After a week had passed, King Khosrow Anushirvan ascended his victorious throne. On one side sat his ministering Mobad, and on the other, Yazdegerd the Scribe, encircled by wise priests and learned counselors, among whom stood the young Bozorjmehr, endowed with eloquence and radiant insight. The King bade Bozorjmehr utter words that uplift the soul and elevate the lowly, for listening to true wisdom fills the heart with delight, and the treasury of noble speech never diminishes.
The Mobad posed the first inquiry, asking what yields harm when increased yet brings benefit when reduced. Bozorjmehr replied that moderation in eating yields bodily ease and nurtures the spirit, whereas in performing good deeds, any abundance only elevates one's stature. Next, Yazdegerd the Scribe inquired regarding hidden flaws of the heart. Bozorjmehr identified fault-finding, envy toward superiors, two-faced tale-bearing, untimely speech, and refusing to listen attentively as grave shortcomings. He declared Wisdom to be the supreme divine mantle, without which a person possesses no worth in the world.
Bozorjmehr further expounded on battle tactics, emphasizing alertness, patience against formidable foes, and decisive initiative in combat. He counseled on moderation in food and wine, avoidance of malice, perpetual praise of Yazdan, and the exalted art of scribal mastery. He stressed that teaching children scribal arts elevates their destiny and bridges the path to royal councils, for an eloquent scribe with fine handwriting, brevity, patience, and discretion becomes an indispensable pillar of the realm. Upon hearing these profound teachings, King Khosrow's heart blossomed like a spring flower, and he ordered new honors, rich garments, and elevated stature to be bestowed upon Bozorjmehr.
#1
برین نیزبگذشت یک هفته ماه
✦
نشست از بر تخت پیروز شاه
“Thus passed another week of the month, and the victorious King sat upon his throne.”
#2
به یک دست موبد که بودش وزیر
✦
به دست دگر یزدگرد دبیر
“On one side sat the Mobad who was his minister, and on the other side Yazdegerd the Scribe.”
#3
همان گرد بر گرد او موبدان
✦
سخن گو چو بوزرجمهر جوان
“Surrounding him were priests and counselors, alongside the eloquent young Bozorjmehr.”
#4
به بوزرجمهر آن زمان گفت شاه
✦
که‌ای مرد پر دانش و نیک‌خواه
“Then the King said to Bozorjmehr: 'O man of profound wisdom and noble intentions!'”
#5
سخنها که جان را بود سودمند
✦
همی مرد بی‌ارز گردد بلند
“'Utter those teachings that benefit the soul, through which an unvalued man gains high renown.'”
#6
ازو گنج گویا نگیرد کمی
✦
شنودن بود مرد را خرمی
“'From such eloquent treasure nothing is lost, and listening to it brings gladness to man.'”
#7
چنین گفت موبد به بوزرجمهر
✦
که‌ای نامورتر ز گردان سپهر
“Then the Mobad spoke to Bozorjmehr: 'O you who are more illustrious than the spinning heavens!'”
#8
چه دانی که بیشیش بگزایدت
✦
چوکمی بود روز بفزایدت
“'What do you know of that which harms when it increases, but brightens your day when diminished?'”
#9
چنین داد پاسخ که کمتر خوری
✦
تن آسان شوی هم روان پروری
“He answered: 'If you eat less, your body gains rest and your spirit is nurtured.'”
#10
ز کردار نیکی چو بیشی کنی
✦
همی برهماورد پیشی کنی
“'And when you increase in good deeds, you surpass all rivals in excellence.'”
#11
چنین گفت پس یزدگرد دبیر
✦
که‌ای مرد گوینده و یاد گیر
“Then Yazdegerd the Scribe said: 'O eloquent and attentive man!'”
#12
سه آهو کدامند با دل به راز
✦
که دارند وهستند زان بی‌نیاز
“'What are the three hidden defects of the heart that men harbor while being better off without them?'”
#13
چنین داد پاسخ که باری نخست
✦
دل از عیب جستن ببایدت شست
“He replied: 'First of all, you must cleanse your heart from seeking faults in others.'”
