#1
نخستین بیاراست طلخند جنگ
✦
نبودش به جنگ دلیران درنگ
“First, Talkhand prepared for war; he did not hesitate to battle against brave warriors.”
#2
سرگنجهای پدر بر گشاد
✦
سپه راهمه ترگ وجوشن بداد
“He unlocked his father's treasuries and distributed helmets and coats of mail to all the troops.”
#3
همه شهر یکسر پر از بیم شد
✦
دل مرد بخرد بدو نیم شد
“The entire city was filled with dread, and the hearts of wise men were split in two with anxiety,”
#4
که تا چون بود گردش آسمان
✦
کرا برکشد زین دومهتر زمان
“Wondering how the turning of the heavens would unfold, and which of these two great princes Time would exalt.”
#5
همه کشور آگاه شد زین دو شاه
✦
دمادم بیامد زهر سو سپاه
“The whole realm became aware of these two kings, and armies arrived incessantly from every direction.”
#6
بپوشید طلخند جوشن نخست
✦
به خون ریختن چنگها را بشست
“Talkhand put on his armor first, washing his hands in eagerness for bloodshed.”
#7
بیاورد گو نیز خفتان وخود
✦
همی‌داد جان پدر را درود
“Gav also brought forth his mail coat and helmet, sending blessings upon his father's soul.”
#8
بدان تندی ازجای برخاستند
✦
همی پشت پیلان بیاراستند
“With such fierceness they arose from their places, decking out the backs of war-elephants.”
#9
نهادند برکوهه پیل زین
✦
توگفتی همی راه جوید زمین
“They set saddles upon the humps of the elephants, so heavy that you would say the ground was seeking a way to yield.”
#10
همه دشت پر زنگ وهندی درای
✦
همه گوش پر ناله کرنای
“The entire plain was filled with bells and Indian chimes, and every ear echoed with the wailing of war-horns.”
#11
به لشکر گه آمد دوشاه جوان
✦
همه بهر بیشی نهاده روان
“Both young kings entered the battleground, each devoting his spirit to gain superiority.”
#12
سپهر اندران رزمگه خیره شد
✦
ز گرد سپه چشمها تیره شد
“The sky above that battlefield was bewildered, and eyes were darkened by the dust of the troops.”
#13
بر آمد خروشیدن گاو دم
✦
ز دو رویه آواز رویینه خم
“The roar of ox-horn trumpets arose, along with the echo of brass drums from both sides.”
#14
بیاراست با میمنه میسره
✦
تو گفتی زمین کوه شد یکسره
“They arranged the left and right wings; you would say the earth had turned entirely into a solid mountain.”
#15
دولشکر کشیدند صف بر دو میل
✦
دو شاه سرافراز بر پشت پیل
“The two armies drew up ranks across two miles, with the two exalted kings atop the backs of elephants.”
#16
درفشی درفشان به سر بر به پای
✦
یکی پیکرش ببر و دیگر همای
“Banners glistened from head to foot, one depicting a tiger and the other a Homa bird.”
#17
پیاده به پیش اندرون نیزه‌دار
✦
سپردار و شایستهٔ کار زار
“Foot-soldiers with spears and shields stood in front, fully fitted for the battle.”
#18
نگه کرد گو اندران دشت جنگ
✦
هوا دید چون پشت جنگی پلنگ
“Gav looked out upon that field of battle and saw the sky spotted like the hide of a war leopard.”
#19
همه کام خاک وهمه دشت خون
✦
بگرد اندرون نیزه بد رهنمون
“The ground was thirsty for blood and the plain a crimson red, with spears guiding the way through the dust clouds.”
#20
به طلخند هرچند جانش بسوخت
✦
ز خشم او دو چشم خرد رابدوخت
“Though Gav's soul burned with brotherly love for Talkhand, Talkhand's rage had blindfolded the eyes of his wisdom.”
#21
گزین کرد مردی سخنگوی گو
✦
کزان مهتران او بدی پیشرو
“Gav selected an eloquent man from among his chiefs, one who was a leader among the nobles,”
#22
که رو پیش طلخند و او را بگوی
✦
که بیداد جنگ برادر مجوی
“And said, 'Go before Talkhand and tell him: Do not seek unrighteous war against your brother.”
#23
که هر خون که باشد برین ریخته
✦
تو باشی بدان گیتی آویخته
“For whatever blood is shed in this fight, you shall be held accountable for it in the world to come.”
#24
یکی گوش بگشای بر پندگو
✦
به گفتار بدگوی غره مشو
“Open your ear to the wise counselor, and do not be deceived by the words of evil advisors.”
#25
نباید که از ما بدین کارزار
✦
نکوهش بود در جهان یادگار
“Lest from this battle of ours, shame and reproach remain as our legacy in the world,”
#26
که این کشور هند ویران شود
✦
کنام پلنگان و شیران شود
“And this realm of India be laid waste, becoming a haunt for leopards and lions.”
#27
بپرهیز ازین جنگ و آویختن
✦
به بیداد بر خیره خون ریختن
“Refrain from this war and conflict, and from shedding blood in vain without justice.”
