#1
بیامد یکی مرد مزدک به نام
✦
سخنگوی با دانش و رای و کام
“There came forth a man who was named Mazdak, eloquent in speech, full of knowledge, wisdom, and purpose.”
#2
گرانمایه مردی و دانش فروش
✦
قباد دلاور بدو داد گوش
“A venerable man who peddled knowledge, and brave Qobad gave him his ear.”
#3
به نزد جهاندار دستور گشت
✦
نگهبان آن گنج و گنجور گشت
“He became a trusted minister to the ruler of the world, guardian of his treasures and keeper of his wealth.”
#4
ز خشکی خورش تنگ شد در جهان
✦
میان کهان و میان مهان
“Due to severe drought, food became scarce in the world, among both the humble and the noble.”
#5
ز روی هوا ابر شد ناپدید
✦
به ایران کسی برف و باران ندید
“Clouds vanished from the sky, and in Iran no one saw either rain or snow.”
#6
مهان جهان بر در کیقباد
✦
همی هر کسی آب و نان کرد یاد
“The nobles of the world gathered at the gate of Key-Qobad, everyone crying out for bread and water.”
#7
بدیشان چنین گفت مزدک که شاه
✦
نماید شما را به امید راه
“Mazdak said to them: 'The King will show you the path of hope.'”
#8
دوان اندر آمد بر شهریار
✦
چنین گفت کای نامور شهریار
“He ran in to the presence of the monarch and spoke thus: 'O illustrious sovereign!'”
#9
به گیتی سخن پرسم از تو یکی
✦
گر ایدون که پاسخ دهی اندکی
“'I ask of thee a single question about the world, if thou wouldst deign to give a brief answer.'”
#10
قباد سراینده گفتش بگوی
✦
به من تازه کن در سخن آبروی
“Qobad, the eloquent king, bade him speak: 'Renew my honor through thy discourse.'”
#11
بدو گفت آن کس که مارش گزید
✦
همی از تنش جان بخواهد پرید
“He said to him: 'Consider one bitten by a serpent, whose soul is about to depart his body,'”
#12
یکی دیگری را بود پای زهر
✦
گزیده نیابد ز تریاک بهر
“'And another possesses the antidote to the poison, yet the bitten one receives no portion of it.'”
#13
سزای چنین مرد گویی که چیست
✦
که تریاک دارد درم سنگ بیست
“'What sayest thou is the due reward for such a man, who holds twenty dirhams weight of antidote?'”
#14
چنین داد پاسخ ورا شهریار
✦
که خونی‌ست این مرد تریاک‌دار
“The sovereign replied to him thus: 'Such a man who withholdeth the antidote is a murderer!'”
#15
به خون گزیده ببایدش کشت
✦
به درگاه چون دشمن آمد به مشت
“'He should be slain in retribution for the victim's blood, for he cometh to court as a foe trapped in the fist.'”
#16
چو بشنید برخاست از پیش شاه
✦
بیامد به نزدیک فریادخواه
“When Mazdak heard this, he arose from before the king and went out to the supplicants.”
#17
بدیشان چنین گفت کز شهریار
✦
سخن کردم از هر دری خواستار
“He spoke to them saying: 'I have sought counsel from the king on every matter.'”
#18
بباشید تا بامداد پگاه
✦
نمایم شما را سوی داد راه
“'Wait until early morning, and I shall guide you unto the path of justice.'”
#19
برفتند و شبگیر باز آمدند
✦
شخوده رخ و پرگداز آمدند
“They departed and returned at early dawn, cheeks scratched with grief and body consumed by hunger.”
#20
چو مزدک ز در آن گره را بدید
✦
ز درگه سوی شاه ایران دوید
“When Mazdak saw that crowd at the door, he ran from the threshold toward the King of Iran.”
#21
چنین گفت کای شاه پیروزبخت
✦
سخنگوی و بیدار و زیبای تخت
“He said: 'O victorious king, eloquent, vigilant, and ornament of the throne!'”
#22
سخن گفتم و پاسخش دادی‌ام
✦
به پاسخ در بسته بگشادی‌ام
“'I spoke a word and thou didst answer me; with thy answer, thou didst unlock a closed door.'”
#23
گر ایدون که دستور باشد کنون
✦
بگوید سخن پیش تو رهنمون
“'If now the king grants permission, his guiding servant will speak once more before him.'”
