#1
گذر مرد را سوی هیتال بود
✦
همه ره پر از تیغ و کوپال بود
“The path of the envoys led through the realm of Hephthal; the entire road bristled with swords and maces.”
#2
ز سغد اندرون تا به جیحون سپاه
✦
کشیده رده پیش هیتال شاه
“From Sogdia to the Jayhun river, troops stood lined in disciplined ranks before the King of Hephthal.”
#3
گوی غاتفر نام سالارشان
✦
به جنگ اندورن نامبردارشان
“Their commander was a warrior named Ghatfar, renowned and mighty in the heart of battle.”
#4
چو آگه شد از کار خاقان چین
✦
وزان هدیهٔ شهریار زمین
“When he learned of the Khaqan of China's design and the rich gifts sent to the Lord of the Earth,”
#5
ز لشکر جهاندیده گان را بخواند
✦
سخن سر به سر پیش ایشان براند
“He summoned the seasoned veterans of his host and spoke openly to them of the matter.”
#6
چنین گفت باسرکشان غاتفر
✦
که مارا بدآمد ز اختر به سر
“Ghatfar addressed the chieftains: 'Ill fortune has rained upon us from the stars!'”
#7
اگر شاه ایران و خاقان چین
✦
بسازند وز دل کنند آفرین
“'If the Shah of Iran and the Khaqan of China forge peace and praise one another in truth,'”
#8
هراسست زین دوستی بهر ما
✦
برین روی ویران شود شهرما
“'This friendship bodes terror for us; our cities will be ruined as a consequence.'”
#9
بباید یکی تاختن ساختن
✦
جهان از فرستاده پرداختن
“'We must launch a swift strike and clear the world of these emissaries.'”
#10
زلشکر یکی نامور برگزید
✦
سرافراز جنگی چنانچون سزید
“He chose a famous champion from his army, an exalted warrior suited for the deed.”
#11
بتاراج داد آن همه خواسته
✦
هیونان واسبان آراسته
“They plundered all those treasures, the magnificent camels and splendidly harnessed steeds.”
#12
فرستاده را سر بریدند پست
✦
ز ترکان چینی سواری نجست
“They foully beheaded the envoys, leaving not a single Chinese rider alive.”
#13
چوآگاهی آمد به خاقان چین
✦
دلش گشت پر درد و سر پر ز کین
“When tidings reached the Khaqan of China, his heart swelled with grief and his soul with vengeance.”
#14
سپه را ز قجغارباشی براند
✦
به چین وختن نامداری نماند
“He marched his army forth from Qajghar-bashi, leaving not a single noble warrior behind in China and Khotan.”
#15
ز خویشان ارجاسب وافراسیاب
✦
نپرداخت یک تن به آرام و خواب
“Among the kinsmen of Arjasp and Afrasiab, not a single one yielded to comfort or sleep.”
#16
برفتند یکسر به گلزریون
✦
همه سر پر از خشم و دل پر زخون
“They marched in unison to Golzariyun, their heads full of fury, their hearts filled with blood.”
#17
سپهدار خاقان چین سنجه بود
✦
همی به آسمان بر زد از خاک دود
“The supreme commander of the Khaqan's force was Sanjeh, whose army raised billows of dust to the heavens.”
#18
ز جوش سواران به چاچ اندرون
✦
چو خون شد به رنگ آب گلزریون
“From the surge of horsemen in Chach, the waters of Golzariyun turned red like blood.”