#1
چو شد ساخته کار خود بر نشست
✦
چو گردی به مردی میان را ببست
“When her preparations were complete, she mounted her steed, girding her loins like a valiant knight in manhood.”
#2
یکی ترگ رومی به سر بر نهاد
✦
یکی باره زیراندرش همچو باد
“She placed a helmet of Roman steel upon her head, and beneath her was a swift warhorse like the blowing wind.”
#3
بیامد گرازان به درگاه سام
✦
نه آواز داد و نه برگفت نام
“She arrived proudly at Sam's court, neither raising her voice nor declaring her name.”
#4
به کار آگهان گفت تا ناگهان
✦
بگویند با سرفراز جهان
“She bade the court attendants to swiftly inform the exalted lord of the world,”
#5
که آمد فرستاده‌ای کابلی
✦
به نزد سپهبد یل زابلی
“That an envoy from Kabul had arrived before the heroic commander of Zabulistan,”
#6
ز مهراب گرد آوریده پیام
✦
به نزد سپهبد جهانگیر سام
“Bearing a message gathered from Mehrab the valiant, unto the world-conquering General Sam.”
#7
بیامد بر سام یل پرده‌دار
✦
بگفت و بفرمود تا داد بار
“The curtain-bearer went before heroic Sam, delivered the message, and permission for entry was granted.”
#8
فرود آمد از اسپ سیندخت و رفت
✦
به پیش سپهبد خرامید تفت
“Sindokht dismounted from her steed and walked forward, walking swiftly and gracefully before the commander.”
#9
زمین را ببوسید و کرد آفرین
✦
ابر شاه و بر پهلوان زمین
“She kissed the ground and poured blessings upon the Shah and upon the world's chief paladin.”
#10
نثار و پرستنده و اسپ و پیل
✦
رده بر کشیده ز در تا دو میل
“Tributes, servants, horses, and elephants were lined up in ranks from the portal extending for two miles.”
#11
یکایک همه پیش سام آورید
✦
سر پهلوان خیره شد کان بدید
“She brought them all before Sam one by one; the chief champion was dazed when he beheld the sight.”
#12
پر اندیشه بنشست برسان مست
✦
بکش کرده دست و سرافگنده پست
“He sat full of deep thought, like one intoxicated, with hands folded and head bowed low,”
#13
که جایی کجا مایه چندین بود
✦
فرستادن زن چه آیین بود
“Pondering: 'Where such immense wealth is sent, what custom is it for a woman to be the envoy?”
#14
گراین خواسته زو پذیرم همه
✦
ز من گردد آزرده شاه رمه
“If I accept all this treasure from him, the King of the flock (Manuchehr) will be aggrieved with me;”
#15
و گر بازگردانم از پیش زال
✦
برآرد به کردار سیمرغ بال
“And if I turn it back from Zal, he will spread his wings in fury like the Simorgh!'”
#16
برآورد سر گفت کاین خواسته
✦
غلامان و پیلان آراسته
“He raised his head and said: 'Take these treasures, slaves, and adorned elephants,”
#17
برید این به گنجور دستان دهید
✦
به نام مه کابلستان دهید
“Deliver them to Dastan's treasurer, and record them in the name of the prince of Kabulistan.'”
#18
پری روی سیندخت بر پیش سام
✦
زبان کرد گویا و دل شادکام
“Fairy-faced Sindokht stood before Sam, her tongue growing eloquent and her heart filled with delight.”
#19
چو آن هدیه‌ها را پذیرفته دید
✦
رسیده بهی و بدی رفته دید
“When she saw those gifts accepted, she knew goodness had arrived and evil had departed.”
#20
سه بت روی با او به یک جا بدند
✦
سمن پیکر و سرو بالا بدند
“Three idol-faced maidens were with her in that place, jasmine-bodied and tall as cypresses.”
#21
گرفته یکی جام هر یک به دست
✦
بفرمود کامد به جای نشست
“Each holding a goblet in hand, she bade them step into the chamber.”
#22
به پیش سپهبد فرو ریختند
✦
همه یک به دیگر برآمیختند
“They poured jewels before the commander, mingling precious stones of every kind together.”
#23
چو با پهلوان کار بر ساختند
✦
ز بیگانه خانه بپرداختند
“When their courtly duty with the champion was completed, they cleared the hall of all strangers.”