#28
دل من بدین آشتی شاد کن
✦
ز فام خرد گردن آزاد کن
“Gladden my heart with peace, and free your neck from the debt of wisdom.”
#29
ازین مرز تا پیش دریای چین
✦
تو راباد چندانک خواهی زمین
“From this border unto the shores of the Sea of China, as much land as you desire shall be yours.”
#30
همه مهر با جان برابر کنیم
✦
تو را بر سرخویش افسر کنیم
“We shall match all affection with our very souls, and set the crown upon your head.”
#31
ببخشیم شاهی به کردار گنج
✦
که این تخت و افسر نیرزد به رنج
“We shall bestow kingship as if it were mere treasure, for this throne and crown are not worth such suffering.”
#32
وگر چند بیداد جویی همه
✦
پراگندن گرد کرده رمه
“And if you persist in seeking injustice, scattering the gathered flock,”
#33
بدین گیتی اندر نکوهش بود
✦
همین رابدان سر پژوهش بود
“In this world there shall be reproach, and in the next world severe reckoning for it.”
#34
مکن ای برادر به بیداد رای
✦
که بیداد را نیست با داد پای
“Do not turn your will to injustice, O brother, for injustice has no foot to stand against justice.'”
#35
فرستاده چون پیش طلخند شد
✦
به پیغام شاه از در پند شد
“When the envoy came before Talkhand, he presented the king's message in wise and gentle counsel.”
#36
چنین داد پاسخ که او را بگوی
✦
که درجنگ چندین بهانه مجوی
“Talkhand answered thus: 'Go tell him: Seek not so many excuses in war!”
#37
برادر نخوانم تو را من نه دوست
✦
نه مغز تو از دودهٔ ما نه پوست
“I call you neither brother nor friend; neither your mind nor your skin belongs to our noble race.”
#38
همه پادشاهی تو ویران کنی
✦
چوآهنگ جنگ دلیران کنی
“You lay waste to the whole kingdom whenever you intend to fight brave warriors.”
#39
همه بدسگالان به نزد تواند
✦
به بهرام روز اورمزد تواند
“All bad-wishers are at your side; on the day of Ormazdt you act like Bahram.”
#40
گنهکار هم پیش یزدان تویی
✦
که بد نام و بد گوهر و بد خویی
“Before God, it is you who are the sinner, ill-named, evil-natured, and ill-tempered.”
#41
ز خونی که ریزند زین پس به کین
✦
تو باشی به نفرین و من به آفرین
“For the blood shed henceforth in vengeance, you shall bear the curse while I shall receive praise.”
#42
و دیگر که گفتی ببخشیم تاج
✦
هم این مرزبانی و این تخت عاج
“And furthermore, you said: We shall share the crown, this realm, and this ivory throne.”
#43
هر آنگه که تو شهریاری کنی
✦
مرا مرز بخشی و یاری کنی
“Whenever you reign as king, granting me land and showing me favor,”
#44
نخواهم که جان باشد اندر تنم
✦
وگر چشم برتاج شاه افگنم
“I wish for no life left in my body if my eye should look upon a king's crown granted by you!”
#45
کنون جنگ را بر کشیدم رده
✦
هوا شد چو دیبا به زر آژده
“Now I have drawn up my battle lines; the sky has become like brocade embroidered with gold.”
#46
ز تیر و ز ژوپین و نوک سنان
✦
نداند کنون گورکیب ازعنان
“Amidst the shower of arrows, javelins, and spearheads, Gaw can no longer distinguish stirrup from reins.”
#47
برآورد گه بر سرافشان کنم
✦
همه لشکرش را خروشان کنم
“At the moment of attack, I shall sever heads and cause his entire army to wail in despair.”
#48
بران سان سپاه اندر آرم به جنگ
✦
که سیرآید ازجنگ جنگی پلنگ
“I shall lead my host into combat in such a manner that even a fierce leopard would tire of battle.”
#49
بیارند گو را کنون بسته دست
✦
سپاهش ببینند هر سو شکست
“They shall soon bring Gaw with his hands bound, and his army shall be broken on every side.”
#50
که ازبندگان نیز با شهریار
✦
نپوشد کسی جوشن کارزار
“For not even a single servant would need to don war armor against that king.”
#51
چو پاسخ شنید آن خردمند مرد
✦
بیامد همه یک به یک یاد کرد
“When that wise envoy heard the response, he returned and recounted every single word to Gaw.”
#52
غمی شد دل گوچو پاسخ شنید
✦
که طلخند را رای پاسخ ندید
“Gaw's heart grew sorrowful upon hearing the reply, seeing that Talkhand lacked wisdom in his answer.”
#53
پر اندیشه فرزانه را پیش خواند
✦
ز پاسخ فراوان سخنها براند
“Deep in thought, Gaw summoned his wise vizier and spoke at length regarding Talkhand's response.”
#54
بدو گفت کای مرد فرهنگ جوی
✦
یکی چارهٔ کار با من بگوی
“He said to him, 'O seeker of wisdom, offer me a remedy and counsel for this dire affair.'”
#55
همه دشت خونست و بی تن سرست
✦
روان را گذر بر جهانداورست
“'The plain is drenched in blood and strewn with headless bodies, and souls are departing to the Lord of the World.'”
