#1
رسیدند هر دو به مردی به جای
✦
بدآموز شد هر دو را رهنمای
“Both brothers grew to full stature and manhood, but malevolent tutors became their guides.”
#2
زرشک اوفتادند هردو به رنج
✦
برآشوفتند ازپی تاج وگنج
“Out of mutual envy, both fell into bitter trouble and grew enraged in pursuit of the crown and treasure.”
#3
همه شهرزایشان بدونیم گشت
✦
دل نیک مردان پرازبیم گشت
“The entire city was divided in two because of them, and the hearts of righteous men filled with dread.”
#4
زگفت بدآموز جوشان شدند
✦
به نزدیک مادرخروشان شدند
“Inflamed by the whispers of evil advisers, they came roaring before their mother.”
#5
بگفتند کزماکه زیباترست
✦
که برنیک وبد برشکیباترست
“They demanded, "Which of us is more handsome and fit, and who bears good and ill with greater patience?"”
#6
چنین پاسخ آورد فرزانه زن
✦
که باموبدی یکدل ورای زن
“Thus answered that sagacious woman, who was united in heart and judgment with the wise priest:”
#7
شمارابباید نشستن نخست
✦
بآرام و با کام فرجام جست
“"First, you must sit together in tranquility, seeking the desired outcome with composure.”
#8
ازان پس خنیده بزرگان شهر
✦
هرآنکس که اودارد از رای بهر
“Thereafter, the renowned elders of the city, whoever possesses a share of wisdom and counsel,”
#9
یکایک بگوییم با رهنمون
✦
نه خوبست گرمی به کاراندرون
“We shall consult with each guide one by one, for hasty passion is ill-suited in great affairs."”
#10
کسی کو بجوید همی تاج وگاه
✦
خردباید ورای وگنج وسپاه
“"Whoever seeks the crown and throne requires wisdom, sound judgment, treasure, and an army.”
#11
چو بیدادگر پادشاهی کند
✦
جهان پر ز گرم وتباهی کند
“When an unjust monarch rules the land, he fills the world with grief and devastation."”
#12
به مادر چنین گفت پرمایه گو
✦
کزین پرسش اندر زمانه مرو
“The noble hero then addressed his mother: "Do not stray from truth in this judgment of time.”
#13
اگر کشور ازمن نگیرد فروغ
✦
به کژی مکن هیچ رای دروغ
“If the realm gains no luster from me, do not bend your judgment with false favors.”
#14
به طلخند بسپار گنج وسپاه
✦
من او را یکی کهترم نیکخواه
“Entrust the treasure and host to Talkhand, and I shall be his loyal, well-wishing subject.”
#15
وگر من به سال وخرد مهترم
✦
هم از پشت جمهور کنداورم
“Yet if I am elder in years and wisdom, born of King Jamhur's valiant line,”
#16
بدو گوی تا از پی تاج و تخت
✦
نگیرد به بی‌دانشی کارسخت
“Tell him not to deal harshly through ignorance for the sake of the crown and throne."”
#17
بدو گفت مادر که تندی مکن
✦
براندیشه باید که رانی سخن
“His mother said to him, "Show no rash anger; let your words be guided by deep reflection.”
#18
هرآنکس که برتخت شاهی نشست
✦
میان بسته باید گشاده دو دست
“Whoever sits upon the monarch's throne must be ever-girt for service, with open, generous hands.”
#19
نگه داشتن جان پاک از بدی
✦
بدانش سپردن ره بخردی
“He must shield his pure soul from wickedness, and tread the path of wisdom through knowledge.”
#20
هم از دشمن آژیر بودن به جنگ
✦
نگه داشتن بهرهٔ نام و ننگ
“He must remain vigilant against foes in battle, and safeguard his share of honor and name.”
#21
ز داد و ز بیداد شهر و سپاه
✦
بپرسد خداوند خورشید و ماه
“The Lord of the sun and moon shall hold him account for every act of justice or tyranny over city and host.”
#22
اگر پشه از شاه یابد ستم
✦
روانش به دوزخ بماند دژم
“If even a gnat suffers wrong from the king, his spirit shall linger tormented in hell.”
#23
جهان از شب تیره تاریک‌تر
✦
دلی باید ازموی باریک‌تر
“The world is darker than a pitch-black night; one needs a heart finer than a strand of hair,”
#24
که از بد کند جان و تن را رها
✦
بداند که کژی نیارد بها
“To deliver body and soul from evil, knowing that deceit brings no true worth.”
