#1
چو خورشید تابان برآمد ز کوه
✦
برفتند گردان همه همگروه
“When the shining sun arose from behind the mountain, all the warriors assembled together.”
#2
بدیدند مر پهلوان را پگاه
✦
وزان جایگه برگرفتند راه
“They beheld the champion at dawn and from that place took their way.”
#3
سپهبد فرستاد خواننده را
✦
که خواند بزرگان داننده را
“The commander sent his herald to summon the wise and learned elders.”
#4
چو دستور فرزانه با موبدان
✦
سرافراز گردان و فرخ ردان
“Along with the wise advisor came the mobads, exalted warriors, and illustrious chieftains.”
#5
به شادی بر پهلوان آمدند
✦
خردمند و روشن روان آمدند
“Joyfully they approached the champion, enlightened of mind and wise of soul.”
#6
زبان تیز بگشاد دستان سام
✦
لبی پر ز خنده دلی شادکام
“Zal, son of Sam, opened his eloquent speech, his lips smiling and his heart filled with joy.”
#7
نخست آفرین جهاندار کرد
✦
دل موبد از خواب بیدار کرد
“He first offered praise to the Lord of the world, awakening the hearts of the mobads from slumber.”
#8
چنین گفت کز داور راد و پاک
✦
دل ما پر امید و ترس است و باک
“He spoke thus: "From the righteous and pure Judge, our hearts are filled with both hope and fear."”
#9
به بخشایش امید و ترس از گناه
✦
به فرمانها ژرف کردن نگاه
“"Hoping for His mercy while fearing our sins, contemplating deeply upon His divine commandments."”
#10
ستودن مراو را چنان چون توان
✦
شب و روز بودن به پیشش نوان
“"To praise Him as best as one can, standing humbly before Him night and day."”
#11
خداوند گردنده خورشید و ماه
✦
روان را به نیکی نماینده راه
“"The Lord of the revolving sun and moon, Who guides the soul toward goodness."”
#12
بدویست گیهان خرم به پای
✦
همو داد و داور به هر دو سرای
“"Through Him the verdant world endures; He is the sovereign Judge in both worlds."”
#13
بهار آرد و تیرماه و خزان
✦
برآرد پر از میوه دار رزان
“"He brings forth spring, midsummer, and autumn, causing the vines to bear abundant fruit."”
#14
جوان داردش گاه با رنگ و بوی
✦
گهش پیر بینی دژم کرده روی
“"At times He keeps it young with vivid colors and scents; at times you see it old and withered."”
#15
ز فرمان و رایش کسی نگذرد
✦
پی مور بی او زمین نسپرد
“"None can transgress His decree and will; without Him, not even an ant walks upon the earth."”
#16
بدانگه که لوح آفرید و قلم
✦
بزد بر همه بودنیها رقم
“"When He created the Tablet and the Pen, He inscribed the destiny of all that is to be."”
#17
جهان را فزایش ز جفت آفرید
✦
که از یک فزونی نیاید پدید
“"He ordained the growth of the world through pairing, for no increase comes from solitude."”
#18
ز چرخ بلند اندر آمد سخن
✦
سراسر همین است گیتی ز بن
“"From the high heavens this decree descended, and the universe is built entirely upon this."”
#19
زمانه به مردم شد آراسته
✦
وزو ارج گیرد همی خواسته
“"The world was adorned through mankind, and wealth gains true value only through humanity."”
#20
اگر نیستی جفت اندر جهان
✦
بماندی توانای اندر نهان
“"Were there no mate in this world, human capability would remain hidden in secrecy."”
#21
و دیگر که مایه ز دین خدای
✦
ندیدم که ماندی جوان را بجای
“"Furthermore, according to God's holy faith, I have seen no foundation that keeps a youth steadfast..."”
#22
بویژه که باشد ز تخم بزرگ
✦
چو بی‌جفت باشد بماند سترگ
“"...especially one who comes from a noble line; if he remains without a mate, he remains restless and unfulfilled."”
#23
چه نیکوتر از پهلوان جوان
✦
که گردد به فرزند روشن روان
“"What is finer for a young champion than to have his spirit brightened by a child?"”
