companions and summoned them, sharing all the secrets in their presence.”
#144
شب تیره از شهر بیرون شدند
✦
ز دیدار دشمن به هامون شدند
“In the dark night, they slipped out of the city and headed toward the plains, away from the sight of the enemy.”
#145
سوی شاه هیتال کردند روی
✦
ز اندیشگان خسته و راه جوی
“They set their faces toward the King of Heptal, worn by anxious thoughts and seeking their path.”
#146
بر این گونه سرگشته آن هفت مرد
✦
به اهواز رفتند تازان چو گرد
“In this manner, bewildered, those seven men rode like dust all the way to Ahvaz.”
#147
رسیدند پویان به پرمایه ده
✦
به ده در یکی نامبردار مه
“Hastening on, they reached a prosperous village, where dwelt a renowned nobleman.”
#148
بدان خان دهقان فرود آمدند
✦
ببودند و یک هفته دم برزدند
“They dismounted at the house of the village chief; there they stayed and rested for a week.”
#149
یکی دختری داشت دهقان چو ماه
✦
ز مشک سیه بر سرش بر کلاه
“The village chief had a daughter fair as the moon, with a crown of black musk-like hair upon her head.”
#150
جهانجوی چون روی دختر بدید
✦
ز مغز جوان شد خرد ناپدید
“When the world-seeking prince beheld the maiden's face, wisdom vanished from the youth's mind.”
#151
همانگه بیامد به زرمهر گفت
✦
که با تو سخن دارم اندر نهفت
“Straightway he came and spoke to Zarmehr, saying: 'I have a secret word to share with thee.'”
#152
برو راز من پیش دهقان بگوی
✦
مگر جفت من گردد این خوبروی
“'Go, reveal my secret to the Dehqan, that perchance this fair beauty may become my spouse.'”
#153
بشد تیز و رازش به دهقان بگفت
✦
که این دخترت را کسی نیست جفت
“Zarmehr departed swiftly and imparted his secret to the Dehqan, saying: 'Thy daughter hath no companion yet;'”
#154
یکی پاک انبازش آمد به جای
✦
که گردی بر اهواز بر کدخدای
“'A pure companion hath come for her, a hero who is ruler over Ahvaz.'”
#155
گرانمایه دهقان به زرمهر گفت
✦
که این دختر خوب را نیست جفت
“The noble Dehqan said to Zarmehr: 'This fair maiden hath indeed no consort;'”
#156
اگر شاید این مرد فرمان تو راست
✦
مر این را بدان ده که او را هواست
“'If this man be worthy, the command is thine; bestow her upon him who desireth her.'”
#157
بیامد خردمند نزد قباد
✦
چنین گفت کاین ماه جفت تو باد
“The wise Zarmehr returned to Qobad and said: 'May this moon-faced beauty be thy bride!'”
#158
پسندیدی و ناگهان دیدیش
✦
بدان سان که دیدی پسندیدیش
“'Thou didst approve of her upon beholding her suddenly; even as thou sawest her, so did she win thy heart.'”
#159
قباد آن پری روی را پیش خواند
✦
به زانوی کنداورش برنشاند
“Qobad summoned that fairy-faced maiden into his presence and seated her upon his hero's knee.”
#160
ابا او یک انگشتری بود و بس
✦
که ارزش به گیتی ندانست کس
“With him he had but a single signet ring, whose boundless worth no man in the world could appraise.”
#161
بدو داد و گفت این نگین را بدار
✦
بود روز کاین را بود خواستار
“He gave it to her and said: 'Keep this signet ring; a day will come when one shall ask for it.'”
#162
بدان ده یکی هفته از بهر ماه
✦
همی‌بود و هشتم بیامد به راه
“For the sake of that moon-like beauty, he tarried in that village for a week, and on the eighth day he set forth on his journey.”
#163
بر شاه هیتال شد کیقباد
✦
گذشته سخنها بدو کرد یاد
“Kay Qobad went before the King of the Hephthalites and recalled to his mind the events of the past.”
#164
بگفت آنچه کردند ایرانیان
✦
بدی را ببستند یک یک میان
“He recounted all that the Iranians had done, how one and all had girded their loins for evil against him.”