#56
نباید کزین جنگ فرجام کار
✦
به ما بازماند بد روزگار
“'Lest the outcome of this battle leave us with nothing but ill fortune and regret.'”
#57
بدو گفت فرزانه کای شهریار
✦
نباید تو را پندآموزگار
“The sage said to him, 'O sovereign, you stand in no need of an instructor's counsel!'”
#58
گر از من همی بازجویی سخن
✦
به جنگ برادر درشتی مکن
“'Yet if you ask my advice, do not behave harshly in this war against your brother.'”
#59
فرستاده‌ای تیز نزدیک اوی
✦
سرافراز با دانش و نرم گوی
“'Send a swift messenger to him—a noble, wise, and gentle-spoken man.'”
#60
بباید فرستاد و دادن پیام
✦
بگردد مگر او ازین جنگ رام
“'He should be dispatched to convey your message, so that Talkhand might perchance yield and turn from war.'”
#61
بدو ده همه گنج نابرده رنج
✦
تو جان برادر گزین کن ز گنج
“'Grant him all the treasure gained without toil; value your brother's life above wealth.'”
#62
چو باشد تو را تاج و انگشتری
✦
به دینار با او مکن داوری
“'So long as you retain the crown and signet ring, quarrel not with him over mere coins.'”
#63
نگه کردم از گردش آسمان
✦
بدین زودی او را سرآید زمان
“'I have observed the movement of the heavens; his life shall soon reach its conclusion.'”
#64
ز گردنده هفت اختر اندر سپهر
✦
یکی را ندیدم بدو رای ومهر
“'Among the seven revolving planets in the sky, I saw not one inclined toward him with favor.'”
#65
تبه گردد او هم بدین دشت جنگ
✦
نباید گرفتن خود این کار تنگ
“'He shall perish upon this very battlefield; therefore, press him not too hard yourself.'”
#66
مگر مهر شاهی و تخت و کلاه
✦
بدان تات بد دل نخواند سپاه
“'Withhold only the royal seal, throne, and crown, lest your army regard you as coward-hearted.'”
#67
دگر هرچ خواهد ز اسب و ز گنج
✦
بده تا نباشد روانش به رنج
“'Give him whatever else he desires of horses and wealth, so that his soul suffers no grief.'”
#68
تو گر شهریاری و نیک‌اختری
✦
به کار سپهری تواناتری
“'If you are indeed a sovereign of fortunate destiny, you are better skilled in aligning with heaven's decree.'”
#69
ز فرزانه بشنید شاه این سخن
✦
دگر باره رای نوافگند بن
“When the king heard these words from the sage, he established a fresh design once more.”
#70
ز درد برادر پر از آب روی
✦
گزین کرد نیک اختری چرب‌گوی
“With tears streaming down his face in grief for his brother, he selected an auspicious, eloquent envoy.”
#71
بدوگفت گو پیش طلخند شو
✦
بگویش که پر درد و رنجست گو
“Gaw said to him, 'Go before Talkhand and tell him that Gaw is full of sorrow and anguish.'”
#72
ازین گردش رزم و این کارزار
✦
همی‌خواهد از داور کردگار
“'Amidst this turn of war and battle, he implores the God of Justice...'”
#73
که گرداند اندر دلت هوش ومهر
✦
به تابی ز جنگ برادر توچهر
“'...to restore wisdom and love to your heart, so that you may turn your face away from fighting your brother.'”
#74
به فرزانه‌ای کو به نزدیک تست
✦
فروزندهٔ جان تاریک تست
“'By the wise counselor who sits beside you, who illuminates your darkened soul...'”
#75
بپرس از شمار ده و دو و هفت
✦
که چون خواهد این کار بیداد رفت
“'...ask him about the count of twelve signs and seven planets, to see how unjustly this course shall end!'”
#76
اگر چند تندی و کنداوری
✦
هم از گردش چرخ برنگذری
“'However fierce and mighty a champion you are, you cannot escape the turning of the heavens.'”
#77
همه گرد بر گرد ما دشمنست
✦
جهانی پر از مردم ریمنست
“'All around us are enemies; the world is filled with treacherous foes.'”
#78
همان شاه کشمیر وفغفور چین
✦
که تنگست از ایشان به ما بر زمین
“'Likewise the King of Kashmir and the Faghfur of China, who press hard upon our realm.'”
#79
نکوهیده باشیم ازین هر دو روی
✦
هم از نامداران پرخاشجوی
“'We shall be reproached from both sides, as well as by all warlike warriors of renown...'”
#80
که گویند کز بهر تخت وکلاه
✦
چرا ساخت طلخند و گو رزمگاه
“'...for they will ask, "Why did Talkhand and Gaw turn the world into a battleground for a throne and crown?"'”
#81
به گوهر مگر هم نژاده نیند
✦
همان از گهر پاکزاده نیند
“Are they not perchance of the same noble lineage, and equally pure-born by stock?”
#82
ز لشکر گر آیی به نزدیک من
✦
درفشان کنی جان تاریک من
“If you come from the army to my side, you shall illuminate my dark soul.”