#24
چو هنگام رفتن فراز آیدش
✦
به فرزند نو روز بازآیدش
“"When his time to depart draws near, he lives again through his newborn child."”
#25
به گیتی بماند ز فرزند نام
✦
که این پور زالست و آن پور سام
“"His name endures in the world through his offspring: 'This is the son of Zal, and that the son of Sam!'"”
#26
بدو گردد آراسته تاج و تخت
✦
ازان رفته نام و بدین مانده بخت
“"The crown and throne are adorned by him; from the departed one name remains, and in the living one fortune abides."”
#27
کنون این همه داستان منست
✦
گل و نرگس بوستان منست
“"Now, all of this is my own story—the flower and narcissus of my heart's garden."”
#28
که از من رمیدست صبر و خرد
✦
بگویید کاین را چه اندر خورد
“"For patience and wisdom have fled from me; tell me what is fitting for such a plight?"”
#29
نگفتم من این تا نگشتم غمی
✦
به مغز و خرد در نیامد کمی
“"I did not speak of this until distress overcame me and my brain and reason grew impaired."”
#30
همه کاخ مهراب مهر منست
✦
زمینش چو گردان سپهر منست
“"All the palace of Mehrab has become my desire; his land is like the revolving heaven to me."”
#31
دلم گشت با دخت سیندخت رام
✦
چه گوینده باشد بدین رام سام
“"My heart has found peace with Sindokht's daughter; yet what will the famous Sam say to this?"”
#32
شود رام گویی منوچهر شاه
✦
جوانی گمانی برد یا گناه
“"Will King Manuchehr consent, or will he consider youthfulness a cause for suspicion or sin?"”
#33
چه مهتر چه کهتر چو شد جفت جوی
✦
سوی دین و آیین نهادست روی
“"Whether high or low, whoever seeks a mate has turned his face toward religion and custom."”
#34
بدین در خردمند را جنگ نیست
✦
که هم راه دینست و هم ننگ نیست
“"The wise man has no cause to battle this, for it is both the path of faith and free of shame."”
#35
چه گوید کنون موبد پیش بین
✦
چه دانید فرزانگان اندرین
“"What says the far-seeing mobad now? What do you wise sages discern in this matter?"”
#36
ببستند لب موبدان و ردان
✦
سخن بسته شد بر لب بخردان
“The mobads and noble chieftains sealed their lips; speech was silenced on the lips of the wise.”
#37
که ضحاک مهراب را بد نیا
✦
دل شاه ازیشان پر از کیمیا
“For Zahhak was the ancestor of Mehrab, and the King's heart was filled with bitterness toward them.”
#38
گشاده سخن کس نیارست گفت
✦
که نشنید کس نوش با نیش جفت
“None dared to speak openly, for no one had ever heard of honey mixed with poison.”
#39
چو نشنید از ایشان سپهبد سخن
✦
بجوشید و رای نو افگند بن
“When the champion heard no reply from them, he boiled with passion and cast a new counsel forth.”
#40
که دانم که چون این پژوهش کنید
✦
بدین رای بر من نکوهش کنید
“He said: "I know that if you investigate this, you will reproach me for this inclination."”
#41
ولیکن هر آنکو بود پر منش
✦
بباید شنیدن بسی سرزنش
“"Yet whoever is high-minded must endure much reproach and criticism."”
#42
مرا اندرین گر نمایش کنید
✦
وزین بند راه گشایش کنید
“"If you guide me in this and untie the knot of this path for me..."”
#43
به جای شما آن کنم در جهان
✦
که با کهتران کس نکرد از مهان
“"...I shall do such things for you in the world as no superior has ever done for his subordinates."”
#44
ز خوبی و از نیکی و راستی
✦
ز بد ناورم بر شما کاستی
“"In goodness, virtue, and righteousness, I shall bring no harm or lack upon you."”
#45
همه موبدان پاسخ آراستند
✦
همه کام و آرام او خواستند
“Then all the mobads prepared their answer, desiring only his wish and peace of mind.”