#24
بدو گفت برگوی و لب را مبند
✦
که گفتار باشد مرا سودمند
“The King said to him: 'Speak on and seal not thy lips, for thy speech is beneficial to me.'”
#25
چنین گفت کای نامور شهریار
✦
کسی را که بندی به بند استوار
“Thus he spoke: 'O famous king, if one should bind a man tightly in chains,'”
#26
خورش بازگیرند زو تا بمرد
✦
به بیچارگی جان و تن را سپرد
“'And withhold food from him until he dies, surrendering his soul and body in helplessness,'”
#27
مکافات آن کس که نان داشت او
✦
مر این بسته را خوار بگذاشت او
“'What is the retribution of the man who possessed bread yet left this captive to perish miserably?'”
#28
چه باشد بگوید مرا پادشا؟
✦
که این مرد دانا بد و پارسا
“'What would the king declare unto me, for he is a wise and righteous sovereign?'”
#29
چنین داد پاسخ که می‌کن بنش
✦
که خونی‌ست ناکرده بر گردنش
“The monarch answered: 'He too is a murderer, though no direct blood be upon his neck.'”
#30
چو بشنید مزدک زمین بوس داد
✦
خرامان بیامد ز پیش قباد
“When Mazdak heard this, he kissed the ground and stepped gracefully away from King Qobad.”
#31
به درگاه او شد به انبوه گفت
✦
که جایی که گندم بود در نهفت
“He went to his gate and shouted to the crowd: 'Wherever wheat is held in secret storage,'”
#32
دهید آن به تاراج در کوی و شهر
✦
بدان تا یکایک بیابید بهر
“'Go and pillage it in every street and town, so that each of you may obtain a portion!'”
#33
دویدند هرکس که بد گُرسِنِه
✦
به تاراج گندم شدند از بنِه
“Everyone who was hungry ran swiftly and set about plundering the stores of wheat from their foundation.”
#34
چه انبار شهری چه آنِ قباد
✦
ز یک دانه گندم نبودند شاد
“Whether the granaries of the city or those of Qobad himself, not a single grain of wheat remained.”
#35
چو دیدند رفتند کارآگهان
✦
به نزدیک بیدار شاه جهان
“When the king's intelligence officers saw this, they went unto the vigilant lord of the world,”
#36
که تاراج کردند انبار شاه
✦
به مزدک همی‌بازگردد گناه
“Saying: 'The royal granaries have been plundered, and the guilt traces back to Mazdak!'”
#37
قباد آن سخنگوی را پیش خواند
✦
ز تاراج انبار چندی براند
“Qobad summoned the speaker to his presence and reproached him for the pillaging of the stores.”
#38
چنین داد پاسخ کانوشه بدی
✦
خرد را به گفتار توشه بدی
“Mazdak replied: 'Mayest thou live forever! May thy words be sustenance for wisdom!'”
#39
سخن هرچه بشنیدم از شهریار
✦
بگفتم به بازاریان خوارخوار
“'Whatever words I heard from the sovereign, I merely recounted to the needy folk in the market.'”
#40
به شاه جهان گفتم از مار و زهر
✦
از آن کس که تریاک دارد به شهر
“'I spoke to the ruler of the world concerning snake and poison, and he who hoardeth the antidote in the city.'”
#41
بدین بنده پاسخ چنین داد شاه
✦
که تریاک‌دارست مرد گناه
“'To this servant the King gave answer that the possessor of antidote is the guilty man,'”
#42
اگر خون این مرد تریاک‌دار
✦
بریزد کسی نیست با او شمار
“'And if someone sheds the blood of such a owner, no retribution shall be exacted from him.'”
#43
چو شد گرسنه نان بود پای زهر
✦
به سیری نخواهد ز تریاک بهر
“'When a man is starving, bread is the antidote; a sated man seeketh no portion of antidote!'”
#44
اگر دادگر باشی ای شهریار
✦
به انبار گندم نیاید به کار
“'If thou art a just ruler, O King, the hoarded granary of wheat serves no holy purpose.'”
#45
شکم گرسنه چند مردم بمرد
✦
که انبار را سود جانش نبرد
“'How many people have died with hungry bellies, while granaries brought no profit to their lives!'”