#14
بی‌آهو کسی نیست اندر جهان
✦
چه در آشکار و چه اندر نهان
“'For there is no one in this world without fault, whether in secret or in the open.'”
#15
چومهتر بود بر تو رشک آوری
✦
چوکهتر بود زو سرشک آوری
“'If one is superior, you envy him; if inferior, you bring tears upon him.'”
#16
سه دیگر سخن چین و دوروی مرد
✦
بران تا برانگیزد از آب گرد
“'Third is the slanderer and two-faced man, intent on raising dust from the water.'”
#17
چو گوینده‌ای کو نه برجایگاه
✦
سخن گفت و زو دور شد فر و جاه
“'Like a speaker who speaks out of place, causing his glorious stature and honor to flee.'”
#18
همان کو سخن سر به سر نشنود
✦
نداند به گفتار و هم نگرود
“'Likewise he who listens not fully to speech, neither understands it nor follows it.'”
#19
به چیزی ندارد خردمند چشم
✦
کزو بازماند بپیچد ز خشم
“'The wise man sets not his hopes on that which eludes him and leaves him writhed in anger.'”
#20
بپرسید پس موبد موبدان
✦
که این برتر از دانش بخردان
“Then the Chief Mobad asked: 'O you who transcend the knowledge of the wise!'”
#21
کسی نیست بی‌آرزو درجهان
✦
اگر آشکارست و گر در نهان
“'No one in the world is devoid of desires, whether openly or secretly.'”
#22
همان آرزو را پدیدست راه
✦
که پیدا کند مرد را دستگاه
“'Yet for every desire a path is manifest, revealing a person's true stature and means.'”
#23
کدامین ره آید تو را سودمند
✦
کدامست با درد و رنج و گزند
“'Which path do you deem beneficial, and which brings pain, toil, and harm?'”
#24
چنین داد پاسخ که راه از دو سوست
✦
گذشتن تو را تا کدام آرزوست
“He answered: 'The road forks two ways; it depends on which desire you wish to pursue.'”
#25
ز گیتی یکی بازگشتن به خاک
✦
که راهی درازست با بیم و باک
“'One path is returning from this world unto dust—a long road filled with fear and awe.'”
#26
خرد باشدت زین سخن رهنمون
✦
بدین پرسش اندر چرایی و چون
“'Wisdom shall be your guide in this matter, answering the how and why of this inquiry.'”
#27
خرد مرد راخلعت ایزدیست
✦
سزاوار خلعت نگه کن که کیست
“'Wisdom is God's divine mantle bestowed upon man; observe who is truly worthy of such a robe.'”
#28
تنومند را کو خرد یار نیست
✦
به گیتی کس او را خریدار نیست
“'He who is robust yet lacks wisdom as a companion finds no buyer in all the world.'”
#29
نباشد خرد جان نباشد رواست
✦
خرد جان پاکست و ایزد گو است
“'If wisdom be absent, life itself is void; wisdom is the pure spirit, and God is witness to it.'”
#30
چوبنیاد مردی بیاموخت مرد
✦
سرافراز گردد به ننگ و نبرد
“'When a man learns the foundation of true manhood, he stands exalted in both strife and trial.'”
#31
ز دانش نخستین به یزدان گرای
✦
که او هست و باشد همیشه به جای
“'First in knowledge, turn unto Yazdan, who exists eternally and abides forever.'”
#32
بدو بگروی کام دل یافتی
✦
رسیدی به جایی که بشتافتی
“'If you believe in Him, your heart's desire is fulfilled, and you attain the height to which you strove.'”
#33
دگر دانش آنست کز خوردنی
✦
فراز آوری روی آوردنی
“'The second knowledge concerns sustenance—procuring what is fitting and lawful to consume.'”
#34
بخورد و بپوشش به یزدان گرای
✦
بدین دار فرمان یزدان به جای
“'In food and raiment, turn to Yazdan, and thereby fulfill the commands of God.'”