#83
ز دینار و دیبا و از اسب و گنج
✦
ببخشم نمانم که مانی به رنج
“I shall bestow upon you dinars, brocade, steeds, and treasure, nor will I suffer you to abide in distress.”
#84
هم از دست من کشور و مهر و تاج
✦
بیابی همان یاره و تخت عاج
“From my hand too shall you receive realm, signet, and crown, as well as armlets and an ivory throne.”
#85
زمهر برادر تو را ننگ نیست
✦
مگر آرزویت جز از جنگ نیست
“Is there no shame in scorning a brother’s love? Or is your desire bound to naught save war?”
#86
اگر پند من سر به سر نشنوی
✦
به فرجام زین بد پشیمان شوی
“If you listen not to my counsel in full, in the end you shall repent of this evil.”
#87
فرستاده آمد چو باد دمان
✦
به نزدیک طلخند تیره روان
“The envoy returned like a swift-rushing wind to dark-souled Talkhand.”
#88
بگفت آنچ بشنید و بفزود نیز
✦
ز شاهی و ز گنج و دینار و چیز
“He recounted all he had heard, adding further details of royalty, treasure, gold, and possessions.”
#89
چو بشنید طلخند گفتار اوی
✦
خردمندی و رای و دیدار اوی
“When Talkhand heard his speech, his wisdom, his counsel, and his appearance...”
#90
ازان کآسمان را دگر بود راز
✦
بگفت برادر نیامد فراز
“Because Heaven held a different secret, he heeded not his brother’s words.”
#91
چنین داد پاسخ که گو رابگوی
✦
که هرگز مبادی جز از چاره جوی
“He answered thus: 'Say unto Gow, may you never be aught but a seeker of ruses!'”
#92
بریده زوانت بشمشیر بد
✦
تنت سوخته ز آتش هیربد
“May your soul be severed by an evil sword, and your body consumed by the priest’s pyre!”
#93
شنیدم همه خام گفتار تو
✦
نبینم جز از چاره بازار تو
“I have heard all your foolish talk; I see nothing in your marketplace save trickery.”
#94
چگونه دهی گنج و شاهی بمن
✦
توخود کیستی زین بزرگ انجمن
“How can you bestow treasure and kingship on me? Who are you, indeed, in this grand assembly?”
#95
توانایی و گنج و شاهی مراست
✦
ز خورشید تا آب و ماهی مراست
“Might, treasure, and kingship are mine; all from the sun down to the water and fish belongs to me!”
#96
همانا زمانت فراز آمدست
✦
کت اندیشه‌های دراز آمدست
“Verily, your appointed time of death draws near, for such far-reaching ambitions have seized your mind.”
#97
سپاه ایستاده چنین بر دومیل
✦
ز آورد مردان و پیکار پیل
“The army stands arrayed thus across two miles, ready for the clash of warriors and combat of elephants.”
#98
بیارای لشکر فراز آر جنگ
✦
به رزم آمدی چیست رای درنگ
“Array your host and bring forth the battle! You came for war—why now this thought of delay?”
#99
چنان بینی اکنون ز من دستبرد
✦
که روزت ستاره بباید شمرد
“Now shall you witness such a prowess from me that in broad daylight you shall count the stars.”
#100
ندانی جز افسون و بند و فریب
✦
چودیدی که آمد بپیشت نشیب
“You know naught but spells, bonds, and deceit, now that you see hardship rising before you.”
#101
ازاندیشه‌ای دور و ز تاج و تخت
✦
نخواند تو را دانشی نیکبخت
“Because of your wild ambitions for crown and throne, no wise man will call you fortunate.”
#102
فرستاده آمد سری پر ز باد
✦
همه پاسخ پادشا کرد یاد
“The envoy returned with a head full of wind, recounting all the king's defiant answer.”
#103
چنین تا شب تیره بنمود روی
✦
فرستاده آمد همی زین بدوی
“Thus until dark night showed its face, envoys kept hastening between the two.”
#104
فرود آمدند اندران رزمگاه
✦
یکی کنده کندند پیش سپاه
“They dismounted upon that battlefield and dug a trench before their hosts.”
#105
طلایه همی‌گشت بر گرد دشت
✦
بدین گونه تارامش اندر گذشت
“The night-patrol kept watch around the plain, and in this manner the tranquil night passed away.”
#106
چوبرزد سر از برج شیرآفتاب
✦
زمین شد بکردار دریای آب
“When the sun raised its head from the constellation of Leo, the earth shone like a shimmering sea of water.”
#107
یکی چادر آورد خورشید زرد
✦
بگسترد برکشور لاژورد
“The golden sun brought forth a glowing veil and spread it over the lapis-lazuli realm.”
#108
برآمد خروشیدن کرنای
✦
هم آواز کوس از دو پرده سرای
“The clamor of trumpets arose, together with the thunder of war-drums from both royal pavilions.”
#109
درفش دو شاه نوآمد به دید
✦
سپه میمنه میسره برکشید
“The banners of the two young kings came into sight, as the hosts drew up their right and left flanks.”