#46
ز گفتار او تنگ‌دل شد قباد
✦
بشد تیز مغزش ز گفتار داد
“Qobad became deeply moved by his discourse; his mind was stirred and sharpened by Mazdak's speech on justice.”
#47
وز آن پس بپرسید و پاسخ شنید
✦
دل و جان او پر ز گفتار دید
“Thereafter he questioned him and heard his answers, finding his heart and soul filled with deep discourse.”
#48
ز چیزی که گفتند پیغمبران
✦
همان دادگر موبدان و ردان
“He spoke of what prophets had taught, as well as righteous priests and noble sages of old.”
#49
به گفتار مزدک همه کژ گشت
✦
سخنهاش ز اندازه اندر گذشت
“Through Mazdak’s speech, all settled matters turned askew, and his claims soon exceeded all bounds.”
#50
بر او انجمن شد فراوان سپاه
✦
بسی کس به بیراهی آمد ز راه
“A vast throng gathered around him, and many a person turned away from the right path into error.”
#51
همی‌گفت هر کاو توانگر بود
✦
تهیدست با او برابر بود
“He kept preaching that whoever is wealthy must be equal with the poor and destitute.”
#52
نباید که باشد کسی برفزود
✦
توانگر بود تار و درویش پود
“"None should hold excess," he claimed; "the rich are the warp and the poor the woof of one fabric."”
#53
جهان راست باید که باشد به چیز
✦
فزونی توانگر چرا جست نیز
“"The world's wealth must be equally shared; why should the rich seek even more abundance?"”
#54
زن و خانه و چیز بخشیدنی‌ست
✦
تهیدست کس با توانگر یکی‌ست
“"Wife, home, and wealth are all to be shared; the needy man is one with the rich."”
#55
من این را کنم راست با دین پاک
✦
شود ویژه پیدا بلند از مغاک
“"I shall set this right through pure faith, so that true virtue shines forth from the depths."”
#56
هر آن کس که او جز بر این دین بود
✦
ز یزدان وز منش نفرین بود
“"Whoever follows not this doctrine shall be accursed by God and by me."”
#57
ببد هرکه درویش با او یکی
✦
اگر مرد بودند اگر کودکی
“Everyone who was poor joined him as one, whether they were grown men or children.”
#58
از این بستدی چیز و دادی بدان
✦
فرو مانده بُد زان سخن بخردان
“He took possessions from one and gave them to another, leaving the wise utterly baffled by his words.”
#59
چو بشنید در دین او شد قباد
✦
ز گیتی به گفتار او بود شاد
“When Qobad heard this, he adopted his faith and felt joyous in the world through his teaching.”
#60
ورا شاه بنشاند بر دست راست
✦
ندانست لشکر که موبد کجاست
“The King seated him upon his right hand, so that the army no longer knew where the chief priest stood.”
#61
بر او شد آن کس که درویش بود
✦
وگر نانش از کوشش خویش بود
“Everyone who was poor flocked to him, even those who earned their daily bread by their own labor.”
#62
به گرد جهان تازه شد دین او
✦
نیارست جستن کسی کین او
“His faith spread anew throughout the realm, and none dared to harbor hostility against him.”
#63
توانگر همی سر ز تنگی نگاشت
✦
سپردی به درویش چیزی که داشت
“The rich did not turn their heads away out of stinginess; they surrendered whatever they possessed to the poor.”
#64
چنان بد که یک روز مزدک پگاه
✦
ز خانه بیامد به نزدیک شاه
“Thus it came to pass that one morning Mazdak came forth from his house to the King.”
#65
چنین گفت کز دین پرستان ما
✦
همان پاکدل زیردستان ما
“He spoke thus: "Of those who follow our faith, and of our pure-hearted subjects,”
#66
فراوان ز گیتی سران بر درند
✦
فرود آوری گر ز در بگذرند
“Many noble chiefs of the world stand at your gate; grant them entry if they cross the threshold."”
#67
ز مزدک شنید این سخن‌ها قباد
✦
به سالار فرمود تا بار داد
“Qobad heard these words from Mazdak and commanded his chamberlain to grant them audience.”
#68
چنین گفت مزدک به پرمایه شاه
✦
که این جای تنگست و چندان سپاه
“Mazdak then said to the glorious King: "This place is too narrow for so vast a host;”
#69
همانا نگنجند در پیش شاه
✦
به هامون خرامد کندشان نگاه
“They cannot fit before the King; let him step out into the plain to look upon them."”
