Having concluded his solemn prayers in Gorgan, Khosrow Anushirvan gave the command to march. The roar of brass horns and war drums echoed through the air as the Persian host set forth, bearing boundless treasures of gold, precious gems, turquoise thrones, and rich silks. The royal household of Khagan lineage was dispatched toward Ctesiphon under the guardianship of the trusted noble Mehran Setad, while the king himself, flanked by his elite warriors, journeyed toward Azarabadagan. Warriors from Gilan, Daylaman, Saruch, and the rugged mountains of Koch and Baloch marched in disciplined glory before their monarch. So formidable was Khosrow's order and justice that not a single crop along the military route was trampled, nor was any traveler robbed of sustenance.
Along the journey, emissaries from the Caesar of Rome arrived, bearing vast tribute: three years of tax contained in ten ox-hides filled with golden dinars, along with exquisite silks and jeweled belts. The Roman emperor pledged enduring peace and vassalage. Khosrow graciously received the envoys and directed the tribute to the royal treasury. Continuing his pilgrimage, the king rode to the holy temple of Adur Gushnasp. Dismounting with tears of reverent devotion, he took the sacred barsam in hand, chanted the holy prayers, and showered the altar and its mobads with rich offerings of gold and jewels.
Upon returning to his imperial throne in Madain, the realm blossomed into an earthly paradise filled with harmony, abundance, and the Divine Glory. Robbery and oppression vanished; merchants from China, Rome, India, and the Slavic lands flocked to Iran, making its soil as fragrant as ambergris. Khosrow proclaimed across all provinces that no laborer should go unpaid, no debtor suffer unassisted, and no tyrant prey upon the weak—for his throne stood solely upon the immutable foundations of truth, mercy, and justice.
#1
به تخت آمد از جایگاه نماز
✦
ز گرگان برفتن گرفتند ساز
“He arose to the throne from his place of prayer, and they prepared to depart from Gorgan.”
#2
برآمد خروشیدن گاودم
✦
ز درگاه آواز رویینه خم
“The blast of ox-horns resounded, and the sound of brass trumpets echoed from the portal.”
#3
سپه برنشست و بنه برنهاد
✦
ز یزدان نیکی دهش کرد یاد
“The host mounted, the baggage was loaded, and they remembered God, the Bestower of Good.”
#4
ز دینار و دیبا و تاج و کمر
✦
ز گنج درم هم ز در و گهر
“With dinars, silk brocades, crowns, and belts, and treasures of silver, pearls, and jewels,”
#5
ز اسبان و پوشیده رویان و تاج
✦
دگر مهد پیروزه و تخت عاج
“With noble horses, veiled ladies, crowns, turquoise litters, and ivory thrones,”
#6
نشستند بر زین پرستندگان
✦
بت آرای وهرگونه‌ای بندگان
“Servants and attendants of every kind mounted their saddles, beautified like idols.”
#7
فرستاد یکسر سوی طیسفون
✦
شبستان چینی به پیش اندرون
“He dispatched them all straight toward Ctesiphon, sending the Chinese harem ahead.”
#8
به فرخنده فال و به روز آسمان
✦
برفتند گرد اندرش خادمان
“Under auspicious omens and on the blessed day of Asman, the attendants gathered around.”
#9
سرموبدان بود مهران ستاد
✦
بشد با شبستان خاقان نژاد
“Mehran Setad, the chief of mobads, went forth guarding the harem of Khagan lineage.”
#10
سوی طیسفون رفت گنج و بنه
✦
سپاهی نماند از یلان یک تنه
“The treasure and baggage proceeded to Ctesiphon, leaving not a single champion behind.”
#11
همه ویژه گردان آزداگان
✦
بیامد سوی آذرآبادگان
“Accompanied by noble champions, the king advanced toward Azarabadagan.”
#12
سپاهی بیامد ز هر کشوری
✦
ز گیلان و ز دیلمان لشکری
“Armies gathered from every province—a mighty host from Gilan and Daylaman.”
#13
ز کوه بلوچ و ز دشت سروچ
✦
گرازان برفتند گردان کوچ
“From the mountains of Baloch and the plain of Saruch, the valiant warriors of Koch marched proudly.”
