#1
چنین گفت موبد که بر تخت عاج
✦
چو کسری کسی نیز ننهاد تاج
“Thus spoke the Mobad that upon the ivory throne, no king ever set the crown as Khosrow did.”
#2
به بزم و برزم و به پرهیز وداد
✦
چنو کس ندارد ز شاهان به یاد
“In feasting, in battle, in piety and justice, no king is remembered like him.”
#3
ز دانندگان دانش آموختی
✦
دلش را بدانش برافروختی
“He learned knowledge from the wise, kindling his heart with wisdom's light.”
#4
خور وخواب با موبدان داشتی
✦
همی سر به دانش برافراشتی
“He shared his meals and sleep with the Mobads, raising his head high through knowledge.”
#5
برو چون روا شد به چیزی سخن
✦
تو ز آموختن هیچ سستی مکن
“When a matter of wisdom becomes clear to you, do not slacken in learning it.”
#6
نباید که گویی که دانا شدم
✦
به هر آرزو بر توانا شدم
“You must never say, 'I have become wise, and capable of achieving every desire.'”
#7
چو این داستان بشنوی یادگیر
✦
ز گفتار گوینده دهقان پیر
“When you hear this tale, mark it well from the words of the old Dehqan teller.”
#8
بپرسیدم از روزگار کهن
✦
ز نوشین روان یاد کرد این سخن
“I asked about the ancient times, and he remembered this tradition of Noshinravan.”
#9
که او را یکی پاک دستور بود
✦
که بیدار دل بود و گنجور بود
“He had a pure-hearted minister who was vigilant of mind and keeper of the treasury.”
#10
دلی پرخرد داشت و رای درست
✦
ز گیتی به جز نیکنامی نجست
“His heart was full of wisdom and sound judgment; from the world he sought nothing but a good name.”
#11
که مهبود بدنام آن پاک مغز
✦
روان و دلش پر ز گفتار نغز
“Mahbod was the name of that pure-minded advisor, whose soul and heart were filled with sweet discourse.”
#12
دو فرزند بودش چو خرم بهار
✦
همیشه پرستندهٔ شهریار
“He had two sons like joyful spring, who constantly served the King.”
#13
شهنشاه چون بزم آراستی
✦
و گر برسم موبدی خواستی
“Whenever the Shah ordained a banquet, or requested the Mobads' sacred Barsam,”
#14
نخوردی جز ازدست مهبود چیز
✦
هم ایمن بدی زان دو فرزند نیز
“He would consume nothing except from Mahbod's hand, feeling safe with those two sons as well.”
#15
خورش خانه در خان او داشتی
✦
تن خویش مهمان او داشتی
“The royal kitchen was in Mahbod's house; the King considered himself Mahbod's guest.”
#16
دو فرزند آن نامور پارسا
✦
خورش ساختندی بر پادشا
“The two sons of that noble, pious man prepared the dishes for the King.”
#17
بزرگان ز مهبود بردند رشک
✦
همی‌ریختندی به رخ بر سرشک
“The nobles envied Mahbod, shedding bitter tears of jealousy upon their cheeks.”
#18
یکی نامور بود زروان به نام
✦
که او را بدی بر در شاه کام
“There was a renowned man named Zarvan, who held authority at the King's door.”
#19
کهن بود و هم حاجب شاه بود
✦
فروزندهٔ رسم درگاه بود
“He was aged and served as the King's chamberlain, the illuminator of court customs.”
#20
ز مهبود وفرخ دو فرزند اوی
✦
همه ساله بودی پر از آبروی
“Because of Mahbod and his two splendid sons, his own honor was eclipsed year-round.”
#21
همی‌ساختی تا سر پادشا
✦
کند تیز برکار آن پارسا
“He continually schemed to make the King turn sharply against that righteous man.”
#22
ببد گفت از ایشان ندید ایچ راه
✦
که کردی پرآزار زان جان شاه
“Yet he found no path to speak evil of them that would grieve the King's soul.”
#23
خردمند زان بد نه آگاه بود
✦
که او را به درگاه بدخواه بود
“The wise Mahbod was unaware of evil, not knowing he had an enemy at court.”