#70
بفرمود تا تخت بیرون برند
✦
ز ایوان شاهی به هامون برند
“The King commanded his throne to be carried outside, moved from the royal palace out unto the open plain.”
#71
به دشت آمد از مزدکی صدهزار
✦
برفتند شادان بر شهریار
“A hundred thousand Mazdakites came out to the plain, advancing joyfully before the monarch.”
#72
چنین گفت مزدک به شاه زمین
✦
که ای برتر از دانشِ بآفرین
“Mazdak addressed the King of the Earth: "O ruler whose praise excels wisdom itself!”
#73
چنان دان که کسری نه بر دین ماست
✦
ز دین سر کشیدن ورا کی سزاست
“"Know that Kasra follows not our faith; how is it fitting for him to turn his head away from the truth?"”
#74
یکی خط دستش بباید ستد
✦
که سر بازگرداند از راه بد
“"A written pledge must be exacted from his hand, that he may turn his head away from the evil path."”
#75
بپیچاند از راستی پنج چیز
✦
که دانا بر این پنج نفزود نیز
“"Five things distort righteousness, and the wise have added no sixth to these five:”
#76
کجا رشک و کین است و خشم و نیاز
✦
به پنجم که گردد بر او چیره آز
“"Envy, rancor, anger, and want, and fifth, when greed gains mastery over him.”
#77
تو چون چیره باشی بر این پنج دیو
✦
پدید آیدت راه کیهان خدیو
“"When you overcome these five demons, the path of the Sovereign of the cosmos shall open before you.”
#78
از این پنج ما را زن و خواسته است
✦
که دین بهی در جهان کاسته است
“"Out of these five, women and wealth cause our ruin, whereby the Good Religion has waned in the world.”
#79
زن و خواسته باشد اندر میان
✦
چو دین بهی را نخواهی زیان
“"Women and wealth must be shared in common, if you wish no harm to fall upon the Good Religion;”
#80
کز این دو بود رشک و آز و نیاز
✦
که با خشم و کین اندر آید به راز
“"For from these two spring envy, greed, and want, which secretly bring forth anger and malice."”
#81
همی دیو پیچد سر بخردان
✦
بباید نهاد این دو اندر میان
“The Ahriman deceives the minds of the wise; thus these two—women and wealth—must be shared in common among all.”
#82
چو این گفته شد دست کسری گرفت
✦
بدو مانده بد شاه ایران شگفت
“When this was spoken, Mazdak took Kasra's hand, while the Shah of Iran looked upon him in sheer wonder.”
#83
از او نامور دست بستد به خشم
✦
به تندی ز مزدک بخوابید چشم
“The renowned prince snatched back his hand in anger, turning his eyes away from Mazdak with fierce disdain.”
#84
به مزدک چنین گفت خندان قباد
✦
که از دین کسری چه داری به یاد؟
“Qobad smilingly said to Mazdak: 'What do you recall or think of Kasra’s faith?'”
#85
چنین گفت مزدک که این راه راست
✦
نهانی نداند نه بر دین ماست
“Mazdak replied: 'This true and upright path is neither secret, nor does his belief accord with our faith.'”
#86
همانگه ز کسری بپرسید شاه
✦
که از دین به بگذری نیست راه
“Then the king asked Kasra: 'Is there no way for you to turn away from the Good Religion?'”
#87
بدو گفت کسری چو یابم زمان
✦
بگویم که کژ است یکسر گمان
“Kasra answered him: 'If I am granted time, I shall prove that his doctrine is utterly false.'”
#88
چو پیدا شود کژی و کاستی
✦
درفشان شود پیش تو راستی
“When falsehood and deficiency are brought to light, truth shall shine resplendently before thee.”
#89
بدو گفت مزدک زمان چند روز
✦
همی‌خواهی از شاه گیتی‌فروز
“Mazdak asked him: 'How many days of grace do you seek from the world-brightening king?'”
#90
ورا گفت کسری زمان پنج ماه
✦
ششم را همه بازگویم به شاه
“Kasra replied: 'Give me five months' span; on the sixth, I shall unveil all to the king.'”