#14
همه پاک با هدیه و با نثار
✦
به پیش سراپردهٔ شهریار
“All bearing gifts and offerings, they presented themselves before the royal pavilion.”
#15
بدان شهرشد شهریار بزرگ
✦
که ازمیش کوته کند چنگ گرگ
“The great king entered that city—he who keeps the wolf's claws far from the sheep.”
#16
به فر جهاندار کسری سپهر
✦
دگرگونه‌تر شد به کین و به مهر
“By the Divine Glory of Emperor Kasra, the world transformed in both wrath and mercy.”
#17
به شهری کجا برگذشتی سپاه
✦
نیازارد زان کشتمندی به راه
“Whichever city the host traversed, no farmer or field along the way suffered harm.”
#18
نجستی کسی ازکسی نان وآب
✦
بره‌بر بیاراستی جای خواب
“None demanded bread or water by force; rest-places were prepared along the route.”
#19
برینسان همی گرد گیتی بگشت
✦
نگه کرد هرجای هامون و دشت
“Thus he surveyed the realm, inspecting every plain and wilderness.”
#20
جهان دید یک سر پر از کشتمند
✦
در و دشت پرگاو و پرگوسفند
“He beheld the realm filled with cultivated lands, the fields teeming with cattle and sheep.”
#21
زمینی که آباد هرگز نبود
✦
بروبر ندیدند کشت و درود
“Lands that had never before been tilled were now flourishing with crops and harvests.”
#22
نگه کرد کسری برومند یافت
✦
بهرخانه‌ای چند فرزند یافت
“Kasra observed the land thriving, with every household blessed with numerous children.”
#23
خمیده سر از بار شاخ درخت
✦
به فر جهاندار بیداربخت
“Boughs of trees bowed heavy with fruit, by the fortune of the vigilant ruler.”
#24
به منزل رسیدند نزدیک شاه
✦
فرستادهٔ قیصر آمد به راه
“As they reached a halt, the envoy of Caesar arrived before the king.”
#25
ابا هدیه و جامه و سیم و زر
✦
ز دیبای رومی و چینی کمر
“Bringing gifts, garments, silver, and gold, with Roman silk brocades and Chinese girdles.”
#26
نثاری که پوشیده شد روی بوم
✦
چنان باژ هرگز نیامد ز روم
“Offerings so vast they covered the ground; never had such tribute arrived from Rome.”
#27
ز دینار پر کرده ده چرم گاو
✦
سه ساله فرستاده شد باژ و ساو
“Ten ox-hides filled to the brim with gold dinars, representing three years of tribute.”
#28
ز قیصر یکی نامه‌ای با نثار
✦
نبشته سوی نامور شهریار
“A letter from Caesar accompanied the tribute, written to the illustrious monarch.”
#29
فرستاده را پیش بنشاندند
✦
نگه کرد و نامه برو خواندند
“They seated the envoy before him; the king observed and had the letter read aloud.”
#30
بسی نرم پیغامها داده بود
✦
ز چیزی که پیشش فرستاده بود
“The letter contained gentle, respectful messages regarding all he had sent.”
#31
کزین پس فزون‌تر فرستیم چیز
✦
که این ساو بد باژ بایست نیز
“Stating, "Henceforth we shall send even more, for this was but tribute and taxes combined."”
#32
بپذرفت شاه آنک او دید رنج
✦
فرستاد یکسر همه سوی گنج
“The king accepted the efforts and sent all the gifts straight to the royal treasury.”
#33
وزان تخت شاه اندر آمد به اسب
✦
همی‌راند تا خان آذرگشسب
“Dismounting his throne, the king mounted his steed and rode toward the temple of Adur Gushnasp.”
#34
چو از دور جای پرستش بدید
✦
شد از آب دیده رخش ناپدید
“When from afar he glimpsed the holy temple, tears filled his eyes and obscured his face.”
#35
فرود آمد از اسب برسم بدست
✦
به زمزم همی‌گفت ولب را ببست
“He dismounted, holding the sacred barsam in hand, chanting silently in holy devotion.”
#36
همان پیش آتش ستایش گرفت
✦
جهان آفرین را نیایش گرفت
“Before the sacred fire he offered praise and began his prayer to the Creator of the World.”