#165
بدو گفت شاه از بد خوشنواز
✦
همانا بدین روزت آمد نیاز
“The King of the Hephthalites said to him: 'Through the turns of ill fortune, thou hast surely come to stand in need of this day.'”
#166
به پیمان سپارم تو را لشکری
✦
از آن هر یکی بر سران افسری
“'According to our covenant, I shall entrust to thee an army, every warrior of which is a leader over chiefs,'”
#167
که گر باز یابی تو گنج و کلاه
✦
چغانی بباشد تو را نیکخواه
“'Provided that if thou regainest thy treasure and thy crown, the ruler of Chaghan shall remain thy well-wisher.'”
#168
مرا باشد این مرز و فرمان تو را
✦
ز کرده نباشد پشیمان تو را
“'Mine shall be this realm, and thine the supreme command; thou shalt have no cause to repent of this deed.'”
#169
زبردست را گفت خندان قباد
✦
کزین بوم هرگز نگیریم یاد
“Smiling, Qobad said to that mighty sovereign: 'Never shall we lay claim to this domain;'”
#170
چو خواهی فرستمت بی‌مر سپاه
✦
چغانی که باشد که یازد به گاه
“'Whenever thou desirest, I will send thee an innumerable host; who is the ruler of Chaghan that he should stretch forth his hand toward the throne?'”
#171
چو کردند عهد آن دو گردن فراز
✦
در گنج زر و درم کرد باز
“When those two proud sovereigns concluded their pact, the King unlocked the doors of his treasures of gold and silver.”
#172
به شاه جهاندار دادش رمه
✦
سلیح سواران و لشکر همه
“He bestowed herds of horses, arms for the horsemen, and an entire army upon the world-conquering King.”
#173
بپذرفت شمشیرزن سی‌هزار
✦
همه نامداران گرد و سوار
“Qobad took charge of thirty thousand sword-wielding warriors, all of them renowned heroes and horsemen.”
#174
ز هیتالیان سوی اهواز شد
✦
سراسر جهان زو پر آواز شد
“Accompanied by the Hephthalites, he marched toward Ahvaz, and the whole world resounded with his fame.”
#175
چو نزدیکی خان دهقان رسید
✦
بسی مردم از خانه بیرون دوید
“When he drew near to the dwelling of the Dehqan, a multitude of people came rushing forth from the house.”
#176
یکی مژده بردند نزد قباد
✦
که این پور بر شاه فرخنده باد
“They brought glad tidings to Qobad, saying: 'May this son be blessed unto the King!'”
#177
پسر زاد جفت تو در شب یکی
✦
که از ماه پیدا نبود اندکی
“'Thy wife gave birth last night to a son who is in no way inferior to the shining moon.'”
#178
چو بشنید در خانه شد شادکام
✦
همانگاه کسریش کردند نام
“When he heard this, he entered the house full of joy, and straightway they named the child Kasra.”
#179
ز دهقان بپرسید زان پس قباد
✦
که ای نیکبخت از که داری نژاد
“Thereafter, Qobad asked the Dehqan: 'O fortunate man, from whose lineage art thou descended?'”
#180
بدو گفت کز آفریدون گرد
✦
که از تخم ضحاک شاهی ببرد
“He replied: 'From Fereydun the champion, who wrested the kingship from the seed of Zahhak.'”
#181
پدرم این چنین گفت و من این چنین
✦
که بر آفریدون کنیم آفرین
“'My father told me thus, and so say I: let us render praise unto Fereydun!'”
#182
ز گفتار او شادتر شد قباد
✦
ز روزی که تاج کیی برنهاد
“From his words, Qobad felt even greater joy than on the day he had set the Kayanian crown upon his head.”
#183
عماری بسیجید و آمد به راه
✦
نشسته بدو اندرون جفت شاه
“They prepared a litter, and he set forth upon the road, with the King's consort seated within it.”
#184
بیاورد لشکر سوی طیسفون
✦
دل از درد ایرانیان پر ز خون
“He led his army toward Ctesiphon, his heart heavy with grief for the suffering of the Iranians.”
#185
به ایران همه سالخورده ردان
✦
نشستند با نامور بخردان
“Throughout Iran, all the aged chieftains convened in counsel alongside renowned men of wisdom.”
#186
که این کار گردد به ما بر دراز
✦
میان دو شهزاد گردن‌فراز
“This conflict between these two exalted princes will drag on endlessly for us.”