#35
گر آیدت روزی به چیزی نیاز
✦
به دشت و به گنج و به پیلان مناز
“'Should you one day fall into need, boast not of fields, treasures, or war elephants.'”
#36
هم از پیشه‌ها آن گزین کاندروی
✦
ز نامش نگردد نهان آبروی
“'From all crafts, choose that wherein your honor and reputation are not tarnished.'”
#37
همان دوستی باکسی کن بلند
✦
که باشد بسختی تو را سودمند
“'Form strong friendships only with him who proves helpful to you in times of hardship.'”
#38
تو در انجمن خامشی برگزین
✦
چوخواهی که یک سر کنند آفرین
“'Choose silence in assembly if you wish all people to bestow praise upon you.'”
#39
چو گویی همان گوی کموختی
✦
به آموختن درجگر سوختی
“'When you speak, say only what you have mastered and endured labor to learn.'”
#40
سخن سنج و دینار گنجی مسنج
✦
که در دانشی مرد خوارست گنج
“'Weigh your words rather than counting coins of gold, for to a wise man treasure is light in value.'”
#41
روان در سخن گفتن آژیرکن
✦
کمان کن خرد را سخن تیرکن
“'Make your soul vigilant in speech; let wisdom be the bow, and words the arrow.'”
#42
چو رزم آیدت پیش هشیار باش
✦
تنت را ز دشمن نگهدار باش
“'When battle confronts you, remain vigilant, and safeguard your body from the foe.'”
#43
چو بدخواه پیش توصف برکشید
✦
تو را رای وآرام باید گزید
“'When the adversary draws up his battle line, adopt wise counsel and inner calmness.'”
#44
برابر چو بینی کسی هم نبرد
✦
نباید که گردد تو را روی زرد
“'When you face an equal opponent in combat, let not your visage turn pale with dread.'”
#45
تو پیروزی ار پیشدستی کنی
✦
سرت پست گردد چوسستی کنی
“'Victory is yours if you take the initiative; your head shall be lowered if you show weakness.'”
#46
بدانگه که اسب افگنی هوش دار
✦
سلیح هم آورد را گوش دار
“When you charge forth in battle to fell a mount, stay alert and keep a vigilant eye on your opponent's arms.”
#47
گرو تیز گردد تو زو برمگرد
✦
هشیوار یاران گزین در نبرد
“Should the combat intensify, turn not away; choose prudent and steadfast companions for the fight.”
#48
چودانی که با او نتابی مکوش
✦
ببرگشتن از رزم باز آر هوش
“When you realize you cannot overcome him, strive no more in vain; turn your mind toward a wise retreat.”
#49
چنین هم نگه دار تن در خورش
✦
نباید که بگزایدت پرورش
“In like manner, safeguard your body in food and drink, lest overindulgence bring harm to your wellbeing.”
#50
بخور آن چنان کان بنگزایدت
✦
ببیشی خورش تن بنفزایدت
“Eat only in such measure that it causes no harm, for excess food adds no real vitality to the frame.”
#51
مکن درخورش خویش را چار سوی
✦
چنان خور که نیزت کند آرزوی
“Do not surrender yourself wholly to gluttony; leave the table while a gentle appetite still lingers.”
#52
ز می نیزهم شادمانی گزین
✦
که مست ازکسی نشنود آفرین
“From wine seek only lighthearted joy, for no man bestows praise upon a drunkard.”
#53
چو یزدان پسندی پسندیده‌ای
✦
جهان چون تنست و تو چون دیده‌ای
“If you are approved by God, you are truly noble; the world is like a body, and you are its discerning eye.”
#54
بسی از جهان آفرین یاد کن
✦
پرستش برین یاد بنیاد کن
“Remember the Creator of the world abundantly, and build your worship upon the foundation of this remembrance.”
#55
به ژرفی نگهدار هنگام را
✦
به روز و به شب گاه آرام را
“Observe the proper time for every task, and reserve time for rest both by day and by night.”
