When word arrived that Mehran Setad was returning with the princess of China, joy rippled across the entire empire, and every soul bore tidings of the glorious match as gifts of good fortune. From the river-banks of Amuy and the desert stretches of Marv unto the highlands of Bastam and Gurgan, the earth was arrayed in vibrant splendor, resembling the magnificent plumage of a pheasant. Men, women, and children gathered along the highways to witness the bridal procession; from roofs they showered precious gems, while saffron and silver coins were strewn beneath the hooves of the royal cavalcade. Basins of sweet perfumes perfumed the air, and the reverberating notes of pipes, harps, rebecs, and war-horns left no corner of the realm untouched by celebration.
When the maiden was escorted into the royal harem, King Khosrow Anushirvan peered inside the golden litter. There he beheld a cypress-tall beauty with a countenance bright as the full moon, her dark ambergris-scented tresses crowned with jewels like a helm of black chainmail. Astonished by her celestial grace, Noshinravan lowered his head in awe and repeatedly offered praise unto God Almighty, assigning her a palace worthy of her dignity. When news of this glorious union reached the Khaqan of China, he rejoiced deeply, withdrawing his armies from Sogdia, Samarqand, and Chaj, and dispatching governance to Kashgar. Anushirvan appointed wise march-wardens across the frontier, consolidating supreme peace.
Thus did the justice of Noshinravan envelop the world; the host of three hundred thousand Turks dispersed, and the bows of war were unstrung. Elders from the ancient eastern realms gathered—recalling the dark centuries of affliction under Afrasiab and the ravages of Arjasp—and glorified the heavens that through the King's Royal Glory and righteousness, war had ceased, and peace reigned over all creation.
#1
جو آگاهی آمد ز مهران ستاد
✦
همی هر کس آن مژده را هدیه داد
“When tidings arrived from Mehran Setad, everyone offered gifts for the joyous news.”
#2
یکایک همی‌خواندند آفرین
✦
ابرشاه ایران وسالار چین
“One by one, they offered blessings upon the King of Iran and the Sovereign of China.”
#3
دلی شاد با هدیه و با نثار
✦
همه مهربان و همه دوستار
“With joyful hearts, bringing gifts and tributes, all became loving and friendly.”
#4
ببستند آذین به شهر و به راه
✦
درم ریختند از بر تخت شاه
“They festooned the cities and highways with decorations, showering silver over the king's throne.”
#5
به آموی و راه بیابان مرو
✦
زمین بود یک سر چو پر تذرو
“From Amuy to the desert path of Marv, the earth gladdened like the plumage of a pheasant.”
#6
چنین تا به بسطام وگرگان رسید
✦
تو گفتی زمین آسمان را ندید
“Thus it extended unto Bastam and Gurgan; you would say the earth had never beheld such celestial glory.”
#7
زآیین که بستند بر شهر و دشت
✦
براهی که لشکر همی‌برگذشت
“Such were the decorations arrayed across town and plain along the path where the host marched.”
#8
وز ایران همه کودک و مرد و زن
✦
به راه بت چین شدند انجمن
“And from all Iran, men, women, and children gathered along the path of the Chinese maiden.”
#9
ز بالا بر ایشان گهر ریختند
✦
به پی زعفران و درم بیختند
“From above they showered jewels upon them, and sprinkled saffron and silver at their feet.”
#10
برآمیخته طشتهای خلوق
✦
جهان پرشد از نالهٔ کوس و بوق
“Mixing basins of sweet perfumes, the world filled with the resounding echoes of drums and horns.”
#11
همه یال اسبان پر از مشک ومی
✦
شکر با درم ریخته زیر پی
“The manes of horses were drenched in musk and wine, while sugar and silver were scattered underfoot.”
#12
ز بس نالهٔ نای و چنگ و رباب
✦
نبد بر زمین جای آرام وخواب
“From the melodious strains of pipes, harps, and rebecs, nowhere on earth was there quiet or rest.”
#13
چوآمد بت اندر شبستان شاه
✦
به مهد اندرون کرد کسری نگاه
“When the beauty entered the royal harem, Kasra looked inside her covered litter.”