#25
چو بر سرنهد تاج بر تخت داد
✦
جهانی ازان داد باشند شاد
“When he crowns his head upon the throne of justice, an entire world rejoices in that equity.”
#26
سرانجام بستر ز خشتست وخاک
✦
وگر سوخته گردد اندر مغاک
“In the end, one's bed is but brick and dust, even if one be consumed within the grave.”
#27
ازین دودمان شاه جمهور بود
✦
که رایش ز کردار بد دور بود
“From this lineage came King Jamhur, whose wisdom was ever far removed from evil deeds.”
#28
نه هنگام بد مردن او را بمرد
✦
جهان را به کهتر برادر سپرد
“When his ill-timed death arrived, he departed, leaving the world to his younger brother.”
#29
ز دنبر بیامد سرافراز مای
✦
جوان بود و بینا دل وپاک رای
“Noble Maya came forth from Denbar; he was young, clear-sighted of heart, and pure of intent.”
#30
همه سندلی پیش اوآمدند
✦
پر از خون دل و شاه جو آمدند
“All the Sandalis approached him with heavy hearts, seeking a king to rule them.”
#31
بیامد به تخت مهی برنشست
✦
میان تنگ بسته گشاده دو دست
“He ascended and sat upon the supreme throne, tightly girded for duty and open-handed in bounty.”
#32
مرا خواست انباز گشتیم وجفت
✦
بدان تا نماند سخن درنهفت
“He sought me in marriage and we became partners, so that no secret remained hidden between us.”
#33
اگر زانک مهتر برادر تویی
✦
به هوش وخرد نیز برتر تویی
“If indeed you are the elder brother, and excel in intellect and wisdom as well,”
#34
همان کن که جان را نداری به رنج
✦
ز بهر سرافرازی و تاج وگنج
“Act so that you do not afflict your soul with distress for the sake of glory, crown, and treasure.”
#35
یکی ازشما گرکنم من گزین
✦
دل دیگری گردد از من بکین
“If I choose one of you over the other, the other's heart will turn against me in bitter malice."”
#36
مریزید خون از پی تاج وگنج
✦
که برکس نماند سرای سپنج
“Shed no blood for the sake of crown and treasure, for this transient abode abides with no man.”
#37
ز مادر چو بشنید طلخند پند
✦
نیامدش گفتار او سودمند
“When Talkhand heard this counsel from his mother, her words seemed of no avail to him.”
#38
به مادر چنین گفت کز مهتری
✦
همی از پی گو کنی داوری
“He said to his mother, 'In judging seniority and greatness, you constantly take the side of Gav.'”
#39
به سال ار برادر ز من مهترست
✦
نه هرکس که او مهتر او بهترست
“'Though my brother is older than I in years, not everyone who is older is necessarily better.'”
#40
بدین لشکر من فروان کسست
✦
که همسال او به آسمان کرکسست
“'In this army of mine, there are many men whose age equals that of the vulture in the sky.'”
#41
که هرگز نجویند گاه وسپاه
✦
نه تخت و نه افسر نه گنج و کلاه
“'Yet they never claim the throne or army, nor crown, treasure, crest, or cap of state.'”
#42
پدر گر به روز جوانی بمرد
✦
نه تخت بزرگی کسی راسپرد
“'Though our father died in the days of his youth, he bequeathed the throne of greatness to no one.'”
#43
دلت جفت بینم همی سوی گو
✦
برآنی که او را کنی پیشرو
“'I see your heart entirely inclined toward Gav, determined to make him the sovereign leader.'”
#44
من ازگل برین گونه مردم کنم
✦
مبادا که نام پدر گم کنم
“'I could fashion men out of clay in such a way! Heaven forbid I let our father's name be lost!'”
#45
یکی مادرش سخت سوگند خورد
✦
که بیزارم از گنبد لاژورد
“Then his mother swore a mighty oath: 'I am weary of this azure dome of heaven!'”
#46
اگرهرگز این آرزو خواستم
✦
ز یزدان وبردل بیاراستم
“'If ever I cherished such a wish in my heart or asked it of God...'”
#47
مبر زین سخن جز به نیکی گمان
✦
مشو تیز باگردش آسمان
“'Conceive nothing but goodness from my words, and do not act hastily against the turns of fate.'”
#48
که آن راکه خواهد دهد نیکوی
✦
نگر جز به یزدان به کس نگروی
“'For God grants goodness to whomever He wills; see that you rely on none other than God.'”