#46
که ما مر ترا یک به یک بنده‌ایم
✦
نه از بس شگفتی سرافگنده‌ایم
“For we are each and all your humble servants; it is not out of sheer amazement that we bow our heads.”
#47
ابا آنکه مهراب ازین پایه نیست
✦
بزرگست و گرد و سبک مایه نیست
“Although Mehrab is not of our lineage, he is noble, valiant, and far from light in worth.”
#48
بدانست کز گوهر اژدهاست
✦
و گر چند بر تازیان پادشاست
“He well knew that Mehrab springs from the dragon-lineage, even though he now rules over the Arabs.”
#49
اگر شاه رابد نگردد گمان
✦
نباشد ازو ننگ بر دودمان
“If the King does not harbor ill suspicion, this union shall bring no shame upon our royal dynasty.”
#50
یکی نامه باید سوی پهلوان
✦
چنان چون تو دانی به روشن روان
“A letter must be written to the Chief Hero, composed with all the wisdom of your enlightened soul.”
#51
ترا خود خرد زان ما بیشتر
✦
روان و گمانت به اندیشتر
“Indeed, your wisdom surpasses ours, and your mind and foresight are far more penetrating.”
#52
مگر کو یکی نامه نزدیک شاه
✦
فرستد کند رای او را نگاه
“Perchance he might send a letter to the King, to seek his counsel and sound his intent.”
#53
منوچهر هم رای سام سوار
✦
نپردازد از ره بدین مایه کار
“Manuchehr, aligned with the judgment of knightly Sam, will not casually dismiss such an important affair.”
#54
سپهبد نویسنده را پیش خواند
✦
دل آگنده بودش همه برفشاند
“The commander summoned his scribe; his heart was brimming with emotion, and he laid it all bare.”
#55
یکی نامه فرمود نزدیک سام
✦
سراسر نوید و درود و خرام
“He ordered a letter to be written to Sam, filled from beginning to end with good tidings, greetings, and grace.”
#56
ز خط نخست آفرین گسترید
✦
بدان دادگر کو جهان آفرید
“From the very first line, he spread praise upon the Just Creator who fashioned the world.”
#57
ازویست شادی ازویست زور
✦
خداوند کیوان و ناهید و هور
“From Him comes all joy, from Him comes all strength—Lord of Saturn, Venus, and the Sun.”
#58
خداوند هست و خداوند نیست
✦
همه بندگانیم و ایزد یکیست
“Lord of all that exists and all that is not; we are all His servants, and God is One.”
#59
ازو باد بر سام نیرم درود
✦
خداوند کوپال و شمشیر و خود
“May His blessings rest upon Sam, son of Nariman—master of the mace, the sword, and the helmet.”
#60
چمانندهٔ دیزه هنگام گرد
✦
چرانندهٔ کرگس اندر نبرد
“Who makes his black steed prance in the swirling dust of war, and feeds the vultures upon the battlefield.”
#61
فزایندهٔ باد آوردگاه
✦
فشانندهٔ خون ز ابر سیاه
“Who stirs the tempest of the battleground, and makes blood rain down like water from dark clouds.”
#62
گرایندهٔ تاج و زرین کمر
✦
نشانندهٔ زال بر تخت زر
“Bestower of crowns and golden girdles, who seated Zal upon the throne of gold.”
#63
به مردی هنر در هنر ساخته
✦
خرد از هنرها برافراخته
“Through bravery he has woven virtue upon virtue, elevating wisdom above all arts.”
#64
من او را بسان یکی بنده‌ام
✦
به مهرش روان و دل آگنده‌ام
“I am unto him as a humble servant; my soul and heart are filled with love for him.”
#65
ز مادر بزادم بران سان که دید
✦
ز گردون به من بر ستمها رسید
“I was born of my mother in the manner he witnessed, and suffered many cruelties from fate.”
#66
پدر بود در ناز و خز و پرند
✦
مرا برده سیمرغ بر کوه هند
“My father dwelt in luxury, silk, and brocade, while the Simurgh carried me off to the Mount of Hind.”
#67
نیازم بد آنکو شکار آورد
✦
ابا بچه‌ام در شمار آورد
“My need was such that the bird brought prey, counting me among its own fledglings.”