#91
بر این برنهادند و گشتند باز
✦
به ایوان بشد شاه گردن‌فراز
“They agreed upon this pact and departed; then the exalted king retired to his royal palace.”
#92
فرستاد کسری به هر جای کس
✦
که داننده‌ای دید و فریادرس
“Kasra dispatched envoys to every realm, seeking any man of knowledge and aid.”
#93
کس آمد سوی خره اردشیر
✦
که آنجا بد از داد هرمزد پیر
“A messenger rode to Kharreh-Ardashir, where dwelt a wise elder devoted to the justice of Hormozd.”
#94
ز اصطخر مهرآذر پارسی
✦
بیامد بدرگاه با یار سی
“From Istakhr arrived Mehr-Azar the Persian, coming to court accompanied by thirty wise companions.”
#95
نشستند دانش‌پژوهان به هم
✦
سخن رفت هرگونه از بیش و کم
“The scholars and seekers of wisdom assembled, debating matters both great and small.”
#96
به کسری سپردند یکسر سخن
✦
خردمند و دانندگان کهن
“The sage elders and ancient scholars entrusted the entire argument to Kasra.”
#97
چو بشنید کسری به نزد قباد
✦
بیامد ز مزدک سخن کرد یاد
“When Kasra heard their counsel, he came before Qobad and spoke again of Mazdak.”
#98
که اکنون فراز آمد آن روزگار
✦
که دین بهی را کنم خواستار
“'Now has the promised time arrived,' he said, 'that I may champion the Good Religion.'”
#99
گر ایدون که او را بود راستی
✦
شود دین زردشت بر کاستی
“'If indeed truth lies with him, then the religion of Zarathustra must diminish.'”
#100
پذیرم من آن پاک دین ورا
✦
به جان برگزینم گزین ورا
“'I shall embrace his pure faith and wholeheartedly choose his doctrines.'”
#101
چو راه فریدون شود نادرست
✦
عزیر مسیحی و هم زند و است
“'Should the path of Fereydun be rendered invalid, alongside Ezra, Christ, and the holy Zand and Avesta,'”
#102
سخن گفتن مزدک آید به جای
✦
نباید به گیتی جز او رهنمای
“'Then Mazdak’s words shall stand fulfilled, and no guide but he will be needed in the world.'”
#103
ور ایدون که او کژ گوید همی
✦
ره پاک یزدان نجوید همی
“'But if he speaks falsely and fails to seek the holy path of God,'”
#104
به من ده ورا و آنکه در دین اوست
✦
مبادا یکی را به تن مغز و پوست
“'Surrender him and his followers unto me, so that not one of them retains flesh or skin upon his bone!'”
#105
گوا کرد زرمهر و خرداد را
✦
فرایین و بندوی و بهزاد را
“He summoned Zarmehr and Khordad as witnesses, along with Farayin, Bandoy, and Behzad.”
#106
وز آن جایگه شد به ایوان خویش
✦
نگه داشت آن راست پیمان خویش
“From that place he returned to his palace, faithfully abiding by his righteous pledge.”
#107
به شبگیر چون شید بنمود تاج
✦
زمین شد به کردار دریای عاج
“At dawn, when the sun displayed its glowing crown, the earth grew bright as a sea of ivory.”
#108
همی‌راند فرزند شاه جهان
✦
سخنگوی با موبدان و ردان
“The son of the world’s king rode forth, conversing with high priests and noble sages.”
#109
به آیین به ایوان شاه آمدند
✦
سخنگوی و جوینده راه آمدند
“With solemn rite they entered the royal palace, eloquent of speech and seekers of truth.”
#110
دلارای مزدک سوی کیقباد
✦
بیامد سخن را در اندرگشاد
“The captivating Mazdak approached Qobad, opening the floodgates of debate.”
#111
چنین گفت کسری به پیش گروه
✦
به مزدک که ای مرد دانش‌پژوه
“Kasra spoke thus before the assembled crowd, addressing Mazdak: 'O man of learning!'”
#112
یکی دین نو ساختی پر زیان
✦
نهادی زن و خواسته در میان
“'You have forged a new religion fraught with harm, placing women and wealth in common distribution!'”
#113
چه داند پسر کش که باشد پدر؟
✦
پدر همچنین چون شناسد پسر؟
“'How shall a son know who his true father is? And how, likewise, shall a father recognize his son?'”