#14
یکی سرو بن از برش گرد ماه
✦
نهاده به مه بر ز عنبر کلاه
“He saw a cypress-tall maiden with a full-moon face, wearing a crown woven of ambergris tresses.”
#15
کلاهی به کردار مشکین زره
✦
ز گوهر کشیده گره برگره
“A crown like a chainmail of dark musk, knotted with sparkling jewels upon jewels.”
#16
گره بسته از تار و برتافته
✦
به افسون یک اندر دگر بافته
“Entwined and twisted threads, woven together as if by enchanting spellwork.”
#17
چو از غالیه برگل انگشتری
✦
همه زیر انگشتری مشتری
“With dark ringlets framing her roseate cheeks, even Jupiter stood humbled beneath her signet.”
#18
درو شاه نوشین‌روان خیره ماند
✦
برو نام یزدان فراوان بخواند
“King Noshinravan stared in astonishment, invoking the name of God over her in deep gratitude.”
#19
سزاوار او جای بگزید شاه
✦
بیاراستند از پی ماه گاه
“The King chose a dwelling fitting for her, preparing a majestic throne for this moon-like beauty.”
#20
چو آگاهی آمد به خاقان چین
✦
ز ایران و ز شاه ایران زمین
“When news reached the Khaqan of China regarding Iran and its sovereign monarch,”
#21
وزان شادمانی به فرزند اوی
✦
شدن شاد وخرم به پیوند اوی
“And of the joy bestowed upon his daughter, he rejoiced greatly in this grand alliance.”
#22
بپردخت سغد وسمرقند وچاج
✦
به قجغار باشی فرستاد تاج
“He evacuated Sogdia, Samarqand, and Chaj, and sent royal emblems to Qashgar.”
#23
ازین شهرها چون برفت آن سپاه
✦
همی مرزبانان فرستاد شاه
“When the host departed from these lands, King Anushirvan appointed march-wardens to rule them.”
#24
جهان شد پر از داد نوشین‌روان
✦
بخفتند بردشت پیر و جوان
“The world became filled with Noshinravan’s justice, so that young and old slept peacefully in the plains.”
#25
یکایک همی‌خواندند آفرین
✦
ز هر جای برشهریار زمین
“One and all uttered blessings from every realm upon the sovereign of the earth.”
#26
همه دست برداشته به آسمان
✦
که ای کردگار مکان و زمان
“Raising their hands toward the heavens, they prayed: 'O Creator of space and time!'”
#27
تو این داد بر شاه کسری بدار
✦
بگردان ز جانش بد روزگار
“'Preserve this justice for King Kasra, and turn away evil fortune from his soul!'”
#28
که از فر و اورند او در جهان
✦
بدی دور گشت آشکار و نهان
“'For through his Divine Glory and regal majesty, wickedness has vanished both seen and unseen.'”
#29
به نخجیر چون او به گرگان رسید
✦
گشاده کسی روی خاقان ندید
“When Kasra reached Gurgan during the hunt, no one saw the Khaqan's face turned in hostility.”
#30
بشد خواب وخورد از سواران چین
✦
سواری نبرداشت از اسب زین
“Sleep and rest vanished from the Chinese horsemen, yet no rider saddled his steed for battle.”
#31
پراگنده شد ترک سیصد هزار
✦
به جایی نبد کوشش کارزار
“The three hundred thousand Turks dispersed, with nowhere any spark of battle remaining.”
#32
کمانی نبایست کردن به زه
✦
نه که بد از ایدر نه چینی نه مه
“No bow needed to be strung, neither by the locals, nor by the Chinese, nor by the nobles.”
#33
بدین سان بود فر و برز کیان
✦
به نخچیر آهنگ شیر ژیان
“Such is the Royal Glory and majesty of the Kianians, as if hunting a fierce lion effortlessly.”
#34
که نام وی و اختر شاه بود
✦
که هم تخت و هم بخت همراه بود
“For his renown and auspicious star aligned, combining both throne and fortune in harmony.”
#35
وزان پس بزرگان شدند انجمن
✦
از آموی تا شهر چاچ و ختن
“Thereafter, the elders assembled from Amuy unto the cities of Chaj and Khotan.”