#24
ز گفتار و کردار آن شوخ مرد
✦
نشد هیچ مهبود را روی زرد
“From the words and deeds of that impudent man, Mahbod's face never turned pale.”
#25
چنان بد که یک روز مردی جهود
✦
ز زروان درم خواست از بهر سود
“It so happened one day that a Jewish man sought money from Zarvan for profit.”
#26
شد آمد بیفزود در پیش اوی
✦
برآمیخت با جان بدکیش اوی
“He frequented Zarvan's presence and mingled with his evil-natured soul.”
#27
چو با حاجب شاه گستاخ شد
✦
پرستندهٔ خسروی کاخ شد
“When he grew bold with the King's chamberlain, he became a servant of the royal palace.”
#28
ز افسون سخن رفت روزی نهان
✦
ز درگاه وز شهریار جهان
“One day, secretly, talk turned to incantations, the royal court, and the Lord of the World.”
#29
ز نیرنگ وز تنبل و جادویی
✦
ز کردار کژی وز بدخویی
“They spoke of sorcery, tricks, magic, crooked deeds, and ill tempers.”
#30
چو زروان به گفتار مرد جهود
✦
نگه کرد وزان سان سخنها شنود
“When Zarvan observed the words of the Jewish sorcerer and heard such tales,”
#31
برو راز بگشاد و گفت این سخن
✦
به جز پیش جان آشکارا مکن
“He disclosed his secret to him, saying: 'Reveal this to no living soul.'”
#32
یکی چاره باید تو را ساختن
✦
زمانه ز مهبود پرداختن
“'You must devise a remedy to rid time of Mahbod.'”
#33
که او را بزرگی به جایی رسید
✦
که پای زمانه نخواهد کشید
“'For his greatness has reached such a height that time itself cannot endure it.'”
#34
ز گیتی ندارد کسی رابکس
✦
تو گویی که نوشین روانست و بس
“'He considers no one in the world as anything; you would say only Noshinravan exists to him.'”
#35
جز از دست فرزند مهبود چیز
✦
خورشها نخواهد جهاندار نیز
“'And the World-Lord desires no food except from the hands of Mahbod's sons.'”
#36
شدست از نوازش چنان پرمنش
✦
که هزمان ببوسد فلک دامنش
“'He has grown so proud from royal favor that at every moment the sky kisses his hem.'”
#37
چنین داد پاسخ به زروان جهود
✦
کزین داوری غم نباید فزود
“The Jewish sorcerer answered Zarvan: 'You should not add grief over this dispute.'”
#38
چو برسم بخواهد جهاندار شاه
✦
خورشها ببین تا چه آید به راه
“'When the King asks for the sacred Barsam, observe what dishes come along the path.'”
#39
نگر تابود هیچ شیر اندروی
✦
پذیره شو وخوردنیها ببوی
“'Watch if there is any milk within it; go to greet it and smell the food.'”
#40
همان بس که من شیر بینم ز دور
✦
نه مهبود بینی تو زنده نه پور
“'It is enough that I see the milk from afar; then you shall see neither Mahbod nor his son alive.'”
#41
که گر زو خورد بی‌گمان روی و سنگ
✦
بریزد هم اندر زمان بی‌درنگ
“'For if anyone eats of it, undoubtedly face and stone alike will dissolve immediately.'”
#42
نگه کرد زروان به گفتار اوی
✦
دلش تازه‌تر شد به دیدار اوی
“Zarvan listened to his words, and his heart grew brighter at seeing him.”
#43
نرفتی به درگاه بی‌آن جهود
✦
خور و شادی و کام بی او نبود
“He would not go to court without that sorcerer; food, joy, and pleasure were incomplete without him.”
#44
چنین تا برآمد برین چندگاه
✦
بد آموز پویان به درگاه شاه
“Thus time passed for a while, with the bad counselor frequenting the King's court.”
#45
دو فرزند مهبود هر بامداد
✦
خرامان شدندی برشاه راد
“Every morning, the two sons of Mahbod walked gracefully toward the generous King.”