#37
همه زر و گوهر فزونی که برد
✦
سراسر به گنجور آتش سپرد
“All the gold and surplus jewels he brought were given entirely to the treasurer of the sacred fire.”
#38
پراگند بر موبدان سیم و زر
✦
همه جامه بخشیدشان با گهر
“He showered gold and silver upon the mobads, bestowing robes and gems upon them all.”
#39
همه موبدان زو توانگر شدند
✦
نیایش کنان پیش آذر شدند
“Thus all the mobads grew wealthy through him, standing in prayer before the fire.”
#40
به زمزم همی‌خواندند آفرین
✦
بران دادگر شهریار زمین
“With holy chants they pronounced blessings upon that just monarch of the earth.”
#41
و زانجا بیامد سوی طیسفون
✦
زمین شد ز لشکر که بیستون
“Thence he journeyed toward Ctesiphon, the ground trembling like Mount Behistun beneath his army.”
#42
ز بس خواسته کان پراگنده شد
✦
ز زر و درم کشور آگنده شد
“From the vast riches he distributed, the land became filled with gold and silver.”
#43
وزان شهر سوی مداین کشید
✦
که آنجا بدی گنجها را کلید
“From that city he proceeded to Madain, where lay the keys to all the royal treasures.”
#44
گلستان چین با چهل اوستاد
✦
همی‌راند در پیش مهران ستاد
“The Chinese court ladies with forty master artisans marched ahead of Mehran Setad.”
#45
چو کسری بیامد برتخت خویش
✦
گرازان و انباز با بخت خویش
“When Kasra arrived upon his throne, proud and aligned with his golden fortune,”
#46
جهان چون بهشتی شد آراسته
✦
ز داد و ز خوبی پر از خواسته
“The world became adorned like a paradise, filled with prosperity through justice and goodness.”
#47
نشستند شاهان ز آویختن
✦
به هر جای بیداد و خون ریختن
“Kings desisted from conflict, and from shedding blood and committing injustice everywhere.”
#48
جهان پر شد از فره ایزدی
✦
ببستند گفتی دو دست از بدی
“The world was filled with divine glory; it was as though all hands were bound against evil.”
#49
ندانست کس غارت و تاختن
✦
دگر دست سوی بدی آختن
“None knew of looting or raiding anymore, nor stretching out a hand toward wickedness.”
#50
جهانی به فرمان شاه آمدند
✦
ز کژی و تاری به راه آمدند
“A world came under the king's command, turning away from crookedness and darkness unto the right path.”
#51
کسی کو بره بر درم ریختی
✦
ازان خواسته دزد بگریختی
“If someone scattered coins along the road, thieves would flee from that wealth in awe.”
#52
ز دیبا و دینار بر خشک و آب
✦
به رخشنده روز و به هنگام خواب
“Silks and gold coins lay safe on land and sea, in bright daylight and during nighttime sleep.”
#53
بپیوست نامه به هر کشوری
✦
به هرنامداری و هر مهتری
“Letters were dispatched to every land, to every renowned chief and ruler.”
#54
ز بازارگانان ترک و ز چین
✦
ز سقلاب وهرکشوری همچنین
“From the merchants of the Turks, of China, of Saqlab, and likewise from every realm,”
#55
ز بس نافهٔ مشک و چینی پرند
✦
از آرایش روم وز بوی هند
“Rich with pods of musk, Chinese silks, the finery of Byzantium, and the scents of India.”
#56
شد ایران به کردار خرم بهشت
✦
همه خاک عنبر شد و زر خشت
“Iran became like a lush paradise; all its soil turned to ambergris, and its bricks to gold.”
#57
جهانی به ایران نهادند روی
✦
بر آسوده از رنج وز گفت وگوی
“People from all over the world turned their faces toward Iran, relieved from suffering and strife.”
#58
گلابست گویی هوا را سرشک
✦
بر آسوده از رنج مرد و پزشک
“'Twas as though rosewater fell from the skies as rain, and both man and physician rested free of affliction.”
#59
ببارید برگل به هنگام نم
✦
نبد کشتورزی ز باران دژم
“Rain fell upon the flowers in due season; no farmer was ever saddened by the downpour.”