#68
همی پوست از باد بر من بسوخت
✦
زمان تا زمان خاک چشمم بدوخت
“The cold wind burned my skin, and from time to time the dust blinded my eyes.”
#69
همی خواندندی مرا پور سام
✦
به اورنگ بر سام و من در کنام
“They called me the son of Sam, yet Sam sat upon his throne while I dwelt in a mountain lair.”
#70
چو یزدان چنین راند اندر بوش
✦
بران بود چرخ روان را روش
“Since God ordained such a fate for my existence, the turning heavens moved according to His decree.”
#71
کس از داد یزدان نیابد گریغ
✦
وگرچه بپرد برآید به میغ
“No one can escape God's divine justice, even if one takes flight and soars into the clouds.”
#72
سنان گر بدندان بخاید دلیر
✦
بدرد ز آواز او چرم شیر
“Though a brave hero may gnaw spearheads with his teeth, and tear the lion's hide with his roaring voice...”
#73
گرفتار فرمان یزدان بود
✦
وگر چند دندانش سندان بود
“...he remains subject to God's command, even though his jaw be as hard as an anvil.”
#74
یکی کار پیش آمدم دل شکن
✦
که نتوان ستودنش بر انجمن
“A heart-wrenching matter has now befallen me, one that I cannot easily describe before the assembly.”
#75
پدر گر دلیرست و نراژدهاست
✦
اگر بشنود راز بنده رواست
“Though my father is a brave champion and a fierce dragon, it is fitting that he listen to his servant's secret.”
#76
من از دخت مهراب گریان شدم
✦
چو بر آتش تیز بریان شدم
“I have been brought to tears by Mehrab's daughter, roasted as if over a fiery flame.”
#77
ستاره شب تیره یار منست
✦
من آنم که دریا کنار منست
“The stars of the dark night are my companions, and my tears form an ocean around me.”
#78
به رنجی رسیدستم از خویشتن
✦
که بر من بگرید همه انجمن
“I have fallen into such agony on my own account that all who gather would weep for me.”
#79
اگرچه دلم دید چندین ستم
✦
نیارم زدن جز به فرمانت دم
“Though my heart has suffered such hardship, I dare not breathe a word contrary to your command.”
#80
چه فرماید اکنون جهان پهلوان
✦
گشایم ازین رنج و سختی روان
“What does the World Champion now command, so that I may free my soul from this affliction and hardship?”
#81
ز پیمان نگردد سپهبد پدر
✦
بدین کار دستور باشد مگر
“My warlord father will not break his solemn vow; peradventure he will grant his sanction to this match.”
#82
که من دخت مهراب را جفت خویش
✦
کنم راستی را به آیین و کیش
“That I may take Mehrab's daughter as my bride, uniting with her in truth, according to righteous law and creed.”
#83
به پیمان چنین رفت پیش گروه
✦
چو باز آوریدم ز البرز کوه
“Such was his covenant sworn before the host when he brought me back from Mount Alborz:”
#84
که هیچ آرزو بر دلت نگسلم
✦
کنون اندرین است بسته دلم
“'I shall never break any desire of thy heart'; and now upon this single wish my whole soul is bound.”
#85
سواری به کردار آذر گشسپ
✦
ز کابل سوی سام شد بر دو اسپ
“A messenger like blazing Azar Goshasp rode forth from Kabul toward Sam, leading two swift steeds.”
#86
بفرمود و گفت ار بماند یکی
✦
نباید ترا دم زدن اندکی
“Zal charged him: 'If one charger tire and fall, thou must not pause even for a single breath;'”
#87
به دیگر تو پای اندر آور برو
✦
برین سان همی تاز تا پیش گو
“'Mount thou the second horse and speed away; ride in this wise until thou reachest the warrior hero.'”
#88
فرستاده در پیش او باد گشت
✦
به زیر اندرش چرمه پولاد گشت
“The courier became as swift as the wind before him, while beneath him his dapple steed turned to solid steel.”
#89
چو نزدیکی گرگساران رسید
✦
یکایک ز دورش سپهبد بدید
“When he drew near the lands of Gorgsaran, the chief commander spied him from afar.”