#46
پس پردهٔ نامور کدخدای
✦
زنی بود پاکیزه و پاک رای
“Behind the curtain of that noble minister stood a lady pure, virtuous, and wise of mind.”
#47
که چون شاه کسری خورش خواستی
✦
یکی خوان زرین بیاراستی
“Whenever King Khosrow Kasra desired food, she would arrange a splendid tray of gold.”
#48
سه کاسه نهادی برو از گهر
✦
به دستار زربفت پوشیده سر
“Upon it she would set three jewel-studded bowls, their tops covered with brocaded golden cloth.”
#49
زدست دو فرزند آن ارجمند
✦
رسیدی به نزدیک شاه بلند
“Borne by the hands of that noble lord's two sons, it would be brought before the exalted king.”
#50
خورشها زشهد وز شیر و گلاب
✦
بخوردی وآراستی جای خواب
“He would partake of dishes crafted with honey, milk, and rosewater, and then prepare for sleep.”
#51
چنان بد که یک روز هر دو جوان
✦
ببردند خوان نزدنوشین‌روان
“So it came to pass one day that both young men carried the tray into Nushin-Ravan's presence.”
#52
به سر برنهاده یکی پیشکار
✦
که بودی خورش نزد او استوار
“An attendant walked before them with the tray upon his head, one in whose care the feast was firmly trusted.”
#53
چو خوان اندرآمد به ایوان شاه
✦
بدو کرد زروان حاجب نگاه
“When the tray entered the monarch's hall, Zarvan the chamberlain fixed his gaze upon it.”
#54
چنین گفت خندان به هر دو جوان
✦
که ای ایمن از شاه نوشین‌روان
“Smilingly he spoke to both youths, saying: "O ye who rest secure in the favor of King Nushin-Ravan!”
#55
یکی روی بنمای تا زین خورش
✦
که باشد همی شاه را پرورش
“Reveal a portion of this dish, that we may behold what nourishes the king!"”
#56
چه رنگست کاید همی بوی خوش
✦
یکی پرنیان چادر از وی بکش
“What color is this whence such sweet fragrance wafts? Pull back the coverlet of silk!"”
#57
جوان زان خورش زود بگشاد روی
✦
نگه کرد زروان ز دور اند روی
“The youth quickly uncovered the feast, while Zarvan peered closely upon it from afar.”
#58
همیدون جهود اندرو بنگرید
✦
پس آمد چو رنگ خورشها بدید
“Likewise the Jew looked inside, then stepped back as soon as he saw the color of the food.”
#59
چنین گفت زان پس به سالار بار
✦
که آمد درختی که کشتی به بار
“Then spoke he to the court chamberlain: "The tree which you planted has now borne fruit!"”
#60
ببردند خوان نزد نوشین‌روان
✦
خردمند و بیدار هر دو جوان
“The two wise and watchful youths carried the tray into Nushin-Ravan's royal hall.”
#61
پس خوان همی‌رفت زروان چو گرد
✦
چنین گفت با شاه آزادمرد
“Zarvan followed the tray like swift dust, and thus addressed the noble king:”
#62
که ای شاه نیک اختر و دادگر
✦
تو بی‌چاشنی دست خوردن مبر
“"O rightful and auspicious king, touch not the food until a taster has first tried it!”
#63
که روی فلک بخت خندان تست
✦
جهان روشن از تخت و میدان تست
“For the face of fortune smiles upon you, and the world is illuminated by your throne and battle-ground.”
#64
خورشگر بیامیخت با شیر زهر
✦
بداندیش را باد زین زهر بهر
“The cook has mingled deadly poison with the milk—may your ill-wishers reap this venomous portion!"”
#65
چو بشنید زو شاه نوشین‌روان
✦
نگه کرد روشن به هر دوجوان
“When King Nushin-Ravan heard his words, he fixed his piercing eyes upon both youths.”
#66
که خوالیگرش مام ایشان بدی
✦
خردمند و با کام ایشان بدی
“For their mother herself was his trusted cook, wise and ever devoted to their noble desires.”
#67
جوانان ز پاکی وز راستی
✦
نوشتند بر پشت دست آستی
“In complete purity and honesty of heart, the youths rolled back their sleeves onto their forearms.”