#114
چو مردم سراسر بود در جهان
✦
نباشند پیدا کهان و مهان
“'If all men in the world become completely equal, the noble and the humble can no longer be distinguished.'”
#115
که باشد که جوید در کهتری؟
✦
چگونه توان یافتن مهتری؟
“'Who would accept remaining in a lower state? And how could nobility and leadership ever be attained?'”
#116
کسی کاو مرد جای و چیزش که راست؟
✦
که شد کارجو بنده با شاه راست
“Who then could claim his rank or possessions as rightfully his? How could a hired servant stand equal to the King?”
#117
جهان ز این سخن پاک ویران شود
✦
نباید که این بد به ایران شود
“The whole world will fall to utter ruin through such talk; this calamity must never befall Iran.”
#118
همه کدخدایند و مزدور کیست؟
✦
همه گنج دارند و گنجور کیست؟
“If all are master and lord, who then is the laborer? If everyone possesses treasure, who shall be the treasurer?”
#119
ز دین‌آوران این سخن کس نگفت
✦
تو دیوانگی داشتی در نهفت
“No religious guide has ever uttered such words; you harbored madness in secret within your soul.”
#120
همه مردمان را به دوزخ بری
✦
همی کار بد را به بد نشمری
“You lead all people toward the fires of hell, for you do not count evil deeds as wicked.”
#121
چو بشنید گفتار موبد قباد
✦
برآشفت و اندر سخن داد داد
“When King Qobad heard the speech of the High Priest, he grew agitated and gave full justice to his words.”
#122
گرانمایه کسری ورا یار گشت
✦
دل مرد بی‌دین پرآزار گشت
“The noble Kasra joined as his ally, and the heart of the faithless man grew filled with anguish.”
#123
پرآواز گشت انجمن سر به سر
✦
که مزدک مبادا بر تاجور
“The entire assembly broke into loud cries: 'May Mazdak never remain beside the crowned sovereign!'”
#124
همی‌دارد او دین یزدان تباه
✦
مباد اندر این نامور بارگاه
“'He ruins the holy faith of God; let him not abide in this glorious imperial court!'”
#125
از آن دین جهاندار بیزار شد
✦
ز کرده سرش پر ز تیمار شد
“The ruler of the world grew utterly disgusted with that creed, and his mind was burdened with grief for what he had done.”
#126
به کسری سپردش همانگاه شاه
✦
ابا هرکه او داشت آیین و راه
“Then and there, the King surrendered Mazdak to Kasra, along with all who followed his path and doctrine.”
#127
بدو گفت هر کاو بر این دین اوست
✦
مبادا یکی را به تن مغز و پوست
“He said to him: 'Whoever holds to this creed of his, let not a single one retain marrow or skin upon his frame.'”
#128
بدان راه بد نامور صدهزار
✦
به فرزند گفت آن زمان شهریار
“A hundred thousand renowned men trod that evil path; at that moment, the King spoke to his son:”
#129
که با این سران هرچه خواهی بکن
✦
از این پس ز مزدک مگردان سخن
“'Do as you will with these leaders, and henceforth utter the name of Mazdak no more.'”
#130
به درگاه کسری یکی باغ بود
✦
که دیوار او برتر از راغ بود
“Near the court of Kasra lay a walled garden, whose ramparts rose higher than a mountain meadow.”
#131
همی گرد بر گرد او کنده کرد
✦
مر این مردمان را پراگنده کرد
“He caused pits to be dug all around its boundary, and gathered those people into separate groups.”
#132
بکشتندشان هم به سان درخت
✦
زبر پای و زیرش سرآگنده سخت
“They planted them inverted like trees, their feet held high and their heads buried deep below.”
#133
به مزدک چنین گفت کسری که رو
✦
به درگاه باغ گرانمایه شو
“Then Kasra said to Mazdak: 'Go now, enter the threshold of this splendid garden,'”
#134
درختان ببین آنکه هر کس ندید
✦
نه از کاردانان پیشین شنید
“'And behold such trees as no man has ever seen, nor heard described by the sages of old.'”
#135
بشد مزدک از باغ و بگشاد در
✦
که بیند مگر بر چمن بارور
“Mazdak entered the garden and opened the gate, hoping to see fruitful trees upon the lawn.”