#110
دو شاه سرافراز در قلبگاه
✦
دو دستور فرزانه درپیش شاه
“The two exalted kings stood in the heart of their hosts, with two wise counselors before each monarch.”
#111
به فرزانهٔ خویش فرمود گو
✦
که گوید به آواز با پیشرو
“Gow commanded his wise minister to speak aloud to the vanguard commander:”
#112
که بر پای دارید یکسر درفش
✦
کشیده همه تیغهای بنفش
“'Hold high all the banners, and draw all your violet-hued blades!'”
#113
یکی ازیلان پیش منهید پای
✦
نباید که جنبد پیاده ز جای
“'Let not a single hero step forward, nor should any foot-soldier stir from his position!'”
#114
که هرکس تندی کند روز جنگ
✦
نباشد خردمند یا مرد سنگ
“'For whoever acts rashly on the day of battle is neither wise nor a man of fortitude.'”
#115
ببینم که طلخند با این سپاه
✦
چگونه خرامد به آوردگاه
“'Let us see how Talkhand, with this host, shall advance onto the field of battle.'”
#116
نباشد جز از رای یزدان پاک
✦
ز رخشنده خورشید تا تیره خاک
“From the radiant sun to the dark earth, nothing comes to pass save by the will of the Pure God.”
#117
ز پند آزمودیم وز مهر چند
✦
نبود ایچ ازین پندها سودمند
“We tested advice and affection many a time, but none of these counsels proved of any avail.”
#118
گر ایدون که پیروز گردد سپاه
✦
مرا بردهد گردش هور و ماه
“If the army should emerge victorious, and the movement of the sun and moon grant me good fortune,”
#119
مریزید خون از پی خواسته
✦
که یابید خود گنج آراسته
“"Do not shed blood for the sake of riches, for you shall yourself obtain a treasure well-prepared."”
#120
وگر نامداری بود زین سپاه
✦
که اسب افگند تیز برقلبگاه
“"And if there be a renowned warrior in this army who swiftly charges his steed toward the center of the force,"”
#121
چو طلخند را یابد اندر نبرد
✦
نباید که بر وی فشانند گرد
“"When he finds Talkhand in the midst of battle, he must not raise the dust of strife against him."”
#122
نیایش کنان پیش پیل ژیان
✦
بباید شدن تنگ بسته میان
“"Praying and showing homage before his fierce elephant, one must approach him with waist firmly girt."”
#123
خروشی برآمد که فرمان کنیم
✦
ز رای تو آرایش جان کنیم
“A shout arose from the troops: "We shall obey your command and adorn our souls with your wise counsel!"”
#124
وزان روی طلخند پیش سپاه
✦
چنین گفت با پاسبانان گاه
“On the other side, Talkhand stood before his army and thus spoke to the guardians of the throne:”
#125
گر ایدون که باشیم پیروزگر
✦
دهد گردش اختر نیک بر
“"If it be so that we are victorious, and the revolution of the stars yields a good harvest,"”
#126
همه تیغها کینه رابر کشیم
✦
به یزدان پناهیم و دم در کشیم
“"We shall unsheathe all swords for vengeance, seeking refuge in God and holding our breath."”
#127
چو یابید گو را نبایدش کشت
✦
نه با اوسخن نیز گفتن درشت
“"Yet when you find Gav, he must not be slain, nor should harsh words be spoken to him."”
#128
بگیریدش از پشت آن پیل مست
✦
به پیش من آرید بسته دو دست
“"Seize him from the back of that mad elephant, and bring him before me with both hands bound."”
#129
همانگه خروشیدن کرنای
✦
برآمد زدهلیز پرده‌سرای
“At that very moment, the blare of trumpets resounded from the threshold of the royal pavilion.”
#130
همه کوه و دریا پر آواز گشت
✦
توگفتی سپهر روان بازگشت
“Mountain and sea echoed with the roar; you would have said the revolving heavens were turning backward.”
#131
ز بس نعره و چاک چاک تبر
✦
ندانست کس پای گیتی ز سر
“From the abundance of war-cries and the clatter of battle-axes, none could distinguish the head of the world from its foot.”
#132
ز رخشنده پیکان و پر عقاب
✦
همی دامن اندر کشید آفتاب
“Before the gleaming arrowheads and eagle feathers, even the sun withdrew its train.”
#133
زمین شد به کردار دریای خون
✦
در ودشت بد زیرخون اندرون
“The earth became like a sea of blood; valley and plain were alike submerged beneath the tide of gore.”
#134
دو پیل ژیان شاهزاده دو شاه
✦
براندند هر دو ز قلب سپاه
“Mounted upon two fierce elephants, the two princes—the two kings—both advanced from the center of their armies.”
#135
برآمد خروشی ز طلخند وگو
✦
که از باد ژوپین من دور شو
“A roar arose from Talkhand and Gav: "Keep far from the wind of my javelin!"”
#136
به جنگ برادر مکن دست پیش
✦
نگه دار ز آواز من جای خویش
“"Raise not your hand in war against your brother; hold your ground at the sound of my voice!"”
#137
همی این بدان گفت وآن هم بدین
✦
چودریای خون شد سراسر زمین
“Thus spoke the one to the other and the other to him, while the entire earth turned into a sea of blood.”