#68
همان چون بخوردند از کاسه شیر
✦
توگویی بخستند هر دو به تیر
“Yet no sooner had they drunk from the bowl of milk than both fell as though pierced through by fatal arrows.”
#69
بخفتند برجای هر دو جوان
✦
بدادند جان پیش نوشین‌روان
“Both young men collapsed upon the floor and gave up their souls before Nushin-Ravan.”
#70
چوشاه جهان اندران بنگرید
✦
برآشفت و شد چون گل شنبلید
“When the monarch of the world beheld this sight, he raged with fury and turned pale as a withered flower.”
#71
بفرمود کز خان مهبود خاک
✦
برآرید وز کس مدارید باک
“He commanded: "Turn the house of Mahbod to dust, and show fear of no man!”
#72
بر آن خاک باید بریدن سرش
✦
مه مهبود مانا مه خوالیگرش
“Upon that dust let his head be severed—sparing neither Mahbod nor his wife the cook!"”
#73
به ایوان مهبود در کس نماند
✦
ز خویشان او درجهان بس نماند
“None remained alive in Mahbod's palace, nor were any of his kinsmen spared in all the world.”
#74
به تاراج داد آن همه خواسته
✦
زن و کودک و گنج آراسته
“He gave all Mahbod's riches over to plunder—his women, children, and splendid treasure.”
#75
رسیده از آن کار زروان به کام
✦
گهی کام دید اندر آن گاه نام
“Thus Zarvan achieved his evil desire through that deed, securing both pleasure and renown.”
#76
به نزدیک او شد جهود ارجمند
✦
برافراخت سر تا بابر بلند
“The exalted Jewish sorcerer approached him, holding his head high up into the clouds with pride.”
#77
بگشت اندرین نیز چندی سپهر
✦
درستی نهان کرده از شاه چهر
“A period of time revolved in the heavens, while the truth remained hidden from the king.”
#78
چنان بد که شاه جهان کدخدای
✦
به نخچیر گوران همی‌کرد رای
“It so befell that the king, lord of the realm, resolved to go hunting wild asses.”
#79
بفرمود تا اسب نخچیرگاه
✦
بسی بگذرانند در پیش شاه
“He commanded that many horses of the hunt be paraded before his royal sight.”
#80
ز اسبان که کسری همی‌بنگرید
✦
یکی را بران داغ مهبود دید
“Among the horses Kasra inspected, he saw one bearing the royal brand of Mahbod.”
#81
ازان تازی اسبان دلش برفروخت
✦
به مهبود بر جای مهرش بسوخت
“At the sight of those Arabian steeds, his heart brightened, yet his affection for Mahbud burned with grief.”
#82
فروریخت آب از دو دیده بدرد
✦
بسی داغ دل یاد مهبود کرد
“Tears poured painfully from his eyes, and with a sorrowful heart, he remembered Mahbud deeply.”
#83
چنین گفت کان مرد با جاه و رای
✦
ببردش چنان دیو ریمن ز جای
“He spoke thus: "That man of grandeur and wisdom—how did a deceitful Ahriman entice him from his path?"”
#84
بدان دوستداری و آن راستی
✦
چرا زد روانش درکاستی
“"With all that friendship and truthfulness, why did his soul suffer such a decline?"”
#85
نداند جز از کردگار جهان
✦
ازان آشکارا درستی نهان
“"None save the Creator of the world knows the hidden truth behind this manifest affair."”
#86
وزان جایگه سوی نخچیرگاه
✦
بیامد چنان داغ دل کینه خواه
“And from that place he rode toward the hunting grounds, heartbroken yet seeking vengeance.”
#87
ز هر کس بره برسخن خواستی
✦
ز گفتارها دل بیاراستی
“From everyone along the way, he sought discourse, seeking to adorn his mind with their words.”
#88
سراینده بسیار همراه کرد
✦
به افسانه‌ها راه کوتاه کرد
“He brought many storytellers along, shortening the journey with tales and legends.”
#89
دبیران و زروان و دستور شاه
✦
برفتند یک روز پویان به راه
“One day, the scribes, Zarvan, and the king's chief minister set forth along the road together.”