#36
بگفتند کاین شهرهای فراخ
✦
پر از باغ و میدان و ایوان و کاخ
“They said: 'These expansive realms, full of gardens, plazas, halls, and palaces,'”
#37
ز چاچ و تَرَک تا سمرقند و سغد
✦
بسی بود ویران و آرام جغد
“'From Chaj and Tarak to Samarqand and Sogdia, were long ruined and turned into homes for owls.'”
#38
چغانی وسومان وختلان و بلخ
✦
شده روز بر هر کسی تار و تلخ
“'In Chaghan, Suman, Khuttalan, and Balkh, days had turned dark and bitter for all.'”
#39
بخارا وخوارزم وآموی و زم
✦
بسی دارمی یاد با درد و غم
“'Bukhara, Khwarazm, Amuy, and Zam—we recall them with endless grief and sorrow.'”
#40
ز بیداد وز رنج افراسیاب
✦
کسی را نبد جای آرام وخواب
“'From the tyranny and afflictions of Afrasiab, no one had any place for rest or sleep.'”
#41
چوکیخسرو آمد برستیم از اوی
✦
جهانی برآسود از گفت وگوی
“'When Kai Khosrow arose, we were delivered from him, and the world found peace from strife.'”
#42
ازان پس چو ارجاسب شد زورمند
✦
شد این مرزها پر ز درد وگزند
“'Thereafter, when Arjasp grew mighty, these marches were filled with distress and harm.'”
#43
از ایران چو گشتاسب آمد به جنگ
✦
ندید ایچ ارجاسب جای درنگ
“'When Goshtasp came from Iran to wage war, Arjasp found no place to linger.'”
#44
برآسود گیتی ز کردار اوی
✦
که هرگز مبادا فلک یاراوی
“'The world found rest from Arjasp's deeds—may fate never be his ally!'”
#45
ازان پس چونرسی سپهدار شد
✦
همه شهرها پر ز تیمار شد
“'Thereafter, when Narseh became commander, all the cities were filled with sorrow and grief.'”
#46
چوشاپور ارمزد بگرفت جای
✦
ندانست نرسی سرش را ز پای
“When Shapur, son of Hormizd, established his place, Narseh lost his footing completely.”
#47
جهان سوی داد آمد و ایمنی
✦
ز بد بسته شد دست آهرمنی
“The world turned toward justice and security, and the evil hand of Ahriman was bound.”
#48
چوخاقان جهان بستد از یزدگرد
✦
ببد تیزدستی برآورد گرد
“When the Khaqan seized the world from Yazdegerd, he acted swiftly and raised great turmoil.”
#49
بیامد جهاندار بهرام گور
✦
ازو گشت خاقان پر از درد و شور
“Then came the world-possessor Bahram Gur, filling the Khaqan with pain and angst.”
#50
شد از داد او شهرها چون بهشت
✦
پراگنده شد کار ناخوب و زشت
“Through his justice, cities became like paradise, and all unpleasant deeds were scattered.”
#51
به هنگام پیروز چون خوشنواز
✦
جهان کرد پر درد و گرم و گداز
“In the time of Piruz, Khushnavaz filled the world with sorrow, heat, and anguish.”
#52
مبادا فغانیش فرزند اوی
✦
مه خویشان مه تخت ومه اورند اوی
“May Faghanish, his son, be devoid of greatness among kin, without throne or royal seat!”
#53
جهاندار کسری کنون مرز ما
✦
بپذرفت و پرمایه شد ارز ما
“Now the world-ruler Kasra has accepted our border, and our stature has grown precious.”
#54
بماناد تا جاودان این بر اوی
✦
جهان سر به سر چون تن و چون سر اوی
“May this royal majesty remain upon him forever, and the world be united as his body and mind!”
#55
که از وی زمین داد بیند کنون
✦
نبینیم رنج ونه ریزیم خون
“For through him the earth beholds justice now; we shall suffer no hardship nor spill blood.”
#56
ازان پس ز هیتال وترک وختن
✦
به گلزریون برشدند انجمن
“Thereafter, leaders from Heptal, Turkestān, and Khotan gathered together at Gulzarion.”
