#1
چو برخاست از خواب با موبدان
✦
یکی انجمن کرد با بخردان
“When he awoke from sleep, he gathered in council with the mobads and the wise.”
#2
گشاد آن سخن بر ستاره شمر
✦
که فرجام این بر چه باشد گذر
“He disclosed the matter to the astrologers, asking how its outcome would pass.”
#3
دو گوهر چو آب و چو آتش به هم
✦
برآمیخته باشد از بن ستم
“'Two elements, like water and fire, are to be mixed together, born of ancient enmity.'”
#4
همانا که باشد به روز شمار
✦
فریدون و ضحاک را کارزار
“'It would seem as though on the Day of Reckoning, Fereydun and Zahhak meet in conflict once again.'”
#5
از اختر بجوئید و پاسخ دهید
✦
همه کار و کردار فرخ نهید
“'Seek the answer from the stars and bring me word; lay out all actions with auspicious fortune.'”
#6
ستاره‌شناسان به روز دراز
✦
همی ز آسمان بازجستند راز
“Throughout the long day, the star-gazers sought the secret of the heavens.”
#7
بدیدند و با خنده پیش آمدند
✦
که دو دشمن از بخت خویش آمدند
“They discovered the sign and approached with smiles, revealing that the two foes were brought together by destiny.”
#8
به سام نریمان ستاره شمر
✦
چنین گفت کای گرد زرین کمر
“The astrologer spoke thus to Sam Nariman: 'O warrior wearing the golden belt!”
#9
ترا مژده از دخت مهراب و زال
✦
که باشند هر دو به شادی همال
“'Good tidings to you regarding the daughter of Mehrab and Zal, for they shall be joyfully matched together!”
#10
ازین دو هنرمند پیلی ژیان
✦
بیاید ببندد به مردی میان
“'From these two talented souls, a furious elephant of a hero shall emerge, girding his loins in manhood.”
#11
جهان زیرپای اندر آرد به تیغ
✦
نهد تخت شاه از بر پشت میغ
“'He shall bring the world under his feet with his sword, and raise the king's throne above the clouds.”
#12
ببرد پی بدسگالان ز خاک
✦
به روی زمین بر نماند مغاک
“'He shall sever the roots of evil-wishers from the earth, leaving no pit of wickedness upon the land.”
#13
نه سگسار ماند نه مازندران
✦
زمین را بشوید به گرز گران
“'Neither Sagsar nor Mazandaran shall stand; he shall cleanse the earth with his heavy mace.”
#14
به خواب اندر آرد سر دردمند
✦
ببندد در جنگ و راه گزند
“'He shall bring rest to suffering heads, closing the gates of war and the paths of harm.”
#15
بدو باشد ایرانیان را امید
✦
ازو پهلوان را خرام و نوید
“'In him shall rest the hope of the Iranians, and from him the champion shall gain glory and promise.”
#16
پی باره‌ای کو چماند به جنگ
✦
بمالد برو روی جنگی پلنگ
“'Wherever he spurs his steed in battle, the fierce leopard shall rub its face in the dust before him.”
#17
خنک پادشاهی که هنگام او
✦
زمانه به شاهی برد نام او
“'Blessed is the monarch in whose reign such a hero lives, whose name Time shall immortalize in royalty!'”
#18
چو بشنید گفتار اخترشناس
✦
بخندید و پذرفت ازیشان سپاس
“When Sam heard the words of the star-gazer, he laughed with joy and offered them praise and gratitude.”
#19
ببخشیدشان بی‌کران زر و سیم
✦
چو آرامش آمد به هنگام بیم
“He bestowed boundless gold and silver upon them, as calm replaced his hour of fear.”
#20
فرستادهٔ زال را پیش خواند
✦
زهر گونه با او سخنها براند
“He summoned Zal's messenger before him and spoke with him of many things.”
#21
بگفتش که با او به خوبی بگوی
✦
که این آرزو را نبد هیچ روی
“He bade him: 'Tell Zal kindly that at first this desire seemed utterly impossible;”
#22
ولیکن چو پیمان چنین بد نخست
✦
بهانه نشاید به بیداد جست
“'Yet since such was our initial pledge, one must not seek unjust excuses.'”
#23
من اینک به شبگیر ازین رزمگاه
✦
سوی شهر ایران گذارم سپاه
“'Now at dawn I shall march my army from this battlefield toward the heart of Iran.'”
#24
فرستاده را داد چندی درم
✦
بدو گفت خیره مزن هیچ دم
“He gave the messenger many silver coins and warned him: 'Do not speak a word of this needlessly to others.'”
#25
گسی کردش و خود به راه ایستاد
✦
سپاه و سپهبد از آن کار شاد
“He dispatched him on his way and himself took to the road; both army and commander were joyful at the outcome.”
#26
ببستند از آن گرگساران هزار
✦
پیاده به زاری کشیدند خوار
“They bound a thousand of those wolves, dragging them along on foot in misery and shame.”
#27
دو بهره چو از تیره شب درگذشت
✦
خروش سواران برآمد ز دشت
“When two-thirds of the dark night had elapsed, the roar of horsemen echoed across the plain.”
#28
همان نالهٔ کوس با کره نای
✦
برآمد ز دهلیز پرده‌سرای
“Likewise, the clamor of war-drums and trumpets resounded from the entrance of the royal tent.”
#29
سپهبد سوی شهر ایران کشید
✦
سپه را به نزد دلیران کشید
“The commander marched toward the realm of Iran, leading the host to join the brave champions.”
#30
فرستاده آمد دوان سوی زال
✦
ابا بخت پیروز و فرخنده فال
“The messenger returned swiftly to Zal, bearing victorious fortune and blessed omens.”
#31
گرفت آفرین زال بر کردگار
✦
بران بخشش گردش روزگار
“Zal offered praise unto the Creator for that bestowal and the turning of destiny.”
#32
درم داد و دینار درویش را
✦
نوازنده شد مردم خویش را
“He distributed silver and gold to the poor, and showered kindness upon his people.”