#138
یلانی که بودند خنجر گزار
✦
بگشتند پیرامن کارزار
“The sword-wielding champions circled around the arena of battle.”
#139
ز زخم دوشاه آن دو پرخاشجوی
✦
همی خون و مغز اندر آمد به جوی
“From the blows of the two kings, those two furious warriors, blood and brains flowed forth in streams.”
#140
برین گونه تا خور ز گنبد بگشت
✦
وز اندازه آویزش اندرگذشت
“In this manner they fought until the sun turned from the celestial dome, and the fight exceeded all measure.”
#141
خروش آمد از دشت و آواز گو
✦
که ای جنگسازان و گردان نو
“A cry resounded across the plain, and the voice of Gav was heard: "O battle-ready warriors and young heroes!"”
#142
هرآنکس که خواهد زما زینهار
✦
مدارید ازو کینه در کارزدار
“"Whoever among them asks us for quarter, harbor no enmity toward him in the midst of battle."”
#143
بدان تا برادر بترسد ز جنگ
✦
چوتنها بماند نسازد درنگ
“"So that my brother may fear the fight; when he is left alone, he will delay no longer."”
#144
بسی خواستند از یلان زینهار
✦
بسی کشته شد در دم کار زار
“Many warriors sought quarter, while many were slain in the fury of the onslaught.”
#145
چو طلخند بر پیل تنها بماند
✦
گو او را به آواز چندی بخواند
“When Talkhand was left alone upon his elephant, Gav called out to him repeatedly:”
#146
که رو ای برادر به ایوان خویش
✦
نگه کن به ایوان و دیوان خویش
“"Go, O brother, back to your own palace! Look upon your hall and your royal court!"”
#147
نیابی همانا بسی زنده تن
✦
از آن تیغزن نامدار انجمن
“"Truly, you shall not find many living men among that renowned, sword-wielding assembly."”
#148
همه خوب کاری ز یزدان شناس
✦
وزو دار تا زنده باشی سپاس
“"Acknowledge every good deed as coming from God, and render thanks to Him as long as you live,"”
#149
که زنده برفتی تو از پیش جنگ
✦
نه هنگام رایست و روز درنگ
“"That you have departed alive from the battle; now is no time for hesitation or delay."”
#150
چوبشنید طلخند آواز اوی
✦
شد از ننگ پیچان و پر آب روی
“When Talkhand heard his voice, he twisted with shame and tears filled his face.”
#151
به مرغ آمد از دشت آوردگاه
✦
فراز آمدندش زهر سو سپاه
“He came to the plain of Murgh from the battlefield, as armies rallied around him from every side.”
#152
در گنج بگشاد و روزی بداد
✦
سپاهش شد آباد و با کام وشاد
“He unlocked the treasury doors and distributed daily stipends; his army became prosperous, fulfilled, and joyful.”
#153
سزاوار خلعت هر آنکس که دید
✦
بیاراست او را چنانچون سزید
“Whomever he deemed worthy of a robe of honor, he adorned fitly according to their merit.”
#154
به دینار چون لشکر آباد گشت
✦
دل جنگجوی از غم آزادگشت
“When the army was enriched with gold, the warrior's heart was freed from sorrow.”
#155
پیامی فرستاد نزدیک گو
✦
که ای تخت را چون بپالیز خو
“He dispatched a message to Gav, saying: 'O you who are to the throne like weeds in a garden!'”
#156
برآنی که از من شدی بی‌گزند
✦
دلت را به زنار افسون مبند
“'Do you imagine you have escaped my harm? Do not bind your heart to magical illusions!'”
#157
به آتش شوی ناگهان سوخته
✦
روان آژده چشمها دوخته
“'Suddenly shall you be consumed by fire, your soul pierced and your eyes sewn shut!'”
#158
چو بشنید گو آن پیام درشت
✦
دلش راز مهر برادر بشست
“When Gav heard that harsh message, his heart washed away the secret love for his brother.”
#159
دلش زان سخن گشت اندوهگین
✦
به فرزانه گفت این شگفتی ببین
“Grieved by those words, he turned to his wise vizier and said, 'Behold this wonder!'”
#160
بدوگفت فرزانه کای شهریار
✦
تویی از پدر تخت را یادگار
“The wise counselor spoke to him, 'O King! You are the father's true heir to the throne.'”
#161
ز دانش پژوهان تو داناتری
✦
هم از تاجداران تواناتری
“'You are wiser than all seekers of knowledge, and more capable than all who wear the crown.'”
#162
مرا این درستست و گفتم بشاه
✦
ز گردنده خورشید و تابنده ماه
“'This truth is clear to me, and I swore to the King by the revolving sun and shining moon,'”
#163
که این نامور تا نگردد هلاک
✦
بگردد چو مار اندرین تیره خاک
“'That until this famous prince is slain, he will writhe like a serpent in this dark dust.'”
#164
به پاسخ تو با او درشتی مگوی
✦
بپیوند و آزرم او را بجوی
“'Yet speak no harsh words in reply; seek reconciliation and respect toward him.'”