#136
همانگه که دید از تنش رفت هوش
✦
برآمد به ناکام زو یک خروش
“The instant he gazed upon it, his senses fled his frame, and involuntarily a bitter shriek broke from him.”
#137
یکی دار فرمود کسری بلند
✦
فروهشت از دار پیچان کمند
“Kasra ordered a tall gallows to be erected, and let down a twisted noose from its beam.”
#138
نگون‌بخت را زنده بر دار کرد
✦
سر مرد بی‌دین نگون‌سار کرد
“He hanged the wretch alive upon the gallows, hanging that faithless man upside down.”
#139
از آن پس بکشتش به باران تیر
✦
تو گر باهشی راه مزدک مگیر
“Then he slew him with a hail of arrows; if you are wise, follow not the path of Mazdak!”
#140
بزرگان شدند ایمن از خواسته
✦
زن و زاده و باغ آراسته
“Thus the nobles felt secure in their possessions, their wives, children, and adorned estates.”
#141
همی‌بود با شرم چندی قباد
✦
ز نفرین مزدک همی‌کرد یاد
“For a time Qobad dwelt in shame, tormented by the memory of Mazdak's curse.”
#142
به درویش بخشید بسیار چیز
✦
بر آتشکده خلعت افگند نیز
“He bestowed vast wealth upon the needy, and presented lavish gifts to the fire temples as well.”
#143
ز کسری چنان شاد شد شهریار
✦
که شاخش همی گوهر آورد بار
“The King became so delighted with Kasra that his royal branch, as it were, bore jewels for fruit.”
#144
از آن پس همه رای با او زدی
✦
سخن هرچه گفتی از او بشندی
“Henceforth he consulted him in every decision, and heeded whatever counsel Kasra offered.”
#145
ز شاهیش چون سال شد بر چهل
✦
غم روز مرگ اندر آمد به دل
“When his reign reached its fortieth year, grief for the day of his passing entered his heart.”
#146
یکی نامه بنوشت پس بر حریر
✦
بر آن خط شایسته خود بد دبیر
“He then caused a testament to be written upon silk, recorded by an accomplished and worthy scribe.”
#147
نخست آفرین کرد بر دادگر
✦
که دارد از او دین و هم زو هنر
“He began with praises for the Just Creator, from whom he held both faith and high virtue.”
#148
بباشد همه بی‌گمان هرچه گفت
✦
چه بر آشکار و چه اندر نهفت
“Whatever He has decreed shall undoubtedly come to pass, whether in the open or in secret.”
#149
سر پادشاهیش را کس ندید
✦
نشد خوار هرکس که او را گزید
“None has ever seen the bound of His kingdom; whoever chose Him was never brought low.”
#150
هر آن کس که بینید خط قباد
✦
به جز پند کسری مگیرید یاد
“Whoever reads this writing of Qobad, remember and heed nothing save the wisdom of Kasra.”
#151
به کسری سپردم سزاوار تخت
✦
پس از مرگ ما او بود نیک‌بخت
“I have entrusted the rightful throne to Kasra; after my passing, may he reign in good fortune.”
#152
که یزدان از این پور خشنود باد
✦
دل بدسگالش پر از دود باد
“May God be pleased with this noble son, and may the hearts of his ill-wishers burn in dark grief.”
#153
ز گفتار او هیچ مپراگنید
✦
بدو شاد باشید و گنج آگنید
“Stray not from his wise counsel; rejoice in his rule and enrich his royal treasury.”
#154
بر آن نامه بر مُهر زرین نهاد
✦
بر موبد رام برزین نهاد
“Upon that testament he pressed his golden seal, and placed it in the care of Mobad Ram-Borzin.”
#155
به هشتاد شد سالیان قباد
✦
نبد روز پیری هم از مرگ شاد
“Qobad's years reached fourscore, yet even in old age he was not glad to meet death.”
#156
بمرد و جهان مردری ماند از اوی
✦
شد از چهر و بیناییش رنگ و بوی
“He passed away, leaving the world behind as his heritage; color and sight departed from his face.”
#157
تنش را به دیبا بیاراستند
✦
گل و مشک و کافور و می خواستند
“They adorned his body with brocade, bringing flowers, musk, camphor, and wine for his burial.”