#90
همی گشت گرد یکی کوهسار
✦
چماننده یوز و رمنده شکار
“Sam was riding about a mountainous ridge, unleashing his hunting cheetahs and driving the prey.”
#91
چنین گفت با غمگساران خویش
✦
بدان کار دیده سواران خویش
“He spoke thus unto his trusted companions, to those seasoned and battle-tested horsemen:”
#92
که آمد سواری دمان کابلی
✦
چمان چرمهٔ زیر او زابلی
“'A courier approaches in hot haste from Kabul, his dapple steed prancing beneath him, bound from Zabol.'”
#93
فرستادهٔ زال باشد درست
✦
ازو آگهی جست باید نخست
“'He surely must be Zal's messenger; from him we first must seek news and tidings.'”
#94
ز دستان و ایران و از شهریار
✦
همی کرد باید سخن خواستار
“'We must inquire of Dastan, of Iran, and of the King of Kings.'”
#95
هم اندر زمان پیش او شد سوار
✦
به دست اندرون نامهٔ نامدار
“Presently the horseman came into his presence, holding in his hand the renowned letter.”
#96
فرود آمد و خاک را بوس داد
✦
بسی از جهان آفرین کرد یاد
“He dismounted, kissed the earth in homage, and uttered many praises of the World-Creator.”
#97
بپرسید و بستد ازو نامه سام
✦
فرستاده گفت آنچه بود از پیام
“Sam inquired of his welfare, took the letter from him, and the messenger delivered all the spoken message.”
#98
سپهدار بگشاد از نامه بند
✦
فرود آمد از تیغ کوه بلند
“The warlord broke the seal of the letter and descended from the high mountain ridge.”
#99
سخنهای دستان سراسر بخواند
✦
بپژمرد و بر جای خیره بماند
“He read all the words of Dastan from end to end; he withered in dismay and stood astonished on the spot.”
#100
پسندش نیامد چنان آرزوی
✦
دگرگونه بایستش او را به خوی
“Such a desire pleased him not at all, for his expectations and nature demanded something far different.”
#101
چنین داد پاسخ که آمد پدید
✦
سخن هر چه از گوهر بد سزید
“He answered thus: 'Now has come to light whatever might be expected of an evil lineage!'”
#102
چو مرغ ژیان باشد آموزگار
✦
چنین کام دل جوید از روزگار
“'When a ferocious bird is one's tutor, such are the heart's desires he seeks from Fate!'”
#103
ز نخچیر کامد سوی خانه باز
✦
به دلش اندر اندیشه آمد دراز
“Returning home from the hunt, long and brooding thoughts weighed heavily upon his heart.”
#104
همی گفت اگر گویم این نیست رای
✦
مکن داوری سوی دانش گرای
“He said to himself: 'If I say this is no sound wisdom, and tell him to refrain from folly and embrace reason,'”
#105
سوی شهریاران سر انجمن
✦
شوم خام گفتار و پیمان شکن
“'Then before the sovereign rulers of the realm, I shall become a breaker of covenants and a man of hollow words.'”
#106
و گر گویم آری و کامت رواست
✦
بپرداز دل را بدانچت هواست
“'Yet if I say: "Yes, thy desire is granted; set thy heart upon whatever thou cravest,"'”
#107
ازین مرغ پرورده وان دیوزاد
✦
چه گویی چگونه برآید نژاد
“'What sayest thou—what offspring can spring from this bird-reared youth and that demon-born maid?'”
#108
سرش گشت از اندیشهٔ دل گران
✦
بخفت و نیاسوده گشت اندران
“His head grew heavy with the heart's deep brooding; he went to sleep, yet found no rest in slumber.”
#109
سخن هر چه بر بنده دشوارتر
✦
دلش خسته‌تر زان و تن زارتر
“The more grievous a matter proves to a mortal man, the more wounded grows his heart and frailer his body.”
#110
گشاده‌تر آن باشد اندر نهان
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چو فرمان دهد کردگار جهان
“Yet that secret unraveling shall unfold most brightly when the Creator of the World decrees His divine command.”