From the imperial court of King Khosrow Anushirvan, a noble envoy named Azad Sarv was dispatched to the ancient city of Merv to find a sage capable of deciphering the monarch's troubling dream. Azad Sarv scoured the city until he came upon a traditional schoolhouse, where an elder Mobad was teaching the sacred texts of the Zand and Avesta to young students with stern authority. Among the pupils sat an extraordinary boy, his radiant face inclined lovingly over his scriptures; he was known as Bozorgmehr. Reining in his steed, the royal messenger approached and inquired of the teacher regarding the interpretation of the Shah's dream. The Mobad admitted that his knowledge was bound strictly to the holy texts and that dream interpretation lay beyond his skill. Hearing this, young Bozorgmehr's eyes lit up with sudden clarity, and he boldly declared to his master that interpreting this royal vision was his true calling. Though the master scolded him for his audacity, Azad Sarv intervened, recognizing a spark of divine wisdom in the youth. Bozorgmehr steadfastly refused to reveal the mystery to anyone save the King himself, seated before the throne. Impressed by his quiet majesty, the envoy supplied the boy with a fine horse, coin, and provisions. Together, they departed Merv like noble pheasants moving through blossoms, conversing on the glorious destiny, crown, and royal radiance of Khosrow.
#1
یکی از ردان نامش آزادسرو
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ز درگاه کسری بیامد به مرو
“One of the nobles, named Azad Sarv, set out from Khosrow's imperial court for Merv.”
#2
بیامد همه گرد مرو او بجست
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یکی موبدی دید بازند و است
“He arrived and searched all around Merv, until he saw a Mobad with the Zand and Avesta.”
#3
همی کودکان را بیاموخت زند
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به تندی و خشم و ببانگ بلند
“He was teaching the Zand to children sternly, angrily, and with a loud voice.”
#4
یکی کودکی مهتر ایدر برش
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پژوهنده زند وا ستا سرش
“A prominent child was sitting before him, inquiring deeply into the Zand and Avesta.”
#5
همی‌خواندندیش بوزرجمهر
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نهاده بران دفتر از مهر چهر
“They called him Bozorgmehr; his face rested upon the book with affectionate devotion.”
#6
عنانرا بپیچید موبد ز راه
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بیامد بپرسید زو خواب شاه
“The envoy turned his reins from the path, approached, and asked him about the King's dream.”
#7
نویسنده گفت این نه کارمنست
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زهر دانشی زند یارمنست
“The teacher replied: 'This is not my realm of work; out of all knowledge, only the Zand is my companion.'”
#8
ز موبد چو بشنید بوزرجمهر
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بدو داد گوش و بر افروخت چهر
“When Bozorgmehr heard this from the Mobad, he gave ear and his countenance brightened.”
#9
باستاد گفت این شکارمنست
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گزاریدن خواب کارمنست
“He said to the master: 'This is my quarry! Interpreting this dream is my true domain.'”
#10
یکی بانگ برزد برو مرد است
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که تو دفتر خویش کردی درست
“The master shouted at him: 'Be silent, fellow! Have you even mastered your own textbook yet?'”
#11
فرستاده گفت ای خردمند مرد
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مگر داند او گرد دانا مگرد
“The envoy said: 'O wise teacher, perhaps he truly knows! Do not bar the way of a wise child.'”
#12
غمی شد ز بوزرجمهر اوستاد
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بگوی آنچ داری بدو گفت یاد
“The master felt uneasy with Bozorgmehr and said: 'Reveal then whatever knowledge you possess.'”
#13
نگویم من این گفت جز پیش شاه
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بدانگه که بنشاندم پیش گاه
“He answered: 'I will not speak this except before the King, when he seats me before his royal throne.'”
#14
بدادش فرستاده اسب و درم
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دگر هرچ بایستش از بیش و کم
“The envoy presented him with a horse, silver coins, and whatever else he needed, whether great or small.”
#15
برفتند هر دو برابر ز مرو
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خرامان چو زیر گل اندر تذرو
“They both set forth together from Merv, stepping gracefully like pheasants beneath blooming flowers.”
#16
چنان هم گرازان و گویان ز شاه
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ز فرمان وز فر وز تاج و گاه
“Thus they traveled, proudly conversing of the Shah, his royal command, his divine glory, his crown, and his throne.”