#24
چنین گفت سیندخت با پهلوان
✦
که با رای تو پیر گردد جوان
“Thus spoke Sindokht to the warlord: 'Through thy wise judgment, the youth of elders is renewed.”
#25
بزرگان ز تو دانش آموختند
✦
به تو تیرگیها برافروختند
“The great ones have learned wisdom from thee; through thee, all dark uncertainties are illuminated.”
#26
به مهر تو شد بسته دست بدی
✦
به گرزت گشاده ره ایزدی
“By thy love, the hands of evil are bound; by thy mace, the divine path is cleared.”
#27
گنهکار گر بود مهراب بود
✦
ز خون دلش دیده سیراب بود
“If there was a sinner, it was Mehrab alone, whose eyes were quenched with his own heart's blood.”
#28
سر بیگناهان کابل چه کرد
✦
کجا اندر آورد باید بگرد
“What harm have the innocent of Kabul committed, that they must be crushed to dust?”
#29
همه شهر زنده برای تواند
✦
پرستنده و خاک پای تواند
“All the city lives through thy grace; they are thy servants and the dust beneath thy feet.”
#30
ازان ترس کو هوش و زور آفرید
✦
درخشنده ناهید و هور آفرید
“Fear Him who created wisdom and strength, who fashioned the shining Venus and the bright Sun!”
#31
نیاید چنین کارش از تو پسند
✦
میان را به خون ریختن در مبند
“Such a deed is not worthy of thee; do not gird thy loins to shed innocent blood!'”
#32
بدو سام یل گفت با من بگوی
✦
ازان کت بپرسم بهانه مجوی
“Heroic Sam said to her: 'Tell me the truth of what I ask, and seek no excuses.”
#33
تو مهراب را کهتری گر همال
✦
مر آن دخت او را کجا دید زال
“Art thou a handmaid of Mehrab or his equal? And where did Zal behold his daughter?”
#34
به روی و به موی و به خوی و خرد
✦
به من گوی تا باکی اندر خورد
“Of her face, her hair, her character, and her wisdom—tell me, so it may be properly weighed.”
#35
ز بالا و دیدار و فرهنگ اوی
✦
بران سان که دیدی یکایک بگوی
“Describing her stature, countenance, and culture—tell it all exactly as thou hast seen.'”
#36
بدو گفت سیندخت کای پهلوان
✦
سر پهلوانان و پشت گوان
“Sindokht answered him: 'O hero of heroes, head of paladins, and backbone of champions!”
#37
یکی سخت پیمانت خواهم نخست
✦
که لرزان شود زو بر و بوم و رست
“First I require a solemn covenant from thee, one from which land and lineage may feel secure,”
#38
که از تو نیاید به جانم گزند
✦
نه آنکس که بر من بود ارجمند
“That no harm shall come to my life from thee, nor to anyone who is dear to my heart.”
#39
مرا کاخ و ایوان آباد هست
✦
همان گنج و خویشان و بنیاد هست
“I possess a prosperous palace and hall, as well as treasures, kinsmen, and ancestral roots.”
#40
چو ایمن شوم هر چه گویی بگوی
✦
بگویم بجویم بدین آب روی
“Once I am safe, whatever thou askest I shall reveal, seeking truth and honor in this.”
#41
نهفته همه گنج کابلستان
✦
بکوشم رسانم به زابلستان
“I shall strive to bring all the hidden treasures of Kabulistan to Zabulistan,”
#42
جزین نیز هر چیز کاندر خورد
✦
ببیند ز من مهتر پر خرد
“And whatever else is worthy shall be seen by thee, O wise and noble chief.'”
#43
گرفت آن زمان سام دستش به دست
✦
ورا نیک بنواخت و پیمان ببست
“Then Sam grasped her hand in his, comforted her gently, and bound himself with an oath.”
#44
چو بشنید سیندخت سوگند او
✦
همان راست گفتار و پیوند او
“When Sindokht heard his solemn oath, his truthful words, and his pledge of alliance,”
#45
زمین را ببوسید و بر پای خاست
✦
بگفت آنچه اندر نهان بود راست
“She kissed the ground, stood upon her feet, and spoke the hidden truth without reserve.”
#46
که من خویش ضحاکم ای پهلوان
✦
زن گرد مهراب روشن روان
“Know that I am of Zahhak's kin, O champion, and the wife of the valiant Mehrab of bright mind.”