#56
چودانی که هستی سرشته ز خاک
✦
فرامش مکن راه یزدان پاک
“Since you know your origin was fashioned from dust, never stray from the path of the pure Lord.”
#57
پرستش ز خورد ایچ کمتر مکن
✦
تو نو باش گرهست گیتی کهن
“Neglect devotion no more than basic sustenance; stay fresh in spirit, though the world itself grow ancient.”
#58
به نیکی گرای و غنیمت شناس
✦
همه ز آفریننده دار این سپاس
“Incline toward virtue and cherish it as a prize, attributing all gratitude to the Almighty Creator.”
#59
مگرد ایچ گونه به گرد بدی
✦
به نیکی گر ایی اگر بخردی
“Walk not in the proximity of evil in any way; if you possess wisdom, turn only to goodness.”
#60
ستوده‌ترآنکس بود در جهان
✦
که نیکش بود آشکار و نهان
“Most praiseworthy in this world is he whose righteousness is identical in secret and in public.”
#61
هوا را مبر پیش رای وخرد
✦
کزان پس خرد سوی تو ننگرد
“Place not passion above reason and wisdom, lest wisdom abandon you and look upon you no more.”
#62
چوخواهی که رنج تو آید به بر
✦
ز آموزگاران مپرتاب سر
“If you desire your labor to bear fruit, do not turn your head away from your mentors.”
#63
دبیری بیاموز فرزند را
✦
چوهستی بود خویش و پیوند را
“Teach your child the art of the scribe, and impart it to your kinsmen as well, if capacity exists.”
#64
دبیری رساند جوان را به تخت
✦
کند نا سزا را سزاوار بخت
“The scribe's art elevates a youth to high rank, and renders even the low-born worthy of fortune.”
#65
دبیریست از پیشه‌ها ارجمند
✦
کزو مرد افگنده گردد بلند
“The scribal profession is noble indeed; through it, a humble man may be raised to great heights.”
#66
چو با آلت و رای باشد دبیر
✦
نشیند بر پادشا ناگزیر
“When a secretary possesses both proper tools and sound judgment, he inevitably sits beside the king.”
#67
تن خویش آژیر دارد ز رنج
✦
بیابد بی‌اندازه از شاه گنج
“He shields his body from hardship and distress, acquiring boundless treasure from the sovereign.”
#68
بلاغت چو با خط گرد آیدش
✦
براندیشه معنی بیفزایدش
“When eloquence is wedded to beautiful script, it enhances the depth of meaning in every thought.”
#69
ز لفظ آن گزیند که کوتاه‌تر
✦
بخط آن نماید که دلخواه‌تر
“From language he selects the most concise words, and in calligraphy he renders what is most delightful.”
#70
خردمند باید که باشد دبیر
✦
همان بردبار و سخن یادگیر
“A scribe must be wise, patient, and quick to acquire knowledge and eloquence.”
#71
هشیوار و سازیدهٔ پادشا
✦
زبان خامش از بد به تن پارسا
“Vigilant and obedient to the king, keeping his tongue silent from slander and his body virtuous.”
#72
شکیبا و با دانش و راست‌گوی
✦
وفادار و پاکیزه و تازه‌روی
“Patient, knowledgeable, truthful, loyal, pure of heart, and cheerful of visage.”
#73
چو با این هنرها شود نزد شاه
✦
نشاید نشستن مگر پیش گاه
“When he approaches the king adorned with such virtues, he deserves no seat lower than before the throne.”
#74
سخنها چوبشنید از و شهریار
✦
دلش تازه شد چون گل اندر بهار
“When the king heard these words from him, his heart refreshed like a blossom in spring.”
#75
چنین گفت کسری به موبد که رو
✦
ورا پایگاهی بیارای نو
“Thus spoke Kasra to the Mobad: "Go, and prepare a exalted new rank for him."”
#76
درم خواه و خلعت سزاوار اوی
✦
که در دل نشسته‌ست گفتار اوی
“"Grant him silver coins and a royal robe of honor worthy of him, for his speech has won my heart."”