#49
من انداختم هرچ آمد ز پند
✦
اگر نیست پند منت سودمند
“'I have imparted all the advice that came to me; if my counsel is of no profit to you...'”
#50
نگر تاچه بهتر ز کارآن کنید
✦
وزین پند من توشهٔ جان کنید
“'Consider what is best to do in this matter, and turn my advice into provisions for your soul.'”
#51
وزان پس همه بخردان را بخواند
✦
همه پندها پیش ایشان براند
“Thereafter she summoned all the wise men, and presented all her counsels before them.”
#52
کلید درگنج دو پادشا
✦
که بودند بادانش و پارسا
“The keys to the treasure doors of the two kings—who were righteous and possessed of knowledge—”
#53
بیاورد وکرد آشکارا نهان
✦
به پیش جهاندیدگان ومهان
“She brought forth and laid bare all that was secret before the world-tested elders and nobles.”
#54
سراسر بر ایشان ببخشید راست
✦
همه کام آن هر دو فرزند خواست
“She divided everything equally between them, seeking only the desire and well-being of both her sons.”
#55
چنین گفت زان پس به طلخند گو
✦
که ای نیک دل نامور یار نو
“Gav then addressed Talkhand thus: 'O good-hearted, renowned brother and companion...'”
#56
شنیدم که جمهور چندی ز مای
✦
سرافرازتر بد به سال و برای
“'I have heard that Jamhur was for a time superior to us both in years and in wisdom.'”
#57
پدرت آن گرانمایه نیکخوی
✦
نکرد ایچ ازان پیش تخت آرزوی
“'Yet your noble, righteous father never sought the throne before him.'”
#58
نه ننگ آمدش هرگز از کهتری
✦
نجست ایچ بر مهتران مهتری
“'He never deemed it a shame to be younger, nor did he seek lordship over his elders.'”
#59
نگر تا پسندد چنین دادگر
✦
که من پیش کهتر ببندم کمر
“'Consider whether the Just Lord would approve that I should gird my loins to serve one younger than myself.'”
#60
نگفتست مادر سخن جز به داد
✦
تو را دل چرا شد ز بیداد شاد
“'Our mother spoke nothing but justice; why has your heart become delighted with injustice?'”
#61
ز لشکر بخوانیم چندی مهان
✦
خردمند و برگشته گرد جهان
“'Let us summon a few nobles from the army—wise men who have traveled the wide world.'”
#62
ز فرزانگان چون سخن بشنویم
✦
برای و به گفتارشان بگرویم
“'When we hear the counsel of those sages, we shall yield to their judgment and their words.'”
#63
ز ایوان مادر بدین گفت‌وگوی
✦
برفتند ودلشان پر از جست‌وجوی
“With this conversation, they left their mother's palace, their hearts filled with searching thoughts.”
#64
برین برنهادند هر دو جوان
✦
کزان پس ز گردان وز پهلوان
“Both young princes agreed upon this: that henceforth, from among the warriors and heroes,”
#65
ز دانا وپاکان سخن بشنویم
✦
بران سان که باشد بدان بگرویم
“'We shall listen to the words of the wise and pure, and follow whatever path they decree.'”
#66
کز ایشان همی دانش آموختیم
✦
به فرهنگ دلها برافروختیم
“'For from them we have acquired knowledge, and through wisdom we have ignited our hearts.'”
#67
بیامد دو فرزانه رهنمای
✦
میانشان همی‌رفت هر گونه رای
“Two wise guides arrived, and diverse counsels passed between them.”
#68
همی‌خواست فرزانه گو که گو
✦
بود شاه درسندلی پیشرو
“The sage mentor of Gav desired that Gav should be the paramount king upon the throne.”
#69
هم آنکس که استاد طلخند بود
✦
به فرزانگی هم خردمند بود
“Likewise, he who was Talkhand's mentor was also a man of prudence and wisdom.”
#70
همی این بران بر زد وآن برین
✦
چنین تا دو مهتر گرفتند کین
“The one contested against the other, until malice took root between the two leaders.”
#71
نهاده بدند اندر ایوان دو تخت
✦
نشسته به تخت آن دو پیروز بخت
“Two thrones were set within the royal hall,
Whereon sat those two fortune-favored princes.”
#72
دلاور دو فرزانه بر دست راست
✦
همی هریکی ازجهان بهر خواست
“Two valiant sages stood upon their right,
Each seeking for his prince a sovereign's share.”