#165
اگر جنگ سازد بسازیم جنگ
✦
که او با شتابست و ما با درنگ
“'If he wages war, we shall fight; for he acts with haste, while we act with patience.'”
#166
سپهبد فرستاده را پیش خواند
✦
به خوبی فراوان سخنها براند
“The commander summoned the envoy before him and uttered many gracious words.”
#167
بدوگفت رو با برادر بگوی
✦
که چندین درشتی و تندی مجوی
“He told him, 'Go and tell my brother: Seeking such harshness and fury is unwise.'”
#168
درشتی نه زیباست با شهریار
✦
پدرنامور بود و تو نامدار
“'Harshness does not befit a king; our father was renowned, and you are illustrious.'”
#169
مرا این درستست کز پند من
✦
تو دوری نجویی ز پیوند من
“'I am certain that through my advice, you will not turn away from our kinship.'”
#170
ولیکن مرا ز آنک هست آرزوی
✦
که تو نامور باشی و نامجوی
“'Yet because my true wish is for you to be famous and seeking renown,'”
#171
بگویم همه آنچ اندر دلست
✦
سخنها که جانم برو مایلست
“'I shall speak all that is in my heart—the words to which my soul inclines.'”
#172
تو را سر بپیچد ز دستور بد
✦
زآسانی و رای وراه خرد
“'An evil advisor turns your head away from peace, wise counsel, and the path of wisdom.'”
#173
مگوی ای برادر سخن جز بداد
✦
که گیتی سراسر فسونست و باد
“'O brother, speak nothing but justice, for the world is entirely charm and wind.'”
#174
سوی راستی یاز تا هرچ هست
✦
ز گنج و ز مردان خسروپرست
“'Reach out toward righteousness, so that whatever exists of treasure and loyal men,'”
#175
فرستم همه سر به سر پیش تو
✦
ببیند روان بداندیش تو
“'I may send altogether before you, that your malevolent soul may see and be content.'”
#176
که اندر دل من جز از داد نیست
✦
مباد آنک از جان تو شاد نیست
“'For in my heart there is naught but justice; may he perish who is not joyful in your life!'”
#177
برینست رایم که دادم پیام
✦
اگر بشنود مهتر خویش کام
“'This is my judgment that I have sent, if the self-willed prince will listen.'”
#178
ور ایدون که رایت جز از جنگ نیست
✦
به خوبی و پیوندت آهنگ نیست
“'But if your mind seeks nothing but war, having no desire for goodness and kinship,'”
#179
بسازم کنون جنگ را لشکری
✦
که باید سپاه مرا کشوری
“'I will now prepare an army for battle, though my host will require a proper field.'”
#180
ازین مرز آباد ما بگذریم
✦
سپه را همه پیش دریا بریم
“'We shall pass beyond this prosperous border and lead the entire army to the edge of the sea.'”
#181
یکی کنده سازیم گرد سپاه
✦
برین جنگجویان ببندیم راه
“'We shall dig a trench around the army, blocking the path for these combatants.'”
#182
ز دریا بکنده در آب افگنیم
✦
سراسر سر اندر شتاب افگنیم
“'From the sea to the trench we shall channel water, quickly setting about our work.'”
#183
بدان تا هرآنکس که بیند شکست
✦
ز کنده نباشد ورا راه جست
“'So that whoever sees defeat shall find no way of escape out of the trench.'”
#184
ز ماهرک پیروز گردد به جنگ
✦
بریزیم خون اندرین جای تنگ
“'Whichever of us proves victorious in fight, let us shed blood in this narrow space.'”
#185
سپه را همه دستگیر آوریم
✦
مبادا که شمشیر و تیر آوریم
“'Let us make prisoners of the army; let us not bring forth sword and arrow against them!'”
#186
فرستاده برگشت و آمد چو باد
✦
بروبر سخنهای گو کرد یاد
“The messenger returned like the wind and recounted to Talkhand the words spoken by Gow.”
#187
چوطلخند بشنید گفتار گو
✦
ز لشکر هرآنکس که بد پیشرو
“When Talkhand heard the words of Gow, he summoned all the commanders and leaders of his army.”
#188
بفرمود تا پیش او خواندند
✦
سزاوار هر جای بنشاندند
“He commanded that they be brought before him, and seated them each according to his worthy rank.”
#189
همه پاسخ گو بدیشان بگفت
✦
همه رازها برگشاد از نهفت
“He disclosed to them Gow’s full response, revealing every secret that had been concealed.”
#190
به لشکر چنین گفت کین جنگ نو
✦
به دریا که اندیشه کردست گو
“He addressed the host, saying: "Consider this new battle plan by the sea, which Gow has devised!”
#191
چه بینید واین را چه رای آوریم
✦
که اندیشه او به جای آوریم
“"What is your counsel, and how shall we resolve this, so that we may execute his strategic vision?"”
#192
اگر بود خواهید با من یکی
✦
نپیچید سر را ز داد اندکی
“"If you stand united with me as one, do not veer in the slightest from justice and duty."”
#193
اگر جنگ جویم چه دریا چه کوه
✦
چو در جنگ لشکر بود هم گروه
“"If I seek battle, whether by sea or by mountain, victory is ours as long as the army remains united."”