#90
سخن رفت چندی ز افسون و بند
✦
ز جادوی و آهرمن پرگزند
“Discourse turned for a while to sorcery and spells, of magic and the harmful Ahriman.”
#91
به موبد چنین گفت پس شهریار
✦
که دل رابه نیرنگ رنجه مدار
“Then the monarch said to the Mobad: "Do not burden your heart with deceitful magic."”
#92
سخن جز به یزدان و از دین مگوی
✦
ز نیرنگ جادو شگفتی مجوی
“"Speak of none but God and holy faith, and seek no wonders in the tricks of sorcery."”
#93
بدو گفت زروان انوشه بدی
✦
خرد را به گفتار توشه بدی
“Zarvan replied to him: "May you be immortal! Your words are nourishment for wisdom."”
#94
ز جادو سخن هرچ گویند هست
✦
نداند جز از مرد جادوپرست
“"Yet whatever is said of magic exists, though none truly understands it save the practitioner of sorcery."”
#95
اگر خوردنی دارد از شیر بهر
✦
پدیدار گرداند از دور زهر
“"If food should contain sweet milk, sorcery can reveal poison in it from afar."”
#96
چو بشنید نوشین‌روان این سخن
✦
برو تازه شد روزگار کهن
“When Nushin-Ravan heard these words, memories of former times grew fresh within him.”
#97
ز مهبود و هر دو پسر یاد کرد
✦
برآورد بر لب یکی باد سرد
“He remembered Mahbud and his two sons, and let out a cold, deep sigh from his lips.”
#98
به زروان نگه کرد و خامش بماند
✦
سبک باره گامزن را براند
“He cast a glance at Zarvan and remained silent, then swiftly urged his swift-pacing steed onward.”
#99
روانش ز اندیشه پر دود بود
✦
که زروان بداندیش مهبود بود
“His soul was clouded with suspicion, knowing that Zarvan had harbored malice toward Mahbud.”
#100
همی‌گفت کین مرد ناسازگار
✦
ندانم چه کرد اندران روزگار
“He kept saying to himself: "I know not what this malicious man wrought in those days,"”
#101
که مهبود بر دست ما کشته شد
✦
چنان دوده را روز برگشته شد
“"That Mahbud was slain at our hands, and the fortune of such a noble house was overturned."”
#102
مگر کردگار آشکارا کند
✦
دل و مغز ما را مدارا کند
“"May the Almighty reveal the truth, and grant patience and comfort to our heart and mind."”
#103
که آلوده بینم همی زو سخن
✦
پر از دردم از روزگار کهن
“"For I see Zarvan's words tainted with guilt, and my heart aches for the days of old."”
#104
همی‌رفت با دل پر از درد وغم
✦
پرآژنگ رخ دیدگان پر ز نم
“He rode on with a heart filled with pain and grief, his brow furrowed and his eyes brimming with tears.”
#105
به منزل رسید آن زمان شهریار
✦
سراپرده زد بر لب جویبار
“The monarch arrived at the halting station and pitched his royal pavilion by the bank of a stream.”
#106
چو زروان بیامد به پرده سرای
✦
ز بیگانه پردخت کردند جای
“When Zarvan entered the royal tent, they cleared the place of all strangers.”
#107
ز جادو سخن رفت وز شهد و شیر
✦
بدو گفت شد این سخن دلپذیر
“Words turned again to magic, and to honey and milk; the king said to him: "This discourse has become intriguing."”
#108
ز مهبود زان پس بپرسید شاه
✦
ز فرزند او تا چرا شد تباه
“The king then questioned him concerning Mahbud and his sons, asking why they had perished.”
#109
چو پاسخ ازو لرز لرزان شنید
✦
ز زروان گنهکاری آمد پدید
“When he heard Zarvan reply with trembling voice, the guilt of Zarvan became manifestly clear.”
#110
بدو گفت کسری سخن راست گوی
✦
مکن کژی و هیچ چاره مجوی
“Khosrow said to him: "Speak the truth! Do not turn to crookedness nor seek any pretext,"”
#111
که کژی نیارد مگر کار بد
✦
دل نیک بد گردد از یار بد
“"For dishonesty yields nothing but evil, and a good heart turns wicked through an evil companion."”