#73
گرانمایگان را همه خواندند
✦
بایوان چپ و راست بنشاندند
“They summoned all the nobles of the realm,
Seating them left and right within the hall.”
#74
زبان برگشادند فرزانگان
✦
که ای سرفرازان ومردانگان
“The wise advisors then addressed the crowd:
"O honorable lords and valiant men!”
#75
ازین نامداران فرخ‌نژاد
✦
که دارید رسم پدرشان به یاد
“"Of these two noble princes of good birth,
Ye who recall their royal father's ways—”
#76
که خواهید برخویشتن پادشا
✦
که دانید زین دوجوان پارسا
“"Which choose ye now to rule above your heads?
Whom deem ye worthy of these virtuous twain?"”
#77
فروماندند اندران موبدان
✦
بزرگان و بیدار دل بخردان
“The priests and lords were utterly amazed,
The wise and vigilant remained in doubt.”
#78
نشسته همی دوجوان بر دو تخت
✦
بگفت دو فرزانه نیکبخت
“The two young princes sat upon two thrones,
As spoke the two wise, fortunate viziers.”
#79
بدانست شهری و هم لشکری
✦
کزان کارجنگ آید و داوری
“Both citizens and soldiers realized
That conflict and strife would come of this.”
#80
همه پادشاهی شود بر دو نیم
✦
خردمند ماند به رنج وبه بیم
“The entire kingdom would be split in twain,
Leaving the wise in fear and agony.”
#81
یکی ز انجمن سر برآورد راست
✦
به آوا سخن گفت و برپای خاست
“One from the gathered council then arose,
And standing tall, spoke aloud to all:”
#82
که ما از دو دستور دو شهریار
✦
چه یاریم گفتن که آید به کار
“"Faced with the ministers of both young kings,
What useful counsel can we dare express?”
#83
بسازیم فردا یکی انجمن
✦
بگوییم با یکدگر تن به تن
“"Let us assemble tomorrow on our own,
And speak together, man to man, in secret.”
#84
وزان پس فرستیم یک یک پیام
✦
مگر شهریاران بیابند کام
“"Then shall we send our message to the lords,
That both young kings may reach their desired end."”
#85
برفتند ز ایوان ژکان و دژم
✦
لبان پر ز باد و روان پر ز غم
“They left the hall, disgruntled and distressed,
With sighing lips and hearts replete with grief.”
#86
بگفتند کین کار با رنج گشت
✦
ز دست جهاندیده اندر گذشت
“They said, "This matter has grown full of grief,
Beyond the control of experienced elders."”
#87
برادر ندیدیم هرگز دو شاه
✦
دو دستور بدخواه در پیشگاه
“"We never saw two brothers as two kings,
With two malevolent viziers at court!"”
#88
ببودند یک شب پرآژنگ چهر
✦
بدانگه که برزد سر از کوه مهر
“They passed the night with anxious, furrowed brows,
Until the sun arose above the peaks.”
#89
برفتند یک سر بزرگان شهر
✦
هرآنکس که شان بود زان کار بهر
“The city elders gathered to a man,
All those who had a stake in this affair.”
#90
پر آواز شد سندلی چار سوی
✦
سخن رفت هرگونه بی‌آرزوی
“The square of Sandali was filled with noise,
And idle, discordant talk was heard all around.”
#91
یکی را ز گردان بگو بود رای
✦
یکی سوی طلخند بد رهنمای
“One favored Gav among the warrior chiefs,
Another led the folk toward Talkhand's side.”
#92
زبانها ز گفتارشان شد ستوه
✦
نگشتند همرای و با هم گروه
“Their tongues grew weary with incessant speech,
Yet they could reach no common, unified plan.”
#93
پراگنده گشت آن بزرگ انجمن
✦
سپاهی وشهری همه تن به تن
“That great assembly broke up and dispersed,
Soldiers and citizens, every single man.”
#94
یکی سوی طلخند پیغام کرد
✦
زبان را زگو پر ز دشنام کرد
“One sent a message unto Prince Talkhand,
Filling his speech with insults against Gav.”
#95
دگر سوی گو رفت با گرز و تیغ
✦
که از شاه جان را ندارم دریغ
“Another turned to Gav with mace and sword,
Saying, "I shall not grudge my life for thee."”
#96
پرآشوب شد کشور سندلی
✦
بدان نیکخواهی و آن یک دلی
“Thus Sandali was filled with wild turmoil
By such partisan allegiance and zealous intent.”
