#1
چنان بد که کسری بدان روزگار
✦
برفت از مداین ز بهر شکار
“It came to pass that in those days Kasra rode forth from Ctesiphon to hunt.”
#2
همی‌تاخت با غرم و آهو به دشت
✦
پراگند شد غرم و او مانده گشت
“He galloped across the plain after mountain sheep and gazelles, until the game scattered and he grew spent.”
#3
ز هامون بر مرغزاری رسید
✦
درخت و گیا دید و هم سایه دید
“From the open desert he came upon a lush meadow, beholding trees, green herbs, and soothing shade.”
#4
همی‌راند با شاه بوزرجمهر
✦
ز بهر پرستش هم از بهر مهر
“Beside the Shah rode Bozorjmehr, filled with loyalty and deep affection.”
#5
فرود آمد از بارگی شاه نرم
✦
بدان تا کند برگیا چشم گرم
“The King dismounted gently from his horse to soothe his eyes upon the verdant grass.”
#6
ندید از پرستندگان هیچکس
✦
یکی خوب رخ ماند با شاه بس
“None of his attendants were to be seen; only a fair companion remained close by the King.”
#7
بغلتید چندی بران مرغزار
✦
نهاده سرش مهربان برکنار
“He rested for a time upon that meadow, laying his head down affectionately.”
#8
همیشه ببازوی آن شاه بر
✦
یکی بند بازو بدی پرگهر
“Upon that King’s arm there was ever bound an armlet richly set with jewels.”
#9
برهنه شد از جامه بازوی او
✦
یکی مرغ رفت از هوا سوی او
“His sleeve slipped, exposing his bare arm, and a bird flew down from the air toward him.”
#10
فرود آمد از ابر مرغ سیاه
✦
ز پرواز شد تا ببالین شاه
“Down from the clouds descended a black bird, gliding down until it alighted at the King’s pillow.”
#11
ببازو نگه کرد وگوهر بدید
✦
کسی را به نزدیک او برندید
“It looked at the arm and saw the shining gems, discerning no one standing watch near him.”
#12
همه لشکرش گرد آن مرغزار
✦
همی‌گشت هرکس ز بهر شکار
“His entire army was scattered around the meadow, each man ranging far in search of game.”
#13
همان شاه تنها بخواب اندرون
✦
نه بر گرد او بر کسی رهنمون
“Thus the King lay alone in slumber, with no guardian or guide close around him.”
#14
چومرغ سیه بند بازو بدید
✦
سر درز آن گوهران بردرید
“When the black bird saw the jeweled armlet, it tore open the seams holding the gems.”
#15
چو بدرید گوهر یکایک بخورد
✦
همان در خوشاب و یاقوت زرد
“Having torn it open, it swallowed the jewels one by one—the lustrous pearls and yellow rubies.”
#16
بخورد و ز بالین او بر پرید
✦
همانگه ز دیدار شد ناپدید
“Having devoured them, it flew up from his pillow and instantly vanished from sight.”
#17
دژم گشت زان کار بوزرجمهر
✦
فروماند از کارگردان سپهر
“Bozorjmehr grew deeply sorrowful at that deed, left bewildered by the mysteries of the revolving sky.”
#18
بدانست کآمد بتنگی نشیب
✦
زمانه بگیرد فریب و نهیب
“He knew that a sharp decline was at hand, and that Time would soon bring deceit and terror.”