#112
سراسر سخن راست زروان بگفت
✦
نهفته پدید آورید از نهفت
“Zarvan disclosed the whole truth entirely, revealing all that had been hidden in darkness.”
#113
گنه یک سر افگند سوی جهود
✦
تن خویش راکرد پر درد و دود
“He cast the whole blame upon the Jewish sorcerer, filling his own being with torment and grief.”
#114
چو بشنید زو شهریار بلند
✦
هم اندر زمان پای کردش ببند
“When the exalted monarch heard this from him, he instantly bound his feet in fetters.”
#115
فرستاد نزد مشعبد جهود
✦
دواسبه سواری به کردار دود
“He dispatched a rider at top speed like smoke, riding two horses by turns, to fetch the Jewish sorcerer.”
#116
چوآمد بدان بارگاه بلند
✦
بپرسید زو نرم شاه بلند
“When he came to that exalted court, the lofty King questioned him gently.”
#117
که این کار چون بود با من بگوی
✦
بدست دروغ ایچ منمای روی
“Saying, "Tell me how this matter came to pass; do not turn your face to deceit."”
#118
جهود از جهاندار زنهار خواست
✦
که پیداکند راز نیرنگ راست
“The Jew begged the King for quarter, so that he might reveal the true secret of the plot.”
#119
بگفت آنچ زروان بدو گفته بود
✦
سخن هرچ اندر نهان رفته بود
“He recounted all that Zurvan had told him, laying bare every secret that had passed between them.”
#120
جهاندار بشنید خیره بماند
✦
رد و موبد و مرزبان را بخواند
“The ruler heard this and was astonished; he summoned his noble lords, Mobads, and marchlords.”
#121
دگر باره کرد آن سخن خواستار
✦
به پیش ردان دادگر شهریار
“Once more, before those righteous nobles, the just King demanded the full story.”
#122
بفرمود پس تا دو دار بلند
✦
فروهشته از دار پیچان کمند
“He then commanded two tall gallows to be raised, with twisted nooses hanging down.”
#123
بزد مرد دژخیم پیش درش
✦
نظاره بروبر همه کشورش
“The executioner set them up before his gate, while the entire realm looked on.”
#124
به یک دار زروان و دیگر جهود
✦
کشنده برآهخت و تندی نمود
“Zurvan was hung on one tree and the Jew on the other, as the executioner drew them up in fierce wrath.”
#125
بباران سنگ و بباران تیر
✦
بدادند سرها به نیرنگ شیر
“Beneath a shower of stones and arrows, they gave up their lives for plotting against a lion-like man.”
#126
جهان را نباید سپردن ببد
✦
که بر بد گمان بی‌گمان بد رسد
“One must not surrender the world to evil, for he who thinks ill shall undoubtedly reap ill.”
#127
ز خویشان مهبود چندی بجست
✦
کزیشان بیابد کسی تندرست
“The King sought among Mahbod's kin, hoping to find someone surviving and well.”
#128
یکی دختری یافت پوشیده‌روی
✦
سه مرد گرانمایه و نیک‌خوی
“He found a veiled daughter and three noble, virtuous men of his line.”
#129
همه گنج زروان بدیشان نمود
✦
دگر هرچ آن داشت مرد جهود
“He bestowed upon them all the treasure of Zurvan, as well as all that belonged to the Jew.”
#130
روانش ز مهبود بریان شدی
✦
شب تیره تا روز گریان بدی
“Yet the King's soul burned with grief for Mahbod, and he wept from dark night until daybreak.”
#131
ز یزدان همی‌خواستی زینهار
✦
همی‌ریختی خون دل برکنار
“He begged Almighty God for mercy, shedding tears of heart's blood upon his lap.”
#132
به درویش بخشید بسیار چیز
✦
زبانی پر از آفرین داشت نیز
“He gave much wealth to the needy, and his tongue was ever full of praise for God.”
#133
که یزدان گناهش ببخشد مگر
✦
ستمگر نخواند ورا دادگر
“Hoping that God might forgive his fault, so that the Just One would not deem him an oppressor.”