#47
همان مام رودابهٔ ماه روی
✦
که دستان همی جان فشاند بروی
“I am also the mother of moon-faced Rudabeh, for whose sake Dastan is ready to surrender his soul.”
#48
همه دودمان پیش یزدان پاک
✦
شب تیره تا برکشد روز چاک
“Our whole lineage prays before the pure Lord, from the dark night until the dawn tears open the day,”
#49
همی بر تو بر خواندیم آفرین
✦
همان بر جهاندار شاه زمین
“Ever invoking blessings upon you, as well as upon the monarch who rules the earth.”
#50
کنون آمدم تا هوای تو چیست
✦
ز کابل ترا دشمن و دوست کیست
“Now I have come to discover your true desire: who among Kabul's people do you hold as foe or friend?”
#51
اگر ما گنهکار و بدگوهریم
✦
بدین پادشاهی نه اندر خوریم
“If indeed we are sinners and of evil lineage, unworthy to rule this realm,”
#52
من اینک به پیش توام مستمند
✦
بکش گر کشی ور ببندی ببند
“Here I stand before you in helpless plight; slay me if you will, or bind me in chains if you so choose.”
#53
دل بیگناهان کابل مسوز
✦
کجا تیره روز اندر آید به روز
“But burn not the hearts of the innocent in Kabul, whose days have already turned into dark night.”
#54
سخنها چو بشنید ازو پهلوان
✦
زنی دید با رای و روشن روان
“When the champion heard these words from her, he beheld a woman of high wisdom and illuminated soul.”
#55
به رخ چون بهار و به بالا چو سرو
✦
میانش چو غرو و به رفتن تذرو
“Her face was like spring, her stature like a cypress, her waist slender as a reed, and her gait like a pheasant.”
#56
چنین داد پاسخ که پیمان من
✦
درست است اگر بگسلد جان من
“He answered her: 'My pledge shall remain true and unbroken, even though my life itself should be severed.”
#57
تو با کابل و هر که پیوند تست
✦
بمانید شادان دل و تن‌درست
“'May you, together with Kabul and all who are linked to you, abide joyful of heart and sound of body.”
#58
بدین نیز همداستانم که زال
✦
ز گیتی چو رودابه جوید همال
“'Moreover, I agree that Zal should seek a soulmate like Rudabeh from all the world.”
#59
شما گرچه از گوهر دیگرید
✦
همان تاج و اورنگ را در خورید
“'Though you are of a different lineage, yet are you worthy of the crown and throne.”
#60
چنین است گیتی وزین ننگ نیست
✦
ابا کردگار جهان جنگ نیست
“'Such is the way of the world, and in this there is no shame; none can wage war against the Creator of the universe.”
#61
چنان آفریند که آیدش رای
✦
نمانیم و ماندیم با های های
“'He creates as it pleases His will; we shall not remain forever, though we linger in turmoil and sorrow.”
#62
یکی بر فراز و یکی در نشیب
✦
یکی با فزونی یکی با نهیب
“'One is raised on high, another cast down below; one enjoys abundance, while another suffers terror.”
#63
یکی از فزایش دل آراسته
✦
ز کمی دل دیگری کاسته
“'One’s heart is gladdened by increase, while another's heart is diminished by loss.”
#64
یکی نامه با لابهٔ دردمند
✦
نبشتم به نزدیک شاه بلند
“'I have written a letter with painful entreaties to the high King Manuchehr.”
#65
به نزد منوچهر شد زال زر
✦
چنان شد که گفتی برآورده پر
“Zal of the golden hair went to Manuchehr, flying swiftly as though he had grown wings.”
#66
به زین اندر آمد که زین را ندید
✦
همان نعل اسپش زمین را ندید
“He mounted his saddle so swiftly it seemed he didn't even touch it, and his steed's horseshoes scarcely touched the earth.”
#67
بدین زال را شاه پاسخ دهد
✦
چو خندان شود رای فرخ نهد
“'The King will give his answer to Zal; when he smiles, he will grant a fortunate judgment.”
#68
که پروردهٔ مرغ بی‌دل شدست
✦
از آب مژه پای در گل شدست
“'For he who was raised by the Bird has lost his heart, and his feet are stuck in the mud of tears.”
#69
عروس ار به مهر اندرون همچو اوست
✦
سزد گر برآیند هر دو ز پوست
“'If the bride matches him in devotion, it is right for both to burst out of their skins with joy.'”