#57
به هر سو که بد موبدی کاردان
✦
ردی پاک وهشیار و بسیاردان
“From every corner came wise Mobads, pure, prudent, and deeply learned scholars.”
#58
ز پیران هرآنکس که بد رای‌زن
✦
بروبر ز ترکان شدند انجمن
“All the wise elders among the Turks assembled to take counsel together.”
#59
چنان رای دیدند یک سر سپاه
✦
که آیند با هدیه نزدیک شاه
“The entire host unanimously resolved to present themselves with gifts before the King.”
#60
چو نزدیک نوشین‌روان آمدند
✦
همه یک دل و یک زبان آمدند
“When they drew near Noshin-ravan, they arrived with one heart and one voice.”
#61
چنان گشت ز انبوه درگاه شاه
✦
که بستند برمور و بر پشه راه
“The King's court became so densely thronged that the way was barred even to ants and flies.”
#62
همه برنهادند سر برزمین
✦
همه شاه راخواندند آفرین
“They all bowed low, laying their heads upon the ground, and sang praises unto the Shah.”
#63
بگفتند کای شاه ما بنده‌ایم
✦
به فرمان تو در جهان زنده‌ایم
“They said: 'O King, we are thy servants; by thy command alone do we live in this world.”
#64
همه سرفرازیم با ساز جنگ
✦
به هامون بدریم چرم پلنگ
“Proud with weapons of war, we are ready to tear the leopard's hide upon the open plain.'”
#65
شهنشاه پذرفت ز ایشان نثار
✦
برستند پاک از بد روزگار
“The Shahanshah accepted their offerings, and they were freed entirely from evil fortune.”
#66
از ایشان فغانیش بد پیشرو
✦
سپاهی پسش جنگ سازان نو
“Faghanish stood at their head as leader, followed by a host of newly armed warriors.”
#67
ز گردان چو خشنود شد شهریار
✦
بیامد به درگاه سالار بار
“When the Sovereign was pleased with the warriors, the master of ceremonies entered court.”
#68
بپرسید بسیار و بنواختشان
✦
بهر برزنی جایگه ساختشان
“The King inquired warmly after them, favored them, and assigned them lodgings in every quarter.”
#69
وزان پس شهنشاه یزدان‌پرست
✦
به خاک آمد از جایگاه نشست
“Thereafter, the God-worshipping Shahanshah descended from his throne down onto the earth.”
#70
ستایش همی‌کرد برکردگار
✦
که ای برتر از گردش روزگار
“He offered praises to the Creator, praying: 'O Thou who art exalted above the turning of time!”
#71
تو دادی مرا فر و فرهنگ و رای
✦
تو باشی بهر نیکی‌ای رهنمای
“Thou gave me glory, wisdom, and sound judgment; Thou art the guide to all that is good.”
#72
هر آنکس که یابد ز من آگهی
✦
ازین پس نجوید کلاه مهی
“Whosoever hears of my rule henceforth shall no longer seek the crown of sovereignty.”
#73
همه کهتری را بسازند کار
✦
ندارد کسی زهرهٔ کارزار
“All will arrange their affairs in obedience, for none shall have the courage to wage war.'”
#74
به کوه اندرون مرغ و ماهی بر آب
✦
چو من خفته باشم نجویند خواب
“The bird in the mountain and the fish in the stream seek no sleep while I am awake to guard them.”
#75
همه دام ودد پاسبان منند
✦
مهان جهان کهتران منند
“All wild beasts and animals act as my guardians; the great ones of the world are my subjects.”
#76
کرا برگزینی تو او خوار نیست
✦
جهان را جز از تو جهاندار نیست
“Whomsoever Thou choosest is never humbled; the world has no ruler save Thee.”
#77
تو نیرو دهی تا مگر در جهان
✦
نخسبد ز من مور خسته روان
“Grant me strength so that in this world not even an injured ant may suffer because of me.”
#78
چنین پیش یزدان فراوان گریست
✦
نگر تا چنین درجهان شاه کیست
“He wept so bitterly before God; behold, where in all the world is there such a king?”