#134
کسی کو بود پاک و یزدان پرست
✦
نیازد به کردار بد هیچ دست
“Whoever is pure and worshippeth God will never stretch forth his hand to evil deeds.”
#135
که گرچند بد کردن آسان بود
✦
به فرجام زو جان هراسان بود
“For though doing wrong may seem easy, in the end the soul shall tremble in dread.”
#136
اگر بد دل سنگ خارا شود
✦
نماند نهان آشکارا شود
“Though evil be hidden inside a solid rock, it will not remain concealed but will come to light.”
#137
وگر چند نرمست آواز تو
✦
گشاده شود زو همه راز تو
“And though your whisper be soft, through it all your secrets shall be laid bare.”
#138
ندارد نگه راز مردم زبان
✦
همان به که نیکی کنی درجهان
“The tongue keeps no man's secret long; thus it is best that you practice virtue in this world.”
#139
چو بیرنج باشی و پاکیزه‌رای
✦
ازو بهره یابی به هر دو سرای
“If you are free from causing pain and pure of mind, you shall reap benefits in both worlds.”
#140
کنون کار زروان و مرد جهود
✦
سرآمد خرد را بباید ستود
“Now the tale of Zurvan and the Jew is ended; wisdom ought to be praised above all.”
#141
اگر دادگر باشی و سرفراز
✦
نمانی و نامت بماند دراز
“If you are righteous and exalted, though you pass away, your good name shall endure forever.”
#142
تن خویش را شاه بیدادگر
✦
جز از گور و نفرین نیارد به سر
“An unjust king brings upon his own body nothing at last but the grave and curses.”
#143
اگر پیشه دارد دلت راستی
✦
چنان دان که گیتی بیاراستی
“If your heart chooses truth and honesty as its practice, know that you have truly adorned the world.”
#144
چو خواهی ستایش پس ازمرگ تو
✦
خرد باید این تاج و این ترگ تو
“If you desire praise after your death, wisdom must be the crown and helmet of your mind.”
#145
چنان کز پس مرگ نوشین‌روان
✦
ز گفتار من داد او شد جوان
“Just as after Noshinravan's demise, his justice blossomed anew through my verse.”
#146
ازان پس که گیتی بدوگشت راست
✦
جز از آفرین در بزرگی نخواست
“After the world became harmonious under his sway, in all his grandeur he sought nothing but praise.”
#147
بخفتند در دشت خرد و بزرگ
✦
به آبشخور آمد همی میش وگرگ
“Both high and low slept in peace upon the plain, while wolf and ewe drank together at the same watering place.”
#148
مهان کهتری را بیاراستند
✦
به دیهیم بر نام او خواستند
“The nobles adorned a lesser worthy, demanding his name be inscribed upon the crown.”
#149
بیاسود گردن ز بند زره
✦
ز جوشن گشادند گردان گره
“Necks were freed from the weight of armor, and heroes untied the knots of their chainmail.”
#150
ز کوپال وخنجر بیاسود دوش
✦
جز آواز رامش نیامد به گوش
“Shoulders rested from the mace and dagger, and no sound was heard save the melodies of delight.”
#151
کسی را نبد با جهاندار تاو
✦
بپیوست با هرکسی باژ و ساو
“None possessed the power to withstand the World-Lord; every realm paid tribute and taxes unto him.”
#152
جهاندار دشواری آسان گرفت
✦
همه ساز نخچیر و میدان گرفت
“The monarch rendered hard tasks easy, and turned his mind to hunting and the polo field.”
#153
نشست اندر ایوان گوهرنگار
✦
همی رای زد با می ومیگسار
“He sat within his jewel-encrusted hall, holding counsel over wine alongside his cupbearer.”
#154
یکی شارستان کرد به آیین روم
✦
فزون از دو فرسنگ بالای بوم
“He built a grand city after the Roman model, extending more than two leagues across the land.”
#155
بدو اندرون کاخ و ایوان و باغ
✦
به یک دست رود و به یک دست راغ
“Within its bounds stood palaces, halls, and gardens, flanked by a river on one side and a lush meadow on the other.”