#70
یکی روی آن بچهٔ اژدها
✦
مرا نیز بنمای و بستان بها
“'Now show me the face of that offspring of the dragon, and take your reward from me!'”
#71
بدو گفت سیندخت اگر پهلوان
✦
کند بنده را شاد و روشن روان
“Sindokht replied to him: 'If the champion would make his servant happy and joyful of soul,”
#72
چماند به کاخ من اندر سمند
✦
سرم بر شود به آسمان بلند
“'And ride his steed into my palace, my head shall reach up to the high heavens.”
#73
به کابل چنو شهریار آوریم
✦
همه پیش او جان نثار آوریم
“'When we bring such a monarch to Kabul, we shall all offer our lives before him.'”
#74
لب سام سیندخت پرخنده دید
✦
همه بیخ کین از دلش کنده دید
“Sindokht saw Sam's lips filled with laughter, and realized all roots of malice were pulled from his heart.”
#75
نوندی دلاور به کردار باد
✦
برافگند و مهراب را مژده داد
“She dispatched a brave courier swift as the wind, to convey the joyful news to Mehrab.”
#76
کز اندیشهٔ بد مکن یاد هیچ
✦
دلت شاد کن کار مهمان بسیچ
“Saying: 'Think no more of evil thoughts; make your heart glad and prepare for the noble guest!'”
#77
من اینک پس نامه اندر دمان
✦
بیایم نجویم به ره بر زمان
“'Here I come rushing close behind the letter; I shall waste no time along the road.'”
#78
دوم روز چون چشمهٔ آفتاب
✦
بجنبید و بیدار شد سر ز خواب
“On the second day, as the fountain of the sun stirred and awoke from its slumber,”
#79
گرانمایه سیندخت بنهاد روی
✦
به درگاه سالار دیهیم جوی
“The noble Sindokht made her way to the court of the crown-seeking leader.”
#80
روارو برآمد ز درگاه سام
✦
مه بانوان خواندندش به نام
“Calls of 'make way!' echoed from Sam's court, and they addressed her by name as the chief of noble ladies.”
#81
بیامد بر سام و بردش نماز
✦
سخن گفت بااو زمانی دراز
“She came before Sam and bowed low in homage, speaking with him at great length.”
#82
به دستوری بازگشتن به جای
✦
شدن شادمان سوی کابل خدای
“She requested leave to return to her realm, that she might journey back in joy to the ruler of Kabul,”
#83
دگر ساختن کار مهمان نو
✦
نمودن به داماد پیمان نو
“To make ready for their new guest's arrival, and to present the fresh covenant unto the bridegroom.”
#84
ورا سام یل گفت برگرد و رو
✦
بگو آنچه دیدی به مهراب گو
“Sam the heroic warrior said to her, "Return and go thy way; tell Mehrab all that thou hast witnessed here."”
#85
سزاوار او خلعت آراستند
✦
ز گنج آنچه پرمایه‌تر خواستند
“They prepared a grand robe of honor fitting for her rank, drawing forth the most precious gifts from the treasury.”
#86
بکابل دگر سام را هر چه بود
✦
ز کاخ و زباغ و زکشت و درود
“Moreover, all that Sam owned within Kabul—palaces, gardens, cultivated fields, and harvests—”
#87
دگر چارپایان دوشیدنی
✦
ز گستردنی هم ز پوشیدنی
“Along with milch livestock, fine carpets, and sumptuous garments,”
#88
به سیندخت بخشید و دستش بدست
✦
گرفت و یکی نیز پیمان ببست
“He bestowed upon Sindokht, taking her hand in his as he sealed the solemn covenant.”
#89
پذیرفت مر دخت او را بزال
✦
که باشند هر دو بشادی همال
“He accepted her daughter in marriage for Zal, so that both might abide as joyous companions.”
#90
سرافراز گردی و مردی دویست
✦
بدو داد و گفتش که ایدر مایست
“He assigned her two hundred proud knights and men-at-arms, saying, "Tarry no longer in this place;”
#91
به کابل بباش و به شادی بمان
✦
ازین پس مترس از بد بدگمان
“Dwell in Kabul and abide in joy; fear no harm from the malice of ill-wishers henceforth."”
#92
شگفته شد آن روی پژمرده ماه
✦
به نیک اختری برگرفتند راه
“The moon-like face of the dame, once withered with anxiety, bloomed with delight, and under a fortunate star they set out on their journey.”