#60
جهان گشت پرسبزه وچارپای
✦
در و دشت گل بود و بام سرای
“The world turned green, abundant with livestock; valley, plain, and rooftops were adorned with flowers.”
#61
همه رودها همچو دریا شده
✦
به پالیز گلبن ثریا شده
“All rivers swelled like oceans, and rosebushes in the orchards blossomed like the Pleiades.”
#62
به ایران زبانها بیاموختند
✦
روانها بدانش برافروختند
“In Iran, diverse languages were learned, and souls were illuminated with knowledge.”
#63
ز بازارگانان هر مرز و بوم
✦
ز ترک و ز چین و ز سقلاب و روم
“Merchants came from every border and realm—from Turkestan, China, Saqlab, and Byzantium.”
#64
ستایش گرفتند بر رهنمای
✦
فزایش گرفت از گیا چارپای
“They offered praise unto the Almighty Guide, while livestock multiplied upon the lush grass.”
#65
هرآنکس که از دانش آگاه بود
✦
ز گویندگان بر در شاه بود
“Whosoever was learned and wise, among poets and scholars, gathered at the king's court.”
#66
رد وموبد و بخردان ارجمند
✦
بداندیش ترسان ز بیم گزند
“High priests, Magi, and noble sages held honor, while the ill-willed trembled in fear of harm.”
#67
چوخورشید گیتی بیاراستی
✦
خروشی ز درگاه برخاستی
“Whenever the sun adorned the world at dawn, a proclamation resounded from the royal court:”
#68
که ای زیردستان شاه جهان
✦
مدارید یک تن بد اندر نهان
“"O subjects of the King of the World! Let not a single soul harbor evil in secret.”
#69
هرآنکس که از کار دیده‌ست رنج
✦
نیابد به اندازهٔ رنج گنج
“"Whoever has suffered hardship in his labor, and has not received a reward matching his toil,”
#70
بگویند یکسر به سالار بار
✦
کز آنکس کند مزد او خواستار
“"Let them report it all to the Chamberlain, who shall demand their rightful wage from their master.”
#71
وگر فام خواهی بیاید ز راه
✦
درم خواهد از مرد بی‌دستگاه
“"And if a creditor comes along demanding payment of debt from a needy, destitute man,”
#72
نباید که یابد تهیدست رنج
✦
که گنجور فامش بتوزد ز گنج
“"The poor man must not suffer affliction; the treasurer shall pay off his debt from the royal treasury.”
#73
کسی کو کند در زن کس نگاه
✦
چوخصمش بیاید به درگاه شاه
“"If anyone casts a dishonest look at another's wife, when the aggrieved husband comes to the king's court,”
#74
نبیند مگر چاه ودار بلند
✦
که با دار تیرست و با چاه بند
“"He shall see nothing but a deep pit or a high gallows; for the gallows brings arrows, and the pit brings fetters."”
#75
وگر اسب یابند جایی یله
✦
که دهقان بدر بر کند زان گله
“"And if a stray horse is found loose anywhere, which a landlord has turned out from the herd,”
#76
بریزند خونش بران کشتمند
✦
برد گوشت آنکس که یابد گزند
“"They shall slay that beast upon the field; its meat shall go to the farmer whose crops were harmed.”
#77
پیاده بماند سوارش ز اسب
✦
به پوزش رود نزد آذرگشسب
“"The rider shall be left unhorsed on foot, and must go to Adar Gushnasp to offer his apologies.”
#78
عرض بسترد نام دیوان اوی
✦
به پای اندر آرند ایوان اوی
“"The muster-master shall strike his name off the register, and they shall demolish his castle."”
#79
گناهی نباشد کم و بیش ازین
✦
ز پستر بود آنک بد پیش ازین
“"No crime, great or small, shall go beyond this order; and what was bad before shall henceforth be turned right."”
#80
نباشد بران شاه همداستان
✦
بدر بر نخواهد جز از راستان
“The king will not consent to any wrongdoing, nor will he suffer anyone at his court save the truthful.”
#81
هرآنکس که نپسندد این راه ما
✦
مبادا که باشد به درگاه ما
“Whoever approves not this, our chosen path,
May never hold a place within our court.”