#158
یکی دخمه کردند شاهنشهی
✦
یکی تاج شاهی و تخت مهی
“A royal tomb they fashioned for the monarch, placing therein an imperial crown and a high throne.”
#159
نهادند بر تخت زر شاه را
✦
ببستند تا جاودان راه را
“They laid the king upon the golden throne, and sealed the entrance to the tomb forever.”
#160
چو موبد بپردخت از سوگ شاه
✦
نهاد آن کیی نامه بر پیشگاه
“When the Mobad finished mourning for the king, he brought forth the royal testament before the court.”
#161
بر آن انجمن نامه برخواندند
✦
ولیعهد را شاد بنشاندند
“The letter was read aloud to the assembled court, and they joyfully seated the heir upon the throne.”
#162
چو کسری نشست از بر گاه نو
✦
همی‌خواندندی ورا شاه نو
“As Kasra ascended the new royal throne, all the people proclaimed him as their new king.”
#163
به شاهی بر او آفرین خواندند
✦
به سر برش گوهر برافشاندند
“They praised his reign with blessings, showering jewels upon his crowned head.”
#164
ورا نام کردند نوشین روان
✦
که مهتر جوان بود و دولت جوان
“They named him Anushirvan, for the prince was young and his fortune vibrant.”
#165
به سر شد کنون داستان قباد
✦
ز کسری کنم ز این سپس نام یاد
“The story of Qobad has now reached its end; henceforth, I shall recount the tale of Kasra.”
#166
همش داد بود و همش رای و نام
✦
به داد و دهش یافته نام و کام
“He possessed justice, wisdom, and renown, achieving fame and desire through equity and bounty.”
#167
الا ای دلارای سرو بلند
✦
چه بودت که گشتی چنین مستمند؟
“O tall and captivating cypress! What befell thee that thou hast become so frail and afflicted?”
#168
بدان شادمانی و آن فر و زیب
✦
چرا شد دل روشنت پرنهیب؟
“Amidst all that joy, glory, and grace, why has thy radiant heart become filled with dread?”
#169
چنین گفت پرسنده را سروبن
✦
که شادان بدم تا نبودم کهن
“Thus answered the cypress-like tree to the inquirer: "I was joyful until old age overtook me."”
#170
چنین سست گشتم ز نیروی شست
✦
به پرهیز و با او مساو ایچ دست
“My strength of grip has grown so weak; take heed, for none can wrestle against the force of aging.”
#171
دم اژدها دارد و چنگ شیر
✦
بخاید کسی را که آرد به زیر
“Old age possesses the breath of a dragon and the claws of a lion, devouring whomever it brings down.”
#172
هم‌آواز رعدست و هم زور کرگ
✦
به یک دست رنج و به یک دست مرگ
“Its voice is like thunder, its strength like a rhino's; in one hand it carries affliction, in the other, death.”
#173
ز سرو دلارای چنبر کند
✦
سمن برگ را رنگ عنبر کند
“It bends the enchanting cypress into a loop, and turns the lily-like face to dark amber.”
#174
گل ارغوان را کند زعفران
✦
پس زعفران رنجهای گران
“It turns the purple rose into yellow saffron, bringing heavy suffering in the wake of that fading hue.”
#175
شود بسته بی‌بند پای نوند
✦
وز او خوار گردد تن ارجمند
“Without chains, the feet of the swift steed are bound, and by it, the noble body is brought low.”
#176
مرا در خوشاب سستی گرفت
✦
همان سرو آزاد پستی گرفت
“The fine pearls of my teeth have grown loose, and my stately cypress has bent low.”
#177
خروشان شد آن نرگسان دژم
✦
همان سرو آزاده شد پشت خم
“My once bright eyes now weep in gloom, and my noble, straight posture is bent with age.”
#178
دل شاد و بی غم پر از درد گشت
✦
چنین روز ما ناجوانمرد گشت
“My joyful, untroubled heart became filled with pain; thus has time grown merciless toward us.”
#179
بدانگه که مردم شود سیر شیر
✦
شتاب آورد مرگ و خواندش پیر
“When a man reaches full sixty years, death quickens its pace and calls him old.”
#180
چل و هشت بد عهد نوشین روان
✦
تو بر شست رفتی نمانی جوان
“The reign of Anushirvan lasted forty-eight years; thou hast crossed sixty and shalt remain young no more.”