#194
اگر یار باشید با من به جنگ
✦
از آواز روبه نترسد پلنگ
“"If you remain my loyal comrades in fight, a leopard fears not the cry of a fox!"”
#195
هر آنکس که جویند نام بزرگ
✦
ز گیتی بیابند کام بزرگ
“"Whoever seeks a glorious name shall attain great fulfillment from the world."”
#196
جهانجوی اگر کشته گردد به نام
✦
به از زنده دشمن بدو شادکام
“"Better for a seeker of glory to die with renown, than to live while his enemy rejoices."”
#197
هر آنکس که درجنگ تندی کند
✦
همی از پی سودمندی کند
“"Whoever shows fierce valor in war does so to win lasting advantage."”
#198
بیابید چندان ز من خواسته
✦
پرستنده و اسب آراسته
“"You shall receive such riches from me: servants and richly caparisoned steeds."”
#199
ز کشمیر تا پیش دریای چین
✦
به هر شهر برماکنند آفرین
“"From Kashmir to the shores of the Sea of China, in every city they shall sing our praise."”
#200
ببخشم همه شهرها بر سپاه
✦
چوفرمان مرا گردد و تاج و گاه
“"I shall bestow all the realm's cities upon the army once command, crown, and throne are secured for me."”
#201
بپاسخ همه مهتران پیش اوی
✦
یکایک نهادند برخاک روی
“In response, all the chieftains bowed down before him, touching their faces to the dust.”
#202
که ما نام جوییم و تو شهریار
✦
ببینی کنون گردش روزگار
“Saying: "We seek fame, and thou art our sovereign monarch; now shalt thou witness what fate brings!"”
#203
ز درگاه طلخند برشد خروش
✦
ز لشکر همه کشور آمد بجوش
“An uproar arose from Talkhand's court, and the entire land surged with the clamor of his army.”
#204
سپه را همه سوی دریا کشید
✦
وزان پس سپاه گوآمد پدید
“He marched all his forces toward the sea, whereupon the army of Gow came into view.”
#205
برابر فرود آمدند آن دو شاه
✦
که بودند با یکدگر کینه خواه
“The two kings, filled with vengeance against one another, encamped directly opposite each other.”
#206
بگرد اندرون کنده‌ای ساختند
✦
چوشد ژرف آب اندر انداختند
“They dug a trench around their perimeter, and when it was deep enough, they filled it with water.”
#207
دو لشکر برابر کشیدند صف
✦
سواران همه بر لب آورده کف
“Both armies drew up in battle formation, line facing line, with riders foaming at the mouth with fury.”
#208
بیاراست با میسره میمنه
✦
کشیدند نزدیک دریا بنه
“They organized the right wing and the left wing, and stationed their baggage train near the sea.”
#209
دو شاه گرانمایه پر درد و کین
✦
نهادند برپشت پیلان دو زین
“The two illustrious kings, laden with grief and malice, mounted saddles upon the backs of war-elephants.”
#210
به قلب اندرون ساخته جای خویش
✦
شده هر یکی لشکر آرای خویش
“Each took his post at the center of his host, assuming command as the commander of his array.”
#211
زمین قار شد آسمان شد بنفش
✦
ز بس نیزه و پرنیانی درفش
“The ground turned black as pitch and the sky turned violet, so dense were the spears and silk banners.”
#212
هوا شد ز گرد سپاه آبنوس
✦
ز نالیدن بوق وآوای کوس
“The air grew dark as ebony from the army's dust, echoing with the wailing of horns and the thunder of drums.”
#213
تو گفتی که دریا بجوشد همی
✦
نهنگ اندرو خون خروشد همی
“One would say the sea itself was boiling, and the crocodilian sea-monsters within were roaring for blood.”
#214
ز زخم تبرزین و گوپال و تیغ
✦
ز دریا برآمد یکی تیره میغ
“From the blows of battle-axes, maces, and swords, a dark cloud rose up above the sea.”
#215
چو بر چرخ خورشید دامن کشید
✦
چنان شد که کس نیز کس را ندید
“When the sun withdrew its rays in the sky, so dark it became that no man could discern another.”
#216
توگفتی هوا تیغ بارد همی
✦
بخاک اندرون لاله کارد همی
“As if the atmosphere rained blades, planting tulips of blood upon the dusty soil.”
#217
ز افگنده گیتی بران گونه گشت
✦
که کرکس نیارست برسرگذشت
“The earth became so choked with slain corpses that even the vulture dared not fly over the field.”
#218
گروهی بکنده درون پر ز خون
✦
دگر سر بریده فگنده نگون
“One host lay inside the trench soaked in blood; another lay decapitated and cast headlong down.”
#219
ز دریا همی‌خاست از باد موج
✦
سپاه اندر آمد همی فوج فوج
“Waves whipped up from the sea by the wind, as troops charged relentlessly forward in wave upon wave.”
#220
همه دشت مغز و جگر بود و دل
✦
همه نعل اسبان ز خون پر ز گل
“The entire plain was strewn with brains, livers, and hearts, while horse-shoes were caked with blood and mud.”