#156
چنان بد بروم اندرون پادشهر
✦
که کسری بپیمود و برداشت بهر
“Such was the capital city within the Roman realm, which Khosrow surveyed and drew inspiration from.”
#157
برآورد زو کاخهای بلند
✦
نبد نزد کس درجهان ناپسند
“He raised lofty palaces therein; in all the world, none could find fault with their grandeur.”
#158
یکی کاخ کرد اندران شهریار
✦
بدو اندر ایوان گوهرنگار
“There the King fashioned a glorious palace, containing a hall resplendent with gems.”
#159
همه شوشهٔ طاقها سیم و زر
✦
بزر اندرون چند گونه گهر
“The ingots of its vaults were forged of silver and gold, and embedded in the gold were varied precious gems.”
#160
یکی گنبد از آبنوس وز عاج
✦
به پیکر ز پیلسته و شیز و ساج
“A grand dome rose of ebony and ivory, inlaid with elephant bone, teak, and sandal-wood.”
#161
ز روم وز هند آنک استاد بود
✦
وز استاد خویشش هنر یاد بود
“Master builders were gathered from Rome and India, each possessing master crafts taught by their line.”
#162
ز ایران وز کشور نیمروز
✦
همه کارداران گیتی‌فروز
“From Iran and the land of Nimruz arrived all the world-illuminating artisans and overseers.”
#163
همه گرد کرد اندران شارستان
✦
که هم شارستان بود و هم کارستان
“All were assembled in that realm, creating a metropolis that was both a great city and a marvel of craft.”
#164
اسیران که از بربر آورده بود
✦
ز روم وز هر جای کازرده بود
“Captives brought from Berber, from Rome, and from every land where distress had fallen,”
#165
وزین هر یکی را یکی خانه کرد
✦
همه شارستان جای بیگانه کرد
“To each of them he granted a dwelling, filling the city with people of foreign lands.”
#166
چو از شهر یک سر بپرداختند
✦
بگرد اندرش روستا ساختند
“When the construction of the city was fully completed, they built surrounding villages all around it.”
#167
بیاراست بر هر سویی کشتزار
✦
زمین برومند و هم میوه دار
“Fields were cultivated on every side, yielding fertile ground and fruit-bearing trees.”
#168
ازین هریکی را یکی کار داد
✦
چوتنها بد از کارگر یار داد
“To every person he assigned a trade; for those who were alone, he provided working companions.”
#169
یکی پیشه کار و دگر کشت ورز
✦
یکی آنک پیمود فرسنگ و مرز
“Some became artisans, others tillers of the soil, and others surveyed the leagues and boundaries of the land.”
#170
چه بازارگان و چه یزدان‌پرست
✦
یکی سرفراز و دگر زیردست
“Whether merchants or worshippers of God, whether high in station or humble subjects,”
#171
بیاراست آن شارستان چون بهشت
✦
ندید اندرو چشم یک جای زشت
“He adorned that city like Paradise; no eye could behold a single spot of ugliness within it.”
#172
ورا سورستان کرد کسری به نام
✦
که درسور یابد جهاندار کام
“Khosrow named the city Suristan, so that the World-Lord might find delight in celebration.”
#173
جز از داد و آباد کردن جهان
✦
نبودش به دل آشکار و نهان
“Save for justice and the prosperity of the realm, he harbored no desire in his heart, open or secret.”
#174
زمانه چو او را ز شاهی ببرد
✦
همه تاج دیگر کسی را سپرد
“Yet when Time swept him away from kingship, it surrendered the crown unto another.”
#175
چنان دان که یک سر فریبست و بس
✦
بلندی وپستی نماند بکس
“Know that this world is entirely deceit; neither high fortune nor low estate abides with anyone.”
#176
کنون جنگ خاقان و هیتال گیر
✦
چو رزم آیدت پیش کوپال گیر
“Now turn thy mind to the war of the Khaqan and Hephthal; when battle approaches, take up thy mace.”
#177
چه گوید سخنگوی باآفرین
✦
ز شاه وز هیتال وخاقان چین
“What says the praised storyteller of the King, of the Hephthalite, and of the Khaqan of Chin?”