#187
ز روم و ز چین لشکر آید کنون
✦
بریزند ز این مرز بسیار خون
“Armies will now arrive from Rome and China, shedding torrents of blood in this realm.”
#188
بباید خرامید سوی قباد
✦
مگر کان سخنها نگیرد به یاد
“We must hasten unto Qobad, praying that he might not hold those past grievances in mind.”
#189
بیاریم جاماسب ده ساله را
✦
که با در همتا کند ژاله را
“We shall bring forward ten-year-old Jamasp, whose purity matches dew to fine pearls.”
#190
مگرمان ز تاراج و خون ریختن
✦
به یک سو گراییم ز آویختن
“Perchance we may turn aside from pillage and bloodshed, and refrain from further strife.”
#191
برفتند یکسر سوی کیقباد
✦
بگفتند کای شاه خسرونژاد
“They went all together unto King Qobad and proclaimed: 'O monarch of royal lineage!'”
#192
گر از تو دل مردمان خسته شد
✦
به شوخی دل و دیدها شسته شد
“'If the people's hearts were grieved by thee, in their boldness their hearts and eyes were washed clean of arrogance.'”
#193
کنون کامرانی بدان کت هواست
✦
که شاه جهان بر جهان پادشاست
“'Now rule and rejoice as thy heart desires, for the sovereign of the world is king over all.'”
#194
پیاده همه پیش او در دوان
✦
برفتند پر خاک تیره‌روان
“On foot they ran before his horse, dust-covered and with darkened, humbled souls.”
#195
گناه بزرگان ببخشید شاه
✦
ز خون ریختن کرد پوزش به راه
“The King pardoned the transgressions of the nobles, and along the way offered remorse for bloodshed.”
#196
ببخشید جاماسب را همچنین
✦
بزرگان بر او خواندند آفرین
“He granted forgiveness unto Jamasp as well, and the nobles showered blessings upon him.”
#197
بیامد به تخت کیی برنشست
✦
ورا گشت جاماسب مهترپرست
“He arrived and ascended the royal throne, and Jamasp became his loyal and devoted servant.”
#198
بر این گونه تا گشت کسری بزرگ
✦
یکی کودکی شد دلیر و سترگ
“In this wise time passed until Kasra grew up, becoming a brave and mighty youth.”
#199
به فرهنگیان داد فرزند را
✦
چنان بار شاخ برومند را
“He entrusted his son to learned tutors, nurturing the fruit of that fruitful branch.”
#200
همه کار ایران و توران بساخت
✦
بگردون کلاه مهی برفراخت
“He settled all the affairs of Iran and Turan, raising the crown of greatness unto the heavens.”
#201
وز آن پس بیاورد لشکر به روم
✦
شد آن بارهٔ او چو یک مهره موم
“Thereafter he led his army toward Rome, until their mighty fortresses softened like wax.”
#202
همه بوم و بر آتش اندر زدند
✦
همه رومیان دست بر سر زدند
“They set fire to all that land, leaving the Romans striking their heads in grief.”
#203
همی‌کرد زان بوم و بر خارستان
✦
ازو خواست زنهار دو شارستان
“He turned that region into a wasteland of thorns, until two great cities begged for quarter.”
#204
یکی مندیا و دگر فارقین
✦
بیامختشان زند و بنهاد دین
“One was Mandia and the other Farqin; he taught them the Zand commentary and established the faith.”
#205
نهاد اندر آن مرز آتشکده
✦
بزرگی به نوروز و جشن سده
“He built fire-temples in that realm and honored the great festivals of Nowruz and Sadeh.”
#206
مداین پی افگند جای کیان
✦
پراگنده بسیار سود و زیان
“He laid the foundations of Ctesiphon as the seat of kings, a realm of many gains and losses.”
#207
از اهواز تا پارس یک شارستان
✦
بکرد و برآورد بیمارستان
“From Ahvaz to Pars he established a vast city and erected a hospital within it.”
#208
اران خواند آن شارستان را قباد
✦
که تازی کنون نام حلوان نهاد
“Qobad named that city Aran, which the Arabs now call Holwan.”
#209
گشادند هر جای رودی ز آب
✦
زمین شد پر از جای آرام و خواب
“They opened streams of water everywhere, and the land became filled with rest and tranquility.”