#97
خردمند گوید که در یک سرای
✦
چوفرمان دوگردد نماند به جای
“The wise man says: when in a single house
Command is split in two, it falls apart.”
#98
پس آگاهی آمد به طلخند و گو
✦
که هر برزنی بایکی پیشرو
“Then news was brought to Talkhand and to Gav:
"In every street a leader has arisen;”
#99
همه شهر ویران کنند از هوا
✦
نباید که دارند شاهان روا
“"They ruin the whole town through foolish lust—
The kings must never suffer this to be."”
#100
ببودند زان آگهی پر هراس
✦
همی‌داشتندی شب و روز پاس
“The princes filled with panic at this news,
And kept a watchful guard both night and day.”
#101
چنان بد که روزی دو شاه جوان
✦
برفتند بی‌لشکر و پهلوان
“It so befell that on a certain day,
The two young kings rode forth without an host.”
#102
زبان برگشادند یک با دگر
✦
پرآژنگ روی و پراز جنگ سر
“They opened up their minds to one another,
With faces lined and hearts intent on war.”
#103
به طلخند گفت ای برادر مکن
✦
کز اندازه بگذشت ما را سخن
“Said Gav to Talkhand: "Brother, do not so,
For our dispute hath passed beyond all bounds!”
#104
بتا روی بر خیره چیزی مجوی
✦
که فرزانگان آن نبینند روی
“"Seek not in vain a realm without a right,
Where wise men see no hope of true success.”
#105
شنیدی که جمهور تا زنده بود
✦
برادر ورا چون یکی بنده بود
“"Thou heardest how, while Jumhur was alive,
His brother served him like a humble slave."”
#106
بمرد او و من ماندم خوار و خرد
✦
یکی خرد را گاه نتوان سپرد
“He passed away and I was left frail and young; to one so small, the royal throne could not be entrusted.”
#107
جهان پر ز خوبی بد از رای اوی
✦
نیارست جستن کسی جای اوی
“The realm was filled with goodness through his wise counsel, and none dared attempt to usurp his place.”
#108
برادر ورا همچو جان بود و تن
✦
بشاهی ورا خواندند انجمن
“His brother was as dear to him as body and soul; hence the assembly called him to assume the crown.”
#109
اگر بودمی من سزاوار گاه
✦
نکردی به مای اندرون کس نگاه
“Had I been worthy of the throne in those days, no one would have turned their gaze toward May.”
#110
بر آیین شاهان گیتی رویم
✦
ز فرزانگان نیک و بد بشنویم
“Let us walk according to the customs of the world's kings, and heed the sage counsel of the wise on good and ill.”
#111
من ازتو به سال وخرد مهترم
✦
توگویی که من کهترم بهترم
“I am your elder in years and in wisdom, yet you claim that though younger, you are the better man.”
#112
مکن ناسزا تخت شاهی مجوی
✦
مکن روی کشور پر از گفت‌وگوی
“Do no unseemly deed, nor seek the royal throne by force; fill not the face of the realm with clamor and strife.”
#113
چنین پاسخ آورد طلخند پس
✦
به افسون بزرگی نجستست کس
“Then Talkhand gave reply: 'By mere incantation and trickery, no man has ever attained sovereignty!'”
#114
من این تاج و تخت از پدر یافتم
✦
ز تخمی که او کشت بریافتم
“I inherited this crown and throne from my father; I reap the harvest from the seed he sowed.”
#115
همه پادشاهی و گنج و سپاه
✦
ازین پس به شمشیر دارم نگاه
“Henceforth, the entire kingdom, treasury, and host shall I guard with the power of the sword.”
#116
ز جمهور وز مای چندین مگوی
✦
اگر آمنی تخت را رزم جوی
“Speak no more of Jumhur and May; if you seek the throne, prepare for battle!”
#117
سرانشان پر از جنگ باز آمدند
✦
به شهر اندرون رزمساز آمدند
“Their chieftains returned with minds intent on war, entering the city fully arrayed for battle.”
#118
سپاهی وشهری همه جنگجوی
✦
بدرگاه شاهان نهادند روی
“Warriors and citizens alike, all eager for conflict, turned their steps toward the courts of the two kings.”
#119
گروهی به طلخند کردند رای
✦
دگر را بگو بود دل رهنمای
“One faction sided with Talkhand, while for the rest, Gou was the guide of their allegiance.”
#120
برآمد خروش از در هر دو شاه
✦
یکی را نبود اندر آن شهر راه
“A tumultuous clamor arose from the gates of both kings, and no traveler could find passage within that city.”